Manipur News

IMPHAL, August 11: Sitting Member of the Legislative Assembly from Hiyanglam constituency Maibam Kunjo son of M Mangoljao of Hiyanglam Awang Leikai died this early morning around 4.30 at his Babupara quarter following an illness.

The Governor has also declared half-holiday on August 12 from 1pm for all offices and educational institutions under the government of Manipur.

Maibam Kunjo was 73 years old and is survived by five sons and two daughters.

Kunjo won the Hiyanglam Assembly seat in the 2012 Assembly election on an All India Trinamool Congress ticket.

A condolence ceremony was also held this morning at his Babupara quarter with personnel of the 1st Manipur Rifles according a 21-gun salute.

Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh visited the aggrieved family soon after receiving the news of the MLA’s demise and paid his last respect to the former minister.

Condoling the death of the MLA, he said Kunjo was a man of integrity and kind-hearted.

His absence will be missed, the Chief Minister said conveying his condolence to the bereaved family.

Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam and Speaker Th Lokeshwar Singh also visited the aggrieved family.

The ceremony was also attended by Khangabok MLA O Landhoni Devi, Singjamei MLA I Hemochadra Singh, Bishnupur MLA K Govindas, Oinam MLA I Ibohanbi Singh, Thongju MLA Th Biswajit Singh, Wangkhem MLA K Meghachandra Singh, Khurai MLA Ng Bijoy Singh Konthoujam MLA K Sarat Singh, Patsoi MLA Ak Mirabai, Singhat MLA Ginsauan Hau, Uripok MLA L Nandakumar, Thanlon MLA Vungzagin Valte, Tipaimukh MLA Chaltonlien Amo, Wangoi MLA O Lukhoi Singh, Tengnoupal MLA D Korungthang, Phungyar MLA Victor Keishing..

In his condolence message, Gaikhangam said that K Kunjo’s death was a shock to him.

He said Kunjo was a considerate and a beloved leader to the people of his constituency.

His death is a loss to the whole State, he said.

Born on August 16, 1942, Maibam Kunjo tasted his first political success in the year 1974 winning from Hiyanglam constituency on a Manipur People’s Party ticket. He was appointed the chairman of the Estimate Committee.

In 1981, he lost his seat but was appointed chairman of the Khadi and Village Industries Board. 

He won the 1995 election on a Janata Dal ticket and became the ministers of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Veterinary and Animal Husbandry, Department of Information and Public Relation and Statistics.

He again won the 2000 election on a Manipur State Congress Party ticket to become the Commerce and Industries minister in the Congress led coalition government. 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/08/mla-kunjo-no-more-governor-announces-half-holiday/

IMPHAL, August 11: Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker has served show cause notices to four MLAs of the Manipur Pradesh Trinamool Congress Committee (AITC Manipur Unit) to submit their counter affidavits to defend disqualification proceedings filed against them.

According to high reliable sources, the notice was served to the four MLAs today by the Assembly secretariat.

The development comes following a petition filed by the party’s president Andro MLA, Th Shyamkumar Singh pleading disqualification proceedings against the said MLAs under Para 2 (1) (a) of the tenth Schedule r.w. article/191(2) of the Constitution of India and also relevant provisions of the Manipur Legislative Assembly.

The four MLAs are Thangmeiband MLA Kh Joykishan Singh, Thongju MLA Th Bishwajit Singh, Konthoujam MLA K Sarat Singh and Wangoi MLA O Lukhoi Singh.

Shyamkumar had included Hiyanglam MLA M Kunjo Singh’s name in his petition, however decided to revoke his name from the petition on August 9.

He had sought disqualification of the four on the ground of defection Rules 1986 and disqualify them from being a member of the Manipur Legislative Assembly in accordance with the provisions of the Manipur Legislative Assembly.

When IFP contacted, Wangoi MLA, O Lukhoi, informed that he was attending a function at his constituency and has no knowledge of the notice. 

Shyamkumar filed two separate petitions against the MLAs, the first on June 26, 2014 to the secretary Manipur Legislative Assembly at 3.55pm against Thangmeiband MLA Kh Joykishan Singh, and Thongju MLA Th Bishwajit Singh.

