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NIA takes paraolon ambush accused Ambison to Delhi for further interrogation

IMPHAL, Jun 30: The main accused of the Paraolon ambush which left 18 army personnel dead at Chandel district has been whisked away by the NIA to Delhi today. The

IMPHAL, Jun 30: The main accused of the Paraolon ambush which left 18 army personnel dead at Chandel district has been whisked away by the NIA to Delhi today. The person identified as Khumla Abi Anal, 40, alias Ambison of Khunjo Anal of Lambung village was arrested by Imphal West police commandos from a rented house at Lamphel Supermarket. He was arrested on June 11 around 11.10 am for leading the ambush as a NSCN (K) rebel.

The NIA has subsequently registered another case under Case number 3 of 2015/NIA Gauhati under section 302/307/20/ 13 UP (P) Act, 121/121-A IPC, 25 (I) (C) , 5 Explosive Substances Act. He is being taken to Delhi for further interrogation.

JCILPS` attempt to storm into Assembly blocked

IMPHAL, June 30: Demanding enactment of a fresh bill during the ongoing 11th Session of 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly in place of the Manipur Regulation of Visitors, Tenants & Migrant

IMPHAL, June 30: Demanding enactment of a fresh bill during the ongoing 11th Session of 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly in place of the Manipur Regulation of Visitors, Tenants & Migrant Workers`™ Bill, 2015 to monitor the incessant influx of outsiders into the state, Women`™s and Students`™ Wing of Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) took out a rally today and tried to storm the Assembly.

The protesters numbering around 1000 people gathered at Khurai Popular High School, Imphal East and marched towards the Assembly passing through Lamlong Bridge and Khongnang Ani Karak.

However, they were stopped by security personnel near Lamlong Bazar resulting in a heated confrontation between them.

Though the rallyists attempted to further march towards the Assembly by trying to overcome the resistance of the security personnel, they were retreated back to Khurai Popular High School where the protestors finally dispersed at around 2.40 pm.

Mention may be made here that the JCILPS which is spearheading the movement of collective demand for implementation of Inner Line Permit System in the state to check the rampant entry of outsiders so as to safeguard the indigenous people, had submitted a memorandum a memorandum to Chief Minister O Ibobi on June 25 last urging to implement the system at the earliest.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/jcilps-attempt-to-storm-into-assembly-blocked/

BJP, Manipur laments Nagaland CM`s statement on Dzuko issue

IMPHAL, June 30: BJP Manipur Pradesh today lamented Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang that the issue of land encroachment at Dzuko Valley should be decided according to the Naga customary

IMPHAL, June 30: BJP Manipur Pradesh today lamented Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang that the issue of land encroachment at Dzuko Valley should be decided according to the Naga customary law between the Mao and Angami communities.

At the same time, the BJP, Manipur Pradesh has also asked for the State government to make its stand on the issue clear.

Speaking to media persons during a press conference held at their office, BJP, Manipur spokesperson RK Shivchandra said the Nagaland CM`™s statement is unfortunate.

He continued that Congress government has also done nothing in the last 13 years of its governance in Manipur on the boundary issue.

What has the State government done for the 300 or so students of Mao community who have reportedly left Kohima following assaults on the community by Southern Angami Peoples`™ Organisation, he asked?

He continued the issue of boundary dispute between the two States is dated long back and in 1985, people of Angami had detained some people of the State for using the path in Viswema to go to Dzuko.

Why has the State government not provided any proper road inside the State`™s jurisdiction leading to Dzuko valley, he asked?

A boundary demarcation of the two States was finalised in 1972, he said.

It is time for the government to take a concrete decision on the issue and fight the encroachers of the land, he said.

BJP, Manipur Pradesh general secretary Administration also said that the party stand firmly to protect the Dzuko Valley.

Will bring a solution to Chadong issue soon: CM

IMPHAL, June 30: The government will initiate steps at the earliest to bring an amicable solution to the present issue of Chadong Village, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh told the

IMPHAL, June 30: The government will initiate steps at the earliest to bring an amicable solution to the present issue of Chadong Village, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh told the House today replying to motions for disapproval of policy cuts raised by Opposition MLAs during the Discussion and Voting on Demands for grants, 2015-16.

He said with the approval of the Government of India, resettlement package of Rs 15 lakhs each has already been handed over to more than 500 houses affected by the Mapithel Dam and there are now around 100 houses which didn`™t take this resettlement package amount.

Now, there is a demand for an increase of Rs 5 lakhs each for all houses including those which had already accepted the resettlement amount, Ibobi continued.

And if this is to be accepted, then the government would need an additional fund of Rs 20-25 crores, he told the House.

There are also two churches in the area which will be soon submerged by the water from the dam, he observed.

The government has already provided Rs 45 lakhs and Rs 27 lakhs for new constructions of the two churches, however, it is learnt that no new constructions were erected with the provided amounts, he added.

Nevertheless, the government will initiate steps to discuss and bring an amicable solution to the issue at the earliest, the leader of the House informed the House.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/will-bring-a-solution-to-chadong-issue-soon-cm/

Man shoots uncles for interfering in his quarrel with father

IMPHAL, June 30: Khulem Priyabanta alias Nungshitombi, 54, son of late Kh Jugeshor of Naoremthong Khulem Leikai and his younger brother Kh Krishnamohon,42 sustained bullet injuries following a family feud

The person who shot them is their nephew namely, Khulem Jiten, 36, son of Kendrajit of Naoremthong Khullem Leikai.

The incident occurred at around 3.30 pm today at the gate of the said brothers at Naoremthong which comes under Lamphel police jurisdiction, Imphal West.

Family members of the injured duo said Jiten is a drug addict and frequently gets into quarrels with his father.

Last night he had beaten up his father and today entered into another bout of loud and bitter quarrel with his father.

The two brothers rushed in to their brother Kendrajit`™s house to intervene, when their nephew who was beating his father took out a double barreled gun and shot them.

He fired two rounds at his uncles injuring them both, according to family members.

