Month: August 2015

IMPHAL, August 18: Even as the movement demanding the Inner Line Permit System in the State has intensified during the past few weeks, the violent conduct of some agitators has been under much criticism from the general public.

A day after JNIMS director appealed to the strike supporters to provide free passage to medical staff during the general strikes and public curfews, Khurai Kendra Gram Panchayat today called a press conference in connection with the assault of a pradhan by bandh supporters.

Speaking to media persons today at the Manipur Press Club, Khurai Nandeibam Leikai pradhan Y Chitra said Moirang Kampu Gram panchayat pradhan L Indira Devi was accompanying a neighbour who was being taken to the JNIMS around 10:30pm on August 16 when they were attack by agitators at Khurai Ahongei area.

She said Chitra along with five others including four men and a woman were taking their neighbour Khoisnam Boi, 35 to the hospital in Chitra`™s Bolero vehicle.

However, as their vehicle was passing through the Khurai Ahongei area, they suddenly came under a flurry of stones pelted by agitators, she said.

It is unfortunate that the agitators didn`™t even seek their explanation, Chitra continued.

In the attack, Khurai Nandeibam Leikai pradhan Y Chitra received a broken collar bone and an injury on her head and is presently under examination in the ICU of Raj Medicity, she said.

All the other occupants of the vehicle were also injured. While four others have been discharged from JNIMS after first aid was administered, two others are still under treatment at the JNIMS, she continued.

Chitra also lamented the improper conduct of the agitators and said it is very much unfortunate.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/gram-panchayat-pradhans-decry-assault-on-pradhan-during-ilp-agitation/

IMPHAL, August 18: The Senior Citizens for Society (SCS) today met the Chief Minister regarding the preparation of the ILP bill and also shared concerns over the present turmoil, according to its secretary Khaidem Mani.

Speaking to media persons at the Manipur Press Club, Mani said a five member team of the society met the Chief Minister today.

`We feel that the five-point demand of the JCILPS has been incorporated by the government except for some minor modification/editing of language,`™ Khaidem Mani.

He said at this juncture it would be appropriate for the JCILPS to get involved in the drafting process to ensure that the end result is acceptable to all stake holders.

We are not against outsiders coming here instead we need to boost entry of outsiders to promote tourism under a regulated system, he said.

He also said that the SCS endorse the legitimate five-point demand of the JCILPS.

Mani also said that the public is wary of the manner the government has acted in the past and there is widespread mistrust of the government among the general public.

Now the public is not convinced with just assurance from the government, he continued.

Although the movement has been gaining much momentum with almost every section of the society joining in, lately some miscreants under the influence of intoxicants seem to have hijacked the genuine movement, he observed.

Despite the repeated appeal from the JCILPS for the agitators to provide free passage to essential services like media, health, religious services, agitators continue to harass people from these services, he elaborated.

Unfortunately, a divide has also crept in among the leaders of the movement as is evident from the JCILPS SW and DESAM row, he continued.

Now, we are witnessing bandhs and general strikes being imposed even without any early announcement from anywhere, which is creating much inconvenience to the public, he observed.

There are also several cases of provocation among groups of agitators, he said.

Patients who are being taken to the hospital have been affected with cases of even death being reported, Mani continued.

This is unfortunate and at the same time, the support from the people to such an important movement seems to be dwindling, he said.

It is important for the agitators to follow the directives of the JCILPS or to make prior announcement of any general strike or bandh, Mani observed.

The JCILPS which is spearheading the movement, should also put a check on the unruly behaviours of its volunteers and revert the movement back in its proper direction, he continued.

The JCILPS should also address the present pattern of anarchy and chaos and take timely suggestions from the experts and intellectuals, he further proposed.

The present movement is fully justified as it is a demand for a legal mechanism to protect the indigenous people, said general secretary SCS Laishram Sadananda.

However, the approach of the agitators and the inconveniences it is causing to the general public is also becoming a concern, he added.

The split visible in among the students is unfortunate, Sadananda observed.

The press meet was also attended by other members of the Senior Citizens Society.

The SCS also expressed concern over the tension in Moreh area and appealed to all for peaceful settlement of misunderstandings and reiterated that the ILPS is in the interest of all communities of the State.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/senior-citizens-for-society-urges-jcilps-to-get-involved-in-bill-drafting-process-with-govt/

IMPHAL, Aug 18: Altogether seven persons including five students who launched hunger strikes demanding implementation of the Inner Line Permit System or similar law in the State have been arrested by police from different places today.

The five students were picked up from Ananda Singh Higher Secondary Academy around 8 am while the other two identified as Leishangthem Pratap of Thangmeiband Sinam Leikai and Laishram Gunindro of Thangmeiband Hijam Leikai were pulled up from opposite to THAU Ground waiting shed.

Health condition of the seven arrested hunger strikers deteriorated when they were arrested by police.

