Author: kanglaonline

IMPHAL, Jun 26: All Manipur Women`™s Social Reformation and Development Samaj (Nupi Samaj) celebrated its 39th Foundation Day today at Lamyanba Shanglen, Palace Compound.

The function was attended by president of Nupi Samaj Keisham Taruni Leima; advisor of Nupi Samaj Hidangmayum Brojeshwari; president of Apunba Manipur Kanba Ima Lup (AMKIL) Phanjoubam Shakhi Leima and president of All Manipur Tammi-Chingmi APunba Nupi Lup (Tammi-Chingmi) Soibam Momon Leima as presidium members.

Addressing the gathering, general secretary of Nupi Samaj Thokchom Ramani Leima stressed on the need for enactment of a policy by the government which will curb the ever rising crime and violence against women and give befitting punishment to perpetrators so that no one will dare to commit such act in future.

She said that Meira Paibis have been engaging in pertinent social issues and trying to protect the youths from wrongdoings which could create adverse affects in the society.

It is the responsibility of the government to safeguard innocent women and children who are the victims of the rampant crime and violence. Many women are forced to become prostitute to sustain livelihood of their families. The government should intervene into the issue and provide suitable job to them so that their modesty are not outraged in the society, she said.

As part of the programme, participants paid floral tribute to the deceased leaders of women`™s organizations, who sacrificed their lives for the cause of the state.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/39th-foundation-day-of-nupi-samaj-celebrated/

IMPHAL, June 26: Imphal West district police commandos have arrested four cadres of the KCP-Mangal faction including the president of a powerful women organisation of the State during a counter insurgency operation conducted yesterday.

Several belongings of the outfit including a Chinese made hand grenade were also recovered following their disclosure, informed police sources.

The sources said, the militant cadres were arrested following a tip off about the presence of the KCP militants at different places.

According to police sources, the four have been identified as Universal Mothers Organisation president Moirangthem Sorojini Leima, 68 of Kangpokpi near Police Station and at present staying at Tampha Yumpham Lamboi Khongngangkhong; s/s covenor Yumnam Budhi Meitei, 55, son of (L) Y Mangal of Pallel Leima-ngai Chinghing; Hingdangmayum Premila, 40, wife of O Bige Sharma of Utlou Awang Leikai at present staying at Tampha Yumpham Lamboi Kongnangkhong and Arambam Sajan Meitei, 27, son of (L) A Kullamani Meitei Singh of Chingmeirong Lie-Ingkhol.

It is learnt that they were all arrested from Singjamei around 5:30pm yesterday.

The same source also said that police have recovered a computer set, a Chinese made hand grenade, seventeen letter heads of the outfit and three mobile handsets following their disclosure.

The items were recovered from different places at Pallel, Lamboikhongnangkhong and Keishamthong, informed the source.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/umo-president-among-arrested-kcpmangal-cadres/

IMPHAL, June 26: The International Day in Support of Victims of Torture under the theme `Right to Rehabilitation, RTR` was held today at the Manipur Press Club.

The observation was jointly organised by the Women Action for Development (WAD), North East Dialogue Forum (NEDF), United NGO`™s Mission (UNM-M), Human Right Initiative (HRI) Domestic Violence Survival Forum (DVSF), Conflict Widow Forum (COWF) in collaboration with Community Based Organisations (CBOs).

Speaking at the function WAD secretary, Sobita Mangsatabam stated that the persistent rise in number of victims of torture by the armed cadres both of State or non-State actors is not a sign of good governance.

It is also clearly highlighted in International Humanitarian Law that the civilians are to be protected in any circumstances by both the parties but the situation is totally different in Manipur, she added.

Uncountable numbers of people have become victims of torture in many forms like assault, taking into custody, torture, forced starvation, etc, she said.

Victims continue to be haunted by the trauma they had faced during such torture, hampering their growth for life, Sobita continued.

However, till today the government authorities have failed to look into the grievances of such victims or come out to help them, she lamented.

There is no proper channel for delivery of justice to such victims, no financial aid, no proper facilities to rehabilitate them in the hospitals, no psychologists trained to help them, she continued.

She said that it would be a good idea for both the State and Central governments to look into the issue in a more serious manner and provide psychological counseling to the victims of torture.

She also added that until incidents of torture is completely checked; development could not be achieved in any form.

