IT News
Imphal, Aug. 16:

The Kuki Reformation Forum (KReF) vehemently condemns the arrest of Thanglenpao Haokip over his comments on the Facebook page of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh.

A statement of the KReF said that Thanglenpao Haokip was reportedly hauled up by the Patsoi Police on August 4 at around 4 PM and was detained there for the whole night. On August 15, he was produced before a magistrate at Imphal Police Station. He was then charged with criminal conspiracy, criminal intimidation and promoting enmity between groups on grounds, and intentional insult to provoke breach of peace and conducing public tranquility. Though he was later released on bail, the case against Thanglenpao Haokip is deplorable without exception.

The statement said that the Kuki Reformation Forum (KReF) had earlier filed a report at the Cyber Crime Police Station, Imphal, against six individuals promoting communal divide in the state with abusive and derogatory remarks. However, no actions have so far been taken by the concerned authorities, the statement said.

On the arrest of Thanglenpao Haokip, the KReF questioned  - Is the law truly equal for all? Or is it simply an arbitration by few vested interests? And why is the law not being served equally? Or why is the law different for different people? What about the many other hate speeches being directed against people on a daily basis? What is happening with the system? Is it not for all?

“ For that matter, the Kuki Reformation Forum (KReF) regretfully notes therefore that the law and order agencies and other concerned authorities of the state will be responsible for any communal divide or any breach of peace and communal harmony between the various communities in the state for implicitly encouraging communal divide with its bigoted and chauvinistic approaches as opposed to the nature of the offices they hold”, the KReF said.

The Kuki body also appeals to the people of Manipur to not fall into the trap of narrow divisive politics and the religious and communal emotional manipulation of people for mere political gains by some people with vested interests. It also appealed to Chief Minister N. Biren Singh to be a leader for all and to not fall into the trap of opportunistic politics and most of all to not encourage communal divide with insensitive and intolerant actions and inactions.

IT News
Imphal, Aug 14:

The last rite of late N. Bimolkumar was performed today at this locality with full honour by members of various CSOs. Members of the Mapi Council and many CSOs Leaders paid floral tribute to the Late N Bimolkumar portrait photo at Khurai and two minute silent observation while maintaining SOP.
Nongthongbam Bimolkumar Singh, the President of Manipur Peace and Integrity council (Mapi Council) succumbed to covid-19 on August 13.
Family source said after N. Bimolkumar was tested positive with Covid -19 on July 23, he was admitted at JNIMS Covid ward on the same day and undergone treatment but succumbed to the dreaded disease on August 13 at around 3.30 pm.
Born on February 10, 1953, to Late Nongthongbam Gokulchand of Khurai Chingangbam Leikai of Imphal East district, late Nongthongbam Bimolkumar Singh actively involved in various activities for the upliftment of poor and needy people particularly those living in the interior region of Hill areas in the state. He also worked for the welfare of the farmers.
He was also a former Convenor of Protection and Preservation Committee Manipur (PPCM) which is a joint civil society organisation of Manipur. He also took an active role in the Committee on Covid-19 Manipur to curb covid from Manipur and he is a multi faceted activist.
The civil society of the Tengnoupal District Meetei Council Moreh (MCM), All community development organization Moreh (ACDOM), All Manipur Students Union (AMSU) Tengnoupal District Committee Moreh, Kha-Nongpok Apunba Nupi Lup Moreh, Nupi Khunai Chaokhat Lamjing Lup Moreh, Universal Friendship organization ( UFO) Moreh branch and Lainingthou Sanamahi Puya Santhok Lup Moreh, AMKIL, AMUCO, AMSU, UCM, UPF, NIPCO, CADA, UPACO, Nupi Samaj, Macha Leima, Tammi chingmee, EECHAL, NIMPAL, Nongpok Leingak Apunba Nupi Lup, Thoubal Ima, ANUL, AMPFA, PPCM, CCSK,KIL, MSF, CHITUWA, Covid Task Force, Haomee Research Guild and Mapi Council  condoled the demise of Bimolkumar and observed two minute silence.
It is indeed a great loss for all of us. Many CSOs mourn heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

IT News
Imphal, Aug 12:

Chief Minister N. Biren Singh today flagged off consignment of 1 MT of organic Chak-Hao (black rice) to Europe in a simple function held at the western gate of Chief Minister’s Secretariat. On the occasion, he also flagged off vehicles carrying quality seeds for distribution to villagers of different districts affected by destruction of poppy plantations due to the Government’s ‘War on Drugs’ campaign. Quality seeds are being provided to villagers under the Alternative Seed Distribution Scheme by the Department of Horticulture and Soil Conservation, Government of Manipur.
Addressing the media, N. Biren Singh said that Chak-Hao had got the Geographical Indication (GI) tag and it had good demands from different parts of the country as well. He said that for the first time, 1 MT of this highly nutritious rice variety was being exported officially to different European countries.
He further said that export of organic ginger and pineapple are also being done regularly under the aegis of Manipur Organic Mission Agency (MOMA), Department of Horticulture and Soil Conservation, Government of Manipur. Stating that all necessary supports are being extended to farmers in this regard, the Chief Minister said that there is need for quantity and quality increase in production of indigenous varieties.
Regarding distribution of seeds, the Chief Minister said that today’s distribution of seeds was for around 460 hectares for the farmers affected by destruction of poppy plants due to ‘War on Drugs’ campaign. N. Biren Singh also appreciated people’s support and positive response to the campaign. Seeds of F1-Cabbage, quinoa and ginger would be provided to the farmers of Kangpokpi, Chandel, Ukhrul, Tengnoupal and Senapati as alternative to poppy, he added.
With the vision of the Chief Minister, ‘War on Drugs’ campaign was launched to destroy the illegal poppy plantations. As a result, during 2020-21, many poppy growers were affected. To mitigate the adverse and immediate impact of poppy destruction on poor farmers, N. Biren Singh instructed the officials concerned to form an inter-departmental committee and chalk out ways to provide quality seeds as an alternative means of livelihood to the farmers. The committee recommended distribution of quality winter seeds as alternative crops. An amount of Rs. 50 lakhs was sanctioned during 2020-21 for procurement of the same and distribute it to the farmers.

IT News
New Delhi, Aug. 10:

The Indian Journalists Union joins its affiliate the Andhra Pradesh Media Federation in condemning the brutal killing of journalist Chennakeshavalu, of local television news channel EV5, in Nandyal, Andhra Pradesh, allegedly by a suspended police constable and his brother on Sunday night. The unions demand that the killer be brought to justice at the earliest.
According to APMF, Chennakeshavalu’s was stabbed on Sunday night allegedly by Venkata Subbaiah, suspended police constable and his brother, Nani, after he was asked to meet them over his story on Subbaiah’s involvement in the alleged illegal sale of Gutkha and Matka gambling. Chennakeshavalu succumbed to his injuries later in the night at a hospital. The constable has been dismissed from service, charged, along with Nani under section 302 of IPC. 
In a statement, IJU President and Former Member of Press Council of India Geetartha Pathak and IJU Secretary General and International Federation of Journalists Vice President Sabina Inderjit said the union was shocked by the brutal killing of Chennakeshavalu, who was only doing his job of following up a story regarding alleged corruption charges against the constable. The Union condoles his death and demands immediate arrest of the killers as well as compensation to his family by the government.
At the same time, the Union has expressed serious concern at the deteriorating safety and security of journalists in Andhra Pradesh and asked the State government to ensure journalists are allowed to carry out their duties without fear or favour.