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State in the dark: CM Ibobi

IMPHAL, June 11: The State government is in the dark about the ground reality of the surgical operation conducted in the aftermath of the Chandel ambush and as such it

IMPHAL, June 11: The State government is in the dark about the ground reality of the surgical operation conducted in the aftermath of the Chandel ambush and as such it is hard to comment on the issue, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh told media persons today.

Speaking on the sidelines of the inauguration of the 1st Manipur National Horti Expo-2015 at the MFDC today, the Chief Minister said like the State media has been banned from entering the operation zone, the State authorities have been totally black-out from what is actually happening during the operation and the conditions of the villagers in the surrounding areas of the ambush site.

All information that we have now are media reports from New Delhi, he said and added that since the Indian army had conducted operations inside Myanmar as was reported, no State force are involved in the operation.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/state-in-the-dark-cm-ibobi/

Not Congress members, says MPCC vice president

IMPHAL, June 11: The All Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC), vice president S Achouba has clarified that the three Wangoi councilors who had joined the BJP were not Congress members.

Speaking to the media persons at the Congress Bhawan, MPCC Achouba said the three Councilors Khaidem Bala (chairperson), Wangjam Shamu (vice chairperson) and Taher Ali (councilor) who joined the BJP are not Congress members.

He alleged that INC had expelled the said three councilors from their membership since June 2014 for misuse of funds, non-transparency of their policy, schemes and non conduct of Government work programmes and their cases were thoroughly investigated by the vigilance, he added.

He told the media persons that S Gojendro Singh, executive officer, Wangoi Municipal Council was forced to issue Utilisation Certificate (UC) and the copies of the confidential letters of the office.

As S Gojendro have refused to issue the same as the UC demanded by them is to be issued after proper verification and the official letter demanded by them are confidential ones.

At that point of time, the said three councilors threaten to kill S Gojendro if he fails to issue their demands he alleged.

So, S Gojendro after the threat from the three councilors wrote a letter to the Superitendent of Police, Imphal to take up necessary legal action for illegal activities meted out by the chairpersons, vice- chairperson and the councilor.

He also said that H Balkrishna Singh, under secretary (MAHUD), GOM also wrote a letter to the Deputy Commissioner, Imphal West, Manipur on September 20, 2014 requesting to list out the councilors of Wangoi Municipal who were responsible for not executing the works as per enquiry report.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/not-congress-members-says-mpcc-vice-president/

Manipur National Horticulture Expo inaugurated

IMPHAL, June 11: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh inaugurated the 1st Manipur National Horti Expo-2015 at the Manipur Film Development Corporation Hall, Imphal today. Addressing the function, he said `I

IMPHAL, June 11: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh inaugurated the 1st Manipur National Horti Expo-2015 at the Manipur Film Development Corporation Hall, Imphal today.

Addressing the function, he said `I hope and wish that this expo will provide an opportunity for us to take stock of the potential and prospects in horticulture sector of the potential and prospects in horticulture sector in the region besides, identifying strategies for further development in horticulture/floriculture sectors`.

Noting the rich natural resources in the hill areas feasible for development of horticultural corps which can provide quality products as well as employment to the formers to improve their standards of living, the Chief Minister said that the State is lagging far behind in commercialisation due to lack of exposure to outside States/countries.

The national horticultural expo cum workshop under the theme `Strenghtening horticulture development for enhancing productivity, quality and sustainable livelihood` is providing the right time to march towards commercialization, he observed.

It is learnt that 60 exhibitors including national level companies, firms along with other companies from the State are expected to participate in the expo, he continued.

The buyers and sellers meet will provide an opportunity to the farmers for contact and selling of their farm produces profitably, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi said.

It is pertinent to mention here that ICAR, CAU are joining hand with the State government in this programme for bringing largest benefit to farmers of the State, he continued.

State government will encourage these kinds of initiatives fully for the betterment of the State and farmers in particular, said that Chief Minister.

The expo cum workshop will give the visitors the taste and quality of unforgettable Tamenglong oranges, the juicy pineapple of Manipur, the aroma of passion fruit of Senapati and Churachandpur, the beauties of Siroi and Dzuko lilies of Ukhrul and Senapati as well as the numerous orchid varieties of the state, he continued.

Noting that the lemon species found at Kachai village known as Kachai lemon has got GIS patent in the world recently, Ibobi said the expo can show the world that the state of Manipur has got numerous flora and fauna which have significant identity.

Moreover, the workshop on `Strengthening horticultural development for enhancing productivity, quality and sustainable livelihood` will create a public/private partnership towards development of a new policy, said the Chief Minister.

Joint Secretary/Mission Director (MIDH), DAC, Government of India Sanjeev Chopra who attended the inaugural function as the guest of honour said the conventional demand for wheat and rice has now reached a certain level that we need to concentrate more on comprehensive farming which will bridge the gap of other nutritional products in agriculture and horticulture said today.

He further said that it is wrong for the people to have a mind lock that the region has a small portion of land for farming.

Now scientific approach in agriculture and horticulture is developed and highly trained resource persons in the respective field who can provide the technical knowhow and means to produce profit yielding products from small amount of land are also widely available, he added.

State Horticulture Mission, Manipur in collaboration with National Skill Foundation of India, Gurgaon, Haryana and Central Agricultural University, Imphal sponsored Horticulture expo is jointly organised by Department of Horticulture and Soil Conservation, Government of Manipur and ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur Centre.

State Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam who also holds the portfolio of Minister Home, TD, Horti & Soil Conservation said the people need to shift to a more scientific approach of cultivation and farming.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/manipur-national-horticulture-expo-inaugurated/

Heirok public demands death sentences for Rebika`s killers

IMPHAL, June 11: Decrying the alleged murder of Ningthoujam Rebika Chanu whose body was found on the morning of June 6 and demanding death sentences for all found involved in

IMPHAL, June 11: Decrying the alleged murder of Ningthoujam Rebika Chanu whose body was found on the morning of June 6 and demanding death sentences for all found involved in the heinous crime, sit in protests were staged in different parts of Heirok and Keirembikhok today.

The demonstrators were also seen demanding the government to check the increase in crimes against women and children in the State at the earliest.

On the other hand, the main accused in the case, Tekcham Yaima, 20 son of Shamo of Wangjing Tekcham Leikai was produced for the second time today regarding the case before the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Thoubal Kimneining Shoute and was remanded to 15 days of judicial custody following an appeal from the IO of the case.

As part of the mass agitation held today, Tomal Makhong Youth Club, the club of the victim`™s locality organised a sit in protest at its premises.

Speaking at the protest site, Rebika`™s mother Manitombi questioned what her daughter`™s crime was and further demanded death sentences for those committing such inhumane crimes against women.

A sit in protest was also staged at Heirok part 1 Mayai Leikai organised by the MYC Club declaring agitations will continue until the culprits are punished.

At Keirembikhok, the local branch of the Nupi Samaj also staged a similar sit in and demanded death sentence for the culprits observing that such strong punishments will only deter others from committing heinous crimes against women.

Meanwhile, Tourangbam Leikai Youth Club, Heirok Part III organised a torch rally taken out around Heirok which was flagged-off from Heirok Tourangbam Leikai.

The rally was participated by thousands of protestors.

ADC poll result: INC tops with 46 seats, NPF follows with 43, Independents 34 and BJP 21

IMPHAL, June 11: The final result of the recently concluded election of six Autonomous District Councils was declared today with INC emerging as the single largest party securing 46 seats

IMPHAL, June 11: The final result of the recently concluded election of six Autonomous District Councils was declared today with INC emerging as the single largest party securing 46 seats followed by NPF in the second position with 43 seats.

While the Independent candidates comfortably grabbed 34 seats, it apparently was a disappointment for the BJP with only 21 seats.

It may be mentioned that 12 seats had been won uncontested.

In Chandel, the BJP could win only two seats, while the INC bagged 11 with independent getting six and the NPF winning 5 seats.

Altogether six candidates all belonging to INC candidates were elected unopposed the candidates have been identified as S Tongpao Mate from 6-Sita DCC, Ngamthang Mate from 15-Sibong DCC, Gontinlam Gangte from 15 Moreh DCC, Lukhosei Zou from 16-Moreh B DCC and T Jangkhongam Baite from 17 Moreh DCC.

The remaining candidates are M Morungson Parenton village (INC) 1-Khoibu DCC, Kh Morung Maring Lamlong Khullen village (IND) 2-Machi DCC, Ch Meshil Maring Khunbi village (INC) 3-Langol DCC, MK Kopham (NPF) 4-Kangoi DCC, Ksm Mathem Maring Sairal Saini (NPF) Rialram Centre DCC, Ch Chanthoi Aimol of Unapal village (BJP) 7-Aimol Tampak DCC, Warngam Nalu of Khubung Khunou village (NPF) 19-Chakpikarong DCC, T Saikhothang Haokip of T Ngampao village (BJP) 18-Songjang DCC, Dy. Holngam of Y Khutha village (IND) 21-Toupokpi DCC, Ngamkholal Baite of Sugnu Tribal (INC) Sugnu Hills area DCC, Khupkholen Haokip of Longja village (INC) 23-Sajik Tampak DCC, Jinkhojam (INC) 24-Tolbung DCC, Th Joy Lamkang (IND) 8-Komlathabi DCC, Th Hopeson (NPF) 9-Purum DCC, Ringo Dilbung (INC) 10-Aihang DCC, Sh Manglem of Japhou village (IND) 11-Pantha DCC, Th Willingson Anal of Kanankhu village (IND) 12-disrict head quarter DCC, Th Kanlun Anal of Larung Khullen village (NPF) 13-Vomku DCC, KT Hari Anal of Maringbung village (IND) 20-Wangkheda DCC.

In Churachandpur, the BJP wins one seat, Congress five while independents win 18 seats.

In Sadar Hills, it is BJP-4, INC-17, NPF-2 and Independent-1.

In Senapati, it is BJP-8, INC-1, NPF-11 and independent-1.

In Tamenglong, it is BJP-5, INC-10, NPF-8 and independent-1.

In Ukhrul, it is BJP-1, INC-2, NPF-17 and Independent-4.

According to the result, no party other than the NPF in Ukhrul and the INC in Sadar Hills are able to achieve absolute majority.

Our CCpur Correspondent adds: Counting of votes for the Autonomous District Council Churachandpur election 2015 concluded this morning with independent candidates winning the most while the Congress was reduced to just six seats and BJP managing to win a lone seat.

