Imphal Times

21/12/2024

72nd Plenary Session of NEC kicks off at Agartala
Northeast witnessing Peace and Development under PM Modi’s Vision: Amit Shah
IT News
Imphal, Dec 21:

Union Home Minister Amit Shah presided over the 72nd Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) at Pragna Bhavan, Agartala. The event witnessed participation from Chief Ministers and officials from the northeastern states.
Chief Minister N. Biren Singh took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his optimism about the session, stating, “The 72nd Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council has kicked off in Agartala, under the dynamic leadership of Hon’ble Union Home Minister Shri . I am confident that the discussions and resolutions from this plenary will pave the way for enhanced cooperation and progress, ensuring a brighter future for the people of the entire Northeast.”

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Union Home Minister Amit Shah presided over the 72nd Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) at Pragna Bhavan, Agartala. The event witnessed participation from Chief Ministers and officials

21/12/2024

MPCC President slams delay in ADC elections, calls it Constitutional violation
IT News
Imphal, Dec 21:

Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president K. Meghachandra today slammed the prolonged delay in conducting elections for the Autonomous District Council (ADC), terming it a violation of constitutional rights. He made the remarks during an interaction with the District Congress Committee (DCC) at Limkhu Inn in Chandel.
Highlighting that the ADC elections have been postponed for over four years, Meghachandra expressed concern over the adverse impact of this delay, particularly the withholding of approximately ¹ 500 crore allocated by the 15th Finance Commission for hill development.

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Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president K. Meghachandra today slammed the prolonged delay in conducting elections for the Autonomous District Council (ADC), terming it a violation of constitutional rights

21/12/2024

FOCS urges for resolution of ongoing crisis
IT News
Imphal, Dec 21:

The Federation of Civil Society Organizations (FOCS), Manipur, has expressed deep concern over the prolonged unrest in the state, calling for immediate and coordinated action by both the Central and State governments. The violence, which began 19 months ago, has been attributed to alleged illegal immigration from Myanmar. The Chin-Kuki-Zo community has been accused of undermining Manipur’s administration and engaging in activities such as poppy cultivation to fund their agendas. FOCS emphasized that the conflict threatens the state’s unity and the Meitei community while potentially advancing the formation of a separate nation-state by the insurgents.
The organization highlighted alarming statistics, noting over 250 reported deaths and more than 60,000 displaced individuals over the past two years due to ethnic violence. FOCS has urged the Central government to take concrete steps to address the issue, stressing the urgent need for peace and stability in the region.
According to FOCS, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had earlier informed Parliament that the violence in Manipur partly stemmed from demands to include Meitei/Meetei in the Scheduled Tribe list, following a High Court order that triggered tensions. However, Amit Shah later shifted the narrative, attributing the ongoing violence to illegal immigrants. Further, in an interview with India Today, he described the crisis as an ethnic conflict. FOCS underscored the need for a consistent and accurate understanding of the situation to address the crisis effectively.

21/12/2024

Can the Perpetrator Be the Arbitrator? Examining India’s Role in the Manipur Crisis
The prolonged unrest in Manipur has raised several critical questions about the role of the Indian government in resolving the crisis. For over a year and a half, the state has been embroiled in violence, primarily between the Meitei and Chin-Kuki communities. Civil society organizations in Manipur have repeatedly alleged that the Indian government, under the guise of neutrality, is waging a proxy war against the Meitei community by using Kuki narco-terrorists as its instruments. This claim challenges the credibility of the government as an impartial mediator in resolving the ongoing conflict.
The allegations stem from various actions—or inactions—on the part of the Indian government. Suspicion deepened when reports indicated that armed Kuki groups, operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the government, were allegedly involved in violence against the Meitei community. Civil society groups have accused these groups of engaging in narco-terrorism, poppy cultivation, and orchestrated attacks while enjoying government protection. The social media admissions by some Kuki militant leaders, claiming responsibility for acts of violence, only amplify these allegations. Despite these public declarations, the government has been criticized for its lack of decisive action against the perpetrators, further fueling the belief that it is complicit in the violence.

