Manipur News

IMPHAL, August 4: Naoriya Pakhanglakpa MLA RK Anand stated that it is a matter of great concern if it is true that the migrant population has surpassed the population of indigenous tribes.

Terming the unchecked influx of migrants as alarming, the Naoriya Pakhanglakpa MLA who was speaking in the sidelines of his visit to his local Assembly constituency said that the Inner Line Permit issue which has now became a raging issue was not necessary during the time when Manipur was a princely State. 

Outsiders were allowed to enter the State but it was regulated so as not to pose a threat to the demographics of the State, he said adding as a princely State, the entry of outsiders were regulated by a certain law but that law got repealed after the merger with India when the then Chief Commissioner Himmat Singh declared it null and void on 1950. 

Stressing that after the merger with India, the influx of outsiders has grown exponentially in Jiribam, Chandel and Churachandpur, Anand said these outsiders claim to be indigenous people but they are not Manipuris. 

According to clause 1 D and E of Article 19 under the Indian Constitution, any citizen of India can move freely within the territory of India, he said, but there are exceptions under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873 under which people from other parts of India need a permit to enter the States of Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram. 

It was not extended to Manipur because the State was not a part of India at the time of its implementation, Anand said.

Citing the resolution taken at the Assembly which put to question whether the provisions under Article 19 is valid if the survival of the indigenous people is at stake and what measures can be taken to stop the indigenous people from being swamped by outsiders, he stated that the Assembly took a similar resolution again assuming that the State government can take the decision of implementing the Act. But after thoroughly re-examining the matter, we decided to urge the Central government for implementing the ILP Act, Anand added. 

He said that after a thorough analysis of Article 19(e), it was learnt that the State can make certain restrictions on this right for protecting the interests of the general public and tribal communities.

Stressing that all the 60 MLAs who are representatives of the people of the State are determined on the issue of ILP implementation, Anand said the issue got sidelined due to the problem created by NSCN-IM problem in the State. 

We mobilised our forces to drive out the NSCN-IM from the State because ceasefire is not extended to our State, he added. 

Appealing to the members of the State BJP to play a crucial role during the meeting with the NDA government, he said that the Chief Minister’s statement on the ILP issue during the recent Assembly session is important because he urged all the agitators demanding the implementation of ILP, civil societies, the people and all political parties of the State to join hands in taking a collective decision on getting the Act implemented. 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/08/unchecked-influx-alarming-if-migrant-population-has-surpassed-tribal-population-rk-anand/

IMPHAL, August 4: Two of the eight NSCN-IM cadres who were arrested in connection with the killing of Autonomous District Council, Ukhrul member Ngalangzar Malue were formally arrested for their involvement in two different cases today. 

With the police remand of the eight expiring today, they were supposed to be produced before the concerned court. 

However, with the CJM, Imphal East being out of station on an official assignment to Bhopal, the eight were instead produced before the court of CJM Imphal West RK Memcha.

During today’s court proceeding, the Tamenglong police submitted a plea before the court seeking custodial remand of Wunglengpam Raipang alias Apam, 31, son of Ramreingam of Tushal village, in connection with a case under Fir No.22 (II)2012 TML PS u/s 307/426/400& 25(I-C) Arms Act. 

The case was registered following a gun fight between ZUF and NSCN-IM on November 20, 2012 at Khumji. 

Similarly, Phungyar police also submitted a separate plea seeking custodial remand of Shimreingam Value alias Angam, 33, son of Alung Value of Tuinem Village, Ukhrul in connection with a case under FIR no.3 (9)2009 PYR PS u/s 307/34 IPC&25 (I-C) Arms Act. The case was registered by the police in connection with an ambush laid by the NSCN-IM against a column of 23 Assam Rifles. 

The two were formally arrested by the concerned police stations after being granted permission by the court today.

Apam was remanded to police custody till August 8 while Angam was remanded till August 7. 

Meanwhile, the six remaining cadres have been remanded to judicial custody for 15 days. 

The six are s/s private Wingky, s/s lance corporal Sepachi, s/s pvt Longji, s/s lance corporal Somrei, s/s sergeant major Esachar Ejao and s/s sergean K Hareithing. 

