Category: Imphal Free Press

IMPGHAL | Oct 6

The president of Aimol Tribe Union, Manipur (ATUM), S. Munthuireng denied the false propaganda created in local newspapers and media houses by one self-proclaimed president named RT. Akhel Aimol about the present scenario of Aimol villages and Pallel areas of Tengnoupal district.

A release said, there have not been any sort of alleged criminal activities like, demands, extortion or ransom upon the villagers of the areas. The claim by RT. Akhel about Aimol villagers being employed in NSCM (IM) is totally baseless. The propaganda is just to put the lives of innocent Aimol villagers at risk, it added.

Aimol community has its own union office at Aimol Tampak with complete staff and election commission. The person, R. T. Akhel was elected as vice-president of Kuki Inpi, Manipur (KIM) on May 17 and he has no relation with Aimol community, said the release.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 6

The All Manipur Student’s Union (AMSU) today shutdown the director’s room and museum of the Tribal Research Institute (TRI), Imphal.

Speaking to media persons AMSU vice-president, Laishram Peter said that the N. Pikeshwor got selected in the MPSC examination for the deputy director of TRI and has also completed the police verification and medical fitness test.

But tribal affairs and hills, commissioner, T. Panmei did not give the appointment order to Pikeshwor, instead he is trying to appoint his relative, one Gaikhamsin Riamei who did not even appear in the said examination, he added.

Moreover, the commissioner has created two posts (administrative officer and research officer) and has given them to two individuals who are very close to him, he added.

The vice-president said regarding the appointment of TRI deputy director, AMSU has already asked and given ultimatum till October 5 to review the appointment of the post and issuance of the appointment letter to Pikeshwor. However, till now the department has not taken any step, he charged.

Such action of the commissioner is against the public and also to tarnish the image of the present government, which is “truly working” for the welfare of the public, added Peter.

He said director’s room and museum will be closed until the department reviews the appointment of deputy director and issuance of appointment letter to the eligible candidate, announced the vice-president.

IMPHAL | Oct 6

Maoist Communist Party said that the preparation to start the week-long mega protest in order to save the indigenous people from November 11 to 18 is in full swing. 

Khurai Ahongpung and Mongba Hanba sites will be given back to the people as a part of the week long mega protest, said a release signed by coordinator, standing committee, Kyonghan Mangang.

The organisation does not get involved in matters related to faith, it said. However, the decisions taken by the organisation are against domination, it added. The mentioned sites have been kept under domination by non-locals for generations, it continued adding the decision was made against it.

The agitations will begin from 6 pm of November 11 in which all the streets, lanes and roadways will be blocked by the public, it continued. If the government does not take up any step to save the indigenous people by the midnight of November 16, then the public will storm the chief minister office, Manipur legislative Assembly, governor office and Manipur police head quarter on the early morning of November 17 and achieve its goal of saving the indigenous people, it said.  

The party has appealed to the people from Khurai area and those who are willing to save Mongba hanba site to be prepared for the mega protest, it further said.

On the other hand, the party welcomes the statement by United NGO Mission Manipur that they are not against the movement, it said. However, the claim made by the convenors of UNMM that the party has not tried to contact any of them is a blatant lie at the face of Manipuris, it said.

The organisation had tried multiple times to contact the leader of UNMM, U. Nobokeshor on his mobile that ends with the digits, 2626, it said adding several efforts were also made to contact the leader of Women Action for Development.

Therefore, it would be wiser for Nobikeshor and WAD to accept their mistakes to UNMM and the people of Manipur within the given time, it said. Unnecessary provocations are not desired by the party, it said adding if they do not stop speaking lies and continue denying their mistakes, the organisation will not take responsibility for the outcome.

From Our Correspondent

THOUBAL | Oct 6

For the 5th general panchayat election to be conducted by Manipur State Election Commission tomorrow, Thoubal district is all prepared to make the election peaceful and fair.  

There will be only female polling personnel conducting election at five polling stations duties which will be a distinctive feature of the election for Thoubal district.

Polling personnel assigned at several locations under the district set off towards their assigned polling stations from Thoubal DC complex this morning.

