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Nagaland Legislators call on Union Home Minister

NEW DELHI, July 19 (NEPS): A delegation of Ministers and Members of Legislative Assembly from Nagaland led by the Speaker of Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Chotisuh Sazo and the Chief Minister,

A delegation of Ministers and MLAs from Nagaland led by the Speaker of Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Shri Chotisuh Sazo and the Chief Minister, Nagaland, Shri T.R. Zeliang, calling on the Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh, in New Delhi on July 17, 2015.
The Union Home Secretary, Shri L.C. Goyal, the Interlocutor for Naga peace talks and Chairman, Joint Intelligence Committee, Shri R.N. Ravi and the Joint Secretary (NE), MHA, Shri Shambhu Singh are also seen.

NEW DELHI, July 19 (NEPS): A delegation of Ministers and Members of Legislative Assembly from Nagaland led by the Speaker of Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Chotisuh Sazo and the Chief Minister, T.R. Zeliang, called on the Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh here on 17th July and discussed different Naga Political issues.
The delegation comprising the entire political spectrum of Nagaland, mentioned about their firm commitment to the Naga Peace process. The delegation hoped for an early settlement of the issue as according to them different civil society groups and people of Nagaland want peace.

Rajnath Singh, after hearing different members of the delegation stated that the Government of India is committed to maintain peace in the state as well as in the North Eastern region and will extend all necessary help in this regard.

Singh stated that the Government of India is committed for peace, prosperity, stability and the same is desired by the people of Nagaland. He mentioned that the unilateral abrogation of ceasefire by NSCN (K) has caused pain and concern to the people of Nagaland and the authorities in the state and at the Centre. The Home Minister expressed satisfaction on the steps being taken by the state government and stated that there should be no atmosphere of fear psychosis among the people.
Earlier, the delegation called on the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju and discussed the issues with him.
The Union Home Secretary, L.C. Goyal, the Interlocutor for Naga peace talk and Chairman, Join Intelligence Committee, R.N. Ravi and Shambhu Singh, Joint Secretary (NE), MHA also attended the meeting.

Colonisation v Indigenisation

It is difficult to do a running commentary on issues with such deep roots as the indigenous people`™s movement, of which without doubt the current agitation in the valley districts

It is difficult to do a running commentary on issues with such deep roots as the indigenous people`™s movement, of which without doubt the current agitation in the valley districts of Manipur is a part. However, difficult though it is, this is precisely the task journalists cannot escape from. It is for this reason that journalism is often referred to as `literature in a hurry`. It is again for the same reason that practitioners of this profession are also as often referred to as the `first draft writers of history`. Despite these limitations, nobody will argue the vital role journalism plays in any society`™s attempt to understand itself and its problems, with a view finally to resolve them. It is perhaps a vindication of the first of these two assertions that many of the best creators of literary works in the world are former journalists, some even going as far to win the Nobel Prize for Literature. There are an equal number of examples of journalists who left their profession and turned to academics and excelled. While on the job however, journalists normally do not have the leisure or the inclination to do scholarly articles needing months of rigorous researches, with referencing and footnotes etc, for they are perpetually chasing very short deadlines.

With this little acknowledgement of limitation of the profession, we want to remind everyone of the need for moderation in the free use of words and concepts such as `indigenous`. The question who is an indigenous person itself has been problematic even for researchers in the field such as Christian Erni. Is this person somebody belonging to a primitive or pre-modern economy? Is he or she a practitioner of traditional, animistic religion? Is he somebody who lives in the wild and therefore stateless in the modern sense? Is a person indigenous only because she is believed to be the original inhabitant of a land? Probably the indigenous person has attributes of some or all of these, and is vulnerable precisely because these attributes are pitted against the encroachment of the modern economy and political system into their spiritual and physical spheres. But, it is quite obvious, each of these attributes are also accompanied by unresolved problems? Take the last postulate that an indigenous person is the original inhabitant of a place. Does this imply he evolved out of the soil and never moved anywhere else? Or is it just a question of his having arrived at his place of settlement earlier than later migrants? What about nomadic people? Do they cease to be indigenous? This problem, as Erni notes in his introduction to the edited volume `The Concept of Indigenous Peoples in Asia` is compounded in Asia where numerous groups contest to be classed as indigenous, unlike say in Europe or America where the dividing lines are much more distinct. To this we are inclined to add, this contest has been made even more complex in India because of the notion of Schedule Tribe and the incentive structuring that comes along with this. Interestingly, in the Indian context, a distinction has emerged between `Schedule Tribe` and `Tribe`, for obviously the two are not identical. One is a technical Constitutional categorisation and the other is a sociological condition? Small wonder then there are communities wanting to come under the ST list, and others, though by any sociological standards cannot anymore be considered a `Tribal`, refusing to forgo the ST status. It is for this reason that the understanding of the concept `indigenous` has to be flexible in places like Manipur. Hence Kukis, Nagas and Meiteis all claim to be `indigenous`, and by Erni`™s definition, all would qualify regardless of belonging to the Indian Constitution`™s ST list or not.