The second petition was filed on July 4, 2014 against Konthoujam MLA K Sarat Singh, Hiyanglam MLA M Kunjo Singh, Wangoi MLA O Lukhoi Singh.

On the other hand, SHyamkumar had also received a notice for appearance before the tribunal of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution of India on August 21 at 10.30 am.

Speaking over the phone, Shyamkumar confirmed that he had been intimated by his office regarding the summon.

The MPTC president who is out of station, was positive that proceedings will be initiated against the four MLAs.

Dr I Ibohalbi, leader of the legislature wing of Trinamool Congress, also responded in a positive tone that the disqualification proceedings should have already been set in motion. 

It may be noted that on June 12 last, Mukul Roy, general secretary of the AITCC, in an order suspended six MLAs from the primary membership of the MPTCC namely M Kunjo, Dr I Ibohalbi, K Sarat, Kh Joykishan, O Lukhoi, Th Bishworjit. 

However the suspension order for Dr I Ibohalbi was revoked on June 27 followed by that of Kunjo on August 9. 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/08/speaker-serves-disqualification-show-cause-notices-to-four-mlas/

IMPHAL, August 11: Demonstrations regarding the demand for the implementation of the Inner Line Permit System continued at different places of the State today including at Churachandpur and Jiribam.

The Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System, Students Wing organised rallies at three colleges Liberal College, Manipur College and Oriental College.

Students of Liberal College staged a sit in protest along the National Highway and later took out a rally towards the residence of the local MLA N Biren Singh shouting slogans to implement ILPS in Manipur.

Students of Manipur College also took out a rally; however, police made them to turn around and escorted them back into their college. The students rally was supported by local meira paibis.

In another rally, Oriental College students were also forced to turn back by the security force before reaching Ima Keithel.

Residents of Governor Road and meira paibis of Paona Bazar along with shopkeepers of Paona Bazar staged a sit in protest at Paona Bazar near Usha Hall demanding implementation of the Inner line Permit System in Manipur.

In Thoubal district, a similar sit in protest was staged at Athokpam Khunou Market Shed organised by the Athokpam Khunou meira paibis.

Charangpat Maning Leikai Meira paibi Nupi Lup also organised a sit in protest at Emoinu Keithel demanding the implementation of ILPS in the State. meanwhile, residents of Sekmaijin Maning Leikai, Mamang Leikai and Mayai leikai along with Sekmaijin Muslims took out a rally this evening.

Meanwile, the All Manipur Nupi Marup has stated that a meira rally was organised by 9 Meira Paibis of Kangmong village on August 11 in relation with ILP implementation in Manipur.

According to a release of the Nupi Marup, the rally was participated by around 1000 meira paibis. The rally started from Maisnam market and the demonstration carried around the areas of Langoljam, Maisnam Awang  Sorok, Tongbram Leikai, Maisnam Makha Sorok and through Maisnam Maning and ended at Manglak Keithel.

A meeting was later held towards the end in connection with the ILP implementation. During the meeting, working president of All Manipur Nupi Marup, M. Sakhi Devi along with Maisnam Maning Meira Paibi president, H. Premabati spoke on the occasion, it said.

Our Jiribam Correspondent adds: As in other parts of the State, Jiribam sub-division in Imphal East has also been witnessing agitations demanding the implementation of the Inner Line Permit in the State.

Student bodies of the sub-division today staged a sit in protest in front of the Congress office at Babupara, Jiribam today.

The protest was participated by hundreds of students.

Our Lamka Correspondent adds: The ladies United Development organisation and Social Reformation Women Development Samaj of Churachandpur organised a sit in protest at the Mandop Leikai, Lamka demanding the implementation of Inner Line Permit System in the State.

The local demonstrators also warned severe forms of agitations in case the government fails to meet the demand for ILP implementation in the State.

Today’s sit in protest was also attended by CUCO president S Kulla Mangang and Aimol Village Development Committee president Amol Awara.

Our Bishnupur Corresponent adds: In Bishnupur district, Maibam Chingning Makha and Awang Leikai Meira Paibi lup organised a torch rally this evening at the locality.

The rally was also participated by other locals.