Deputy commissioner, L. Nabakishwar appealed the public to cast their votes by their own choices and not under the influence of others.   

Out of 310 polling stations under the district, the five polling stations where only female personnel have been assigned are 6/13/3- Khangabok Higher Secondary School, 6/13/6 – KM Blooming School, 6/13/7 – Khangabok Sorok Wangma Primary School, 6/13/8 – New Ideal Club Khangabok and 6/21/1 Wangbal Junior High School.

For the peaceful and smooth conduct of the election, a control room was set for providing information to the public as well as to prevent unwanted incidents. Its number is 03848-222663.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 6

The 49 battalion and 54 battalion BSF under the aegis of sector head quarters BSF counterinsurgency (Ops) Koirengei, Imphal, Manipur is organizing second “BSF martyrs half marathon” on October 22.

Speaking to media persons at the battalion head quarter 49 BSF, Koirengei, H. Subhol Singh, commandant (Ops) sector headquarters BSF CI (Ops), said the marathon is organized to commemorate the valiant deeds and supreme sacrifices made by brave soldiers of BSF from Manipur, who had attained martyrdom by sacrificing their precious lives while maintaining unity, integrity and sovereignty of the nation as well as fighting against anti-national elements/militants, naxals on active duty.

He said male students of any school of Manipur in the age group 12 to 16 years are eligible to participate in the half marathon of 10 kms run which will be organised at Impal city.

Informing that there will be handsome cash for winners, he said all the students as per eligible criteria are invited to participate in BSF martyrs’ half marathon to honour BSF martyrs from Manipur and their families.

The commandant appealed to the people of Manipur to extend their co-operation particularly the parents by encouraging their wards to participate in the marathon.

He further observed that the marathon will not only encourage the sporting spirits in the state but also help honour the martyrs and families of the BSF men.

The 10-km-run will start from Khuman Lampak main stadium and pass through North AOC (along NH-2), Khongnang Ani Karak, Chingmeirong and finishing point is at the BSF campus Koirengei.

Entry forms will be available at 49 battaltion BSF, Koirengei, 54 battalion BSF Loktak, STC BSF Churachandpur, BSFP Posts in high court complex/capital and administrative block of director, youth affairs and sports, Khuman Lampak from October 7 onwards and the last date of form submission is October 17 at 49 BSF Koirengei.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | Oct 6

A memorandum of understanding was inked today by the Kuki Inpi including all civil society organizations of Kangpokpi with Bhartia Infra Project Limited, the agency responsible for construction of NH-2 between Kuki Taphou to Koubru Laikha.

The Kuki SoO UGs and the Indo-Kuki tripartite political dialogue entities under United People’s Front, one of the conglomerates of various Kukis were present in the written acknowledgment for strengthening of existing pavements on National Highway – 2.

The acknowledgement of the Kuki UGs under UPF said we shall provide full cooperation to avoid unnecessary disturbances in our areas of operation throughout the construction period and provided security and protection to all machineries and labourers.

It also requests the concerned company to begin the construction work at the earliest in the larger interest of the general populace.

Considering the sincere commitment guaranteed by the Bhartia Infra Project Limited for finer road condition which the people never experience before, the Kuki Inpi and CSOs also ensure to extend all possible help for the safety and protection of the Bhartia Infra Project Limited workers during the construction period.

The Kuki Inpi further instructed all the village chiefs more particularly towards those situated along the national highway to ensure safety and protection of the BIPL workers and render assistance in their construction activities at anytime including day or late night.

It asked all the residents of Kangpokpi district more particularly residents residing along the National Highway to extend maximum cooperation and assistant to the BIPL officials and workers and directed to take ensuring their safety and protection as well as maintaining cordial environment with them as an mandatory duties and responsibility in the interest of all.

However, the Kuki Inpi on behalf of all CSOs cautioned that anyone defying the directives of the Kuki Inpi and CSOs and found indulging in creating unnecessary disturbances to the construction workers shall be sternly dealt with and the concerned person(s) shall take sole responsible for any action taken by the Kuki Inpi and CSOs.