This musing on the volatility of the term `indigenous` is important for one more reason. If a genome study were to be done today, in all likelihood, all Meiteis, all Nagas or all Kukis may not even share the same ancestry even within their communities. Consider the valley. Many traditions, folklores and also semi-scientific studies by colonial writers have pointed out the valley has been a melting pot where different ethnicities descended and merged into a single identity since prehistoric times. Besides the hill tribes, names of many places in the valley also suggest they were early settlements of Kabaw, Awa, Khagi (Chinese), Kege, Pong, Takhel, Tekhao etc. Yale professor James C. Scott vouches this population amalgamation was a prominent feature of his and Willem Scheldel`™s imaginary landscape of `Zomia` (or the mountain massif of upland SE Asia), to which Manipur obviously would belong. The valley dwellers today probably would have the DNA of all these different peoples. If these happened in the pre and proto-historical times, this indigenisation process continued into the historical period too. If not, the Bamon and Pangal would still be aliens. This brings in another thought. If settlers come to colonise, as indeed modern settlers do, and instead of seeking to indigenise they try to marginalise or obliterate the existing indigenous cultures, the danger from the standpoint of the original population is obvious. But if the settlers come and seek to sink into the local milieu and ultimately indigenise, it is equally obvious why leniency must meet them. Those spearheading the movement for introduction of the ILPS must keep this in mind.

Leadert Writer: Pradip Phanjoubam

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/colonisation-v-indigenisation/

Govt open to talk with JCILPS, Robinhood JAC on ILP issue: Gaikhangam

IMPHAL, July 19: The All Political Parties on ILP had a meeting today during which the burning ILP issue and introduction of a new bill to monitor the incessant influx

IMPHAL, July 19: The All Political Parties on ILP had a meeting today during which the burning ILP issue and introduction of a new bill to monitor the incessant influx of outsiders into the state were discussed at length, said Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam.

Addressing a press meet at his official quarter at Babupara here today, Gaikhangam informed that the meeting that began at 3 pm and continued till 7 pm decided to convene another meeting tomorrow at 3 pm for further consultation with JCILPS and other concerned civil society organizations.

He reiterated that the Manipur Regulation of Visitors, Tenants and Migrant Workers Bill, 2015 has been withdrawn with the conviction that a fresh bill acceptable to the people has to be passed in the Assembly according to wishes of the people.

The government had convened an emergency sitting of Manipur Legislative Assembly and during it resolved to withdraw the MRVT & MW Bill, 2015 to draft a new bill at the earliest. The government also appealed to JCILPS and other stake holders to help in drafting the new bill acceptable to the people, he added.

Maintaining that a joint meeting of experts of All Manipur Bar Association, Bar Council of High Court of Manipur, Bar Council of India including senior media persons of the state had deliberated on preparation of a new bill during a meeting on July 17, the Dy CM said that during the meeting, the Chief Minister appealed to the experts to help the government in drafting a new bill at the earliest.

Even yesterday, the government attempted to meet JCILPS for having a talk on the matter but proved futile. There has been no response from their side till today, he said.

Asserting that the government is committed to having a meaningful talk with JCILPS to end the impasse over the ILP issue at the earliest, Gaikhangam appealed to JCILPS and JAC formed in connection with the killing Sapam Robinhood to co-operate with the government to prepare a new bill acceptable to the people.

He then clarified that Robinhood was not booked in the reported FIR registered by police instead it was a sue motto case taken up as per law.

After the victim`™s family filed a complaint in this regard, DGP directed to initiate a departmental inquiry into the incident. A senior IPS officer has been asked to lead the inquiry, he revealed.

JCILPS appeals for mass sit-in, formation of human chain and torch rally today

IMPHAL, July 19: The Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) which is spearheading the collective demand for implementation of ILPS in the state to check the rampant entry

IMPHAL, July 19: The Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) which is spearheading the collective demand for implementation of ILPS in the state to check the rampant entry of non-locals into the state, has appealed to the people to stage mass sit-in-protests, form human chain and take out torch rally by staying off normal duty on July 20 in solidarity to the legitimate demand.

In a statement, the committee also appealed to continue with different forms of democratic agitation everyday till a strong bill to safeguard the indigenous people from the incessant influx of outsiders into the state is passed by the government.

JCILPS, a conglomerate of 40 civil society organizations formed on July 4, 2012 has been demanding the government to enforce the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation 1873 as in neighbouring states Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh to monitor the ever increasing influx of outsiders, which has posed a serious threat to the existence of the indigenous people.

Following the public outcry, the state Assembly unanimously resolved to urge the Central Government to implement the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation 1873 in the state of Manipur as well on July 13, 2012. After the government utterly failed to do so, the JCILPS urged the government to enact a state law under Article 19 (5) of Indian Constitution, it said.

As a result, the state Assembly once again resolved to come up with a regulation comprising of ingredients of Inner Line Permit System under Article 19 (5) on July 12, 2013 but again failed to do so. After witnessing public outrage, the government formed an All Political Parties Committee on ILP ahead of the July 2014 Assembly session. Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam was made as Chairman of the committee and MLA RK Anand as Convener on August 4, 2014.

Subsequent upon its formation, the All Political Parties submitted a recommendation to the government on December 10, 2014 after seeking suggestion from intellectuals, academicians, veteran political leaders and lawyers. The 282- paged recommendation suggested that a regulation comprising of six-point could be enforced to monitor the influx of outsiders into the state.

Reiterating that JCILPS was assured by the government that a regulation based on the recommendation of the All Political parties on ILP will be enacted during the March 2015 Assembly session, the statement said the government instead passed the Manipur Regulation of Visitors, Tenants and Migrant Workers Bill, 2015 excluding the main points recommended by the committee.

ADC Sadar Hills member Haokholun Chongloi passes away

KANGPOKPI, July 19: Haokholun Chongloi, the lone elected Independent candidate of ADC Sadar Hills Members who had recently joined the Congress party expired due to cardiac arrest at SKY Hospital

KANGPOKPI, July 19: Haokholun Chongloi, the lone elected Independent candidate of ADC Sadar Hills Members who had recently joined the Congress party expired due to cardiac arrest at SKY Hospital yesterday afternoon.

