Manipur News

IMPHAL August 31: A single Government Resolution was moved by the leader of the House, the Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh and was passed smoothly without a single alteration of the text.

The text of the Resolution reads, `This House while welcoming the fresh initiative of the Government of India to bring peace in the North east region of the country, however resolves to urge the Union

Government to ensure that the `Peace Accord` of 3rd August, 2015 signed between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) and any subsequent agreements do not impinge on the territorial integrity and administration of the State of Manipur.

The House further resolves to urge the Union Government to ensure that all stakeholders, especially Manipur, are brought into confidence and transparency is brought into the peace process and no fresh discords should be brought while attempting to settle an existing one.

The House still further resolves to urge the Union Government to cause to amend Article 3 of the Constitution of India by incorporating that prior consent of the State Legislature of the affected State(s) shall be mandatory while forming new States, and alteration of areas, boundaries or names of existing States.`

During the discussion, several MLAs while welcoming the Peace Accord, raise the concerns about the Peace Accord vis a vis the territorial integrity of Manipur State.

While Naga MLAs namely Losii Dikho, ST Nunghlung Victor and Samuel Risom spoke in support of welcoming such a historic Peace Accord as the need of the hour is peace in the State and the region.

Works minister Ratan observed, `The issue is sensitive and emotive hence the resolution should focus on the federal spirit and the plurality of diverse identities within. It should not be structured on the exclusivity of one community instead retain mutual respect for maintaining harmony within the plurality of interdependence`™

However Ranjit reiterated the controversial argument that there is no Nagas in Manipur and detailed his point and also by claiming that the case of Jessami and Dzukho proves that these tribes bordering Nagaland do not wish to join that State!

Minister Francis Ngajokpa immediately responded to `There is no Nagas in Manipur!` by saying that `We cannot deny the existence of other communities`™ and requested that such statements should not be included in the proceeding of the House.

Thereafter the Government Resolution was passed without further comments.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/house-passes-resolution-on-goinscn-im-accord/

KANGPOKPI, August 31: Agitating against the passing of the Protection of Manipur Peoples Bill, 2015, the Manipur Land Revenue & land Reforms (Seventh Amendment) Bill, 2015 and the Manipur Shop & Establishment (Second Amendment) Bill, 2015, an angry mob this late evening around 9:30 set on fire the security barracks of IFC minister Ngamthang Haokip`™s residence.

However, swift action of a joint police team of Kangpokpi and Gamnom Sapormeina led by addl SP Kangpokpi Khuplen Lhouvum and OC Sapormeina L Lhouvum managed to control the agitating mob from further setting on fire the minister`™s residence.

The police personnel also struggled hard to save the SBI Sapormeina Branch office and a community hall in front of the minister`™s residence from the aggressive mob attempting to set the two buildings on fire.

Later, a team of the Imphal West Police CDO also reached the spot and coordinated with the police personnel in disbursing the mob.

The police personnel also resorted to several rounds of blank firing and shot tear gas shells to disburse the mob.

Meanwhile, another large mob set ablaze the MLA Nemcha Kipgen`™s residence at around 10 pm.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/police-controls-mob-out-to-set-ablaze-ifc-ministers-residence/

IMPHAL, August 31: The passing of the three bills in the State Assembly is a great success to the people`™s movement; however, it is still just the beginning, said Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System convenor in charge Khomdram Ratan today.

Interacting with media persons at the Khongman Mangjil Oriental Club, he said that it is the fruit of the collective work of all the people.

He said the JCILPS will be meeting the State government to discuss the issue of Sapam Robinhood who died due to police action during the ILPS movement and how to honour his death.

The JCILPS will also be urging for help to those affected by the recent clash in Moreh, he said.

Ratan asserted that the people`™s movement will continue and the agitations to be taken up will be announced soon after a meeting with the government.

At the sametime, it is unfortunate that some tribal student bodies like the ATSUM, KSO and the ANSAM have called a bandh against the ILP, he continued.

He said the demand for ILP is not for a single community, but it will safeguard both the hill and valley districts.