The winners are (Congress) Demmang Haokip in Leimatak DCC; (BJP) Seilienmang in Khousabung DCC; (Congress) Paolal Haokip in Henglep DCC; (Independent) Genneikhup in Chongkhozou DCC; (Congress) Khaipao Haokip in Kholmun; (Independent) Khaikhomang in Lanva DCC; (Congress) Ngamhao Touthang in Tuibung; (Independent) Jamchinthang in Thanlon DCC; (Independent) Thangkhosuanmung in Hiangtam Lamka; (Independent) CT Lian Guite in New Lamka West; (Independent) Paukhanlian in Ngazam; (Independent) Langkhanpau Guite in Tuivai; (Independent) Khaikhanmung in Zenhang Lamka DCC; (Independent) Lalhosan in Vangai DCC; (Independent) Lalmangpui in Parbung; (Independent) Lalhrillien in Saikot DCC; (Congress) Kc Chonsei in Sagang DCC; (Independent) Lalditsang in Sanvon DCC; (Independent) Pumtulthang Lianzo in Sangaikot DCC; (Independent) Suanchinpau Guite in Lungthul DCC; (Independent) Grace Zamnu in Muallum DCC and (Independent) Hausuanthang in Singat DCC.

Aesthetic value and significance of Lai Haraoba observance underlined

IMPHAL June 11: Lai Haraoba committees should be mindful of deviating trends and missing the core intent and aesthetics, said Dr Kh Ratankumar, Works & Transport Minister during the inauguration

IMPHAL June 11: Lai Haraoba committees should be mindful of deviating trends and missing the core intent and aesthetics, said Dr Kh Ratankumar, Works & Transport Minister during the inauguration of the 4th Festival of Lai Haraoba of Manipur at Ibudhou Marongkhong Chingdrensana Pakhangba, Laibung inside the college campus at Palace Gate today.

The festival is held as part of the Diamond Jubilee Celebration of the Shree Shree Govindaji Nartanalaya Government Dance College Department of Art & Culture, Manipur today.

Speaking as chief guest, Minister Ratankumar observed that the uniqueness and the significance of Lai Haraoba of Manipur have able to awe outsiders.

“Though my research was tracing the historical perspective through the narratives of this festival, there is huge academic potential for further research on this unique living tradition of Lai Haraoba, which is the epitome of Meitei culture`™`™, he said.

`The traditional wrestling Mukna has resurfaced in the Lai Haraoba celebrations, however this institute should continue to disseminate the awareness towards preserving and promoting our authentic heritage` he asserted, adding that new trend of disassociating the aesthetic values and core framework in the celebrations is a matter of concern.

The college principal in his welcome speech explained that the Laiharaoba is the origin of the other arts and the main intent of such a festival is to educate the younger generation about the rich art, culture and religious resources.

For instance Lai Laoukhatpa ritual is done differently in Andro and Kakching showcasing an intrinsic part of this festival. Such visual performances will help in transferring knowledge and the unique identity of the festival to the young people, he noted.

He also said that the Maibi dance should be performed in sync with the aesthetic values of the festival else it will be reduced as a mere moves/dance.

Radhakumar Singh, IAS, Secretary, Arts & Culture, who was the president of the function emphasized that Laiharaoba observance is a rich narrative of the eternal value of the Meitei philosophy but it needs to be retained in documentation beyond Manipuri language.

`The basic essence and philosophy of creation narratives through songs and dance of Lai Haraoba remains similar except the manifestations and attires`™ he observed.

Manipur is indeed a land of Gods and Goddesses with as much as 364 deities from this state, he maintained.

Attending as guest of honour, Dr R K Nimai Singh, retired IAS, Consultant to Government of India expressed his appreciation over the initiatives of the college towards preserving the Lai haraoba festival.

`Varieties and differences of our heritage are displayed through the present dance moves which have evolved over the ages. It is amazing that such value addition of innovative creative fusions has not distorted the basic framework of our dances`, he said.

Performance of Maibi Jagoi Khuthek Katpa, Thang Leiteng Thougal, Ta Khoushaba Thougal, Lai Haraoba Thougal Jagoi and Kanglei Haraoba Naoshum Eshei were showcased during the function.

State police yet to receive report of post ambush Army operation

IMPHAL, June 11: Even as media reports emanating from Delhi claim 15 or more underground cadres killed during the ongoing Army operation conducted along the Indo-Myanmar border in the aftermath

IMPHAL, June 11: Even as media reports emanating from Delhi claim 15 or more underground cadres killed during the ongoing Army operation conducted along the Indo-Myanmar border in the aftermath of the June 4 ambush in Chandel district, the State police has not received any official report from the Army about the casualties inflicted in the operation so far.

According to reports gathered by IFP from the District Police Headquarters of Ukhrul, Chandel and Churachandpur districts which border Myanmar, none of the Army units engaged in the special operation have provided any official report to the State police on the operation or casualties inflicted during the operation.

Moreover, not a single dead body of underground cadres believed to be killed in the operation have been handed over to the concerned police stations so far, according to the reports.

Meanwhile, a reliable source said the massive operation launched by the Army in the wake of the deadly ambush is going on in earnest.

Transportation of Army personnel equipped with modern sophisticated weapons in helicopters to the strategic points and remote areas in Ukhrul, Chandel and Churachandpur districts bordering Myanmar has also started.

Additional Army personnel have been sent to join in the operation after they were brought by helicopter up to Khongtal area in Chandel district today, sources said.

However, there has been no claim from the side of the Army on the exact number of casualties on the side of UG outfits during the ongoing operation although media reports emating from New Delhi had claimed on June 9 that several UG cadres (the number varying from 15 and more) were killed during the operation inside Myanmar territory.