Kh Priyabanta was pierce by a bullet on his left chest which exited through his back and Kh Krishnamohon sustained bullet injuries on his upper thigh.

They were taken to RIMS for treatment but later shifted to Shija Hospital and Research Institute later.

Khulem Jiten, the perpetrator of the crime is absconding even as the Lamphel police has registered an FIR against him.

ATSUM suspends indefinite blockade following talks with CM

IMPHAL, June 30: The All Tribal Students`™ Union, Manipur, Muan Tombing group has suspended its indefinite blockade and ban on national projects following a marathon talk with the State Chief

IMPHAL, June 30: The All Tribal Students`™ Union, Manipur, Muan Tombing group has suspended its indefinite blockade and ban on national projects following a marathon talk with the State Chief Minister today.

President of the group, Muan Tombing told media persons at the gate of the Chief Minister`™s Bungalow that the State government invited the student body to talks following which a three-hour long meeting was held this evening. The meeting at the CM`™s bungalow started at 4:30pm and concluded around 4:30pm, he said.

He said the three member ATSUM team attending the meeting with the CM led government representatives included himself, ATSUM advisor Ngachonmi Chamroi, and All Tribal Union Manipur (ATUM) advisor and general secretary Romeo Bungdon.

After holding talks for about three hours, the government has brought an understanding with his group, he said.

He said the government is ready to withdraw the arrest warrant issued against six members of the group following which the union decided to lift the blockade temporarily.

Unfortunately none of the student union`™s demand were discussed or considered during today`™s meeting although both the economic blockade and the ban on national projects would be suspended till July 11, when the next round of talks is fixed, he said.

The next round of talks will be attended by tribe leaders from all hill districts, he said.

Blockade affects Moreh border trade

MOREH, June 30: At least nearly a 100 vehicles are stranded at Moreh town presently owing to the indefinite economic blockade called by All Tribal Students Union, Manipur Maun Tombing

MOREH, June 30: At least nearly a 100 vehicles are stranded at Moreh town presently owing to the indefinite economic blockade called by All Tribal Students Union, Manipur Maun Tombing group.

The drivers, who have been facing severe hardships due to the long confinement, have urged the State government to help them in reaching Imphal at the earliest.

The blockade has also affected trade between India and Myanmar as the Nanphalon market remains deserted as there are no businessmen coming from Imphal.

The food grains are depleting in the border town and the public are facing enormous hardships.

In this regard, the community leaders are apprehensive and request the government to act at the earliest to prevent any untoward incident arising due to the blockade.

Further, the BSNL towers have been lying defunct for nearly 20 days, which has also added to the communication woes faced by the town residents and businessmen alike.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/blockade-affects-moreh-border-trade/

Only three Opposition MLAs in attendance as House passes six demands

IMPHAL, June 30: On the third day of the ongoing 11th session of the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly today, the House passed six demands amounting to Rs 11,92,38,15,000 during Discussion

IMPHAL, June 30: On the third day of the ongoing 11th session of the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly today, the House passed six demands amounting to Rs 11,92,38,15,000 during Discussion and Voting on Demands for Grants, 2015-16 with just three Opposition MLAs in attendance.

The demands passed by the House today are Demand no 1 State Legislature amounting to Rs 48,05,16,000; demand no 2 Council of Minister Rs 6,71,66,00; Demand no 3 – Secretariate & GAD Rs 75,62,99,000; Demand no 5 Finance Rs 1016,23,65,000 and Demand no 41 Arts & Culture Rs 29,66,44,000 and Demand no 49 Economics and Statistics Rs 16,08,25,000.

The demands were tabled for discussion by Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh who is also the leader of the House.

During discussion of the demand for Council of Ministers, Opposition MLAs L Ibomcha and K Shyam raised motion of Disapproval of Policy Cut on `Lack of supervision and control of bureaucrats, failure to streamline functioning of their duties in the interest of the State and lack of co-operation from the ministers.`™

MLA Ibomcha also raised a motion of Disapproval of Policy Cut during discussion of Demand no 3-Secretariate & GAD on `Failure to control and supervise slow movement of files in Manipur Secretariate, non introduction of system of self attestation of documents for use in the official purpose like- school admission, recruitment etc and failure to supply standard food, fit for human consumption in the two canteens of Manipur Bhawans, New Delhi.`™

The Opposition MLA also raised motion of Disapproval of Policy Cut during discussion of Demand no 5- Finance on `Failure to introduce effective economy measures, inadequate fund has been provided in the State budget for augmentation of potable water supply in urban areas and thereby causing scarcity of drinking water in the urban areas for the last several years, failure of the department to adopt a policy on strengthening of the State Finance Commission, failure to strengthen the policy on resource mobilization and inability to collect sufficient revenue from the border trade at Moreh (Indo-Myanmar Border Trade).`™

MLAs K Shyam and Dr I Ibohalbi Singh raised motion of Disapproval of Policy Cut during discussion of Demand no 41 `“ Arts & Culture on `Non-implementation of Manipur Public Library Act, 1988 and Failure to adopt a cultural policy even though `Cultural University`™ is about to be established.`™

During discussion of the Demand no 49 `“ Economics & Statistics Dr Ibohalbi raised motion of Disapproval of Policy Cut on `failure to restore the publication of the Pre-Budget Economic Review and failure to prepare district handbooks.`™

However, after the leader of the House Ibobi who also holds the Finance portfolio provided clarifications on the policy cuts, the Opposition MLAs withdrew their motions and the demands were passed by the House.

Back to 6th Schedule

The news today that the centre is willing to have the 6th Schedule extended to the hill districts of Manipur quite obviously would become the new agenda in the coming

The news today that the centre is willing to have the 6th Schedule extended to the hill districts of Manipur quite obviously would become the new agenda in the coming days for Manipur`™s issue starved politics. The discussions are unlikely have new substance but it is certain to bring out the painful polarity in Manipur politics again, and in our opinion quite meaninglessly. The state has heard these debates on the schedule before and it is unlikely to have become any more enlightened now precisely because political debates in Manipur have become a matter of posturing, and blinding opposing dissenting voices, with the least interest in creating creative dialectics which can throw new light on the state`™s many entangled issues. Like so many other issues, the question of introduction of the 6th Schedule in the state too has come to be appropriated by the other hotter issue of the state`™s territorial integrity, therefore all the heat and dust that this debate always manages to kick up.

