Day: September 20, 2015

IMPHAL, September 20: The United Naga Council (UNC) has expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Naga tribal public for responding positively to the call of the council for mass Naga public rally organised on September 9 at Ukhrul Headquarter, September 14 at Chandel District Headquarter, September 15 at Tahamzam (Senapati) and September 17 at Tamenglong Headquarter to welcome the Indo-Naga historic peace accord signed on August 3 in New Delhi.

A statement of UNC said the rally was organized to also condemn the controversial ‘anti-Naga tribal bills’ and resolutions passed by the Manipur Legislative Assembly on August 31 and killing of nine civilians including a minor and injuring hundreds of others on August 31 and September 1 while defending inalienable rights of the tribal people and its political aspiration in Churachandpur.

It once again appreciated tribe presidents, district apex organisations, Naga frontal organisations, regional frontal organisations, church leaders, politicians, social workers, village headmen and chairmen and the general public for huge turnout in the rallies.

The signing of the Indo-Naga historic peace accord based on unique history of the Nagas and its situation was a hard earned political achievement for bringing lasting peace in the region, the UNC in the statement said.

The UNC appealed to all the Naga tribal people to stand united and remain alert with preparedness to defend its inalienable political rights from repressive, oppressive and suppressive measures of state(s) forces or adversaries to peoples’ aspiration.

It further appealed to all the Naga public to extend all out support and co-operation to any call of the council in near future.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/09/unc-appreciates-participants-of-mass-public-rally/

IMPHAL, September 20:The Lions Club of Imphal Mayai Lambi has conducted a one day free health medical camp at Laphupat Tera today in the wake of the heavy floods which occurred in the area in the recent past.

Almost 400 and more people from Laphupat Tera Khunou and nearby surrounding villages were cross examined for various vector born diseases. The camp was conducted under the initiative of social worker and Lion Kongkham Robindro Mayang Imphal.

Medicine were also distributed free of cost to every patients visiting the camp.

At least seven doctors of different specialisations, such as paediatrics, medicine, dermatology and dentist were present.

In the sidelines, Salam Lokendra, secretary of Youth Organisation Club Laphupat Tera Khunou told the media that the area was badly affected by the recent deluge in the state, therefore the people needed to have medical check-up.

However, due the remote location of the villages, though they are under the Imphal West District jurisdiction, medical facilities were scarce.

Social Worker K Robindro took up the initiative and brought the medical camp to the area through the Lions Club of Imphal.

He said Mayai Lambi villagers are very happy and expressed their gratitude at the effort and the trouble the doctors took.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/09/lions-club-of-imphal-extends-free-health-medical-camp-at-laphupat-tera/

IMPHAL, Sept 20: The two-day ‘Men Leadership Seminar’ especially for Longmai Area organized by Men Department of Rongmei Naga Baptist Association (RNBA) at Longmai-3 Baptist Church, Tamenglong district concluded today.

The seminar held under the theme ‘Missionary Leader’ was attended by secretary of Relief & Development, RNBA Dimguanglung Ruangmei; consultant to Bible International & Reverend Latoungam Ruangmei and secretary of Men Department, RNBA Aringmei as resource persons.

They spoke on relevant topics including development perspective base on Natural Resources Management (NRM), leadership vision and goal setting and disciplines of a godly man.

More than 150 delegates coming from Longmai areas participated in the seminar.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/09/men-leadership-seminar-concludes/

IMPHAL, Sept 20: A hand grenade placed by unidentified persons was found near Gandhi Chowk at Ukhrul town under Ukhrul Police Station this morning around 10, police sources said.

The hand grenade failed to explode as its liver was tied by string of shoe. The bomb was placed in a place opposite to the residence of an officer working in the newly constructed Forest Department near Gandhi Chowk.

On receiving the news, a team of police arrived and retrieved the hand grenade safely, the sources added.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/09/hand-grenade-found-near-gandhi-chowk-at-ukhrul/

IMPHAL, Sept 19: The Naga People`™s Union Imphal (NPUI) has extended a financial assistance of Rs 70, 000 to the JAC Churachandpur meant for the families of the nine persons killed and several others injured in the Churachandpur incident.