The rally started from Maibam Chingning L P School ground at 7.30pm  and then moved towards Leimaram Lamkhai passing through southern IVR and then coming up to Tiddim Road.

The rally then continued along the Nambol Sabal leikai and return.The rally concluded around 10pm at the starting point.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/08/ccpur-joins-ilp-demand-movement/

IMPHAL, August 11: Reports have emerged that altogether 40 Grade-III veterinary officers have been deprived of their actual pay despite being promoted from Grade-IV in the Veterinary and Animal husbandry department.

According to official sources, the said officers were promoted as per the Manipur Veterinary Service (MVS) from grade-iv to grade-iii by a DPC conducted by the Manipur Public Service Commission (MPSC) on February 14 and 18, 2014.

Moreover, it is learnt that on March 4, transfer and posting for 35 officers were effected through Treasurey Rules-I (TR-1), while the remaining others had reached their retirement period on March 1, 2014.

In total disregards to the norms, the officers were deprived of their actual pay grade (Grade-III) for the past six months and have continued to receive MVS Grade-IV in their “pay-in-slip,” informed the source. 

The answer remains elusive as to why the concerned Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO) has failed to acknowledge the legitimate MVS Grade-III pay and allowances for the promoted officers.

The grade pay scale of the MVS Grade-IV is Rs. 5,400 while the grade pay for Grade-III is Rs. 6,600.

In this regards, the Accountant General (A&G) Manipur has also intimated the under secretary (Vety&AH) and the director concerned seeking validity of the promoted MVS grade-III officers on May 19. 

However, the department concerned failed to give their response, claimed the source.

Given the circumstances, many have raised their eyebrows whether the head of the departments are acting on their own will beyond regulations.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/08/promotee-veterinary-officers-receive-depleted-pay-scale/

IMPHAL, August 11: Atleast two persons were injured when a hand grenade exploded at the Moirang residence of parliamentary secretary, Tourism and YAS M Prithiviraj grenade late this evening. 

Official sources informed that the incident took place around 7.40pm at Laishangbam Leikai under Moirang police station, Bishnupur district. 

The injured have been identified as Laishangbam Nungsi Singh, 75, of Moirang Laishangbam Leikai and Moirangthem Shyamkesho Singh, 55, son of M Tomal Singh of Moirang Konjengbam Leikai.

Nungshi sustained splinter injury on his left leg while Shyamkesho was injured on his left thigh.

Nungshi was rushed to Imphal for medical treatment as his injury is said to be serious.

The blast also inflicted damage to a Tata truck and car (I10 grand) parked inside the MLA’s residential premises.

Soon after the incident, a team of police led by Bishnupur SP arrived at the scene to take stock of the situation.

The same sources further informed that the MLA was not present during the time of the attack. 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/08/two-injured-in-grenade-blast-at-mlas-residence/

IMPHAL, Augsut 11: Several proscribed outfits of the region have jointly announced to boycott the celebration of Indian Independence Day on August 15 in the region. 

A statement of the CorCom signed by its media coordinator H Poirei has said that the Corordination Committee, Hynnewtrep National liberation Council (HNLC), Kamatapur Liberation Organisation (KLO), National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDBF), National Liberation Front of Twipra (NLFT) and United Liberation Front of Asom-I (ULFA-I) have jointly called a general strike on August 15 from 1 am to 5.30pm in the entire region of Western Southeast Asia. 

During these hours, essential services, emergency measures, media and religious activities are exempted from the purview of the general strike, it said. 

The statement said, “The peoples of the Western Southeast Asian Region are facing the catastrophe due the forcible occupation of the region by the Indian oppressive regime.” 

“Having deprived of the right to determine their own future, the people of the region are facing untold miseries. They are facing extinction in their own land due the systematic influx of mainland Indians and indigenous culture of the region is at stake due to rapid Indianisation.” 

It also said even the right to live is threatened by the imposition of many draconian laws. 

The CorCom statement also said that in the name of fighting insurgency, the India government is using every possible methods including violence, Military Civil Action Program and even population invasion – population invention from foreign who are loyal to India as well mainland India – to swamp with and capture the entire region. 

“Champion of the foreigner issue before the recent General Election of India 2014, the present Delhi regime, after the election has made an about turn and instead of keeping their election promises has now softened their policies towards the foreigners who are living in our region,” it said. 