A BIPL official assured that the company will not compromise on quality and assured to provide the best road condition which no company had earlier presented.

However, the BIPL official said that it will instantly leave the site in case of disturbances from any section and shift to a safe site where there will be no disturbances.

He also said that the BIPL will work as per Engineering Procurement Construction [EPC] mode which is a popular model being adopted globally in many projects like road construction, roof-top solar projects, etc. while adding that highway in India projects are being implemented through EPC model.

The MoU inked between the BIPL and Kuki Inpi including all CSOs said that both the party agreed to work hand in hand over the construction of National Highway -2, Mao-Imphal section from Km.263.00 – 287.00 (Kuki Taphou – Koubru Laikha) on EPC Mode in Manipur.

IMPHAL | Oct 6

A team of district police commando, Imphal West arrested one cadre of PREPAK-VC in a search operation at Keishampat Aheibam Leikai, said a release by PRO police.

It said, the arrested cadre was identified as Sapam Tiken alias Momocha alias Siroy (30), son of (Late) Sapam Deven Singh of Keishampat Aheibam Leikai. A case has been registered at Imphal police station and investigation is going on.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 6

Tamenglong and Longmai Districts Citizens’ Welfare Forum has called a bandh on October 11 from 6am to 6pm along the national highway-37 (Imphal-Jiribam road) and halt to all national projects working along the highway.

Speaking to media persons today at Manipur Press Club, Imphal the forum’s president, Rangam Thoitak said that the Tamenglong Autonomous District Council (ADC) is currently in defunct.

He said a memorandum was submitted to the chief minister N. Biren on September 24 and the forum’s ultimatum yesterday.

But till today the government has not taken up any action so the forum has decided to call 12 hour bandh on the national highway-37, added the president.

Thoitak said the delay in making a full fledged ADC has caused immense sufferings to the public indirectly or directly.

He added since the local-self government is not there the public cannot approach any of their representatives for their problem.

There is the issue of fuel adulteration, shortage of LPG in Tamei area as benefits of PMUY schemes are not made available to the people of Tamei and frequent accidents on national highway-37 are taking place, continued Thoitak.

Mentioning yesterday’s accident that took place between Khongsang and Rengpang that cazused injuries to two persons, the president said that the forum extends its full support to the Nungba Area Joint Committee to book the culprits at the earliest and rectify the negligence of the highway task force.

He asked “who will receive the chief minister when he visits Tamenglong if there is no local self governance in Tamenglong?”

The forum warned of shutting down of all government offices beginning from district administration if the government still fails to redress the exigency of the burning public issue.

Longpi village chairman, Kailal Gangte who attended the press meet appealed to the government to hand over the NFSA agent of Longpi area to the Longpi Area Chiefs’ Association.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | Oct 5

An earth fissure presumably triggered by a gradual landslide appeared at Maram Centre village in Senapati district has appeared, foreboding a catastrophic natural calamity in the district.

After the fearful Kalikhola earth crack in Kangpokpi district, a similar earth fissure has appeared in the southern part of the village, near the carwash point area above Don Bosco College and Assisi Girls Hostel area which has a boundary with NH-2.

Around 30 to 40 houses have already been affected so far while 10 houses including three concrete buildings were badly damaged. One of the concrete buildings was completely destroyed and many properties were torn apart and cracks developed inside many houses which forced five households to evacuate to safer places. So far, no casualty or injury has been reported. However, about 50 to 80 more houses are on the verge of destruction if the landslide continues.

Both National Highway-2 and Maram Peren road has been affected by the earth fissure like situation triggered by the gradual landslide.

It may be mentioned that Maram Centre village is under 49-Tadubi Assembly constituency with approximately 160 households and located about 14 km away from Senapati district. The landslide occurred owing to the heavy incessant downpours since September 25.

For the first time Kangla is venue for state level Mera Houchongba

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 5

Chief minister, N. Biren said that no external forces can break the integrity of the state if all the people of the state stand together as one and safeguard the integrity of the state. He was delivering the chief guest’s speech at the Mera Houchongba festival, 2017 today at Kangla, Imphal. The vent was organised by the state level Mera Houchongba Committee.

