Manipur Mail – Page 50

Different opinions on Alice issue

IMPHAL, April 24 NNN : Differences among the Zeliangrong organisations over Alice Kamei issue is rearing its ugly head.
The All Zeliangrong Students Union (AZSU), Zeliangrong Youth Front (ZYF) and Zeliangrong Students Union, Manipur ( ZSUM) outrightly rejected the clarification made by Zeliangrong Union (ZU) and Kabui Mother’s Association (KAMA) regarding Alice Kamei issue. The AZSU, ZYF and ZSUM said Alice Kamei, a minor school girl has been held captive by militant outfit Revolutionary Peoples Front (RPF).
The ZU and KAMA had said yesterday they had concern but agitation may create negative impact and bring misunderstanding amongst different communities. The ZU and KAMA had also said agitation will expose ill motivation.
Reacting to this, the AZSU, ZYF and ZSUM said today, “It would be more appropriate for the ZU and KAMA to blame the RPF for the prevailing situation. The issue of Alice Kamei is about violation of child rights which is infringement upon liberty of individual human rights as such the issue is fully supported by every right thinking people hence the ongoing agitation is fully participated and supported by every section of societies irrespective of different communities. The ZU and KAMA mentioning that Alice Kamei is out of order now to secure release from the captivity by RPF/PLA as she has joined the militant group on her own volition has exposed their (ZU and KAMA) role and endorsement for the minor school girl reaches the arm insurgent group,” the AZSU, ZYF and ZSUM stated.
AZSU, ZYF and ZSUM then advised, “self-style individuals claiming to be the functionaries of the ‘so called’ ZU and KAMA are advised to stop using the unmandated platform to be the mouth piece and breeding ground for minor innocent children to become cadres for underground groups”.
“The ZU and KAMA stating that Alice Kamei joined the militant group on her own volition is the version of the RPF/PLA therefore, speaking the same version of the militant outfit is parroting on behalf of the outlawed organization. It is fallacious for these vested individuals claiming themselves to be representing an apex body without peoples’ recognition,” the three Zeliangrong organisations opined.
They then pledged that the Zeliangrong people will very soon restrict the activities of these vested interest persons in order to put an end to create unnecessary problems which disturb the peaceful atmosphere.
“Had these self-style and vested interest pseudo leaders did not play any role nor interfere in petty and shallow politics, who are like the pond’s frogs totally unaware of the ocean, the school girl could have been released by RPF/PLA long ago based on their own declaration made in the Geneva Convention.
The AZSU, ZYF and ZSUM said the ZU and KAMA’s desperate and deliberate attempt by stating that the decision for taking up agitation is not approved by the public, is an utter disrespect to the peoples’ genuine efforts. “Every sane and reasoning person knows the Zeliangrong people having absolute confidence and trust on AZSU, ZYF and ZSUM,” the statement of the three Zeliangrong bodies claimed.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/different-opinions-on-alice-issue/

Tankers call off stir

IMPHAL, April 24 NNN : The Naga National Council (NNC) was involved in the kidnapping of driver Sh Surjit in Kohima on April 21. The outfit had kidnapped the driver in connection with non-payment of annual tax to the outfit, it has been revealed.
Surjit, 42, son of late Brajadol of Shiva village, Cachar in Assam, presently staying at Sangakpham bazaar in Imphal West, was freed by NNC somewhere in Kohima around 3 pm yesterday.
Briefing the media at Inter-state Bus Terminus, Khuman Lampak here Wednesday, Surjit said he was kidnapped by four armed persons who were in a taxi (Maruti 800 car) in Kohima, the capital of Nagaland around 4:30 am of April 21.
He said the unidentified persons then carried him in the taxi and afterwards they reached at a camp manned by uniformed men who claimed that they were cadres of NNC.
They told him that he was being kidnapped in connection with non-payment of annual tax of Rs 10, 000 to the outfit.
“This is the first warning… and all the oil tankers must pay the annual tax to the outfit within the current month,” Surjit quoted one of the cadres as saying.
All Manipur Petroleum Tankers and Drivers Union president Y Bhupenchandra Gosh who was also present at the media briefing expressed gratitude to all the NGOs for extending support to the strike imposed by the union over the abduction of driver Surjit.
He also said the union was really sad as the people had faced the problem of fuel during the stir and appealed to both the Central and state Governments and also to IOC authority to provide adequate security along the highways.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/tankers-call-off-stir/

KCP MC Nongdrenkhomba group to take part in talks

IMPHAL, April 24 MNS NNN: Self-styled chief of army of the banned Kangleipak Communist Party-MC group Nongdren Khomba along with his six followers has surrendered to the Indian Army and Manipur Police.
Disclosing this to the media at Manipur Press Club here on Wednesday, KCP-MC chief Nongdren Khomba claimed that they have surrendered to the Indian Army and Manipur Police because they want to usher in an era of peace and harmony in Manipur and that the people do not trust the insurgent movement any more.
KCP (Lamphel) group general secretary Taibang Nganba was also present at the media briefing. A corporal and a lance corporal were among the surrendered cadres of the KCP-MC.
Two AK rifles, one carbine, four pistols including ammunition were also laid down by the outfit’s members. The other six cadres led by Nongdren Khomba were Laishram Gunamani alias Guru, Ningthoujam Jiten alias Yaimaba, Kshetrimayum Binoy alias Kebi, Binoy Chingshubam alias Amuba and Laiphrakpam Gopen alias Rasha.
Nongdren Khomba further revealed that another 30 cadres of KCP-MC will be surrendered to the Government soon and said, “I am anticipating a surrender ceremony for the group.”
He also said steps will be taken up to work out modalities to start peace process between the group and the Government.
Reports said the surrendered cadres of the outfit are now currently lodging at an Army transit camp in Churachandpur district.
Press Information Bureau, (Defence Wing), Imphal had recently claimed that three cadres of KCP-MC group of Nongdren Khomba surrendered before 46 Assam Rifles/27 Sector of Red Shield Division on April 20-21.
The trio was identified as Laishram Mawani alias Guru of Kongba Laishram Leikai, Imphal East district, Ningthoujam Jiten alias Yaimaba of Keirenphabi Mamang Leikai, Bishnupur district and Kshetrimayum Majum alias Kebi of Singjamei Wangma, Imphal East district.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/kcp-mc-nongdrenkhomba-group-to-take-part-in-talks/

