Headlines – Page 789 – Manipur News

Vigilance team interrogates Social Welfare officials, seizes files

IMPHAL, October 21: Officials of the Social Welfare department were today interrogated by State Vigilance sleuths in connection with a case registered by the superintendent of police (Vigilance). The Vigilance

IMPHAL, October 21: Officials of the Social Welfare department were today interrogated by State Vigilance sleuths in connection with a case registered by the superintendent of police (Vigilance).

The Vigilance team also seized files and documents from the office of the department located near the 2nd Manipur Rifles gate today in connection with case no 1/SP-V/ 2014. The case was taken up in connection with schemes and programme taken up by the department during the 2011-12 and 2013-14 period.

Sources informed the IFP that the interrogation of the officials and checking of the files was conducted inside the 2nd Floor Conference Hall of the department`™s building.

The team led by SP RK Meme Devi arrived at around 11am and the questioning continued till 3pm, sources said.

Prior to today`™s interrogation of officials, on October 17, director Rangitabali Waikhom had issued a circular stating that a meeting will be held according to a directive of the SP Vigilance. The circular also instructed 16 officials to attend the meeting.

The officials asked to attend the said meeting include retd head clerk of the department S Chandrakumar Singh, retd superintendent P Mohendro Singh, retd research officer Th Akhoikumar Singh and retd deputy director (ICDS) L Shyama Devi, former director of the department and presently posted as secretary election Th Chitra Devi. Chitra Devi was the director of the department during January 14, 2013 and July 31, 2013.

The other officials are joint director G Satyabati Devi who was the director of the department from February 24, 2010 to January 13, 2014; deputy director (WP) Surrender A Sishak; deputy director (SW) Th Joychanra Singh; deputy director (Trg) Jiteshwor Keisham; deputy director (Disabilities) Th Dilipkumar Singh; child welfare officer, Binobala Nongmeikapam; deputy director (ICDS) Ranjana Manoharmayum; probation officer (ICPS) K Saroja Devi; programme officer (SNP/ Sabla/ KSY) V Mingthingla; research officer (NSAP/ MOAP) W Birahari Singh and rehabilitation psychologist L Dhaneshwar Singh.

Don`t lose confidence of people, CM urges party members

Imphal, October 21: `As the political scenario has changed in the country and the Congress continues to fall like nine-pins in various States, we need to seriously discuss the fate

Imphal, October 21: `As the political scenario has changed in the country and the Congress continues to fall like nine-pins in various States, we need to seriously discuss the fate of Manipur with regard to the current trend`, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said while addressing the reception programme of newly elected Congress MLA Dr Elangbam Dwijamani in the Congress Bhawan.

Urging the newly elected legislator to serve the people on a war footing as his tenure is short, the Chief Minister also asked all the ministers and MLAs to do the same in their respective constituencies.

The Chief Minister said he is having sleepless nights after the party suffered heavy defeats in many big States across the country following the Lok Sabha poll debacle.

Appealing to all the ministers, MLAs and Congress workers to completely dedicate themselves in undertaking programmes or projects in their respective constituencies from today onwards, he said even though the Congress rule in the State is going to complete three consecutive terms they should not create an environment in which people may raise questions to the government.

We must work hard for the people so as to not lose the confidence of people, he said.

Stating that rumours of decreasing Central funds allocated to Manipur is not true, Ibobi said when the UPA government was in power it didn`™t affect fund allocations to Gujarat and similarly the NDA rule wouldn`™t affect the allocation of central funds to Manipur.

The BJP Manipur Pradesh is no cause of concern for the State government, he said. The development programmes taken up in both hill and valley districts bear testimony to what the Congress has done for Manipur, he stressed.

But we must complete those infrastructural projects and development programmes so that the people of Manipur may not lost hope in the Congress, he added.

MPCC president Gaikhangam said the electoral success in Hiyanglam resulted from the support of ministers and MLAs of the Congress.

Now, the party has regained the seat that it lost. The collective effort of MLAs of the Congress is being witnessed in the Hiyanglam bye-poll, he said.