Sobita also called for such victims to come out and join hands with the others and fight for justice to overcome their obstacles.

Delivering the keynote address, WAD member Binita Soraisam said on December 12, 1997, the UN General Assembly had proclaimed June 26 as the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.

This is the day where the people all over the world pay respect to those who have endured unimaginable torture, to speak up against the unspeakable and also a day dedicated in remembering and supporting the many victims and survivors of torture around the world.

The observation was also attended by Senior Citizen for Society Manipur president L Lalit Singh and North East Dialogue Forum, member, Kh Norendro Meitei.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/international-day-in-support-of-victims-of-torture-observed-in-state/

IMPHAL, June 26: An Improvised Explosive Device exploded, this early morning, inside a building located in the high security zone Governor Road which is guarded round the clock by State commandos and three companies of the 109 BN CRPF.

The blast which occurred at 5am damaged parts of the second floor and third floor of the building.

The IED, planted under the stairs connecting the second and third floors of the building, was fitted with a timer device.

The blast damaged the walls of the office of the M/S Shyama Power India Ltd which located next to the stairs and broke the building`™s window panes facing the Raj Bhawan.

The building is located opposite of the Raj Bhawan on the Governor`™s Road facing the Raj Bhawan walls.

Although, no one in the building were injured in the blast, a water tanker driver who was standing near the building was hit by broken glass on his right wrist.

The driver is identified as Thokchom Ibung Singh, 21, son of Th Sobha Singh of Itam Nungoi Mayai Leikai.

On the other hand, around 3pm today another IED was found planted near the gate of the MM Higher Secondary School, Wangkhei Wangkheimayum Leirak.

The IED planted inside a tin-fish can and placed inside a black plastic bag was found on the left side of the school gate.

According to the secretary of the school, he was also present inside the school campus with the teachers at the time, but came to know of the presence of the explosive only after media persons arrived with information of the explosive`™s presence.

The reporters said they were also informed on the phone about the IED, he continued.

With today`™s incident, there have been two such incidents of bomb threats made to the school, he continued.

The secretary also said that the school has not received any monetary demand from any UG group and it seems that it was an act to drive away students from getting admission in the school.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/ied-explodes-inside-governor-road-building/

JIRIBAM, June 26: The 72 hour bandh in Zeliangrong areas called by the Zeliangrong United Front greatly affected normal life in Nungba and Khongsang among other areas inhabited by the community.

Roads in the areas remain deserted and business establishments remained closed for the second day today.

The ZUF had called a 72 hour bandh in all Zeliangrong areas demanding a separate Zeliangrong State

The bandh has been imposed on all national highways, state highways and inter-district roads in Zeliangrong inhabited areas of the State. The outfit has also imposed a total ban on all national projects underway in Zeliangrong region during the bandh.

The bandh has evoked total response in Nungba. At Noney except for a few some vegetable vendors doing brisk business, none of the other business establishment opened shop for the day.

Vehicular traffic including passengers vehicles were completely off the road, national projects including the rail line construction project came to a grinding halt.

Several transport vehicles loaded with essential commodities are also stranded at different places including Awangkhul and Jiribam.

The ZUF has been demanding creation of a separate Zeliangrong State carved out from Assam, Nagaland and Manipur.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/zuf-bandh-for-separate-state-evokes-total-response/

IMPHAL, June 26: The Senior Citizen for Society has strongly appealed to the civil society organisations, student bodies and other organisations against imposing bandhs, economic blockades and counter blockades in the State to press for their demands.

This was stated by SCS secretary Mani Khuman during a press conference held today at the Manipur Press Club.

Professor L Sadananda, secretary SCS who also attended the press meet appealed to the government to take up action to stop the frequent bandh and blockade for once and for all.

If the state government fails to do so the Senior Citizen for Society will take up the action by filing a case against such illegal step.

Mani said such bandhs and blockades only cause hardships for the people and are disruptive in nature.

Prices of essential commodities sky-rocket during such agitations, he said observing that even the Supreme Court has stated that imposing bandhs and economic blockades or counter blockades are illegal and violates the right to live and life of the people.

Organisations can take more democratic form of agitation or legal step against the government instead of imposing bandhs and blockades, he asserted.

