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Bill drafting committee optimistic after meeting with legal experts

IMPHAL, July 25: Both the All Manipur Bar Association and the High Court Bar Association have shown keen interest in assisting the drafting committee of a new bill to protect

Aripat Meira paibis demonstrated at Pechi Chingolak by forming a human chain.

IMPHAL, July 25: Both the All Manipur Bar Association and the High Court Bar Association have shown keen interest in assisting the drafting committee of a new bill to protect the indigenous people of the State with their legal expertise, chairman of the government constituted drafting committee Thoudam Debendra Singh told media persons today.

Addressing media persons after a meeting of the drafting committee and legal experts from the two bar associations, Debendra who is also the Law and Legislative Affairs minister said that the legal experts will help the committee in preparing a new bill which will be acceptable to both the public as well as the government authority giving assent to it.

Today`™s meeting with the legal experts was the third meeting hosted by the four member government drafting committee.

The meeting was attended by a five-executive member team of the AMBA and eight-executive member team of the HCBA led by their respective presidents.

Devendro said `Today`™s discussion was enriched by the participation of the legal practitioners.`

`In the larger objective of brainstorming together with all the stakeholders, the drafting committee will continue to discuss the bill with all the stakeholders.`

The Law minister also said that the legal perspective regarding fundamental rights, right to settlement, land laws were discussed to develop a conceptual clarity among the members and all stakeholders to ensure proper drafting of the new better.

We will continue to utilize their service whenever required as we progress with the drafting, he said.

He further said, we wish to expedite the drafting and yet it is imperative to be guided by the legal experts hence we have requested for their inputs within a few days.

On the framework of the bill, the chairman insist, `The new bill will be based on reasonable restrictions within the framework of five points namely: Freedom of movement; Right to settlement; Ownership rights under MLRLR Act 1960; Improvement in Labour law and Deportation vis a vis 1951 as base year.`

Responding to a media query regarding efforts initiated by the drafting committee to invite the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System in this consultative process, the chairman said, `We acknowledge the importance of their opinion and continue to await their response.`

He however reflected the absence of officially communicating to JCILP till date.

Replying to a query as to the absence of a constitutional expert in the process, the law minister quickly retorted that a constitutional expert will be consulted at a later stage only after a preliminary bill is drafted.

Curfew relaxed for 15 hours today

IMPHAL, Jul 21: The indefinite curfew imposition in Imphal West and Imphal East district from July 8 by orders of its District Magistrates will be relaxed for 14 hours tomorrow

IMPHAL, Jul 21: The indefinite curfew imposition in Imphal West and Imphal East district from July 8 by orders of its District Magistrates will be relaxed for 14 hours tomorrow from 5 am to 8 pm.

The curfew was clamped in view of the volatile situation in the districts following the death of a student of Ananda Singh Higher Secondary Academy in the hands of police during a protest demonstration on July 8 demanding enforcement of Inner Line Permit System in the state.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/curfew-relaxed-for-15-hours-today/

BJP to submit recommendations on ILPS to government

IMPHAL, July 24: The BJP will be submitting its recommendations on the Inner Line Permit issue adopted by its five member panel to the government soon, informed one of the

IMPHAL, July 24: The BJP will be submitting its recommendations on the Inner Line Permit issue adopted by its five member panel to the government soon, informed one of the general secretaries of the BJP Manipur Pradesh M Asnikumar.

Speaking to media persons in his party office, Asnikumar said the panel will be submitting its recommendations to the party president later in the evening.

He said the party`™s core committee will be discussing the recommendation after the submission to the party president.

The recommendations will later be submitted to the government, he said.

The demand for implementation of the ILPS in the Stat has been there for long, however, the Congress government has always denied it, he charged.

The demand for ILPS is a valid demand to safeguard the interest of the indigenous people which has been denied for long by the Congress, he continued.

The government, he said has failed to take action even now although a student has lost his life during police action.

He further accused the government of not taking any action against the police personnel, and demanded suspension of the personnel involved in the death of Sapam Robinhood at the earliest.

It is shocking that the last rites of Late Robinhood`™s body is yet to be performed, he added.

Adding that education institutes have also been closed since July 9, he said the present government is a weak government.

He demanded the government to open the educational institutes at the earliest.

Other than the ILPS issue, the State is also facing several other issues due to the wrong policies of the government, he claimed.

There is no accountability, transparency in everything that the government does, he continued.

There is no quality control in all projects and timely completion of any project, he added.

He further demanded the government to clarify on who should be held responsible of the sinking of Chadong Village, collapse of Sekmai Dam and leakage of Thoubal Dam.

Transporters agitation affects normal life in State

IMPHAL, July 24: The steering wheel down agitation of 12 transporters`™ bodies in support of the present movement demanding implementation of the Inner Line Permit System or a similar law

IMPHAL, July 24: The steering wheel down agitation of 12 transporters`™ bodies in support of the present movement demanding implementation of the Inner Line Permit System or a similar law in the State largely affected normal life in the State today.