The fact is, the 6th Schedule is nothing new. It has been in existence since the time India`™s republican Constitution came into force on January 26, 1950. It was meant for territories within the former undivided Assam and is aimed at giving a level of autonomy to the areas inhabited by hill tribals, in particular the Naga Hills District, which was already showing signs of unrest. Quite ironically, Naga leadership at the time under the charismatic A.Z. Phizo rejected the proposal and opted instead to demand total sovereignty for the Nagas. So the 6th Schedule came to be applied in the Khasi Hills, Jantia Hills, Garo Hills, which together became Megalaya in later years; the Lushai Hills which later became Mizoram; the Mikir Hills (Karbi Anglong); and North Cachar Hills. After Meghalaya became a state in 1972 by clubbing Khasi, Jantia and Garo hills, the Autonomous District Councils which each of them formed was retained, and even today, the entire state of Meghalaya is still covered by these three ADCs, except in the capital Shillong district which had been de-scheduled and de-reserved. When the Lushai Hills (by then known as the Mizo Hills) was elevated to a Union territory in 1972, the Mizo ADC was abolished but the area then known as Pawi-Lakher was split into three ADCs of Pawi, Lakher and Chakma. To go a little further into history, the area which came under these ADCs initially, were what the British called `Backward Tracts` by the Government of India Act 1919, and were generally territories beyond the Inner Line. These tracts later came to constitute two different categories of administrative zones called `Excluded Area` and `Partially Excluded Area` by the Government of India Act 1935. The `Excluded Areas` were not given any representation in the elected provincial government and were instead administered directly by the Governor. The `Partially Excluded Areas` had some representations but not by popular election, but nomination by the Governor. At the time the Constituent Assembly was thrashing out the shape of the Indian Constitution, the government appointed a Sub-Committee of the Constituent Assembly called the North-East Frontier (Assam) Tribal and Excluded Areas Committee, under the chairmanship of Gopinath Bardoloi, the then Chief Minister of Assam. It was this committee which came up with the 6th Schedule as an administrative mechanism for the formerly `Excluded` and `Partially Excluded` areas of Assam. As always happens, the 6th Schedule, as indeed the Inner Line, have been given totally different connotations and today Tripura too has adopted the schedule for its now greatly shrunken tribal areas and in Manipur there are demands for it in place of the state`™s own ADCs created by the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils Act, 1971.

History aside, the moot point is, has the 6th Schedule been a success? The answer generally is no, and this will be confirmed by voices from the states where this schedule is in vogue. There is another question, and very relevant to Manipur. Is the 6th Schedule a threat to Manipur`™s integrity? The answer again would be no, and again this will be confirmed by voices from these states. Meghalaya is almost entirely covered by three ADCs under the schedule, but this has not meant its disintegration. Mizoram and Tripura offer the same answer. The new proposal for introducing the 6th Schedule in Manipur probably is part of a compromise formula for the Nagas who have been holding peace talks with the Government of India for the last 18 years. This would probably in lieu of Naga sovereignty or integration. If a lasting settlement can be thus brought about with such a concession, it needs to be applauded and accepted.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/back-to-6th-schedule/

Deteriorating discipline among State police a concern: CORE

IMPHAL, June 30: The Centre for Organisation Research and Education has expressed extreme concern against the `deteriorating discipline and performance`™ of the Manipur Police as reflected in the consistently frequent reports in the local medias of uniformed personnel belonging to the Police department involved in all sorts of misdemeanors, serious crimes and rights abuses.

A statement of the CORE said in the month of June 2015 alone, there were reports of at least seven separate instances where Manipur Police personnel were involved in violations of the law; four reports of robbery or attempted robbery, one traffic law violation, one assault and manslaughter and another report of unprovoked firing during vehicle checking in the capital city of Imphal.

In May 2015, there were five separate reported cases of Manipur Police personnel involved several different violations including one assault and attempted robbery for refusing bribe demand, one assault, one terrorist activity, and two drug use, it continued.

The reported incidents and events are too numerous to detail, it continued.

The statement continued, particular forces within the Police Department such as the Traffic Police, Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) and Manipur Village Defence Force (VDF) have been reported as regularly involved in crimes such as extortion, robbery, kidnapping, cyber-crime, murder and militant activities, petty corruption in public, disproportionate use of power, indiscipline, undermining of authority, public arrogance, use of abusive language and open disrespect to the citizens and abuses of human rights including torture, cruel and inhuman or degrading treatment and sexual abuse.

It said there are absolutely no excuses for this form of behaviour by the police of Manipur, and the minister concerned has yet to make a public statement regarding these reports.

Further according to the statement, the association of the police with drug use, drug trafficking and alcoholism, according to frequent reports in the media, is one of the foremost concerns of the public in Manipur today. Such aberrations among the police personnel have profound and negative consequences for society and the force, it said.

The statement further said that providing a secure environment and taking up confidence building measures requires two priorities, first and foremost being the issue of making the police a disciplined force.

`A disciplined police officer is a friendly police officer. After more than three years under the stewardship of the minister, there are still many serious and unaddressed shortcomings in the police recruitment model, training, deployment and supervision of the force by competent, honest and dedicated senior police officers that are to be seriously reviewed and corrected.`

`Secondly, there is widespread and regular interference in the work of police while conducting their duties from politicians and other authorities. Such interference not only hampers police work, but also discourages and undermines their morale, status and role in society,` it said.

Further according to the statement, the third priority is for the government to establish an independent Police Complaints Mechanism.

The government is yet to comply with the orders of the Supreme Court of India for wide police reforms. The VDF recently resorted to strikes and bandhs, disrupting services, to raise their demands for equitable remuneration, it said.

