Author: kanglaonline

IMPHAL, July 30: The Mapithel Dam Multipurpose Project Displaced Villages Committee (MDMPDVC) has said that in a unanimous move on July 29, the committee has endorsed to extend maximum cooperation and moral support to the proposed agitation called by Mapithel Dam Affected Ching Tam Organisation (MDACTO) in relation with the extreme dissatisfaction of the affected villages in and around the construction site of Mapithel Dam.

According to a release of MDMPDVC, the injudicious treatment of the government of Manipur which affects more than 20,000 displaced people has called for strong condemnation from all quarters.

The Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R and R) package for those directly affected in Chadong and Lamlai Khunou villages have been cut off and the people who once subsisted on the natural resources and vegetations have been denied of access owning to massive submergence of lands, dwelling houses and sources thereby depriving the people of their means of livelihood, it said.

The committee further pointed out that due to blocking of the river, the main life support system of the downstream villages like Louphong, Phayang, Nongdam, Maphou Kuki, Tumukhong, Moirangpurel, Itham Island and TC Pokpi are worst affected. The government should announce economic Rehabilitation for downstream villages affected by the dam at the earliest either by means of employment or commensurate economic packages, it said.

The committee also pointed out that the man-made calamity created by the government of Manipur with deliberate intentions and its nonchalant attitude towards the plight of the people is a gross violation of human rights by all norms and standards, it said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/mdmpdvc-supports-mdacto-agitation-against-mapithel-dam/

IMPHAL, July 30: The Editors Guild, Manipur has stated that despite repeated request mediapersons and reporters continue to be stopped and even harassed by some people in the name of supporting the ongoing movement for ILPS and related issues of killing Robinhood.

It said today too a team of media person were stopped from crossing Dinku Road while on their way to collect news from the house of late Robinhood.

If such situation continue the media will not be able function properly. We therefore appeal to all organisations to kindly instruct their volunteers not to prevent any media person from performing their duty. If they have any doubt about the authenticity of the identity of any media person they are welcome to contact the President and General Secretary of the Editors Guild Manipur as well as any individual Editors whose number we are providing.

A.Mobi- President EGM 9206123606

Yumnam Rupachandra- Secretary General EGM 9612158469

For individual news house please contact:

Pradip Phanjoubam-Imphal Free Press: 9862032145

Aribam Robindro- Editor Poknapham: 9436021665

Khogen khomdram- Editor Sangai Express: 9402882488

Hemanta Ningombam – Editor Huiyen Lanpao: 9856088733

L Kumar- Editor Ireibak: 9862853418

P Ibochouba- Chief Editor Kangla Pao: 8794865615

A Chandragupta-Joint Editor Naharolgi Thoudang: 94368972484

Shivadutta Luwang `“ Editor Pandam 9436234189

Rinku Khumukcham `“ Imphal Times 9862860745

Ranjit Oinamcha `“ Paojel 9615465825

G. Bharvesh `“ Peoples`™ Chronicle 8974132510

Yumnam Rupachandra-Editor-in-Chief Impact TV News: 9612158469

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/appeal-against-harrasment-of-media-persons-editors-guild/

IMPHAL, July 30: The people are aware that the government has no tangible stand on the ongoing demand for the implementation of the Inner Line Permit System or a similar law in the State, the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System told media persons today.

Speaking at a press conference at the Keishampat office of the United People`™s Front, JCILPS convenor in charge Khomdram Ratan said the people are aware of the delaying tactics of the government on the issue and that it has no will to bring a proper solution to the people`™s demand.

In such a scenario the JCILPS cannot hold any talks with the government, he said.

The government with its delaying tactics is only trying to befool the public, which we are aware of and as such there will be no let up in the people`™s movement demanding implementation of the ILPS, he asserted.

Elucidating on the fear of the people which has led to the uproar for the ILPS, Ratan observed that of the 27 lakhs approx State population, a staggering 10 lakhs are outsiders.

He said so long as there is no stopping of the large scale entry of illegal non-locals the apprehension of the local populace that they will end up marginalised will not be assuaged.