It may be mentioned that the eight were reportedly arrested during a police raid on the WTR office of the NSCN (IM) in Ukhrul district during the wee hours of July 13, a day after the ADC, Ukhrul member was killed. 

The section registered against the eight include FIR no.14 (7) 2014 UKL PS u/s 16 UA (P) Act, 363/346/400/IPC, 5 Explosive Substances Act, 6(I-A) I.W.T Act and 25 (I-C) Arms Act. 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/08/court-allows-formal-arrest-of-nscn-im-cadres-in-separate-case/

IMPHAL, August 4: India and Myanmar today discussed a joint venture to set up a Thermal-power plant in Sagaing region of Myanmar. 

The meeting was held at the Tamu township Army headquarters, Myanmar. 

The Myanmar delegates were led by its Union Minister U Khin Maung Soe of the Ministry of Electric Power, Sagaing region, while the Indian delegates were led by Manipur Commerce and Industry Minister Govindas Konthoujam. 

Following the discussion, the Myanmar Union Minister U Khin Maung Soe said he will discuss the venture with the top leaders of his country and inform the Indian side soon. 

If discussions between the two countries end successfully, the project will see the Indian side finance the plant, while the Myanmar government will provide the required land. 

The two sides also discussed the issue of visa service between the two countries to ensure trouble free passage of travellers between them. 

Manipur minister Govindas placed before the Myanmar delegates that from the Indian side efforts are on to actualise the service at the earliest. 

He also urged the Myanmar side to do the needful from their side and to support the Integrated Check Post to be constructed on the Indian side. 

During the meeting, Govindas had also highlighted the arrest of six Indians by Myanmar authorities, which the Myanmar Minister had assured to look into and discuss their release with the country’s concerned authorities. 

The Indian delegates present during the meeting included consulate general Embassy of India, Mandalay N Nandakumar, additional DC, Moreh Robert Singh, chief engineer (Electricity) Sarat Singh, Border Trade & Chamber of Commerce, Moreh president V Sekhar and other officials.

The Myanmar delegates include State Power minister, Sagain region Eu-Kya Win, Border Trade Chamber of Comerce, Tamu chairman U Hla Maung and others. 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/08/india-and-myanmar-discuss-joint-venture-to-set-up-thermal-power-plant/

IMPHAL, August 4 : The Manipur People’s Party staged a sit-in protest demanding the implementation of Inner Line Permit at the Manipur People’s Party Office near the Polo ground today. 

Speaking to the media MPP president Nongmeikapam Sovakiran Singh said that due to the non-implementation of the Inner Line Permit System in Manipur, many non-indigenous people or migrants from outside the State and many foreign nationals (Nepalis, Bangladeshis and Burmese) who have been coming to the State have now settled in the State and claim they are locals and are also shown in the statistical data of the Manipur population in the ratio of 3:1 at the 2001 census. 

He further said that by virtue of such migrants from foreign countries and other neighboring states, Tripuris in Tripura have now lost their indigenous rights and customary laws as they are now in a minority in their own State. 

The Manipur Peoples’ Party, therefore, feels that the long history and culture of indigenous people of Manipur which is more than 2000 years old will vanish very soon if the Inner Line Permit System is not implemented in the State of Manipur immediately, he added. 

Sovakiran also stressed the stand of MPP vis-a-vis implementation of ILP and stated that it continues to urge the government of the State to restore the ILPS in Manipur immediately and also to protect the rights of indigenous people of the State. 

The Komrem Mother Association stated that it supports the ongoing movement of ILP implementation in Manipur.

According to a release of the association, it said that if the system is not implemented small communities will become extinct. It demanded the implementation of ILP or a similar system in the state.

It also condemned the brutality of the police force against the students and further appealed to stop such act in the future, it said.

Our Bishnupur Correspondent adds: A sit-in-protest cum public meeting was staged today at Keinou Thongkha Community hall of Bishnupur district demaind ILP implementatio.

The sit in cum meeting was jointly organised by Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) of Keinou Thongkha Chnura Lup, Keinou Thongkha Makha Leikai Meira Lup and Keinou Thongkha Chaokhat Khongthang Lup.