After they were arrested, another six persons including five students came out and launched fast unto death stir. The five students are fasting in front of Ananda Singh Higher Secondary Academy while the remaining one namely Thongam Ongbi Apabi Devi, 65 wife of Th Modushudon Singh of Thangmeiband Hijam Leikai is fasting opposite to THAU Ground waiting shed.

The five students are identified as Mangsatabam Nongdonleima Chanu (Class XII science student of Lamlong Higher Secondary School); Thongam Malemnganba Meitei (Class X student of Lamlong Higher Secondary School); Thingujam Ricky Singh (Class IX student of Eastern Ideal High School); Irom Jotin Kumar Singh (Class XII science student of Johnstone Higher Secondary School and Samurailakpam Susil (Class XII arts student of Ananda Singh Higher Secondary Academy). They began fasting at 11.30 am.

On the other hand, a large number of youths of Yumnam Patlou took out a cycle rally in Imphal area demanding enforcement of ILPS in the State at the earliest.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/seven-hunger-strikers-arrested/

IMPHAL, Aug 18: Irom Chanu Sharmila, who has been on hunger strike for the past more than 14 years demanding repeal of the AFSPA , was produced before the court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Imphal West RK Memcha today morning at around 11.

Before entering the court room Sharmila had a brief chat with the reporters.

Speaking to the reporters, she expressed her concerns on the present scenario of Manipur.

She expressed her disappointment over the State government for taking too much time in fulfilling the people`™s wish of the ILP or a similar law being implemented in the State.

She also expressed her concern on the reports of some ILP protesters under the influence of intoxicants causing harm to people, public properties and vehicles.

She said this kind of things can show the movement in a bad light.

When asked what she thinks about the students who are on hunger strike demanding ILP in Manipur, she replied `I would not suggest anyone to carry out this form of protest (hunger strike) because I don`™t want anyone to suffer the way I am suffering now.`

`In one`™s life the stage of a student is very important.

`In fact students are our pillars of tomorrow. We should free the students from the problems and issues faced by the State from time to time. Let them study peacefully,` she continued.

`I think it is possible to achieve the goal of the masses successfully without much destruction and also within a limited time frame if the civil societies, political parties and other organizations work together with trust, unity and sincerely,` she said.

She further said that her movement has crossed 14 years now. `They (government) have, under charges of attempt to commit suicide, awarded me with one year penalty every year and then I am released for few days before I am again re-arrest,` she said.

While urging the people to support her movement she questioned whether it is `dharma` to treat a person, who is only fighting against a brutal law for the sake of truth in a non violence form, like this in a democratic country.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/sharmila-expresses-concern-over-present-turmoil/

IMPHAL, Aug 18: Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam who is also the Home minister has assured media persons in the State that he will take disciplinary action against the Bishnupur District Police personnel who had assaulted a staff of the Hueiyen Lanpao last night in front of the newspaper`™s office.

The assurance was expressed before a team of the All Manipur Working Journalists`™ Union during a meeting today at the deputy CM`™s office.

It may be mentioned that police had assaulted Hueiyen Lanpao staff Willar Leimapokpam last night around 8:51pm in front of the newspaper`™s office.

Reacting to the police brutality, journalists in Imphal took out a protest rally headed by AMWJU from Manipur Press Club Majorkhul to Nupi Laan Complex to submit a memorandum demanding actions against the rogue police personnel within 48-hour.

A six-member AMWJU team later met the Home minister.

The Home minister tendered apology on behalf of the erring police personnel and assured befitting actions within 48 hours after a lengthy meeting.

During the meeting, the AMWJU team led by president Wangkhemcha Shyamjai showed the Home minister CCTV footages of the incident where the police personnel assaulted the scribe.

The AMWJU team also highlighted the present grievances of the State based media persons during the ongoing movement spearheaded by the JCILPS and the conflict situation in the State.

Harassment of journalists by the police has been a frequent occurrence in the State, the AMWJU president told the Home minister.

In such a hostile situation, the media persons are continuing to carry out their duties he said, and further appealed to the Home minister to look into the issue and ensure that such incidents are not repeated in the future.

In his reply, Gaikhangam assured that the incident was unfortunate and the government will ensure that such incidents are not repeated in the future.

He also ensured to visit and extend maximum help to the Huiyen Lanpao staff who is undergoing treatment at Raj Medicity.

Meanwhile, residents of Wangkhei Ningthem Pukhrimapal staged a sit in protest against the assault on Willar by the police.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/gaikhangam-assures-disciplinary-action-on-scribe-assault-case/

IMPHAL, Aug 18: `Manipur is presently in a very highly charged situation. And such eruption as witnessed in Moreh at this hour is very unfortunate, Kuki Innpi Manipur president Thangkhsei Haokip said regarding the Moreh violence today.