On the other hand, the State government is not enforcing the law of the land and the Centre continue to remain as mute spectators against the various organisations/ groups who are taking the law into their own hands, he lamented.

This shows the government`™s lack of seriousness and callousness towards the plights of the common people, Mani continued.

Professor L Sadananda, secretary SCS said blockade impinges on Article 21 of the Constitution of India which guarantees its citizen the protection of life and personal liberty.

At the same time, the current blockade has curtailed the rights of the people of Manipur to move freely throughout the territory of India guaranteed under Article 19 (d) of the Constitution of India, he asserted.

In 2011, economic blockade and counter blockades were imposed by Kuki and Naga organisations for a prolonged 121 days strangulating the State`™s economy, he said.

`Enough is enough, we cannot allow any group to hold the people of the State in ransom for whatever their rightful or imaginary demands may be,` Sadananda asserted.

`We will support the rightful demands of any group but cannot support any group resorting to inhuman, antidemocratic, anti people and unconstitutional means for forsaking the fundamental rights of the people`™ he contiued.

He also said that any group imposing economic blockades should be made to pay the penalty for the hardships caused to innocent people.

The SCS also strongly condemned the barbaric act of a group of volunteer belonging to Southern Angami Public Organisation (SAPO) for ransacking the shops belonging to Mao Nagas and also for beating up the president of one of the Mao organisation for inquiring the incident.

Mani Khuman also said that neighbors are meant to love one another and live peacefully with mutual understanding.

He further asserted that the government of the state, Nagaland government and also the Central government should intervene and discussed the issue face to face at the earliest as it is the matter of life and death of many.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/act-against-bandhs-and-blockades-senior-citizens-for-society-urges-government/

IMPHAL, Jun 26: Colonel Haobam Bhuban Singh, ex-MLA and Minister-in-Charge of Higher Education who contested and won from Singjamei Constituency, later breathed his last on May 21 last after a brief illness was a man of principle, recalled Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh.

The CM was giving Obituary Reference to late Col. Haobam Bhuban Singh as the first agenda of the first sitting of the 11th Session of the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly, which commenced from today.

He agreed that Col. Bhuban who had served as a colonel in the Indian Army for long was also a man of integrity and an extra-ordinary person who always stood by his words.

Stating that the vacuum left by the demise of the social-minded leader will never be adequately filled, Ibobi prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace in his heavenly abode.

MLA of Singjamei Constituency I Hemochandra who is also the PHED Minister; AITC MLA Dr I Ibohalbi Singh; Samata Party MLA L Ibomcha Singh and AITC MLA Th Shyamkumar Singh also gave Obituary Reference to the late Colonel during the session.

The House Members recalled that Col. Haobam Bhuban Singh contested and won in the 7th Manipur Legislative Assembly and served people of his constituency to his best level.

After retiring from the Army, Bhuban as a social activist wrote many books and entered political arena with the sole purpose to serve people. He had also served as the Managing Director and Chairman of MSRTC and MPSC respectively during which he rendered his services dedicatedly and honestly, the Members acknowledged.

Speaker Th Lokeshwar joined in observing a two-minute silence as a mark of respect to the departed soul.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/col-h-bhuban-singh-was-a-man-of-principle-cm/

IMPHAL, June 26: Along with commencing the 11th Session of the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly today at 11 am with Speaker Th Lokeshwar presiding over it, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh who also holds the portfolio of Finance tabled Rs 581 crore deficit-Budget Estimates 2015-16 in the House.

While presenting the Budget as the third agenda of the House, CM Ibobi who is also the Leader of the House stated that for 2015-16, the total receipt is estimated at Rs 9602.19 crores. The revenue receipts are estimated at Rs 8657.85 crores and capital receipts at Rs 944.34 crores.

The CM disclosed that total estimates of state`™s own tax and non-tax receipts assumed in the Budget Estimates are Rs 671.16 crores and Rs 219.42 crores respectively and these estimates have been framed keeping in view of the past trends of receipts and the potential resources that could be available during the year.

“Receipt from the state`™s share in Central Taxes & Duties is estimated at Rs 3238.08 crores during 2015-16, as per central Budget. Non-Plan grants from the centre are estimated at Rs 2121.81 crores. Plan Grants including CSS/CPS for the current fiscal is estimated at Rs 2407.38 crores. The net budgetary borrowing is estimated at Rs 581 crores based on the ceiling prescribed by the Ministry of Finance. This will include receipts from market loans, institutional loans and net receipts in the public account of the state. We are not proposing any changes in rates of taxes and duties`™`™, he continued.

