ISTV: November 2010

National Highway 53 converted to National Highway 37 ahead of proposed Asian Trans international superhighway

Information Service News 4th November 2010

Asian Trans international superhighway is finally making its way through the state and is likely to complete at the most earliest possible time. According to a source close to the ministry of surface transport and the highways, all tasks for construction of the super highway have been handed over to the Border Road Organization. The newly proposed superhighway will come up on the present National Highway 53 by converting its name to National highway 37. As of now the superhighway will be eight lanes in nature but will be only two lanes at some of the hilly region as the condition demands. Border Road Organization had begun renaming of the NH-53 to NH 37. It may be mention that people of the state have been demanding improvement of the National highway as it is one of the important highway that connects the state with the rest of the country. At present the state is being connected with the rest of the country through the National Highway 39 and 53. Recently after the prolong economic blockade imposed by the UNC and the Nagaland based student bodies, in relation to the Hill area Autonomous district council election and the post impact of the proposed visit of the NSCN-IM general secretary Th. Muivah, truckers and transporters had boycotted the NH-39 and decided to travel along the NH-53. However, as the condition of the NH53 remains in most deplorable state. civil society organizations of the state including the United Club NH-53 and the transporters body has been demanding speedy improvement of the road. The state government too taking the issue seriously had taken decision to improve the road by the state implementing agency - PWD even though it was being maintain by the BRO at that time. The state government had even pressured the Union government for handing over the development works of the National Highway to the state authority from the BRO. However, the Union government instead of accepting the state government proposal had sanctioned a sum of Rs. 3 crore to the BRO for development of the highway. Meanwhile, K. Mohindro, the vice president of the United Club NH-53 in a meeting with ISTV had said that the new initiative taken up by the government for conversion of NH-53 to NH 37 is a sign of relieve for the people of the state. He said they will cooperate with any authority while taking up the task. –(V)

Seminar over the issue of UNLF Chief Meghen held; Speakers castigate the silence of both India and Bangladesh government over the matter

Information Service News 4th November 2010

A national seminar on what legal and political action could be taken up on UNLF chairman R K Meghen’s arrest was held at Manipur Dramatic Union Hall today. The national seminar was organized jointly under the initiative of TIPS, Centre for Organisation Research and Education, Human Right Alert and Human Right Initiative. Retired judge, C. Upendra, advocate Khaidem Mani, Editor Ereibak, Irengbam Arun, Thoudang Editor, Kh. Loyalakpa, Kim Gangte of All India Trinamool Congress, Ksh. Shanta of CPI(M), Babloo Loitongbam of Human Right Alert and many important personalities were present in the seminar. Those who spoke on the seminar castigated the manner in which Meghen’s arrest is made without telling anything about the where about of the rebel leader. It amount to denial of human rights of a person irrespective of whether he is a rebel leader or not. As per the constitution of India any arrested person should be handed over to the nearest police station within 24 hours and in this case, the constitution is sidelined. Coming down heavily on the stiff silence maintained by three MP’s and Chief Minister in this connection, Kim Gangte said it is still not clear whether Ibobi have written to the centre to find out about the where about of Meghen. She also alleged that C M did not give any pressure to the central Govt. to ascertain the fact. Free lance journalist from Nagaland, Kaka D Eralu asserted the oppressive policy of the central Govt. was still applied to the rest of North Eastern states. He also added that AFSPA which was imposed to quell Naga insurgency has affected many NE states. Denial of Meghen where about to the people is violation of international law and against the norm of law. He also assured that the people of Nagaland would extend all possible assistance to any agitation launched against the matter. Director of People Watch, Tamil Nadu, Henry Stephen maintained all Indians are not against Manipuris and there are many Indians who care and feel concern for the people of the state. He further said that just as the Manipuris are struggling for self determination people of Tamil Nadu are also struggling for self determination. It is not the norm to hide a person after arrest for a long time instead of producing before a competent court. He also assured that the matter will be brought before the core committee meeting of National Human Right Commission on November 29.The Manipuris are not alone in the fight against such injustice meted out to a leader of Manipur and they are solidly behind the people of Manipur. The matter is not about a rebel leader but about the violation and denial of human right. He further maintained that Meghen is in fact a human right defender.—(V) Executive Director of human right Alert, Babloo Loitongbam observed that if peace and normalcy is to maintain in Manipur, AFSPA should be repeal from the state. He also asserted that not disclosing the where about of Meghen is against the law and should not be done.—(V)

Manipur University Hostellers demands action against a caretaker and a warden of lady’s Hostel one; submits memorandum to the Vice Chancellor

Information Service News 4th November 2010

After a mere crisis at a lady’s hostel in Manipur University on Wednesday, all hostellers - both boys and girls join hands to voice against the high handed nature of security guards as well as hostile attitude and rules dictated to them even though they are being train to become one of the respectable member of the society. The crisis all began after the students staying at Lady’s Hostel number one agitated against the attitude of a warden identified as Kanchan and a caretaker called Ragini on Wednesday. The agitation was intensified on the evening after all hostellers including boys join them. The agitation continues till today and is likely to become more serious as they are demanding appropriate action against the two employees. A memorandum on the matter was submitted today to the Vice Chancellor Prof. C. Amuba. In the memorandum it was stated that both the caretaker and the warden imposed unnecessary fine of Rs. 50/- to hostellers for leaving morsel of food on the plates. It also said 4 hostellers have been expelled on flimsy ground without the knowledge of the University authority. The grievances of the students pour down as the situation remain tense. It also mentioned about the ill manner of the Home guards who had been deployed in the university and demanded a separate lodging far from the hostellers. The memorandum also mentioned about the checking of lady students by male security at the main gate terming it as an offence to the society as well as the student community. After submitting the memorandum the students demanded action against the two employees by 5 pm today evening. However the VC decline to fulfill their demand saying that an enquiry is needed for any action against them. –(V)

JNIMS creates history by successfully implanting double chamber Pacemaker to a heart patient

Information Service News 4th November 2010

Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences has created a history by successfully implanting a Double chamber pacemaker to a heart patient for the first time in the state. The complex surgery for the implantation of the pest maker was conducted by Cardiologist Dr. Rajendra Thangjam and his team. Speaking to media the Associate Professor Dr. Rajendra said The patient identified as Akhongbam Lukhoi aged about 59 years of Patsoi part 2 Makha leikai was being treated under his supervision after RIMS authority had referred him to the government Hospital on October 29. The surgery for implantation of the double chamber Pacemaker was conducted on Wednesday. –(V)

News—NREGS, Bishnupur

The sixth day training program on NREGS for Bishnupur district concludes today at Kiyamba Sanglen. Panchayat secretary, technical co-ordinator, account manager and technical assistant were also present in the valedictory function. During the sixth day training program threadbare discussion and deliberation on how to make the scheme a success were held. Those who spoke on the occasion lamented saying Bishnupur district lacked behind others in the successful implementation of the scheme.ADC of Bishnupur, S. Naba talked in length about the act and scheme to the gathering.—(V)