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The prolonged unrest in Manipur has raised several critical questions about the role of the Indian government in resolving the crisis. For…

21/12/2024

5th Anniversary of Media Resource Centre observed
IT News
Imphal, Dec 21:

Directorate of Forest, Environment &Climate Change organised its 5th Anniversary of Media Resource Centre (MRC) at Hotel Imphaltoday. Th. Biswajit Singh, Minister, Forest, Environment and Climate Change graced the gathering as the Chief Guest.
Arun Kumar Sinha, IAS, Principal Secretary, Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Government of Manipur; Irengbam. Arun, Advisor of MRC; Pradip Phanjoubam, Expert Member of MRC; Khogendra Khomdram, Expert Member of MRC; Salam Rajesh, Expert Member of MRC; Neeta Arambam, Joint Director of DoE & CC; Ph. Vivekananda Sharma, Joint Director, DoE & CC, while Dr. T. Brajakumar, Director DoE & CC also attended the function as Special Guest, Guests of Honour and President respectively.

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Directorate of Forest, Environment &Climate Change organised its 5th Anniversary of Media Resource Centre (MRC) at Hotel Imphaltoday. Th. Biswajit Singh, Minister, Forest, Environment and Climate Change

21/12/2024

Protest held at Wahengbam Leikai over killing of village volunteer, demands CM’s resignation
IT News
Imphal, Dec 21:

The Young Socio-Cultural Union and Wahengbam Leikai Yumjao Lairembi Apunba Nupi Marup organized a protest meeting at Wahengbam Leikai Lairembi today from 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM. Supported by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), the gathering strongly condemned the killing of a village volunteer and demanded justice for the victim.
The protesters called for the immediate termination of police commandos responsible for the killing. They also demanded the transfer of the Thoubal Superintendent of Police (SP) to Churachandpur or Kangpokpi districts. Furthermore, they reiterated their call for the complete removal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1958, from Manipur. Protesters also demanded the resignation of the Chief Minister, citing alleged failures in governance, and urged the removal of incapable officials to restore public confidence.

20/12/2024

Education Dept Office Assistant recruitment candidates demand announcement of results
IT News
Imphal, Dec 20:

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) for Office Assistant Recruitment 2021, led by Convenor Lokeshor Laishram, has issued a formal appeal to the Manipur government and concerned departments regarding the long-delayed announcement of results for the 2021 Office Assistant written test.
A total of 5,550 candidates appeared for the exam for 291 posts, but despite the passage of time, the results have yet to be announced. The JAC has called on the government to release the results by the end of December 2024. If the results are not announced by this deadline, the committee has warned that it will initiate a democratic agitation to demand justice for the affected candidates.

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IT News Imphal, Dec 20: The Joint Action Committee (JAC) for Office Assistant Recruitment 2021, led by Convenor Lokeshor Laishram, has issued…

20/12/2024

The Silence on Manipur: A Question of Leadership

In a democracy as diverse and dynamic as India, the voices of elected representatives serve as both a reflection of ground realities and a beacon for addressing the needs of the people. Recently, two Members of Parliament (MPs) from Manipur raised the critical issue of ongoing violence in their state. This violence has left countless lives disrupted, communities fragmented, and a pall of fear hanging over the state. Yet, the conspicuous silence from the central Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leadership on this matter raises serious concerns about accountability and governance.
The two MPs, representing different constituencies and political perspectives, have made an urgent plea for attention to the escalating violence in Manipur. Their statements highlight the deteriorating law-and-order situation, the displacement of families, and the urgent need for reconciliation and justice. The fact that they had to raise these issues in Parliament shows a troubling gap in communication and action at the central level.

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In a democracy as diverse and dynamic as India, the voices of elected representatives serve as both a reflection of ground realities…

20/12/2024

Breathing Life into Walls: Artists Revive Ukhrul with Vibrant Indigenous Wall Art
By: Addie Chiphang
Ukhrul, Dec 20:

Ukhrul, the picturesque hill station in Northeast India, has always been celebrated for its natural beauty and serene environment. However, there’s more to this quaint town than meets the eye. Over the years, Ukhrul has transformed into an outdoor art gallery, where mundane walls are reborn as canvases showcasing vibrant and intricate indigenous culture. This street art movement, spearheaded by local artists, is bringing a splash of color and cultural revival to the town.
One of the prominent contributors to this transformation is Eno. Sorei Keishing, the founder of ‘Tantad Art,’ a celebrated art village. Leading a dedicated team of ten artists, Sorei and his group have recently focused on beautifying the walls surrounding Ukhrul’s Mini Secretariat complex. Their mission? To turn lifeless, neglected walls into living narratives that reflect the soul of the Tangkhul Naga culture.
“It’s not merely about filling empty spaces,” says Sorei. “It’s about infusing personality, creating focal points, and adding texture and dimension to walls. Wall art plays a crucial role in transforming society through art therapy.”

