Manipur News

IMPHAL, July 13: Even though the State government has promised to withdraw the Manipur Regulation of Visitors, Tenants and Migrant Workers Bill, 2015, the agitation demanding implementation of the Inner Line Permit System or a similar law in the State to safeguard the indigenous people of the State continued today.

Meira paibis of different localities took out rallies in their respective localities as part of the agitation.

Public demonstrations were also witnessed at Tera Bazaar, Tera Amudon Leikai, Uripok Khumanthem Leikai, Uripok Bachaspati Leikai, Wahengbam Lairembi, Khagempali, Nambul Mapal, Khurai Thoudam Leikai, Ima Keithel Temporary Market, Naorem Leikai Beeni Leirak, etc.

Protestors were seen holding placards demanding ILPS in the State and condemning the `killing of innocent Sapam Robinhood,` `Save indigenous people of Manipur,` etc.

The Khurai Konsam maning Leikai Apunba Meira Paibee Lup also hold a sit in protest and later took out a rally with the slogans of `We want ILP, Save Manipur`.

Meanwhile, several organisations have expressed support to the movement demanding implementation of the ILPS in the State.

In a press release, the Imphal East United Clubs`™ Organisation expressed grievances on the death of Sapam Robinhood in police action on July 8.

It said the failure of the leaders of the State to understand the pulse of the public indicates that they are not fit to be representatives of the people.

The association further demanded a judicial enquiry in the death of Sapam Robinhood and to punish the guilty police personnel.

It has further denounced the State police for using brute force against protestors of the ILPS movement.

A sit in protest was staged at Khewa Bazar, Tinseed Road demanding punishment of the personnel involved in the death of Robinhood and implementation of the ILPS or a similar law in the State at the earliest, informed a press release of the Top Awang Leikai Apunba Nupisingee Lamjing Lup.

According to a press release of the Bishnunaha Youth Federation, Yairipok, a sit in protest was held at the Yairipok Bazar demanding implementation of the ILPS in the State.

The womenfolk participating in the sit in protest also pledge to support the movement until the government implements the ILPS or a similar law in the State, it said.

It continued that after the sit inprotest, when the women folk tried to take out a protest rally, Yairipok police came and a brief confrontation took place.

Meanwhile, the Sangaiprou Mamang Leikai Women Welfare Association has claimed in a press release that the present government in employing delaying tactics and trying to fool the public on the issue.

It has further suggested whether it would not be feasible to coerce the Centre to approve implementation of the ILPS in the State first.

The Manipur Pastoral Development Fellowship has also expressed condolence on the death of Sapam RObinhood.

A statement of the organisation said, the death of a student in school uniform in police action is unfortunate.

It has further appealed to the government to lift the curfew from Imphal East and Imphal West and the supporters of the movement to support the freedom or press.

The All Manipur Women`™s Voluntary Association has also condoled Robinhood`™s death.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/violent-protest-dropoffs-sitins-and-rallies-continue/

IMPHAL July 13: The Government has finally conducted the swearing in ceremony for the Members of all the six Autonomous District Councils today after a delay of more than a month.

Following the assurance given by Home Minister during the recently concluded State Assembly Session, the much awaited oath taking was conducted by the respective Deputy Commissioners in the district headquarters today.

Out of the 24 newly elected Members of the Ukhrul Autonomous District Council 22 members were sworn in today under the constitution of India.

Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul Hrisheekesh Modak administered the oath at Ukhrul Town Hall today.

Two elected MDCs of the Indian National Congress namely Samson Khamodang and S Thotasheng did not turn up for the swearing in ceremony citing security threats.

Reliable source informed that a separate swearing in ceremony will be held for them in Imphal along with the two Government nominees later.

In Senapati, except for the lone INC elected member R S Henry, the former ADC chairman, all the other 23 members partook in the Oath taking ceremony held today.

It was administered by the Senapati Deputy Commissioner Jacintha Lazarus at the DRDA conference hall. MLA L Dikho and several civil society leaders attended the unction.

In Tamenglong, the Swearing In Ceremony for the newly elected Autonomous District Council Members was held at the District Council Conference Hall today. Only 13 out of the 24 Members attended the Oath Taking Ceremony which was administered by the Tamenglong deputy commissioner Maranchan Luikham.