This is the time for the State government to act swiftly and allay the fear and apprehension of its people, Ratan observed. The elected representatives are here to represent their people and have the advantage to enact any legislation for the welfare of their people and if they are unable to do so, it would be because of their incompetence, he rued.

The JCILPS, he announced has also commenced its civil disobedience movement against the government from today.

Late Sapam Robinhood has already been declared a martyr with the title of `Yelhoumee Kannabagi Lamjing Meira` however, his body still lies unclaimed at the JNIMS mortuary since July 8, Ratan observed, adding further that this is due to the negligence of the State government.

Even though it has been more than 20 days now since his death, the government has failed to even suspend the personnel responsible for the student`™s death, he lamented.

Emphasising on the issue of closure of the educational institutes in the State capital, he said this could only mean a negative impact on the students of Manipur.

Expressing concern on the reports of incidents of media persons and medical staff being assaulted by protestors during the movement, he said the JCILPS has repeatedly urged the volunteers and agitators not to disturb the essential services including media persons, medical staff and those attending religions functions.

He further urged all supporters and agitators to comply with the appeal and stop hindering movements of the essential services.

Co-convenor of the JCILPS, Haopu Kom said the ongoing movement demanding ILPS in the State is for the entire State and not just for a community.

The report of some tribes not wanting to join the movement is regrettable and unfortunate, he said observing that the movement needs co-operation from every section of the society for the government to fulfill the demand.

He said Khurai is the epicenter of the ongoing agitation as it is the locality of Sapam Robinhood who was killed due to police action at a rally demanding ILPS.

Now the blockade at Dingku Road by the JAC is because it is the main road passing through their locality and not to cut-off Ukhrul, he continued.

Every section of the society should understand the sentiment of the movement and support it instead of spreading rumours and baseless information to tarnish the image of the ongoing movement, he continued.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/govts-delaying-tactics-transparent-jcilps/

IMPHAL, July 30: Three MLAs who are members of the government constituted drafting committee of the Inner Line Permit bill have submitted their resignation to the Chief Minister today.

Sources also informed that the State government has requested the Ministry of Home Affairs for deployment of Rapid Action Force (RAF) in Imphal.

Meanwhile, top brass of the BJP State unit are presently in the national capital urging the Union government to clamp President`™s Rule in Manipur.

According to reliable sources, MLAs RK Anand, N Biren and Ng Bijoy who are members of the drafting committee of the bill for protection of indigenous people have tendered their resignations to the Chief Minister in the afternoon today.

The said committee was constituted in July 21 by the State government with minister Th Debendra as the chairman, M Yaiskul Meitei, special secretary as the convener along with the three MLAs as members.

The reason behind the three legislature`™s motive for leaving the committee is still not clear.

But, sources maintained that N Biren was annoyed that the police personnel who were responsible for the death of Sapam Robinhood are still not suspended. He had argued that the police who were responsible for shooting Ngangom Robinson at Singjamei Mayeng Leikai on July 28 were suspended, but no action has been taken against those who were involved in the Robinhood incident despite a judicial inquiry being initiated in the regard, according to the sources.

Late night reports informed that the Chief Minister had called RK Anand and Ng Bijoy to his bungalow to settle the matter but, N Biren refused to come for talks.

It may be mentioned that the late S Robinhood belongs to N Biren`™s assembly constituency.

IFP called up the concerned MLAs to verify the reports, but they remained unreachable.

Regarding the ILPS agitations, the State government has requested the Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi for deployment of Rapid Action Force (RAF) at Imphal.

Reliable sources mentioned that a fax message has been sent to the Joint Secretary (North East), MHA seeking immediate deployment of at least two companies of RAF at Imphal to aid in handling the law and order problem.

Sources maintained that the request for deployment of RAF was made in light of the intense agitations over the ILP issue and the under-staffed Manipur Police.

It is also learnt that acting on the problems faced by the public, the BJP Manipur Pradesh top leaders including its president Th Chaoba are presently camped at Delhi to meet the Union ministers and to put up a memorandum to the concern for clamping President`™s Rule in the State.

This is in the light that the State government has been unable to tender to the genuine demand of the public and handle the series of ongoing protests in the State.