UNLF rebuts Times Of India`s report

IMPHAL, June 11: Terming the news report published in Times of India in its June 10 edition under the headline `Khaplang emerges as the most important militant leader in NE`™

IMPHAL, June 11: Terming the news report published in Times of India in its June 10 edition under the headline `Khaplang emerges as the most important militant leader in NE`™ as `concocted`™ and `biased`™, the outlawed United National Liberation Front (UNLF) pointed out that the recent debacles of the Indian occupational forces in `Indian occupied`™ Manipur and its neighbouring state of Nagaland compelled the Government of India to undertake immediate media hype to bolster the already sunken morale of its occupational forces in the region.

According to a statement signed by M Sak-hen, Director of UNLF, the GOI is sponsoring and feeding concocted and doctored news items to its news channels and print media with the ulterior motive to create misunderstanding among the revolutionary forces of the region.

The statement refuted the contention that “™RK Meghen who is now inside Guwahati jail wanted to become the Chairman of the newly floated United National Liberation Front of Western South-East Asia. The Indian intelligence intercepted messages sent by RK Meghen to his group not to join the UNLFW if the Chairman`™s post is not given to him`™`™.

The report further said that this is the reason why CorCom did not join the UNLFW which is totally baseless and impractical as the Chairman of UNLF is in Indian jail, the statement said.

Clarifying that CorCom not joining the UNLFW is not related to RK Mehen alias Sana Yaima, Chairman of UNLF; the statement said that any sane person can easily see that the news item published by Times of India is pure fabrication from a wild and nonsensical imagination of the newspaper house or whoever feeding the news.

It further reiterated that the news item is simply a concocted and bias story published by TOI to create mischief.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/unlf-rebuts-times-of-indias-report/

Wasteful Litigations

Who ultimately pays for all the court cases the government gets to fight perennially, round the year every year. No prizes for guessing it is the tax payers. It is

Who ultimately pays for all the court cases the government gets to fight perennially, round the year every year. No prizes for guessing it is the tax payers. It is true courts are the civilized forums on which modern disputes are settled, but when there are too many disputes any single institution or individual gets into, it is an indicator something simply is not right somewhere. And when many of the numerous cases that we get to see the government fight are actually untenable and indefensible, legally or morally even to the lay eyes, the problem is all the more acute. The pattern is familiar and it is always a story of how the government tries to sideline or else skirt around the opinion of the judiciary. A typical case history would something like: Government pushes the case of favoured employees in promotion; those at the receiving end file court case challenging the decision; court favours litigants; government resorts to delaying tactics by appealing to higher courts even reaching the Supreme Court in some cases; along the hierarchy the judiciary too vacillates in its opinion, sometimes favouring one and sometimes the other; government finally loses the case, but then the case has lost its relevance as the issue it was being fought have faded into insignificance. Justice delayed become justice denied. To cut the story short, it is atrocious to see this fund scarce state waste so much of its resources on totally avoidable cases. Without going into specifics, suffices it to say that most of the cases, if not all, are service related `“ of promotions denied, of jumping recruitment rules, of nepotism in service advancements, of salary anomalies, of back-dated appointments etc.

The fact also is, the government far too frequently for comfort, faces the inevitable and humiliating fate of fighting cases with no merit or are outright dishonest ones, and loses after years of expensive court-hopping. A Supreme Court ruling against the government in a medical students reservation issue about a decade ago which came about only after four years of losing legal battles in subordinate appellate courts is just one example. There are plenty more. What is extremely frustrating is, no amount of public reproach seems capable of introducing even a little remorse, and the government continues unrelenting with its game. In spite of the funds knowingly flushed down the drain on unnecessary and unsuccessful litigations, there has never been any official stock taking. No appointing authorities of what in effect were governmental decisions declared as illegal by courts, have ever had to face the music. No attorney general, no law minister, no law secretary, no department heads, ever ended up penalized for un-meritorious cases that received hammerings in the courtrooms. It is as if wasting public money is a legitimate part of governance and what is not illegitimate on the other hand is to ask for accountability on these affairs.

But there is another missing accountability that is seldom taken cognizance of `“ this one for the lowering of the esteem of the law in the eyes of the public as a consequence of it being consistently used to defend unjust and corrupt decisions of the government. As mentioned, inordinate delays in justice delivered which almost invariably result in any court entangle, give more cause for this public disenchantment. The question now is, why must this be allowed to continue? Why cannot the government ever think of making an enquiry into this side of its legal management and determine what is wasteful and what necessary? Consequently, what cannot it also evolve some guidelines for determining an accountability scale on this score so that department heads will be a little more wary about entering into, or else inviting unnecessary litigations. Those who willfully and through their unscrupulous decisions invite these cases, and cause wastage of public money, must be made to feel guilty and pay for their action befittingly. As of now, the officialdom walk with the air that they are the untouchables of even the law, privileged to waste public money as and how they so will.

Leader Writer: Pradip Phanjoubam

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/wasteful-litigations/

Any disturbance to peace would be appropriately dealt with: DoNER minister

IMPHAL, June 11: `I would rather prefer to concentrate on restoration and maintenance of peace and boost the dreams of the Centre to bring development in North East India,

Doner Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh

IMPHAL, June 11: `I would rather prefer to concentrate on restoration and maintenance of peace and boost the dreams of the Centre to bring development in North East India, but if there is any element which tends to disturb the peace it would be appropriately dealt with` Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region, Dr Jitendra Singh said referring to the June 4 ambush and the post ambush operation by Indian Army.

Addressing media persons at a press briefing today at the Old Secretariat, Dr Jitendra Singh said the Centre will always stand for the region through thick and thin and the people need to be confident that that the Centre is there to ensure peace and development in the region.

He also appealed to the people not to get disturbed or discouraged by such incident.