All the eight NPF members and five BJP members attended the oath taking while the 10 Indian National Congress and the lone independent candidate were absent.

NPF State unit president Awangbou Newmai, former Minister Samuel Jiandai, BJP State executive members, party members of NPF and BJP, civil society leaders and headmen were present in the function.

In the press meet that followed at the conference hall, members of both NPF and BJP demanded the government to install the new council without further delay.

They blamed the Congress of delaying and alleged that it is their attempt to indulge in horse trading.

Samuel Jendai said the BJP and NPF have together formed the Democratic Alliance of Tamenglong ADC from today.

N Awangbou said both the hill and valley should given equal rights and opportunities for the people of all the districts.

So in order to look into such development work and to enjoy the equal rights, the two parties BJP and NPF has decided to join hand and work for the people of the district he added.

One of the ADC member charged deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam of being anti people and anti Tamenglong.

Gaikhangam has no concern for Tamenglong district, he said demanding the deputy Chief Minister to resign on moral grounds.

After the press meet all the 13 Members of the Democratic Alliance of Tamenglong ADC met the Deputy Commissioner and request invitation to form the new council for the district.

It might be recalled that the elected members has also met the Governor regarding the delay and requested his intervention.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/autonomous-district-council-members-sworn-in/

KANGPOKPI, July 13: The twenty four elected Members of District in Sadar Hills took oath today at District Council Hall, Sadar Hills Autonomous District Council Kangpokpi.

The swearing in ceremony was mediated by Chunglenmang Kipgen, AC to addl.DC Kangpokpi while DK Thangboi, addl DC Kangpokpi administered the oath to 24 elected MDC including one lady in the presence of IFC minister Ngamthang Haokip.

The district administration also presented the 24 elected MDC a pen each to show that `Pen is Mightier than Sword`.

18 INC candidates, 4 BJP candidates and 2 NPF candidates joined the swearing in ceremony today.

The elected 24 MDC are Haokholal Hangshing (Kangpokpi DCC); Seikhosat Kipgen (Tujang Waichong DCC); Bhumi Prasad Basnet (Irang Part-II DCC); Lamminthang Kipgen (Keithelmanbi DCC); Haokholun Chongloi (Wakotphai DCC); Lamkholen Kipgen (Tujang DCC); Lunthang Haokip (Gamnom Sapormeina DCC); Kaikhosei Lhouvum (Motbung DCC); Dama Vaiphei (Kangchup DCC); L. Johny Gangmei (Tintong Laijang DCC); S.D. Dinglar Chiru (Bungte Chiru DCC); Paotinlun Chongloi (Molkon DCC); Thangjalun Mate (Makokching DCC); Thangjakam Misao (Saikul DCC); Seikholal Haokip (Lhungjang DCC); Lunkhohen Haokip (Mapao DCC); Onthong Haokip (Chingdai Khullen); M.L. Dominic Kasouwa (Nongmaiching DCC); P. Rocky Rangtaina (Mayangkhang DCC); Sagar Gewali (Irang Part-I DCC); Willing Lungbou (Khengjang DCC); Thangjamang Kipgen also popularly known as Maneithangja (Bongbal Khullen DCC); H. Khangba(Kalapahar DCC) and Silla J. Khonghay (Kamuching DCC).

Sadar Hills is a pleasant and lovely place where all communities settled with three majority community viz. Kuki, Naga and Nepali said IFC minister Ngamthang Haokip while adding that when these three majority group work commendably Sadar Hills will be able to produce commendable progress and development.

Emphasizing the necessity of peace among the people in Sadar Hills, Ngamthang Haokip asserted, `I don`™t want anybody to speak about segregation in caste, creed and religion in Sadar Hills`.

It is the love of peace by the people of Sadar Hills that the oath taking ceremony of the elected members has been peacefully and joyously conducted today further added the IFC Minister while conveying his gratitude to the people of Sadar Hills.

The minister later visited the construction work of Autonomous District Council Sadar Hills main office building and conveyed his immense discontentment over the late completion of construction work.

A visibly dismayed minister recounted that the foundation of the said building construction had been inaugurated long before while the work orders for the construction work has been released two years back.

He also said that the construction of the building is supposed to be completed before the newly elected members formed the government.