He was 65 and is survived by his wife Deilhing Kadunliu Rongmei Chongloi, whom he got married in 1977 and two children Richard Haominthang Chongloi and Grace Lhaineikim Chongloi.

Haokholun Chongloi was elected as an Independent candidate from 8-Wakotphai District Council Constituency under Kangpokpi AC in the recently held 5th ADC Election, 2015.

Later, he joined the Congress party before taking oath on July 13 at the Conference Hall, Sadar Hills Autonomous District Council, Kangpokpi.

He was admitted at SKY Hospital a day after he took oath due to cardiac arrest and expired yesterday afternoon at around 3:30 pm.

Known for his exceptional leadership in the society, Haokholun Chongloi, who is the second son of (L) Vumkhohao Chongloi was born in 1949 at Leilon (Leimakhong) in Sadar Hills.

He passed MA (History) in 1981 at Guwahati University after joining the Medical Department as Male Nurse and took voluntary pension in 2009.

Late Haokholun Chongloi was also the pioneered in the establishment of Kangpokpi Christian Church which had been subsequently established in the year 1986 and became the founding secretary of the Church.

Said to be the biggest Church in Manipur, Kangpokpi Christian Church has been constructed with his commendable initiative as the Church Building Secretary apart from serving as the Church Secretary for more than 15 years.

He was also the president of Chonghang Youth from 1968 to 1988 and served as the general secretary of Chonghang Union from 1988 till breathed his last.

He was also elected as Chairman of Kangpokpi Ward No.7 for two consecutive terms and also served as Secretary, Kangpokpi Town Committee in 2011-2015 before he contested the 5th ADC Election, 2015.

Local MLA Nemcha Kipgen expressed her heartfelt condolence on the sudden and untimely demise of Haokholun Chongloi yesterday evening at the deceased residence at Kangpokpi while consoling the bereaved family members and relatives.

Members of Sadar Hills, Senapati and Tamenglong ADC also attended the last rite of Late Haokholun Chongloi today at his Kangpokpi residence apart from various CSOs including Kuki Inpi Manipur, KISH, KSO Sadar Hills, KWU Sadar Hills, KTC, KWWO, KYU, Church leaders, relatives and well wishers across the state.

Sadar Hills ADC member Haokholal Hangshing, Senapati ADC member M.L. Markson and Tamenglong ADC member Hatting Doungel shared the pain and grievance of the bereaved family while consoling them too.

Kuki Inpi Manipur and other CSOs leaders also conveyed their deepest condolence in the ceremony.

Henglep MLA disappointed with `insufficient` local area development fund

LAMKA, July 19: Henglep MLA T Manga Vaiphei who is also the chairman of the MTDC had inaugurated a new community hall at Torbung Village, Henglep sub-division yesterday. The inaugural

LAMKA, July 19: Henglep MLA T Manga Vaiphei who is also the chairman of the MTDC had inaugurated a new community hall at Torbung Village, Henglep sub-division yesterday.

The inaugural of the 100 by 40 feet hall was also attended by Henglep SDO Soimimlien as functional president.

Speaking on the occasion, the local MLA said the amount allotted as the MLA Local Area Development Fund is too little for the entire constituency of Henglep. But soon, the Henglep sub-division will be bifurcated into two for which has been already approved by the cabinet.

This will ease the taking up development work for the people.

He said only Rs 1 crore for his MLA Local Area Development Fund is too little for a constituency like Henglep which is considered the most backward and inaccessible.

He continued construction of a road from Tollen Village till Ukha Leikai will be started soon.

Vaiphei also said there is also a plan to construct community halls in various places at the earliest.

Such community halls are usually constructed under the BRGF Scheme, however, on several occasions, the fund are found to be insufficient like the one which is being inaugurated, he said.

The construction of the hall started under BRGF Scheme fund but had to take fund from the TD and his MLA Local Area Development fund, he said.

The hall was construction with Rs 15 lakhs, he said.

He continued that in order to help the citizens while exercising their franchise, he had set up more than five polling centres, one of which was in Tollen village.

Soiminlien said people should be aware that it is inappropriate and not right for people with houses to apply for IAY which is only for those who cannot afford one on their own.

He appealed to the people not to continue with such practice.

He said he is aware of such practice, because he is himself directly dealing with the IAY.

There are two ways of development, one being individual development and the other one is community development, he said.

Today`™s inauguration of the community hall is a part of community development, he said adding that all the people must try and go for community development that will bring all round development to the community while the individual one will never help develop the community at large.

The chief of Tollen village also organise a feast for the MLA and his party and village folks to show their gratitude to the MLA and said without the MLA`™s personal involvement the construction would not have been completed wanting more fund for completion.

BJP mahila president takes potshots at Congress Mahila mandal demand for women reservation in Parliament

IMPHAL, July 19: The Congress demanding woman reservation in the Parliament is good but it is mistimed and could be a ploy to divert the present issue of Inner Line

IMPHAL, July 19: The Congress demanding woman reservation in the Parliament is good but it is mistimed and could be a ploy to divert the present issue of Inner Line Permit System in the State, BJP Mahila Morcha Manipur Pradesh president RK Pramodini claimed.

Speaking to this reporter, Pramodini said the Congress should not forget that they were in power for 10 longs years in the Centre and is in power in the State for 13 years and continuing.