The agitation started from 4am and continued till 5pm.

Due to the agitation, all inter-states and inter-districts passenger services remained off the roads for the day.

The main markets of Imphal, the three Ima market also wore a deserted look due to the agitation.

The number of vehicles plying on all major roads including those connecting districts headquarters was also minimal.

Meanwhile, supporters had also damaged some autorickshaws for plying during the agitation.

It may be mentioned that the 12 transporters`™ bodies had announced their agitation earlier in support of the present movement.

Today`™s agitation was also supported by transporters`™ bodies in other districts.

Mapithel Dam downstream villagers scatter for safety due to dam leakage scare

IMPHAL July 24: Residents of three villages located in the immediate downstream of the Mapithel Dam are scattering for safety due to fear and anxiety after the dam reportedly started

IMPHAL July 24: Residents of three villages located in the immediate downstream of the Mapithel Dam are scattering for safety due to fear and anxiety after the dam reportedly started leaking.

A team of media persons and representatives of several NGOs accompanied officials of the concern department to visit the dam site and inspect the leakages.

The team was also accompanied by villagers.

The team found that villagers of Itham, Moirangpurel and Tumakhong villages have started evacuating their villages fearing the worst due to the reported leakages.

They are presently sheltered in the neighbouring villages as well in the foothills in the vicinity.

Interacting with the media persons, the villagers groaned they had slept in their trucks, waiting sheds and makeshift shelters.

It is hard for the pregnant women, women with infants, elders and children to sleep in the outside in this pouring monsoon rain, lamented the villagers.

However, there is no sign of returning to our villages until the government intervenes and implore the situation, he continued.

It may be mentioned that during the inspection, tell-tale signs of imperfection on the dam construction could be seen.

It was also interesting to note that despite the incompletion of the dam construction, the authorities have stopped the river water and began filling up the reservoir since January.

According to officials, the base of the dam which is supposed to be 500 meters in width is just 180 meters width (completed part) while at the top it is narrowed down to a mere five meters.

The bordering work of the inside is still ongoing whereas, less than just five meters of the dam is left for the water level to inundate it.

However, EE Mohindro overlooking the inspection said there is no need to panic at the moment.

When asked why the water was block before the completion of the dam he answered, `We are filling according to the capacity of the present progress.`™

Yet there was visible sign of panic and reinforcement on the side of the official side too.

About twenty labourers were seen filling the cement bags with stones and constructing embankment along the inner side of the dam.

The labourers told the media that the work was initiated today.

Suddenly midway during the inspection, we notice the release of water through the dam spillways. The officials informed that the volume/velocity of the water released was more than doubled today since yesterday.

Takhellambam Kaboklei representing the local said, `We have photographic evidence of erosion and loose soil in several parts of the dam and today we have seen leakages.`™

For the last few days, the surrounding villagers have been in a panicky situation as the monsoon rains continue, she said.

`We have been surviving without food,` she asserted.

There are several pregnant women and young infants who are scattering in search of safety in the rain, he lamented.

She continued in response to our agitation, the authorities have released the water today.

Our apprehension is that before the completion of the dam they have blocked the water and collected such a huge volume of water, she lamented.

To laypersons like us, this has heightened our apprehension as we had witnessed the tippers filling up earth for the dam in a very loose manner.

We have submitted several memorandums, but the government continues to remain silent, the villager lamented.

Our livelihood based on our access to the river is now transformed to scarcity of water. Our flora and fauna has transformed. The government ought to take such things into cognizance and consider our survival, she continued.

Sekmai dam collapses, locals lament department`s indifference

IMPHAL, July 24: The past few days of rainfall has already taken its toll as locals of Awang Sekmai found it the hard way this morning. Locals found part of

IMPHAL, July 24: The past few days of rainfall has already taken its toll as locals of Awang Sekmai found it the hard way this morning.

Locals found part of the Sekmai dam constructed over the Imphal River under the River Lift Irrigation (RLI) Scheme under the Minor Irrigation department has collapsed and carried away by the strong currents of the river.

Locals who have been raising the issue of cracks appearing on the dam for sometime said there was no quality control during construction of the dam.

Locals also deplored that none from the concerned department has tried to inspect the damage till late morning.

It may be mentioned that during the recent session of the Manipur Legislative Assembly in the first week of this month, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh had clarified on the reported cracks appearing on the dam.

Speaking on behalf of the Minor Irrigation department, the Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh had said the Sekmai Dam construction was started in the year 2011 under the RLI scheme under NEC funding at an estimated cost of Rs 4.22 crores.

During the last week of June, the dam was put on a trial basis and supplied water for irrigation even though the construction is not fully complete, he had said and added that due to the water current of the river, the lower portion (at ground level) acted as a spring, but now it has been filled up.

The Chief Minister had also informed the House that construction of the dam was looked after by the contractors and not fully handed over to the department and as such all responsibilities should lie with the contractors.