Tondang, Advisor of Apunba Kanglei Sinnaibi Lup (AKSIL), spoke at the meeting participated by around 100 women from different organisations of the locality. 

Slogans were shouted by the demonstrators demanding ILP implementation in Manipur and demanded the release of Arjun Telheiba, executive member of JCILPS, and other 28 members.

Several other demonstrations were also held at Heirangoithong, Kakwa Pechu Lampak, Konung Mamang, Sagolband Meino Leirak Maisnam Ningthomba Leikai, Haobam Marak Irom Leikai, Kwakeithel Mayai Koibi, Kanto Sabal Leikai, Sekmai Bazar, Keinou Thongkha, Kongba Uchekon, Thoubal Tangjen and in other parts today.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/08/mpp-stages-sit-in-protest-demanding-ilp-implementation/

IMPHAL, August 4: Advocate Pukhrambam Arjun Singh, an executive member of the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) was sent to judicial custody today following his denial to furnish bail bond, today.

Police produced Arjun before the Chief Judicial Magistrate Imphal West at Uripok Cheirap Court complex this evening. 

In the process, the police submitted a bail objection report while pleading for judicial custody. 

In the report, he was charged of having nexus with a militant group operating in the State besides being involved in recruitment and extortion on behalf of the outfit.

The defence counsel, Khaidem Mani, however strongly objected the charges levelled at his client, Arjun Singh, citing lack of prima facie evidence.

Pointing out that the police had only recovered a mobile handset, driving license and purse from the possession of his client, Mani questioned under what circumstances his client was established of having linked to a UG group.

He also sought specific information on the identity of the individuals who have been allegedly extorted by his client.

Claiming the charges as baseless, he pleaded the court to discharge the case lodged against his client under CrPC section 59.

After having heard from both the sides, the court directed to furnish bail bond with security deposit of Rs 30,000. However, in response to the ruling of the court, Arjun refused to furnish the bail bond if he was not release unconditional.

Subsequently, the court remanded Arjun Singh to judicial custody.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/08/jcilps-member-charged-of-militant-nexus/

THOUBAL, August 4: Yairipok continues to reel under tension today over the suspected killing of Lourembam (o) Ranjita, with local residents coming out on the streets since early morning to block the Yairipok-Imphal road.

The situation worsened in the afternoon when locals tried to storm the Yairipok Police Station around 3, following which police fired tear gas shells in their bid to control the mob.

Around 15 protestors were injured in the police firing.

Lourembam Ranjita Devi, 33, wife of L Loken Singh of Yairipok Khoirom Mathak was found dead at their Kakmayai Mamang Loukol field under Yairipok Police during a manhunt Saturday night launched after she failed to return from the fields. 

Meanwhile, the JAC formed in connection with the incident has also geared up to launch severe forms of agitations.

A large mob had gathered at the Yairipok Angtha since early this morning blocking the Yairipok-Imphal road. The mob then proceeded till Yairipok Bazar and closed down all shops.

As the angered locals tried to proceed further towards Yairipok Khoirom, police blocked their way at Bamon Leikai. Around 9.30 am, another mob proceeded from Khoirom towards Yairipok bazar. The two groups converged at the Yairipok Bazar and staged a sit in protest on the middle of the road.

Around 3.30pm, the mob tried to storm the police station demanding the police to produce the individuals who had been arrested by the police earlier alleging them to be Ranjita’s killers.

The police fired several tear gas shells and smoke bombs injuring at least 15 protestors.

Amongst those injured, Ksh Gopen Singh, 42, son of Ksh Nikchai Singh and Ksh Basanti Devi, 60, wife of (L) Mani Singh were first admitted at the Yairipok CHC, but were referred to RIMS. 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/08/yairipok-remains-tense-over-ranjitas-death/

IMPHAL, August 4: The Manipur University Scheduled Caste and Other Backwards Caste Students’ Union has closed the MU Gate from 1 pm onwards after organising a protest demonstration against the implementation of the Central Education Institutions (Reservation in Admission) Amendment Act, 2012 from the 2014 academic session.

The students locked down the main entrance gate of MU and staged a sit-in protest near the gate.

Later, representatives of the students’ union submitted a memorandum to the MU Vice-Chancellor.

At the sidelines of the protest demonstration, the general secretary of MU SC and OBC Students’ Union, Rajeev told media persons that their main demand was for the  MU authorities to refrain from implementing the Central Education Institutions (Reservations in Admission) Amendment Act, 2012. 

Rajeev said that the Act increases the reservations for ST students during the admissions which till 2013 have remained at 7.5 percent for ST students, 25 percent for OBC students and 15 percent for SC students.

Stating that after the implementation of the Central Education Institutions (Reservations in Admission) Amendment Act, 2012, the reservations for SC students are deducted to 13 percent, OBC to 17 percent while the reservations for ST students have increased to 31 percent, he added that the amendment is applicable to all North-Eastern states, but Assam is considered separately on the basis of only some parts of Assam being tribal areas.

Besides, Assam is included in the Sixth Schedule along with Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura and Mizoram. But Manipur is not included in the Sixth Schedule, Rajeev said. 

Questioning the rationale of Manipur being included in the tribal habited area only and though not in the Sixth Schedule, he said the authority of MU has announced recently to implement the Central Education Institutions Amendment Act, 2012 from this year and has already declared to have an entrance test after implementing the provisions of the new Amendment Act.

The VC  has not responded positively to our memorandum, Rajeev said, adding that as a result they have sent letters to various Head of Departments and Deans to not conduct the entrance examination as of now.

If the entrance test is conducted by any department, they will be responsible for any untoward incident happening thereafter, he warned.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/08/manipur-university-sc-and-obc-students-union-shuts-mu-gate/

IMPHAL, August 4: Several tribal students bodies together strongly condemned the statement made by Premananda, Convenor of Joint Students Co-coordinating Committee urging the University authority to review the seat reservation system to be followed in admission of the students to Manipur University from the academic session of the year 2014-2015. 

The Manipur University had been following the State reservation policy of 34% for ST students when it was under State University. With the conversion of the Manipur University into a Central University on October 15, 2005 the reservation policy of the Central Government which reserved 7.5% for ST, 15% for Sc and 27% for OBC was followed till 2013-14 said Manglian Gangte, president, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University Students’ Union, IGNTUSU RCM at a press meet held today at the Press Club, Imphal. 

He said that the new Gazette of India published on June 6 2012 made an amendment to the earlier Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Admission) Act, 2006 and according to the new Gazette of India 2012, the reservation of 31% for ST is to be followed in admission of students in Central Universities located in the States of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura and the tribal areas of Assam referred to in the 6th Scheduled to Constitution of India. 

Therefore, the assertion of Premananda to urge the Manipur University authority not to follow the new norms that are adopted by all the Central Universities in the country is unjustified. This was vehemently opposed by the MUTSU he added.

He further said that the “6th Scheduled to the Constitution” mentioned in Clause 2(ia) of the Gazette should not be confused and it is referred only to the Tribal people living in the Sixth Scheduled areas of the state of Assam. 

Therefore, the statement made by Premananda that “Manipur is not among them” is a misinterpretation Clause (ia) he said. 

The Manipur University has also made a Press Release on July 24 that, according to the reservation in admission Amendment Act, 2012 the seats reserved for admission to the Manipur University for different categories may be, ST-31%, SC-2% and OBC-17%. 

In this connection a meeting of the heads and deans was held on July 23, 2014 to consider and approve the adoption of the Central Educational Institution (Reservation in Admission) Amendment Act, 2012, vide letter No.MU/6/14/2008/ administration dated 23/7/2014 (Letter to the Secretary to the Governor, Manipur) he said. 

Manglian Gangte said that this clarification is made by MUTSU and IGNTUSU-RCM so that the general public may not be instigated by misleading statements and false propaganda.

The press meet was jointly organised by the Manipur University Tribal Students’ Union (MUTSU), Indira Gandhi National Tribal University Students’ Union Regional Centre Manipur (IGNTUSU-RCM) and Kuki Student’s Organisation (KSO), All Tribal Students Union Manipur (ATSUM).

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/08/tribal-students-clarify-stand-on-mu-reservation-policy/