Haokholal Hangshing, former chairman of ADC Sadar Hills expressed gratitude towards the state Government for conducting the swearing in ceremony of the elected MDCs in the hill districts of the State on time without any delay.

The oath taking ceremony was attended by Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills, Mothers`™ Union, Kuki Women Union Sadar Hills, KSO Sadar Hills other civil bodies apart from church leaders and village chiefs.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/24-elected-sadar-hills-mdcs-take-oath/

IMPHAL, July 13: In the backdrop of the indefinite closure of all educational institutions in Greater Imphal area by an order of the government in view of the volatile law & order situation following the death of a student while taking part in an agitation demanding introduction of Inner Line Permit System in the state, Education Department convened a joint meeting today and decided to re-open educational institutions at the earliest.

The meeting which was held at the Conference Hall of SSA, State Mission Authority at Babupara with Education minister Moirangthem Okendro in the chair resolved to resume class in the educational institutions from July 16 if there is considerable improvement in the prevailing tense situation within the one/two days.

The meeting also discussed to tight security deployment around the educational institutions so that agitators could not easily call out students from their schools and colleges to take part in agitations.

High officials of School Education and Higher Education; principals of schools and colleges based in Imphal area; representatives of Manipur University, DESAM, MSF, KSA and several other students`™ organizations also attended the meeting.

Minister Okendro said that the death of a student of Ananda Singh Higher Secondary Academy, Sapam Robinhood during a protest staged demanding ILPS implementation on July 8 was unfortunate.

He further said that he also felt pity to see police beating students during protest demonstrations.

There is a high possibility of outbreak of untoward incidents if normal class in the educational institutions are resumed amidst the tense law & order situation, he said.

The government is confident that there would be a positive change in the situation within one/two days, he added.

Secretary of Education (S) H Deleep Singh who was present at the meeting admitted that the education sector is badly affected whenever intense agitation is launched and appealed to all concerned organizations to not use students in staging protest for fulfilling any demands.

Professor of Manipur University W Nabakumar said that students have been badly hit by the indefinite curfew imposition which was obvious in view of the volatile law and order situation.

Stating that education for students should not be deprived at any cost, he said that the rate of student attending class will be low if the government announces resumption of normal class in the educational institutions from tomorrow or day after tomorrow given that the JCILPS has imposed a 14-hour general strike tomorrow in pursuance of its demand.

It will be a wise step for the government to wait announcement of resumption of class in the educational institutions till the end of the proposed emergency session of Manipur Legislative Assembly on July 15, he observed.

Noting that participation of students in mass agitation to press for any legitimate demand is well justified as history suggests, advisor of DESAM LC Santosh expressed desire for resumption of normal class in the educational institutions from tomorrow in the interest of the students.

He also asked what steps have the government taken up against the police personnel involved in the killing of Robinhood.

Principal of Ananda Singh Higher Secondary Academy Sumati narrated that Robinhood along with other students of the academy was called out by two individuals to join the protest demonstration demanding ILPS implementation in the State.

Expressing unhappiness on the act of letting innocent students to join protest demonstration for whatsoever, the principal termed late Robinhood as a student who dreamt of a bright career.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/govt-mulls-reopening-of-schools-colleges-from-jul-16/

CHANDEL, July 13: The Oath Taking Ceremony of the newly elected members of Autonomous District Council (ADC) Chandel was held at Office Chamber of the Deputy Commissioner, Chandel today.

Out of 24 elected members, only 13 members took the oath from the District Administration while the remaining 11 members were absent in the today`™s Oath taking.

Organised by District Adminitration, DC Chandel Robert Singh Kshetrimayum administered the ceremony which was also attended by MLA of 41-Chandel A/c St Victor Nunghlung, District Election Officer Sambhunath Singh, Addl CEO of ADC, CDL Ts Kothar, Chandel SP and workers of political parties.