He had also observed that the Vigilance department has also taken up a case and inquiry against three department officials who were supervising the dam, and further asserted that no official who is found guilty will escape punishment.

JCILPS urge people to continue rallies, sit ins

IMPHAL, July 24: The Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System has appealed to the people to continue with the democratic forms of agitation in demand for a proper bill

IMPHAL, July 24: The Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System has appealed to the people to continue with the democratic forms of agitation in demand for a proper bill in the interest of the indigenous people of the State.

It has appealed to the people to continue with organising sit in protests, human chains and rallies.

A statement of the committee urged the people to continue until the government reacts positively to the public resolutions.

It said the government`™s response to the resolution undertaken during yesterday`™s public consultation will show its commitment to the issue.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/jcilps-urge-people-to-continue-rallies-sit-ins/

GPF e-statements uploaded in official website

IMPHAL, July 24: The office of the Accountant General (A&E) Manipur has notified that it had uploaded the annual GPF e-statement for the year 2014-15 with effect from July 23

IMPHAL, July 24: The office of the Accountant General (A&E) Manipur has notified that it had uploaded the annual GPF e-statement for the year 2014-15 with effect from July 23 on the official website of the office.

In a statement the AG office said that all the subscribers can download their annual statement directly from the website hppt://agmpr.cag.gov.in and utilise for their advances/withdrawals/final payment etc.

It said that as PIN for login to the online GPF and OTP for GPF details are to be sent only through SMS to the respective registered mobile numbers, those subscribers whose mobile numbers have not been registered with the AG office will not be able to download their annual GPF e-statement.

It divulged that subscribers who have not been registered with the AG office are required to register their mobile number for which the registration forms can be downloaded from the website hppt://agmpr.cag.gov.in.

It further notified all the DDOs/Sanctioning authorities to download the QR code reader from the same website and install the same to the android smart phone/tablets for verification of the balances shown in the statement submitted by the subscribers at the time of their advances/withdrawals/final payments etc.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/gpf-estatements-uploaded-in-official-website/

Bill drafting committee to meet legal experts today

IMPHAL, July 24: The government constituted Drafting Committee of a new bill in the interest of the indigenous people will be meeting legal experts for the second time tomorrow at

IMPHAL, July 24: The government constituted Drafting Committee of a new bill in the interest of the indigenous people will be meeting legal experts for the second time tomorrow at 4pm.

According to reports received by the IFP, the meeting will be convened at the office of the Revenue, Law and Legislative Affairs and Forest & Environment minister Th Debendra Singh who is also the chairman of the drafting committee.

It is also learnt that the All Manipur Bar Association has formed a drafting committee of its own this evening during an extended executive meeting at its Uripok Cheirap Court complex office.

The AMNA drafting committee team to attend the meeting will be led by its president senior advocate H Chandrajit Sharma who was also appointed as the chairman of the AMBA committee, sources said.

The other members of the AMBA drafting committee are AMBA general secretary advocate B Supriya Devi as convenor, joint secretary AMBA advocate A Neelakumar Singh as assistant convenor, senior advocates S Lakhikant Singh and Khaidem Mani Singh as members.

The AMBA committee will also submit opinions of its members to the bill drafting committee before August 1.

Advocate N Kumarjit Singh who is the chairman of the 11-member core-committee of the High Court Bar Association, Manipur will lead the core committee team in tomorrow`™s meeting.

Sources also informed that the core-committee also convened a meeting this afternoon at 1pm which lasted for more than two hours.

During the meeting the core-committee had discussed at length the legal provisions regarding the five points submitted by the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System.

During the meeting, the committee also discussed preparation of a model draft bill, sources said.

Will not budge from village until RR package revised: Chadong villagers

IMPHAL, 24 July: `We are ready die in our village` said Margaret, a villager of Chadong who has till date resisted being shifted from her village even though the water

IMPHAL, 24 July: `We are ready die in our village` said Margaret, a villager of Chadong who has till date resisted being shifted from her village even though the water level submerging the village is rising uninterrupted.

Ever since the dam water of the Mapithel Dam on Thoubal River has been blocked in January this year, water has been seeping slowly and submerging villages.

A mere Rs 14 lakhs compensation for rehabilitation and resettlement does not justify the pains of the villagers, Margaret lamented.

The amount is not enough to buy even a small piece of land, she groaned.

Margaret was speaking to a small team of media persons who had visited Chadong Village yesterday to capture the mournings of the villagers who are being displaced by the rising water.

Chadong Village which had around 1400 villagers is now left with only about 300 who desire to stay back lamenting the RR package of the State government.

To reach the village from the side of Ramrei Village, one has to cross a 4-km stretch of water body in a boat which is propelled by a villager.

From the edge of the water body in Ramrei Village, one can see a view of the Chadong Community hall which seems to be floating on the vast water body.

After more than an hour of rowing, the boat reaches Chadong of which most parts including the school, church and houses are partly submerged.