On the Expenditure Estimates for the year 2015-16, Ibobi said, “™I am proposing a total expenditure of Rs 9728.61 crores out of the Consolidated Fund of the state. Out of this, Rs 5576.30 crores is under Non-Plan, Rs 3954.88 crores under State Plan and Rs 197.43 crores under Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) and Central Plan Schemes (CPS).

He maintained that out of the total expenditure, an amount of Rs 892.51 crores is Charged expenditure and the remaining amount of Rs 8836.10 crores is Voted expenditure. Total Revenue Expenditure is estimated at Rs 8038.27 crores while Capital Expenditure is estimated at Rs 1690.33 crores, which is 17 percent of the total expenditure.

`Under the Non-Plan Revenue Account, the total expenditure is projected at Rs 5163.74 crores during 2015-16. There is a 3 percent decrease in expenditure over 2014-15 (RE). This is consistent with our policy of controlling recurring and unproductive expenditure. The non-plan expenditure includes salary expenditure of Rs 2722.43 crores, pension of Rs 963.66 crores and interest payment of Rs 463.34 crores, among others`™`™, the CM explained.

`Against the total outlay of Rs 3950.92 crores, the sector-wise allocations are Agriculture & Allied Activities `“ Rs 230.68 crores; Rural Development `“ Rs 683.30 crores; Special Area Porgramme including Border Area Development Programme `“ Rs 34.10 crores; Irrigation & Flood Control `“ Rs 384.20 crores; Energy `“ Rs 173 crores; Industry & Minerals `“ Rs 34.45 crores; Transport `“ Rs 156 crores; Science & Technology and Environment `“ Rs 50.56 crores; General Economics Services `“ Rs 576.01 crores; Social Services `“ Rs 1474.75 crores; General Services `“ Rs 147.15 crores and others `“ Rs 6.73 crores. The sector-wise allocation have been made keeping in view the need to provide adequate funds for the ongoing SPA projects, delinked centrally Sponsored Schemes, particularly modernization of police force and BRGF, and committed liabilities of projects taken up under the 13th FC award such as renovation and maintenance of Raj Bhavan and Khuman Lampak Sports Complex, among other`™`™, Ibobi further elaborated.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/cm-tables-budget-estimates-201516-on-first-day-of-11th-session-of-10th-legislative-assembly/

LAMKA, June 26: For the third time within this month a major fire broke out at the Churachandpur Government High School, located near the district hospital.

The fire, which occurred late last night, is suspected to be lighted by two miscreants, who according to local residents, were seen hurrying off from the school soon after the fire broke out.

The fire was however brought under control by the Fire Brigade and police with help from the local residents.

However, the class X and XII classrooms could not be saved and both were completely charred by the fire.

Caretaker of the school, Tualkhan Lian said around 10 pm he smelled smoke and heard a roaring fire and when he came out to inspect the fire was already in an advance stage.

Quoting neighbours, he said they had seen two men fleeing from the scene.

The two had also left behind a soft drink bottle filled with kerosene and a sack dipped in kerosene from inside the classrooms of class VI and VIII.

It is also suspected that the two could have entered through the windows of the class rooms.

Meanwhile, the Churachandpu Police has registered an FIR no 54/6(2015) CCP PS u/s 435/35IPC and Section 4 of PP Act in connection with the incident.

Till the filing of this report, there is no confirmation of either the identity of the two miscreants or the motive behind the attempt to burn down the school.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/school-building-set-ablaze-in-ccpur/

IMPHAL, June 25: To bring unity in state there is an apparent need to conduct community living classes as part of quality education to share thought, languages and discipline amongst the people of different communities, observed MP Dr Th Meinya.

Member of parliament Dr Th Meinya Singh said addressing the chief guest speech in the

He was inaugurating State Level Four Days Residential Camp on Development of Youth 2015 being organized by Youths Foundation for Fitness and Service Manipur (YOFFS) at Kangshang, Khuman Lampak today.

Speaking as chief guest, MP Meinya said that conducting such residential camp on youth development by YOFFS and other youths`™ organizations is akin to conducting community-living classes.