Sources mentioned that signatures of BJP members have been collected in the petition urging for President`™s Rule.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/mlas-resign-from-drafting-committee-leaving-govt-in-a-quandary-bjp-bids-for-pr/

IMPHAL, Jul 29: The Governor of Manipur has expressed profound sorrow at the sad demise of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, former President of India.

Dr. Syed Ahmad in a condolence message said, `Dr. Kalam was an illustrious and visionary President of the country and guided millions of children to follow the path of the finest leaders of the country. He was the role model to the children in the country. `He invoked God to give his family members, the strength to bear the irreparable loss with courage, and prayed for his departed soul.

In a similar message, CM O Ibobi has also conveyed his deepest condolence at the sad demise of Dr. Abdul Kalam, former President of India and a Bharat Ratna awardee.

In his message, he said that Dr. Abdul Kalam was a great human being and visionary par excellence and his demise is an irreparable loss to the nation. His visits to Manipur are still remembered here and expressed sadness that he passed away while doing the things he likes best, igniting the minds of the youth of this country.

Echoing the same, Speaker Th. Lokeshwar expressed his deepest condolence at the untimely demise of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and shared the sorrow of family members and well wishers. In a message, Th. Lokeshwar said, Dr. Kalam was brought up from a humble fisherman family. He loves interacting with young students and even dedicates his last minute for the service of the country. When he was the President of India, he came to Bunglon village and inspects the needs of the school students. We should never forget the good deeds of Dr. Kalam, the Speaker urged.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/guv-and-cm-mourn-death-of-apj-abdul-kalam/

IMPHAL, July 29: Asking the government to immediately cease indulging in double standard, the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) has accused the Drafting Committee constituted by the government of misleading the people by making false promises that a draft bill to monitor the alarming influx of outsiders into the state will be produced within three days.

In a statement signed by assistant media co-ordinator of JCILPS, the committee alleged that the government has been dishonest when it comes to the proposed bill, which is evident from the fact that suggestions have been sought from the public on the proposed drafting bill which should be acceptable to the people.

By passing the controversial Manipur Regulation of Visitors, Tenants and Migrant Workers Bill, 2015 instead of the draft bill recommended by the all political parties, it has been proved that the government is working according to its whims, sidelining wishes of the people. The present public outrage over the enactment of a fresh bill is due to the apparent failure of the government to work according to pulse of the people, it said.

Stating that the committee has lost faith in the government, the statement said the government could win hearts of the people only after the five points recommended by the committee are included in the proposed bill.

The government should regard and accommodate the resolutions adopted during the recent public convention on ILP in the proposed bill, it demanded, asking to suspend those police personnel involved in the killing of Sapam Robinhood instead of protecting them.

Further charging the government of violating Right to Education Act by closing down all the educational institutions since July 9 in fear of reprisal from the student community following the death of Robinhood, the statement made it clear the ongoing mass movement for enactment of an acceptable cannot be suppressed by shutting down the educational institutions.

It then clarified that the committee has not been formally informed by the government about the progress on the proposed bill.

Announcing that the committee will launch civil disobedience movement to teach the inefficient government a fitting lesson, it appealed to the people to continue with different forms of agitation including sit-in-protest, road-block, mass rally etc till a fresh bill acceptable to all sections of the people is passed by the government.

The JCILPS in the statement also cautioned the government not to try to suppress the ongoing mass movement by using excessive power and deploying state forces as unwanted incidents may crop up thereafter.

Maintaining that the ongoing mass movement is for the sake of securing identity of the present and future generation, the committee appealed to protestors to not cause disturbance and damage to vehicles belonging to electricity, ambulance, water supply, media, medical and religious service during the agitations.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/jcilps-on-course-to-launch-civil-disobedience-movement/

IMPHAL, July 29: The State cabinet has already decided to upgrade the Churachandpur District Hospital to a medical college, said Health minister Phungzathang Tonsing after inaugurating two Primary Health sub-Centres at Pearsonmun Village and mata Village in Churachandpur today.

Churachandpur is the second city of Manipur, he said adding that the State cabinet has selected the district for the medical college proposed in a hill district.