A yet to be inaugurated school constructed under RMSA is about to be totally submerged. Villagers from the nearby villages are also there trying to help the Chadong villagers dismantle their houses which will soon be submerged and shift to a higher location.

The process is however, made harder by the incessant rain.

An old villager, Achung on being asked about her condition said life cannot be measured with money.

He said they were very happy before the dam with fertile paddy fields and the students attending schools and enough to support their families.

But the dam has changed all equations today, he lamented.

It is a nightmare to even think of the children`™s education, he continued.

Until the demand for a revision of the RR plan is met, they will not leave Chadong Village, he asserted.

During a brief meeting, Mapithel Dam Affected Villagers Organisation chairman Ks Dominic charged the State government had not notified the villagers about its eviction plan.

Now with the water level already reaching the cattle grazing ground, fields, playground, it wouldn`™t be long before it is fully submerged, he lamented.

He vividly expressed that until amicable solution is not brought, they will not accept any compensation amount from the Government.

He lamented that the recent inspection team led by one Chief Engineer as an expert sanctioned by the National Green Tribunal court only collected information from the government agents and officials and avoided to interact with the affected people.

He said that the government must review and arrange for sustainable survival solutions included in the organisation`™s 26-point demand which also include fishing rights, tourism rights, forest rights etc. Article 21 of Indian Constitution has been totally violated by the government, he maintained.

MDAVO vice chairman Themson Jajo supplementing on the issue said that Mapithel Dam having provision to supply potable water to the Imphal area is funded as loan by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on the agreement that the project do not violate any human rights.

He further said that the construction of Mapithel Dam has violated human rights in multiple ways and if JICA continues to fund the Integrated Water Supply Project (IWSP) will only escalate human rights violation.

Themson said that a memorandum has already been submitted to JICA on February 19 and further to follow up another memorandum will soon be submitted to JICA appealing not to fund such controversial and anti-people project.

Villagers of Thawai also known as Thoyee Village are also affected by the construction of Mapithel Dam said Saka Wonraila as their irrigation fields, the only source of their livelihood is submerged. She said that the State Chief Minister should visit the surrounding villages to see and feel the dismay of the villagers. She blamed the State government which created horrifying situation among the villages residing around the Mapithel Dam.

MMTA team rows down Imphal River garnering support for ILPS

IMPHAL July 24: Manipur Mountaineering Training Association organised a rafting rally in two rafts down the Imphal River from Maharabi near Sekmai to Khurai Lamlong Thong demanding ILPS implementation in

The MMTA team during their ILP campaign

They were greeted by thousands of people who watch them from the river banks and shouted slogans supporting the ILPS demand.

Late Sapam Robinson`™s parents also greeted the team and showed support to the endeavour of the MMTA at the river bank.

The team also stopped for a brief moment to visit their home and pay homage to the departed student.

They proceeded further down the river towards passing under Salamthong the Lamlong Bridge and stopped to greet people on the river banks along their course.

They waited for more than an hour without flinching and join the chorus of shouting the ILP slogans.

It was indeed an overwhelming support and solidarity unmatched to any form of demonstration in the ILPS movement so far and appealed to the crowds.

Bridges were loaded with people nearing stampede.

And from each bridge they gathered more supporters to the next bridge.

Meanwhile, residents of Khergao Awang Leikai also staged a sit in protest demanding implementation of the ILPS in the State.

The sit in protest was jointly organised by Khergao Awang Leikai, Khargao Association Women Development, Young Vision Association Khergao Sabal Leikai, Nasikhong Youth Union, Sabal Leikai Youth Development Association.

Wuzu Massacre: Naga Students’ Federation Memorandum against AFSPA Submitted to the Governor of Nagaland on 23rd July 2015

Ref no. NSF/memo-1/15-17

Ref no. NSF/memo-1/15-17 Dated 23/07/15

To,

Shri PB Acharya

Honourable Governor of Nagaland

Subject : Appeal against the ongoing unjust war on the Naga people, demand for the punishment of the personnel responsible for the Wuzu massacre of July 16, 2015 and the immediate repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958.

Sir,

With due respect, we, the undersigned, would like to submit this memorandum, to inform you of the Naga apprehensions and escalation of disturbances to peace and security of our people as a result of an unjust war. We would also like to seek for your kind cooperation with the Naga people and necessary intervention to take up adequate action against the war crimes perpetrated by the Indian army at Wuzu Village on July 16, 2015 and the immediate repeal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958.

