Manipur News – Page 14765 – www.manipur.org/news

Of Mental Blockades and Economic Blockades

Leader Writer: Paojel Chaoba
It is fact that State now suffers, the economic blockade imposed by the Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee (SHDDC) which is nearing a month have taken its toll on the populace. The UNC openly opposes the district status demand and counters it by imposing an indefinite bandh along all national highways and Naga inhabited areas. The MLAs representing both communities in their contrasting stances have fired verbal bullets along the issue at the State Legislative Assembly sittings presently going on.

The state government also seems caught in a dilemma between the demand and the counter demand. Yet, the formation of a District Reorganization Committee by the cabinet seems to be the only ace up the government’s sleeve in addressing the impasse and the murky state of affairs.

Demarcation of district boundaries and the call for time (three months) to execute the workings is offered from the government, in reciprocation to the districthood demand. Maybe, after the process has been implemented, the UNC and the SHDDC may also arrive to an understanding, hopefully. The SPF governance needs to act fair and square as the issue of land is the major point of contention and has been the cause of many a communal uprising.

Each and every demand made in a democratic set up, however justified needs to be negotiated and tabled according to the circumstances prevalent. The Sadar Hills demand has encompassed more than four decades, what will be the harm for waiting another three months, in the interest of the public, one ponders ? It would be a more mature stance and yet still provide a breathing space to the suffering public. Besides, the National Highway 39 can anytime be again subjected to economic blockades or indefinite bandhs as usual if the government’s promise fails to deliver. It is understood that, the will of the Sadar Hills brethren need not be questioned, as one has observed the condition of the inhabitants of the area bearing the brunt of the blockade more than their valley counterparts. The ‘mass exoduses ‘ by the villagers due to complete breakdown of transport braving the harsh elements, lack of medical facilities, affect on educational institutions and want of essential items have taken its toll more in the striking Sadar Hills area.

Nevertheless, the SHDDC must weigh the pros and cons and address the issue in a humane manner, as since the attention of the government has been drawn. It is questionable to hold one own people at ransom when a solution of sorts has presented itself. The right to life of the public of the state should not be compromised.

Interestingly enough, when the human rights of the entire citizenry is at peril, the so called ‘defenders’, represented by various individuals and ‘organizations’ adopt a ‘wait and watch policy’. A minimal effort of sending out a press communiqué appealing to all concerned to resolve the impasse is not had at all. Many of them in their monocular vision seem content with addressing press conferences with bravado and the idealism of upholding the rights of the people, while remaining blissfully unaware of the ground reality. Maybe,it is due to the fact that their workings are objective to HIV/AIDS, environment, children or AFSPA and the sufferings of the public as a whole is inconsequential. The funds pouring in through their Foreign Contribution Regulations Act number in Euros and dollars must have to be utilized in a marginalized area. Money definitely talks and attending conferences abroad are more significant.

As of late, the concentrated outlook of many an activist, self styled intellectuals etc. nowadays lies in comparing the Anna Hazare issue to that of our own Iron Lady. Irom Sharmila , a living legend, her determination, a testament of the prowess of a Manipuri woman. Compare her with Aung San Suu Kyi or Mahatama Gandhi or any notable figure, but positively. Mentioning that Sharmila’s struggle has been sidelined whereas Anna’s is reciprocated by the centre may be a means of propagating her stance and showing the lopsided attitude of the Union Government towards the North East, but it also shows the weakness of a society to rally to her just cause. One can’t help but feel that her agitation has been more or less ‘commercialized’ by NGOs while forgetting the actual protest stance.

But for every reasonable demand, it may be creation of the Sadar Hills district, removal or AFSPA, endeavor for a less corrupt sub continent, needs to be endorsed by the public and the concerned. Those who are rallying behind must drop their masks, rethink their myopic mindset. Let us be rid of the economic blockades and most importantly, our own mental blockades.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/08/of-mental-blockades-and-economic-blockades/

Let Us Learn From Economic Blockade

By: Neken Singh Seram
“The more our dependence on outside products, the greater is the importance of national highways. As of the present day generation, almost everything we use right from the early morning wake-up to the time we return to bed at night comes from outside the state. Right from tooth brush and tooth paste to clothes we wear, from apples to rice and oil, from school bags to Tiffin materials of children, from vehicles and fuel to entertainment gadgets, everything is imported from outside the state. It is high time people of Manipur explored various possibilities to reduce dependencies on the highways and outside markets. We need to learn use of local products instead of products imported from outside.”

Long queues in front of oil pumps indicate the onset of highway bandh for one or the other demands of people inhibiting along the people’s lifelines. Government always remains hapless in dealing with the frequent highway blockades which harass the general population particularly the poor majority. No befitting action has been taken up against those taking undue advantage of residing along the national highways. The supreme court of India has already ruled that highway blockade is a crime worth punishable. However, till today not a single perpetrator or organisation involved in highway blockade has ever been booked and banned in Manipur. Thanks to the inaction of the incumbent government that does not spare even an old vendor woman of Khwairamband Keithel for her occupying a small space at the roadside, selling vegetables and braving traffic police lathis to feed her families.