Phungzathang said the 100-bedded CCpur hospital was recently upgraded to a 200 bedded hospital.

The State is now considering as to whether expand the hospital by acquiring the nearby area or to shift it to a new site, the Health minister said.

Meanwhile, elaborating about the two sub centres inaugurated today, Phungzathang said the two sub-centres were long established but had not been properly functioning.

Now with the new buildings inaugurated today, the two will start functioning normally from today, he observed.

He also assured that the department will make arrangements to hire grade VI employees starting from today onwards.

Although there are no criteria for posting regular doctors at both the sub-centres, visiting doctors will be made available in the sub-centres, he said.

According to the rule books, there is no provision entitling a doctor in a PHSC, but, he said, he had requested the doctors to atleast visit the PHSCs one or twice a week.

He further urged the nurses and the grade VI staff of the PHSCs to work diligently.

Okram Ibomcha director Health Services and project director, NRHM said there are now 421 PHSCs in the State including the two inaugurated today.

ASHAs and ANM nurses will directly contact people for immunization of pregnant women and children in the PHSCs, he observed.

The PHSC is the grass-root level of the Health sector, but it can be easily upgraded to a CHC if its performance is good, he continued.

Replying to a request of the chief of Mata Village to upgrade the PHSC to a PHC, the minister said it is not that easy to do so, but will certainly make an effort.

Deputy commissioner CCpur Lunminthang Haokip said that the efficiency and dependability of Ccpur in health sector is evident from the fact that many patients continue to arrive in the district from the neighbouring States for treatment.

On the occasion the Minister was accompanied by Director of Health Service Manipur and Director of Family welfare Manipur,and host of newly elected MDC, the SP and DC of Ccpur ,SDO Ccpur, CO of Khuga Battalion,CMO, Med.Supernatant of Ccpur district Hospital.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/health-minister-inaugurates-phscs/

IMPHAL, July 29: Womenfolk today stormed the residences of their respective local MLAs in support of the present movement demanding implementation of the ILPS or a similar law and submitted memorandums endorsing the five-point demands of the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System.

Residents of Wangkhei Assembly Constituency submitted a memorandum to local MLA Yungkham Irabot Singh endorsing the five-point recommendation.

Womenfolk started a rally from the Khurai Ahongai Leikai and marched towards the MLA`™s residence passing through Khurai Lamlong Bazar, gathering more women agitators from each locality along the route.

More than 500 womenfolk had gathered by the time they reach the MLA`™s residence.

The rally was organised by the Khurai Ahongai Thangjam Leikai Nupi Kanglup, Khurai Thangjam Leikai Abunba Nupi Lup, Lainingthou Awangba Mamang Leikai Women Welfare Society, Khurai Thoudam Leikai Nupi Lamjing Lup and Khurai Athouba Nupi Lup.

The memorandum submitted to the MLA endorsed the recommendation of the JCILPS for a cut off base year of 1951 for detection and deportation of illegal migrants, denial of land ownership rights for non-domicile, introduction of permit/ pass system for migrant workers, a full-fledged Labour department and a more appropriate title for the new bill.

Meanwhile, accepting the memorandum, the MLA supported the demands to be rightful demands.

He further expressed his concern for the indigenous population in the State and said this demographic imbalance will lead to various consequences to the disadvantage of the indigenous people.

He further highlighted that the Meitei population has been reduced to minority status in different pockets of places like Jiribam.

In a similar fashion, womenfolk of Langthabla Lep Makha Leikai, Langthabal Lep Awang Leikai and Langthabal Phuramakhong also stormed the residence of Naoriya Pakhanglakpa MLA RK Anand to submit a similar memorandum.

NNN adds: Women protestors in large numbers stormed the residences of Keishamthong MLA Laisom Ibomcha and Uripok MLA L Nandakumar. As a result, big conflicts arose between the security forces and the protestors. But ultimately, police succeeded in thwarting off the protestors.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/locals-storm-mlas-residences-endorsing-jcilpss-five-point-recommendation/

IMPHAL, July 29: Asserting that the ongoing mass movement for enactment of a new bill in interest of the indigenous people of the State is nearing its goal, the All Manipur United Clubs Organization (AMUCO) has accused the government of not showing keen interest in safeguarding the indigenous people.