That;

The honourable Governor must be aware of the media coverage about the Wuzu Massacre in Nagaland, on July 16, 2015. which has been misreported as cross firing between the NSCN(K) and the Indian Armed forces by the Indian Media. On that unfortunate day; a convoy of the Assam Rifles and Para Commandos, led by Major Surinder Singh of the 46 AR C Company, indiscrimanately fired upon the unarmed residents of Wuzu Village, who were having a discussion with the Major regarding the customary ritual funeral of the mortal remains of late Captain Puhachu, NSCN(K) who was one of those killed by the Indian Army on the midnight of 15th July 2015. In this massacre Miss Aso (13 years old) and Mr Tiizali (14 years old) were killed; Mrs Esther Jorror(24 years old) was injured, and properties were destroyed by the rampant firing of the Indian Army. The unfortunate victims were meither fired upon by the NSCN(K) nor were there any cross firing. However, the Indian media and the military establishment, as usual, have covered up the massacre with misinformation propaganda. In this regard, we have conducted a fact finding mission, which has now been widely cirulated. The fact finding report is being attached for your kind information (Annexure I).
The honorable Governor must be aware of the fact that India’s unjust war on the Naga people, in the initial stage, was primarily motivated by extra territorial, geo strategic, mercantile capitalist interests of the national chauvinist ruling forces, who in the subsequent period of time have erected local puppet regimes. In the last few decades, India’s capitalist interests to expropriate Naga natural resources and to control trade routes have been rigorously enforced at gun point. Throughout the period since the late 1940s, the Nagas have been bearing with the negative fallouts of this unjust war by India, which have been constitutionally buttressed by the draconian Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958 (henchforth AFSPA). We, the Naga people, cannot remain silent on this anymore.
The honourable Governor must be aware of the facts that throughout the period, from 1948 to 1957, the AFSPA has been theoretically imposed in all the ‘provinces’ of India. It was repealed in 1957 because it was an ugly blot to the image of a democratic and republican India. However, from 1958 onwards, India’s unjust war on the Naga people has been covered up under this Act. Section 1 of the AFSPA empowers the Governor of a State or the Government of India to construe any area or territory as disturbed and to act accordingly. SECTION 4 of the Act empowers any concerned officer to act on ‘his’ suspicion and consequently arrest anyone without warrant, to search any premise without warrant, destroy and kill. SECTION 5 of the Act empowers the concerned officer to detain any arrested person with the least possible delay and does not stipulate any time frame of the detention. SECTION 6 of the Act defends any army personnel from being held accountable for any violation of human rights inflicted on innocent citizen. Why has the onus of the AFSPA been imposed on us, when we do not want the Indian army to rule over us?
The honourable Governor must be aware of the fact that the Right to Life and justice sanctioned by the Indian Constitution and the Protection of Human Rights Act 1993, have been denied to the people affected by the AFSPA. The AFSPA has allowed the Indian Army to unleash a reign of terror, that is, perpetration of war crimes with impunity. This unjust war on the Naga people violates the international standards, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948, the Geneva Conventions 1949 (and additional protocols), the United Nations Convention against Torture (1984, signed in India), the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples 2007). The unjust war is responsible for the killing, torture, sexual disgrace, destruction of property, control of our markets and natural resources by the market forces, trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorders, deprivation and marginalisation, insecurity, and various forms of disturbances to the Naga people.
The honourable Governor must be aware of the opinions and recommendations that suggests that the Naga struggle is a ‘national liberation movement’ in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland and Myanmar which is structurally rooted by the constrains of the Indian capitalist political economy. There is a widespread view that upholds that the nationality question cannot be solved militarily. However, the Government of India is acting undemocratically, by investing more in the unjust war efforts, to keep the Nagas permanently under siege. How long should we remain silent to the suppression of democratic voices that are being raised against subjugation and exploitation.

The Naga students’ community and the Nagas are aghast by the Wuzu Masscre. Fully comprehending the dangerous fallouts of the prolonged unjust war, we appeal to your esteemed Office, to hear our democratic voice and to fulfill our immediate demands.

Our immediate demands are:

Publicly condemn the Wuzu Massacre of July 16, 2015.
Punish the war criminals responsible for the Wuzu Massacre.
The Armed Forces both Military and Para Military to be recalled back to their respective camp from their ruthless operation.
Immediate repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act.

sd/-

Subenthung Kithan

President, Naga Students’ Federation

sd/-

Boveio Poukai Duo

General Secretary, Naga Students’ Federation

Prepak cadre held: Police

IMPHAL, Jul 23: The Imphal East district police commando apprehended a lace corporal of PREPAK while conducting counter insurgency operations in general area of Khurai Chairen Thongkhong. A statement issued

IMPHAL, Jul 23: The Imphal East district police commando apprehended a lace corporal of PREPAK while conducting counter insurgency operations in general area of Khurai Chairen Thongkhong.

A statement issued y PRO Manipur Police, RK Tutusana, has identified the arrested individual as Maibam Radhesyam Meitei alias Foren, 31, son of M Sanatom Meitei of Uyumpok Makha Leikai.

It said that he was arrested near Khurai Popular High School on July 20 adding that he was involved in extortion of money from Government offices, general public and private firms for raising party fund.