During the 68 day Naga-sponsored economic blockade last year, the normal social and economic lives of the Manipuris were severely hit. As the LPG gas was unavailable due to blockade, time of cooking depended on the availability of electricity during daytime. We saw widespread use of rice cookers and electric heaters for all cooking purposes replacing use of cooking gas. People started using charcoal with chulaas for cooking at home. The blockade in highways obviously taught a valuable lesson to the Manipuris regarding economical use of fuel at home and outside. Earlier most people recklessly used LPG for domestic purposes keeping aside the electric heaters and rice cookers rusted for long. But, we were forced to repair the electric heaters and chulaas for making tea, boiling water, preparing curries and fries.

Although its negative impacts have hard-hit the inhabitants of Manipur hills and valley people during the last few months, economic blockade is not bereft of intent merits providing durable benefits to the people. Unnecessary roaming on vehicles has drastically reduced as petrol prices in black market sky-rocketed as high as 120 per litre. Long queues have adorned the oil pumps. Besides using public carriers like Auto-Rikshaw and Magic-Tata by office goers, number of cycling and walking people will also rise in course of time. As many vehicles are off the roads due to fuel scarcity, there will be reduction of air and noise pollution in city. Fuel scarcity will certainly make a valuable contribution to the health of many people who walk and ride cycles for their routine businesses by activating body metabolism and controlling body weight. Thanks to blockade sponsors who indirectly help us realized the relevance of simple living.

Dearth of edibles coming in from outside the state will compel many people to use local products made by self-help groups. Most popular are: papad, pickles, chow-chow, Khurman, kabok, spices and juices of various kinds. It is time to teach our children children to eat Kabok, Laloo, Heingan, Khurman instead of Cakes, Uncle Chips and Lays. Local made eatables may replace Macorni, Maggi and Chow-chow for School Tiffin. The quantum of demands for local products during the economic blockade may be almost double. Hundreds of women who are engaged in ferrying these products from place to place may be benefitted in their business.

One most rewarding merit of the long economic blockade by the various Naga bodies last year was the garner of attention of the government towards improving the conditions of national highway number 53. However, no improvement has been seen as yet. The said alternative lifeline of the Manipur people which had long been neglected by the government will now be put up again as the most debated agenda of the ensuing general elections.

Locally available fruits should take the place of apple, grapes, mangoes and pomegranates imported from outside which are expensive and the prices of which often fluctuate due to transport disruptions. Cooking LPG uses may be reduced at the minimum by utilizing the electricity economically and adopting the traditional charcoal/ fuel wood burning. People in general need to popularize walking and cycling for less-hasty and less-distant businesses. It serves the trio-benefit of health improvement, saving fuel and reducing pollution. If we can be familiarized with such habits and practices, the hardships due to economic blockade will not be too grave as before. The simple living and Swadeshi philosophies of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the Nation have found total relevance in Manipur at this hour of highway blockade.
(The writer is a freelance journalist)

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/08/let-us-learn-from-economic-blockade/

Football coaching conclude

IMPHAL, August 26: The residential and non-residential regular football coaching for the year 2011-12 of Th. Birchandra Singh football academy was concluded today. The closing programme was organized today at… Read more »

IMPHAL, August 26: The residential and non-residential regular football coaching for the year 2011-12 of Th. Birchandra Singh football academy was concluded today.

The closing programme was organized today at the premises of the football institute with Colonel Vikram Mehta, commandant 10 Sikh regiment while Th. Bikram , a representative of Adidas company attended as the guest of honor.

Interacting with media persons on the sideline of the programme, Vikram Mehata said that the endeavor and efforts of the institute will surely bear fruit. “If the youths are channelized in the right direction, they will certainly do the right thing and bring laurels for the state ,another Baichung Bhutia may well be born again in the state”.

He said that all possible help will be tendered to the players and may be further given provision for enrollment in the Army sports institutes.

Mehta in the closing function distributed sport equipments and partook in planting of tree saplings at the premises of the institute located at Tabungkhok.

The concluding day also saw friendly matches between different football teams.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/08/football-coaching-conclude/

Fire destroys shop

IMPHAL, Aug 25: An electrical store at Thangal bazaar was partially destroyed by a fire broke out at around 11:30 am today. The destroyed store is Bedi Electrical and Hardware… Read more »

IMPHAL, Aug 25: An electrical store at Thangal bazaar was partially destroyed by a fire broke out at around 11:30 am today.

The destroyed store is Bedi Electrical and Hardware Store owned by Guldeep Singh from Punjab.

According to the owner, the fire might have occurred from short-circuit in the godown. Some electrical items stored in the godown were destroyed by the fire.