Truce with NSCN to be extended

NNN: Ceasefire between the government of India and the NSCN group headed by S.S Khaplang will be extended for one more year after the current term ends in the next few days.
The ceasefire term ends on April 28.
Official sources said leaders of the NSCN-K and New Delhi had agreed for the extension of the ceasefire after the April 28 expiry in the national capital on April 22. However, it is not clear whether the two sides had signed the agreement.
Intelligence sources informed Newmai News Network today that leaders of the NSCN-K had camped in New Delhi recently and had agreed for the one more year extension term of ceasefire on Monday where Sambhu Singh who is the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) incharge of North East region had led the government of India side.
In the year 2001, the NSCN-K had signed the ceasefire agreement for the first time with the government of India. However, no political dialogues have begun till date between the two parties.
The ceasefire term between the Khole-Kitovi group of the NSCN too will expire on April 28. However, it is not certain as yet whether the parties in matter had signed for the extension of the ceasefire. Like the NSCN-K, the Khole-Kitovi group also has not started the political dialogue till date.
The ceasefire agreement between the NSCN group headed by Isak Chisi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah was signed in 1997 with the NDA government followed by the series of formal political dialogues.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/truce-with-nscn-to-be-extended/

Protest against bomb attack

IMPHAL, April 22 MNS/ Agencies: A large number of Sekmai residents in Imphal West district on Monday staged a sit-in-protest against the Sunday’s bomb blast occurred in front of Sekmai Excise Post along National Highway-2 and pulling up of two locals by security forces in the aftermath of the incident. Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the demonstration organized by Advanced Women Society, Sekmai Awang, Kh Amubi Devi, secretary of the organization said it condemns the blast that took place at a spot packed with people in the strongest terms. Sekmai is located along National Highway-2 (Imphal-Dimapur road). Maibam Naoba, 21, son of M Ibomcha and Thongam Sana, 20, son of Pishak have been pulled up by police in connection with the blast and it is highly condemnable, she said. They were washing a vehicle when the incident took place. The duo along with CRPF jawans fled the scene in panic when the powerful bomb exploded. Two CRPF jawans and another four civilians were wounded in the attack suspected to be carried out by militants. About 2 hours before the Sekmai blast yesterday morning, heavily armed men suspected to be militants launched an attack on an official team of the state PWD who were travelling in a vehicle escorted by Manipur Rifles jawans on the same route, killing one MR jawan and injuring another 10. Amubi also demanded the Manipur Government to immediately secure release of the duo, claiming they are innocent. Meanwhile, Teacher and Medical Officer Association, RIMS has also decried the placing of two powerful IEDs in the hospital campus on April 20. Militant outfit Maoist Communist Party (MCP) had claimed responsibility for the two bombs which were being planted in a garden in the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) campus, Imphal. RIMS Director Dr Sekharjit also took part at the protest dharna that began from 1 pm and went on till 3 pm. The banned Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF) Monday claimed that Sunday’s IED blasts at two places along the NH-2 were triggered by cadres of its armed wing People Liberation Army (PLA) and targeted Central security forces. A Manipur Rifles personnel was killed and 17 others, including a superintending engineer (SE) and seven security personnel, were injured in the explosions at two places in Chandel and Imphal West districts of Manipur on Sunday. The blast that killed one MR jawan and injured to five others and five staff of the state PWD including the superintending engineer Ng Manglemjao Singh had taken place at a place between Khudengtabi and Kwatha Lamkhai at around 7:30 am, located around 400 meter away from a post of Assam Rifles on the HN-2 while the other that injured to seven people including two CRPF personnel and five civilians occurred along the Imphal-Mao section of NH-2 at Sekmai Bazar. A statement of the RPF signed by its publicity chief Bangkim while owning up the blasts stated that both had targeted the Central security force what they called Indian Occupational Force (IOF), asserting that the stand of the outfit not to target state security force and police remains unchanged. The PWD official team and Manipur Rifles personnel escorting them was taking the assistant of the Central security force while moving on the highway, it added. On the other hand, Sekmai Bazar today observed a total shutdown in protest against the blast at crowded area and picking up two innocent persons of the area by the police in the aftermath of the blast. A sit-in-protest was also staged at the market set of the Sekmai Bazar under the aegis of Advanced Women Society, Awang Sekmai registering a strong protest against the blast and demanding unconditional release of the two persons picked by the police. In the aftermath operation of the CRPF personnel after the blast, they picked up M Naoba (20) and Thongam Sana (18), both from Sekmai Mamang Leikai in connection with the blast. Naoba was said to be a driver of one of the two trucks damaged by the impact of the blast. Both the youths were innocent. Secretary of the society Kh Amubi Devi claimed. She further asserted that Sekmai is a peaceful area so far activities of underground elements were concerned and strongly condemned the blast incident. She appealed not to repeat the incident in future while talking to media persons at the protest site. The people of Sekmai areas were strongly against the arrest of Naoba Sana in connection with the blast incident and they should be released immediately without any condition, she demanded. She said both of them were apprehended by CRPF personnel while they were running for their lives soon after the blast, threatening that they would launch agitations of various types if the two innocent villagers are not release by tomorrow (April 23).