She was reacting to a demand of the Congress Mahila Mandal president.

Women reservation in Parliament is good but they never considered the same while they were in power for such a long time and now they are making the demand after the BJP came to power, she said.

If the Congress is really considerate of the women reservation, they could have done it during their time, she complained.

Don`™t speak on the issue and make a fool of yourself if you don`™t have proper knowledge of the woman reservation bill history, she said ridiculing the demand.

She demanded as to why the Congress is silent on the Food Security Act which is still not implemented in the State although it is already implemented in other States.

The BJP, she said honours the women.

BJP general secretary organisation L Boby Devi asked if the Congress Mahila Mandal is keen on women reservation although it has never extended any help to the family of Sapam Robinhood killed in the ILPS rally.

She demanded if they have ever raised their voice demanding justice for the family.

They are only trying to divert from the burning issue, she said.

New bill should be within the Indian Constitution, says MLA Imo

IMPHAL, July 19: We cannot stray outside of the Indian Constitution and stay within the constitutional limit while implementing any legislation like the Inner Line Permit System, Sagolband MLA RK

IMPHAL, July 19: We cannot stray outside of the Indian Constitution and stay within the constitutional limit while implementing any legislation like the Inner Line Permit System, Sagolband MLA RK Imo said while inaugurating a market shed at Sagolband Meino Leirak Machin.

He said the government has already withdrawn the Manipur Regulation of VIstors, Tenants and Migrant Workers Bill, 2015 following pressures from the public.

We need to be aware of the sensitive nature of the issue of implementing something like the ILPS, and any new bill introduced should be within the ambit of the Constitution or else we cannot get assent of the Governor or the President, he said.

All stakeholders should be very careful in preparing the bill, he continued.

He further appealed to the JCILPS, JAC formed in connection to the death of student Sapam Robinhood to remain calm during the timeline provided by the government for the preparation of the bill.

All stakeholders are also appealed to give valuable suggestions to the government for the preparation, Imo continued.

The time has come for all 57 MLAs to join hands and put away all political differences, he further appealed.

The market shed inaugurated today was constructed by the Young Pillars Union Club under the Local Area Development Fund and could be used as a market shed, bus waiting shed and various other purposes.

Local elders also shared the dais with the MLA.

Sunil Deodhar launches BJP`s Maha Sampark Abhiyan in State

IMPHAL, July 19: Sunil Deodhar who is the BJP`s Tripura in-charge today launched the Maha Sampark Abhiyan at the BJP Manipur Pradesh office. The inauguration was also attended by BJP

BJP’s Tripura in-charge Sunil Deodhar launching the Maha Sampark Abhiyan

IMPHAL, July 19: Sunil Deodhar who is the BJP`s Tripura in-charge today launched the Maha Sampark Abhiyan at the BJP Manipur Pradesh office.

The inauguration was also attended by BJP Manipur president Th Chaoba, State convenor A Sarda Devi among others.

Speaking on the occasion, Deodhar said Manipur is a beautiful place with favourable climate however the Congress government in the State has killed all of people`s aspiration and hope for development.

This is the right time to eradicate the Congress government to bring new hopes of development in the State, he continued.

The people along with the BJP should confront the Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh led government, he continued.

During its 13 long years of rule, the Congress government has not brought any development in the State, he claimed.

There is no transparency in development projects and for their own selfish interest, the Congress has introduced corruption into the entire system in the name of ruling the State, he continued.

In the last one year and two months of forming the government, the BJP has allocated huge fund for developmental projects in the State including Rs 100 crores for the establishment of the National Sports University, he said.

However, the Ibobi led government has failed to provide the land required for the construction of the university till date, he said demanding as to why the people should not consider the Congress to be enemies of the talented Manipuri sportspersons.

BJP, he said is the only answer to a bright future for the State.

He said once the BJP comes to power in the State, it will construct 3000 km length of road in the State in the first year itself.

The district headquarter road connections will be upgraded to two lane roads and those connecting the district headquarters to the State capital will be turned into four lanes, he said adding that all these is impossible without the BJP coming to power in the State.

The people, he said should bring the BJP into power in the 2017 General Assembly election for their own welfare.

Deodhar said as part of strengthening the party ahead of the 2017 election in the State, enrolment drives have been successfully conducted with more than three lakh individuals joining.

Now the Maha Sampark Abhiyan will help the party`s member to directly contact the party, he said.

Chaoba said the party will conduct an action programme of the abhiyan for 90 days in the State.

Workshops and public meetings would be conducted during the 90 days-time to spread awareness of the party objectives among the members, he said.

He said the BJP will come out strong in the three constituencies of Thongju, Thangmeiband and Wangoi where bye-elections would be held soon and these elections would be a turning point for the party.

And in the 2017 election, the BJP will eradicate the most corrupted government of the Congress, he continued.

He further rued the government dealing of the ILPS issue and said the Chief Minister is not clear on when he would be bringing out the new bill.

In the function M Asnikuamr general secretary administration, L Basanta Sharma general secretary Media affairs, S Premananda general secretary Orgnaisation, O Malesh President Yuva Morcha, BJP former-presidents and BJP Office bearer district mandal leaders were present.

IED found in CCpur

LAMKA, July 19: A Road Opening Party of 7 AR found an IED this morning around 7:20 along the NH 150 in Tolbung Bangla in Churachandpur. According to a source,

LAMKA, July 19: A Road Opening Party of 7 AR found an IED this morning around 7:20 along the NH 150 in Tolbung Bangla in Churachandpur.

