Manipur News

IMPHAL August 19: A joint meeting of the Democratic Students Alliance of Manipur and the Apunba Iramdam Maheiroi Sinpanglup held yesterday had decided to hold a Peoples`™ Convention on August 21 in connection with the demand for the ILP in the State, announced DESAM president Angamba Moirangthem during a press conference today at the DESAM office.

During the public convention everyone is invited to place their constructive suggestions in order to achieve a legal protection for the indigenous people of the State, he said.

The organisations have also formed a `Committee for reconsolidation campaign for implementation of ILPS`™ he said.

Angamba continued that he has been appointed as the convenor of the six member committee, while Longjam Sanjoy will act as the co-convenor.

The convention will be held on the theme `Question on the future of Manipur`™ and will commenced at 10am at GM Hall.

While requesting the support and presence of the public for the convention, DESAM and AIMS also fervently appeal to the people of the State not to call and bandh or general strike on the particular day so as to facilitate the mass participation for the Public Convention.

The Public Convention will discuss crucial points including independent Manipur being reduced to a State of India and the political impact on the native people; Response of the GOI and the State Government to the peoples`™ movement against demographic invasion; Ethno centric politics in Manipur & Peace Accord between the NSCN- IM and GOI; Exploitation of the rights of the ethnic indigenous regarding direct political participation and Rights of the native people to decide its own future.

Meanwhile the eight volunteers of DESAM on hunger strike entered their second day of strike today.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/desam-to-organise-public-convention-on-august-21/

IMPHAL, August 19: BJP Manipur president Th Chaoba has blamed the State Home department for yesterday`™s tension in the border town of Moreh.

The government, he told media persons at his party office, should be held responsible for the communal tension in Moreh.

The BJP strongly condemn the unfortunate incident which happened due to misunderstanding between the two groups, he said.

He further appealed to the people of the border town to remain calm and allow peaceful co-existence among the different communities in the area.

He said several houses including hotels and shops were ransacked, looted and set ablaze while several others were left injured during the clash.

The government, he continued, should compensate for all the losses incurred in the violence.

The BJP also welcomes the civil societies trying to negotiate among the communities of Moreh and help in bringing back peace in the area.

All these has happened because of the negligence of the Home department as the ILPS rally was not organised immediately, but it was already announced beforehand.

The Home department had full knowledge of the rally, he continued.

Unfortunately, the Home department failed to take up any precaution which resulted in the flare-up, he continued.

He said now many victims are staying in relief camps and the Centre has stationed Assam Rifles and other para-military forces as the area lies near the international border.

Now, the State has to remain vigilant in the border areas, he said and added, such flare ups can also happen in Jiribam.

Chaoba also appealed to the people of Jiribam not to allow any such clash to happen in their area.

The Home department`™s power seems to be confined only in the State capital, Chaoba lamented.

BJP Manipur Vision Document chairperson RK Ranjan said it is time for the indigenous people to unite together.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/chaoba-blames-home-department-for-moreh-tension/

IMPHAL, August 19: Security forces claimed to have arrested six militant cadres belong to different groups during separate counter insurgency operation in the State.

A statement issued by the PRO Police Department Manipur, stated that a combined team of Bishnupur district police commandos, 2 JAKLI and 34 Assam Rifles apprehended a cadre of the proscribed KYKL on August 13 from Naranseina Mayai Leikai area.

The arrested cadre has been identified as one Salam Kamraj Singh alias Naobi, 40, son of S Chandra Singh of Naranseina Mayai Leikai.

It said that the same day another combined team comprising of Bishnupur district police commandos and 2/5 GR further arrested another KYKL cadre during search operation at Bishnupur bazaar area.

He has been identified as one Pukhrambam Bimol Singh alias Naobi, 28, son of P Koijomba Singh of Wangoo Sabal Mayai Leikai.

In a separate incident, the Imphal West district police commandos also arrested an active member of KCP, it said.

The arrested KCP has been identified as one Lukram Johny, 24, son L Biramani Meitei of Moreh Tul Wangma Ward No. 7 at present statying at Khurai Chaithabi Leirak.