According to a statement signed by its secretary Information & Publicity, the government decided to pass a new bill acceptable to the people within the ambit of the Constitution of India only after witnessing public outcry and death of Sapam Robinhood who was killed in police action while taking part in a protest demonstration.

The Congress government in the State is taking lightly the public demand for implementation of Inner Line Permit System or any similar law to serve the purpose, it said.

Time has come for the people to identity those who are trying to create rift amongst the ILPS protestors by adopting certain ways, it stated.

Pledging that the committee in unison with clubs and organizations will face those who are trying to suppress the mass movement whether they are MLAs or ministers, the statement appealed to the people to continue supporting steps taken up by JCILPS and JAC formed in connection to the death of Sapam Robinhood due to police action for the sake of the indigenous people.

The government could have passed an effective bill in the interest of the indigenous people earlier, but instead waited for the people to revolt first, it said.

The five-Member Drafting Committee constituted by the government to draft a new bill is just an eye wash as the committee was formed only to appease the enraged protestors, it said.

The AMUCO in its statement asked the members of the Drafting Committee to step back if they are not going to draft the proposed bill within the set deadline.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/amuco-vows-support-to-ilps-movement/

IMPHAL, July 29: Smoke filled the skies in Imphal and sounds of smoke bombs and tear gas shells filled the air, as protestors came out to the streets with full force on the second day of the 38-hour general strike demanding punishment for the police personnel involved in the death of Sapam Robinhood.

Unlike in the first day of the strike, the second day witnessed violent eruptions with police-agitators confrontations reported from several parts of the valley districts today.

The JAC formed in connection to the death of the young class XI student Sapam Robinhood had called a 38-hour general strike in the State expressing dissatisfaction against the State government`™s failure to suspend and punish the police personnel involved and provide justice to the boy`™s family.

The general strike came into effect at 5am of July 28 and concluded at 7pm July 29.

Sapam Robinhood succumbed at the hospital where he was taken after being hit by a tear gas shell fired by the police in their bid to control a student rally on July 8 demanding implementation of the Inner Line Permit System in the State.

In the meantime, the boy`™s body continues to lie in the JNIMS mortuary as the JAC has denied accepting the body until the government fulfills the demands for punishment of the involved personnel and implementation of the ILPS or a similar law.

Protestors burnt tyres and tree branches to block roads while police personnel fired tear-gas shells and smoke bombs in their bid to disperse the protestors.

The general strike affected inter-district and inter-State passenger services bringing the State to a standstill.

Supporters came out in full support and blocked roads by burning tyres and logs on the road. Boulders were also used to block roads at difference places. Women`™s clothing were hanged at several localities blocking roads.

General strike supporters including both men and women of all ages came out to the streets in several localities to join the agitations including formation of human chains, staging sit in protests, taking out rallies or blocking roads.

A brief confrontation between womenfolk and the police were reported near the Ramlal Paul High School at Keishamthong area after the police personnel tried to pick up some youngsters for allegedly pelting stones at the security forces.

A 65-year old man who was standing at the balcony of his house was hit by a police fired tear gas shell injuring his left leg during the commotion. Family members rushed him to a hospital in their family vehicle.

Agitators and bandh supporters were also seen coming out on the Tiddim Road starting from Keishampat junction and till Kwakeithel bazaar and sat on the road barricading traffic as part of the strike.

They also shouted slogans demanding punishment for the personnel involved in the death of Sapam Robinhood and implementation of the ILPS or another similar.

Three youngsters were also picked up by the police for allegedly using catapults.

Air passengers arriving at the Imphal airport from outside the State had to walk the entire stretch upto the Keishampat Junction on foot with their baggages as the entire road stretch remained blocked for the day.

Similar confrontations and demonstrations were also witnessed at Sagolband, Uripok, Thangmeiband, Chingmeirong, Wangkhei, Singjamei and Kakwa areas.

