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No time frame set for taking back body, JCILPS clarifies

IMPHAL, August 11: The Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit (JCILPS) in a press meet held late this evening categorically clarified that there is no question of taking back the

IMPHAL, August 11: The Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit (JCILPS) in a press meet held late this evening categorically clarified that there is no question of taking back the body of late Sapam Robinhood.

Convenor of the JCILPS, Khomdram Ratan told mediapersons at Sagolband Meino Leirak that there was a prior notice sent to the JCILPS from the State government`™s side to talk over the position of the ILP Bill which was consequently held on Monday.

He said that the government also wanted members of the Robinhood JAC to be present in the talks.

This was communicated by the JCILPS to top members of the JAC Robinhood, that they should send two representatives to join the JCILPS talks with the government, he said.

Ratan asserted that they had waited for the members to communicate with them, but till the very last instance, there was no response from the JAC side.

Having left with no option, the 14 member JCILPS team went to meet the Chief Minister and the other State representatives, he continued.

In the meeting, the issues of the Bill along with other priorities were discussed including releasing of the arrested students.

`We had agreed in principal, to take back the body of late Robinhood, however there was no timeframe fixed for that, we said that the family members of Robinhood, the JAC and the opinion of the public will be sought before finalizing anything,` he said.

Clarifying again to the media regarding the confusion of this issue of taking Robinhood`™s body, Ratan further mentioned that the decision was not taken in totality as consent will be taken from concerned quarters still.

But, it was just a primary step during the talks, he added.

Regarding the scheduled second round of consultation with the government over the pending Bill, he said unless the government fulfills the primary objective of releasing the imprisoned students, there is no chance of the JCILPS members meeting the government on Wednesday afternoon.

He also mentioned that the JCILPS was not able to proceed to the Robinhood JAC call as there was a slight miscommunication.

The JCILPS had intimated to the JAC that they should come and share their thoughts with them, he said.

However, after some time, the JAC had responded that the JCILPS should come to Khurai Lairikyengbam Leikai instead.

As the proposed talks with the government are scheduled for tomorrow, the JCILPS were also mulling over the 5-point demands to be put in the ILP bill and technical experts were also being consulted, he said.

As the matter was a serious one with limited timingin hand, the JCILPS could not proceed to Khurai immediately, he clarified.

But, some leaders had went to Khurai afterwards. As they arrived, there were no sign of a proper discussion and the JAC members were not present, he said.

The situation was also flared up as the JCILPS team arrived and the womenfolk had already started blocking the road, he informed.

Due to this situation and some from the crowd telling the JCILPS members to come in the morning, they took heed of the suggestion and left.

He assured that talks will be held tomorrow with members of the JAC to facilitate transparency and clear the doubts.

General strike hits normal life in Nambol

BISHNUPUR, August 11: Due to general strike imposed in Nambol, Bishnupur district by its denizens in support of the collective demand for implementation of Inner Line Permit System or similar

BISHNUPUR, August 11: Due to general strike imposed in Nambol, Bishnupur district by its denizens in support of the collective demand for implementation of Inner Line Permit System or similar law in the State to regulate the unchecked entry of outsiders, normal life in the area was paralyzed.

A large number of youths and women folk came out at Nambol Bazar early in the morning around 5 and asked shops to shut down. Movement of vehicles and commuters passing the area was restricted. Several passenger and private vehicles plying along Nambol Bazar were damaged by the protestors.

Several roads in different areas were also blocked by burning tyres and placing wood logs disrupting passage of vehicles.

A team of police including SDPO Bishnupur Rameshwar; OC Nambol Police Station O Iboton and OC CDO Bishnupur Sadananda arrived at the areas to foil any untoward incident.

The police team resorted to firing tear gas shells and mock bombs at Nambol Naorem to disperse the public curfew supporters.

Additional police forces were called in different areas and the road blocks were cleared at around 2 pm.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/general-strike-hits-normal-life-in-nambol/

JAC overrules JCILPS` decision, says will accept Robinhood`s body only after ILP Bill is passed

IMPHAL, August 11: Following strong dissent regarding the decision to take back late Robinhood`™s body, agitators gathered at Khurai Lairikyengbam Leikai today evening and blocked the Khurai `“Lamlong bridge. The

The road has also been blocked again indefinitely.

The JAC formed against the death of Sapam Robinhood in a press release has stated that the decision arrived yesterday at the Chief Minister`™s bungalow to take back the body of late Robinhood is not endorsed by the public.

It said that unless the ILP Bill is tabled at the Manipur Legislative Assembly, or a time comes when the public feels that the last rites of the late student needs to be carried out; until then, his body will not be taken back.

It may be mentioned that the JCILPS and the State government had held a meeting on Monday to discuss the ILP imbroglio and had agreed upon certain points.

Despite there being no representatives of the Robinhood JAC at the mentioned meeting with the government, the JCILPS had announced that it was agreed during the meeting to take back Robinhood`™s body.

This decision which was flashed widely in the media irked residents of Khurai Lairikyengbam Leikai last night.

Mobs had started to gather demanding how the decision was taken.

In this regard, a public meeting was to be conducted today commencing from 8am at the Lairikyengbam Leikai community hall.

