Manipur News

From Our Correspondent

UKHRUL | Sept 13

The bodies of the five slain militants have been retrieved, says Thotreithing Chalamva, SDPO Kasom Khullen. The team was led by OC and 2nd OC of Kasom Khullen PS.

After filing FIR, preparation of inquest report and other necessary procedures at the Kasom Khullen police station, the bodies will be sent to JNIMS for post mortem and identification, added SDPO Kasom Khullen. While filing this report, inquest report for two dead bodies has been completed.

It may be recalled that a gunfight allegedly between NSCN (IM) and combined forces of CorCom and MNPF broke out in the wee hours of September 12 at Makan village under Kasom Khullen poice station, under Kamjong district.

As per the sources, the bullet ridden bodies were found in a hut situated in a jhum field about 2-3km away from the southern flank of Makan village. According to sources, 200 empty cartridges were recovered from the spot. The bullet ridden bodies of the five militants are yet to be identified since no one has come forward to identify them, informed SDPO Kasom Khullen.

Due to the dilapidated conditions of the road, the police vehicle -407 truck could not proceed to Makan village yesterday and the team was forced to return to Kasom Khullen. The team hired a Shaktiman truck and moved out again in the early morning around 4:00am. Because of this reason it took more time than expected informed SDPO Kasom Khullen.

Meanwhile according to a release of the outlawed RPF, the slain cadres have been identified as: Sgt/Maj. Richard alias Warepam Dinesh son of W. Nongyaijao from Kangla Tombi, Sgt. Lalloi alias Khundrakpam Sunil son of Kh. Sanatomba, from Leitanpokpi, Pte. Nanao alias Moirangthem Tomba, son of late M. Biren from Keibi Awang Leikai, Pte. Sinthouba alias Konjengbam Shyamsunder son of K. Nirmol, from Cachar Lakhimpur Khunou. They are all PLA cadres. The names include one MNPF cadre, identified as Raikham Jazo son of Nimai Jazo, from Nongdam village, Kamjong district.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 13

People of different communities settled around Sekmai area staged a sit-in protest today against setting up of an army camp at the paddy land of Sekmai area. The sit-in was organised by the Sekmai Protection Committee (SPC) and Awang Sekmai Scheduled Caste Development Committee (ASSCDC).

Later, a rally was taken out till Sekmai SDO office shouting slogan “Sekmai ge Loukol armyda piba yaroy (paddy land cannot be given away to the army)”

Speaking to media persons, SPC president, Angom Rajesh said that the army camp located at Leimakhong Military Station, Koreingei Air Field and Pallel Air Field at Kakching are trying to reset their camp at the paddy field located at Sekmai, Khurkhul, Kaingam and Kanto area covering 1800 acres.

Following an application to the Imphal West district commissioner by the Indian army on July 7, 2017 a survey was conducted by Sekmai sub-deputy collector (SDC) at the paddy land of those areas, he added.

The survey report submitted to the deputy commissioner said 900 acres of land is available to set up the army camp, continued the president.

ASSCDC president, Laimayum Kula Singh supplemented that they will not sell even a small land even though the government offers good price for the land as the paddy land are the livelihood of the people settling around Sekmai area.

The people of Sekmai area appealed to the government not to let the army set up their camp at the paddy land of Sekmai area.

They further said that if the government tries to invent the paddy land of Sekmai area by force, the people of Sekami will fight against it by all means.

The SPC and ASSCDC have announced that the people of Sekmai area should not use their paddy field for any other purpose other than farming.

IMPHAL | Sept 13

Under the Central government’s Swachh Bharat Mission (GRAMIN), 3, 41,652 numbers of individual household latrines were constructed particularly in the rural areas of the State. 329 sanitary complexes, 3919 numbers of school toilets and 1201 numbers of Angawadi toilets have also been constructed. 

Moreover, 3919 numbers of government schools, 1201 Angawadis of Manipur are to be provided sanitary latrine by October 2, 2019. 

In addition, there are another 40,482 numbers of dysfunctional toilets in the state. Until these dysfunctional toilets are also made functional, achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) state will not be possible. For this, ministry of drinking water and sanitation, government of India will sanction Rs.48.57 crore.

The public health engineering department, government of Manipur (hereafter PHED), deals with planning, investigation, project formulation, implementation and also operation and maintenance (O&M) of created assets, for water supply, Imphal sewerage and also implement the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) in the State.