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/protest-against-bomb-attack/

River banks need to be strengthened

As the rainy season sets in early we are all of sudden reminded of the need for having well maintained river banks. It is time vulnerable areas are inspected and steps taken to strengthen the river banks. That will avert colossal loss that may be caused by the inundation of low lying areas. The past experience had taught us river bank depression happened at the areas, which were kept neglected by the concerned authority. That must not happen now. All river banks should receive required vigil. Standing crops, newly constructed houses were swept away by the force of the water that flushed out through the depressed portion of the river banks. Such scene is really horrible. That must not happen. Amazingly in some areas the river banks had been made slim by the encroachers. It seems river side dwellers do not want a properly maintained road passing near their houses. Because they make river side roads narrow even after it had been widened by paying compensation to the river side dwellers. In some areas the dwellers immediately grab the land by erecting walls at the widened portion. What they do not know is in case of calamities be it natural or unnatural they will land in precarious condition unable to receive help from those who are ready to extend help to them. When the river bank was depressed trucks with earth could not reach the depressed portion as the road was too narrow. These river side dwellers cannot feel the harm they are doing to the bank when they plant vegetables into the river channel. The places where vegetables or plants have grown are always vulnerable to depression. Because the water that has been absorbed will reduce the raised bank into the form of mud and the mud cannot withstand the force of the water when the river is in spate. The state Government decision to construct retaining walls all along the river channel will go a long way in fighting against the menace of flood. But such retaining wall construction is not taken up in the areas where river bank depression is likely to happen. Iril River, Imphal River assume dangerous proportion when the water is in full. The river banks look tiny set against the volume of water in the channel of such major rivers. The Union Government will release fund for construction of retaining walls if properly framed project report is sent up for consideration. Unfortunately what happens in our state is the fund released by the union Government is not properly utilised. A massive retaining wall construction programme was taken up in Manipur. Contractors had done their duty. But the payment is held up. Consequently utilisation certificate cannot be sent to the concerned authority. Unless the certificate is sent no fresh fund will come. That will hamper strengthening of river banks.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/river-banks-need-to-be-strengthened/

Five-year-old rape victim recovering protests intensify in Delhi

New Delhi, April 22 (ANI): Doctors treating the five year old rape victim at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) said on Monday that she was recovering well, and estimated that it would take at least two weeks for her to show signs of good progress.
The medical bulletin came even as protests against the incident intensified in the national capital.
Police said that the child was abducted on April 15, kept in captivity and raped by a neighbour near her north Delhi home.
Doctors said the girl suffered severe injuries and bruising, including to her neck and genitalia, but her condition was slowly improving
All India Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital Medical Suiperintendent Dr. D K Sharma said: “She has been started on liquid and a semi solid diet. Her perennial wound has been redressed yesterday, and the wound is showing signs of healing. Although it may take few days more to heal it completely. She is being monitored by a team of specialist doctors regularly.”
The suspect allegedly held the girl hostage for over two days during which he raped and tortured her. She was found on April 18.
Protesters lay siege at the police headquarters denouncing them and the government for their inaction and apathy post rape.
Much of the protesters’ anger was directed at police, after allegations officers tried to bribe the family of the victim to not file a case, and video footage showed an officer slapping a woman demonstrator on Friday.
Congress leader Girija Vyas said: “The day the incident of December 16 occurred, from then till now, if you go through the newspapers and evaluate them, you will see that a minimum of five to 20 incidents in any state are reported. This is an indication that neither the governments have woken up, nor the administration, or the common man are affected by it and the police is least bothered. What else can be said when the police is ready to bribe the complainant in order to suppress the matter and are slapping the protesting women.”
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Prakash Javadekar rebuked the government and added that they would raise the issue in the parliament.
“Protests have increased across the country over rape in Delhi and other states. Delhi is our national capital but it has turned into rape capital. We will definitely raise this issue and there are protesters on the street who are asking why the new laws are not being implemented. Those who did not register the complaint, why are those policemen not being arrested?” said Javadekar. The December gang rape provoked rare national debate about violence against women, putting the issue onto the political agenda in the nation of 1.2 billion people a year before elections.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s office said in a statement that he was deeply disturbed by the latest incident. In December, his administration had faced criticism for failing to respond to public anger over the horrific attack on the physiotherapy student. The unprecedented protests by thousands of people across India eventually forced Singh’s government to pass tougher laws to fight gender crimes in March.
Issues such as rape, dowry-related deaths and female infanticide rarely enter mainstream political discourse in India.
New Delhi has the highest number of sex crimes among India’s major cities, with a rape reported on average every 18 hours, according to police figures. However, most sex crimes in India go unreported, many offenders go unpunished, and justice is slow, according to social activists, who say successive governments have done little to ensure the safety of women and children.

Rally against drug

IMPHAL, April 22 NNN : Coalition against Drugs and Alcohol (CADA) today organized a public rally-cum-meeting against drugs in Imphal. The rally participated by 5,000 people started from Khuman Lampak and culminated at Thao ground where the public meeting was held.
Activist RK Ranendrajit, Arambam Rabindra, president, CADA, Phanjoubam Shakhi, president AMKIL, Thokchom Ramani, general secretary, Nupi Samaj, Soibam Momon Leima, president, Tammi-Chingmi, BM Yaima Singh, president, UPF and Sunil Karam, president NIPCO graced the meeting as presidium members. The meeting resolved to make five demands to the Government of Manipur over the recent serious of drug related cases which had sparked public outcry in the state.
It demanded that the Special Intelligence Unit (SIU), which was abolished by Manipur Government hours after seizure of huge quantity of illegal drugs from Imphal Airport on January 11 this year, must be restored.
Police officer K Ranjit of the SIU, who was transferred after the drug seizure, should be reinstated, it demanded.
The proceedings of Pallel drug haul case which involves Colonel Ajay Choudhry, PRO, IGAR (S) should also be made public, it further demanded.
The case of the recent Imphal Airport drug seizure which has been handed over to the CBI must be revealed to the people about its real proceedings within three months time, it demanded and decided to urge Manipur Government to formulate a drug policy of the state.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/rally-against-drug/