The union also prayed for early recuperation to all the persons injured in the infamous incident.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/09/npui-extends-monetary-assistance/

IMPHAL, Sept 19: The Co-ordinating Committee, ATSUM has claimed that State police commandos came searching for leaders of ATSUM and ANSAM at Berean Lodge, Dewhlaland.

A release of the committee said around 8:30pm on September 18, a police commando team led by a sub-inspector had search the Berean Lodge, Dewlahland searching for ATSUM and ANSAM leaders.

It said the attempt of the State force to arrest the leaders of the committee will not end anything but would only add fuel to the fire.

It said the act is against the larger interest of the tribal.

It further demanded the HAC members to step down before September 30, as they had failed to secure the proper functioning of the HAC.

It continued that the agitations against the three bills will continue until their demands are met.

It further said that these actions of the Manipur Police Commandos at the behest of the Manipur state government had enormously irked the tribal Communities in general and the Coordinating Committee ATSUM in particular.

It warned that the responsibility for any untoward incident evolving in the aftermath of the conduct of the commandos should solely lie with the government.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/09/atsum-demands-hac-members-to-step-down-before-sept-30/

IMPHAL, Sept 19: Reacting to the news report published in a local daily on September 17 under the caption `MLA Korungthang creates flutter in police recruitment case`™, the MLA has clarified that the page posted as D Korungthang, MLA 42-Tengnoupal found in Facebook social networking site listing successful candidates from his constituency in the recent written test for selection of police constables is not related to him whatsoever.

In a statement, MLA Korungthang further clarified that he neither operated/have Facebook account nor a website in his name.

” It is shocking and surprising when I was told that some successful candidates have been uploaded in my name in the social networking site with a photo of mine. Moreover, I was in Delhi for my medical check-up at the time of the declaration of the police written test results`™`™, he said.

” It seems like the page is pseudo which might be created/operated by some unknown individuals`™`™, MLA Korungthang suspected.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/09/controversial-fb-status-fabricated-korungthang/

KANGPOKPI, September 19: In unison of human chain organized at Churachandpur a mammoth rally was also held at Kangpokpi today.

The solidarity rally at Kangpokpi was organized by JAC Sadar Hills in collaboration with Kangpokpi Town Committee, Kangpokpi Women Welfare Organization, Kangpokpi Youth Union and other various CSOs in Sadar Hills.

Donned in black clothes, a large number of people around 1500 gathered this afternoon at around 1 pm at Brig. Thomas Ground, Kangpokpi where they begin the solidarity rally.

The rally proceeded towards Kangpokpi upper bridge via downtown near IT.Road Old Petrol Pump and culminated near central traffic point in the heart of the town where a prayer was also invoked by K. Hoinu, president, Kangpokpi Women Welfare Organization.

The rallyist holds various placards which read, `We oppose Anti-Tribal Bills`, `Withdraw Anti-Tribal Bills`, `O.Ibobi Govt. is Anti-Tribal`, `We want Kuki State`, `Expedite Political Dialogue with UPF&KNO`, `No Solution, No Rest`, `Wake up Ibobi there are 9 Robinhoods in the Hills`, `Rubber bullets for the valley, real bullets for the tribals`, `Memories of your sacrifice will never cease to linger in our minds`, etc.

The rally was participated by various tribals and non-Manipuris from different parts of Kangpokpi areas including various CSOs leaders, men and women, young and old within the areas.

Speaking to media person, a women representative said that Sadar Hills people oppose the three `Anti-Tribal Bills` and warn the State Government to immediately withdraw the Bills.

She continued that we feel insecure under the administration of Manipur Government and urged the Centre to expedite political dialogue with the two umbrellas of the Kukis `“ UPF and KNO at the earliest.

JAC Sadar Hills convener, N Sehjalien Gangte said that to show and render solidarity to the Human Chain organized by the JAC Churachandpur today from Kangvai to District Hospital a mass rally has been organized here while adding that as per the JAC Sadar Hills agitation timetable announced earlier it will go ahead with the nine days sit-in-protest from Monday and as cautioned earlier if the State government fails to come up positively another intense form of agitation will subsequently follow.