According to a source, the bomb was found properly fitted in a container and found from the roadside.

The IED was later detonated at a safe location in Situ area after a bomb squad of the Army arrived around 11:45 am.

Meanwhile, traffic along the busy Imphal-Churachandpur road was stopped for some time.

Villagers also said that they had not seen any suspicious movement in and around the area this morning, and they came to know about the incident only after a huge security personnel including the CO 7th Assam Rifles and the Churachandpur additional SP arrived to take stock of the situation.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/ied-found-in-ccpur/

Curfew relaxed for 14 hrs today

IMPHAL, July 19: The indefinite curfew imposition in Imphal West and Imphal East district from 4 pm of July 8 by orders of its District Magistrates will be relaxed for

IMPHAL, July 19: The indefinite curfew imposition in Imphal West and Imphal East district from 4 pm of July 8 by orders of its District Magistrates will be relaxed for 14 hours tomorrow from 5 am to 7 pm.

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

The curfew was also relaxed for 14 hours today from 5 am to 7 pm.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/curfew-relaxed-for-14-hrs-today/

Bailey bridge over Laimatak River inaugurated

LAMKA, July 17: An important and strategically located bailey bridge upon the Laimatak River was inaugurated today next to the power house of the Loktak Hydro power plant. The bridge

LAMKA, July 17: An important and strategically located bailey bridge upon the Laimatak River was inaugurated today next to the power house of the Loktak Hydro power plant.

The bridge will help directly more than 10 immediate villages. More than 40 more villages will also get benefits of the bridge once the road extension is complete.

The bridge also known as the Tumjangphai Bridge will be fed by motor-able roads.

The bridge constructed under SPA funding has taken almost 10 years with the concern EE saying that the amount used in the construction has crossed Rs 3 crores

The 150-feet long bridge on the Leimatak River in Henglep sub-division was inaugurated today by Manipur Tribal Development Corporation, chairman and local MLA Manga Vaiphei in the presence of local MDC Demmang Haokip, MDC Khaipau and Paulal Haokip.

Churachandpur DC Lunminthang Haokip was also present at the inaugural function.

PWD EE Nenhkhampau Guite and staff of the Churachandpur PWD, village chiefs and other villagers were also present.

The bridge will be act as a corridor and improve road connectivity of the neighbouring villages.

MLA Manga Vaiphei said the day is a great day of accomplishment.

He further congratulated the PWD for the completion of the bridge construction and said hopefully more such bridges will be inaugurated before the yearend to improve road connectivity.

The MDC also expressed happiness on the inauguration of the bridge and urged the public to consider it as their own property and not just a government property.

Speaking on the occasion, the DC said the bridge will help improve road connectivity and help students in attending their schools.

The improvement in road connectivity and the district administration`™s proposal for a banking facility in the area made during the last DLO meeting, people could hope for all round development in the area in the near future, he said.

The EE urged the people to protect and take care of the bridge.

He further thanked the NHPC for all the help provided during the construction of the bridge which help in expediting the construction.

The Laimatak area`s Chief Association also expressed their gratitude to their MLA, PWD etc. and showed it by presenting tradition shawls to them including the CE of NHPC VK Karan.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/bailey-bridge-over-laimatak-river-inaugurated/

Congress handling of ILPS issue non-transparent: MPP

IMPHAL, July 17: The Manipur People`s Party decided to miss the all political parties meeting initiated by the Congress government because of its non-transparent handling of the ILPS issue, party

IMPHAL, July 17: The Manipur People`s Party decided to miss the all political parties meeting initiated by the Congress government because of its non-transparent handling of the ILPS issue, party president Nongmeikapam Sovakiran told media persons today.

Sovakiran said it took the political parties committee on ILPS more than six months to prepare the recommendations to be used in the previous bill which was passed in the March session of the Assembly.

However, the Congress government brought out an entirely different bill without incorporating the recommendations of the political parties committee during the Assembly session which was passed, he said.

Now this time also, the Congress is only trying to divert the attention from the core demands of the people, he claimed.

At the end, if there is any mistake or thing that fails to please the public, the Congress might blame the other political parties, Sovakiran alleged.

And so the MPP decided not to attend the meeting, he said.

The MPP has no desire to take political mileage from the ILPS issue, he said.

The government`s lack of transparency in dealing with the issue has only aggravated the tension in the State, he continued.

MPP senior advisor Dr Chandramani said unfortunately, the government has brought out a bill which is almost 90 percent different from the recommendations of the political parties committee, JCILPS and other experts.

Chandramani also strongly condemned an FIR filed against students taking part in the June 8 rally during which Sapam Robinhood was killed.

He said this could only aggravate the situation in the State.

The one month time to prepare a new bill is also a long period, he continued.

Art of the possible

The state home minister Gaikhangam used an old Manipuri proverb to remind a congregation of senior pressmen yesterday to underscore what the ideal condition for resolving any vexing problem should

The state home minister Gaikhangam used an old Manipuri proverb to remind a congregation of senior pressmen yesterday to underscore what the ideal condition for resolving any vexing problem should be: `lin-su hatpa, cheishu-su tektaba`, or `to kill the snake without damaging the walking stick`. The remark sums up quite succinctly what the desired outcome of the push to have the Inner Line Permit System or an equivalent in Manipur should ideally look like. It also is not very far from what the IFP has through the thick and thin of this agitation been saying, even at the risk of facing censures of the blindly passionate. First, Manipur must not surrender its humanity regardless of whatever circumstance it is caught in. Second, more in line with what the home minister said, Manipur must take care that even at the peak of its outrage it does not end up burning bridges, for it is more than likely that sooner than later there will be needs to cross the same bridges again. As somebody not part of the negotiation process, but definitely among all who have a stake in the outcome, we do hope these two thoughts figure among the guidelines before the negotiators when they go about the job of drawing up another Bill to be introduced in the Assembly in the weeks ahead.