Tankers launch stir to protest kidnapping

IMPHAL, April 22 NNN: Protesting against the abduction of an oil tanker driver from Manipur near Nagaland capital Kohima by suspected militants in the early hours of Sunday, the All Manipur Petroleum Tanker Drivers’ Union (AMPTDU) has launched an indefinite strike from Monday.
Shougrakpam Surjit Singh, 42, son of Sh Phajaton, a resident of Sangakpham bazaar in Imphal was reportedly kidnapped by unidentified gunmen from Nagaland’s Kohima district near New Reserve Line around 4:30 am Sunday. Since then, his whereabouts is not known.
Y Bipin Chandra, president, AMPTDU while addressing the media here on Monday, said AMPTDU has decided to go on strike from Monday in protest against abduction of driver Surjit and oil tanker drivers would not return to work until he is released.
He said oil tankers are usually escorted by CRPF personnel in Nagaland from Khatkhati in Assam and then they are escorted by CRPF personnel in Manipur after crossing Nagaland border. The oil tanker drove by Surjit was coming toward Imphal along with other 116 vehicles escorted by personnel of 79 CRPF Battalion after loading diesel from Assam.
Bipin further urged NGOs in the state to extend support to the union in its stir.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/tankers-launch-stir-to-protest-kidnapping/

Blockade begins, Oil depots closed down

IMPHAL, April 22 NNN: There have been panic buying of fuel as the Zeliangrong organisations sponsored indefinite ‘total bandh’ of national hoghways leading to Manipur has begun since today.
The bandh has been called demanding the release of school girl Alice Kamei from the custody of militant outfit Revolutionary Peoples Front (RPF).
Mentionably, RPF/PLA says Alice Kamei is 16 years old and had joined the outfit on her own volition on March 10 while the Zeliangrong organisations rejected the former’s version and accused the militant outfit of kidnapping the school girl to force her to join the militant outfit. The Zeliangrong organisations also said that Alice Kamei is only 14 years old.
On Monday, the bandh was not effective along the Imphal-Dimapur road (NH-2) as transporters were seen plying in it but the Imphal-Silchar road (NH-37) was total.
However, no untoward incidents have been reported on the first day of the agitation.
In Imphal, many oil pumps were seen closed.
All Zeliangrong Students’ Union (AZSU), Zeliangrong Youth Front (ZYF) and Zeliangrong Students Union, Manipur (ZSUM) said the ‘total bandh’ will continue as long as Alice Kamei is in the custody of the RPF/PLA.
The Zeliangrong organisations had already called 48 hours bandh ealier and had carried out series of sin-in protest demanding the release of the school girl.
“We will not stop the total bandh along the national highways as long as Alice Kamei is detained by the RPF/PLA. Several organisations have assured their supports,” said the Zeliangrong student leaders today. They said the volunteers are now spread in all the strategic points to impose the total bandh.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/blockade-begins-oil-depots-closed-down/

Khongjom Day today

Mail News Service
Imphal, April 22 : Governor Gurbhachan Jagat said in a message ‘it is with immense pleasure that I greet the people of Manipur on the occasion of Khongjom Day, 2013.
Every year Manipur celebrates Khongjom Day on 23rd April to remember the supreme sacrifices made by our forefathers for the freedom of their motherland. They had displayed tremendous courage and immense patriotism for their motherland against the mightiest power of the world without even a thought of surrender.
On this day, while paying obeisance to the valiant heroes who fell at the battle of Khongjom and other fronts in the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891, we need to renew our pledge to preserve and defend the sovereignty of our country and prepare to face any challenge to it. Let us all forget our differences and re-dedicate ourselves to the cause of the sovereignty of our country and for bringing understanding, peace and harmony amongst ourselves. Only this will lead us on the path of progress.
I once again convey my best wishes to all the people of Manipur and also wish a grand success to the Khongjom Day Celebration, 2013’.
Major General UK Gurung, AVSM, YSM, IG AR (South) and All Ranks of Assam Rifles extend their greetings to the people of Manipur on the auspicious occasion of ‘Khongjom Day – 2013’. Observed to mark the gallant battle which was fought to repel the British Army after they had declared war against Manipur on 31 March 1891, it reminds us of the soaring sense of patriotism of brave sons of Manipur like Paona Brajabasi and Chinglensana. IGAR (South) urges the people of Manipur to come together and stand united to fight against the social evils and insurgency in a similar manner to bring about peace, prosperity and tranquility in the days to come. All ranks of IGAR (South) wish that the people in Manipur live in peace and harmony. Let us join hands to spread amity and bring prosperity to the State as a tribute to the Almighty.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/khongjom-day-today/