According to Manipur gazette dated June 19, 2015, the 13 elected members taking pledge included MK, Kopham, NPF, 4-Kangoi DCC, KSM Matthew Maring, NPF, Rilram Centre DCC, Ch Chanthoi Aimol, BJP, 7- Aimol Tampak DCC, Warngam Nula, NPF, 19-Chakpikarong,T Seikhothang Haokip, BJP, 18-Songjang DCC, Dy. Holngam, IND, 21- Toupokpi DCC, Ngamkholal Baite, INC, Sugnu Hill Area Constituency, Th Hopeson (NPF), 9-Purum DCC, Ringo Dilbung (INC), 10-Aihang DCC, Sh Manglem, IND, 11-Pantha DCC, Ts Willingson Anal, IND, 12- District H/Qs, Ts Kanlun Anal, NPF, 13-Vomku DCC and KT Hari Anal, IND 20-Wangkhera DCC.

On the other hand, Leader of the newly formed coalition `Democratic Alliance of Chandel`™ KSM Matthew Maring, told reporters that all 13 elected members, who took the oath are all members of Democratic Alliance of Chandel, which was formed during a joint meeting of different political parties held recently.

Mathew Maring also appeal that his party be invited to form the council as soon as possible, claiming his party enjoys majority.

When enquired of the political parties claiming stake to form Chandel ADC, Deputy Commissioner Robert Singh informed that Democratic Alliance of Chandel consisting of 13 elected members have so far submitted a letter requesting him to invite the said alliance to form the council. Robert told reporters who met him at his chamber after the ceremony.

On being asked about the absence of 11 elected ADC members in the oath taking ceremony, the DC said that those absent in today`™s Oath Taking ceremony have submitted a written application to the State Government in accordance with the Notification of Government of Manipur, Secretariat, Hills Department issued on 9th July 2015.

According to the Notification, those members who are unable to participate in the oath taking ceremony at the ADC Headquarters for any reasons may write to the Government indicating their inability to do so for further decision in this regard, added the DC.

Later on, the newly elected ADC Members along with Chandel Assembly Constituency`™s MLA went to the Office of the Autonomous District Council located Monsang Pantha and inspected the undergoing construction work of the ADC Quarter buildings.

Briefing the media persons, ST. Nunghlung Victor, MLA 41-Chandel A/C said that after inspecting the office of the ADC long with the newly elected members, they came cross some building were constructed without maintaining quality.

After the ceremony, 13 elected members together with MLA of 41 Chandel St Nunghlung Victor inspected the ADC Chandel complex located at Monsang Pantha Village.

Talking to reporters on the sideline of the inspection, Nunghlung Victor said he has appealed the contractors and agency engaged in construction work at the complex to complete the unfinished work within a span of 2-3 months.

The concern agencies are requested to give instruction strictly to the contractors for maintaining quality and completing the buildings at the earliest, he added.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/11-members-miss-oath-taking-ceremony-in-chandel/

IMPHAL, July 13: An emergency meeting of the Manipur Legislative Assembly will begin on July 15 at 11 am to consider the present issue over the demand for implementation of the Inner Line Permit System.

An official notification issued by secretary in charge, Manipur Legislative Assembly K Meghajit Singh said the `Speaker has been pleased to reconvene an emergency sitting of the 11th session (Part II) of the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly on July 15 at 11 am in the Assembly hall of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, Chingmeirong.

According to sources from the Assembly Secretariate, a Business Advisory Committee will convene a meeting tomorrow at 11 am to fix the businesses and number of sittings of the emergency sitting. The meeting will be chaired by committee chairman Th Lokeshwar Singh.

The steps taken up by the Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker are in accordance to resolutions arrived at during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh this morning, according to the source.

It may be mentioned that the Inner Line Permit System was abolished from Manipur on November 18, 1950 by the then chief commissioner Himat Singh.

Following a motion moved by Opposition MLA Dr I Ibohalbi Singh in the House on July 13, 2012, the Manipur Legislative Assembly had taken a resolution to implement the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873 in the State.

The same resolution was passed by the House for a second time after MLA RK Anand moved a similar motion in the House on June 13, 2013.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/speaker-reconvenes-emergency-sitting-of-assembly-from-july-15/

IMPHAL, July 13: `What would you do when your friend is mowed down by a rubber bullet or a tear gas shell? For me the immediate reaction would be to join the protest on the streets, and I think most of us would react like that`.

Sadokpam Ranjeeta, a human rights activist told the IFP in context of the current Inner Line Permit System, ILPS implementation movement, which got intensified following the death of a 16-year old student, Sapam Robinhood in police action to contain a student rally on July 8.