The festival was attended by many people from both the hill and valley and gifts were exchanged between the brothers and sisters of the hill and valley.

The chief minister appreciated the titular king of Manipur, Leishemba Sanajaoba for his efforts to keep the tradition of celebrating Mera Houchongba festival every year, which maintains the bond of brotherhood between the people of hill and valley.

As bringing unity among all the people of the state is the desire of the new government, the government have joined hands with the team of Sana Konung headed by the titular king and organised the festival at the state level, he added.

Biren claimed that in the past few years there were gaps between the people of the hill and valley made by some people for political gains but the present government has brought back the close bond.

He appealed to all the people of hill and valley “to forgive and forget” the past mistakes and start loving and helping one other to make a bright future of the state.

The chief minister assured all the people of the state that there will be enormous positive changes in the state within two to three years and asked the people to cooperate and support in taking up developmental works by the government.

Mentioning yesterday’s unfortunate incident of mob violence at Sugnu, which was uploaded in social media he said that the government will not tolerate any kind of mob violence and asked the people not to take the law into their hand.

Biren said that “Imphal Evenings” was introduced in the interest of the public for public recreation and to show that the state is a peaceful state. So it will be very wrong to give negative comment, he added.

Regarding the traffic jam caused by the Imphal Evening on the first day the government has made proper planning for swift flow of the traffic in the next Imphal Evenings, he added.

The chief minister said that the working hours of the works department will be increased from 8 hours to 14 hours by giving extra wages in order to complete the developmental projects timely.

Stating that the government wants to remove the two rods from the mouth of the two Kanglas statues inside the Kangla he sought opinions of the people.

Earlier in the morning many people from both the hill marched from Sana Konung to Kangla.

The function was attended by Leishemba Sanajaoba as president and arts and culture minister, L. Jayentakumar as guest of honour, council of ministers, MLAs, village chiefs attended the programme special invitees.

Cultural dances were performed by people from different communities as a part of the festival.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 5

Ten persons were arrested in connection with a video uploaded on social media on October 2 featuring mob violence.

Giving this information today at a press conference at his office conference hall today Imphal West SP Themthing Ngashangva said a video was uploaded on Facebook, WhatsApp and other social media from one account skumarinstitute offilmindustry on October 3 at 11.49 pm. The video shows some unknown people were forcefully cutting the hair of a man and a woman using abusive languages and physically assaulted the duo.

He said after examining the video and after investigation cyber crime unit and Kakching district police learnt that incident occurred at Sugnu Awang Leikai at about 11 PM on October 2.

Themthing further said the individuals who were involved in the crime have been identified and subsequently some of them have been arrested. They were handed over to cyber crime police station for further action.

An FIR number 42(10)2017 cyber crime police station under Section 147/323/342/506/509/354/34 IPC was registered against the ten accused.

Among the ten, four persons were arrested on October 4. They are identified as Khaidem Sunny Kumar Singh, 35, son of Kh. Amusana Singh, Thangjam Prem alias Yaimabi Meitei, 20, son of Th. (L) Ingocha Meitei of Sugnu Awang Leikai, Laishram Reevence Singh, 26, son of L. Sanajaoba Singh of Sugnu Mamang Leikai, Khaidem Abung Singh, 25, son of Kh. (L) Hemanta Singh of Sugnu Thong Makha Napet.

The other six were arrested today. They are identified as Khaidem Abem Devi, 37, wife of Kh. Sunny Kumar Singh of Sugnu Awang Leikai, Thounaojam Ibemcha Devi, 44, wife of Th. Inaocha Singh of Sugnu Awang Leikai, Wahengbam Lakhsmi Devi, 21, daughter of W. Bijoy Singh of Sugnu Awang Leikai, Yengkhkom Romita Devi, 22, wife of Y. Naocha of Sugnu Awang Leikai Khaidem Sabitri Devi, 22, wife of Kh. Ibungcha Singh of Sugnu Awang Leikai and Thangjam Thoibi Devi, 32, wife of Th. Naotombi Singh of Sugnu Awang Leikai.