Jawan killed, officials, civilians injured in twin bomb attacks

IMPHAL, April 21 MNS NNN: One jawan was killed and score others including civilians injured in the militant attack in Chandel district of Manipur bordering Myanmar while 7 persons were hurt including two CRPF personnel in an IED explosion along the Imphal-Dimapur road today.
In the first incident, Manipur police said that heavily armed militants ambushed the inspection team headed by an Executive Engineer (E.E) of the PWD, government of Manipur with an escort party at Khudengthabi village along the Imphal-Moreh road at around 9:45 am killing a rifleman of the 8th Manipur Rifles who was part of the escort party. The deceased has been identified as one Longjam Sachin (25), s/o one L Brojen Singh of Pangal Tabi, near Sugnu, Thoubal district.
Ten people including four civilians got injured in the ambush.
The police reports said, the engineer identified as one N.Milan of the Division-One (Chandel district) was on an inspection tour in the area along with one special contractor identified as N.Manglemjao Singh when the incident occurred. The reports said that before the ambush took place three powerful IEDs exploded. The Manipur Rifles jawans escorting the team retaliated but to no avail.
The engineer and the contractor and their drivers are among the injured.
Khudengthabi village is some 10 kilometres away from the border town Moreh towards Imphal and some 90 kilometres from the state capital.
The team went to Moreh yesterday and stayed over the night there and headed to Kotha village area this morning when the incident happened.
The police are still unable to say which outfit could be responsible for today’s ambush.
Meanwhile, all injured have been brought to Imphal and they being treated at Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) and Shija Hospitals and Research Institute (SHRI).
Other injured persons have been identified as driver Laishram Momocha Singh (49), s/o late Udoi Singh of Monsangei; driver Chabungbam Thoiba (48), s/o late Ch Wabakishore of Khurai Thangjam Leikai; Ngangom Dayananda (49), havildar of 8th Manipur Rifles, s/o Ng Khula of Napetpali; Maibam Birla (56), s/o Brajabidur of Kwakeithel Apham Leikai; Khumanthem Sunil Singh, s/o Kh Tombi Singh of Wangjing Lamjing Khumanthem Leikai; Md Saladur Rahman (27), s/o late Md.Tomba of Lilong Haraobi Awang Leikai; Thangjam Mono Singh (27), s/o Th Manjor Singh of Thoubal Kyam Siphai Awang Leikai; one R.K Bikramjit (address not certain) and one Premkumer (detail not known).
In the second incident, an IED planted in a truck exploded injuring two CRPF personnel and five civilians near Sekmai along the National Highway-2 at around 11:20 am today.
The CRPF jawans are from 69 CRPF post stationed at Mantrpukhri, Imphal which is engaged in escorting transporters along the national highways.
Police are clueless regarding the party responsible for the incident. Sekmai is located some 20 km north of Imphal.

Govt will extend full co-operation to promote dance & martial arts : CM

Closing function of a 2 Day Symposium & Festival of Indian Dances in the International Mainstream held at JNMDA

Mail News Service
Imphal, April 21 : Chief Minister Shri O. Ibobi Singh said that government will extend full co-operation and support in preserving and promoting the Manipuri dance and martial arts. He was speaking as the Chief Guest today at the closing function of the 2 Day Symposium & Festival of Indian Dances in the International Mainstream being organised by the Thoibi Manipuri Dance & Cultural Research Institute, Imphal in association with Indian Council of Cultural Relations and Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy, Imphal at JNMDA Auditorium.
To preserve and promote Manipuri dance, Art & culture, the government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and private stakeholders shall join hand together to improve the support and facilities to artiste, he further added.
The function was attended by T. Mangibabu Singh, MLA and PadmaShri Smt. Kshetrimayum Ongbi Thouranishabi Devi as the Guests of Honour and Shri Ningthoujam Nabachandra Singh, the Festival Director as the functional president.Many dancers of national and international repute performed their dance recitals.

SDSA condemns attack on NSF leaders

Imphal, April 21 NNN: Strongly condemning the brutal attack on Naga Student’s Federation (NSF) leaders on 17th April 2013 by some unknown Muslim community at Sora, under Thoubal district Manipur, the Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA) has demanded those responsible to be booked at the earliest possible. The statement stated that, such provoking attack on Naga student’s leaders is provocative and could trigger communal incidents between different communities. It is an unacceptable and premeditated action of some valley based community to target the Naga student’s leaders and that, the State Government should put all efforts to book and punish the culprits at the earliest.
It may be noted that, the apex Naga Students’ Federation leaders R.S Jollyson, Speaker and Krelo Mao, Secretary Social & Culture were attacked when they were heading towards Chandel to officially dispatch the forthcoming NSF 25th General Conference program to the federating units at Chandel which is to be held at Dimapur from 24th to 27th of April 2013 .
The SDSA in another statement also seriously noted the prolong silence of the State Government to address the kidnapping of a young student Alice Kamei by RPF/PLA militant group. It stated that, it is disturbing to the student community and demands immediate intervention of the State government into the matter for safe and immediate release of Alice.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/sdsa-condemns-attack-on-nsf-leaders/

Indefinite blockade begins

IMPHAL, April 2 MNS NNN : Manipur is again going to be choked of its supply lines as the indefinite ‘total bandh’ of all the national highways leading to the state begins from tonight (Sunday midnight).
Several organisations have announced to support the Zeliangrong students’ sponsored ‘total bandh’ along the national highways demanding the safe release of school going girl Alice Kamei who is reportedly in the custody of militant outfit Revolutionary Peoples’ Front/Peoples Liberation Army (RPF/PLA).
Mentionably, RPF/PLA says Alice Kamei is 16 years old and had joined the outfit on her own volition on March 10 while the Zeliangrong organisations rejected the former’s version and accused the militant outfit of kidnapping the school girl to force her to join the militant outfit. The Zeliangrong organisations also said that Alice Kamei is only 14 years old.
All Zeliangrong Students’ Union (AZSU), Zeliangrong Youth Front (ZYF) and Zeliangrong Students Union, Manipur (ZSUM) said the ‘total bandh’ will continue as long as Alice Kamei is in the custody of the RPF/PLA.
The Zeliangrong organisations had already called 48 hours bandh ealier and had carried out series of sin-in protest demanding the release of the school girl.
Pamei Tingenlung ,president azsu (amn), Titus Kamei , President, zyf (amn) and Kadijanbou Pamei, chairman zsum said in a joint statement that
“We will not stop the total bandh along the national highways as long as Alice Kamei is detained by the RPF/PLA. Several organisations have assured their supports,” said the Zeliangrong student leaders today. They said the volunteers are now spread in all the strategic points to impose the total bandh.
So far Zeliangrong Union (ZU) and Kabui Mother’s Association (KAMA) failed to issue even a press statement in public domain appealing or demand the RPF/PLA for safe release of minor school girl Alice Kamei, a class-IX student who has been held captive since 10th March till today. These two organizations are claiming tall in good times but when situation or thing becomes serious these organizations shrink away thinking people can be fooled. People are much aware of the situation and severity of the issue than the executives of these two organizations as such maintaining silent and muteness on the part of these two organizations is the right step to avoid surfacing of their inability to lead or command the people.
When all community based organizations irrespective of different community and all responsible citizens expresses their concern regarding the minor school girl captivity by militant group, the ZU and KAMA activities and movement is something needs to be screened and monitored by law abiding citizen of the State. Existence of such dubious character organizations donning sheep skins is the root cause of creating unnecessary social unrest which diluted peaceful environment and disturbed communal harmony in the State. The AZSU, ZYF, ZSUM in particular and every dignified law abiding citizens have been maintaining maximum restraint giving them chances to cultivate positive thinking but they are distancing away from people. It would have been more appropriate and rational had the ZU and KAMA urged the militant group who is responsible for the minor school girl captivity to release considering from the point of view of their closeness to each other. However, not mincing any words for safe release indicates of strong objection to the public strong protest by these organizations. The executive members of ZU and KAMA strongly campaigned to public not to name or mention RPF/PLA as and when press and media persons visited at the sit-in-protest site during the 2nd phase agitations, attempted to sabotage the protest at Bishnupur and Nambol areas are some of the apparent case of their involvement directly or indirectly. Propagation of rumors saying the minor school girl family is economically poor, located in underdeveloped and exterior part of the Sate are also some of their attempt to mislead and misinform the general public.
The ZU and KAMA should know that minor school girl inducted into the militant group is not the ingredient to keep intact psychological or territorial integrity but the basic and most vital impetus are to understand the sentiment and feeling of each other.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/indefinite-blockade-begins/