Womenfolk of Keishamthong Moirangningthou Leirak also staged a sit in protest at their locality demanding punishment of the personnel involved in the killing of Sapam Robinhood on July 8.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/protest-escalates-on-second-day-of-jacs-38hour-general-strike/

IMPHAL, July 29: The water level in Sangaiyumpham area which had been flooded owing to overflow of Wangjing River following incessant downpour in the past few weeks, has receded.

However, residents of Tentha area have been pushed to the wall as more than 2000 acres of their paddy fields and 300 residential houses remain inundated.

The residents are finding it hard to accommodate themselves in the present scene.

Many of the fish farms in the area have also been submerged in water. The overflowing of water from the Wangjing River is caused due to the breakage of the river pavement following the heavy shower of rain in the last couple of days, according to locals.

Notably, a large portion of the river pavement had already caved in on June 9, thereby inundating many residential houses and paddy fields.

MLA of Wangjing-Tentha Constituency Paonam Brojen had visited the affected areas yesterday and tried to stop the water from further entering residential houses and paddy fields using JCB and Tata Dipper vehicles.

Today also, locals along with labourers brought from other places tried to repair the broken portion of the river pavement from where water is flowing out.

Former minister Moirangthem Hemanta also sent additional vehicles and labourers to do the needful.

As the overflowing water from the river could not be stopped, fishes reared in ponds and farms in different areas, have also vanished, claimed locals.

Social worker from Wangjing Haobam Roben Singh came in and provided drinking water to the affected people.

A team of government officials led by AE of IFCD, Thoubal Division L Arunkumar also arrived and took part in the effort to block the overflowing water.

According to the flood victims, the frequent breakage of the river pavement is due to lack of digging of the river bed during the Wangjing River Flood Control Project.

Unless the river bed is properly dug out, pavement of the river may collapse anytime and people of the area will witness more flood, the aggrieved victims said.

Meanwhile, a one-day free health camp was organized by District Health Society, Thoubal today for people of Sangaiyumpham area under Khangabok Constituency in Thoubal district, whose residential houses and paddy fields have been inundated due to overflowing of water from Wangjing River following incessant rains for the last few days.

Around 335 people who have been affected by the flood were done health check-up during the camp.

Along with availing facilities of ultra sound and laboratory test, free medicines were also provided to the people.

The camp was organized under Health department with support of representatives of Panchayat, club members and villagers.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/flood-in-sangaiyumpham-recedes/

IMPHAL, Jul 29: The Tribal Youth Council Manipur has said that the bandh imposed on the Dingku Road by the JAC formed in connection to the death of Sapam Robinhood has caused much inconveniences to the public.

A statement of the council said it is deeply saddened by the death of Robinhood, but the indefinite blockade at Dingku Road has caused a lot of inconveniences to the public, mainly the people from Ukhrul district and people residing along the roads.

It has further appealed to the State government and JAC and also the well-known valley based civil organisations to look into the matter.

It further charged that the hill people were not consulted for the ILPS movement.

As such, hill people should not be forced to join the agitation for ILP, it asserted.

It should not construe hill people as pro-ILP or anti-ILP movement, but the fact is that, valley people have never consulted the hill organizations on this issue.

As per our customs, an individual or groups cannot join such movements without the prior consent of the apex bodies, it claimed.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/dingku-road-blockade-causing-inconvenience-tycm/

IMPHAL, Jul 28: A man who was having a fest with friends inside a tent house was injured allegedly in police firing today.

The incident occured around 7:50 pm.

Locals said Ngangom Robinson, 32, son of (L) Ng Debendro of Singjamei Mayengbam Leikai was having dinner with some friends inside the AK Enterprises Tent House along the Imphal-Moreh highway in Singjamei area when they heard someone pelting stones at the tent house.

The tent house was close for the day on account of the 38-hour general strike called by the JAC formed in connection to the death of Sapam Robinhood, according to sources.

It is also learnt that when Robinson and his friends came out they saw some police personnel of Kakwa Police Station throwing stones at thier tent house. This resulted in a confrontation between the two groups.