Recalling another incident of mob violebnce in Lamsang in 1997 in connection with FIR number 15(3)1997 Lamsang police station PS under Section 148/149/307/323/336/436/353/354/427 IPC Themthing said the accused persons in the case prevented the police personnel of Lamshang police station and fire servicemen from entering the house of the complainant. Some of the accused persons burnt the house and outhouse of the victims.

Th SP said the incident took place on March 29, 1997 at around 9.30 am. The charge-sheet of the case was submitted on July 1, 1997. After twenty years sessions court Imphal West delivered its judgement on July 25, 2017 convicting 28 accused persons including 19 females.

“Mob-justice gives bad impact to the public and if one cannot catch at young, he will catch when old. People need awareness about mob justice and public should not take law into their own hands,” Themthing said.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 5

Regional conference of state labour and employment ministers and secretaries of the Northeast states was held today at Imperial Hall, Classic Grande, Chingmeirong. It was organised by the ministry of labour and employment and is the first time ever held in the NE region itself.

Santosh Kumar Gangwar, minister of state labour and employment (independent charge) chaired the function and was inaugurated by chief minister Nongthombam Biren Singh as chief guest.

The review meeting discussed the implementation and enhancement of schemes for child labour, plantation workers, Employees State Insurance Corporation workers, social security schemes, building and other construction workers’ cess fund among others.

Biren said the state government has taken up various programmes for employment generation in both domestic and global labour markets through job-oriented skill development training programmes in health, IT, agriculture, sericulture, technical education and others are in place to formulate prospective plans for skill development in the state.

He further a state mission on employment, housing and drinking water for each household by 2022 was launched by the state government. “There is a target to generate 7.50 lakh employment by 2022 at the rate of 1,50,000 employment every year starting from this year and not necessarily white collar jobs,” he added.

Santosh Kumar, in his speech, said that he chose to have his first ever review meeting in North Eastern states after taking charge last year to strengthen ties between the Centre and the states.

He said mainstreaming the NE region is the priority of the Centre and that they are on the plan to scrutinise and make better plans for the development of the region.

He said that he would extend every possible help to the region and requested the states to utilise the funds for the available schemes for the welfare of labourers.

Secretary of labour and employment of central government, M. Sathiyavathy said that overall performance of the NE region is not up to the mark and urged the regional officials to fair better in the next review meeting.

The function was also attended by state’s labour minister, Th. Radheshyam, minister for labour and employment, Assam, Pallab Lochan Das, parliamentary secretary, labour and employment, Nagaland, Neiphrezo Keditsu, financial advisor and additional secretary, ministry of labour and employment Arun Goel and officials from other North East states.

Newmai News Network

SENAPATI | Oct 5

United Naga Council (UNC) is all prepared for the tripartite talks on district creation issue on Friday. According to sources, an 11-member delegation of UNC will participate in the talks.

As part of their preparations for the event, UNC leaders had a “very serious” discussion in its office at Senapati today convened by UNC president Gaidon Kamei, according to UNC sources. It is, however, not known what transpired in the discussion.

As usual, Satyendra Garg, joint secretary of the ministry of home affairs (MHA), in-charge of Northeast, will chair the talks. From the State government’s side, three Cabinet ministers: agriculture and veterinary minister, V. Hangkhanlian, tribal affairs and hills, minister N. Kayisii and education and labour and employment minister, Th. Radheshyam will lead the delegation. 

Additional chief secretary (Home) of Manipur J. Suresh Babu and commissioner (Works & IPR) K. Radhakumar Singh will also be part of the State government delegation, the sources added.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | Oct 5

A consultative meeting of Kuki chiefs across the state was held today at Imphal under the aegis of Kuki Inpi in connection with the prevailing political and land issues.

Altogether, more than 230 Kuki chiefs from across the state attended the consultative meeting at Kuki Inn, Imphal. The meeting unanimously resolved that any solution arrived in the ‘tripartite talks’ involving the Centre, state government and the United Naga Council (UNC) over the creation of seven new districts in Manipur should not in any way negate the interest and sentiments of other communities.