The present estimated population of Imphal city including greater Imphal, en-route habitations, urban fringe area is estimated as 6.65lakhs (2017) and is expected to reach 8.705 lakhs by 2031. The present water demand is calculated to be 120.48 MLD (2017) and requirement by the year 2031 will be 152.142 MLD. Even though the present installed capacity is 104.25 MLD, the actual production is hardly about 80.00 MLD.

To meet the demand at the rate of 135 lpcd for a design period upto 2031 AD, the government of Manipur has prepared a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for “Integrated Water Supply Project for Imphal Planning Area” with estimated cost of Rs. 89.75 crore since Phase-I was sanctioned under the transition phase of JNNURM during January 2014.

Under this project, reconstruction of nine water treatment plant at Koirengei, Khuman Lampak, Minuthong (Kangla), Porompat, Chinga, Canchipur, Singda, Kangchup and Kangchup extension and one Zonal Reservoir at Sangakpham etc. are in progress and earlier targeted to be completed by March 2017 but because of the indefinite economic blockade the work has been delayed.

Hence, phase – II of the project amounting to Rs. 175.81 crore has also been taken up under AMRUT and approved by the ministry on March 2016. As per the guideline of AMRUT, water supply is the first priority and as suggested by the Centre, replacement of distribution network only within the Imphal Municipal Council area with an estimated cost of Rs.175.81 crore is to be taken up in three phases with project duration of three years through MAHUD and IMC. MAHUD and IMC have decided to implement the project by PHED as deposit work as they do not have the necessary technical manpower.

From Our Correspondent

JIRIBAM | Sept 13 

Locals of Vangai area of the newly created Pherzawl district held a protest demonstration today against the non-availability of benefits of any of the schemes under the government and non-distribution of PDS items ever since its implementation in the State. 

The protest rally started from Henchungpunjee and went on till it reached Man Bahadhur road.      

The rally began at 8 am in the morning. Several placards which read “Grant government scheme we are human”, “CM has visited all others districts but not Pherzawl” etc. along with a banner which read “Mass rally – Manipur government, we have been unreached. Grant us the government schemes we are also human, or free us to join Mizoram /Assam” were displayed. 

On the sidelines of the rally, Malubi of Henchungpunjee Muslims, Md Sobur Miya said that the people of Vangai including the students are facing difficulties while passing through the deplorable roadways in the area.

Not only that, the goods and items meant for the people have never reached the area, therefore the government of Manipur must look into the plight of the people and distribute those items urgently, he said.

Youth chairman of Henchungpunjee Village, Thangsukhum Hmar said the roadways in the area that was constructed by PMGSY are no longer in a working condition. Nobody has received any of the PDS cards as well as NRGS, he added.

Further he continued that the village does not even have an AAY House. Therefore, the really was held so that the government of Manipur will consider the plight of the villagers and take actions as soon as possible, he maintained.

Later in a public meeting the locals resolved that they should be allowed to go to either Mizoram or Assam, as they have been deprived of any benefits of schemes by the state government.

Cabinet resolves to install Irawat’s statue near Assembly complex

IMPHAL | Sept 13

The State Cabinet has approved the proposal for putting on hold any process for conversion or reclamation of paddy land pending finalisation of the data bank with details of paddy land and wetland prepared with the help of digitised cadastral maps by the government.

The decision was taken in a State Cabinet meeting held at the chief minister’s secretariat with chief minister N. Biren Singh in the chair.

Manipur Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act, 2014 was implemented in the State with effect from 10th September 2014. However, unauthorised conversion of lands for buildings and commercial uses continues to take place in violation of the act.

With a view to check such illegal conversions, the Cabinet has decided that a data bank with details of paddy land along with the survey numbers will be created with the help of cadastral maps combined with satellite images of paddy land.

The status of paddy land will be identified through preparation of digitised cadastral maps on the basis of satellite images of paddy lands existing as at the commencement of the act i.e. September 10, 2014.

The data bank shall be put in public domain on the websites of the departments of revenue and agriculture. All applications for conversion of paddy land and wetland shall be examined with reference to such data/maps.

Moreover, violations if any detected on the basis of such digital maps will be detected and penalised as per provisions of the act.

The Cabinet also decided to instruct the deputy commissioners of all districts to comply with the above decision strictly and ensure that no conversion or reclamation of paddy land and wetland is allowed until further instructions.

The meeting also decided to install a statue of Jananeta Hijam Irawat at a plot located opposite to Manipur Legislative Assembly complex as a mark of respect to the great leader of Manipur.

The Cabinet also gave its nod to allotment of State land under Dag No. 383 measuring an area of 8.10 acre at 76-Salam Keikhu, Lamshang in Imphal West district to the State Health Department for establishment of 60-bedded State Mental Hospital.