Dr Jitendra said the government will bring NE at par with the rest of the country which is precisely the objective of his visit.

The Minister, who is also the ex officio chairperson of North Eastern Council informed media that his visit is also to reassure the people of the State and NE that the development for the region is very high on the agenda of the present Central government.

He further stated, `We are here to commit ourselves to contribute whatever we can to ensure that there is peace and tranquility in the State which will be compatible with the optimum growth in the regions.`

Answering whether the govt would like to restore the truce pact abrogated with NSCN (K) if the arm groups is willing, the minister said that he would not like to get into the discussion personally as there are certain sensitive areas in the issue.

However, regarding post-ambush covert operations, he said Indian security forces have to and will appropriately deal with it with an object to restore peace and not to deviate from the agenda of development for the NE.

He said the `Act East Policy`™ and the `Make in Manipur`™ policy will continue and such incidence as the June 4 ambush should not be allowed to interfere and disturb the developmental schemes.

Dr Jitendra who had soon after his arrival in the State capital met the Chief Minister, said he had discussed the developmental initiatives taken up in the State by the Centre during his meeting with the Chief Minister.

He also said that he is very glad and satisfied as the CM also subscribes to the view that the people of the State and the people of North East are in fact fed up of violence and the recurrent disturbances in the environment which have deprive them of enormous benefits being enjoyed by the mainstream India.

The Centre`™s plan for development in NE can be accomplish only with close coordination between the State and the Centre, he said adding that the Centre is ready to provide whatever assistance is needed by the State government.

He said other interests of his visit are to speed up the proposed works for the Impha-Silchar road, commissioning the Thoubal Power project which plans to cater 18 hours of consistent power supply even in the remotest areas of the State and the issue of Sports University.

Arambam Somorendra remembered on his 15th Death Anniversary

IMPHAL, June 10: Commemorating the 15th Arambam Somorendra Martyrdom, members of The Arambam Somoredra Trust, family members and others paid floral tribute today at his statue erected at Social Standard

During the observance function, artists from Meitei Chanu Artiste cum Drama Association performed Khamba Silangba, a part of Moirang Prava. A patriotic poem competition for students was also held.

Retired IFS Lalthlamuong Keivom was present at the occasion.

Speaking at the function, editor of Freedom RK Ranendrajit said that the death anniversary of Arambam Somorendro has been observed by the Arambam Somorendro Trust as a mark of tribute to the great public leader.

He further said that it will be worth to follow the footsteps and path adopted by the leader by the people especially the younger generation.

Later, the trust organised the 10th Arambam Somorendra Memorial Lecture at Lamyanba Shanglen, Palace Compound. The lecture was delivered by Retired IFS Lalthlamuong Keivom on the topic `Ethnic Churning: Chikumi Style`™.

A booklet on the topic was also released jointly by editor of Imphal Free Press Pradip Phanjoubam; chairman of the Arambam Somorendra Trust Dr Arambam Lokendra; Dr Ngamkhohao Haokip; Dr Sohiamlung Dangmei and Dr Priyadarshini Gangte.

Discussion on the topic `Ethnic Churning: Chikhumi Style`™ was conducted and presided by Pradip Phanjoubam.

No plan for alliance post ADC election: Gaikhangam

IMPHAL, June 10: Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam today visited the bereaved family of Phanjoubam Taropot, former head of PTI news service Manipur Bureau, who passed away on June 3 following

IMPHAL, June 10: Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam today visited the bereaved family of Phanjoubam Taropot, former head of PTI news service Manipur Bureau, who passed away on June 3 following a brief illness.

Gaikhangam met the family members and interacted with Late Tarapot`™s wife and children.

He also apologised to the family members that he could not visit earlier due to many issues piling up in the state.

The Dy CM also paid floral tribute at the portrait of Tarapot at the residence.

Speaking to media persons regarding the ongoing operation launched by army along Indo- Myanmar border, Gaikhangam said that the matter is sensitive so it will not be right to give comment as of now.

Giving his opinion regarding the ADC election, the Dy CM said that there is no plan for any post poll alliance with other political parties to form a front in the Autonomous Districts Council (ADC) but expressed hope that the Congress party will win majority of seats in four districts out of six.

He further said that any candidate from other political parties willing to join the Congress will be welcome by the party.

But just for the sake of forming ADC, the Congress party would not stoop so low and join with any political party, he affirmed.

He lauded and thanked the party`™s candidates for the ADC election despite various hurdles and threats they had to face during the election campaign.

Many Congress candidates were threatened by outfits to create fear psychosis to its supporters and win the election by force, Gaikhangam said.

Will try to implement Gujarat`s irrigation models in state: O Malesh

IMPHAL, June 10: A team of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) Manipur headed by its president Oinam Malesh along with media persons from Imphal inspected irrigation models taken up in

IMPHAL, June 10: A team of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) Manipur headed by its president Oinam Malesh along with media persons from Imphal inspected irrigation models taken up in Gujarat by its government.

Speaking on the sidelines of the inspection visit which started from June 8, O Mahesh said that efforts will be put in to implement the effective irrigation models taken up in Gujarat in the state as well to accelerate production of agriculture products.

He noted that Gujarat despite experiencing less rainfall has been producing adequate agriculture and horticulture products by availing proper irrigation facilities in agricultural fields which also enable to harvest crops not less than three times in a year.

During the stint of Narendra Modi as the Chief Minister of Gujarat for 11 years, agricultural fields in the state are provided with facility of ground water harvesting and management by pumping out water from well to ensure that agricultural fields remain green throughout the year, he said.