Timely action of Manipur Fire Service could prevent the fire from further aggravation. Five fire tenders were used to put out the fire completely.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/08/fire-destroys-shop/

House suggests Sadar Hills district based on `administrative convenience`

IMPHAL, Aug 25: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi has assured to bring a concrete solution at the earliest to the prevailing imbroglio arising out of demand for Sadar Hills at the… Read more »

IMPHAL, Aug 25: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi has assured to bring a concrete solution at the earliest to the prevailing imbroglio arising out of demand for Sadar Hills at the Assembly House today during the second day of 11th session of 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly.

He said this will be without any bias towards any community.

The Chief Minister was replying to a short duration discussion motion moved by opposition leader Radhabinod Koijam which was also participated by MLAs from both ruling and opposition benches.

Further, Chief Minister Ibobi stated that the government cannot succumb to pressures, which he observed would create room for violent activities in the future by other groups or organizations in echoing their demands.

Government’s decision will be based on ‘administrative convenience’ and not harm any single community’s interest, he contended.

“Taking final decision on the issue based on community favoritism is not a wise thing”, said Chief Minister, O. Ibobi Singh. He urged all communities not to bring up issues or demand as Kuki’s, Naga’s or Meitei’s land which he said would come in the way of the principle of‘administrative convenient’.

He appealed to the agitating SHDDC and UNC to co-operate with the government in its venture.

Ibobi said, “No government wants to solve a problem at the cost of creating another problem”.

Further referring to the term ‘our land’ as used by different communities, he asserted that it was unfortunate and ignorant. According to him, all land in the state belongs to the government of Manipur.

Clarifying on his recent statement for granting districthood to other districts that invited criticism from the SHDDC alleging his statement was an attempt to divert the Sadar hills issue, the Chief Minister maintained that the government is seriously considering the feasibilities to provide the Sadar hills at their level best.

The Government has discussed feasibilities on forming of neutral committee headed by members outside the state, forming a cabinet sub-committee but these committees could take times longer than expected and not less than a year. The best option before is the ‘District Reorganization Committee on Administrative and Police District Boundary’ which will he headed by chief secretary and assisted by DGP, commissioner RD and PR etc. the committee is intended to submit their report in three months time, further said the Chief Minister.

While opening the discussion opposition leader, Radhabinod Koijam, termed the demand of the Sadar hills district demand committee as genuine but said that the demand is full of ramification and a consensus decision must be taken. He further observed that none persistent in projecting of issue as another factor for the delay in granting for the last few decades.

The opposition leader said the delay in granting the prolonged demand by successive governments has turned the issue ‘cancerous’ and to avoid any fatality he urged the need to find a way out now for the sake of the integrity of Manipur.

He also suggested that government can seek opinion and advice from all political parties along with the major civil bodies in the state. Terming the frequent blockade imposing along the highway for any issue as unfair for the general populace in the valley, he appealed all the blockade sponsors to lift it before frustration grip the peoples mind.

Senior opposition MLA, O. Joy Singh said “it is quite unfortunate if somebody claim this is our land”. While acknowledging the demand for Sadar hills, he asserted that government should only focus on ‘administrative convenience’.

The senior opposition MLA also observed the need for creation of more districts given the situation of the growth level of the state and suggesting the constitution of a ‘commission’ into the Sadar hills issue.

He also appealed the blockade sponsors to relax the blockade and urged all section to refrain from violence.

MLA, Morung Makunga, also suggested for permanent solution to the issue.

Kangpokpi MLA cum chairman HAC, Thangmilien Kipgen maintained that Sadar hills issue has become “Political football”. Citing the sentiments of the Sadar hills people triggered due to prolonged delay, he urged the immediate need to declaring Sadar hills into full fledged district and suggested conducting of re-organization and exclude all inconveniences places after the declaration. Haokholet Kipgen also strongly urged for declaring the district hood to Sadar hills without any delay terming it as “legitimate demand”.

Many MLAs from both ruling benches also acknowledged the creation of Sadar hills as genuine and draws the attention of the government to resolved the issue as per ‘administrative convenience’.

In the meantime, Phungyar MLA, Wungnaoshang Keishing also drew the attention of the house not to concede only to pressure in the wake of the demand for separate districthood for Phungyar.

The government will draft a report as conclusion of the discussion tomorrow incorporating all the sentiments.

Other MLA’s who took part in the discussion includes Dr.Ng. Bijoy, RK. Anand, N. Mangi, V. Hangkhanlien, Shyamkumar.

CCM foundation day

IMPHAL, Aug 24: The 20th foundation day of Consumers’ Club, Manipur was held today at Manipur press club, Majorkhul. The observation was attended by Dr. Chongtham Narendra, former president Consumer… Read more »

IMPHAL, Aug 24: The 20th foundation day of Consumers’ Club, Manipur was held today at Manipur press club, Majorkhul.