It continued a police force, such as the VDF, which has very poor quality training, and suffers from low morale and self respect, is bound to be undisciplined and vulnerable to influences that pull them towards criminal activities, dereliction of duty and pitiable performance. This has been found to be the case with the VDF.

As a modern police force today, the Manipur police department has begun to recruit women among its police officials of all ranks, it said adding that the women police personnel must be given adequate exposure and training to conduct their challenging duty in the service of the people with the highest discipline.

`Recently, a ranking woman police officer in charge of traffic duties was implicated in a widely reported and condemned incident that reflected misconduct and acting beyond the call of her duties. This sort of reported misconduct has inflicted the department a great and demoralizing blow,` the CORE statement said.

`It has become a regular practice for the police to get involved in mediation exercises between disputing parties, including domestic disputes. Laws specifically preclude police from offering mediation or assisted alternative dispute resolution services to parties. Police should not attempt to improve relations in the family by offering these services or by mediating a dispute. Involvement of the police in mediation opens up many opportunities for corrupt practices and the miscarriage of justice.`

`The minister is responsible for establishing and maintaining a people-friendly police force that is dignified. That was the respected minister`™s commitment. The public does not expect and tolerate a police force that has no dignity or discipline,`™ it said.

Inclusion of Meiteis in ST list needs detailed study: CM tells House

IMPHAL, June 29: Inclusion of any new community into the Scheduled Tribes list would have to follow a long procedure of thorough and detailed study, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh

IMPHAL, June 29: Inclusion of any new community into the Scheduled Tribes list would have to follow a long procedure of thorough and detailed study, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh told the House today.

He was replying to a question raised by Congress MLA Ng Bijoy regarding the demand for inclusion of the Meiteis in the ST list of India.

Further in his reply, he said though history says that the people of the hills and valley are brothers, but it needs to be properly discussed and studied.

The demand needs a detailed and deep discussion of the history and whether the Meiteis were previously in the Scheduled Tribes list, he said.

Meanwhile, Revenue minister Th Devendro replying to another questioned from Ng Bijoy as to whether there is a policy adopted for changing the entitlement of a village or locality in Manipur, he said there is no such policy adopted on the matter so far.

There are 2529 villages in the State according to the records of the Revenue department, he said.

He continued that there is a trend of both the hill and valley people leveling another name to localities and villages on their own instead of using the name in the revenue record.

Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh replying to another question raised by Andro MLA Th Shyamkumar said an official letter has been sent on January 30 to the Manipur Public Service Commission for the conduct of the DPC for the appointment of Manipur Finance Grade-III, however, the MPSC has not conveyed the reason for not holding the DPC till now.

During the Question hour today, the Chief Minister also said that for the cleaning of the drainage system of Imphal City, the government has ordered a de-silting machine and two silted containers at the estimated costs of Rs 11 crores and Rs 12 crores respectively.

However, there is no policy of the government for cleaning the drainage, he said.

Home department has no information of 83 killed during Indian operation in Myanmar: Gaikhangam

IMPHAL, June 29: The State Home department has no information regarding the 83 rebels killed during Indian raid in Myanmar, reported by the Times of India on June 13, Home

IMPHAL, June 29: The State Home department has no information regarding the 83 rebels killed during Indian raid in Myanmar, reported by the Times of India on June 13, Home minister Gaikhangam said in the House today replying to a query from MLA Samuel Risom during Question hour.

Continuing his reply, Gaikhangam said the June 4 attack on the Indian Army is believed to be carried out by cadres of the NSCN (K), KYKL and KCP.

Two cadres of the outfits were killed during the attack on June 4and their identities are recorded officially as Rangjanglung Kamei alias Raja, 32, son of Alu Kamei of Noney-2 Tamenglong District a cadre of NSCN-K and Keisham Rajen Singh, 28, son of K Khamba Singh of Nongren Maning Leikai Imphal East a cadre of KYKL, he said adding that the State department has however, no idea of the number of insurgents killed in the aftermath of the attack on the Indian Army.

Gaikhangam also said that it is not the failure of the State security or the State government, it was a pre-planned attack and the cadres must have escaped after killing the 18 jawans of the India Army.

Replying to a separate question from the Ukhrul MLA, the Home minister said residents of the neighbouring villagers, who had fled from their villages in the aftermath of the June 4 attack, have started returning to their villages and the return of normalcy is backed by State forces.

In the aftermath of the attack, the villagers were living in a fear psychosis and fled from their villages, however, the State forces have helped them return to normalcy, he continued.

He said Paraolon, Libong Molkut, Challong, Duthang and Kota Khunthak villages were deserted and the district police along with the Assam Rifles/ Army are giving security to the villagers by frequently patrolling and meeting the villagers of Paraolon and nearby villagers.

So far no untoward incident has been reported, he continued.

At the same time, the State police personnel are taking preventive measures to ward off any unwanted situation, he said adding that the district administration officers have also visited the affected villages and assurance was given by 6th Dogra that no retaliation would be taken against the innocent villagers.

Assistance in the form of transportation and edible items were also given to Paralon villagers for resettlement and about torture or damage has been not been reported so far, he added.

Water level rises further submerging Chadong

IMPHAL June 29: As the water level continues to rise, the visibility of the 30 meters high bridge connecting Chadong village is completely gone. Water has flooded two foothill houses.

IMPHAL June 29: As the water level continues to rise, the visibility of the 30 meters high bridge connecting Chadong village is completely gone.

Water has flooded two foothill houses. Evacuation has started among some panicking villagers while some remain stoic about their position to defend their right. Since the single boat is unable to assist the villagers, several rafts are used for the transport of their goods. Children are also assisting in this hurried evacuation with their belongings.

Some of them said they will stay in a rented room at Yaingangpokpi.

United Naga Council (UNC), All Naga Student Association Manipur (ANSAM), Naga Women Union, Tangkhul Naga Long and Southern Tangkhul Naga Baptist Association visited the Chadong villagers today.

The UNC president Gaidon Kamei while drawing the attention of the government of India said this is not the way the citizens of the State should be treated.

Without any prior arrangements and preparedness about their safety and security, the State government is forcefully chasing out the people of the village, he said.