As part of the visit, the team inspected several agricultural fields in Rajkot yesterday and came across that many of the fields are provided with proper irrigation facilities to yield adequate agriculture products.

Malesh pointed out that the Congress government in Manipur under the leadership of Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh has failed to provide proper adequate irrigation facilities in agricultural fields in the state which is due to the absence of water harvesting.

He said that the state of Manipur experiences enough rainfall in a year and have vast water bodies but the Congress government despite ruling the state for the last 13 years is in no mood to take up water harvesting to facilitate production of agriculture products.

Alleging that the government has kept crores of rupees in the dark in the name of taking up of various minor irrigation projects, he observed that had the government properly utilized the funds sanctioned by Ministry of Water Resources to improve irrigation system in the state then the state will be self-reliant in agriculture products.

Malesh maintained that the inspection visit was paid under the aegis of president of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Manipur Pradesh Th Chaoba to ascertain the Gujarat model of development and implement the same here in the state by keeping a vision.

The BJYM team which also included its executive members Chakpram Tarzan, L Bishorjit and Latif Ahamed also inspected the Narmada Canal situated around 245-km from Rajkot. The canal measured 630-km in length and 70 meter in breadth.

When Media Stops Doubting

Signs are, the days of the media as the tough and uncompromising interrogators of established authorities are gone. At least this is what was demonstrated in the sorry aftermath of

Signs are, the days of the media as the tough and uncompromising interrogators of established authorities are gone. At least this is what was demonstrated in the sorry aftermath of the June 4 ambush at a spot in Chandel district on a convoy of the 6-Dogra Regiment by militants belonging to three rebel groups operating in the Northeast. The 17 deaths in the ambush was tragic, and there cannot have been anybody whose heart did not bleed at seeing pictures of the families of these soldiers in Himachal Pradesh, devastated and broken. In Manipur, there would not have been many who did not curse the attackers, except for the incorrigibly bitter who probably have had personal misfortunes at the hands of the security forces, a prospect not so uncommon or unimaginable in a land torn by conflict and subjected to oppressive laws. Expectedly, combing operations and manhunts for the militants began almost immediately thereafter, and people waited in bated breaths praying no collateral damages result, as evidenced by the numerous appeals from civil bodies in Chandel through the press. Fortunately, nothing of this sort has happened to the extent known so far, and praise be for this to the Army for keeping the promise the GOC 57 Mountain Division made at the very start of the operations that this would be a people friendly operation.

On June 9, there suddenly was a newsbreak emanating from New Delhi that the Army in special commando operations done in consultations with the Myanmar government gave hot chases to militants, penetrating into Myanmar territory to neutralise (the sanitised term for `kill`™) `a significant number of militants`. So far so good; this is war and in a war, it is natural for combatants to fall. But from here on, the media in New Delhi, in particular the TV channels took over. The `significant number` began having definite two digit figures. Some even began claiming three digit figures quoting unnamed authoritative sources. Talking heads were rushed to studios and the mood everywhere was one of celebration. The blood thirst in the key words in the running headlines would have also made anybody shudder: `revenge`™, `retribution`™, `hit us we hit back harder`™. Many of these words were the adjectives for Manipur and Nagaland, making residents of these states uneasy, embarrassed and on second thought, furious. In the evening of the same newsbreak day, when newspapers in Manipur also sat down to take stock of things, they had with them just two press releases from the PIB Defence Wing and the state police to depend on. Neither had anything that signified hot pursuit into Myanmar territory, so local papers wrote their stories accordingly, though the bolder amongst them used the stories from the websites of these TV Channels to make their stories juicier.

In all the TV shows, there was not a single voice that exercised or recommended healthy doubt which all students of journalism were trained to make it their nature. Nobody questioned these sources, and instead simply joined the celebration. Moreover, what was being celebrated was death `“ several of them at that `“ and this thought itself was gory, even if those killed were enemies. Gone was also the notion that insurgency is a tragic internal war, therefore in the words of Sanjib Baruah, India fighting itself. If American journalists were accused of being embedded with their military in their invasion of Iraq in 2003, who can now say Indian journalists, in particular the frenetic TV channels are not guilty of the same objectionable practice. And now, rather than clinching evidences of the hot pursuit, there are reports of denial this ever happened from the Myanmar government. The embarrassment this would bring the country`™s leadership is sad. But it is also good that it will deflate at least some of the hot airs the media has been bloated with.

However, we would be guilty of not living by the canons of the journalistic profession if we too jump to the conclusion that Myanmar`™s alleged denial has disproven everything that the Indian media sailed on for the past few days. Let us then take this too with a pinch of salt, until facts on the ground establish beyond reasonable doubt the actual truth. In the meantime, perhaps the Union Government should institute an inquiry as to how a supposedly special and secret mission came to be so loudly public within hours. If discretion had been practices, the government would have been saved embarrassment if the mission did not succeed, and if successful, it would have had more chances of continuing with it.

Leader Writer: Pradip Phanjoubam

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/when-media-stops-doubting/

AMCO organizes consultation programme

IMPHAL, June 10: A one day consultation programme for the leader of civil frontal organisations and students`™ associations of the state was organised by All Manipur Christian Organisation (AMCO) at

According to a release of the organisation, the programme was attended by leaders from affluent Civil Society Organisation and church leaders.

After the welcome and introduction speech from President of AMCO, Reverend Prim Vaiphei, General Secretary of MBC, Reverend Dr. W. Konghar stated that peace is not made by man but is from God and man need to preserve it, it said.