The observation was attended by Dr. Chongtham Narendra, former president Consumer Disputes Forum, Imphal, Ahongshangbam Mobi, president All Manipur Working Journalist Union (AMWJU), P. Arunkumar Singh, President Consumers Club Manipur (CCM) as the chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

Speaking at the observation, A. Mobi stated that the consumers should be aware of their rights. The club needs to give awareness on the consumer for more development.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/08/ccm-foundation-day/

CM reaffirms involvement of NSCN (IM) in Sangakpham blast

IMPHAL, Aug 25: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi has today reaffirmed in the Assembly House that the recent bomb blast at Sangakpham Bazar was a handy work of NSCN (IM) targeting… Read more »

IMPHAL, Aug 25: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi has today reaffirmed in the Assembly House that the recent bomb blast at Sangakpham Bazar was a handy work of NSCN (IM) targeting the elected members of autonomous district councils.

Chief Minister stated this while replying to a calling attention motion raised jointly by senior opposition MLA Okram Joy and MLA RK Anand today on Sangakpham blast which occurred on August 1 in which five persons including two minor schools girls were killed and eight others were wounded.

Ibobi further stated that one of the persons killed in the blast was a cadre of NSCN (IM), identified as Anthony Kamei from Churachandpur. He died while planning to attack the chairman of Senapati ADC, R.S. Henry whose convoy was passing the site of the blast on that day, he asserted.

The cadre was waiting for the convoy with a scooter fitted with the powerful IED. The bomb exploded due to some technical failure, Chief Minister stated.

“Police arrested a rifleman of 4th IRB, named J. Kamei who was also involved in the bomb plan and also a relative of the deceased Anthony Kamei. The personnel is a member of the security escort party provided to the ADC chairman and he passed on information about movement of the chairmen to Anthony. He is now in judicial custody after he was arrested by the police from near SBI Secretariat branch”, stated Chief Minister.

Despite of NSCN (IM) denial of involvement in Sangakpham blast, Ibobi claimed that the parents of Anthony confirmed he was a cadre of NSCN (IM) and he came to home two/ three days back before the blast.

Though the NSCN (IM) did not say anything about its opposition to ADCs, some Naga bodies were strongly against the constitution of district councils.

Ibobi further maintained that investigations revealed NSCN (IM) was planning to attack the elected members of the ADCs.

He also blamed NSCN (IM) for the attack on the convoy of MLA Wungnaoshang Keishing in which eight persons including six personnel of Manipur Rifles were killed in April this year.

“During my last trip to Delhi I raised the issue of terrorist activities of NSCN (IM) before the Prime Minister and Home Minister. I urged both the leaders to let the NIA investigate into the NSCN (IM) activities,” Chief Minister Ibobi said. He further stated that the Centre has taken serious note of the activities of NSCN (IM) and assured him the NIA to probe the recent activities.

“If such terrorist activities are carried out by the outfit, the ongoing peace talks will have no meaning,” Chief Minister contended.

Raising the matter, opposition members Okram Joy and RK Anand accused the Centre of creating havens for NSCN (IM) on the garb of peace talks.

“The state government should declare NSCN (IM) as a terrorist organisation and take actions against those involved in terrorist activities. The outfit had even killed a couple recently,” Okram Joy demanded.

Environment campaign

IMPHAL, Aug 25: The Potter’s Clay Healing Mission, Tarung conducted the national environment awareness campaign along with awareness on bio-diversity conservation and tree plantation on August 19, stated a release.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/08/environment-campaign/

Ng Bijoy seeks govt help

IMPHAL, Aug 25: MLA Ng Bijoy, during zero hour of today’s Assembly sitting, has sought assistance from the state government to rescue 86 passengers who are stranded at Ukhrul town… Read more »

IMPHAL, Aug 25: MLA Ng Bijoy, during zero hour of today’s Assembly sitting, has sought assistance from the state government to rescue 86 passengers who are stranded at Ukhrul town for the last many days due to the ongoing economic blockade.

These passengers have come in three tourist buses along Jessami-Imphal Road from Guwahati. The stranded passengers are facing lots of problems, added Bijoy.