We strongly condemn such anti people policy and approach of the State government, he said.

It is distressing to deny a citizen rightful treatment and such kind of treatment further proofs that the Manipur Government is indeed a communal Government, he alleged.

Gaidon Kamei continued, Instead of settling peoples`™ demand by working out commonly agreeable points, the State government has forcefully bulldozed the rights of the people by using security forces.

The Chief Minister could have evaded such sufferings and problems by initiating a dialogue with the affected people and rightfully settling their grievances without creative such a provoking situation, he said.

We will not tolerate such actions and will response appropriately in the futuristic interest of the affected peoples, he said adding that we will seek the immediate intervention of the Prime Minister.

President of the All Naga Student Association Manipur(ANSAM), Seth Shatsang who also came with his executive team expressed his dismay.

We had foreseen this situation as such ANSAM have been protesting against this Mapithel Dam Project since the day the government signed the agreement, he said adding that the State government has however ignored the protest.

Chadong village is submerging and we await further rising of the water level to submerge the other villages as well, he said woefully.

The significant aspect of the Government`™s approach is the deployment of India Reserve Battalion, Manipur Police Commando and Manipur Rifles to flush out the villagers. It failed and now it has use water to forcefully evacuate the indigenous people from their habitat, he said.

For us, we consider nature as sacred and hence we will continue to struggle against such magnitude of human made detachment of the people with its rightful surroundings, he said.

The government who is supposed to provide us security has gone against our very security by infringing on our rights. Hence, we called upon the rightful intervention of the Governor, since he is the sole guardian of the hill peoples, he said.

Fisher folks from Loktak also came to assist the villagers with their experiences.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/water-level-rises-further-submerging-chadong/

Special status removal bearing heavily on State`s budget plans: CM

IMPHAL, June 29: Though the Centre has increased shares of Central taxes for States by 10 percent, the State government had to finalise the Budget plans in an economical manner,

IMPHAL, June 29: Though the Centre has increased shares of Central taxes for States by 10 percent, the State government had to finalise the Budget plans in an economical manner, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh observed during the general discussion on Budget Estimates 2015-16 in the House today.

Clarifying the argument on the general discussion on the budget estimate, Ibobi said it is very unfortunate for the State that the Centre has abolished the Special Category States status for 11 States of India including Manipur.

He told the House that the State government has been giving more emphasis to centrally sponsored schemes through the NEC, NLCPR which allow further fund sanctions on submission of Utilisation Certificates.

Now, the State has to be extra economically in releasing amounts for even these projects, he said.

He continued earlier before the annual budget sanction, the State used to receive separate funding from the Centre to the tune of Rs 900 crores through normal central assistance, Rs 800 crores under ASC, Rs 450 crores under Special Plan Assistance, however, after the Centre discontinued the Special Category States status, the State is facing problems in the 2015-16 budget.

Ibobi said the government is trying to increase tax collection from Power, transport and Sale tax and carefully monitoring the issue of tax collection leakage from Moreh side.

This fund leakage from Moreh side will be checked once, the Integrated Check Post at Moreh is completed in April, 2016, Ibobi informed the House.

In the Power department, as the State spends around Rs 20/21 crores to buy electricity in a month, there is a need to collect atleast 75 percent of the taxes every month, which is also the target of the authorities, he said.

Now the government has introduced pre-paid system including in the hill district headquarters to solve this issue, he said adding that at the same time, the first main focus of the government to provide adequate power supply to the people.

The issue of water supply in Imphal area is very difficult as the pipes laid around the seven constituencies under imphal Municipal Council are old and at the same time, the Imphal Sewage project is taking a long time to complete, however, we are trying to find alternative means, he said.

He also said that due to financial constrains the State government is unable to replace the old pipelines.

He continued supply of raw water for Imphal can only be possible from the Thoubal Multi-purpose Dam, and the authorities have already started drilling of two tunnels for the same purpose to bring raw water from the dam, he continued.

Ibobi also told the House that the cold storage facility at Nilkuthi is functional now and may be made to run for trial by storing vegetable from Khoijuman, Bishnupur district.

He further appealed to the member of the House to allow passing of the Budget Estimate 2015-16 unanimously.

NIA formally arrests NSCN-K hardcore member over Paraolon ambush

IMPHAL, June 29: National Investigation Agency (NIA) which is investigating the ambush by a combined team of underground outfits on a convoy of 6th Dogra Regiment near Paraolon village, Chandel

IMPHAL, June 29: National Investigation Agency (NIA) which is investigating the ambush by a combined team of underground outfits on a convoy of 6th Dogra Regiment near Paraolon village, Chandel district on June 4 killing 18 personnel and injuring 16 others, has formally arrested a hardcore member of NSCN-K from the court today in connection with the deadly ambush.

The arrested hardcore member of NSCN `“K which reportedly led the ambush has been identified as Khumloabi Anal, 40 alias Ambison son of Late Khumlo Khunjo Anal of Lambung village in Chandel district.

It is said that Khumloabi Anal is the Regional Authority of Amamchat Region Chandel of NSCN-K. He was arrested by a team of Imphal West District Police Commando from a rented house belonging to one Nabachandra at Lamphel Super Market under Lamphel Police Station on June 11 around 11.10 am.

A case registered by Tengnoupal Police under FIR No 14 (6) 2015 in connection with the ambush was handed over to NIA. Later, the investigation agency registered another case under Case No 3 of 2015/NIA Gauhati U/S 302//NIA Gauhati U/S 302/307/20/13 UA (P) Act, 121/121-A IPC, 25 (I) (C), 5 Explosive Substances Act.

The NSCN-K hardcore member was formally arrested by NIA from the court in connection with the case registered by it.

He was produced before the court of A Guneshwar Sharma, District & Session Judge/Manipur East today in accordance to production warrant.

While producing the NSCN-K cadre before the court, the NIA pleaded the court to grant 15 days custodial remand. However, the court remanded the arrested cadre to seven days NIA custody.

It may be mentioned that two cadres belonging each to NSCN-K and KYKL were killed in the infamous Paraolon ambush.