It further revealed that on his disclosure the police team recovered one 9 mm pistol along with three lives and other incriminating articles from the rented house of M Nabakesho Meitei of Khurai Nandeibam Leikai the same day.

He had collected huge amount of money from Imphal east area to raise money for party fund.

Meanwhile, according to a PRO IGAR (S) statement based on specific intelligence regarding movement of the UG cadres, troops of the Assam Rifles launched operations in different part of the State and apprehended one cadre each of PREPAK, NSCN (K) and UNLF cadre on August 18 and 19.

In the first operation, troops of the 20 Assam Rifles of 26 Sector AR under the aegis of HQ IGAR (South) launched an operation in general area of Maning Leikai and apprehended one PREPAK cadre on August 18, it said.

It further identified the arrested cadre as Khangembam Bipin Singh, 24 son of Manglemba of Khongjom but presently staying at Maning Leikai under Kakching Police Station, Thoubal district. The apprehendee was handed over to the Kakching Police Station.

In another operation, a NSCN (K) cadre was apprehended by troops of the 20 Assam Rifles of 28 Sector AR under the aegis of HQ IGAR(S) from the area of Tuisimi today, it said.

He is identified as Mayanglangbam Malemba, 58 son of Late M Mani Chand of Khukarthil, Pallel under Kakching Police Station, Chandel district. The apprehendee was handed over to the Kakching Police Station, it said.

In yet another operation, troops of the 2 Assam Rifles of 9 Sector AR under the aegis of HQ IGAR (South) along with Thoubal Police Commandos established a joint vehicle check post in general area of Yairipok Market and apprehended one UNLF cadre on August 18. The apprehendee was identified as No- 654 (Batch No 13th), SS Sgt, Yengkhom Anandajit alias Palem Ngakpa alias Kengba alias James son of Late Y Tomba of Pallel Manang Leikai near Laimayai.

He revealed that he had laid ambush against BSF at Kwakta in 2001 and he had come to Yairipok to carryout recce of locations for placing IEDs, the statement said.

The apprehendee has been handed over to the Yairipok Police Station, it stated.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/sfs-claim-arrest-of-six-militants/

IMPHAL, August 19: Tensions in the border town of Moreh in Chandel district has been brought under control today with leaders of both communities involved in yesterday`™s clash resolving to prevent similar flare ups which could snowball into a communal flare up in the future.

Swiftly responding to the August 18 incident, a ministerial team along with a team of media persons led by minister Works and Transport, Dr Kh Ratan Kumar Singh, IFCD minister, Ngamthang Haokip and Tengnoupal MLA, DK Korungthang visited Moreh to take stock of the situation.

In an attempt to pacify the prevailing situation, the team met with leaders of both communities including representatives of Meitei Council Moreh, ACODOM, Hill Tribal Council, UCM, Kuki Innpi, ICHAM UNMM, AMUCO, in a closed door meeting at the Moreh Trade Centre.

The meeting was also attended by IGP, Manipur T Guite, DIG, Dr S Ibocha and Chandel SP, N Herojit.

Speaking to media persons after the meeting, Works minister K Ratankumar, revealed that both sides tabled their charters of demands regarding the incident.

It is learnt that the demands include resignation of additional SP Moreh, RK Khomdon for being incompetent while discharging his duty, compensating for the damages inflicted during the clash etc.

In his reply, the minister assured to convey the grievances of both the parties to the Chief Minister and Home minister for immediate action adding that he will recommend a long term policy or plan to prevent similar instances in the future.

As an immediate measure to contain the situation, a combined team of security forces including LED IGP Manipur, DIG along with additional forces of BSF, MR are currently stationed in Moreh.

The minister further revealed that a strong instruction has also been given to the DC Chandel to assess the loss inflicted during the clash.

Meanwhile, according to information culled out from the spot, many residents especially victims of the clash lamented the alleged inaction of 11 AR personnel and State police force, who remained spectators during the time of violent incident.

The victims further expressed their apprehension that unless law and order is guaranteed, communal harmony in Moreh will become impossible.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/ministerial-team-visits-moreh-defuses-tension/

IMPHAL, August 19: Taking serious note of the Moreh incident, three community based organisations of Churachandpur district namely Hmar Innpui, Zomi Council general head quarter and the Kuki Innpi Churachandpur have sent out a clear message against organising ILP related agitations in the district in the interest of the general public.