The crucial meeting was to be attended by members of JCILPS.

However, as they failed to turn up, the irate public waited till 5 pm.

In the evening, a team of civil organizations arrived at the spot but not the JCILPS members.

The team consisted of elderly women activists and other known individual.

But, the heated public of the area did not speak to them and asked them to leave.

There were harsh exchanges of words between the protestors and the organization members.

Further, the key members of JAC Robinhood stated that the body will not be claimed until there is an assent from the side of the public.

Is is learnt that the JAC is demanding how the decision to take back Robinhood`™s body was taken since the government is yet to be clear on introducing the bill.

It was a premature decision, the JAC has called it.

In this regard, the JAC announced that the Lamlong bridge will be blocked indefinitely from today as a sign of protest.

They also demanded that beside the constables who were suspended for their involvement in the death of Sapam Robinhood, the officers who ordered the firing on Robinhood should also be kept under suspension.

It may be mentioned that the JCILPS will be holding talks with the State government at 3pm of Wednesday to discuss the ILP Bill further.

Remedies for merger ills

In the wake of the recent historic `Naga Accord` or now more accurately known as the `framework agreement` between the leaders of the NSCN(IM) and the Government of India, quite

In the wake of the recent historic `Naga Accord` or now more accurately known as the `framework agreement` between the leaders of the NSCN(IM) and the Government of India, quite understandably the issue of the Merger Agreement signed on September 21, 1949 between Manipur`™s then king Bodhachandra and the Government of India, and enacted from October 15, 1949, is coming up for discussion on various internet forums. The farcical emptiness of the Manipur Merger Agreement, as it virtually contains no issue of gravity pertaining to the political status or economic welfare of the former princely state of Manipur, is among the focus of these resurfacing discussions. The king is often blamed and ridiculed for the frivolous nature of the agreement, but it must be recalled that the king had pleaded with the Government of India representative, Assam Governor Sri Prakasa and his assistant Nari Rushtomji, that he be allowed to return to Manipur and consult his government, which by then was an elected one, and his people. He also pledged that he only wanted this prior consultation and that he would not renege on his promise to sign the merger agreement. This request however was not granted. This is not surprising, for India`™s then Deputy Prime Minister also in charge of the Home portfolio, Sardar Vallabhai Patel, who was already critically ill by then, and whom the government negotiators met earlier, was in a hurry to settle India`™s incomplete territory consolidation issue, and would have no further delays in having Manipur and Tripura merge with India. When he was told Manipur was posing a problem, he is famously is known to have said, `Don`™t we have a brigadier in Shillong` (Nari Rushtomji in `Imperilled Frontier`).

It is everybody`™s knowledge now that king Bodhchandra was coerced into signing the Merger Agreement after being held under house arrest at the Redlands, his beautiful estate bungalow in picturesque Laitumkhra area of Shillong, and now the Manipur House under the care of the Manipur Government, where he had gone for some work. After resisting it for four days he finally put his signature on a hurriedly drawn document on September 21. Much water has flowed down the many rivers of Manipur and the Northeast ever since and there is now hardly any point in decrying the manner in which the treaty was signed or seeking its reversal. However, certain things which are grossly unfair in the treaty can be and should be rectified, not necessarily by a renegotiation of the same treaty, but by a subsequent treaty that overrides the earlier. Consider this point. The king had less than four days to negotiate the 1949 treaty a good part of which was spent resisting the proposal, assisted only by his private secretary, S. Gourahari, (Haobam Bhuban: `The Merger of Manipur`). This brevity of deadline and the paucity of consultants and counsels made available to the king, has become stark now when we see that it took nearly 18 years for the Government of India to negotiate a `framework agreement` with the NSCN(IM), assisted as we now know by very reputed constitutional experts from The Netherlands, America and Kenya. Even then, it is still not sure how many more years it would be before a conclusive accord can be reached.

Even if it cannot anymore be said the Manipur Merger Agreement 1949 was illegal, from the moral standpoint at least, it is clear from the text of the document how unfair it was for Manipur. It is time therefore for another more comprehensive, more consensual, more informed, and absolutely coercion free treaty to supersede it. We do hope, in the not so distant future, such a treaty which has the welfare of the land and its people, comes to be negotiated and settled. But the society is much more complex now than what it was seven decades ago. If and when such a settlement does come about, it will have to be in perfect consonance with the ethos of the entirety of the state, but of the whole Northeast region and beyond as well. Only the peace brought about by such a regional understanding and cooperation can be conclusive and lasting.

Leader Writer: Pradip Phanjoubam

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/remedies-for-merger-ills/

Senapati civil bodies condemn killing at Vahki

KANGPOKPI, Aug. 11: A joint press statement of the Purul Union, Purul Youth and Students, Purul Women society, Purul youth clubs of Atongba/Akutpa & Rosofii and Purul Atongba Council has

KANGPOKPI, Aug. 11: A joint press statement of the Purul Union, Purul Youth and Students, Purul Women society, Purul youth clubs of Atongba/Akutpa & Rosofii and Purul Atongba Council has vocally condemned the killing of three youths at Vahki near Purul by some unknown gunmen.

The bodies in a strong language expressed its resentment of killing the youths in its jurisdiction which has created insecurity among the innocent citizens of Purul villages.