UCM leader, Elangbam Johnson expressed the desire to diagnose the social issues from various parameters and seek to climate ethnic centric view of the community. All HERICOUN members aso expressed to gear up awareness campaign in the land, it said.

AMUCO Chairman, Dr. Mani also stressed on the importance of political intervention and analysed the leadership conflict as a major issue of the present condition of Manipur.

Love Manipur, Reverend L. Timothy Phaomei stirred to collect love stories such as helping one another and sharing in time of need of different communities for building a bond of the community in Manipur, it said.

President of KIM, Thangkhosei pointed out the issue of insecurity as the major problem for every community and religion.

The programme was concluded by meeting Chairperson, Rev. Dr. S. Lalpi Vaiphei, Rev. Simon Raomai by concluding the meeting with a resolution to go ahead with the next consultative meeting at Senapati/Ukhrul or other parts of Manipur, it said.

The meeting concluded with prayer from Rev. L. Timothy Phaomei, Love Manipur.

The joint forum has also appealed the GOC, 57 Mt. Division and Government of India to update the public on the situation of innocent under `Friendly Operation`™ on regular basis, to allow media and civil society leaders and religious leaders concerned to visit the affected people in the operation areas to assuage the psychological impacts of the military operation and to conduct the ongoing operation with lady police personnel to assuage the fears and apprehension of women and children and youth in those villages with immediate effects, it said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/amco-organizes-consultation-programme/

More join NIA ambush probe team

IMPHAL, June 10: Investigation by a team of National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the ambush laid by a combined team of NSCN/GPRN, KYKL and KCP on a convoy of 6

IMPHAL, June 10: Investigation by a team of National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the ambush laid by a combined team of NSCN/GPRN, KYKL and KCP on a convoy of 6 Dogra Regiment of Moltuk Post near Paraolon village along New Somtal road in Chandel district on June 4 claiming 18 personnel besides injuring 16 others, is going on further.

Inspector General of NIA GP Singh, senior IPS Officer of Assam Cadre who reached Imphal yesterday has also joined in the ongoing investigation. Just after reaching the capital, GP Singh rushed to the ambush site to join in the investigation.

It may be mentioned that Government of India handed over the task of investigation into the ambush to NIA on June 5. Acting on it, a team of NIA arrived here in the state on June 7 and began investigation. A team of forensic experts of the agency was also called in on June 8 to assist the investigation.

Around 20 officials of NIA led by Inspector General GP Singh are stationed in Imphal and carrying out the investigation works.

The NIA team has also started examining the materials recovered by army during search operation conducted in the ambush site.

Before the investigation case was entrusted to NIA, Manipur Police with Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Moreh, Sadananda as the Investigation Officer had started investigation into the incident.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/more-join-nia-ambush-probe-team/

WAD concerned by increasing crimes against humanity

IMPHAL, June 10: The Women Action for Development (WAD) along with its allied organizations (COWF, CSD, WEJ, Serviours Forum Manipur, DWC-UNM, M I/E) has drawn attention of all the concerned

IMPHAL, June 10: The Women Action for Development (WAD) along with its allied organizations (COWF, CSD, WEJ, Serviours Forum Manipur, DWC-UNM, M I/E) has drawn attention of all the concerned Departments/authorities to the increasing crimes against humanity in Manipur for more than ten years.

A press release of WAD has said that crime against humanity and crime against women and children are the most common crimes happening in Manipur. People of Manipur have been experiencing the grave of human rights violation since the unsolved conflict has been in process.

Although many bills have been passed for the protection of the vulnerable groups in the parliament, crime against women and children and other forms of human rights violation are increasing at a rapid rate and the existing policy which failed to protect the same as the present and the existing government are enjoying the absolute political power which are for the protection of the people. During the last five month (January to May 2015) the total number of recorded cases of crime against humanity is 207 which covered all the cases existing in the nine Districts of Manipur.

The total number of recorded bomb blast cases in the last five months of 2015 is 96. All the existing situation clearly spoke that Manipur has become `A Land of Dead” in which the people felt more insecure to live in. Manipur is brutally ruled by the hand of the Army with the deadly draconian law AFSPA since 1958 in the so called greatest democratic country in the world, it said.

In the light of the above facts and circumstances the Prime Minister of India is requested to ensure speedy Justice in line of following charter of demands.

The demands are, Repeal Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) 1958, to Constitute a special investigation team to make sure that perpetrators of crimes against women and children are brought to justice, Direct the Government of Manipur to start functioning of State Human Right Commission, Initiate the Fast Tract Court in all 9 districts of Manipur within 6 months, Establish a separate Department and Budget to deal with Gender based discrimination, Direct the Government of Manipur to fill up two Judges of Manipur High Court which remain lying since full flagged High Court, Direct the Government of Manipur to investigate the gang rape and murder of Rebika of Heirok properly and sincerely, it said.

`No retribution by AR even after gruesome ambush at Paraolon`

IMPHAL, June 10: The ambush by heavily armed insurgents, near Paralon village in Chandel district on June 4 last led to 18 soldiers of 6 DOGRA being martyred and some

IMPHAL, June 10: The ambush by heavily armed insurgents, near Paralon village in Chandel district on June 4 last led to 18 soldiers of 6 DOGRA being martyred and some soldiers also being injured.

A press release of PRO IGAR (S) said the ambush was violently countered by the personnel of 6 DOGRA, killing at least two militants and injuring others. The escaping militants were pursued and reserve columns rushed in to block their routes of exfiltration, towards the Indo Myanmar border.