`The people of Sadar Hills will not remain a masked watcher now`, warned the convener before adding that it will be wise on the part of the Manipur government to repeal the three anti-Tribal Bills so as to solicit peaceful environment in the State.

Spokesperson of JAC Sadar Hills Lamcha Chongloi alleged that it is a matter of grave insult for the Congress government when the JCILPS leaders act as if they have the whole authority over the State government by inviting the tribal people stating that any errors which indirectly or direct affect the tribal interest by the three bills will be modified.

It is obvious enough that the statement of JCILPS leaders undoubtedly indicated the passage of the three `Anti-Tribal Bills` is only in the interest of one particular community but not for all.

`We are still waiting for the State government to come up with positive solutions till now so as to lay our tribal heroes to rest in peace`, asserted Lamcha while warning that when things get out of proportion the State government as well as the majority communities will be held sole responsible for any unsolicited happening in future. No vile incident has been reported during the procession of the masses today at Kangpokpi till filing of this report.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/09/kpi-echoes-ccpur-protest-against-bills/

IMPHAL, September 19: The North East Dialogue Forum (NEDF) has strongly condemned the killing of Sapam Robinhood and Khaijamang Toushang during the agitations for Inner Line Permit (ILP) and against the ILP in Manipur respectively.

A statement of the NEDF said Khaijamang Toushang is 10 years old and Sapam Robinhood is 16 years old boys.

NEDF also urged the government of Manipur to establish a Special Investigation Team to investigate the cases of killing in Churachandpur and act accordingly to punish the perpetrator according to the law.

It said the Indian State has to respect human rights and provide full protection of civilians specially children at any circumstances.

`The people in Manipur experience the killing of civilians and children by the security forces in the name of counter insurgency. The hearings of cases are going on in Supreme Court.`

The government of Manipur could have used water cannon, rubber bullets to deal with the mob, it said.

As we, including the government are already aware that the anger of the people are accumulated and burst out like wild fire.

NEDF with deep concern humbly appeal to all the people in Manipur to adopt non-violent and democratic agitations, it said.

NEDF also urge to all the Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police in Manipur to organize Conflict Transformation training for police, civilians, religious leaders, women, district political leaders to transform the conflict into more constructive peace building in the long run.

Meanwhile, the Women Action for Development has also expressed shock that the bodies of those who died during the Churachandpur incident are being kept at the District Hospital morgue.

A statement of the organisation has appealed to the government to start dialogue with leaders of the JAC Against ILP in Churachandpur for amicable solution of the issue.

A statement of WAD also extended solidarity to the family members who lost their sons including Sapam Robinhood.

Denouncing the killing of ten young boys and children in Imphal and Churachandpur by police, the women`™s organization said it could imagine that the parents and family members and relatives are waiting for the day to organize funeral of the dead bodies of their children with ritual and prayer.

” India is a democratic country with law and rules. Please apply threes laws to find out the truth and provide justice to the victims`™ families, the statement said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/09/nedf-demands-proper-investigation-in-ccpur-killings/

IMPHAL, September 19: The Thadou Students`™ Association has reacted against the demand of Anal Lelruwl Tangpi for ADC Chandel chairman Lhukhosei Zou to tender public apology for using Anal traditional shawl as table cloth during his self-election as chairman of ADC Chandel.

A statement of the TSA said Lhukhosei Zou was just an invitee as a candidate and had nothing to do with the preparation of the swearing in.

Reacting to ALT`™s rejecting the self-proclamation of Lhukhosei as Chandel ADC chairman, the TSA said it is unjustifiable and the election was conducted according to Government of Manipur (Hills) notification.

It said Lhukhosei Zou was elected as the chairman of ADC Chandel in compliance with the democratic principal of the country.

Reacting further to charges of the ALT, it said Lhukhosei Zou has always maintained equal treatment irrespective of tribe and communities while implementing developmental works especially those on education promotion.

However, during the process of up-gradation of upper primary schools, there was an adjustment according to an agreement between the ADC and the ALT leaders which was arrived on April 10. The five members of ADC Chandel during its last term who are from the Anal tribe are witness of all these, it claimed.