It was also discussed in the meeting that the tripartite talk may be an initiative for finding a solution but at the same time its decision could also have an adverse effect on peaceful co-existence and mutual understanding among different communities in the state.

The Kuki chiefs have been observing the tripartite talks on UNC’s demand for roll back of district creation and any decision to roll back would not be a wise decision.

The Kuki chiefs also maintained in the meeting that the government must understand that the hill areas of Manipur is not inhabited by the Nagas alone. It further said that there is the need to consult all the communities as the tripartite talks involve matter of land and the government should not stay ignorant about it.

The Kuki chiefs also resolved that the land issue cannot be discussed and fixed with UNC alone as every community has their stake in it.

 The chiefs have asked the central and the state governments to accommodate the sentiment of all communities.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 5

Superintendent of police Imphal West Themthing Ngashangva said people need awareness against mob-justice and public should not take law of their own, ten persons arrested regarding the incident.

The statement was said during a press conference held today evening at conference hall of SP Imphal west, Babupura, Imphal.

Speaking to media persons, Themthing said a video was uploaded on facebook, watsappp and other social media from one account skumarinstitute offilmindustry on October 3 at 11.49 pm. In the video some unknown people were forcefully cutting the hair of a man and a woman using harsh abusive words along with the physical assault on the victims.

He said after examining the video and after detail investigation by cyber crime unit and Kakching district police the incident was occurred at Sugnu Awang leikai about 11 PM on October 2. Themthing further said persons who were involved in the crime have been identified and subsequently some of the identified person have been picked up and arrested which have been handed over to cyber crime police station to take necessary legal action.

According to police report ten person have arrested in connection with the FIR number 42(10)2017 CCPS under section 147/323/342/506/509/354/34 IPC.

Among the ten, four persons were arrested on cotober 4 namely Khaidem Sunny Kumar Singh son of Kh. Amusana Singh, Thangjam Prem alias Yaimabi Meitei son of Th (L) Ingocha Meitei of Sugnu Awang Leikai, Laishram Reevence Singh son of L. Sanajaoba Singh of Sugnu Mamang leikai, Khaidem Abung Singh son of Kh. (L) Hemanta Singh of Sugnu Thong Makha Napet.

Later the other remaining six were arrested on October 5 namely Khaidem Abem Devi wife of Kh. Sunny Kumar Singh of Sugnu Awang leikai, Thounaojam Ibemcha Devi wife of Th. Inaocha Singh of Sugnu Awang leikai, Wahengbam Lakhsmi Devi daughter of W. Bijoy Singh of Sugnu Awang leikai, Yengkhkom Romita Devi wife of Y. Naocha of Sugnu Awang leikai Khaidem Sabitri Devi wife of Kh. Ibungcha Singh of Sugnu Awang leikai and Thangjam Thoibi Devi wife of Th. Naotombi Singh of Sugnu Awang leikai.

Recalling the incident on mob justice in Lamsang on 1997 in connection with FIR number 15(3)1997 LSG PS under section 148/149/307/323/336/436/353/354/427 IPC Themthing said the accused person in the case prevented the police personnel of Lamshang police station and fire servicemen from entering into the house of the complainant forcefully. Some of the accused person burnt down the house and outhouse of the victims.

He said the incident was occurred on March 29, 1997 at around 9.30 am. The charge sheet of the case was submitted on July 1, 1997 vide charge sheet number 5/1997. After twenty years Session court Imphal west give judgement on July 25, 2017 and during investigation twenty eight persons were convicted which included nineteen females and nine male.

“Mob-justice gives bad impact to the public and if one cannot catch at young, he will catch when old, and people should have fear of law” Themthing added.

Additional SP L/O, Priyadarshini Laishram and Superintendent of police, cyber crime unit, Sarda Laishram also attends the press conference.

From Our Correspondent

THOUBAL | Oct 5

Election observers for six revenue districts were appointed on October 2 for the fifth Manipur state panchayat elections to be held on October 7 under Manipur state election commission.