`Unbecoming of a CM`, Gaikhangam condemns TR Zeliang`s statement on Dzuko dispute

IMPHAL, June 29: Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur, Gaikhangam strongly condemned the reported statement of Nagaland`™s Chief Minister TR Zeliang on the `Dzuko border dispute`™ and termed it as irresponsible

The deputy Chief Minister made this statement on the floor of the House while responding to a calling attention motion moved by Andro MLA, Th Shyamkumar, during the ongoing Assembly session.

It may be recalled that the Nagaland Chief Minister, rejected the proposal of his Manipur counterpart to solve the border row with the intervention of the Centre stating that it was a matter between two Naga communities.

TR Zeliang also reportedly suggested that the matter should be settled as per customary law.

Gaikhangam held that the suggestion to settle the present issue through customary law is totally inacceptable as the matter is about the inter-State boundary and added that the Nagaland Chief Minister has failed to realise that there is an established law of the land.

The statement of the TR Zeliang, his unwillingness to solve the matter with the intervention of the Centre, speaks for itself that their claim is illegitimate, opined Gaikhangam.

Nevertheless, the stance of the Manipur government remains unchanged and if required the issue will be pushed forward to the Centre, continued Gaikhangam.

Gaikhangam, who also holds the Home portfolio, informed the House that to instill a sense of security amongst the Mao public, an SDO office will be set up soon after the Assembly session.

At the same time, frequent patrolling will be carried at the disputed site by IRB personnel for which a company of 4 IRB have been deployed, he continued.

Gaikhangam further said that the government has taken up measures to accommodate students who have left Kohima and wishes to study in Imphal.

The SP Senapati, SDPO-Mao and OC Mao are frequently visiting the disputed Dzuko-Kozirii area along with civil administration to ensure that no encroachment/activities take place by the people of Nagaland, he continued.

Besides, the Superintendent of Police Senapati has requested the SP Kohima to take strict actions on the complaint registered by Mao people in different police station at Kohima, Gaikhangam told the House.

Clarifying on the charges brought up by the Andro MLA that the State government has been neglecting the issue, the Home Minister tabled a four-page long statement on the floor of the House.

It said that after getting information of the encroachment issue, a team led by SDO, Mao Maram and comprising of SDPO, Mao and representative of Mao Students Union (MSU), Mao council (MC) along with the convenor of the committee for Kozirii conducted inspection of Dzuko-Kozirii area on November 22, 2014.

The team observed encroachment on two sides-one extending 6km towards North-West Nagaland and another 4 km towards south from the entry point. The team also witnessed armed volunteer of Southern Angami Peoples Organisation (SAPO). Besides, the team also reported of construction of new roads and felling of trees and bamboos in the area, it said.

Further, the water of Isiiphi river, which marks the boundary between Manipur and Nagaland was also blocked illegally and diverting the water by the Angami people, thereby reducing the flow of water to large extent affecting flora and fauna of Dzuko valley in Manipur, it said.

Subsequently, the State wrote a letter to the Chief Secretary, Nagaland requesting to take up positive action for total stopping of road construction works insides territory of Manipur at the earliest.

It further said that the Chief Minister personally requested the Union Home Minister for timely intervention to issue directives to the Nagaland Government and bring early solution to the problem (on May 25, 2015) followed a letter to the Prime Minister of India (June 2, 2015) requesting to depute a team of officials from the MHA and office of the Director General of Survey of India to fix the correct points as per the boundary between Manipur and Nagaland in Dzuko-Kozuri area at the earliest.

The Chief Minister of Manipur also wrote to Nagaland`™s Chief Minister on June 2, 2015 and in response to that the TR Zeliang reportedly expressed his concern and informed Manipur that it had already entrusted the Naga Hoho to get in touch with the UNC for amicable settlement of the matter.

Both the groups are already holding talks and the outcome will be informed, and if this does not work out, the matter will be taken up at the official level, it claimed.

Against this backdrop, following reports of escalating tension between Mao community and SAPO to the extent of physical assault and quit notice served against Mao community, a joint meeting was arrange at the Khuzama check post between the district administrations of Senapati and Kohima as per the instruction of the cabinet, it said.

It said during the meeting the DC Kohima assured that there will be no interference from the Nagalnd side, as the present dispute does not have to do with the political boundary between the two States.

It also said that the land dispute of Mao Council and SAPO as per claims and counter claims of traditional/ancestral ownership overlapping with political boundary and the dispute falls within the political and administrative boundary of Manipur.

The DC and SP Senapati clarified that security forces deployed at the disputed site are for preventing violence and to secure live and livelihood of common people. No activity will be allowed from either sides inthe disputes region till amicable settlement adding that it had conveyed the message to SAYO/SAPO to clear any misunderstanding, it said.

It said the DC and SP also assured to maintain law and order along the stretch of NH-02 and ensure safe passage of the Mao people in the region and the people living in the area while caution to be maintained by Mao community.

The officials from Kohima district apprised the steps under enforcement on the highway in view of the SAYO`™s `Quit Notice` served to the Maos and also the additional burden of protection for large number of Mao population settled in Nagaland.

Moving his motion, Th Syamkumar said alleged that the state Government has failed to take any positive measures when several section of the society including NGOs are concerned on the issue.

Noting the huge potential `Dzuko valley` for tourism, the Andro MLA said that the Nagaland government saw the opportunity when Manipur failed to realize adding that he attributed the prevailing situation was due to Manipur government`™s apathy.

Shyamkumar said that the State government must take a concrete stand not only the Dzuko boundary row but also for the entire boundary of Manipur.

VDF personnel injured in fight inside City Police succumbs

IMPHAL, Jun 29: A VDF personnel attached with the City Police Station who was getting treatment at the RIMS for injuries sustained during a fight inside the police station, succumbed

IMPHAL, Jun 29: A VDF personnel attached with the City Police Station who was getting treatment at the RIMS for injuries sustained during a fight inside the police station, succumbed yesterday.