She continued, `I have been involved in works related to the Extra Judicial Execution Victims Families Association Manipur, EEVFAM since its inception. The widows have been fighting for justice. They have even moved to the Supreme Court against fake encounter in Manipur with a vague knowledge about the judicial system`.

`Even I myself do not have much knowledge on the minute details of AFSPA, but I have been protesting and have been part of the anti-AFSPA movement just for the simple reason that the Act is unjust and inhuman. I can empathise with the victims. This may be the reason that large numbers of youth have joined the ILPS movement, they empathise with Robinhood`, she added.

Ranjita lamented that there is a wide gap between the activist and intelligentsia and it is evident in most of the movements that the State has witnessed.

She said, `Yes, activist or those who are protesting on the streets should have a certain level of awareness about the issue and its implication. But those knowledgeable people with higher knowledge should reach out. If they are really concern they should not wait for formal invitation, rather they should try to reach out to bridge the gap. It should be from the heart.`

Dr Dhanabir Laishram, a well-known social activist and commentator however blames the State government.

He said the academic community has been contributing their fair share as far as their engagements with the issues of the State are concern.

`The State government has shut itself off from any kind of communication with the academic community, say for instance the university community, thereby cutting a proper channel of political communication`, he added.

Ksh Narayan, a former president of the Manipur University Students`™ Union, who has attended youth exchange programs outside the State and the country, gave an insightful observation on being asked regarding the low level turn out of students from higher level studies in the ongoing protest movement.

He said there has been a `systemic silencing`™ of those students in the higher education.

He maintained, `The introduction of the semester system is one of the main reasons. Every week there is an internal assessment test from which the students cannot take the risk of abstaining themselves to join protest rallies. In short, the education system bases itself on `exam oriented course`™, leaving little time for students to engage in other activities. He however lamented on the cozy silence of the teaching community. `Teachers body like the Manipur University Teachers`™ Association, MUTA or college teachers`™ association should at least make a point to let their voice heard through press statements even if they are busy with their teaching work`, he said.

Akhu Chingangbam, a protest singer of Imphal Talkies fame, when asked about the involvement of young students in street protest said that he has grown up taking part in protest as a student in CC Higher Secondary School.

`I was very much part of the protest when Netaji was killed by the State police. I am alive today because the tear gas shells or rubber bullets did not hit me. If not I would not be singing protest songs today`.

He added that students should actively take part in the social awakening processes and one should stand up to the call of time.

James Mayengbam, a self-employed youth from Keishamthong Imphal, who also had joined in the recent protest told this reporter that it is natural for young minds to become emotionally charged in a situation like this.

`When I joined the boys on the street, I can see that they are uncontrollable. Some of us tried to prevent them from firing sling shots to the police but they would not listen. No doubt, we support the ILPS demand, but there is a clear lack of a well organised protest wherein a responsible leader or organisation should show the path`.

He opined that the kind of intermittent violent protest happening here and there needs to be streamlined for a better outcome.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/empathy-over-seeing-students-death-made-people-flock-to-join-protest/

LAMKA, July 13: Deputy Commissioner, Churachandpur Lunminthang Haokip administered the oath of office to the 24 newly elected members of the Autonomous District Council, Churachandpur at the Sitting Hall of ADCC attached with the ADC building,Tuibuang today.

15 of the members who took oath today were re-elected from the previous ADC, while nine of them are newly elected.

MDC, Churachandpur member Langkhanpau Guite said that as per official norms the DC will forward the oath taking reports today, following which the Governor will issue an order for the election of the chairman.

However, he admitted that he has no idea when it will happen as the situation is different from the last time.

Speaking on the occasion after administering the oath to the elected members, the DC exhorted the new members to work for the people while saying that ADC is needed as town administration are under them.

He further urged them to continue and support the work that the district administration had done in the past notably in repairing roads.

The DC also said that MANIREDA will soon installed street lamps from Peace Ground, Tuibuang till New Lamka/Lanva River bridge.

Delivering the vote of thanks, the CEO of ADC said as there are new members they must know that under the ADCC there is six major departments with Education being the most important and major department apart from the infamous Sanitation department and medical where they have eight dispensaries and one PHC.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/dc-ccpur-welcomes-elected-members/