A case has been registered at Porompat police station and investigation is going on, it asserted.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/prepak-cadre-held-police/

Iron bridge along Motbung `“ Pukhao road collapses

KANGPOKPI, July 23: The iron bridge over the Imphal River along the Motbung `“ Pukhao road, the only rural road connectivity in the entire area had been collapsed yesterday early

KANGPOKPI, July 23: The iron bridge over the Imphal River along the Motbung `“ Pukhao road, the only rural road connectivity in the entire area had been collapsed yesterday early morning.

The 70 feet (approx.) long Iron Bridge has been the only connectivity for the entire populace particularly the farmer community for their survival.

Speaking to media person this evening at Motbung, SL. Lamthang, Chairman, Motbung VA alleged that the concerned department failed to maintained quality in the construction of the bridge ignoring the importance of it for the people.

Drawing the attention of the local MLA Ngamthang Haokip, who is also the IFCD Minister and the concerned PWD department SL. Lamthang continued that due to the collapsed of the bridge Bolkot, Thingsat, Pukhao area and other villages has been totally cut off from other the world and render tremendous hardships to the farmers`™ community.

The VA Chairman of Motbung urged the state Government and the concerned PWD department to restore the bridge at the earliest possibility in the interest of the people.

JCILPS ready to extend deadline for new bill, but with a rider

`Suspend personnel involved in Robinhood`s death; provide written assurance to incorporate five-point recommendation` IMPHAL July 23: The Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System has decided to extend its deadline

Peoples convention on ILPS at Iboyaima Shanglen on 23 July 2015 . Photo : Athouba Khuraijam

`Suspend personnel involved in Robinhood`s death; provide written assurance to incorporate five-point recommendation`

IMPHAL July 23: The Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System has decided to extend its deadline for a new bill to monitor the unabated influx of outsiders into the State for a month following an intense five hour long brainstorming with the public and other leaders during a public consultative meeting.

The meeting convened to pool public opinion and suggestions on the present impasse between the State government and JCILPS was held at the Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen and organised by the committee.

More than 500 individuals participated in the intense discussion which was moderated by senior journalist Irengbam Arun.

The meeting commenced with the observance of a 2-minute silence in memory of Sapam Robinhood who was killed in police action to control a student rally on July 8.

At the end of the meeting the committee and those attending jointly resolved to extend the deadline set for the government to draft a new bill provided the government is ready to meet certain conditions.

The first of the conditions arrived at was for the government to pass the new bill before August 15 and that the government would provide a written insurance that it will incorporate the five points which were earlier recommended by the JCILPS to the government during the preparation of the now withdrawn Manipur Regulation of Visitors, Tenants and Migrant Workers Bill 2015.

Another condition was immediate suspension of the police personnel involved in the death of Sapam Robinhood and constitution of a judicial enquiry.

Peoples convention on ILPS at Iboyaima Shanglen on 23 July 2015 . Photo : Athouba Khuraijam

However, the meeting also resolved that people`s movement will continue until the new bill is passed by the Manipur Legislative Assembly.

Moderating the discussion, Arun explained that the purpose and the imperative need of the consultation was to streamline the future course of the movement.

He also observed that the last bill which stands withdrawn now following much public outcry was a misleading and mockery of the public demand.

He also explicitly asserted that the movement is not anti-non domicile and public should also be mindful/considerate of sensitive conducts and inconvenience due to instant impositions of bandhs, general strikes etc.

JCILPS co-convenor BK Moirangcha in his key-note address said for almost three years now, since November 2012 to be precise, the JCILPS has been campaigning for a legislation to legally safeguard the rights of the people of Manipur.

Several speakers from different fields of expertise also shared the platform to express their views on the present movement with the core concerns of almost all speakers centering on the alarming tripling of non-indigenous population of the State and the indigenous people`s shrinking ownership of resources especially land.

Executive members of the JCILPS also detailed the five-point recommendation which has already been submitted to the government and further sought a consensus on the points from those attending the meeting.

It was also observed during the meeting that the wave of support in the ongoing movement has come from the ordinary laymen including women groups, senior citizens, local clubs, individuals, CBOs and CSOs.

Leaders and representatives of the United Committee Manipur, All Manipur United Clubs` Organisation, Information Center for Hill Areas, Manipur also attended and placed suggestions on the present movement.

Several speakers also raised issues on the need to re-open educational institutes, which have today become the major casualty sufferers during any movement in the State.

One of the speakers, Dr Khomdon Lisam voiced his concern about the absence of a guiding constitutional expert in the present drafting committee constituted by the government to prepare the bill.

People`s Action for National Democratic Movement (PANDAM) president Yumnamcha Dilip Kumar also raised concern over the trust deficit of the public on the present government and its tactics, ever since the latter `betrayed the public.`

He further suggested opening up of a communication channel between the JCILPS and the government to ensure that the five-point recommendation is incorporated in the bill this time.

Titular king of Manipur Leishemba Sanajaoba implored the government to empathise and acknowledge the popular sentiment of the people and safeguard `our identity.`

He continued that the government should constitute a well represented drafting committee which will be acceptable to the public and incorporate the recommendation of the JCILPS.