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By: Addie Chiphang Ukhrul, Dec 20: Ukhrul, the picturesque hill station in Northeast India, has always been celebrated for its natural beauty…

20/12/2024

District-level workshop on Good Governance Week at Senapati
IT News
Imphal, Dec 20:

The District Administration, Senapati organised a District Level Workshop on Good Governance Week today at DRDA Conference Hall, Senapati.
In the District Level Workshop, the SDO’s/ BDO’s, DLO’s and the department employees of the district were instructed to organise special camp/ events to resolve public grievances and for improved service delivery during the Good Governance week that begins on 19th of December till 24th of December.

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The District Administration, Senapati organised a District Level Workshop on Good Governance Week today at DRDA Conference Hall, Senapati.

19/12/2024

PAP reimposed in Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland
IT News
Imphal, Dec 19:

The Ministry of Home Affairs has reimposed the Protected Area Permit (PAP) in Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland due to heightened security concerns stemming from an influx of individuals from neighboring countries. The Manipur government announced the development on late Wednesday night, emphasizing the need for stringent monitoring of foreign visitors to these states.

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The Ministry of Home Affairs has reimposed the Protected Area Permit (PAP) in Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland due to heightened security concerns stemming from an influx of individuals from neighboring countries

19/12/2024

State inaugurates Good Governance Week
IT News
Imphal, Dec 19:

Chief Minister. N Biren Singh attended the inauguration program of Good Governance Week at Cabinet Hall CM Secretariat, Imphal today. The nationwide campaign “Prashasan Goan Ki Ore” under Good Governance Week will be held from December 19 to 24, 2024. The program was organised by the Department of Administrative Reforms Division, Government of Manipur.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister stated that the Good Governance Day is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister, late Atal Bihari Vajpayee on December 25, for his statesmanship and visionary leadership.

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IT News Imphal, Dec 19: Chief Minister. N Biren Singh attended the inauguration program of Good Governance Week at Cabinet Hall CM…

19/12/2024

Jiri News Network celebrates 20th Foundation Day, honours journalists
IT News
Imphal, Dec 19:

The Jiri News Network (JNN) celebrated its 20th Foundation Day alongside the presentation of the 2nd Kekrebam Sanaton Singh Memorial Best Journalist Award 2024 at Thangjing Hall, Press Club, Majorkhul, Thangal Bazar, today.
The event, organized by the Jiri News Network Committee (JNNC), was attended by dignitaries, journalists, and invitees. K. Sarat Kumar Singh, Chief Advisor of INNC and Chairperson of MB & OCWWB, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The program was presided over by Khogendra Khomdram, President of EGM, while Bijoy Kakchingtabam, President of AMWJU, and N. Bidyananda Singh, DIO, Jiribam, were the Guests of Honour and Special Guest, respectively.
The program commenced with the dignitaries and invitees taking their seats, followed by a ceremonial lamp-lighting to mark the occasion. Sagapam Nilima, General Secretary of JNNC, delivered the welcome address, and M. Romeo Singh, Founder of JNN, presented the keynote address, reflecting on the network’s achievements over the past two decades.

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The Jiri News Network (JNN) celebrated its 20th Foundation Day alongside the presentation of the 2nd Kekrebam Sanaton Singh Memorial Best Journalist Award 2024 at Thangjing Hall, Press Club

19/12/2024

MGSF and BOSEM staff alleges appointment of BOSEM chairman as illegal
IT News
Imphal, Dec 19:

The Manipur Government Services Federation (MGSF) and Board of Secondary Education, Manipur (BOSEM) staffs have raised objections to the recent appointment of Akham Joykumar Singh as Chairman of BOSEM. In a press meet at Manipur Press Club, they have alleged that the appointment violated established rules and service norms.
According to them, the appointment order, issued under Government Order No. EDU-S-1/16/2024-EDN(S)-EDN(S) on November 6, 2024, bypassed mandatory procedures. The federation highlighted that the appointment was not recommended by a proper Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC), which is required to evaluate applicants and select the most suitable candidate. The omission of DPC recommendations, they claimed, rendered the appointment illegal.