The State Cabinet also decided to revise the Manipur Water Policy, 2015 in order to update it in the light of the current developments and redress the emerging threats and needs.

It also approved the proposal of designating Irrigation and Flood Control Department (IFCD) as Nodal Department for the implementation of Manipur Water Policy, 2015.

The Cabinet also gave its nod to the proposal of re-designating of IFCD as department of Water Resources. The department shall have the responsibility of planning and developing all water resources including rivers, water bodies, as well as drainage system in the State.

The State Cabinet also resolved to enhance the age of superannuation of teachers with MSc (Nursing) of College of Nursing under medical directorate from 62 to 65 years.

 It also approved acquisition of land for construction of 33/11 KV sub-station at Hiyangthang under World Bank funded North Eastern Region Power System Improvement Project (NERPSIP).

 The State Cabinet also approved creation of Senapati sub-division consisting of 27 villages of Tadubi sub-division and four villages of Willong Sub-Division for administrative convenience. The new sub-division will have 6983 households and 37250 population.

After the creation of Senapati sub-division, the number of villages for Tadubi sub-division will be 12 with 5292 households and 38842 population.

 The State Cabinet also approved payment of compensation in connection with acquisition of land for the construction of bridges along NH-37.

KIM demands trial of Th. Muivah for ‘crimes against humanity’

Our Bureau

IMPHAL | Sept 13

 Kukis in Manipur observed ‘Black Day’ in remembrance of Kuki victims of the Kuki-Naga clashes and to remind the Centre of their demand for justice in the ‘Kuki genocide’ by NSCN (IM) before any final agreement with the Naga militant group.

Organised as ‘Black Day’ on September 13 every year in memory of Kukis killed during the ethnic clashes that began in 1992 and continued till 1995 Kuki organisations observed the day at various places.

Kukis claimed that the armed Naga militants killed 900 Kukis, uprooted 360 villages and displaced one lakh Kukis during the clashes.

To mark the day Kukis took out a rally seeking ‘justice’ for the Kukis killed and villages uprooted.

“The rally is organised against the sidelining by the Centre of the Kuki genocide while the Centre is concentrating on the settlement of the NSCN (IM),” Paothinthang Luphung, president of Kuki Students Organisation said.

He warned that if the Centre continues to ignore the Kukis’s demand for justice into the NSCN (IM) killings, the Kukis may review their relationship with the India.

The march began from THAU ground and concluded at the starting point after marching along Imphal streets.

In a memorandum sent to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi today Kuki Inpi Manipur, the apex body of the community, demanded trial of NSCN (IM) leader Th. Muivah in an Indian court or in an international court for his “crime against humanity.”

The memorandum also demanded resettlement and restoration of the 360 Kuki villages uprooted by the NSCN (IM) and rehabilitation of the one lakh displaced Kuki villagers.

The ‘Black Day’ was also observed in Bongbal Kholen of Kangpokpi district.

Villagers gathered at the village church where they offered prayers and observed one minute silence in honour of the victims of the ethnic clashes.

Nine villagers of Bongbal who fell victims of the ethnic clash.

According to Letkhoneh Kipgen, village chairman, the day was observed to honour the departed souls. He appealed to the gathering to pray for the victims and foster the message of peace to avoid recurrence of such unwanted incident in the future.

“It is time to forgive and forget and learn how to co-exist irrespective of caste, creed and religion,” said Kipgen.

Sahnit Ni or Kuki ‘Black Day’ was also observed at Kuki Inpi Churachandpur  (KIC) complex located at Tuibong with the theme ‘Lest We Forget ‘ which was organised by the KIC. Soiminthang Doungel, chairman of KIM’s political affairs, delivered the ‘Black Day’ message. Educational institutions in the town were closed though normal life was not affected.

The event was attended by Kuki National Organization (KNO) leaders led by president PS, who paid tribute to those who sacrificed their life for the cause  of Kuki Nation or Zallengam.

The president also said it was through the Tangkhul (Naga) that God had awaken the Kukis over the corpse of 900 people and made them realised that they are God’s chosen  Manaseh Tribe. 

To mark the day black flags were hoisted by each household of Kukis.

Meanwhile, Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), Sadar Hills also organised the 24th Kuki Black Day under the theme ‘Remembering the past while forging ahead’ at KBC Centre Church, Kangpokpi district. Black flags were hoisted in every household of the Kukis and the vehicles were attached with a black flag.

All business establishments in the district were seen closed till the observation programme was over while functioning of government institutions were also partially affected apart from traffic flow for few hours along the National Highway-2.