Such an act and attempt to tarnish the images of Purul people by any armed group or organization will not be acceptable, they expressed.

The villages of Purul are extremely saddened by such barbaric act perpetrated by unknown persons some days ago.

It has demanded those responsible to come out clean and claim their responsibilities for the killing.

We encourage no violence and killing when we are investing all efforts to usher peace and development in our society, it added.

Meanwhile, coming out strongly against killing of three youths at Vahki near Purul under Purul sub-division by unidentified gunmen, the Senapati District Women`™s Association (SDWA) in a press statement has condemned the act and also demanded those responsible to claim at the earliest.

The apex women`™s body questioned the right of those armed persons to take some one`™s life.

Only the creator has the right and not human added the statement.

The culprit must be booked and punished as per the law of the land the statement said while adding that such inhuman and unacceptable crime should not be repeated in the future by any organization or group.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/senapati-civil-bodies-condemn-killing-at-vahki/

Mainland media’s roles in Northeast important to change Center’s mindset

By Oken Jeet Sandham Killing of 21 people due to flash flood and landslides in Manipur was not Headline news in National Newspapers, but the death of 1 or

By Oken Jeet Sandham

Killing of 21 people due to flash flood and landslides in Manipur was not Headline news in National Newspapers, but the death of 1 or 2 people in heavy downpour in India’s major cities or submerging Mumbai City by heavy downpour captured Headlines of all the National Dailies.

Killing of 18 Indian soldiers in Manipur by NSCN (K) continued to remain lead and front page stories in all the leading National Papers for more than a week. But shutting down of educational institutions over a month in Manipur following the agitations by students and other civil societies demanding for introducing Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in Manipur still fails to capture Headlines of National Dailies. But few hours agitations by students or any civil societies in major Indian cities will dominate National Dailies.

The mainland media tried their best to twist the unfortunate ambush on Indian Army on June 4 at Manipur’s Chandel district and afterwards even to the extent of saying that India Army’s surgical strikes could kill 100 Naga militants, sometimes 80, sometimes 60, sometimes 40 by crossing International boundary in Myanmar. They could even use the photograph of the Indian Army helicopter taken during Nepal relief service in 2013 as if it was taken in surgical strikes in Myanmar territory in 2015.

Of late, again many mainland media started their news bombardment soon after the signing of the “Framework Agreement” between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) was over. Several unfounded issues totally unconnected with the Naga issue by wrongly mentioning many historical chapters and names have been incorporated in their stories. Before the two parties spelling out of the nature of “Framework Agreement,” they have started giving all sort of speculative stories even at times look like they know everything of the contents of the “Framework Agreement.”

Our National Media need to change their mindset towards Northeast and seriously study on issues prevailing here. Only then will the leadership of this country start thinking something positive towards the people of the Northeast. Then change for better can be expected.

Can Manipur be saved from extinction ?

By: Jila S Waikhom M.D. Recently there are a lot of news about Manipur. Unfortunately, not all of them are good news. It is quiet apparent that Manipur is in

By: Jila S Waikhom M.D.

Recently there are a lot of news about Manipur. Unfortunately, not all of them are good news. It is quiet apparent that Manipur is in a state of crisis in all aspects of life social, economic and political.Socially,the indigenous people of Manipur are divided on different artificial and fictitious grounds.Politically,there are strong currents of division different groups going in different directions. Economically,as the local people in particular the Meiteis are not protected from taking away their land and property. There is a real danger of extinction of the minority community in a human mass of other Indians.Do not take otherwise. I am very proud of to be an Indian but we have to realise that India is a multi-ethnic country.

How we have come to this situation: a Manipur of glorious past and united country of more than 2000 years? We all read that how our forefathers defended and protected our country. The wind of change started 1890 with the the arrival of the British who divided the country into the valley and hills although the whole area is hilly. However, the British did not change any customary laws of Manipur. Then, in 1948 the annexation of Manipur to India came. All the Indian laws were introduced into Manipur immediately without exception although some of the laws are quite alien to Manipur. When states were annexed or created in India the local customary laws are protected. This was the case about Kasmir, Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalay and Arunachal. As we know in the case of Manipur the merger clause did not include the protection of our traditional customs and laws which were quite different than that of the rest of India.However, there were visionaries in the early Indian leadership who saw that there were many different indigenous minority people in India who need to be protected. With that in mind they created certain groups of people in the category of scheduled tribes whose rights and properties are duely protected under the Indian constitution.Although, the Meiteis qualifies to be included in the list of the scheduled tribes and should have been included,it was not included whereas all the rest of the indigenous people of Manipur were included. The consequences of this omission are felt today in every part of our society.

Can we do anything to correct this anomaly? Yes we can but it may need some extra effort.We know from historical perspective and opinion of scholars on this subject the different groups of people residing in Manipur the Meiteis the Tangkhuls,the Kabuis,the Kukis all the rest have the same ethnic origin and DNA. So it is rightful claim to include the Meiteis in the scheduled tribes list like the rest of the other groups in Manipur and in the rest of India.