A joint statement of the three organisations said that after a deliberate discussion of the present prevailing unrest/ situation in Manipur, the joint meeting of the three unanimously resolved to appeal that ILP related activities and agitations should not be carried out or conducted in Churachandpur district in the interest of the general public.

It also said that the meeting strongly condemned the untoward incident at Moreh on August 18, which is believed to have occured as a fallout of the ongoing ILP agitation in Manipur valley.

The committees also appealed to all communities at Moreh that such untoward incidents should not be repeated in future as co-existence is necessary to maintain peace and tranquility.

It also said that all communities in Churachandpur district shall stand united in any eventuality.

It has also appealed to all the agitators in general and the government machinery in particular to give safe passage to vehicles plying along Tiddim road from Churachandpur to Imphal and back, which are stuck or blocked due to un-announced/unprecedented flash strikes and bandhs besides urging the agitators to fully exempt ambulance ferrying patients/death body.

It has also informed that a joint meeting shall be called as and when needed to discuss issues and policy.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/ccpur-organisations-condemn-moreh-clash-appeal-against-holding-ilp-related-agitations-in-district/

IMPHAL, August 19: The third round of talks between the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System and the State government ended on a positive note today with the two signing a joint agreement on the issue of the five-point demand of the JCILPS.

Two days after the State government had announced its stand on incorporating the five-point demand in the new ILP bill, the JCILPS held talks with the government today.

A JCILPS team led by its convenor in charge Kh Ratan had entered the Chief Minister`™s secretariat around 11am today for the talks.

The marathon meeting ended at 6pm.

The JCILPS team included 12 members and another six consultative committee members from its drafting committee.

The State government was represented by the Chief Minister and his cabinet colleagues.

Soon after emerging from the Chief Minister`™s Secretariat, JCILPS convenor Ratan stopped for a brief meeting with the waiting media persons.

Ratan said during the meeting both sides deliberated on the government prepared fresh bill and the manner in which the government will be incorporating the five-point demand.

He said although the government has assured to incorporate all five points, there are still some issues regarding two points which need to be cleared.

He said the two points are inclusion of `the cut off base year of 1951 to all people participating and creating of demographic influx into the State and detection and deportation of illegal migrant or other non-indigenous people.`™

He continued considering the signing of the agreement with the government, the JCILPS has called a public convention tomorrow to take the public opinion on the development.

The JCILPS will also meet the government for the fourth round of talk tomorrow evening after the public convention, Ratan informed.

Meanwhile, replying to a query on the timeline for the bill to be introduced in the State Assembly, he said the government has assured to introduce it within August 25, however, we will take the opinion of the public on the issue first.

He also said that the ongoing movement will continue until the bill is produced in the State Assembly, and once it is done, talks on accepting (L) Robinhood`™s body will be held.

Meanwhile, a statement signed jointly by the JCILPS convenor-in charge Kh Ratan and special secretary Home M Yaishkul Meitei has said that during today`™s meeting, it was agreed upon to incorporate the five demands of the JCILPS and the public in separate bills related to safeguarding the indigenous population of the State.

It is also learnt that the public convention of the JCILPS will be held tomorrow at the Manipur Dramatic Union Hall at 11am.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/breakthrough-in-talks-between-jcilps-and-government-joint-agreement-signed/

IMPHAL, August 19: Agitations demanding introduction of the ILPS or a similar Act in the State continued unabated today with sit in protests and public meetings held at several places.

Meira paibis of Canchipur area also locked down the Manipur University as part of the ongoing movement.

Around noon today a group of meira paibis from the surrounding areas of Canchipur came out and locked the Dance department and Chemistry department and warned the other departments to close down on their own until the demand for the introduction of the ILP or a similar Act is met with.

They also warned that any eventuality arising out of departments of blocks remaining open should be the sole responsibility of the MU authorities.

Government offices have also been locked down by agitators at several places inside the Greater Imphal areas since yesterday.

Meanwhile, meira paibees and youth volunteers of the Thangmeiband area had imposed a bandh in the Thangmeiband area today.