It further said that there have been concerns expressed by various segments of the civilian society advising the Indian Army against retributive violence. There have also been reports that the locals had vacated the area fearing reprisals from the Assam Rifles. Four villagers who had gone hunting unaware of the ambush were reported by the media as having gone missing due to Security Forces operations in the area.

It clarified that it is far from true because there has been no retribution of any kind and these persons have finally returned safely. Hence, fears about retribution are unfounded and unnecessary. The Security Forces are aware of their responsibilities towards the civilian population and contemplating such a course of action is against the ethos of the Armed Forces. The Indian Army is, and will always remain, a people`™s army, working ceaselessly for the safety and security of the people. All counter insurgency operations of the Army are intelligence based surgical operations causing minimal inconvenience to the people, it said.

In the current operation too, in spite of severe provocation and highly agitated emotive state of the soldiers, care was taken not to round up or otherwise trouble villagers. The operation was focussed only on pursuit of the fleeing terrorists without exposing civilians to danger. The villagers are advised to return and live peacefully. To reinforce this spirit of friendship and to provide necessary immediate support, Assam Rifles will be organising medical camps and will also be taking other measures to help ameliorate the hardships that these innocent civilians were exposed to, due to gruesome acts by insurgents operating from Myanmar, it said.

INC leads NPF by narrow margin, BJP third so far

IMPHAL June 10: The counting of votes in the recently concluded ADC election are nearing completion. Results are pouring in, but far from complete even at midnight. The INC and

IMPHAL June 10: The counting of votes in the recently concluded ADC election are nearing completion. Results are pouring in, but far from complete even at midnight. The INC and NPF are putting up a strong show, though the BJP is still within striking distance. The following are the results declared so far.

Senapati: The NPF leads with 11 seats in its bag. Four of these were won uncontested. The BJP has a total of eight seats including one seat which it won uncontested. Independents have bagged four seats while INC is left to be content with one seat.

Sadar Hills: The INC is the front runner here having already bagged 17 seats including two uncontested ones. The BJP is behind with four seats, and the NPF is third with two seats, while one seat went to an Independent candidate.

Churachanpur: Unlike in the other districts, here Independents are in the lead with 12 seats in their bag already. The INC is second with five seats and the BJP was left with only a single seat at 11.16pm. More results are expected by 1pm.

Ukhrul: NPF is the front runner here with 12 seats. Independents have garnered four, the BJP one and the INC is still to open account at 11.15pm.

Chandel: INC leads by a respectable margin of 11 seats including the 5 uncontested seats. NPF follows with four, Independents together have garnered four and the BJP has managed only two so far.

Tamenglong: Out of the total of 24 seats in Tamenglong INC has bagged 10 seats, followed closely by NPF with eight seats. Fresh entrant BJP managed five seats and a single seat went to an Independent candidate. Ten sitting District Council members retained their seats in all, five did not contest again and another nne lost. This leaves the new District Council with a total of 14 new members.

It might be mentioned that 12 seats out of the total 144 were won uncontested. District Council Election for remaining 132 seats were held on June 1, followed by repolls on June 4 to 6.

Repoll was conducted in 74 polling stations on June 6 following complaints of misconducts involving all the parties.

KOKO HRANGBUNG adds from Chandel: The INC has emerged leader in Chandel. Some of the INC candidates whose results are already declared are: M. Morungson, 1-Khoibu DCC, Ch. Meshil Maring, 3-Langol DCC, Ngamkholal Baite, 22-Sugnu Hill Area Constituency, Khupkholen Haokip, 23- Sajik Tampak and Ginkhojam, 24-Tolbung.

From the NPF, the winners include: MK, Kopham, 4-Kangoi DCC, KSM Matthew Maring, 5-Rilram Centre DCC and Warngam Nula,19-Chakpikarong.

From the BJP: Ch. Chanthoi Aimol and T Seikhothang Haokip of BJP won 7- Aimol Tampak DCC and 18-Songjang DCC respectively.

Independent candidates: Kh. Morung Maring, elected from 2-Machi DCC and Dy. Holngam from 21- Toupokpi.

Today`™s counting was held at the District DRDA conference hall from 8:00 in the morning under tight security.

There are no reports of untoward incidents at the time of filing this report.

It may be mentioned that 5 of INC candidates including the former ADC Chairman Lhukhosei Zou have already been elected unopposed.

RPF belittles SF claim on damaging militant camps

IMPHAL, June 10: The proscribed Revolutionary People`™s Front (RPF), refuting the claim made by `Indian Occupational Forces`™ (IOF) on inflicting serious damage to militant camps inside Myanmar territory

Amunitions and Megazines recovered by RPF

A statement issued by Roben Khuman, secretary publicity RPF, conceded that on June 9 morning around 7 am, IOF attacked an OP mobile camp of the outfit`™s armed wing People`™s Liberation Army (PLA) in the interior part Ukhrul bordering Myanmar.

Some of the IOF crossed over the border while some from the border initially attacked a sentry post. However, the IOF were forced to retreat following stiff resistance from the side of the PLA, it said.

It further claimed that the outfit found blood stains besides recovering magazine containing full lives round when combed the area in the aftermath of the gun fight.

Stating that the attack occurred only at the PLA mobile camp, it said that the reports of inflicting serious human casualties to the militant as claimed by top brass of IOF during the cross-border strike was a cheap propaganda, it said adding that `The IOF has failed to tell the truth and misled the Indian people`.

It further appealed the people of Manipur not to believe in such lies.