How about a good I L P system or law will do any good? It will do some good but not good enough.Right now valuable lives are sacrificed and properties are lost in the demand. ILP will monitor some incoming and outgoing people. No ILP law can protect the life properties of the local indigenous people.

In conclusion, the only solution to protect life and property of the indigenous people of Manipur is to include the Meiteis in the Scheduled tribes category as the rest of the other people in the State. This will bring peace and,harmony among the different people of Manipur and also the rest of the other Indians. To this end I urge everybody in Manipur all political parties, social workers, professionals, business people, common people in all walks of life join together proceed to claim this right through the proper channel in a peaceful and civilized way.

I wish a happy and prosperous Manipur.

** About the writer: Jila s waikhom currently lives in the United States since 1971. He was borne and brought up in Singjamei, Imphal and has served as Eye Specialist in Manipur & Nagaland before moving to US. He can be reached at jwaikhom(at)woh(dot)rr(dot)com

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/can-manipur-be-saved-from-extinction/

Attack on nurse deplored

IMPHAL, Aug 10: The Raj Medicity has strongly condemned the alleged life attempt of Priyarani Loitongbam, a staff nurse of the hospital. In a statement, Haobijam Rajen Singh, managing director,

IMPHAL, Aug 10: The Raj Medicity has strongly condemned the alleged life attempt of Priyarani Loitongbam, a staff nurse of the hospital.

In a statement, Haobijam Rajen Singh, managing director, Raj Medicity, said that such mindless act of attacking a medical staff who has been selflessly discharging its duty, should be condemned by one and all.

He urged that the authority concerned to ensure safety of medical staff considered as essential services in the future.

In the meantime, it further appealed to the agitators to refrain from harassing medical staff, adding that the Raj Medicity has been contributing for the society including the people`™s movement by providing free medical aids to victims of ILP protest besides the hospital has reserved five beds in case any victim is brought to the hospitals.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/attack-on-nurse-deplored/

ZYF hails GOI-NSCN (IM) peace accord

IMPHAL, August 9: Welcoming the peace accord signed between National Socialist Council of Nagaland (IM) and Government of India on August 3, the Zeliangrong Youth Front (ZYF) has highly appreciated

IMPHAL, August 9: Welcoming the peace accord signed between National Socialist Council of Nagaland (IM) and Government of India on August 3, the Zeliangrong Youth Front (ZYF) has highly appreciated the political will displayed by the Indian leaders in solving the Indo-Naga political issue.

In a statement, the ZYF said the Nagas have been waiting for the realization of their political aspiration with high expectation for positive outcome when the Government of India and Naga political group(s) declared ceasefire and engaged in peace talks after going through extreme situations due to military suppression for many decades in the Naga areas.

It is apparent from the signing of the historic peace accord that the Government of India and the Naga group are determined to solve the long pending Nagas political issue.

It is the belief of the Zeliangrong Youth Front in particular and Zeliangrong people in general that the signing of the peace accord will surely usher on the path of progress and prosperity and bring long lasting peace and development in the region in particular and the entire nation in general for both the Indians and the Nagas in the days to come, the statement stated.

UKHRUL, Aug 10: Many supporters took to the town`™s thoroughfare staging a silent Peace March and later gathered for Thanksgiving Day observed at TNL Ground to celebrate the recent Peace Accord signed between the NSCN-IM and Government of India (GoI).

The supporters including uniform clad students holding the Naga National Flag and a banner reading `Lonf Live PM Modiji, Long Live RN Ravji, Long Live Yaruiwo Issac Chishi Swu, Long Live ato kilonser Th Muivah` had gathered at points of the town at 11am and marched through the main road of the town from two different ends of the Town Mission ground and Dungrei Junction and finally converged at the TNL Ground.

Various Tangkhul organizations and village headmen also attended the gathering even as all shops and commercial establishments remained closed while all vehicles kept off the road during the day.

Addressing the public gathering, TNL president V Weapon Zimik thanked the Almighty for guiding both the leaders of GoI and NSCN-IM/GPRN with His infinite wisdom through the years.

TSL president SC Ringluiwon and TKS president Joel Angkang also lauded the signing of the peace pact and the public of the district for their support.

Later, in the evening from 7pm onward, power was put off and all households across the district lit up candles at their respective yards for 30 minutes.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/zyf-hails-goinscn-im-peace-accord/

Total shut down called on August 15

IMPHAL, Aug 10: Several armed organisations of the region have joint called a `total shut down` of the region on August 15. The Co-ordination Committee, a conglomeration of proscribed underground

IMPHAL, Aug 10: Several armed organisations of the region have joint called a `total shut down` of the region on August 15.

The Co-ordination Committee, a conglomeration of proscribed underground groups of Manipur has issued a joint statement of the United Liberation Front of WESEA, CorCom, Garo National Liberation Army and Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council stating that a `Total Shut Down` of the region has been called from midnight to 6pm on August 15.

During these hours, essential services, emergency measures, media and religious activities are exempt from this shut down, it said.

The statement said `India`™s yearly independent day celebration by unfurling her tri-colour in our WESEA Region is nothing but reaffirmation of The Indian Colonial Occupation over our Region and people.`

It said `The Indian establishment is obstinate to keep their occupation symbol flying high for the world to see defying the democratic norms of the civilized countries of the world and is itself a provocation.`

`The revolutionary organizations of the region are determined to resist the Indian hegemonic occupation of our region, by all means necessary and we understand the hidden agenda of the so-called `Peace Talk` offered by the colonial regime within the Indian Constitution, which is akin to a sugar coated bullet,` it said.