The government is taking up various skill development programmes for youths to enable them to get job opportunity in various sectors, he said.

Exhorting the youths to compete in various fields including education, sports and art & culture in a positive way to succeed in future, the MP advised the participants to make best uses of valuable knowledge and ideas to be shared by resource persons during the camp.

Delivering keynote address, organizing committee programme coordinator Dr IS Konthoujam stated that YOFFS was established in 2007 with the objective of uplifting youths of the state.

He said that the residential camp is being organized to nurture youths who are the future of the nation.

YOFFS is always in the front whenever disaster and nature calamity occur in the state, he added.

The inaugural function was also attended by president of YFFS H Megachandra Singh as president; president of AMUCO Dr Y Mani Khuman as guest of honor and lecturer of Kumbi College L Gopal Singh as resources person who spoke on the topic `Role of Youths in the Civil Society`™.

A total of 120 youths from five districts including Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal and Tamenglong are taking in the residential camp.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/residential-camp-on-development-of-youth-2015-commences/

TAMENGLONG, June 25: Due to the ongoing 72 hours total bandh called by the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF), which had started from the midnight of June 24 in all the Zeliangrong areas, normal life in Tamenglong district was affected.

All types of vehicles stayed off plying along the National Highway- 37 (Imphal-Jiribam and Imphal-Tamenglong road). Shops were also closed in Noney Bazar under Nungba Sub-division of Tamenglong district.

The ongoing bandh also affected the construction work of Jiribam-Imphal railway project.

Meanwhile, the United Naga Council (UNC) has appealed the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) to review its decision to impose 72 hours bandh in Zeliangrong areas from the midnight of June 24 in the larger interest of all Nagas based on the uniqueness of Naga History and its situation.

In a statement, the UNC said it understands the regional aspiration pursued within Naga fold. And the aspirations are attributed to nearly seven decades old Naga struggle without solution for which the Government of India is responsible for the prevailing problem arising out of the aspiration.

Stating that now as the Nagas are engaging for the final political settlement that can also address various regional problems, it further appealed to all sections of the Nagas pursuing regional aspiration not to hamper the on-going Indo-Naga political dialogue which is in advance stage in the larger interest of the Nagas.

“™This appeal is made with the belief that whole is better and stronger than a part. It is our conviction that the part shall remain protected within the whole if the position of the whole is secure in generations to come`™`™, it said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/zuf-bandh-affects-normal-life-in-tml/

IMPHAL, June 25: Forest and Environment minister Th Devendro today inaugurated a two day regional workshop on database creation and monitoring the progress of Green India Mission activities.

A formal inaugural function was held at the Hotel Imphal jointly organised by the Ministry of Environment,Forest and Climate Change and the State Forest department.

Devendro said the entire region will benefit from the workshop.

He said perspective plans for the States will be prepared under the mission in a comprehensive manner.

He said that the Green India Mission is India`™s proactive initiative for carbon sequestration and multiple ecosystem services, especially, biodiversity, water, biomass etc. along with climate adaptation and mitigation.

An overarching criterion for selection of project areas/sub-landscapes/sub-watersheds under the Mission would include vulnerability to climatic change projections and potential of areas for enhancing carbon sinks said Devendra.

He further said that this Mission`™s emphasis on the landscape approach is a unique opportunity to meet targets for both, national and State Forest Policy.

The scope of greening is not limited to just plantation under GIM, he said.

He continued that It is interesting to know that the mission would integrate application of modern technology like Remote Sensing and GIS etc for M&E purposes. The Mission would support use of Geomatics (remote sensing with GPS mapping of boundaries) for implementation and monitoring at the output/outcome level.

Devendro also said that multiple stakeholders including government agencies, NGOs/CBOs, community representatives, Academia, media, public representatives should be involved to make the GIM into a people`™s movement.

He continued that landscape Yatras could be organized to develop deeper understanding of the issues of the landscape/cluster by the planning teams.

Gram Sabha and its various committees/groups including JFMCs, CFM groups, panchayats would be strengthened as institutions of decentralized forest governance, he continued.

He said that the Green India Mission will not only benefit India, it will enhance India`™s position among the countries committed for Environment and Forest development.