Speaking at a press conference held at the UCM office today, he said `The Kuki Inpi Manipur strongly condemns any kind of violence, because every issue can be sorted out by dialogue even though differences in opinion may arise.`

He further said that Kuki Inpi Manipur shares the sorrows of the Meiteis at Moreh as they are also minorities in Moreh.

He informed that to avoid further spread of this issue, representatives of Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), United Committee Manipur (UCM) and All Manipur United Clubs Organization (AMUCO) will go to Moreh tomorrow early morning to meet the community leaders to bring a solution to the issues.

AMUCO vice president Ph Debam Sharma speaking to media persons said that while trying to take out a peace rally in connection with ILP demand in Manipur an unwanted incident happened leading to a communal tension in Moreh.

`It is very unfortunate and we strongly condemned it. We have always appealed to the people not to create such tension,` he said.

`Moreh is a very peaceful place where various communities reside together. This happens only because of some miscreants who have failed to use their senses,` he added.

He also appealed to the State government as well as the security personnel to be vigilant especially in the night time to avoid further spread of violence.

UCM president Jonson Elangbam while strongly condemning the incident said the incident happened only because of some people who have vested interests.

Every community residing in this land needs to understand that the ILP issue is for all the communities residing in Manipur and not for a particular community, he continued.

He said that the Kukis and Meitei have been residing there for a long time now and similar incidents had happened in the pass but have managed to settle the issue peacefully and quickly.

If there is any misunderstand with the ILP demand then we can sit together and sort it out peacefully, he said.

`Let`™s stop these people who are trying to create communal tension. We don`™t consider this as a communal issue but rather an issue created by some mindless people,` he declared.

`Don`™t spread rumours and don`™t believe in rumours as well and please calm down. Let us all try to bring a solution to this issue together,` he added.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/kuki-inpi-amuco-and-ucm-joint-team-to-visit-moreh-today/

IMPHAL, August 18: Parliamentary Secretary of MOBC and Science & Technology Amin Shah has been re-elected as the Chairperson of the Manipur State Haj Committee for three years by voice vote under Section 21(1) of Haj Committee Act 2002 today.

As per a government order, the Manipur State Haj Committee was officially formed on August 7, 2015 with 16 members and conducted its first sitting at the mini conference hall of MONEDS at around 11 am with Salaudin Khan Member and Executive office of MSHC Imphal in the chair.

The committee in its first meeting held today endorsed to elect Amin Shah as its Chairperson.

While elaborating on his three years tenure programmes and projects as the Chairperson, Amin Shah appealed to Haj pilgrims from Manipur to offer prayer at the holy place for Muslim community at Mecca for peace and tranquillity in the State.

He informed that the State Haj pilgrims will leave Imphal on August 19 and 20 for Saudi Arabia from Imphal Airport.

He also appealed to the concerned civil society organizations engaged in the ongoing mass movement demanding introduction of Inner Line Permit System in the State to allow free passage to Haj pilgrims during the two days.

All Muslims in the State also fully endorsed the collective demand for ILPS enforcement in the State which is much necessary, the Parliamentary Secretary said.

Assuring that he as the Chairperson of Manipur State Haj Committee will try to increase the number of Haj pilgrim from the State by requesting India Haj Committee, he further informed that this time the State Haj pilgrims will be led by Moulana Mukti Salatu Rahaman.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/parl-secy-amin-shah-reelected-as-mshc-chairperson/

IMPHAL, Aug 18: Annoyed at the government`™s utter inaction over the long standing demand for introduction of Inner Line Permit System or a similar Act to effectively regulate the alarming influx of outsiders into the State which has threatened the existence of the indigenous people, women vendors of Khwairamband Market have imposed a 72-hour closure of the main market with effect from August 18 midnight.

The call of the closure of the market was taken during a joint meeting of women vendors of Khwairamband Market convened today at 11 am wherein leaders of the four market sheds attended.

The meeting strongly decried the government`™s lackadaisical attitude towards the mass movement despite launching severe forms of agitation from many sections.

Reiterating that it is not the time for the government to merely discuss the people`™s movement launched solely for safeguarding the indigenous people, women vendors attending the gathering asked the government to recollect undeniable contribution made by women vendors of Khwairamband Market towards the security of the State.

Certain resolutions with regard to the ongoing mass movement were also unanimously adopted during the meeting.

It resolved to bar non-locals from selling wares in and around the four market sheds, Thangal Bazar, Paona Bazar, MG Avenue and BT Road till ILPS is implemented in the State.

The meeting also firmly resolved to restrict non-locals from transporting goods at the four market sheds till ILPS or similar law is introduced as per the wishes of the people.

Enraged women vendors during the meeting further resolved to launch intense agitation in case ILPS or similar law is not enforced by the government before August 21.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/women-vendors-impose-72hr-closure-of-khwairamband-market-from-today/