`The only way to be free from the bondage of Indian occupation is to defeat the IOF and drive them out of our soil forever,` the statement claimed.

It further appealed to all the people in the region to avoid the celebration and any supportive activity in connection with it and to display our solidarity against India, the common enemy, by making the total shut down a complete success.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/total-shut-down-called-on-august-15/

Cloaked honest opinions

It needed someone like Rajdeep Sardesai to say it. Manipur`™s reaction to the slow displacement of its indigenous population, not just in terms of numbers, but more importantly in terms

It needed someone like Rajdeep Sardesai to say it. Manipur`™s reaction to the slow displacement of its indigenous population, not just in terms of numbers, but more importantly in terms of economic and political power, is not without legitimacy. Like it or not, the trouble that Manipur witnessed, following the tragic death of schoolboy Sapam Robinhood, 16, was brewing for a long time. If the tragic death had not happened, maybe the explosion of public sentiment would have been delayed, but not forever. Someday or the other, what the state is witnessing today, was destined to happen in any case. There were apparently some intelligence reports that the entire trouble was at the instigation of an underground group, but this is at best only a small part of the story. In fact any militant group would be happy at the allegation, and probably would hope that it was true, for they would quite understandably be craving to be actually at the command of such a tidal wave of emotions. No it could not have been the case. No single organisation could have and still would not be able to either inspire or keep such a spontaneous overflow of public energy under their control.

As also was witnessed during the peak of the agitations, things did seem to spin out of control. Doctors on emergency service, journalists on duty, patients rushing to the hospitals were being stopped and harangued. There were even reports that wedding car cavalcades were stopped and occupants made to climb out of vehicles and walk across barricades. It will also be recalled how the media in Imphal, as per a joint decision of the Editors`™ Forum Manipur, EFM, and the All Manipur Working Journalists Union, AMWJU, stopped publication for one day, though after making it absolutely sure that no wrong message was sent out, and that the symbolic closure was prompted by desperation, and not by any means a protest against the movement. This notwithstanding, there have been a lot of aspersions cast on the integrity of the media from many quarters who absolutely have no knowledge what it means to be on the fields on duty, especially at night during those days. If reporters had some means and excuses to get past the many barricades, the machine and computer staff who are equally indispensable in the newspaper production process, found it impossible to come to or return from their offices. The passions behind the agitation were tremendous, but the manner in which it tended to go out of control should disturb everybody.

We say it is needed for a credible voice from what is considered mainstream India to articulate all these for one reason. On matters of nationally sensitive issues like immigration policy, voices emanating from regions considered peripheral to the mainstream are always viewed with a measure of distrust and suspicion. For example, to write of the accumulated resentments of locals at their being slowly but surely pushed to the margins of the economy of their own land because the handles of business and commerce have been very visibly shifting out of their hands to those of successive generations of settlers, would have been seen as biased and parochial. The writers themselves, from an understanding and anticipation of this judgment would have self-censored and sanitised their own viewpoints to make them not offensive to what they see to be mainstream sense of propriety. This is however a problem not just of journalists, it is very much true of politics too in much of the Northeast states. Politicians here know and indeed have been made to feel how much they are dependent on the charity of the Centre for their survival and how insignificant they are when they are pitted against the Centre, so much so that the policies they frame have come to be largely determined by what they believe would please the Centre. If not this than at least they would by intuition, refrain from doing what they believe would go against what they believe is mainstream. Killed in the process are political imagination, inventiveness and initiative that only autonomy of vision can give. Indeed, as many would vouch, one of the biggest inhibitors before local academics and journalists of the Northeast in articulating the problems of the region has been about how to empathetically understand and represent popular movements in their region. For the `subject analyst`, to honestly do so would be to risk being seen as parochial, and in extreme cases, anti-national. But doing so is also essential in sizing up these problems and paving the way for honest remedies. It is a peculiar situation in which honest opinions are doomed to remain silent and unclaimed, therefore perpetuating dishonest portrayal of the situation on the ground. This is why, forthright opinions of credible dispassionate outsider voices, such as those of Sardesai recently, are often a breath of fresh air to break this oppressive but unseen cloak that keep the raw truth from coming to the fore.

Leader Writer: Pradip Phanjoubam

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/cloaked-honest-opinions/

JCILPS meets govt, consents to take Robinhood`s body home; next round of talk on Aug 12

IMPHAL, August 10: More than a month after young student Sapam Robinhood died in police action during a rally demanding Inner Line Permit System in the State, the State government

IMPHAL, August 10: More than a month after young student Sapam Robinhood died in police action during a rally demanding Inner Line Permit System in the State, the State government and the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System sat down together and talked on the issue for the first time today.

Both parties agreed to perform the last rites of the student at the earliest, while the government assured to release the students arrested by the police during the present movement and proper punishment for the policeman who manhandled a girl student protestor during a recent agitation of the students.