President of function, chief secretary PC Lawmkunga said that the Manipur government has submitted a State Action Plan in 2012 but there has been no sanction from the central government so far.

In the State level, the issue of climate change is being handled with collective effort of all State departments with the chief secretary as the chairman, he continued.

The impact of climate change in the State is not as severe in other States as of now, nevertheless there is an impact as we have been getting lesser rainfall during the past few weeks, he continued.

The chief secretary also said that the Forest and Environment departments should be concern of the issue.

He said a lot of changes in the weather pattern have been witnessed during the past few years. There is scarcity of rain even in June, he added.

Delivering the key note address MM Kutty Joint Secretary MoEF&CC government of India said that National Mission for a green India (GIM) is one of the eight mission under the 12th National Action plan on climate change.

The mission objective of the mission is to increase forest cover in the country to the extent of 5 million hectors and improved quality of forest, enhance eco-system service like carbon sequestration and storage hydrological service like fuel, fodder and timber and non timber forest produces and to increase forest based livelihood income of about 3 million households.

The function was also attended by Bala Prasad, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Bharati Director MoEF&CC government of India and officials of MoEF & CC, Resource persons coming from different organisation and States, distinguished Delegates representing all NE States among others.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/regional-workshop-on-green-india-mission-inaugurated/

IMPHAL June 25: The body of a 40 year old woman who had gone missing three days back was found with tell-tale signs of rape at Ramrei Ato Village on June 24.

The woman has been identified as Khongrei Awungshi Shanti wife of (L) KA Hormi of Ramrei Ato Village, Ukhrul district under Litan Police Station.

She is the second wife of (L) KA Hormi and is survived by three minor children.

Her body has been deposited at the RIMS mortuary where post mortem was conducted today.

Meanwhile, the Litan police have arrested an accused Jukeshwar, a brick mason working in the construction of a house adjacent to Shanti`™s house, last evening from his residence at Laikhompal.

Shanti`™s body was recovered following a massive manhunt after she went missing since June 22 evening.

According to a villager who had participated in the manhunt, there were struggle marks and several knife injuries on her nose, lips, wrist and other parts of the body.

He said her throat was slit open and lower torso not properly clothed.

Awungshi`™s children said she was present at their home in the morning of June 22, and went missing only in the evening. She never returned, they said.

The next day the whole village was alerted and a massive manhunt launched but there were no trace of her, according to the locals

Interestingly, on the third day, the family had consulted a local soothsayer who helped in `locating the body from among the high reeds growing in the village around 3pm yesterday` according to locals.

A villager expressing concern over the conduct of the police said the police team led by OC Manikanta arrived almost three hours later since the body was recovered and without any forensic expert of executive magistrate.

He continued, the police were unwilling to touch the body and even asked the villagers to lift the body into their vehicle.

`Such lethargy on their part deflates our confidence in the procedure`™, informed a concern villager expressing fear that such improper inquest procedure might omit the vital evidences.

According to family members, the main accused Jukeshwar is a married man and was working in the construction of an adjacent house.

Family members also said that they found a message in Shanti`™s phone from Jukeshwar stating that he was waiting. They also said that Jukeshwar had called several times on the third day after Shanti went missing and had even enquired with the children if their mother has returned.

The police have already taken possession of the mobile phone, the locals informed.

A villager also expressed anger and said it is unfortunate a hired mason has committed such a criminal act on our womenfolk.

`We consider this a crime against out village`™ another said.

Meanwhile, KA Hormi`™s first wife KA Anandi said we will not take back the dead body unless the government book the culprits and award befitting justice and explicitly provide for the surviving orphaned minors.

It is indeed a moment of shock and anger, she added.

Tharmi, secretary of 56 villages collective, Tangkhul Naga Foothill Organisation said, `Such savage rape and murder is a sexist discrimination against women. It is a first instance in our vicinity and we strongly condemned such brutal and barbaric criminal act committed on K A Shanti. The government should immediately investigate and book all the involved persons and award them befitting penalties.`

`Simultaneously as a welfare state, they should also be mindful of the three minor orphans, for their education, their survival and their psychological health,` he said.