What also has to be kept in mind is that the field it not completely open and the Bill will have to fit in a definite and given framework. No marks for guessing this framework is the one provided by the Indian Constitution. If something outside the parameters of the Constitution has to be demanded, this is not the approach road. There are many who are doing just this, as we all know, and they are seeking other routes. The point is, it would be simply futile to put up something which cannot get past the law making process, and something which goes against the Indian Constitution`™s tenets can never become law in India. The Constitution can be amended, but again within very tight limits. Its basic features cannot be changed. But, as they say, politics and diplomacy is the art of the possible, and many things are possible within what seem impossible. This is the exploration that those tasked with coming up with the Bill must be prepared for, lest their efforts are wasted and the state is back in inferno. Considering they also have to do this within a month, the task is going to be Herculean.

In this regard, it would be to the purpose to remind ourselves of a few things. One is what we are witnessing before our very eyes right now. At its crux, the issue is land. Prevent land ownership transfers and half the problem would be resolved. That the hill districts where land is already protected did not see the urgency of the ILPS question as the valley does, is evidence enough. The other point is one the IFP has been making all along. There are some non-ST states, where land transfer to non domiciles is prohibited or else next to impossible. Kashmir is one and Himachal Pradesh another. The second case is interesting. Through perusals of land reform and revenue laws of HP available on the internet and through interviews of Himachali acquaintances on phone, it is certain that land purchase in the state is not easy, if not impossible, for non residents. A specified area of land can be bought by anybody for agricultural purposes, but then which migrant would ever think of going to another state to do agriculture. A non resident can buy a flat of a specified size but not land other than for agricultural purposes. But if no land can be bought, where can estate developers build apartment blocks to make flats available for non residents to purchase? In this way, although the HP government`™s land revenue laws have not in any way contravened the provisions of the Indian Constitution, effectively they still have managed to prevent land ownership transfers to non residents. These need to be studied more closely so that Manipur can also have its way without facing the obstructions from the limits set by the Indian Constitution.

From what has already appeared in the national media thus far on the issue, we also know the mood generally is one of sympathy. Most agree, small identities do face the danger of extinction in the face of radical demography changes. In this regard, HP`™s recent history is fascinating. Till 1966 the present state of Punjab, Haryana and HP formed the undivided Punjab. After the three were separated in 1966, most of the land in HP belonged to the royalties and other feudal of Punjab. It is reasonable to believe HP land revenue laws therefore were also fashioned among others, with ensuring the return of land to HP residents in mind. Those working on the Manipur Bill now would also have to exercise their imagination as HP did. And since there is the precedence of HP, the legal path before the Manipur Bill should not be impossible. Find the way then to kill the snake without damaging the walking stick.

Leader Writer: Pradip Phanjoubam

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/art-of-the-possible-3/

Government-legal experts meet deliberates on preparation of new bill

IMPHAL, July 17: After an emergency sitting of Manipur Legislative Assembly convened on July 15 in the wake of public outcry resolved to withdraw the Manipur Regulation of Visitors, Tenants

IMPHAL, July 17: After an emergency sitting of Manipur Legislative Assembly convened on July 15 in the wake of public outcry resolved to withdraw the Manipur Regulation of Visitors, Tenants and Migrant Workers Bill, 2015 and replace it by another new one, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh convened a meeting with 12 legal experts of the State on preparation of a new bill acceptable to the people.

Sources informed the IFP that the legal experts were formally invited by the Chief Minister for the meeting which has been seen as an important development following the withdrawal of the controversial MRVT & MW Bill, 2015.

The marathon meeting that lasted for more than two hours was held at the Conference Hall of the CM`™s Office at Babupara at 4 pm.

The 12 legal experts are from All Manipur Bar Association (AMBA, High Court Bar Association Manipur (HCBAM) and Bar Council of Manipur (BCM).

AMBA was represented by its president advocate H Chandrajit Sharma; general secretary Supriya Devi; Khaidem Mani and S Lakhikanta Singh while the HCBAM was represented by its president advocate N Binoy; I Lalitkumar; N Jotindro and advocate Jotindro.

The BCM was represented by its chairman advocate N Ibotombi Singh; RK Nokulsana Singh; RS Reisang and L Shyamkishwar.

Apart from the CM, Deputy CM Gaikhangam; Minister of Law & Legislative Affair Thoudam Debendra Singh; Minister of Labour & Employment I Hemochandra Singh; Minister of Commerce & Industries Govindas Konthoujam and Works Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar Singh were present at the meeting on behalf of the government.

The meeting discussed at length about preparation of a new bill for Inner Line Permit System implementation in the State within the provisions enshrined in the Constitution of India, sources informed.

In this regard, all the 12 legal experts gave their opinions.

The meeting also had a threadbare discussion on inclusion of certain terms in the proposed bill as desired by the government following the pressure from the public.

They opined that inclusion of certain terms in the bill body is permissible, according to the sources.

The meeting also discussed on defining the terms legitimately and how far the Constitution supports it, according to the sources.

The opinions gave by the 12 legal experts were not officially recorded by the government.

Further according to sources, the experts, pledged that they will be extending all possible helps to the government in drafting and checking the new bill from the legal view.