He also sought penalty for the police personnel involved in the action which led to the death of Sapam Robinhood.

Meanwhile, another speaker questioned as to why the government failed to utilise the Law Secretary, the Advocate General or a constitutional expert for drafting such an important law.

Senior citizen Dr Arambam Lokendro also asserted that JCILPS being the representative of the public has the right to be informed about the progress of the drafting process of the bill and on the status of the five points.

The government drafting committee should also accommodate further suggestions that evolved from public consultations, he observed.

He suggested few actions for the government to restore the trust of the people, which include constituting a judicial inquiry on the death of Sapam Robinhood, extending official invitation to JCILPS, and drawing up ILPS or a similar law to safeguard the indigenous people in the State.

He also shared his concern about the national media projecting the movement in a different light.

National Highways in State present pathetic pictures of misery, agonises Sadar Hills CSOs

KANGPOKPI, July 23: Sadar Hills Civil Society Organizations including Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills, KSO Sadar Hills, TSA Sadar Hills and KWU Sadar Hills today expressed deep concerned over the depilated

KANGPOKPI, July 23: Sadar Hills Civil Society Organizations including Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills, KSO Sadar Hills, TSA Sadar Hills and KWU Sadar Hills today expressed deep concerned over the depilated road condition of National Highways in the state.

Speaking to media person this evening at Kangpokpi Sadar Hills CSOs secretary Information Lamcha Chongloi said that it has been a matter of great concern to the public of the Manipur that the disgraceful condition of National Highways in State are still not satisfactory to give a hassle free smooth riding presenting a perfect pathetic picture of untold miseries of the commuters as well as laissez-faire attitude of the concerned contractors while tendering in a much low rates quoted to get the works.

He continued that there may be numerous reasons for the concern PWD and BRO to explain why the National Highways in the State do not resemble those in other States.

However, to the non technical general public the main reason for the sorry state of National Highways in Manipur is the improper execution of the sanctioned works and unrefined maintenance of the highways, further added Lamcha Chongloi.

He also said that it is evidently visible to the public that PWD/BRO is not taking up any prompt action to mend the potholes when they are small and not financially a burden to the concerned departments.

The Sadar Hills CSOs secretary Information further said it is to everyone`™s knowledge that quality as well as quantity is not stringently adhered to during implementation of any works under PWD, BRO and PMGSY in any part of the State.

Sadar Hills CSOs in its endeavour towards improvement of the condition of roads in Manipur has been taking up the matter very seriously and it came to its notice that the much low rates quoted by the contractors while trying to get the works at the time of tendering is one of the major factor for the improper execution of work asserted Lamcha Chongloi while adding that this is because the supervision staff also fails to strictly maintain quality control measures over the contractors during the execution works.

Consequently, the public are losing their valuable money at the behest of the Engineers and the contractors Lamcha Chongloi added.

Therefore, the CSOs in Sadar Hills appeals to the prospective tenderers of National Highways not to quoted unreasonably low rates to get the works in future while urging the engineers of PWD/BRO to properly supervise the work irrespective of the rates quoted by the contractors.

While resolving to firmly supervise any new work taken up on National Highways to ensure the contractors and engineers are not making fool of the public Sadar Hills CSOs also cautioned that any contractors who obtained any works programme through low rates tendering will not be allowed to execute the works programme so as to avoid low quality maintenance.

CORE appeals NHRC on Robinhood killing

IMPHAL, July 23: The Centre for Organisation Research & Education (CORE) has submitted a written complaint to the chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission seeking the commission to direct

IMPHAL, July 23: The Centre for Organisation Research & Education (CORE) has submitted a written complaint to the chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission seeking the commission to direct the State government of Manipur `to constitute a judicial enquiry in connection with the extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary execution of Sapam Robinhood Singh.`™

In his written complaint, laifungbam Debabrata Roy has stated the details of the incident where in Sapam Robinhood a student was killed in police action on July 8 and a narrative of the incident.

He has further briefed in his complaint that till the filing of this complaint, `there is no report of any actions taken upon those police personnel who were involved in the summary, arbitrary or extrajudicial, or administrative execution to the minor in the name of law and order in the Imphal on July 8.`

The complaint as such has appealed to the commission to direct the DGP of Manipur to immediately register a regular FIR on the basis of the report to him and the OC, Porompat Police Station, filed by the parents of the victim and initiate criminal investigation against those involve in the extrajudicial execution and prosecute any police personnel who are found guilty, to direct the State DGP to immediately suspend all errant Manipur police personnel immediately who were involved in the extrajudicial execution of Sapam Robinhood Singh; to direct the government of Manipur to award a sum Rs. 10, 00000 only as interim compensation to the bereaved family and to take up any other necessary actions which the commission consider deem fit and proper in the facts and circumstances of the present case.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/core-appeals-nhrc-on-robinhood-killing/

Allow AIPMT candidates passage to exam centres, appeals AISF

IMPHAL, July 23: The All India Students`™ Federation (AISF) Manipur State Council (MSC) has appealed the agitators who are demanding the implementation of ILPS in the State to refrain from

IMPHAL, July 23: The All India Students`™ Federation (AISF) Manipur State Council (MSC) has appealed the agitators who are demanding the implementation of ILPS in the State to refrain from disturbing the movement of the candidates who are appearing the All India Pre Medical Test (AIPMT) this year.