During the zero hour, MLA T Mangibabu has also drawn the attention of the state government to address the problem of flood at Thanga, Hiyanglam and Moirang by opening the doors of Ithai Barage completely.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/08/ng-bijoy-seeks-govt-help/

Resolve the Crisis

One of the conditions put forward by the United Naga Council, UNC, for resolution to the SADAR (Special Area Demarcated Autonomous Region) Hills is to arrive at a consensus on… Read more »

One of the conditions put forward by the United Naga Council, UNC, for resolution to the SADAR (Special Area Demarcated Autonomous Region) Hills is to arrive at a consensus on the issue amongst the concerned people. Should not the government be exploring this suggested route? Should not it for instance try having those demanding the separate district status for the SADAR Hills sub-division and those opposing the idea meet across the table and arrive at such a consensus? Since the dispute predictably is unlikely to be resolved so easily across the table between the two parties, should not it be prudent for the government to make the agenda of such a dialogue be centred around evolving an objective criterion for arriving at this rather amorphous notion of the will of the people? Perhaps, this would be about a referendum of sorts, where the domicile of the sub-division are called upon to vote on whether the SADAR Hills should be made a separate district or else remain a sub-division of the Senapati district. Why is the government delaying to facilitate such a joint meeting? Maybe it is an understandable cynicism that this would be of no point, as these offers of arriving at a people’s consensus is only another way of saying no to any compromised settlement, but at least the gesture would pass on the ball to the court of those who served it in the first place. At this moment, because of the lack of initiative from its side on this count, the government is appearing to be at fault for the continued impasse.

It is true the government has set up a district demarcation committee to study the feasibility of the various demands for new districts. As a column in the last Sunday issue of the IFP suggested, perhaps there should be plenty more districts. He had suggested 25 districts for the hill administration. This would mean 25 deputy commissioners and a reciprocal number of subordinate staff. The argument is, the area to be handled being thus greatly reduced, administration would also become proportionately easier. The only lacuna in this proposition is, ultimately primacy of any administration is people and not area, and that many of the new districts may not have enough people to administer, perhaps to the extent of the employees of the administration outnumbering the number of people to be administered. Employees of the child welfare department responsible for running the Central government’s Anganwadi programme will vouch this. In the rural areas of the hills, each Anganwadi centre which is supposed to cater to a 1000 population often ends up caring for as little as just two families which sometimes do not have any children of school going age, almost making the programme redundant. The suggestion however is something to look into. A balance must be struck between spatial spread of population distribution and its thick concentration in a small area. Both present different challenges. The more sparse and spread the population, the more uphill the task of ensuring benefits of administration reach the beneficiaries. On the other hand, even though in towns and cities the population may be much more concentrated and thereby spatially much easy to cover, logistically it also means there are more people to look after, more children to feed and educate etc thereby more material and personnel to accomplish the mission. The committee now looking into the matter will know best what criterion it would have to set for itself to come up with proposals for solutions to the problems.

As of now, although it is the most pronounced, SADAR Hills is not the only area wanting to be recognized as a separate district. The state has heard the echoes of similar demands coming from Tengnoupal sub-division in the Chandel district, Phungyar sub-division in the Ukhrul district, Khoupam sub-division in the Tamenglong district, Jiribam sub-division in the Imphal East district, and we are certain there will be more if there are any indication that creation of new districts are a possibility. This last consideration cannot be brushed aside, for what may actually happen may be the opening of the proverbial Pandora’s Box. Whatever the case may be, we hope the committee, headed by the state chief secretary, D.S. Poonia, gives weight to considerations of administrative convenience and not ethnic boundaries, imaginary or otherwise. If the state had only one category of territory, and not reserved and non-reserved ones as is the reality, matters of such divisions would have been much simpler, for then there could have been only spatial spread of population and thereby proximity of population to district headquarters could have been the prime determinant. But this is not to be for as we have written earlier, merging reserved and non-reserved territory may be administratively convenient, but in the exercise of the political right of franchise, solution defying constitutional crisis can and indeed would ultimately result.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/08/resolve-the-crisis/

79 Militant Groups Active in Northeast

NEW DELHI, Aug 24 (Agencies): The Centre may have opened dialogue with some underground outfits, but according to an estimate of the Home Ministry, there are 79 insurgent groups including… Read more »

A detailed list of the militant outfits furnished by Minister of State for Home Affairs M Ramachandran in the Lok Sabha reveals that Manipur has the dubious distinction of having the highest number of 50 active militant outfits in the region including 22 valley-based and 27 hill-based outfits.

One militant outfit, Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) has 12 factions, while Kuki National Front has four factions.

While Assam has five active militant outfits including ULFA, NDFB, DHD,UPDS and KLO, neighboring Meghalaya has overtaken the State and now boasts of nine insurgent outfits. In neighboring Arunachal Pradesh, apart from the two factions of NSCN, another militant outfit, National Liberation Front of Arunachal has reared its head in the State.

Another interesting revelation is that barring Sikkim, rest of all the North Eastern States are now affected by militancy.

Mizoram, which was given a peace bonus by the Planning Commission last year, now has three militant groups including Hmar Peoples Convention (HPC D), Hmar National Liberation Front and Kamatapur Liberation Organisation (KLO).

Nagaland and Tripura have six and three militant outfits respectively.

Meanwhile, the Minister said that there have been inputs suggesting liaison of top leaders of some of the insurgent groups in the Northeast India with the neighboring countries like China and Myanmar.