Soon more police personnel came in a Rakshak vehicle and fired towards them during which Robinson was hit on his left thigh and right wrist. Residents soon called the local MLA who came and took Robinson to the RIMS for treatment.

It is also learnt that Robinson was first provided some first aid by a local doctor.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/man-injured-in-alleged-police-firing/

IMPHAL, July 28: The government constituted bill drafting committee`™s appeal inviting suggestions and recommendations from the public is a delaying tactic of the government, Janata Dal (United) Manipur president M Tombi claimed today.

Speaking to media persons at a press meet at the party`™s office today, he claimed that recommendations and suggestion from the all political parties committee, legal experts, academicians, politicians, Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System among others have already been submitted to the State government.

Now, if the present government is at all interested in introducing the bill, the government could pass a bill based on these recommendations alone, he said.

But on the contrary, the government is inviting recommendations and suggestions from the people which smacks of the government trying to delay the bill preparation, he lamented.

The State government should prepare the new bill based on the recommendations of the JCILPS and the all political parties committee, he continued.

The BJP Manipur Pradesh has also to take a vital role in the present issue Tombi said, adding that the BJP Manipur Pradesh could pressure the Centre where the BJP is leading the government to enact the ILPS or a similar law in the State.

He further accused the BJP Manipur Pradesh of all talks and no work.

Instead of only making statements over the present issue, Tombi asked the BJP to act on the issue.

It is very unfortunate, that the present Congress government has failed to take any action until there is death, he observed.

He continued, the government is also not trying to bring any amicable solution with the JAC formed in connection to the death of Sapam Robinhood so that the last rites of the student could be conducted.

Police personnel involved in the death has been encouraged rather than take action against him, he charged.

General secretary of the party, Len Gangte also said that the BJP has to play a vital role in the implementation of the ILPS in the State, however, the BJP Manipur Pradesh president Th Chaoba is only trying to take political mileage out of the issue.

If Choaba had taken any initiative, the ILPS could have been easily implemented in the State, he said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/governments-appeal-for-more-suggestions-a-delaying-tactic-jd-u/

IMPHAL, July 28: The Manipur Peoples`™ Party has charged that it would be difficult for the bill drafting committee constituted by the government to draft a bill which would serve the interest of the indigenous people under its present chairman Th Devendro.

Making the allegation, MPP president N Sovakiran told media persons that Th Devendro who has always promoted foreigners to bank on their votes will find it difficult to draft the bill to safeguard the interest of the people.

He was speaking at a press conference at the party`™s Imphal office.

He charged Jiribam MLA Th Devendro of turning illegal immigrants from countries like Bangladesh into electors in his constituency to strengthen his vote bank.

Now the government has handed him the responsibility of preparing a draft to safeguard the interest of the people, which is hard to believe, he continued.

The MPP is unconvinced that the drafting committee under the present chairman would be able to come up with a satisfying bill, he observed.

He further demanded a report on the status of the bill preparation from the drafting committee.

The present turmoil in the State is due to the government`™s neglecting recommendations from experts and the all political parties committee led by Gaikhangam, he said.

Now as such the new drafting committee should report on its status every few days, he demanded.

Today, there are several localities in the State with foreign names; this is all because of MLAs like Devendra who allow foreigners to settle down so that these illegal immigrants could act as their vote banks, he claimed.

Now there are villages with names like Islamabad in Jiribam, Sovakiran charged.

All the ministers in the Congress government in the State led by Okram Ibobi Singh and Gaikhangam have been on foreign tours, yet they have no concern to bring the same development they had witnessed during such trips in the State, he charged.

The government it seems is more concern of the contract works, he alleged.

The failure of the Congress government is quite evident from the present issues like the leakages at the Thoubal Multi-purpose Project dam, he observed.

He said people have started to flee from their villages fearing that the dam leakages could create havoc if allowed to go unchecked.

However, the government is still unable to provide assurance to the people residing in the downstream villages that the dam will not collapse, he continued.

The Chief Minister had assured that the Sekmai Dam will not collapse but it has collapsed recently, he claimed.

The hanging bridge on Barak River had also snapped recently which is also anther failure of the government, he claimed.