Noting that 6000 students from Manipur will be appearing in the upcoming AIPMT due to be held on July 25, the AISF-MSC wishes the students a grand success.

meanwhile, it may be added that guardians of AIPMT candidates had yesterday appealed to all concern not to call any bandh, strike, blockade or other agitations on the day.

A spokesperson of the guardians had told media persons yesterday that the test is conducted on an all India basis by the Central Board of School Education according to a directive of the Supreme Court.

He had also appealed to the supporters of the ongoing movement demanding Inner Line Permit System in the State against calling any bandh or strike on the day and obstructing candidates on their way to the exam centres.

There are more than 6500 students appearing the test in various centres across the State, he had said adding that CBSE affiliated schools in the State will be the examination centres for the test.

State journalist to attend SAMSN Digital Campaign Skill Training

IMPHAL, July 23: International Federation of Journalist Asia Pacific has selected senior journalist of Poknapham S Sonia to attend the SAMSN Digital Campaign Skill Training which is going to be

IMPHAL, July 23: International Federation of Journalist Asia Pacific has selected senior journalist of Poknapham S Sonia to attend the SAMSN Digital Campaign Skill Training which is going to be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka from July 27 to 28.a

Notably, S Sonia has become the first woman journalist in the country to be selected by the federation for attending the training.

Addressing a press meet at Manipur Press Club here today, president of AMWJU W Shamjai informed that Sonia who is the convener of AMWJU Gender Cell is also the Regional Coordinator, Gender Cell of International Federation of Journalist.

Extending gratitude to IFJ for selecting Sonia to represent India in the training, he said that she will highlight various problems being faced by journalists of the country mainly of the state during the training.

Vice-president of AMWJU Ratan Luwang who was also present at the meet said that Sonia was also selected as North East Gender Cell In-Charge of Indian Journalists`™ Union (IJU) after AMWJU affiliated to the union.

He further said that Sonia was selected as the Regional Co-ordinator Gender Cell of IFJ as IJU is a constituent body of the federation.

Journey and accommodation expenditure for Sonia will be borne by IFJ, he added.

Informing that IFJ South Asia Coordinator, Ujjwal Acharya will conduct the two-day training aimed at providing direction and strategy in the design of digital campaign for national and sub-regional campaigns across the SAMN networks, he said that by the end of training, the participants will formulate a strategic digital campaign plan for media in South Asia.

AMWJU handed over a sum of Rs 5000 to Sonia to be used in her journey. She will leave Imphal on July 25 in Jet Airways.

On the other hand, general secretary of AMWJU Jit Ningomba informed that the Human Rights Law Network (HRLN); Indian Women Press Corps; Delhi Union of Journalist; Press Club of India and Mumbai Press Club have invited intending state journalists for attending and speaking in the National Consultation on Media Freedom & the Law to be held at Press Club of India, New Delhi from August 8 to 9.

He further informed that journalists willing to attend the national consultation may contact SM Atiqui Mobin through his mobile number 09973227603 or see the details in the notice board of AMWJU.

Rabina, Sanjit remembered on 6th death anniversary

IMPHAL, July 23: The 6th death anniversary of Thokchom Rabina and Chungkham Sanjit was observed today at Lamyanba Sanglen. The observance function was jointly organised by the Join Action Committee

IMPHAL, July 23: The 6th death anniversary of Thokchom Rabina and Chungkham Sanjit was observed today at Lamyanba Sanglen.

The observance function was jointly organised by the Join Action Committee formed in connection with the killing of Thokchom Rabina and Chungkham Sanjit and the Working Committee of the Apunba Lup.

It may be mentioned that both Thokchom Rabina and Ch Sanjit were killed in an alleged fake encounter at Bir Tikendrajit Road at Khwairamband Keithel on this day in 2009.

Following the incident there was a mass uprising in the State which resulted in a judicial enquiry constituted by the State government.

The observation was attended by Ayekpam Langdon Leima Coordinator of Apunba Lup, Phulindro Konsam Coordinator of Apunba Lup, Sunil Karam Coordinator of Apunba Lup, and L. Memchoubi president of Poirei Leimarol, Ph. Sakhi President of AMKIL, and Y.Lairik Leima president of Kangla Mei, as presidium members.

Leaders from different civil society organizations also attended the observance and paid floral tribute to the mortal remains of Thokchom Rabina and Chungkham Sanjit.