The talk which was held at the Chief Minister`™s bungalow commenced from 4 pm and was attended by all the cabinet ministers and MLAs Ng Bijoy and RK Anand.

The JCILPS was represented by a 14 member-strong team in the talk which lasted for almost 3 hours.

Following the talk, the JCILPS convenor, Kh Ratan told mediapersons that the talk with the government has been satisfactory and another round of further talk to discuss the 5 points chalked out by the JCILPS will be held on August 12 at 3 pm.

However, the second round of talk will be held only if the government fulfills the primary agreement reached today, which is to release the students currently in judicial custody, he said.

The convenor also pointed out that the JCILPS had demanded to see the ILP bill drafted by the State commissioned drafting committee which was recently submitted to the government.

However, it was denied by the State citing that the bill was still a basic framework and not entirely completed and hence needed more inputs, he added.

`The government has said that it was only a dummy bill and needs more retouching from experts,` Ratan said.

He added that in the next rounds of talk, the JCILPS`™ 5-points will be deliberated upon for inclusion in the draft bill.

Both sides had assured mutual cooperation to the best possible extent, he claimed.

The convenor however said that protests need to be continued although in a democratic and non-violent manner till an amicable solution is reached.

He asserted that the JCILPS is hopeful that the time frame set for August 15 to produce the ILP bill in the Manipur Assembly will be fulfilled after the second round of talks is completed.

The government had also assured to provide compensation for those civilians seriously hurt in the agitations, he said.

On being questioned by the media on why the JCILPS has decided to take the body of Robinhood as before it was announced that his body will only be taken back post the ILP Bill produced in the Assembly; convenor Ratan replied that the JAC of Robinhood and his family had given authorization to the JCILPS to decide for the best and hence, the decision was taken to conduct the last rites of Robinhood.

It may be mentioned that there were no representatives of the JAC of late Robinhood in the talks today.

KCP (Lalheiba) cadre held: Police

IMPHAL, August 9: A combined team of District Commando Bishnupur along with Women Police and 6th Assam Rifle conducted a search operation at Keibul Thana Leikai area and apprehended a

IMPHAL, August 9: A combined team of District Commando Bishnupur along with Women Police and 6th Assam Rifle conducted a search operation at Keibul Thana Leikai area and apprehended a woman cadre of KCP (Lalheiba) group on August 8, according to a statement of the PRO Police.

The arrested cadre has been identified as Arambam Geetabali Devi alias Thoisana 33 daughter of Late A. Ibotombi Singh of Kangabam Leikai.

A case has been registered at Moirang Police Station and investigation is going on, said a press release of PRO, Police Department, Imphal, Manipur.

Meanwhile, sources claimed that Assam Rifles under IGAR (South) along with personnel of Heingang Police Station apprehended two cadres of PREPAK (Pro) during an operation conducted at Khabeisoi today.

Sources identified the arrested cadres as Pt Thongam Nanao, 35 alias Zee Singh son of Late Kuljo Singh of Erohemba Maning Leikai under Lamphal Police Station in Imphal West and Pt Khaithem Naobi Singh, 33 alias Santhosh son of Kh Ibotombi Singh of Singjamei Mayeng Leikai under Singjamei Police Station in Imphal West.

The two cadres revealed that they were involved in extortion activities, according to the source.

They have been handed over to Heingang Police Station, informed the source.

In another operation, a combined team of 22 Assam Rifles under IGAR (South) and Thoubal Police Commando nabbed a cadre of UNLF identified as s/s 2nd Lt S Tompok Singh alias Nanao alias Molomba Henba son of Late Tomba Singh of Kairembikhok from Singtam, Kairembikhok in Thoubal district on August 9.

The apprehended cadre has been handed over to Sugnu Police Station, the sources said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/kcp-lalheiba-cadre-held-police/

Adopt softer approach while dealing with protesting students, MCPCR tells police

IMPHAL, August 10: The Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) said it acknowledges the crucial role of the security forces including the police in maintaining order during the

IMPHAL, August 10: The Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) said it acknowledges the crucial role of the security forces including the police in maintaining order during the ongoing agitations in which school students including girls are the main protestors, however, it has appealed to all concern authorities not to adopt widespread, systemic and institutionalised physical abuse and create psychological damage among the young people.

A statement said it will leave a long lasting impact in the future of the students.

In his statement, K Maharabi Singh, member MCPCR, said that the commission is of the opinion that the strategy and approach for controlling the young or children protestors must be different from those adopted against adults.

It said as a matter of fact the very interpretation of `Minimum Forces` needs to be redefined and reviewed contextually.

For that matter, lathi charge, tear gas, shells and rubber bullets should not be used arbitrarily and abruptly against the unarmed children, and ordering to use such dangerous and deadly means against the unarmed young children is unwarranted, it said.

If required, the security forces should use other less injurious means such as repeated convincing warning through loud speakers, ensuring adequate barricades, water cannon may be an option as last resort, while encountering the young children, the statement continued.

The proportionate force to their tender age and their probable strength should be taken into consideration before resorting to any violent means it observed, and further added that there should be always arrangements for ambulance and first aid along the side of such confrontations.

The underlying principle is our security forces and police should rather be a child friendly and protective force than a hostile force unleashing devastating impact to right to life and rights of the child to freedom of association and to freedom of peaceful assembly, it said.