He further appealed to all those agitating against the ILP to revoke their agitation for the benefit of all indigenous communities.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/passage-of-bills-in-house-a-success-jcilps/

IMPHAL, August 31: In a bid to control the unrest among a section of the tribal population and their apprehension against the passing of the Protection of Manipur Peoples Bill, 2015 and the two related amendment bills, the State government has announced that the MLR & LR amendment bill will not harm the interest of those residing in the hills.

Concerned by the growing unrest, the State cabinet under the leadership of Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh called an emergency meeting and discussed the bandh called of the Kuki Students Organisation General HQ, All Naga Students Association Manipur and the two factions of All Tribal Students`™ Union Manipur against the passing of the three bills.

The meeting was convened at 5pm today.

Following the meeting, Education minister Moirangthem Okendro who is also the State government spokesperson said The Manipur Land Revenue & Land Reforms (Seventh Amendment) Bill 2015 will not harm any interest of the inhabitants of the hills.

The government will not act against the interest of the hill people the minister said and further added that the council of ministers has also appealed to all people to maintain peace and not to allow tension among the different communities residing in the State to grow.

He said the amendment of the MLR & LR Act is to only lengthen the process for land buying by non-Manipuri people/ non-permanent residents.

Explaining further, the minister said according to the amendment, if a non-Manipuri people/ non-permanent resident, an application citing the purpose for buying the land should be submitted to the concern deputy commissioner.

Following proper enquiry of the application at the DC`™s level, the enquiry report will be submitted to the State government which will be tabled before the State cabinet for approval, he said.

He continued the MLR & LR Act, 1960 is limited only to the four valley districts and a small portion of Churachandpur and since non-tribals cannot buy land in the hill districts, the government had not discussed the amendment of the Act with the Hill Areas Committee.

The amendment doesn`™t attract Article 371 C of the Indian Constitution, he said.

Okendro said even if the HAC was not consulted, it doesn`™t mean rights violation of the people of the hills.

The passing of The Protection of the Manipur Peoples Bill 2015 is to only safeguard the indigenous population of the State, he said.

There is no hill-valley divide, the council of ministers resolved during the meeting today.

The council of ministers have also appealed to all against spreading rumours which could harm the peace and increase the tension among the communities.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/mlr-lr-amendment-will-not-harm-tribal-interests-state-reassures/

KANGPOKPI, August 31: The 12 hour total bandh in all hill districts of the State imposed by Kuki Students`™ Organization, All Naga Students`™ Association Manipur and both ATSUM group totally paralysed Senapati district and Sadar Hills today.

The joint tribal students`™ bodies had imposed the bandh lodging their discontentment over the introduction of the Protection of Manipur Peoples Bill, 2015, the Manipur Land Revenue & land Reforms (Seventh Amendment) Bill, 2015 and the Manipur Shop & Establishment (Second Amendment) Bill, 2015 in the special session of the Manipur Assembly on August 28 in Manipur Legislative Assembly.

Vehicular movement including inter-state passenger buses, essential commodities carriers, wingers along the Imphal-Dimapur highway which has already been affected by the massive landslide in Nagaland was affected in Senapati and Sadar Hills. Local vehicular movement was also massively affected.

Educational institutions, business establishments and Government establishments were closed for the day rendering Senapati DHQ completely deserted from early morning till late in the evening.

Similar state of affairs was witnessed at Kangpokpi and all tribal dominated areas within Sadar Hills.

Bandh supporters burnt tyres and trees along the highway at Kangpokpi, Sapormeina, Motbung, Saikul and Gamgiphai.

At Kangpokpi, bandh supporters burnt effigies of the three bills which was passed by the State Assembly today.

However, no untoward incident has been reported till filling of this report.

Meanwhile, Thangminlen Kipgen, President KSO Sadar Hills speaking to media person at Kangpokpi said that even if the hypersensitive bills have been passed in the Assembly the state Government should be aware of the intense resistance of the tribal people over the bills.

