Rs 5 lakhs compensation for slain journalist

IMPHAL, Dec 29: The State Government has decided to give a compensation of Rs five lakhs to the family of late Thangjam Dwijamani and also appoint his wife as a Primary Teacher.

Thangjam Dwijamani (Nanao) was killed in police firing while on duty covering a protest demonstration against molestation of a film actress and firing at two other male artistes by one S/S Lt Col Livingstone of NSCN-IM at Chandel district head- quarters during a musical concert.

A decision to this effect was adopted at a Cabinet me-eting presided by Chief Mi- nister O Ibobi this evening.

Already, one ASI, and Constable driver of Lamphel Police, and nine VDF personnel have been placed un- der suspension in connection with the killing of Dwijamani.

speaking to media persons after the meeting, Government spokesman and Education Minister M Okendro said that the Cabinet has given its consent to offer a Government job of Primary Teacher to Thangjam (O) Narmada, wife of late Dwijamani.

It was also agreed to extend service period of national awardee teachers by two years and state awardees by one year and a half as ack-nowledgement of professional excellence.

Taking serious note of the Justice Wardhwa Commission’s observation that politi- cians and UG groups have been denying PDS facilities to the common people of Ma-nipur, the Cabinet meeting resolved to streamline and strengthen PDS in the State.

New measures outlined by the Cabinet meeting for strengthening PDS included selection of transporters through open tender, appointment of eight Inspectors, five Delivery Assistants, 43 computer operators, 64 drivers and two stenographers (Grade 2) on contract basis.

These drivers who would be appointed anew would deliver PDS goods to consumers directly and their vehicles would be fitted with GPRS equipment, said Okendro who also holds the portfolio of CAF&PD Department.

The Cabinet meeting further agreed to a plot of 2.26 acres to Industries Department for developing a trade cum exhibition centre. The said plot located at Hafiz Hatta was earlier leased out to a private society. It was also agreed to provide another plot of 168.06 acres located at Kakching Kuraopokpi to Industries Department for developing second timber park of India.

Certain other resolutions about opening joint accounts and counter signatures for better implementation of MGNREGS in hill districts were also adopted at the Cabinet meeting, Okendro conveyed.