Excessive and disproportionate use of force on children and young students is unbecoming in a democratic country like India, a country which ratified the UN Convention on Rights of the Child and where Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000 is in force, it said.

The statement also said that a groundbreaking training manual for police and security forces comprising of lessons on child rights, Juvenile Justice, human rights and decent mob control standard must be introduced.

It pointed out that the section 23 (Punishment or the child, assaults, abandons, exposes or Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2000 states that `Whoever, having actual charge of, control over, a juvenile or the child, assaults, abandons, exposes or willfully neglects the juvenile or causes or procures him to be assaulted, abandoned, exposed or neglected in a manner likely to cause such juvenile or the child unnecessary mental or physical suffering shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or fine, or with both.`

Further, the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Rules, 2007 Rules No. 84 (11) also provides that `Any police officer found guilty, after due enquiry, of torturing a child, mentally or physically, shall be liable to be removed from service, besides prosecuted for the offence`.

The commission also appealed all the stake holders to treat educational institutions and education as an essential service and exempt it from `Indefinite or prolong closure` so that children`™s right to education is not infringed.

KIM submits memo to PM seeking clarification

KANGPOKPI, August 10: Seeking immediate clarification from Prime Minister Narendra Modi as to why the Government of India is neglecting the continuous demand of the Kuki Inpi to first settle

KANGPOKPI, August 10: Seeking immediate clarification from Prime Minister Narendra Modi as to why the Government of India is neglecting the continuous demand of the Kuki Inpi to first settle the criminal acts of NSCN (I-M) before any agreement has been made with the militant outfit, the Kuki Inpi Manipur submitted a lengthy open memorandum to the Prime Minister today.

Signed by Thangkhosei Haokip, Haosa (President) Kuki Inpi Manipur the open memorandum said that the constant demand of Inpi is to first settle the criminal acts of NSCN (I-M) including the killing of 905 innocent Kuki people including women including some who were pregnant, children, aged and invalid; uprooting 360 Indian Kuki villages and seizing their land; rendering more than 100,000 Kukis refugees in their own land without rehabilitation till now before any kind of either agreement or solution is possibly made by Indian Government with NSCN (I-M).

It said the constant demand has been ignored perpetually and action not taken till date.

The president of KIM continued that the sudden announcement of `Agreement/Accord` with concealed details signed by Thuingaleng Muivah on behalf of NSCN (IM) and RN Ravi on behalf of the Government of India on August 3 at Delhi which was televised countrywide has been a great shock to the Kuki people.

While making its perspective clear, the memorandum observed that the standpoint of Kuki Inpi (Kuki traditional government) repeatedly made known is towards justice and ushering of peace and tranquility in the country, particularly in north eastern states through non violent means.

`The Kuki people have never advocated violence, whether towards the government or any other neighbouring communities except in defending themselves against armed organisations purportedly fighting for independence`, added KIM Haosa (President).

The memorandum further averred that the total disregard of earlier memoranda submitted to six successive Prime Ministers of India that a pre requisite for peaceful coexistence in the region is to first settle crimes committed against humanity in a proper law court in the country may mislead one and all that violence is encouraged in this country.

He also said that a logical conclusion that might arise out of this lopsided attitude is not a pleasant thought while adding that ideally, law enforcements have to tackle such matters of great concern even before the public even raise their voice.

Therefore, any kind of settlement, agreement/accord prior to the settlement of the crimes committed by this particular faction of Naga political movement, i. e., NSCN (I-M), which the very Indian government labelled `terrorist`™ (cf. Does Violence get a Mandate, p. 33 published by Government of India) in a proper law court of the country will never be accepted by the Kuki Inpi affirmed Thangkhosei Haokip.

Our stand point is made clear not only to Prime Ministers, but even to Presidents, Home Ministers, Ministers of States (Home), but lately to the interlocutor, that NSCN (IM)`™s crime must first be settled in a proper law court lamented Thangkhosei Haokip while adding that the stance of Kuki Inpi is never deviated from this demand of justice towards peace.

KIM Haosa (President) reminded the Prime Minister in the open memorandum that it

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/kim-submits-memo-to-pm-seeking-clarification/

Three dead bodies recovered in Senapati

IMPHAL, August 10: Three dead bodies believed to be cadres of an armed outfit based in hills were recovered from a place adjoining Sirong and Akutpa village under Tadubi Police

IMPHAL, August 10: Three dead bodies believed to be cadres of an armed outfit based in hills were recovered from a place adjoining Sirong and Akutpa village under Tadubi Police Station in Senapati district today around 4 pm.

The bodies have been identified as that of Francis, 25 son of Seisou of Phaibung Village; Veiraizii, 18 son of Kh Sow of Upper Koide and Sapunii John, 30 son of Sapunii of Liyai Village.

Police sources said the three deceased may have been shot dead by cadres of a rival outfit as all three corpses bore bullet marks and their heads almost blown off.

Passersby found one of the bodies along the roadside before coming across the other two bodies which had already started to decompose.

Identity of the three deceased was established after some villagers were called in for assistance, informed sources.