At every location, come rain or storm, the candidates are visiting every single house to persuade the voters.  Election offices are visible at every existing lanes and streets. Posters of the candidates are splattered everywhere leaving no spaces behind. One can easily notice tell-tale signs that the candidates are expending excessively to get the voters.

An order was also released by the commission in this regard. The officers elected by the commission as election observers are joint secretary, MOBC and SC, Mannuanching for the Imphal East revenue district, director of census M. Harekrishna for the Imphal west revenue district, special secretary, revenue/MAHUD, M. Joy Singh for Thoubal, director TA/HILLS, Ningam chamroy for Bishnupur, joint secretary, finance, A. Radhabinod sharma for Kakching and director, YAS, Naorem Praveen for Jiribam revenue district.

The order mentioned that the appointed observers will stay at their duties of counting votes until the counting is completely done.

On the other hand, at Thoubal and Kakching revenue districts, the elections campaign is being conducted in full swing by the respective candidates. The candidates are doing everything they can in preparation of getting more voters.

According to report, a total of 1, 29,444 voters alone from Thoubal revenue district will be casting votes to their desired candidates. At the panchayat areas of Lilong sub division, there are 17,155 male voters and 18,496 female voters making a total of 35, 651 voters.

For Thoubal sub division, there are 45,421 male voters and 48,372 female voters making a total of 93,793 voters in the panchayat areas.

Under Thoubal revenue district, there are 10 zilla parishad assembly constituencies, 27 gram panchayat pradhan and 310 gram panchayat members. The 10 Zilla parishadassembly constituencies are Lilong Turel Ahanbi Atoukhong, Leisangthem, Maibam Uchiwa, Wangkhem, Charangpat, Khangabok, Heirok, Sangaiyumpham ,tentha  and Langathel Zilla parishad.

The first three zilla parishads comes under Lilong sub division and the remaining 7 comes under Thoubal sub division.

For Lilong sub division, the seat for Turel ahanbi atoukhong  zilla parishad has been reserved for women. For Thoubal sub division, Wangkhem,Tentha and Langatel have been reserved for women.

There are 10 candidates for zilla parishads of Lilong sub division which has 3 seats. 23 candidates are standing for pradhan and 178 candidates for GP member. 23 GP members have already won uncontested for the division.

23 candidates are standing for the zilla parishads of Thoubal sub division which has seven seats, 56 for the post of pradhan and 346 for GP member. 64 members have won uncontested for the division.

The report further said six polling personnel and 10 police personnel will be stationed at each polling station. Out of the 10, six will be armed while four will be unarmed. 

To avoid unwanted incidents during the election, Thoubal district, deputy commissioner, L. Nabakishor have released an order that those under the district, who possess licence guns should bring them to the nearest police station.

Section 144 under Cr PC, have been also implemented under the district from September 6.

There are six zilla parishads constituency for Kakching revenue district and 15 gram panchayats.  Three assembly constituencies namely Pallel, Wabagai and Sekmai come under SDO/RO Kakching. There are seven gram panchayats, Pallel, Irengband, Keirak, Wabagai, Sekmaijin, Hayel Hangoon, and Arong Nongmaikhong.  

16 candidates at 6 zilla parishads, 41 pradhan candidates at 15 gram panchayats and 68 out of 168 sets for ward member have won uncontested.  212 candidates are fighting for the remaining 104 seats. There are a total of 61,170 voters under the district.

It may be mentioned that the votes will be counted on October 11 and the overall election will be completed on October 16.

IMPHAL | Oct 5

Human Rights Initiative (HRI) has expressed its deep concern over the death of Pravish Chanam and the missing of Taorem Bitoo and strongly condemned the act of “racial discrimination” in Delhi and national capital regions.

A release by HRI said that the repeated occurrence of mysterious incidents to the people of Northeast India since last many years has brought a clear example of racial discrimination. As per Bezbaruah Committee Report submitted in 2014, 86 percent of Northeast people have faced discrimination and harassment causing immense psychological and physical impact, it added.