A team of government to be led by the CM may hold more rounds of talk with the legal experts on the issue, the reports added.

Mention may be made that following the withdrawal of the Manipur Regulation of Visitors, Tenants and Migrant Workers Bill, 2015 on July 15, the government headed by the Chief Minister held a meeting with representatives of all political parties yesterday on drafting of a new bill to safeguard the indigenous population.

PIL filed against closure of educational institutes

IMPHAL, July 17: A Public Interest Litigation has been filed in the High Court of Manipur demanding immediate restoration of academic atmosphere of all educational institutions located within Imphal area by quashing of the official orders imposing temporary closure of all education institutes in Imphal areas.

According to the Democratic Students Alliance of Manipur, its deputy secretary Education and Academic Affairs Nameirakpam Edison Meitei has filed the PIL today with the State government through principal secretary (Education) and deputy secretary (Education S) and deputy secretary (Hr & Tech Education) as respondents.

In the PIL, the petitioner has said that on July 8, there was a protest made by a group of students of Ananda Singh Higher Secondary Academy therey demanding introduction of the ILPS in Manipur and while controlling the said protest, a student was killed by the Manipur Police when firing a tear gas shell towards the protestors.

It said in order to control any untoward incident in and around Greater Imphal areas, indefinite curfew was imposed.

The PIL said the same day, deputy secretary (Education S) issued an order stating that the government has noted with deep concern the disturbances of the normal functioning of schools in Imphal by the resurgent agitations demanding ILPS in Manipur and in consideration of the physical safety and security of the students of all educational institutions located in Imphal area, the Governor of Manipur is pleased to order the temporary closure of all educational institutions in greater Imphal areas.

It also claimed that the same day, deputy secretary (Hr & Tech Education) also issued another order imposing temporary closure of all higher and technical educational institution in Greater Imphal areas.

It continued that on July 11, the deputy commissioners of Imphal West and East lifted the curfew partially during day time. However, even after lifting of curfew during daytime, all the educational institutions in Imphal West and Imphal East area have remained closed without any justifiable reason, which is hampering the academic atmosphere of the students of both the districts drastically, the petitioner said in his PIL.

On July 13, the respondents had convened a meeting and decided to re-open the educational institutes from July 16, however, till date no public notification has been issued for opening of educational institutions and resumption of normal classes.

The petitioner has alleged that the respondents have failed to implement the provisions of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, which has been enacted by the Parliament for securing free and compulsory education to the children and that the prolonged closure of educational institutions of Imphal West and Imphal East Districts of Manipur has caused untold hardships to the bonafide students and their parents.

Sit-ins and rallies continue in demand of ILPS

IMPHAL, July 17: Sit in protests and rallies demanding the enactment of a law to safeguard the indigenous population and condemning the death of Sapam Robinhood due to police firing

IMPHAL, July 17: Sit in protests and rallies demanding the enactment of a law to safeguard the indigenous population and condemning the death of Sapam Robinhood due to police firing during a student rally continued today in the State although witnessed on a much lesser extent than a few days back due to the Idul Fitr and the Rath Yatra both of which fall on July 18.

Sit in protests were staged at Sagolband, Moirangkhom, Wangkhei Tokpram Leikai, Kakwa Naorem Leikai, Kongba Nandeibam Leikai.

AMMIK also organised a similar protest today.

A torch rally was also taken out at Toubul, Bishnupur District yesterday.

Meira Paibies and clubs jointly organised the rally which was participated by around 300 participants who shouted slogans like `We support ILP, Long live the indigenous people and we condemn the killing of Robinson.`

The rally concluded with a resolution that the villagers of Toubul will strongly co-operate with the steps taken up by the JCILPS, informed a statement of the TYDA, Toubul.

The All Wangjing Meira Paibi Lup; FUC Wangjing Tekcham Leikai; SEMDYC and YVA Wangjing SK Leikai took out a torch rally at Wangjing, Thoubal district yesterday.

The rally which passed through several places at Wangjing also strongly condemned the decision of the government to draft a new bill to monitor the rampant entry of outsiders into the state within three months.

Placards which read such as `Enforce ILPS in Manipur`, `Save the indigenous peoples`, `Resign Ministers and MLAs for failing to implement ILPS in the state`, `Punish those police personnel involved in the killing of Robinhood, etc used by the protestors during the rally.

Later, the protestors gathered along National Highway-2 (Imphal-Moreh Road) where they chanted slogans against the failure of the government to implement the system in the state despite taking much time.

In solidarity to the collective demand, a torch rally was also taken out at Tentha wherein a large number of protestors including womenfolk and students participated.

Torch rallies were also taken out by womenfolk, clubs and organizations at Waikhong, Thounaojam, Yangdong, Thongjao and Elangkhanpokpi.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/sitins-and-rallies-continue-in-demand-of-ilps/

UCM visits Robinhood`s family

Reson Haobijam still in serious condition IMPHAL, July 17: The United Committee Manipur and the June 18 martyrs families visited the family of Late Sapam Robinhood at Lairikyengbam Leikai and

Reson Haobijam still in serious condition

IMPHAL, July 17: The United Committee Manipur and the June 18 martyrs families visited the family of Late Sapam Robinhood at Lairikyengbam Leikai and donated some cash amount in recognition of the student`™s sacrifices for the ILPS movement.

They also visited several injured persons who are presently undergoing at JNIMS and RIMS including Ch Imobi of Khurai Thangjam Leikai and Reson Haobijam of Khurai Konsam Leikai.