Police have registered a case in connection with the incident. The three bodies will be brought to RIMS morgue tomorrow for post mortem examination, the sources stated.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/three-dead-bodies-recovered-in-senapati/

Doctors shows support to ILPS movement

IMPHAL August 10: Doctors, mostly from the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences today staged a sit in protest at the hospital gate showing support to the ongoing demand for the

Manipur Doctors during a sit in protest in support of the ILP movement at RIMS gate

IMPHAL August 10: Doctors, mostly from the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences today staged a sit in protest at the hospital gate showing support to the ongoing demand for the implementation of the Inner Line Permit System in the State.

The doctors were seen holding placards which read `Doctors of Manipur support the ILP.`

The sit in protest was organised under the banner of the Indian Medical Association, Manipur Branch and various members (doctors) of the association joined in the sit in protest which continued from the morning office hour till late in the afternoon.

On the other hand, shops at Singjamei Keithel and in its vicinity remained closed voluntarily as the shopkeepers came out to stage in sit in protest showing solidarity to the ongoing movement.

The shopkeepers were joined by other local residents in the sit in protest.

The Singjamei Wangma Torban Kshetri leikai Leingak Nupi Lup also organised a sit in protest and a public meeting inside the Singjamei Keithel shed.

Women folk of Senjam Khunou and Senjam Chadongba, Imphal West staged sit-in-protests at their respective localities yesterday wherein president of CADA advocate Y Ratankumar attended as resource person.

The women protestors also took out a joint rally from Senjam Khunou to Phumlou during which slogans like `Implement ILPS in Manipur`™, `Punish police personnel who killed Robinhood and assaulted girl student`™, `Pass a new bill acceptable to the people immediately`™ etc were shouted.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/doctors-shows-support-to-ilps-movement/

Grenade found

IMPHAL, Aug 9: A hand grenade left by unidentified persons was found in a paddy field at Haraorou village under Sagolmang Police Station, Imphal East district today around 2.30. The

IMPHAL, Aug 9: A hand grenade left by unidentified persons was found in a paddy field at Haraorou village under Sagolmang Police Station, Imphal East district today around 2.30.

The paddy field lies around 5 km south of Sagolmang Police Station. It was come across by a cattle grazer.

On receiving the news, a team of police bomb expert arrived and retrieved the bomb. Later, it was set exploded in a safer place around 6 pm of the day.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/grenade-found/

Media advocacy programme for State scribes concludes

IMPHAL, August 9: The three-day Media Advocacy Programme for State journalists organised by All Manipur Working Journalists`™ Union (AMWJU) under the sponsorship of Manipur Development Society (MDS) at Secure Office

The valedictory function was attended by Director of Directorate of Information and Public Relation (DIPR) Salam Somorjit Singh as chief guest; former Secretary General of IJU Sreenivas Reddy as guest of honor and president of AMWJU Wangkhemcha Shamjai as president.

Speaking on the occasion, Salam Somorjit said that media persons of the State have been disseminating daily information to the masses against all odds unlike in other States.

He further that various equipments used by media persons of the State needs to be sharpened to update news daily with speed and accuracy.

He stressed on the need for state media to telecast daily news through satellite so that it could compete with national media and people residing in different parts of the world could know daily happenings in the State.

He extended gratitude to AMWJU for coming up with such useful programme for State journalists.

W Shamjai said that AMWJU will organise such type of media advocacy programme annually to enhance the knowledge and skills of State journalists.

Acknowledging the inspiring speech delivered by consulting editor of India Today Group Rajdeep Sardesai on the topic `Investigative Journalism on the second day of the programme, he admitted that there is a need to work more on investigative journalism in the State.

He expressed gratitude to the MDS for sponsoring the advocacy programme for the sake of State journalists.

During the programme, PRO Defence Lt. Colonel Ajay Kumar Sharma spoke on Defence Correspondent Course and Overview while former Secretary General of IJU Sreenivas Reddy deliberated on Financial and Social Security of Media.

As part of the programme, dignitaries presented participation certificate to the participants of the media advocacy programme.

AR conducts Joint Security Meet in Yairipok

IMPHAL, August 9: Continuing its endeavors towards providing incident free and cohesive environment in the State, 2 Assam Rifles Battalion of 9 Sector Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ

IMPHAL, August 9: Continuing its endeavors towards providing incident free and cohesive environment in the State, 2 Assam Rifles Battalion of 9 Sector Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ IGAR (South) conducted a Joint Security Meet in Yairipok town of Thoubal district on August 7, sources informed.

This meeting was conducted in the interest of local populace to ensure prevention of any untoward incident in Thoubal district. The meeting was chaired by Commandant, 2 Assam Rifles in presence of all the Council members and village Pradhans of Yairipok town.

The Commandant asserted that Assam Rifles is committed towards the overall protection, safety and peace in the region and will keep making endeavors to achieve so. He further asked the Council members and village Pradhans to continue cooperation with the security forces and ensure security in their respective areas.

The meeting highlighted discussion on security issues and timely sharing of information to thwart IED threat. In the end all the Council members and Pradhans expressed their profound gratitude towards the Assam Rifles for this kind of endeavor and assured that all help and support would be given to security forces, the sources said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/ar-conducts-joint-security-meet-in-yairipok/