The personnel has been identified as Okram Athoi Singh, 35, son of O Lukhoi Singh of Chajing Mamang Leikai under Singjamei Police Station.

Athoi was brought to the hospital on the morning of June 27 and succumbed in the evening of June 28.

Following the death, a JAC was formed in connection to the death of the VDF personnel this morning. The JAC also protested at the Chajing Mamang Leikai demanding befitting punishment for the involved culprits and to identify the culprits within 24 hours.

Meanwhile, the City Police have arrested another VDF personnel in connection to the incident and a case has been registered. It is also learnt that interrogation of the arrested personnel is underway after he was remanded to police custody.

On the other hand, the Athoi`™s body continues to lie at the RIMS morgue without the conduct of post mortem examination.

A member of the All Manipur VDF Welfare Association also said that the office bearers of Imphal West District Committee of the association has been informed to meet the wife and family members of the deceased personnel.

A report on the incident will be submitted tomorrow to the association, following which the association will convene a meeting and discuss further steps to be taken up, he said.

Centre ready to implement 6th Schedule in hill areas of Manipur, awaits chief secretary`s reply

By Paojel Chaoba IMPHAL, June 29: The Union government has notified Manipur State government to furnish details of specific areas to be included under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian

By Paojel Chaoba

IMPHAL, June 29: The Union government has notified Manipur State government to furnish details of specific areas to be included under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

The much debated demand for extension of 6th schedule provision of the Indian constitution to the hill areas of Manipur is in focus at the Centre. According to a letter sent from the Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs (North East Division) dated May 7, 2015 under the subject `Extension of the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution in the Hill Areas of Manipur,` addressed to the chief secretary of Manipur, P C Lawmkunga.

The official notification by the under secretary to the government of India, Manohar N Sukole mentions that, `I am directed to state that the State Government of Manipur, vide letter dated 07.04.2001,had conveyed decision of State Cabinet that it had no objections to the extension of Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India in the tribal areas in the Hill district of Manipur with certain local adjustment and amendments. In response, this Ministry vide letters dated 21.09.2001 and 17.10,2001, requested the State Government of Manipur to furnish details of specific areas to be included in the 6th Schedule of the Constitution and proposed local adjustments and amendments.` It may be mentioned here that the cabinet decisions were taken during the tenure of W Nipamacha Singh led MSCP government and later the Samata Party government led by Koijam Radhabinod in 2001.

The letter further reads, `It is stated that that all the six ADCs have been requesting to the Government of India for inclusion of these ADCs under the 6th Schedule. In view of these facts, in reply to an unstarred question, it has been stated that the Government of Manipur has not sent details of local adjustments/ revised proposal in this regard so far. The Rajya Sabha Secretariat has conveyed that the reply has been treated as an assurance. To fulfill the assurance, reply of the Government of Manipur to this Ministry`™s letter dated 21.09.2001 and 17.10.2001 is required. In view of the above, the State Government of Manipur is again requested to furnish details of specific areas to be included in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and propose local adjustments and amendments.`

This letter designated as `Most Immediate Parliament Matter`™ bearing number 1303/11/2015-NE.IV states that the Union government has a clear objective to include the hill districts of the State under the 6th schedule provision.

On 5 September, 2014, some members of the Autonomous District Councils of Manipur had staged a protest at Jantar Mantar, Delhi, demanding that the present ADCs be upgraded to the 6th schedule of the constitution (The 6th schedule of the Constitution provides for local self governance for the tribal people in the northeast.)

In their memorandum submitted to prime minister Narendra Modi on 30 August last, the then chairmen of the six Autonomous District Councils in Manipur had stated that while the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council (3rd Amendment) Act, 2008 `“ on the basis of which the present ADCs were formed `“ provided for devolution of power to the ADCs by the state government in 26 subjects, devolution has not happened in more than half of the subjects. The Churachandpur ADC had passed a resolution earlier on 26 June, 2013 demanding extension of the 6th schedule provisions to the ADC areas of Manipur. The said memorandum is an endorsement of the Churachandpur ADC resolution by all the six ADCs in Manipur hill districts.

The demand for inclusion of Manipur hill areas under 6th extends over the last 35 years. The Hill Areas Committee (HAC), consisting of all 19 MLAs from the tribal reserved constituencies in Manipur, passed a resolution demanding 6th schedule provisions for the Manipur hills in 1978 `“ only five years after the Committee`™s constitution in 1973. The HAC was envisaged to be the guardian of tribal interests; this Committee is to be consulted in all legislative matters affecting the Hill Areas of the state. It was created under Article 371C of the Constitution through the Constitution (27th Amendment) Act, 1971, which came into effect from 15 February, 1972. Secondly, article 371C states that `the executive power of the Indian union shall extend to the giving of directions as to the administration of the said areas`.

Concurrently with Article 371C, the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council Act, passed by the Indian parliament also in 1971 sought to add an element of local level self-rule to the Manipur Hills. Under this, district councils were formed in Manipur hills, whose members were elected by the people. These Councils were endowed with powers over a list of functions. The numbers of members in the Councils and functions they are given increases over time. However, unlike those under 6th Schedule, the Councils do not have legislative and judicial powers; their functions are executive in nature and the thrust, economic. Hence, while these Councils are similar to those under 6th Schedule in form, the latter are much more powerful in reality.

It is interesting that the ADCs in Manipur are neither under 5th schedule nor 6th schedule. Constitutionally, Manipur ADCs are sui generis. Experts have observed that there is no mechanism to coordinate between the ADCs and HAC. The original ADC Act was passed by the Union, while subsequent amendment Acts were passed by the state in 2000, 2006 and 2008. These amendments were passed regardless of the fact that the ADC elections were not held since 1989 and the Councils consequently remained non-functional till 2010.

The HAC, in 1983, 1990 and 2002 re-affirmed its 1978 resolution demanding extension of 6th schedule to Manipur hills. The state cabinet recommended for the same on three occasions, in 1991, 1992 and 2001. Various government-appointed commissions also recommended for the same. Nothing came out of them till today. But, debates on the provision of the 6th Schedule is an ongoing issue. It may be mentioned that earlier on, the President of International Meeteis`™ Forum (IMF), RK Rajendro had stated that implementing the 6th Schedule of the Indian Constitution in any part of Manipur, would create chaos in the State.