The most number of cracks appearing in government constructed buildings have come up during the last 13 years of the Congress government, which is because of failure to maintain quality during construction, he alleged.

The government should be responsible for all these, however, it has failed to take up any action against any official he said.

Never has the present government ever taken a timely solution to an issue, he charged.

He continued even the police personnel involved in the death of Sapam Robinhood have not been suspended till date.

The education sector has been shut down for the past many days, and there is no visible solution for the schools to open in the near future, he claimed.

The MLAs of buying fertile soil at low prices and selling it off to the government for the construction of the National Sports University, Sovakiran further charged.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/mpp-censures-choice-of-chairman-for-bill-drafting-committee/

IMPHAL, July 28: The 38-hour state-wide general strike being imposed by the JAC formed in connection to the death of Sapam Robinhood alias Thoi of Lairikyengbam Leikai, Imphal East with effect from 5 am today in protest against the government`™s lackadaisical attitude towards delivery of justice to the death of the student in police action on July 8, has greatly affected normal life in the State.

Inter-state and inter-district passenger services stayed off the road due to the ongoing strike.

Movement of private vehicles along the State and National Highways was minimal. Business establishments, shops, banks and oil pumps in different parts of the State remained closed.

The rate of attendance of employees in government and private offices was low owing to the strike. Markets including Khwairamband Keithel in Imphal also bore deserted look. Many programmes which were supposed to be held today had to be postponed.

The strike which will remain effective till 7 pm of tomorrow looked total mainly in the valley districts.

On the other hand, volunteers of Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) and supporters of the JAC blocked roads by burning tyres and placing wood logs in different areas during the course of the strike today.

Movement of vehicles and commuters in the areas was also restricted by the strike supporters.

The strike supporters shouted slogans such as `Implement ILPS in Manipur`™, `Safeguard indigenous people`™, `Punish those police personnel involved in the killing of Robinhood`™ etc.

However, there is no news of any untoward incidents during the course of the strike.

The ongoing general strike called by the JAC also badly hit normal life in Thoubal district.

Shops and business establishment were downed shutters. Except few private vehicles, passenger services in the district were ceased.

Strike supporters who came out in large numbers blocked Thoubal Wangmataba Road by placing wood logs and burning tyres. Passage of vehicles except for religious purposes through the district was also stopped by the supporters in the evening.

A large number of security personnel deployed in different parts of the district remained vigil to thwart any untoward incident during the strike.

On the other hand, Thoubal Awang Leikai Apunba Meira Paibi Lup staged a sit-in-protest at Thoubal Bazar in support of the mass movement led by JCILPS for implementation of Inner Line Permit System in the state.

During the protest demonstration, the protestors chanted slogans like `Award stringent punishment to the police personnel behind the killing of Sapam Robinhood`™, `Enforce ILPS in Manipur without further delay`™, `Long live Manipur`™ etc.

The protestors also urged the government to re-open all the educational institutions at the earliest in the larger interest of the students.

The educational institutions were closed down by an order of the government following the death of the student.

Extending solidarity to the collective demand for ILPS implementation, a sit-in-protest was also staged by Thoubal Kiyam Siphai Khundongbam Leikai Meira Paibi Lup at Thoubal Kiyam Siphai during which slogans such as `Long live Manipur`™, `We condemn killing of Robinhood`™, `Safeguard the indigenous people by passing the proposed bill within the set deadline`™ etc were shouted.

Meanwhile, tension mounted in Tellipati and Soibam Leikai area following a verbal exchange after a shop open in the inside lane despite the general strike called by the JAC of Robinhood today.

In the late afternoon, Gulabi wife of Brahma Sahu opened the shop and when locals asked her to shut, she refused with demeaning answers.

Scuffle followed and volunteers destroyed her shop and set fire to the goods and a two wheeler that belongs to the family.

This led to a spiraling tension fortunately police arrive in time and diffused the mob.

The concern MLA Y Irabot also came to the spot and mediated the situation.

After his intervention the arrested youth named Bhim was also released by the police.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/robinhood-jac-general-strike-in-full-effect-normal-life-badly-hit-on-first-day/