Indian political parties are accusing each other that foreigners are “vote banks” to win elections either in state assemblies or national ones, it said before adding that government are the same; past, present, or even the future Indian regimes will act the same way for sure. 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/08/ne-outfits-call-joint-boycott-of-i-day-celebration/

By R Lester Makang

UKHRUL, August 11: In what could be seen as ‘unprecedented’ in recent history of peoples’ movement in the district, thousands of people have on Monday peacefully demonstrated on the main road of Ukhrul town in the heavy presence of State security forces, to show their support for the ongoing peace dialogue between the Government of India (GoI) and NSCN-IM while also seeking to attain a scenario of peace and justice for the people.

Dressed in Tangkhul traditional attire, mammoth crowds of demonstrators — both men and women – from different localities of the township and its environ showed up on the town’s main road at around 10 am today defying prohibitory order under Section 144 CrPc which has been in force in the town since July 13 a day after an ADC Ukhrul member was killed by unidentified miscreants.

The demonstrators put up banners reading “Honour Indo-Naga Or Cease the Ceasefire,” “Stop Militarization,” “We Want immediate honourable solution,” “Make Peace, Not War,”etc. They formed a human-chain at several places along the stretch spanning 6 kms. from Dungrei Junction, Hungpung to Awontang Junction, Hunphun while chanting the peace slogans in unison. As part of the demonstration, the people also sang hyms from the Christian Hymnal and asked in prayer for realization of an honourable settlement of the long-standing Naga political issue.

The crowd, however, stayed put on the road-side and exit points to avert any incidence of confrontation and violence as the State security forces maintained their heavy presence at all strategic locations apart from a large contingent of police personnel in riot gears forming a blockage, especially at the two end points restricting movement of the people.

Meanwhile, in connection with the day’s demonstration the 41 Chandel MLA Victor Nunglung visited the town to show solidarity with the demonstrators espousing the ongoing Indo-Naga peace talks. Accompanied by UNC president L. Adani and TNL president Artax A Shimray, MLA Victor Nunglung reached out to the demonstrators by dropping around the town’s different localities where people were holding peaceful demonstrations.

The public demonstration which ended at around 1:30 pm without any untoward occurances was participated by thousands of people from 42 localities within Hungpung and Ukhrul and also from neighbouring villages like Shirui, Langdang, Halang Aze, Halang Ato, Lamlang Sekhor, Pharung Shimtang, Choithar etc. It was organized by the Tangkhul Longnao, a federation of all Tangkhul organizations.

Later, in a brief interaction with pressmen during his two-hour visit here at Ikror Restaurant, Hamleikhong, the MLA said that the purpose of his visit to Ukhrul was to extend his support for the people movement. He also said that was deeply saddened by the unfortunate July 12 incident wherein Ngalangzar Malue, an Ukhrul ADC member was killed by unidentified persons and condemned such act.

At the same time, MLA Victor disclosed that there has been no cases of violence in the town and that he would request the State government to revoke 144 CrPc as well as withdraw deployment of reinforced State security forces from the district before any untoward happens while exuding hope that in the event of revocation of the prohibitory act, social leaders of the district would be able to rein in the situation.

Meanwhile, speaking to pressmen during a press conference held at TKS office, Tangkhul Naga Wungnao Long (TNWL) spokesperson TS Zimik said that people want clear cut status of the ceasefire coverage as Manipur government has thrown it into disarray by claiming that there is no ceasefire in Manipur.

TKS general secretary Leiyalan Vashum asserted that holding this demonstration is significant as the Naga public need to consistently show support to the Naga peace process, while exuding confidence in the new Government at the Centre for finding an honourable solution to the Naga issue.

Questioning the GoI’s motive, ANSAM president Seth Satsang has asked as to why it (GoI) always asked for Naga unity before coming to a settlement. “Is it trying to find many solutions when there is only one issue?” he asked.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/08/people-defy-prohibitory-order-to-show-support-to-indo-im-talk/

IMPHAL, August 11: The Samu Lamlal Tribal Development Block which was inaugurated by the then Chief Minister of Manipur Rishang Keising in 1988 lies in a deplorable condition after its office was shifted to Churachandpur.