Trade unions demand permanent highway protection force

Co-ordinating Body of Trade Unions, Manipur, a conglomerate of Central and State level trade union organisations in the interest of the Motor ‘Workers and Owners of the state submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh today.
L Sotinkumar and Ksh Santa of the Union said on the night of 17th Day of April, 2013 two trucks were burnt to. ashes on their way to fmphal bearing registration numbers MNO4A-3991 and MNO4A-7718 by unidentified gunmen with camouflage combat dress at National Highway 37 between the Seijang Village and Charoi Pandongba Khul. The first truck was loaded with Rice bags cf FCI and the other trucks was loaded with cement for our state’s consumption and use.
The driver of the first truck Sorokhaibam Babu (40) a resident of Samurou Awang Leikai, Imphal West District was shot death by the unidentified gunmen before burning the truck to ashes. The handyman who happens to be the brother in-law of the driver escaped by chance.
The trucks were burnt to ashes and the driver was killed by one of the outlawed Naga Insurgent groups operating in that part of the state. Burning and killing of trucks and driver may flare up ethnic tension it was stated.
The incident strengthened the views that National Highways in the hill areas of Manipur are not safe to the motor workers, owners as well as to the general public.
The Co-ordinating Body of Trade Unions, Manipur submit the following Charter of Demands for immediate implementation for the upliftment and betterment of the motor workers, owners and bereaved family of the deceased driver.
Charter of Demands
1. Book the culprits immediately and punish them according to the law of our country.
2. Pay Rs. ten lacs as compensation and arrange one Govt. job to the bereaved family as the driver was on Govt, duty i.e. FCI,
3. Institute a High Level Committee to look after the causes of such type of incidents.
4. Permanent Highway Protection Force should be manned on the National Highways in the hill areas of Manlpur to protect the vehicles, motor workers, owners and general public.
5. Arrange all educational expenses for life for the daughter of deceased driver.
Meanwhile the BJP, Manipur Pradesh expressed unhappiness over the killing of S. Babu a truck driver and burning down of two trucks on April 17.
A press release of the party said the congress led Ibobi govt did not take the previous incidents seriously.
As a result, torture and killing of drivers on National highways frequently took places. The killing of driver is not the beginning nor it will be the end.
Driver Gobardhan was also brutally killed when he came from FCI godown in the month of February. The incidents were caused due to the congress government both in centre and Manipur.
The government did not take up appropriate actions. The party also demanded punishment of those who involved in the killing of driver Babu.
It also shared the sorrows of the bereaved family.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/trade-unions-demand-permanent-highway-protection-force/

No time frame to resolve Naga problem : NSCN IM leaders

DIMAPUR, April 20 NNN: Amid the prolonging of muteness maintained by the NSCN-IM on the Indo-Naga peace talks and the Naga peoples’ anxiety as to what might have happened with the much hype Naga political settlement, the comments of NSCN-IM leaders Thuingaleng Muivah and Isak Chisi Swu came today on the issue.
In an exclusive interview with Witoubou, editor of Newmai News Network at Camp Hebron, off Dimapur this afternoon, both Thuingaleng Muivah and Isak Chisi Swu said at this juncture they are not in the position to pronounce the time frame when the Naga political settlement can be brought about. Both the NSCN-IM leaders however said the government of India is serious enough to have the Naga political solution at the earliest.
“What we want is solution to the Naga political issue. And what the government of India wants is the solution to the Naga political issue. So given this point of situation we are hopeful of the settlement. However, it is hard to say when,” said NSCN-IM general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah.
On being asked if they have any plan to meet Naga National Council (NNC) president Adinno Phizo, the daughter of legendary A.Z.Phizo when she arrives in Nagaland in the next few days, Th Muivah said,” Since her political stand is not clear to us there is no point meeting her.”
Currently, both Muivah and Swu are intensively engaging with the Naga civil organisations, individuals and well wishers.
Mentionably, late last year, the speculations had climaxed to the zenith that the protracted Naga political problem was about to be settled in a few months time. The speculations were even fueled by the comment of Union Home minister Sushilkumar Shinde who had said that “settlement” to the Naga issue would be brought about by March, 2013 or before the Nagaland assembly elections. That situation was even buttered it by the concerted show of the now-unheard Joint Legislature Forum (JLF) formed by the 60 MLAs of the Nagaland legislative assembly of the previous tenure to push for the early settlement of the Naga political proble.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/no-time-frame-to-resolve-naga-problem-nscn-im-leaders/