The introduction and passing of the contentious bills evidently demonstrate how ignorant the Manipur Chief Minister is about the interest of the tribal people lamented Thangminlen Kipgen while adding the said bills have gone beyond Article 371C and Manipur Hill People Administration Regulation Act, 1947.

`Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh should resign right away on the ground that he is totally in the dark of the Constitution`, asserted KSO Sadar Hills leader.

Thangminlen Kipgen also further expressed their grave annoyance to the chairman, HAC and other tribal ministers and MLAs for not opposing the bills in the special session of the Manipur Assembly and asked them to step down if they are not capable of being the people representative.

In the meantime, Joseph R Hmar, president ATSUM extended his heartfelt gratitude to all the tribal people who have enthusiastically renders utmost support towards the tribal student bodies stir today and affirmed that ATSUM will momentously opposed any activities which will impede the rights and interest of the tribal people.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/bandh-affects-normal-life-in-hill-districts/

IMPHAL, 31 August: Youth are the pillar of society for every community said former MLA Thangmeiband A/c Khumukcham Joykishan Singh during the formal function of unveiling of foundation stone ceremony of New Building Construction site at Duipauakdung, Tarung Village of Langol Tarung Youth Club today.

Unveiling of foundation stone of the youth club was held today in the morning after which a formal function was held at the Tarung Community Hall. Former MLA expressed that the general public of the area must not fall pray of false promises of the social workers in the name of politics.

Kh Joykishan on the other hand said that he pledged to work for the development of his constituency and his commitments are always fulfilled to bring development in his constituency.

He assures to start construction of the Youth Club building by November 2015 reasoning that the loose soils will not able hold foundation of the building. He said his commitment for the construction will not go wasted and will complete the building with the purview to maintain quality construction.

Thangmeiband former MLA further mooted that youth generation acts as bridge to the gaps in the society and plays an important role in the uplifting and development in the society as whole. He said that youth as future generation should not be cooed on false promises and get misled by some social worker in the name of politics.

He lastly assures to restore the deteriorating road condition before the Christmas celebration for proper connectivity within the Tarong Village

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/general-public-must-not-get-cooed-by-false-promises-kh-joykishan/

of Manipur People Bill, 2015; Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms (7th amendment) Bill, 2015 and Manipur Shops and Establishments (Second Amendment) Bill, 2015 were unanimously passed by members of the House today.

The tribal student organizations claim that the three bills overlap Article 371 C of the Indian Constitution and Manipur Hill People Administration Regulation Act, 1947.

As per recommendation of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) of Manipur Legislative Assembly adopted during its meeting on August 27, the last day of the two emergency sittings in continuation of the 11th Session of the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly began at 11 am with Speaker Th Lokeshwar presiding.

During the first business of the House, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh who is also the leader of the House announced businesses of today`™s session.

While in the second business, CM Ibobi representing the government tabled the much-talked about Protection of Manipur People Bill, 2015 (Bill No 16 of 2015) to be discussed and passed in the House.

The bill was passed without any argument both from the ruling and opposition Members present in the House.

The second bill passed in the House, the Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms (Seventh Amendment) Bill, 2015 (Bill No 17 of 2015) was tabled by Revenue Minister Th Debendra Singh.

The bill was also passed without any opposition from the House Members.

Whereas the third bill, the Manipur Shops and Establishments (Second Amendment) Bill, 2015 (Bill No 18 of 2015) was tabled by PHED and Labour & Employment Minister I Hemochandra for its discussion and passage in the House.

None of the ruling and opposition members present in the House voiced remarks on the passage of the bill.

Notably, of the three bills passed, the Protection of Manipur People Bill, 2015 is a prototype of Inner Line Permit System.

The Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms Bill, 2015 was passed as Seventh Amendment while the Manipur Shops and Establishments (Second Amendment) Bill, 2015 was passed as Second Amendment.

The three bills unanimously passed by the House today were those bills agreed between the government and Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) during a meeting convened on August 25 wherein CM Ibobi Singh and members of the government appointed Drafting Committee attended.