Apart from village chiefs and CVO leaders, Kuki Inpi Kangpokpi district, UPF-KNO leaders, Kangpokpi local bodies, survivors and family members of victims attended the event.

President of KNO/KLA, L. Jacob, president of ZDV, Dino Zou and convenor of UPF and general Secretary of KNF, Aaron Kipgen delivered speech on Kuki Black Day and its significance on the Kuki political movement.

President of KSO Sadar Hills, Thangminlen Kipgen said, “Kuki Black Day is a very unfortunate event in which more than 900 Kuki victims were died at the hands of the NSCN-IM“.

“This inhumane act in total violation of human rights and negating all ethical concern was conducted under the leadership of Th. Muivah by NSCN-IM since 1992 and this is highly condemnable”, asserted Thangminlen.

Moreover, Hill Tribal Council (HTC), KSO Moreh, Moreh Youth Club (MYC), Kuki Chief Association, Kuki Women Union and Human Rights also observed the day at HTC conference hall today. The observance was attended by president of Kuki Inpi, Khamlian Khup, president of HTC, Ginsei Lhungdim and ADC member, Chineivah Haokip.

IMPHAL | Sept 13

All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur (ATSUM) held an emergency general assembly at Amity Hall, Chingmeirong on September 12, with the speaker Emboi Serto and assembly secretary SR. Joyningam in the chair, while former advisor and president of ATSUM, Vareiyo Sathsang addressed the house

A release said, after in-depth discussion, the house adopted resolutions regarding drafting of committee, charter of demands, CAUCUS 2017, cultural festival and tribal tradition sports and games, budget approval, issues on contract teacher and assistant professor and sixth schedule.

In drafting committee, John Pulamte was elected as chairman, two members from former ATSUM leaders was nominated by Assembly Affairs of ATSUM, followed by two from present executives, one from Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) and one from All Naga Students Association Manipur (ANSAM). It was resolved to form the committee within one month.

The charter of demands has been approved with the condition that due modification and rectification done as well as adding issues of Manipur University, Sainik School Reservation, separate directorate of education and YAS for the hills and separate account for TD and Hills (TSS), said the release.

The student union further resolved for CAUCUS 2017 to be held this year, followed by budget for the year 2017-18 as presented by the finance secretary of ATSUM, contract teacher to be dealt by KSO and ANSAM in consultation with ATSUM and to look into matter of assistant professor.

IMPHAL | Sept 13

All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur (ATSUM) held an emergency general assembly at Amity Hall, Chingmeirong on September 12, with the speaker Emboi Serto and assembly secretary SR. Joyningam in the chair, while former advisor and president of ATSUM, Vareiyo Sathsang addressed the house

A release said, after in-depth discussion, the house adopted resolutions regarding drafting of committee, charter of demands, CAUCUS 2017, cultural festival and tribal tradition sports and games, budget approval, issues on contract teacher and assistant professor and sixth schedule.

In drafting committee, John Pulamte was elected as chairman, two members from former ATSUM leaders was nominated by Assembly Affairs of ATSUM, followed by two from present executives, one from Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) and one from All Naga Students Association Manipur (ANSAM). It was resolved to form the committee within one month.

The charter of demands has been approved with the condition that due modification and rectification done as well as adding issues of Manipur University, Sainik School Reservation, separate directorate of education and YAS for the hills and separate account for TD and Hills (TSS), said the release.

The student union further resolved for CAUCUS 2017 to be held this year, followed by budget for the year 2017-18 as presented by the finance secretary of ATSUM, contract teacher to be dealt by KSO and ANSAM in consultation with ATSUM and to look into matter of assistant professor.

CCPUR | Sept 13

As ordered by the deputy commissioner of Churachandpur, a District  Public  Grievance  Redressal  Cell  (DPGRC) was constituted  today  by the district  administration , which will be  headed by four officials  of the district.

DPGRC will be headed by SDPO of Thanlon, Augustine Khongsai, APS to DC, AK. Singh, APS to SP, AK Maiba Singh and LDC of DC office,  Khoizamuan.

The order issued by DC stated that DPGRC will function from the SP office and will be responsible to receive complaints and grievances from the public through written, phone and other forms of communication. The cell will compile all grievances to higher authority and coordinate between civil or public administration  and other government department  for a  time bound  disposal of  issue in regards to the district, added the DC.

He further said that the cell will report its works on every 5th of the month to the DC and will be responsible to conduct ‘Meeyamgi  Numit ‘ on the  15th  of every month, for which the telephone phone number 03874-233239 of the SP’s  Control Room  shall  be used to receive grievances until further order is made by the DC.