UN Special Rapporteur arriving on 28

Mail News Service
Imphal, April 20 : Rashida Manjoo, UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences (UNSRVAW), who will be on an official mission to India from 22nd April to 1st May, 2013 has scheduled a consultation meeting with civil society organizations, women human rights defenders, victims and other advocates working on violence against women on Sunday, 28th April at Imphal, Manipur. Ms Rashida Manjoo accepted an invitation sent on 13th March from the Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights in Manipur and the UN (CSCHR) to visit Manipur and the North East region during her mission. Civil society organisations and groups including individuals, women human rights defenders and other advocates working on the issue of violence against women and girls in the North East region are preparing for a regional consultation meeting that has been scheduled for 28th April 2013 at Imphal.
The first ever formal visit of a distinguished official of the UN with a human rights mandate to Manipur is an historic occasion. The mandate of the UNSRVAW was established on 4th March 1994 by the UN Commission for Human Rights. This year marks the arrival of the 20th year of the mandate. Ms Rashida Manjoo has a broad three year mandate renewed by the UN Human Rights Council in March 2011 by Resolution 16/7.
The UNSRVAW will address violence against women broadly, focusing on both its causes and consequences according to the mandate. The Special Rapporteur will study the different manifestations of violence against women: 1) in the family (both domestic violence and culturally justified practices that are violent to or subordinate women); 2) in the community (including rape/sexual assault, sexual harassment); 3) violence perpetrated or condoned by the State (institutional violence), and 4) violence in the transnational sphere (violence against immigrant women, asylum seekers and refugees).
Furthermore, in order to have a clearer picture of the issues in India, the Special Rapporteur will be compiling and studying information on recent analyses or surveys on the situation and forms of violence against women in India; analyses on the criminal or civil provisions that may be applied to cases of violence against women, and whether these are appropriate or sufficient; priority issues/concerns to raise, suggestions for recommendations related to VAW in the public and private spheres, and any recent and concrete cases of violence against women and girls.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/un-special-rapporteur-arriving-on-28/

Governor inaugurates festival of Indian dances

Mail News Service
Imphal, April 20 : Governor Gurbachan Jagat today inaugurated a Two-day Symposium & Festival on Indian Dances at JNMDA Auditorium .
He said India is a vast country with different dance forms. Sangeet Natak Akademi introduced the term “Classical Dance” to denote Natya Shastra based performing styles. Sangeet Natak Akademi has till now recognized 8 dance forms as classical namely, Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam, Odissi and Sattriya. Bharatnatyam and Kuchipudi follow the Natya Shastra more rigorously while Kathak incorporates very few elements. This shows that there is large variation among the classical dances in its dependence on the Natya Shastra. In these classical dances, the importance of mudra needs no further elaboration. Besides, the 8 recognised forms there are a few which are also based on the Natya Shastra but yet to be recognized as classical dances. Beyond these there are innumerable numbers of dances which are called folk dances. Even Manipur has a number of folk dances, with each of the 33 recognised Scheduled Tribes having their own different dances, besides the Meiteis who have a number of dance forms like Lai Haraoba dance, etc.
He hoped that the symposium will look into the different aspects of the Indian dance forms and this evolution through time and come up with ideas to keep pace with the changing environment. Further, the Festival will bring out the best dance form of this sub-continent which I hope will enthrall the discerning audience of Manipur. Manipur as you are aware is rich in cultural heritage and the common people have the refinement to understand and appreciate higher art forms, especially the elements of Bhakti.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/governor-inaugurates-festival-of-indian-dances/

48,338 child rape cases from 2001 to 2011

Asian Centre for Human Rights in its report, “India’s Hell Holes: Child Sexual Assault in Juvenile Justice Homes” (http://www.achrweb.org/reports/india/IndiasHellHoles2013.pdf) stated that sexual offences against children in India have reached an epidemic proportion and a large number of them are being committed in the juvenile justice homes run and aided by the Government of India. The report has been submitted in advance to the UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women, Ms Rashida Manjoo who is conducting an official visit to India from 22 April to 1 May 2013 while ACHR is scheduled to meet the Rapporteur on 23 April 2013.
The 56-page report, citing National Crimes Record Bureau statistics, stated that a total of 48,338 child rape cases was recorded from 2001 to 2011 and India saw an increase of 336% of child rape cases from 2001 (2,113 cases) to 2011 (7,112 cases). These are only the tip of the iceberg as the large majority of child rape cases are not reported to the police while children regularly become victims of other forms of sexual assault too.
Among the states, Madhya Pradesh recorded the highest number of child rape cases with 9,465 cases from 2011 to 2011; followed by Maharashtra with 6,868 cases; Uttar Pradesh with 5,949 cases; Andhra Pradesh with 3,977 cases; Chhattisgarh with 3,688 cases; Delhi with 2,909 cases; Rajasthan with 2,776 cases; Kerala with 2,101 cases; Tamil Nadu with 1,486 cases; Haryana with 1,081 cases; Punjab with 1,068 cases; Gujarat with 999 cases; West Bengal with 744 cases; Odisha with 736 cases; Karnataka with 719 cases; Himachal Pradesh with 571 cases; Bihar with 519 cases; Tripura with 457 cases; Meghalaya with 452 cases; Assam with 316 cases; Jharkhand with 218 cases; Mizoram with 217 cases; Goa with 194 cases; Uttarakhand with 152 cases; Chandigarh with 135 cases; Sikkim with 113 cases; Manipur with 98 cases; Arunachal Pradesh with 93 cases; Jammu and Kashmir with 69 cases; Andanam and Nicobar Island with 65 cases; Puducherry with 41 cases; Nagaland with 38 cases; Dadra and Nagar Haveli with 15 cases; and Daman and Diu with 9 cases.
Many of the child rape cases take place in juvenile justice homes established under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000 and by the end of financial year 2011-2012, about 733 juvenile justice homes were fully supported by the Government of India under the Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) of the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
“It will not be an understatement to state that juvenile justice homes, established to provide care and protection as well as re-integration, rehabilitation and restoration of the juveniles in conflict with law and children in need of care and protection, have become India’s hell holes where inmates are subjected to sexual assault and exploitation, torture and ill treatment apart from being forced to live in inhuman conditions. The girls remain the most vulnerable. It matters little whether the juvenile justice homes are situated in the capital Delhi or in the mofussil towns.” – stated Mr Suhas Chakma, Director of Asian Centre for Human Rights.
The 56-page report also highlights 39 emblematic cases of systematic and often repeated sexual assault on children in juvenile justice homes. Out of the 39 cases, 11 cases were reported from government-run juvenile justice homes such as observation homes, children homes, shelter homes and orphanages, while in one case a CWC member was accused of sexual harassment during counseling sessions. The remaining 27 cases were reported from privately/NGO run juvenile justice homes such as shelter homes, orphanages, children homes, destitute homes, etc. Majority of privately/NGO run homes are not registered under Section 34(3) of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act (as amended in 2006).
In the case of government-run juvenile justice homes, the perpetrators were staffs including the caretakers, security guards, cooks and other Class IV employees, and the senior inmates. In two cases, the sexual abuses were committed by the senior inmates in collusion with the staff.
With respect to the privately/NGO-run juvenile justice homes, the perpetrators include managers/ directors / owners/founders and their relatives and friends, staff members such as caretakers, wardens, cooks, drivers, security guards, gatekeepers, senior inmates and outsiders including security forces. Out of the 27 cases in privately/NGO-run homes, inmates were responsible for the offences in five cases and out of these, in one case offence was committed in collusion with the staff.
“In most cases, sexual assault in the juvenile justice homes continues for a long period as the victims are not able to protest and suffer silently in the absence of any inspection by the authorities under the JJ(C&PC) Act. While authorities of the juvenile justice homes are the main predators, the absence of separate facilities, in many cases for boys and girls, and in most cases as per age i.e. for boys and girls up to 12 years, 13-15 years and 16 years and above as provided under Rule 40 of the Juvenile Justice Care and Protection of Children Rules 2007 facilitates sexual assaults on the minor inmates by the senior inmates.” – further stated Mr Chakma.
Asian Centre for Human Rights blamed the Government of India i.e. the Ministry of Women and Child Development and the State Governments for the continuing sexual assault on children in the juvenile justice homes. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, State Commissions for Protection of Child Rights and the Child Welfare
48,338 child rape cases from 2001 to 2011
Committees intervene only after crimes are reported but there are no preventive mechanisms or regular inspections.
The report highlighted four major failures for the continuing sexual assaults in the government run and aided or unregistered juvenile homes.
First, most State governments have not formed Inspection Committees which are mandated to inspect the juvenile justice homes and report at least once in every three months. Though the Ministry of Women and Child Development while approving projects for all the States and Union Territories under the Integrated Child Protection Scheme since 2010, it never raised the issue of Inspection Committees with the Governments of Delhi, Chhattisgarh, Puducherry, Bihar, Jharkhand, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Meghalaya and Nagaland despite having yearly meetings for the last three years. In fact, no separate budgetary allocation has been made under ICPS for the functioning of the Inspection Committees. There is a conscious effort on the part of the Ministry to avoid the issue of the Inspection Committees.
Second, there are hundreds of unregistered child care homes across the country despite the requirement to register the same within six months under JJ(C& PC) Act, 2006. Inspection is seldom carried out in these unregistered homes and children remain extremely vulnerable to sexual abuse in these homes. The Ministry of Women and Child Development had raised the issue of non-registration of children’s home with Jharkhand on 21 January 2013, Odisha on 9 November 2012, Arunachal Pradesh on 29 August 2012, Haryana on 29 August 2012, Rajasthan on 29 August 2012, Andhra Pradesh on 11 July 2012, Assam on 11 July 2012, Mizoram on 15 March 2012, Karnataka on 28 June 2012 and Kerala 17 January 2012, among others, but unregistered children’s homes exists across the country. In many cases funds are given by the State Governments even if institutions are notregistered under the JJ(C& PC) Act.
There is no punitive provision per se for non-registration of the institutions but Section 23 of the JJ(C&PC) Act allows the authorities to take action against willful neglect, mental or physical suffering of children but little action is taken.
Third, though there are 462 District Child Welfare Committees (CWCs) in 23 States mandated to verify fit institutions, majority of them exist only on paper. The State Government of Karnataka in October 2010 put the conditions that “members of the CWCs cannot visit child care institutions, when they are not holding a sitting, without prior permission of the heads of these institutions”, thereby prohibiting random and surprise inspections.
Fourth, though Rule 40 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Rules 2007 provides for separate facilities between for boys and girls as well as according to age i.e. for boys and girls up to 12 years, 13-15 years and 16 years and above, this provision has not been complied with. The lack of segregation on the basis of gender, nature of offences and age facilitates senior inmates to commit the offences against minor inmates including girls.
Asian Centre for Human Rights stated that the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO) will not address the menace of child sexual abuse unless the Government of India creates a Special Fund under the Integrated Child Protection Scheme to provide financial assistance for prosecution of the offenders under the POCSO.
Asian Centre for Human Rights also, among others, recommended immediate establishment of the Inspection Committees in all the districts and mandatory inspection of the juvenile justice homes by the Inspection Committees in every three months; stopping funds to any home unless inspection reports are submitted; separate budgetary allocations for the functioning of the Inspection Committees, ban on posting of male staff in girls’ homes, separation of residential facilities based on the nature of offences, gender and age, completion of inspection of all unregistered homes within six months and registration of cases against the authorities of the unregistered juvenile justice homes.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/48338-child-rape-cases-from-2001-to-2011/