The TSA Chandel has also appealed to the ALT to be optimistic and to maintain peaceful co-existence in the district, so that the district can enjoy all round development in the days to come, said the press release issued by TSA Information and Publicity secretary Thangboi Mate.

It may be mentioned that organisations of the Anal tribe had been protesting against the use of an Anal traditional shawl as a table cloth during the election of Chandel ADC chairman.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/09/tsa-reacts-against-alts-demand-for-apology-from-lhukhosei-zou/

IMPHAL, Sept 19: As has been conducted during the past two years, the traditional boat race on Heikru Hidongba will be held at the newly repaired Salampat in Lamlai on September 24.

Making the announcement before media persons today during a press conference, Ima Imoinu Thougallup Kanglup advisor S Gambhir said the lup will organise the boat race.

He said as part of the preparation for the boat race, two traditional boats have arrived at Salampat and preparatory rituals were conducted today.

Following a log gap of performing the traditional boat race, it was continued for the past two years, Gambhir said.

Providing the details of the race, he said 16 teams of men`™s, women`™s, boys`™ and girls`™ will participate in the September 24 race.

Appealing to all sections of the society to help in making the event a success, he said the race will follow the traditional rules of a boat race.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/09/shalampat-to-host-hiyang-tannaba/

IMPHAL, September 19: Union Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj has shown interest in opening of Centre for Indo-Myanmar Relation in Imphal, president of the Indo-Myanmar Fraternal Alliance RK Shivchandra told media today.

Speaking at a press conference held at his residence, he said the Union Minister is also keen to open three-month diploma courses on the languages of Myanmar, China and Thailand in Manipur.

He said the Union Minister has also assured to do the needful within a week`™s time.

Shivchandra said a team of the alliance, including its advisor and BJP national executive member Tapir Gao and patron members L Bashanta Sharma, former Thongju MLA Th Bishwajit Singh and himself had met the Union Minister recently in the national capital.

The team also submitted a 10-point memorandum to the Union Minister, he said.

Accepting the memorandum which sought help for the youth of Manipur to improve their socio-economic status, Sushma Swaraj showed keen interest in opening the Shyamaprasad Mukhrajee Centre for Indo-Myanmar Relation within a 10 km radius of Imphal and assured action within a week, he said.

The Union Minister also assured to talk with the Myanmar Counterpart to open a one year language course in Kalimiyu University, Myanmar.

He said as the team highlighted the potential of Manipur once the Trans Asian Highway which will connect the country with other South East Asian countries, the Union Minister also promised a Guest House for tourists in Imphal which will also guide medical tourists in the State.

He said the team also informed the Union Minister that the alliance will open its branch office at Moreh and assist tourists visiting Manipur.

Shivchandra said his team will soon meet with the State Chief Minister to talk on the assurances of the Union Minister.

He said this is not the time to wait for only packages from the Centre. In a few more years, there is every possibility of Manipur becoming an economic hub of the region and we need to learn foreign languages including those of European countries.

He said we should also be ready to export out handloom products to the South East Asian countries.

We should not fight for land among ourselves, he said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/09/sushma-swaraj-keen-to-open-centre-for-indomyanmar-relation-in-imphal-rk-shivchandra/

LAMKA, September 19: In a never before witnessed unity and solidarity among the residents of Churachandpur, a massive human chain was formed remembering the nine lives lost during the protest against the passing of the three bills and the demand of the JAC for a separate administration for the hills.

The massive human chain formed by womenfolk stretched upto 12 km from Kangvai to Lamka Town.

An independent interview with the leaders of the protestors confirmed that there were not less than 10000 women partaking in the formation of the human chain.

It is also learnt that a 75-year old woman from Koite Village also took part in the demonstration.

The womenfolk, some of whom had come from as far as 10 kms were not deterred by the downpour in the evening during the demonstration, although it did delayed the exercise.

As has been often witnessed during the present movement, the womenfolk were dressed in black attires as a sign of mourning the lives lost.

A signature campaign was also conducted as part of the demonstration against the passing of the three bills.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/09/ccpur-witnesses-massive-human-chain-against-bills/