The Government of India has raised concern with China from time to time on the issue through the diplomatic channel, Ramachandran added.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/08/79-militant-groups-active-in-northeast/

Appeal from AMCO

IMPHAL, Aug 24: All Manipur Christian Organization (AMCO) has appealed to the entire people of Manipur to refrain from any provocative activity that could cause unwanted tension in the wake… Read more »

The president of AMCO, Prim Vaiphei, in a release said “In the wake of the yet another show of picture of self destruction in the forth-front of total indefinite bandh imposed on all the National Highways in the name of Sadar hills districthood demand committee and counter bandh on the same issue and seeing the possible grave consequence which may severly affect all the communities of the state, the AMCO appeal to all the people of Manipur to refrain from any provocative speech or writings, dentention/kidnapping, for of spreading rumour etc”.

The AMCO further appealed to all organizations including civil and armed organizations to promote and maintain peace and peaceful co-existence in their best possible way in the spirit of love and fraternity.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/08/appeal-from-amco/

Reconciled Naga rebel leaders meet for third time

DIMAPUR, Aug 24: The high level meet of the Naga political groups (NSCN/GPRN, NNC/FGN, GPRN/NSCN) met today for the third time in the presence of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation… Read more »

DIMAPUR, Aug 24: The high level meet of the Naga political groups (NSCN/GPRN, NNC/FGN, GPRN/NSCN) met today for the third time in the presence of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation to explore practical and constructive ways towards a shared Naga future.

A statement of Naga Reconciliation Forum said that in the series of meeting which began on August 20 and followed up on August 22, the groups have forgiven each other and have reconciled based on the historical and political rights.

They have expressed their preparedness to understand each other. In today’s meeting the High Level Meet focused on finding ways to take the reconciliation process forward. Earlier in the morning the General Secretary of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council, Rev. Dr. Anjo Keikung led the morning devotion. Rev. Anjo shared about the love of Christ and he emphasized on how the uniqueness of Naga Political and Historical rights and the uniqueness of Naga Christianity need to compliment each other, the statement added.

Anna to break fast after written commitment: PM

NEW DELHI, Aug 24 (IANS): Noting that Anna Hazare`s failing health was a matter of `concern` for all, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Wednesday said the 74-year-old activist would end his fast… Read more »

`The fast of Anna Hazareji and his failing health are a matter of concern to all of us. Yesterday, I felt that I should take a personal initiative to appeal to Anna Hazareji to end his fast so that we may work together in a spirit of cooperative engagement to bring into existence a strong Lokpal,` the prime minister said in his opening remarks at an all-party meet called to evolve a consensus on a strong Lokpal bill.

`If a written commitment can be given with timelines, then the (Team Anna) representatives said they can hopefully persuade Annaji to stop his fast,` Singh added.

Team Anna has said that Hazare would end his fast only after the government withdraws its Lokpal bill and instead presents their version of the document (the Jan Lokpal bill), which advocates the inclusion of prime minister, judiciary and lower bureaucracy in its ambit.

`… we would like the standing committee to consider all points of view to evolve a broad based national consensus to create a strong institution of the Lokpal,` the prime minister said.

Team Anna also wants parliament to discuss and pass the Lokpal bill in the current session.

On Wednesday, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal indicated that a special session could be called, if necessary, to pass the Lokpal bill and that the proceedings of the standing committee that is considering the measure could be expedited.

Hazare`s fast entered the ninth day Wednesday. Doctors have expressed concern for his worsening health.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/08/anna-to-break-fast-after-written-commitment-pm/

Whereabouts of RPF leader still unknown

IMPHAL August 24: The whereabouts of assistant publicity secretary of the proscribed Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF), Gurumayum Jiteshwor Sharma alias G.M. Changjou alias Gypsy, 49, s/o (late) Goshai Sharma of Kwai Nagamapal Singjubung Leirak, who was reportedly arrested by some unidentified security personnel from his residence located at Duncan Basti in Dimapur on the evening of August 18 is still unknown despite of complaints filed by his family members.

A formal letter was submitted on August 19 to the DGP of Manipur by G Radha Devi, mother of Jiteshwor, seeking the help of Manipur Police in finding the whereabouts of Jiteshwor.

In her compliant, she mentioned that no information could be ascertained by whom he was arrested and where he is detained nor are there any information of being handed over to any police station in and around Dimapur.

One of the family members of Jiteshwor is also reported to be stationed at Dimapur to find the whereabouts since August 20 and subsequently a formal complain on missing person was also lodged at Dimapur West Police Station in the afternoon on the same day.

Addressing media persons today, G Sheitabarta Sharma, younger brother of Jiteshwor stated that two Manipuri speaking unidentified persons in civvies came into the residence located at Dimapur where Jiteshwor was staying along with his family. After brief conversation the duo forced Jiteshwor to come along with them wherein an altercation erupted.