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The Manipur Government Services Federation (MGSF) and Board of Secondary Education, Manipur (BOSEM) staffs have raised objections to the recent appointment of Akham Joykumar Singh as Chairman of BOSEM

19/12/2024

Shaphee Lanphee Day observed with traditional grace
IT News
Imphal, Dec 19:

The observance of Shaphee Lanphee Day was held successfully today at the residence of Maisnam Lalini Devi in Wangkhei Yonglan Leirak, Imphal East. The event commemorated the registration of Shaphee Lanphee for its Geographical Indication (GI) tag on December 19, 2011.
The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the ‘Smt. Phamdom Ningol Maisnam Ongbi Keinahambi Devi Memorial Shaphee Lanphee Award 2024’, honoring devoted artisans who have contributed to preserving the rich cultural heritage associated with Shaphee Lanphee.
M. Dolendro Singh, Vice President (Organization) of Janata Dal (United), graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Maisnam Lalini Devi, a national awardee for Shaphee Lanphee, presided over the event. Both delivered inspiring speeches, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding traditional art forms and promoting community harmony.

19/12/2024

The Irony of Protected Area Permits: A Policy in Contradiction

The reimposition of the Protected Area Permit (PAP) in Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland by the Ministry of Home Affairs comes across as a well-intentioned but a flawed measure. Designed ostensibly to address heightened security concerns due to an influx of individuals from neighboring countries, this policy inadvertently exposes the contradictions in how India addresses immigration, both legal and illegal.
Under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958, foreign nationals are required to obtain PAPs to access designated areas, a rule that was relaxed in 2011 to boost tourism in the Northeast. The re-imposition of this regulation now restricts legal entry while offering little to address the root causes of the current turmoil in Manipur, which is tied to unchecked illegal immigration from Myanmar. This dissonance—where legal visitors are subjected to hurdles while illegal entrants slip through—reveals a failure of governance and border management.

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The reimposition of the Protected Area Permit (PAP) in Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland by the Ministry of Home Affairs comes across as…

19/12/2024

Ukhrul citizens demand urgent road repairs before Christmas: Potholes plague festive spirit
By: Addie Chiphang
Ukhrul, Dec 19:

As the joyous season of Christmas approaches, Ukhrul town has turned into a bustling hub of activity. Shoppers from across Ukhrul and Kamjong districts are pouring into the town to prepare for the festivities. The sight of families, friends, and individuals eagerly hopping from one shop to another adds to the festive charm, but beneath this cheerful exterior lies an unsettling reality—Ukhrul’s deteriorating town roads have become a nightmare for commuters.
The festive season, which should be marked by joy and merrymaking, is now shadowed by frustration caused by neglected pothole-ridden roads. The narrow, congested streets of Ukhrul town are further burdened by increasing traffic, a lack of designated parking areas, and unsafe conditions for pedestrians and vendors. What could be a time of seamless celebration has turned into a struggle for residents who are calling for urgent intervention from the authorities.

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As the joyous season of Christmas approaches, Ukhrul town has turned into a bustling hub of activity. Shoppers from across Ukhrul and Kamjong districts are pouring into the town to prepare for the festivities

19/12/2024

Annual General Council Meeting of State Kala Akademi held
IT News
Imphal, Dec 19:

The annual General Council meeting of Manipur State Kala Akademi (MSKA) was held today at Raj Bhavan. Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, who is the Chairman of the Akademi presided over the meeting. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, the Vice-Chairperson of MSKA also attended the meeting. The meeting deliberated on a number of agendas. The meeting also finalised the list of nominees for MSKA Fellow, MSKA Award (Performing Arts), MSKA Young Talent Award, MSKA Award for Literature and MSKA Award for Fine Arts. The meeting observed a one-minute silence as a mark of respect to the departed gurus and other cultural personalities of the state.

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The annual General Council meeting of Manipur State Kala Akademi (MSKA) was held today at Raj Bhavan. Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya,