Manipur News – Page 14522 – www.manipur.org/news

JCILPS Students` Wing general strike paralyses life, ends

IMPHAL, August 6: The 48-hour state-wide general strike imposed by Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) Students`™ Wing in pursuance of its demands put up to the government

IMPHAL, August 6: The 48-hour state-wide general strike imposed by Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) Students`™ Wing in pursuance of its demands put up to the government and in condemnation of the police excesses meted out to student protestors greatly affected normal life in the State.

Business establishments and shops remained shut down during the course of the strike.

Inter-state and inter-district passenger services stayed off the roads. Movement of private vehicles and commuters on the roads was minimal.

Strike supporters blocked roads in different places by burning tyres, placing wood logs and forming human chains. Passage of vehicles and commuters in many areas was also disrupted by strike supporters.

Women folk of Changangei Uchekon and youths blocked the entrance gate of Imphal Tulihal Airport by burning tyre in front of the gate disrupting passage of passengers.

Police fired tear gas shells and mock bombs to disperse them. However, the enraged protestors refused to retreat back till late evening. After much attempt, police managed to take out some passengers from the airport.

Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Francis Ngajokpa was amongst the passengers who managed to come out of the airport with the help of police.

Road blocks were also witnsessed at several places including Singjamei, Sagolband Tera, Chingamakha, Heirangoithong, Nongmeibung, Checkon, Soibam Leikai, Keishamthong, Yumnam Leikai, Mayengbam Leikai, Ghari, Keishampat and Sangaiprou.

Supporting the strike, sit-in-protests were staged by women folk of Lalambung Makhong, Chungkham Leirak, Soram Leirak, Kangjabi Leirak, RIMS Machin Apunba Commitee, Tera Sayang Lambi Meira Paibi Lup, United Progressive Organization, Sagolband Bijoy Govinda Apunba Nupi Lup, Sagolband Mabudhou Mantri Meira Paibi Lup and SYPO in their respective areas.

Effigies of Chief Minister O Ibobi, Deputy CM Gaikhangam and Social Welfare Minister AK Mirabai were burnt by protestors at Kangjabi Machin and Sagolband Tera.

On the other hand, a sit-in-protest was staged by staff of Imphal Hospital appealing to allow free passage to medical staff during the strike.

The general strike which ended at 6 pm today also hit normal life in Tamenglong district.

There was no movement of all types of vehicles along the National Highway-37 (Imphal-Jiribam Road) and Imphal-Tamenglong Road due to the strike. However, no untoward incident took place during the course of the strike.

Strike supporters set ablaze labourers` shed

IMPHAL, August 6: Supporters of the 48-hour general strike called by Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) Students`™ Wing reportedly set ablaze a temporary shed accommodating labourers engaged

The incident took place yesterday around 4 pm.

According to reports, commando personnel coming from Paona Bazar side fired tear gas shells towards strike supporters coming out from Keishampat Thokchom Leikai and Mutum Leikai.

In retaliation, the supporters pelted stones while some used catapults towards the police personnel who were hiding in the shed.

After the commando personnel fled from the scnene, the irate strike supporters set ablaze the temporary shed.

Properties of the shed, including electric machineries worth Rs 1.5 lakh were destroyed in the arson.

On receiving the news of the fire, a team of fire service arrived and extinguished the fire.

The labourers engaged in the construction of Sewage Project at Paona Bazar are working under a contractor identified as Kangujam Rajen of Kakwa Lamdaibung.

In the scuffle between the strike supporters and commando personnel, head mistry Mayengbam Binoy Singh, 40 son of M Ibomcha Singh of Wabagai Awang Leikai, who was staying in the shed suffered injuries on his head after he was hit by a stone, the reports said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/strike-supporters-set-ablaze-labourers-shed/

NSCN (K) cadre involved in Parlon ambush nabbed

IMPHAL, August 6: A joint team of 6th DOGRA under IGAR (South) and Imphal West Police Station apprehended a cadre of NSCN (K) during a operation conducted at Khuman Lampak

IMPHAL, August 6: A joint team of 6th DOGRA under IGAR (South) and Imphal West Police Station apprehended a cadre of NSCN (K) during a operation conducted at Khuman Lampak Stadium on August 4, sources said.

The apprehendee has been identified as SS Cpl (No 1705), Chingkhurei Gangmei, 29 son of Late Phurilung Gangmei of village Bamgaijing village under Tamenglong Police Station.

It is also learnt that certain incriminating items were found from his possession.

The arrested cadre revealed that he was involved in the deadly ambush on 6th DOGRA on June 4 2015 near Parlon village, informed the source.

He has been handed over to Imphal West Police Station, the sources stated.

In another operation, 45 Assam Rifles, HQ IGAR(S) nabbed another cadre of NSCN (K) during an operation conducted at Koirengei today.

Sources identified the apprehendee as SS 2nd Lt Jordan Malangmai, 40 alias Paokhamlong son of Paolankhwan Malangmai of Namching village, Keithelmanbi.

Sources also said the apprehended cadre works as an intelligence officer for NSCN (K) and used to provide information about security forces in Jiribam to the outfit.

One mobile handset with an Aircel sim card was found from his possession, source said.

He has been handed over to Heingang Police Station, the sources stated.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/nscn-k-cadre-involved-in-parlon-ambush-nabbed/

WAD shows concern over police actions

IMPHAL, Aug 6: Expressing concern against the reported harsh actions of the State police personnel against the civilians engage in peaceful protests as part of the ongoing ILPS movement, Women

IMPHAL, Aug 6: Expressing concern against the reported harsh actions of the State police personnel against the civilians engage in peaceful protests as part of the ongoing ILPS movement, Women Action for Development (WAD) has categorically stated that the steps which had been taken up by the government to control the mob has consistently resulted in injuring many protestors and police.

In a statement, it said the movement became more intense after the death of Sapam Robinhood in police action and the recent action of the police against the girl students who were protesting at the Old Secretariat.

The actions of the State forces are not inquired properly due to the influence from the so called higher authorities, it alleged.

All these are the result of the unfair practices during the recruitment process of the employees by the government departments, the WAD alleged.

They are compelled not to punish due to the corruption, therefore the government feels insecure if some uprising breaks out within the police as all of them are well armed, it said.

it has further demanded the concern authorities to punish the police personnel involved in committing such attrocities against the students and other agitators.

WAD also demanded justice to the family of Sapam RObinhood who died due to police action and added that the present police personnel should be re-trained with proper behavioural counselling.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/wad-shows-concern-over-police-actions/

Man shot at; assailant thrashed to death

IMPHAL, August 6: Amidst the general strike called by Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) Students`™ Wing, a man coming in a Honda Activa scooter with his four

IMPHAL, August 6: Amidst the general strike called by Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) Students`™ Wing, a man coming in a Honda Activa scooter with his four years old son was shot at by two persons at Bengoon Awapalli under Mayang-Imphal Police Station in Imphal West yesterday around 8.45 pm.

The injured man has been identified as MV Basir Mashalam, 38 son of MV Ashraf Ali of Mayang-Imphal Bengoon Mayai Leikai. He along with his four-year-old son was returning home from Uchiwa Wangbal on the vehicle.

The incident took place when the two persons stopped the vehicle and asked its owner to lend the scooter to them, which the owner refused.

There, a heated altercation broke out between them. Suddenly, one of the persons took out a pistol and fired a bullet at Basir Mashalam on his left chest. The bullet exited through the right chest leaving him badly injured.

He was admitted to Raj Medicity Hospital & Research Centre at North AOC.

On hearing the news of the incident, locals of Bengoon rushed to the spot and chased the two assailants during which one of them was caught.

He was severely beaten up by the mob. He died on the spot. However, the other one managed to escape.

The deceased has been identified as Bogimayum Amir Khan, 30 son of Md Naha Angou of Mayang-Imphal Irong Makha Leikai. The dead body has been kept at RIMS morgue for post mortem examination.

The other assailant who escaped has been identified as Bogimayum Aslam Rehman, 25 son of MV Fajur Rehman of the same locality. He is a cousin of Amir.

Mayang-Imphal Police have registered a case in connection with the incident.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/man-shot-at-assailant-thrashed-to-death/

NE states ignored again

The laments of chief minister Okram Ibobi two days ago and by Congress president, Sonia Gandhi on how Congress states in the Northeast neighbouring Nagaland were being kept in the

The laments of chief minister Okram Ibobi two days ago and by Congress president, Sonia Gandhi on how Congress states in the Northeast neighbouring Nagaland were being kept in the dark about the historic Naga Accord signed on August 3 and announced with fanfare by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi himself, ought to be given serious ear. This is despite the fact that it is not just the BJP government at the Centre which is doing it, for all the other governments at the Centre ever since the ceasefire with the dominant Naga underground group NSCN(IM) began in 1997 have also done it. Again while it is true all the three states neighbouring Nagaland, namely Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, are all ruled by the Congress party, it may not be true the BJP government at the Centre was consciously targeting them, for the NPF government in Nagaland had all the while had also been ignored on the matter of these peace negotiations. Surely the Centre is not saying the NSCN(IM) is more important than these state governments? This is however not to say the achievement was not historic. It was and it deserves to succeed, though as is known now, at this moment the document signed was merely a `framework agreement`, and not conclusive at all on its content.

When the negotiations first began, maybe the secrecy had a definite purpose for indeed a running commentary of every step taken in important government policy pursuit has in history proven very counterproductive, and indeed derailed important projects. The most prominent example of such a derailment in the Indian context is the Indo-China boundary negotiations on the eve of the 1962 war. As writers now point out, (including Neville Maxwell in his controversial book `India`™s China War), Nehru was under a siege by the opposition, the Indian press, as well as the hardliners within his own party that he was making secret deals with Chou En Lai and selling India`™s interest to China. These allegations began gaining grounds ever since China`™s invasion and occupation of Tibet in 1950 and Nehru`™s feeble protest against it, but escalated to a feverish pitch when it was discovered in 1956 that China had built the Sinkiang-Tibet highway through the Aksai Chin. This discovery was not long after Nehru signed the Pancheel Agreement with China in 1954. Quite tellingly, India came to know of the highway only when its ambassador to China noticed the announcement of the completion of the highway in a Peking newspaper. But ever since, the heat was on Nehru and his `Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai` policy. He ultimately ended up intimidated, prompting him to nervously make public all his policies and every single correspondence with Chou En Lai public either in the Parliament or through the increasingly hostile media. This annoyed China and also made it less and less open, contends many of these scholars. Two conclusions are clear from this. One, the allegation that it was Nehru alone who blundered in the China policy is not true. The Opposition as well as the Indian media were partners in pushing the country to the 1962 catastrophe. Second, it also demonstrates that making sensitive government policies public while still in the process of their evolution is not always wise.

But this logic would not hold if any sensitive policy evolution extends almost two decades for it would end up arousing suspicions and distrusts among all the people with a stake in the issue. Probably the Government of India never anticipated that its peace negotiations with the NSCN(IM) would take so long to fructify. Now that this is inordinate delay is turning out to be the reality, it is time for the Government of India to begin taking the Northeast states with a stake on the matter into confidence to some extent. As per the official clarifications, including by Union minister of state for home affairs, Kiren Rijiju, that there will be no question of redrawing the boundaries of the Northeastern states or hurting the interest of any one of them in making this deal. If this is so, we wonder where would have been the harm in keeping the state governments of Manipur, Nagaland, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, in the loop on the momentous development. Such a move would have done immense good in assuaging the apprehension and well as distrust of the Union government not only amongst these state governments, but their populations as well. There should have been no necessity to put any of these state governments in an embarrassing situation either, as indeed it would have been for them quite understandably. Imagine important decisions on matters of these states being taken by the Union government without their knowledge. A rhetorical question may make this clearer. Would the Centre have been able to do what it did if it involved a state like Tamil Nadu or West Bengal?

Leader Writer: Pradip Phanjoubam

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/ne-states-ignored-again/

Assam, Manipur, Arunachal CMs still in the dark on Naga accord – The Hindu

The Hindu

Assam, Manipur, Arunachal CMs still in the dark on Naga accord
The Hindu
On a day when Congress president Sonia Gandhi questioned the Naga “peace accord” and charged the government with being “arrogant” in not consulting Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh in framing the agreement, the Chief Ministers of the three …
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The Hindu

Assam, Manipur, Arunachal CMs still in the dark on Naga accord
The Hindu
On a day when Congress president Sonia Gandhi questioned the Naga “peace accord” and charged the government with being “arrogant” in not consulting Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh in framing the agreement, the Chief Ministers of the three …
Kiren Rijiju Assures Naga Peace Accord Won't Affect Assam, Manipur and …International Business Times, India Edition
Rijiju assures NSCN (IM) pact will not overlook Manipur`s sentimentKanglaOnline
Balancing the Naga accordLivemint
The Indian Express –Calcutta Telegraph
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TN, Manipur, Odisha gets new Mahila Cong chiefs – Business Standard

TN, Manipur, Odisha gets new Mahila Cong chiefs
Business Standard
S Vijayadharni, an MLA has been appointed the chief of Mahila Congress in Tamil Nadu while Loitongbam Tilottama will head the party’s women wing in Manipur and Sashmita Behera in Odisha, party general secretary in-charge of Orgnisation Janardan …

TN, Manipur, Odisha gets new Mahila Cong chiefs
Business Standard
S Vijayadharni, an MLA has been appointed the chief of Mahila Congress in Tamil Nadu while Loitongbam Tilottama will head the party's women wing in Manipur and Sashmita Behera in Odisha, party general secretary in-charge of Orgnisation Janardan …

Rijiju assures NSCN (IM) pact will not overlook Manipur`s sentiment

IMPHAL, August 6: The peace accord signed between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) is just a framework and not a detailed structure, confirmed Minister of State for

IMPHAL, August 6: The peace accord signed between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) is just a framework and not a detailed structure, confirmed Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday, in a bid to calm down the tension arising out of the undisclosed contents of the peace accord.

The sentiments of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh will not be overlooked, he told media persons.

He assured when the final settlement comes, the Centre will definitely take into account all the States which would be affected and also consult the respective State governments.

The Minister of State for Home Affairs had arrived in the State capital on Wednesday accompanied by DoNER Minister Jitendra Singh to inspect the flood situation in the State.

Soon after their arrival at the Imphal Airport, the two had conducted an aerial visit of Joumoul Village in Chandel where a massive landslide had killed several villagers a few days back.

On their return from the inspection tour, they briefed media persons at the airport.

Rijiju said there are still no necessary details which could be announced by the government at this time because the accord signed is just a framework agreement to end the Naga issue which had been going on for the past many decades.

The government of India`™s stand is that it will understand the sentiments and concern of the Naga people and consider it with a holistic approach, he said.

The government at the same time, he said, will not overlook the sentiments of the neighbouring States Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.

The accord is not in the interest of only one community or a group but in the interest of the whole North Eastern region, he confirmed.

He continued, the region has been facing the insurgency problem for long and the people are starving for peace.

He said the accord is a confidence building measure initiated to lay a concrete foundation for peace in the region.

The MoS also appealed to all not to circulate any rumour which could ignite unnecessary anmity and ill-feeling among the various communities of the region.

Dr Jitendra said they had visited the flood affected area of Chandel with some local MLAs.

He observed the costs of the damage including bridges, road, telecom connectivity, water supply and paddy fields is quite high.

He said the Centre will provide 90 percent for the State Disaster Response fund which is to be allocated by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the State government will bear the remaining 10 percent on its own.

The amount earlier allotted for the State to meet disasters is not enough and so the Centre will be sanctioning another Rs 8.5 crore to the State immediately, he assured.

He said they have requested the State government to formally write to the Centre within two days and send a ministerial team for assessment of the total damaged afflicted by the flood in the State.

Meanwhile on the sensitive issue around the demand for introduction of the ILPS in the State, Kiren Rijiju said he wouldn`™t be able to comment unless the Centre receives a concrete proposal from the State government.

However, he added, there are still certain provisions which enables the State government to make certain regulations within the ambit of the Constitution.

He further appealed to the people of the State not to adopt violence.

He said the Centre could discuss the issue with the State government and civil organisations of the State.

Manipur floods affect 60% of population, Centre to sanction Rs 8.5 crore – IBNLive

IBNLiveManipur floods affect 60% of population, Centre to sanction Rs 8.5 croreIBNLiveImphal: Union ministers Kiren Rijiju and Jitendra Singh on Wednesday conducted an aerial survey of flood-hit areas of Manipur where 20 people have died and several la…

IBNLive

Manipur floods affect 60% of population, Centre to sanction Rs 8.5 crore
IBNLive
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Manipur Goes Without Newspapers – NDTV

NDTV

Manipur Goes Without Newspapers
NDTV
“The media fraternity in Manipur regrets to announce non-publication of daily news and electronic media on August 6 due to the intense nature of the bandh,” said a statement by the Editors Guild of Manipur and the All Manipur Working Journalists Union …
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NDTV

Manipur Goes Without Newspapers
NDTV
"The media fraternity in Manipur regrets to announce non-publication of daily news and electronic media on August 6 due to the intense nature of the bandh," said a statement by the Editors Guild of Manipur and the All Manipur Working Journalists Union …
Clash between police, agitators in ManipurBusiness Standard
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Manipur goes without newspapers – The Statesman

The Statesman

Manipur goes without newspapers
The Statesman
“The media fraternity in Manipur regrets to announce non-publication of daily news and electronic media on August 6 due to the intense nature of the bandh,” said a statement by the Editors Guild of Manipur and the All Manipur Working Journalists Union …

and more »

The Statesman

Manipur goes without newspapers
The Statesman
"The media fraternity in Manipur regrets to announce non-publication of daily news and electronic media on August 6 due to the intense nature of the bandh," said a statement by the Editors Guild of Manipur and the All Manipur Working Journalists Union …

and more »

Kiren Rijiju Assures Naga Peace Accord Won’t Affect Assam, Manipur and … – International Business Times, India Edition

International Business Times, India Edition

Kiren Rijiju Assures Naga Peace Accord Won’t Affect Assam, Manipur and …
International Business Times, India Edition
“The sentiments of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh will not be overlooked. The peace deal is not going to serve the interests of one group or community. It will be in the interest of the whole of northeast,” The Times of India quoted Rijiju during …
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International Business Times, India Edition

Kiren Rijiju Assures Naga Peace Accord Won't Affect Assam, Manipur and …
International Business Times, India Edition
"The sentiments of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh will not be overlooked. The peace deal is not going to serve the interests of one group or community. It will be in the interest of the whole of northeast," The Times of India quoted Rijiju during …
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Dr Jitendra Singh and Shri Kiren Rijiju visited flood-affected Manipur – Business Standard

The Statesman

Dr Jitendra Singh and Shri Kiren Rijiju visited flood-affected Manipur
Business Standard
Union Minister of State for Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER) and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Dr. Jitendra Singh and Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju visited the flood-affected areas of Manipur …
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The Statesman

Dr Jitendra Singh and Shri Kiren Rijiju visited flood-affected Manipur
Business Standard
Union Minister of State for Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER) and Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) Dr. Jitendra Singh and Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju visited the flood-affected areas of Manipur …
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First suspected dengue death in Delhi: A 10-yr-old from Manipur – The Indian Express

The Indian ExpressFirst suspected dengue death in Delhi: A 10-yr-old from ManipurThe Indian ExpressIn the first suspected case of dengue death in Delhi this season, a 10-year-old girl from Manipur, who had been suffering from high fever, passed away at…

The Indian Express

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The Indian Express
In the first suspected case of dengue death in Delhi this season, a 10-year-old girl from Manipur, who had been suffering from high fever, passed away at AIIMS on Wednesday. Florence Romuonpoi Hrangchal, a resident of South Delhi who had reportedly …
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The signing ceremony of “Framework Agreement” & Modi misses many

By Oken Jeet Sandham I have been closely observing the fast political development taking place after Prime Minister Narendra Modi tersely conveyed his mind and plan towards settlement of the

By Oken Jeet Sandham

I have been closely observing the fast political development taking place after Prime Minister Narendra Modi tersely conveyed his mind and plan towards settlement of the Naga issue to the 19-Member Parliamentary Working Committee (PWC) of Nagaland. He actually opened up his mind what he was intending to do with regard to the solution to the complex Naga political issue when he met them at his residence at 7 Race Course Road, Delhi in mid-July.

Modi’s words can be examined in two ways. One, he wants to prove that he is a Prime Minister with a difference for the simple fact that his predecessor Dr Manmohan Singh kept assuring that the Naga issue would be resolved during his tenure (Dr Singh 2nd tenure as Prime Minister) but he failed to fulfill what he had assured. Two, he was still cautious and doubtful when he precisely told the 19-Member PWC of Nagaland and this could be dissected from his words – “If I give you a solution and if it is not accepted to you, I am afraid (that) my solution will be more problem to you. Will Naga people accept what I decide? When it happens, it should not go unresolved.”

That is why he has specifically asked to the 19-Member PWC as to whether the Naga people will accept what he decides. But he cautions that when such decision is taken, “it should not go unresolved.” This means that when they reach such a phase, the people have to take it whether they like it or not.

Prime Minister Modi, however, stated that “If peace comes, it must come in toto.” He also explained that “Every single Naga is important in bringing the solution.”

Everyone agrees that the 18 years long peace process between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) is quite long but many have hardly examined why negotiations have been taking long without showing tangible result. The NSCN (K), which had been maintaining ceasefire with the Government of India for 14 long years, unilaterally abrogated it in March this year. The Central leaderships and various intelligence agencies knew very well that these two groups have been deadly rivals after splitting their NSCN into two in 1988, though factional killings and other clashes have drastically reduced after Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) started playing their crucial role.

Yet, Dr Singh, during his Prime Ministership, had made the Naga issue a simpler journey by elevating the bureaucratic style of negotiations to the Ministerial level, a political level, and which was also the demand of the NSCN (IM). He also learnt from some mistakes committed by his predecessor Atal Bihari Vajpayee but the attempts made by past Prime Ministers should not be underestimated as the issues they dealt have been complex.

However, the signing of the “Framework Agreement” between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) on August 3, 2015 at Delhi in presence of the Prime Minister Modi, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Adviser to Prime Minister, Ajit Kumar Doval and high profile leaders of the organization has surprised many leaders including the leaders of various political parties in the country. However, some political pundits and media specialists in the Region particularly Nagaland and Manipur got wind of Center’s planning to enter into some type of “Agreement” with the NSCN (IM) any moment. It now happens.

The only question that remains to be answered is why the Government of India should have kept the date, timing and place of their signing ceremony unknown. The signing ceremony such as the GOI-NSCN (IM) one held on August 3 at Delhi could have been organized in grand manner by inviting all the living past Prime Ministers, previous Interlocutors to Naga talks, leaders of various National Political Parties and leaders of prominent Civil Societies and NGOs. Modi announced that with this accord, the Government hopes to open the Northeast to development. The India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway has been held hostage to a number of violent incidents. Actually, he could have even invited Chief Ministers of Northeast States if he honestly feels that solution to Naga issue is fundamental to building peace in the Region, because all the major contentious issues are no longer there.

Since the Clauses and Contents of the “Framework Agreement” of the GOI-NSCN (IM) are yet to be worked out as stated by the parties concerned, it is difficult to draw clear picture or analyze on the would-be bearing at this juncture. Yet, the leadership of the two should use their political wisdom while working out for the Clauses which should be suitable and workable as per the political and historical environment of the Region. If the leaderships of the country wisely apply their mind at this most crucial juncture, then some chain of positive development may emerge. It all depends how they apply their wisdom.

Unfortunately, many mainland media started their news bombardment soon after the signing of the “Framework Agreement” was over. Several unfounded issues totally unconnected with the Naga issue by wrongly mentioning many historical chapters and names have been incorporated in their stories. Before the two parties spelling out of the nature of “Framework Agreement,” they have started giving all sort of speculative stories even at times look like they know everything of the contents of the “Framework Agreement.” The mindset of many mainland media should change. It is only because of the strong media forces in the Region, many things have been saved from being destroyed.

Bottom Line:

I had seen the way how the mainland media tried their best to twist the unfortunate ambush on Indian Army on June 4 at Manipur’s Chandel district and afterwards even to the extent of saying that India Army’s surgical strikes could kill 100 Naga militants, sometimes 80, sometimes 60, sometimes 40 by crossing International boundary in Myanmar. They could even use the photograph of the Indian Army helicopter taken during Nepal relief service in 2013 as if it was taken in surgical strikes in Myanmar territory in 2015.

I always said this is information age – unlike 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and even latest by 90s. The people cannot be easily fooled in 2015 and afterwards.

***

Manipur media fraternity protest, no news publication on 6th August 2015

Press release, 5 Aug, 2015 “ The media fraternity in Manipur regret to announce non publication of daily news and electronic media on 6th Aug 2015 due to the intense

Press release, 5 Aug, 2015

“ The media fraternity in Manipur regret to announce non publication of daily news and electronic media on 6th Aug 2015 due to the intense nature of bandh called by Student Wing of JCILPS. The decision was arrived after a meeting of Editors and members of AMWJU. The media fraternity made a fervent appeal and understand the free movements of all media concerned to report the events. The crucial decision was arrived after considering the fact that many workers of press including Editors, Sub Editors, reporters, DTP, Machinemen, platemakers, distributors, circulation personnel and other related workers could not reach the press . Apart from this, reporters and cameramen could not gather news owing to same reason. We take this opportunity once again to appeal to all public to allow free passage to media related personnel. A meeting will be held tomorrow at the Press Club to asses the situation of the following day of the bandh. We appeal all our readers and viewers to bear with us.”

Issued jointly in public interest by Editors Guild Manipur And All Manipur Working Journalists Union Imphal -5th August 2015

Kiren Rijiju makes aerial survey of flood-hit Manipur – Oneindia

OneindiaKiren Rijiju makes aerial survey of flood-hit ManipurOneindiaImphal, Aug 5: Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju today made an aerial survey of the landslide and flood-affected areas in Manipur. He was accompanied by Union Minister of …

Oneindia

Kiren Rijiju makes aerial survey of flood-hit Manipur
Oneindia
Imphal, Aug 5: Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju today made an aerial survey of the landslide and flood-affected areas in Manipur. He was accompanied by Union Minister of Development of North Eastern Region Jitendra Singh. Rijiju told the …
Jitendra Singh, Kiren Rijiju to visit Manipur tomorrowEconomic Times
Two Union Ministers to visit Manipur tomorrowBusiness Standard
Manipur Landslides – Two Union Ministers to visit ManipurNiticentral

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Government is not serious about permanent peace: SSSC

Press release: 5th August 2015 Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign (SSSC) welcomes the decision of peace accord between Govt and NSCN (IM). By this historic peace accord, there are many signals

Press release: 5th August 2015

Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign (SSSC) welcomes the decision of peace accord between Govt and NSCN (IM). By this historic peace accord, there are many signals from the side of the government, first of all it conveys the importance of peace and the commitment for development in North East states where the Prime Minister himself was present during peace accord with NSCN(IM) leaders.

SSSC believes that such actions from government are one of confidence building measures where not only common people of north east, but even insurgent groups and their members can now think and can join the mainstream in the broader objective of peace and development.

SSSC commends the role of R N Ravi for reflecting his commitment towards stability in north east and for standing towards people of north east. Being an interlocutor for these talks, he successfully brought both the parties at single point of joining hands.

With all these best wishes and congratulations, SSSC appeals once again with the government of India to work towards repeal of AFSPA. SSSC convener Ravi Nitesh said that though the move is a welcome but without repealing AFSPA, it does not seem that government is indicating or serious thinking towards permanent peace. In fact, no restrictions or cut in unconstitutional powers of military is actually a threat, not less than the threat of insurgents in north east states. Establishing peace talks and ceasefire deals with insurgents is about ensuring the development and scenario of investment by private parties that government is seeking, but repealing AFSPA will be a move of establishing real and ground contacts with people, of touching their hearts and minds in real ways, because this will mean understanding their scenario of everyday abnormality and threat and also about taking action to ensure peace for them. We hope that from Look east to now Act East, has to move ahead with Understanding East. Without understanding issues, actions will not be as fruitful as it would be.”

We have seen that how despite being on hunger strike since last 15 years, Irom Sharmila has not been able to get importance by government. Even despite her repeated requests and desire to meet newly elected prime minister Mr. Modi, she did not get any chance to meet him. She is a person who is following a non violent and democratic path for her demand to repeal AFSPA. Despite her worldwide popularity and voice and support of human rights organisations, government has not listen demand yet. Moreover, her fast has largely been ignored. Will it not give a signal that non violence and democratic ways are loosing their importance in present regime of India? Government need to rethink on this fast more seriously and to act immediately in this regard.

Media persons protest against attack during JCILPS bandh

Imphal, 5 Aug 2015 : Protesting the attack on media persons by JCILPS bandh supporters on Wednesday at Manipur Press Club, Imphal, Manipur

Media persons protest against attack during JCILPS bandh, at Manipur Press Club. Photo : Deepak Shijagurumayum