Jiteshwor was bashed up by the duo while resisting when one of them tried to tug a pistol on his back. Later the duo dragged him down and was joined by others also dressed in plain clothes that had been waiting outside. After the sudden commotion, another two individuals burst in one after the suspected to be security forces in full uniform. At the time of his arrest, a personal laptop, a portable play station and some unaccounted personal gold ornaments belonging to his spouse and children were took along by the said individuals, he narrated.

It may be mentioned that in some local dailies it was reported that he was arrested by two Manipuri speaking personnel in civil dress along with some army personnel purportedly Assam rifles.

Further narrating the account, Sheitabarta, asserted that on the morning August 19 at 10.5 am a SMS was received to a cell phone of one the family member in Imphal. On the same day another SMS was also received later in the day at 3.5 pm. Apprehensive on the development, he reasoned initially no attempt was made to contact through the mobile number as they fear for Jiteshwor life, however after the received of the second text message they were left dumfounded as the phone was shut off since then.

Addressing media persons Sheitabarta showed the actual text message sent presumably by his brother to one of his close family member and was reportedly forwarded to his number. One of the text messages was read as “I’m arrested by AR & NSCN”.

In this issue, an emergency meeting was called jointly by the Kwai Singjubung Leirak women’s welfare association and Singjubung Leirak Youth organization yesterday and unanimously resolved to press the government to find out the whereabouts of Jiteshwor Sharma@ G.M. Changjou who has been missing since his arrest on August18 from Dimapur allegedly by security forces or allegedly by a team of Red shied division, Leimakhong within August 25. The meeting also resolved to take up various democratic actions if the government failed to provide information regarding the location of Jiteshwor within the stipulated time.

In the mean time, a sit-in-protest was held at Kwai Singjubung Leirak machin by the local residents of Singjubung Leirak, today, in protest against the alleged concealing of information regarding the whereabouts of Jiteshwor Sharma purportedly arrested by team of security force. Some of the placards were read as “Are we living in a country where rule of law prevails, Inform the whereabouts of Jiteshwor at the earliest’ how many more hours are require even after 24 hours time scale to handed an arrestee”. The today’s protestation demanded that information be provided immediately and condemned the security forces of sidestepping the guidance of handing over arrestee to nearest police station within 24 hrs. The sit-in-protest will also continue tomorrow at the same location.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/08/whereabouts-of-rpf-leader-still-unknown/

LSDs and oxygen exempted from purview of UNC blockade

IMPHAL, Aug 24: The United Naga Council (UNC) said it has exempted the transportation of medicines and other life saving drugs and also the carrying of oxygen with immediate effect… Read more »

IMPHAL, Aug 24: The United Naga Council (UNC) said it has exempted the transportation of medicines and other life saving drugs and also the carrying of oxygen with immediate effect from the purview of its indefinite bandh on humanitarian ground. The UNC, however said those transporters carrying these life saving drugs and oxygen should possess with them some sort of documents to prove their authenticity.

Meanwhile, the UNC has expressed its fury that the state government of Manipur would only use its force on the Naga protestors but decided to remain mute when “others” were resorting to even violent means of protest.

The United Naga Council pointed out that there have been several instances where force were used on the Naga protestors by the state government. “But the state government of Manipur chose to remain mute when there have been violent agitations on the National Highways resorted by the volunteers of the Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee in the last 24 days,” rues the UNC today.

Driving home its point, the UNC alleged that many Naga protestors got injured yesterday in Chandel district when the Manipur police commandos tried to foil the protest rally. “As soon as we have just started our agitation the Manipur police started using their might against our peaceful protestors,” rues the UNC today. The UNC began its protest from August 21.

Meanwhile, it was reported that over 150 vehicles coming from Moreh town were turned back by the Chandel Naga People`s Organisation (CNPO) volunteers along the NH-39 in Chandel district on Wednesday.

11th Assembly session commences with obituary reference

IMPHAL, Aug 24: The 11th session of 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly commenced today with official observation of obituary reference on the demise of Moirangthem Meghachandra, former member of 2nd Manipur Legislative Assembly from Uripok constituency, Haukholal Thangjom, former member of 2nd Manipur Legislative Assembly from Churachandpur constituency and Elangbam Suraj, member of 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly from Yaiskul constituency.

The obituary reference was the single business for today’s Assembly sitting. It was initiated by the leader of the House, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi.

Ibobi stated that (late) Moirangthem Meghachandra was a great political leader of the state who had strived for social upliftment in the state. He was elected twice as member of the House during 1972 and 1974 mid term poll in the state. He was the minister of health, education and veterinary and was also elected MP of Inner Manipur Parliamentary Constituency in 1967.

Chief Minister further mentioned that Meghachandra also contributed his sincere efforts during the movement for Manipur statehood.

Ibobi also stated that Haukholal Thangjom was another great personality among the tribal leaders of the state who had worked sincerely for the upliftment of minority communities of the state during 1950s apart from his success in attending as member of the House. He was also one of the political leaders who had fought for Manipur’s statehood.