It further stated that the Manipuri boy Pravish was missing since September 8 but later on known that he had been hastily cremated though a missing complaint was filed at the Knowledge Park police station. On the other hand, another Manipuri boy ‘Bitoo’ is missing and still traceless since September 13.

HRI has appreciated the step taken by chief minister N. Biren for his deep concern over the death of Pravish and meeting the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh. However, there has been no positive response so far in regard to the steps of state government nor the UP government has followed up for the case, said the release.

HRI reminded the state government to pressure UP government to hand over the case to CBI or form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) with representatives from Manipur, to maintain transparency and update information with the public and to disclose the video footages of the post mortem of Parvish.

HRI also urged the ADGP assigned by the state government to investigate the case and share the findings with the public immediately.

IMPHAL | Oct 5

Students wing of Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System urged to the government to recruit only indigenous people of the state as Kolkata Manipur Bhavan staffs.

Speaking to media persons today at JCILPS office the students wing convenor, S. Manjit said that currently there are 35 staffs in Kolkata Manipur Bhavan but only two are indigenous people of the state. The state’s general administration department (GAD) is giving the salary of the 35 staffs of the bhavan.

Tourists from the state are not allowed to park their vehicles inside the bhavan and on the other hand the chowkidar of the bhavan allows many unauthorised vehicles to be parked in the bhavan, he added.

Moreover, the instrument of the bhavan are not made available to the tourists from the state, continued the convenor.

He said that GAD notified that 20 staffs will be recruited for the bhavan on October 8 at Kolkata.

The convenor asked the GAD to change the location of interview to the state and give priorities to the indigenous people of the state. It demanded that non-locals should be appointed.

Manjit warned that if the government appoints any non-local, the students wing will take up severe agitation.

IMPHAL | Oct 4

The government of Manipur is all set to celebrate Mera Houchongba tomorrow. This is the first even state level celebration to be jointly organised by the state government and Sanakonung. The main celebration will be at Kangla tomorrow which is the 15th day of the lunar calendar of Mera month.

The village chiefs along with young boys and girls from different hill districts of the State have arrived at Imphal today.

Constituting a State Level Mera Houchongba Committee for the first time, the government of Manipur will be celebrating the festival. The chief minister of Manipur is the chairman of the committee and commissioner of art and culture department is the convener.

All the other ministers and members of the Manipur Legislative Assembly are also in the State Level Mera Houchongba committee.

Titular King, Meidingu Leishemba Sanajaoba will lead the village chief of the hills and will march to Kangla at 8 am tomorrow. At Kangla, ‘Men tongba’ and ‘Yelhing thaba’ rituals will be performed as per tradition.

The main function will begin at Kangla at 1 pm. Chief minister of Manipur, N. Biren Singh, Meidingu Leishemba Sanajaoba and art and culture minister, L. Jayantakumar will attend the function as the chief guest, president and guest of honour, respectively.

Pot Lannaba (exchange of gifts) and traditional cultural programmes will be the highlight of the function.

Convenor, Mera Houchongba Thousil Lup Sana Konung, Longjam Ratankumar will give welcome address and the keynote address of the function. Convener, State level Mera Houchongba committee, art and culture commissioner, M. Lakshmikumar Singh will give vote of thanks.

State level Mera Houchongba committee is inviting all the people of Manipur to participate at the first joint venture of the government of Manipur and Sana konung for the Mera Houchongba festival.

DIMAPUR |Oct 4 (NNN)

The Dr Shurhozelie led Naga People’s Front (NPF) “unanimously” adopted a resolution to appeal to the NSCN (K) to “renounce violence and come back to the negotiating table with the government of India which is the ardent desire of the Naga people”.

This resolution was taken during the meeting of the Central Office Bearers (COB) of the party was held today at its central office in Kohima.

The meeting also reiterated its support to the ongoing peace process vis-à-vis political talks between the NSCN (IM) and the government of India and appreciated the latter for extending invitation to the Working Committee of the 6 Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) for political negotiation. “It has been the unwavering stand of the NPF that solution should be inclusive of all stakeholders so as to bring permanent peace,” it added.