Wunganing Zimik, a teacher of the village Primary school said, `All the three orphans are my students and we are deeply saddened by this shocking incident. Their mother as the sole bread earner was working very hard to support the family both financially and emotionally`™ MK VLCson convener of the Joint Action Committee against the brutal rape and murder of K A Shanti informed the media team and the civil society teams, `We will not remain mute spectators to such a heinous rape and murder of a mother. We demand immediate investigation to book all the involved culprits and restore the confidence of the people on legal recourse. Until then we will not take back/receive the dead body. We also expect the government to announce protection support for the three children until they attained adulthood to ensure their educational entitlements as well as their livelihood survival.`

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/missing-woman-found-dead-after-two-days-accused-in-police-custody/

IMPHAL, June 25: In the wake of widespread public demand for a suitable legislation for the protection of indigenous people of Manipur, which had been sidestepped by the Government of Manipur by introducing an ineffective and innocuous bill named `The Manipur Regulation of Visitors, Tenants and Migrant Workers Bill 2015`™, the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) has submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh today.

In the memorandum, the JCILPS, a conglomerate of civil society organizations, which is spearheading the collective demand for implementation of Inner Line Permit System to monitor the rampant influx of outsiders into the state, expressed deep concern on the state of social, economic and cultural life of the people in view of the degradation caused by the influx of outsiders and non-indigenous communities, undermining the identity and dignity of the people of Manipur.

Rejecting the `The Manipur Regulation of Visitors, Tenants and Migrant Workers Bill 2015`™, the committee in the memorandum demanded the government to withdraw the bill during the ensuing Assembly session to be started from June 26.

The government should introduce a fresh bill to fulfil the aspirations of the indigenous people of Manipur which will restrict and regulate the influx of outsiders and internal migrants whose demographic influence has been threatening the socio-economic, cultural and political practices of the people of the state, it further demanded.

The JCILPS in its memorandum also reiterated the inclusion of certain points which in the new legislation should fulfil the peoples`™ aspirations.

The points include a strong permit or pass for migrants as regards their purpose, whereabouts or validity of their presence for a specific period; a cut off base year of 1951 for people participating and creating of demographic influx into the State.

Empowerment of a full-fledged labour department which has to outreach an effective jurisdiction in all the districts of Manipur to strictly implement matters of registration and regulation of internal migrant labours and inclusion of detection and deportation of illegal migrants and non-indigenous people are some of the points demanded by the committee to be included in the proposed legislation and necessary taken thereof.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/jcilps-demands-withdrawal-of-mrvtmw-bill-2015/

IMPHAL, June 25: Construction of business properties like brick fields, LPG godowns on agricultural land is highly deplorable and will adversely affect the farmers of the State in the long run, said a member of the Village Women Coordinating Committee Prabha during a one day consultation on climate change and its impact on Agriculture.

The consultation was jointly organised by the North East Dialogue Forum, Samaritan Resource Centre, New Life Foundation, Applied Bio-Tech Farmer Club and Village Women Coordinating Committee at the Manipur Press Club.

Continuing to share her concern on the issue, she said the large scale penetration of industrialization into agricultural land has hugely affected agricultural yield of the State.

The government, she said, should sponsor awareness programmes on the issue for the welfare of the farmers and to help increase in productivity.

She continued the first victims to be affected financially by the impact of climate change are the farmers as their productivity largely depend on climates.

The recent climate change impact of rain scarcity and the lack of interest shown by the government on the issue have made many a farmer sell off their agricultural lands to businessman, she continued.

Head of Department, Animal Science, Central Agriculture University prof M Dhaneshor Singh speaking as a resource person called upon all to work towards improving forest cover.

He continued although there has been rainfall in both Assam and Myanmar, there has been less rainfall in Manipur because a decrease in the presence of oxygen in the air just above Manipur has been observed because of widespread deforestation.

Climate change is natural, but the degree of change depends on human behavior, he observed.

A massive volcano eruption in Mexico in 1991 had increase the global temperature by 4 to 4.6 degree Celsius, he observed.

Dhaneshor also said that there is an alternative to Jhum cultivation.

He continued works undertaken under the MGNREGS should be more associated with construction of rain water harvesting reservoirs or else there is a high chance of famine in the State in the near future.

Meanwhile, several resolutions were also passed during the programme.