The Thangmeiband Road was blocked from Assembly Complex traffic point to Khuyathong traffic. All business establishments also remained closed for the day in the constituency.

A large number of bandh supporters came out to the streets and burned tyres and wood blocking road.

The bandh ended at 7pm today.

The Mekola Youth Association and Mekola Apunba Meira Paibi Lup in association with local clubs, meira paibi organisations of the nearby localities and Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) organised a public meeting at Indira Gandhi Community Hall, Mekola Keithel today and resolved to support JCILPS in its movement until the Inner Line Permit System (ILPS) is implemented in the State.

The meeting was participated by around 2000 youth and Meira Paibi members of Meitram Awang, Meitram Makha, Kodompokpi Maning, Kodompokpi Mayai, Kodompokpi Mamang, Lairenjam Awang, Lairenjam Makha and Kodompokpi Makha Leikai.

According to a statement of the Mekola Youth Association and Mekola Apunba Meira Paibi Lup, speaking on the event, JCILPS women wing programme co-ordinator Nameirakpam Chingkheinganbi said that fate of the indigenous community in the State is at stake with the ever increasing influx of non-locals.

Besides, illegal migrants from neighbouring countries have become a major issue in the sustainability of the indigenous people, she said the statement said.

As such, it is high time to implement a strict Act to check such influx and safeguard the identity and soil of the indigenous communities, she had said according to the statement. She also condemned the inhuman act of police personnel, who killed a student in a protest and assault mercilessly agitating students, it said.

It also said that she condemned the assault on media persons by CDO personnel and demanded stringent action against the personnel involved.

JCILPS women wing co-convener Ak Memcha Leima appealed to the people to adopt non-violent means of movement while carrying out agitation in their respectively locality, it said.

The statement also said that she urged the people of the State to continue their support.

Naoriya Pakhanglakpa People`™s Front chairman Ak Biren called out the male members of the society to come out and take proactive role in the movement, the statement said.

He said that it is high time for the male members to come out from the habit of putting forward women and students, the statement said.

He said instead, they should take proactive role and lead the rest with a sincere motive towards achieving the goal of people, it said.

Later, a mass rally was carried out by the participants and formed a human chain along the Tiddim road. Participants shout slogans demanding implementation of ILPS in the state. After the rally was culminated at Mekola Keithel by passing through Kodompokpi Maning Leikai, Kodompokpi Lamkhai, Meitram Awang and Meitram Makha, the participants burnt an effigy of chief minister O Ibobi.

A sit in protest demanding the implementation of ILPS in Manipur was also organised at Khoijuman Keithel today.

The sit in organised by the Khoijuman Apunba Meira Paibi and Global Science Club Khoijuman.

It was participated by atleast one member from each family of the village.

Later after raising slogans in support of ILPS in Manipur and solidarity on the murder of Robinhood,,a peace rally followed and marched upto Bishnupur.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/ilp-agitations-continue-unabated/

IMPHAL, August 19: Taking strong exception to the assault on a staff of Hueiyen Lanpao daily and other two staff of another media house by a team of Manipur Police Commando on August 17, Editors`™ Guild Manipur (EGM) has demanded those commando personnel involved in the brutal act be awarded strict action visible to the public.

According to a statement issued by general secretary of EGM Y Rupachandra, a meeting of the media`™s body presided over by its president A Mobi held on August 18 vehemently decried the undisciplined act of the police commando meted out to the three journalists whose duty is to disseminate daily information to the masses against all odds.

Demanding the government and concerned authorities to allow media houses to perform their duties without fear in the present prevailing situation in the State, the meeting endorsed the resolution adopted by All Manipur Working Journalists`™ Union (AMWJU) regarding the assault on the journalists by the rowdy commando personnel.

Following the condemnable assault, representatives of EGM also met Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam who also holds the portfolio of Home yesterday.

During the meeting, Dy CM Gaikhangam admitted that the act of the commando personnel is unacceptable not only to the media fraternity but to the people as a whole.

Assuring that the erring commando personnel involved in the act will be identified and awarded action visible to the public, Gaikhangam made an announcement that the government will bear medical expense for the injured journalists.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/editors-guild-flays-assault-on-scribes/