Mention may be made here that the government had passed the Manipur Regulation of Visitors, Tenants and Migrant Workers Bill, 2015 on March 16 last acting on the JCILPS-led mass movement demanding implementation of ILPS or equivalent act in the State to protect its indigenous people.

The bill faced stiff opposition from JCILPS and many sections citing absence of the five points adopted during a public convention. Governor of Manipur Dr Syed Ahmed kept the bill reserved for consideration of the President of India.

Following the developments, a special session of the Assembly was convened on July 15 last during which the bill was withdrawn.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/house-passes-three-bills-unanimously-to-protect-indigenous-people/

IMPHAL, August 31: People staged sit ins, formed human chains and observed hunger strikes in different parts of the valley districts today in anticipation of a positive outcome of the last day of the two-day emergency sitting of the eleventh session (part III) of the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly today.

The three bills `“ The Protection of Manipur People Bill 2015, The Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms (Seventh Amendment) Bill 2015 and The Manipur Shops and Establishment (Second Amendment) Bill 2015 were passed by the State Assembly today.

People including both men and women staged sit ins at different places along the Imphal-Dimapur highway.

The Laipham Khunou Youth Development Association, Sangakpham Meira Paibi Lup, Chingmeirong Kabui Meira Paibi Lup and the Zaliangrong United Association Manipur Valley organised a sit-in-protest at Sangakpam Bazar blocking one side of the highway.

Kontha Khabam Maning Leikai womenfolk also staged a sit in at YSN Club community hall under the aegis of the Kontha Women Reformation and Development Society and the Meira Paibee Kontha Khabam Maning Leikai demanding the State Assembly to pass the bills.

The women folk and children participating in the demonstration also voiced their concern condemning the death of Robinhood in police action, etc.

Konghampat womenfolk also staged a sit in protest at Khongampat Awang Leikai community hall.

The womenfolk also demanded action against the police officer who grabbed and pulled the hair of a girl student during an ILP protest in front of the Secretariate.

A similar sit in protest was also staged by the Khonghampat Khunou Meira Paibi in their locality along the highway.

The Khurkhul Apunba Chaokhat Nupi Lup also staged a sit-in-protest at Khurkhul Lamkhai market shed.

Placards supporting the JCILPS and The Protection of Manipur People Bill 2015 were also displayed.

Loitang Leikinthabi women folk also demonstrated at Ichum lairenbi Loitant Leikinthabi waiting shed.

The Luwangsangbam Apunba Meira Paibee Lup and NISU Club also jointly organised a sit in protest in front of the Luwangsangbam Godown blocking one side of the highway at Koirengei.

Members of the All Manipur Disabled Welfare took out a rally on their hand-pulled cycles which started from Naoremthong and after passing through Uripok, Nagamapal concluded at Uripok.

The JAC formed in connection to the death of Sapam Robinhood also staged a sit in protest and formed a human chain at Lairikyengbam Leikai shouting slogans to `turn the bill passed by the State Assembly into an Act` and to protect the indigenous people.

Sit ins were staged and human chains were also formed at Sagolband; Larikyengbam Leikai; Lamlong Bazaar; Soibam Leikai, Chakpram Leirak; Nongmeibung; Ayangpalli; Kognba bazaar; Kongba Keikhu Road; Khongman Mangjil Oriental Club; Akampat Machin; Kakwa; Singjamei Wangma Kshetri Leikai; Singjamei Chingamakhong; Loklaobung; Moirangkhom; Keisamthong; Heirangoithong; Haobam Marak; Elangbam Leikai; Hodam Leirak; Keisampat; Nagamapal; Thangmeiband; Chingmeirong etc.

Meanwhile, considering the passing of the bill in the State Assembly, the hunger strikers have also called off their demonstration.

Meanwhile, the five student volunteers who were on hunger strike in front of the Ananda Singh Higher Secondary School were picked up by the concern authorities around 3pm.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/sit-ins-human-chain-formations-and-hunger-strikes-continue/