The resolutions include pressuring the State Government to implement the Manipur State action plan on climate change, to stop construction of new mega dams but instead to maintain the existing dams, to introduce short term crop as an alternative, to take up immediate measures of the present cultivation crisis, to formulate long term and sustainable polity to address the imminent climate change crisis and to remove Reduce Emission from Deforestation and Destruction (REDD+) from SAPCC and if so, the free prior and inform consent from the community should be sought.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/construction-of-business-properties-on-agricultural-land-deplored/

IMPHAL, June 25: With the objective to strengthen the existing bilateral tie between India and Myanmar, the Ministry of External Affair Government of India has reportedly proposed for establishment of sister-city relationship between Imphal and Monywa in Sagaing region of Myanmar.

According highly placed sources, the purpose of the agreement is to establish friendship and co-operation besides creating mechanism for the implementation within the framework of their respective jurisdiction on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, in conformity with the law and policies of India as well as the international agreement inked by the two countries.

The sources further disclosed that once the agreement is signed, the two sides will maintain regular contacts including between the designated authorities and also undertake and exchanges involving delegations, interaction between institutions and sharing of experiences in the areas of mutual interest.

Further elaborating on the area of co-operation to be maintained, the same sources divulged that both sides will exchange the expertise and co-operation in the fields of service delivery, civic administration, land use planning and management, transport, shelter, education culture, sports, waste water and solid management, infrastructure, environment, public heath, science and technology, tourism, heritage management, urban renewable, urban and regional planning and related matters etc.

It said that the MAHUD may carry out the technical role including creation and operationalising a twinning cell, to frame a committee which would provide technical advise to the cell in return, maintain proper documentation regarding various activities undertaken, conduct community participation and any other agreement made by the parties.

Sources also informed that the parties are to conduct regular meetings and communicate on all programme, projects and activities, ensure funds and financial resources are available for implementation of any Joint Action Plan.

However, the agreement shall not have a legal binding obligation among the parties and is proposed by the Ministry for the agreement to remain inforce for three years.

The proposed draft agreement sent by the Ministry of External Affairs if approved may lead to the signing of the agreement and the announcement of the same was to be made by the Prime Minister of India to during his recent visit to Myanmar.

However, it is yet to be clear whether the agreement was approved or not.

The draft agreement was also sent to the State government as cabinet memorandum and subsequently approved by Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/india-proposes-sistercity-relationship-between-imphal-and-monywa-in-myanmar/

IMPHAL, June 25: Security forces arrested atleast three militant cadres belonging to different groups while conducting counter insurgency operation in different parts of the state since June 21.

A statement issued by the PRO Police department Manipur, RK Tutusana, stated that the Imphal West district police commando arrested a hardcore member of NSCN(K) on June 21 from a house at Khagempali Panthak.

He has been identified as one Sougrakpam Joychandra alias Joy, 52, son of (L) S Manglem Singh of Kakwa Laiphrakpam Leikai at present staying in a rented house at Khagempalli Panthak.

It said that on receipt of specific information that some hardcore members of the outfit are taking shelter at Khagempalli Panthak area with a view to commit prejudicial activities like extortion of money from general public, government employees and watching the movements of security forces, a commando team conducted cordon and search operation in some of the suspected houses at the area and arrested the individual.

The arrested individual revealed that he had extorted money from various sections of the society and also gave information about the movement of security forces in Imphal area to his commanders, it said.

It further said that on June 22 a combined team of Imphal West district police commando and 40 AR arrested a cadre of PREPAK (PRO) during search operation in Kongpal Leikai area.

The arrested individual has been identified as one Laikhuram Sachikumar alias Inao, 43, son of L Mani Singh of Kongpal Khaidem Leikai, former UNLF and now working for PREPAK PRO, it said.

The PRO Police statement also said that he had extorted huge amount of money from different sectors and demanded contract works from PHED in the name of the outfit.

It further said that similarly, on June 23, the Imphal East district police commando arrested also arrested an active member of PREPAK (PRO) while conducting frisking and checking duty at the eastern side of Khongnang Ani Karak, Chingmeirong.

He has been identified as one Md Nawaz Ahamed, 27, son of Md Nazir Ahamed of Keirao Mayai Leikai.

During investigation he had revealed of having extorted money from different sectors including stone crusher factory in Potshangbam are for the party fund, it continued.

It said that three separate cases have been registered with regards to their arrest in the respectively police station and investigation is going on.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/nscn-k-cadre-held-in-imphal-police/