The team also provided some financial help to the injured individuals for their treatment.

Speaking to media persons following the visit, UCM president Johnson Elangbam expressed deep concern against the police conduct during the recent ILPS movement.

He said young students who were participating in the democratic agitations were assaulted in such inhuman manner and inflicted with serious multiple injuries.

He further appealed to police personnel to carry out their crowd control exercise according to the trainings they had received instead of using so much violence.

He further appealed to the Chief Minister to expedite the process of drafting the new bill and complete it at the earliest.

`All political parties and representatives of JCILPS should also be consulted and their suggestions should be incorporated too, in the larger objective of saving the indigenous population of the State`™ he said.

Reson Haobijam, 17, son of H Mani and Sanatombi was admitted in a critical condition with multiple injuries at RIMS after a mock bomb exploded near him during one of the many protests.

A mock bomb splinter was infact taken out from one of his four wounds sustained in the explosion.

A vein on his right hand was cut open and he has been given five units of blood so far since his operation.

Meanwhile, the father of the injured boy said doctors have told the family that one of the boy`s ear drums is damaged and that he would have to undergo a CT Scan examination

However, since the CT Scan machine in the hospital is not functioning and since Reson cannot be taken out of the hospital due to his condition, getting the CT Scan done is getting delayed, he said.

Reson is still in a very serious condition and had another blood transfusion today.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/ucm-visits-robinhoods-family/

Unconditional release of arrested student leaders demanded

IMPHAL, July 17: The Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) Student`s Wing has demanded immediate unconditional release of the seven students`™ leaders who were arrested by police for

IMPHAL, July 17: The Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) Student`s Wing has demanded immediate unconditional release of the seven students`™ leaders who were arrested by police for taking part in protests demanding enforcement of Inner Line Permit System in the state.

The arrested students` leaders are advisor of AMSU Thokchom Suresh who is also a member of JCILPS Student`s Wing; vice-president Dhanajit Kangabam; president of AMSU Bishnupur District Committee Thiyam Kabichandra; organization secretary Khangembam Shining; finance secretary in-charge Konjengbam Premkanta; joint secretary Ningthoujam Robin and member Somokanta Soram.

In a statement, the JCILPS Student`s Wing said the government is not committed to bring an effective bill which could check the rampant entry of non-locals into the state though the controversial Manipur Regulation of Visitors, Tenants and Migrant Workers Bill, 2015 has been withdrawn.

Pledging that it will continue to launch onslaught of intense agitation till the proposed new bill is passed by the government within 15 days as set by JCILPS, the students`™ wing asked non-locals staying in different parts of the state to stay inside their rooms and not to get out.

Taking strong exception to the FIR filed against the deceased student Sapam Robinhood as reported in local dailies today, it demanded befitting action against the police personnel involved in the killing of the student during a protest demonstration on July 8.

It appealed to the people especially students to extend full support to the ongoing mass movement of ILP spearheaded by JCILPS.

BJP trashes government`s handling of ILPS issue

IMPHAL, July 17: The Congress government in the State has no clear stand on how to implement a legislation to safeguard the indigenous people of Manipur, claimed BJP Manipur Pradesh

IMPHAL, July 17: The Congress government in the State has no clear stand on how to implement a legislation to safeguard the indigenous people of Manipur, claimed BJP Manipur Pradesh president Th Chaoba today.

Speaking to media persons today at the party office, Chaoba demanded the government to step down if it is unable to enact the law.

The BJP, he said is not interested in having a cup of tea in the name of the all political parties meeting at the Chief Minister`™s bungalow.

The ILPS issue is a state issue and the government needs to take public opinion, and the State government should initiate public seminars to discuss the issue, Chaoba claimed.

And if both the Congress and the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System are unable to organise such a public seminar, the BJP will do and all regardless of political party affiliation would be welcome to attend the seminar, he said.

The BJP didn`t participate in the all political parties meeting because it doesn`t believe the Congress government, he said.

The issue of migrants and labourers fall in the union list and the State government cannot infringe on the list, and the BJP wants the new bill to be under the ambit of the Indian Constitution, he said.

The BJP also strongly condemned the death of Sapam Robinhood due to police firing at a student rally, he said.

At the same time it is also more unfortunate that the government has decided to remain silent on the issue, he said.

The government has failed to even institute a judicial inquiry and the police personnel involved are yet to be identified, he claimed.

Instead the authorities have registered a FIR against the innocent students who were participating in the July 8 rally, he lamented.

The BJP consultative committee on ILPS will be submitting its recommendations to the State president and if required to the State government, informed general secretary administration Asnikumar.

BJP minority morcha president Nasir Russel said that Muslim community also endorses the ILPS demand in state.

He further appealed to all concerned organisations to relax curfew or bands for the coming three days as the Muslim community will be celebrating the Idel Fitr.

The festival may bring peace and tranquillity among the various communities of Manipur, he said.

Chaoba also wished the people of the State on the occasion of the festival.

Meanwhile, a BJP press statement has informed that the party president has directed the State unit to open 21 departments for the smooth functioning of the party in the State for which the departments have been opened.

The departments include Good governance, Policy, Planning and Research (including New Schemes of NDA government, Media Relation of BJP, Training department, Politial feedback and response, National Programme and Meeting, Documentation and Library of BJP, Sahyog and Disaster Officer, Tours and programme, Publicity Literature, Cordination of Trust/NGOs, Election Commission, Legal Affair department among others

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/bjp-trashes-governments-handling-of-ilps-issue/