This was informed to the media by Samu Lamlal TD Block Advisor M Lairanjao who also expressed his opposition to the State cabinet’s decision of announcing five new sub-division blocks excluding Samu Lamlal.

Inaugurated by Rishang Keishing on January 24 1988, the block office was shifted to Churachandpur after 3 months in a rented room, he said, adding that the younger generations are facing many problems while collecting their ST certificates, Domicile certificates etc.

Further stating that it takes two to three days to acquire these certificates because the TD Block is located in Churachandpur, Lairanjao said the functions of the Samu Lamlal Block is negligible in delivering official benefits from any Central sponsor schemes and old ages pensions schemes except the MGNREGS scheme to their locality.

All the problems had emerged on account of shifting the Block Office to Churachandpur and none of the villagers received any benefits till date despite their names being in the lists of beneficiaries, he said.

Officials of the Block maintained that they were not able to work from here as it was unsafe, he added.

According to Samu Lamlal Sub-Division Demand Committee general secretary M Rekhupsong, recently the State government has allocated Rs. 7 crores for developing a Block Development Office, Sub Divison Office, Police Station, Bank, Family Quarters and Police Barracks in the block.

The approach road is being black topped for the first time in the area under the initiative of Local MLA TN Haokip, he added.

Calling the Government’s decision of announcing five Sub-Divisions recently which don’t have TD blocks such as Bungpi Chiru of Sadar Hills and Thangthing in Churachandpur as welcome but unfortunate from their point of view, he said their TD block was the oldest but it wasn’t provided such an opportunity even though they have submitted several memoranda for upgrading their block to Sub-Division from the period of the then Chief Minister Nipamacha and recently in 2013 to Okram Ibobi.

Rekhupsong said, “The block fulfils all the criteria of being upgraded to a Sub-division. As per the norms, the block must have 100 villages. Our block covers the two Assembly constituencies of Saikot and Henglep with a population of 40 to 50 thousand.”

The construction of various government infrastructures in the Samu Lamlal block is 80 percent construction. So, we strongly demand the resumption of the functioning of the TD Block office in the area by upgrading it to a sub-division, he said adding that upgrading the block to a sub-division will avail benefits of Central sponsor schemes.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/08/samu-lamlal-tribal-development-block-still-lagging-behind-in-development/

IMPHAL, August 11: The Pangal Students Organisation, Manipur (PSO) organised a one-day State-level seminar on “Interface on New Concept of Education in Manipur” under the theme “Good Students, Good Society” at the Manipur Press Club today.

Giving the key-note address, PSO general secretary Md Hanif Shah said the main objective of the seminar is to create awareness on the moral character of a good student.

He said the teacher-student relationship at the moment is not good, so the PSO is trying to encourage a better teacher-student relationship.

He also spoke on the need of the students to incorporate morality, discipline and respect for their elders.

The function was attended by PSO president M Abdul Zasir Ahamed, All Manipur United Club’s Organisation and All Manipur Muslim Development Organisation (AMUCO and AMMDO) advisor KT Rahman, Manipur Students Federation chief advisor L Lukhoi Power, AMMDO president advocate Dolaipabam Sayed Ahamed, Manipur Muslims Welfare Organisation president Abdullah Pathan, All Manipur Muslim Women Cultural Organisation (AMMWCO) president Mamtaz Begum and founder advisor PSO Hayatur Rahman Yumkhaibam.

KT Rahman said providing quality education should be the main emphasis for a better tomorrow.

The parents along with a good government have to play important roles in bringing quality education to the students, he said.

The frequent bandhs, strikes and several other disruptions witnessed in the State on a daily basis are quite unfortunate and these are obstacles to bringing quality education in the State, he added.

Family plays an important role in the overall growth of children, said Mamtaz Begum before adding that quality education is the only solution to the numerous issues confronting the State today.

Speaking as a resource person, child psychologist Dr M Nabakumar Meitei spoke on the topic “Child Psychology and Development of Education.”

Associate professor of Physics, DM College of Science Dr Raheijuddin Shekh spoke on “Education, Science and Technology.”
 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/08/pso-holds-seminar-to-discuss-new-concepts-of-education/