Chief Minister further expressed his words of condolence at the sudden demise of sitting MLA E. Suraj Singh of Yaiskul A/C recently in a road accident in New Delhi.

He said that Suraj was one of the well qualified young leaders of the state. His talent on social activities and interest in the welfare of the youths, particularly in the field of personality development and games and sports are commendable.

Chief Minister also shared the sorrows of the bereaved families and praised the almighty to keep their soul in peace.

Opposition leader, Radhabinod Koijam and senior opposition leader O Joy, while sharing the obituary reference in the House, stated that the contributions made by Moirangthem Meghachandra and Haukholal Thangjom cannot be forgotten by the present and future generation of the state.

The opposition leaders have also expressed their condolence on the sudden demise of siiting MLA Suraj and praised his sincere ambition for the upliftment of youths of the state.

The obituary reference was also participated by power minister Phungzathang Tonsing, IFCD minister N Biren, MLA N Mangi Singh, MLA Dr Ratan Singh and MLA Helaluddin Khan.

Speaker I Hemochandra, after completing the deliberation of various members in the House, expressed condolence on the demise of three members of the House and later made an official announcement of the resolution for the obituary reference.

The members of the House also observed two-minute silence to show respect to the departed legislators.

Meanwhile, the 19th Report of Business Advisory Committee, 2011 will be presented by the Chief Minister in the House tomorrow.

Two calling attention motions from the opposition benches, short duration discussion on the demand for creation of Sadar Hills district to be raised by the Opposition leader MLA Radhabinod Koijam and introduction of two government bills will be the main business of tomorrow’s Assembly sitting.

KSO, Kuki Inpi condemn abduction of engineer

IMPHAL, August 24: The Kuki Inpi and Kuki Students’ Organisation, Ukhrul district have strongly condemned the abduction of Wungshim Kasar, EE, PWD on the midnight of August 21 at his… Read more »

A joint statement of the two bodies said that they have been working day and night to rescue the abducted engineer but to no avail.

It appeal the groups or individuals involved in the abduction to identified themselves besides clarifying the motive behind the abduction and released him safe and sound.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/08/kso-kuki-inpi-condemn-abduction-of-engineer/

FIFA officials inspect artificial turf installation site in Imphal

IMPHAL, Aug 24: A team of three officials from FIFA has inspected the ongoing construction works for the installation of artificial turf at RAU Ground near Khuman Lampak Sports Complex… Read more »

IMPHAL, Aug 24: A team of three officials from FIFA has inspected the ongoing construction works for the installation of artificial turf at RAU Ground near Khuman Lampak Sports Complex today.

The visiting officials are Cherysantha Perera, AFC consultant from Sri Lanka, David Borja from Zurich and BMR Mehta from AIFF.

The artificial turf is to be installed under the “Win India with India” project sponsored by FIFA. Manipur and Meghalaya are the only two states of North-East selected for this project.

The visiting officials were dissatisfied with the kind of work being taken up for the installation of artificial turf. The RAU Ground was found inundated by the officials.

Speaking to IFP, David Borja stated that the artificial turf is manufactured by a well-established Italian firm and it has been widely used in European Champions League. The average life-span of the turf is 10 years. However, the turf would get spoilt within one year if the ground remains inundated.

The FIFA officials were really upset at the conduct of the state officials who are unable to take up various construction works such as drainage system prior to the installation of artificial turf at RAU Ground

YAS director, H Deleep assured the visiting officials of fulfilling all pre-requisite works for the installation of the turf.

Secretary AMFA, Ranjit Roy stated that transfer and posting of YAS director is a factor for delay in the construction of drainage system and other works necessary for the installation of the turf. All construction works would be completed soon so as to handover the artificial turf to the footballers of the state, he averred.

Meanwhile, the materials required for the installation of artificial turf have arrived Imphal. The artificial turf is likely to be installed within this year.

Physical efficiency test

IMPHAL, Aug 24: The physical efficiency test for direct recruitment of sub-inspectors (Radio Technician) which was postponed is re-scheduled from August 27 to August 30 at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium…. Read more »

IMPHAL, Aug 24: The physical efficiency test for direct recruitment of sub-inspectors (Radio Technician) which was postponed is re-scheduled from August 27 to August 30 at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium.

In this regard an official notification was issued by the IGP (Adm) chairman DPC for selection of SI (Radio Technician), Manipur T Pachou today, and further mentioned that, the physical efficiency test for Ukhrul, Chandel, Tamenglong, Churachandpur and Senapati districts will be held on August 27 from 8am, same test for Imphal West district will be held on August 28 from 8 am, for Bishnupur and Imphal East district including Jiribam sub-division will be done on August 30 and for Thoubal district physical efficiency test will be done on August 30, added the official notification.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/08/physical-efficiency-test/