Expert opinion states that, it comes within the purview of the Union of exercising its special power, under Article 371C, to give directions to the state on implementing the 6th Schedule provision and falls squarely within the Union`™s authority and power. This reporter sought an interview with the chief secretary P C Lawmkunga today to ask what the reply of the state government was? Whether to send the cabinet decision of 2001 to MHA to promulgate the 6th Schedule or that, the SPF government had a different stance not to adopt the provision. But the chief secretary was not available for comments.

Observing and Witnessing

`Thank you for the tragedy, I need it for my art.` Music lovers of the1980s and 1990s generation will remember the disdain in this statement by Kurt Gobain the lead

`Thank you for the tragedy, I need it for my art.` Music lovers of the1980s and 1990s generation will remember the disdain in this statement by Kurt Gobain the lead singer, guitarist and primary song writer of the popular music group Nirvana. The dark sarcasm hurts even now, for it remains a very poignant and yet vicious attack on fence sitters who watch the action from the sidelines, making clever remarks and analysis on how things should have been or should be. For many observers, it is a fashionable pastime, but completely hollow for they have no other interest than to remain as observers. The emptiness of the constant refrain in the socialite party `And in the room the women come and go/ Talking of Michelangelo` in T.S. Eliot`™s `The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrog` can almost be heard echoing in these situations too. There is a clear distinction between `observing` and `witnessing` as scholars of renown such as Saul Friedlander and Dominick La Capra have emphasised. They note how knowing this distinction is a necessary condition for bringing about a final resolution to situations of conflict and trauma. In `witnessing` as distinct from `observing` there is a moral commitment to the events under scrutiny, and conflict and trauma resolution absolutely needs this commitment. The fence sitters are on the other hand only interested in making a name for themselves, or else a living, and sometimes a fortune out of other people`™s misery.

The attitude can even get cynical. As for instance, there is so much vested interests embedded in the tragedy of insurgency that even those supposedly fighting it have been known to have ensured the continuance of the tragedy. Politicians, bureaucrats, police, army, conflict NGOs, and even sections of the academia and journalistic fraternity, especially those who parachute into these conflicts zones periodically when crisis flare up to make their observations, before returning to their safe bases and make sermons with air of the presumption they have seen it all. The latter are a pain to watch and tolerate. Often they do much harm by creating wrong understanding of the situations amongst others remotely watching these conflicts. For evidence, switch on the national TV channels during any major crisis in the Northeast and watch the talking heads of academics and journalists dissecting the situation from their vantage without the least humility that their understandings are limited by the physical and emotional distance they are from the scenes of action.

The harm this section causes however is nothing compared to those wreaked by unscrupulous agencies making profit out of the bad situation. The raging controversy of fake encounters in places like Manipur, in which the police and the Army allegedly routinely gun down people either known to have militant link or else are suspected of it, in staged encounters is just the most horrifying example of these. Even if there are few alive to testify to these inhuman crimes, circumstantial evidences pointing to their existence are overwhelming. The chilling correspondence between gallantry medals received by the police and the military each year, with the rise and fall of charges of fake encounter killings should be enough to convince those looking into this contentious issue that the matter is nothing to be trifled. Recall the much publicised story of the `Ketchup Colonel` who even went to the extent of making people fake death, poured tomato ketchup on them, took photographs and claimed them to be insurgents killed to show his bosses he has been at his job.

But vested interest in conflict can be more sophisticated and complex. Counterinsurgency has today become a money spinner for authorities of various hues. The Indian State`™s understandable need to fight and end all challenges to it has made the purse for counterinsurgency liberal and subject only to very loose controls. The opulent rise in wealth of police officers of practically every rank disproportionate to their known sources of incomes is evidence enough. Then there was the Tehelka Magazine expose last year of how at least 30 percent of the huge funds of about Rs. 3000 crores earmarked each year for military civic actions to be conducted by the Assam Rifles were going into the private pockets of officers during awards of contract jobs. Then there are also dishonest conflict NGOs in the sidelines making a living out of the bad situation, chasing ambulances, doing body counts and writing their reports to their bosses to ensure their fund pipelines do not trickle off.

Leader Writer: Pradip Phanjoubam

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/observing-and-witnessing/

State AAP joins party`s nationwide call for removal of Sushma Swaraj

IMPHAL, June 29: Joining in the party`™s nation wide protest demanding the sacking of Union Ministers of the BJP, the Aam Admi party, Manipur today staged a protest in front

IMPHAL, June 29: Joining in the party`™s nation wide protest demanding the sacking of Union Ministers of the BJP, the Aam Admi party, Manipur today staged a protest in front of the Bir Tikendrajit Park.

The AAP is demanding action against External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Human Resource Minister Smriti Irani, Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje and Maharashtra Minister Pankaja Munde.

The protesters gathered at Hindu Hotel, between Uripok and Nagamapal around 1 p.m. and marched towards Babuthong, passed Thangal Bazar and walk till BT Road and later staged a sit-in protest at the gate of Tikendrajit Park.

Speaking to this reporter, Thoudam Manihar Singh, Manipur Aam Aadmi Party, State president who is also the coordinator said AAP, Manipur is also taking part in the nationwide protest against the four ministers demanding their removal.

Thoudam Manihar Singh also appealed to all the people of the State to support in the movement of anti-corruption, to end the money power manipulation of poor by the rich.

Mentioned may be maded that the AAP demanded ouster of Irani over the false information she allegedly provided to the Election Commission about her educational qualification. The party demanded resignations from Swaraj and Raje over their alleged `impropriety` in former Indian Premier League chief Lalit Modi`™s case and Munde mired in controversy, with the Congress accusing her of involvement in a `scam` by clearing purchases of items worth Rs.206 crore for children under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) by the Women and Child Development Ministry which she heads, on a single day instead of inviting tenders in violation of the norms.