If this practice continues in the future then the Congress can retain power in Manipur and need not be worried about failing in the upcoming elections, he added.

Hiyanglam people knew the political scenario of Manipur so they supported the Congress by sending an MLA from Hiyanglam, Gaikhangam said.

ATSUM revokes highway bandh after government invitation for talks

Imphal, October 21: ATSUM has called off its indefinite strike along the national highways, and of the railway project, this evening after the Chief Minister invited the tribal students`™ body

Imphal, October 21: ATSUM has called off its indefinite strike along the national highways, and of the railway project, this evening after the Chief Minister invited the tribal students`™ body for negotiations.

Addressing a press meet at its office in Nagaram, ATSUM president Maun Tombing said the students`™ body decided to impose the indefinite bandh in the hill districts from October 21 after the government failed to comply with the agreement made last year.

Chief Minister Okram Ibobi invited representatives of ATSUM today for holding talks on their pending demands.

The negotiations will be held in the morning of October 22 at around 8 am at the Chief Minister`™s chamber. We hope that the talks bring positive results, Tombing said.

He added that the bandh imposed by ATSUM on the national highways and the railway project in the State has been revoked on October 21 at around 3:30 pm.

`If the talk with government fails then ATSUM is free to launch an agitation at any moment. We are counting on the government to keep the promises it made on November 29 last year` the president of the Maun Tombing faction of ATSUM said.

ATSUM had called an indefinite blockade starting today which would have stopped all sorts of vehicular movement along the National Highways and the National projects including railway construction works etc.

TSA opposes land acquisition for smart city at Moreh

IMPHAL, October 21: The Thadou Students Association strongly oppose the reported acquisition of 3000 acres of tribal land for the purpose of setting up a smart city at Moreh/Haolenphai, Chandel

IMPHAL, October 21: The Thadou Students Association strongly oppose the reported acquisition of 3000 acres of tribal land for the purpose of setting up a smart city at Moreh/Haolenphai, Chandel district, said the student body`™s president Lamminlung during a press conference at the Manipur Press Club here today.

Lamminlung stated that it is against the customary law and tradition to sell land for any reason whatsoever and added that `We are ready to die to safeguard the traditional land for the cause of our people.`

The Thadou Students`™ Association demanded the State government to clarify whether the reported acquisition of land as stated by Industries minister Govindas Konthoujam through the press statement is true.

He said the Kukis`™ and other tribal people`™s interest, culture, languages, tradition, social set-up and land rights should be respected and protected at all times.

The TSA also urged the government to issue a press statement in tribal interest regarding the above demands at the earliest, failing which the TSA, together with the public and other like-minded organisations will take up appropriate actions at right time in pursuit of the demands, said Lamminlung. The TSA reiterates its position and that of Kuki tribal that people of Haolenphai wants or need the seting up of the smart city in the area.

Stating that the student body`™s demand supported by several other organization, he added that even an inch of Kuki tribal land will not be compromised for any reason as it is not a negotiable issue. Lamminlung further asserted that `we want development that we need, but not imposed development that we do not need. What the Kukis are really struggling for is the land, culture and ethnic identity and it is the land that we need most.`

He also said that a memorandum was submitted to the Chief Minister of Manipur and also to the Union Home Minister on September on September 15 on the issue.

Car crash ignites inferno killing 5-year-old; buildings razed to ground

IMPHAL, October 21: An accident caused devastation at Koirengei bazaar this late evening when a speeding Getz car hit a shop igniting an inferno. A five-year old boy who was

IMPHAL, October 21: An accident caused devastation at Koirengei bazaar this late evening when a speeding Getz car hit a shop igniting an inferno.

A five-year old boy who was at a shop with his mother to buy household items has been confirmed burnt to death. The mother also recieved burn injuries.

Around 8pm, a speeding Getz car coming from Imphal side crashed into a shop igniting a fire which speedily spread to the nearby houses devastating more than eight structures including shops, houses, workshops, hotels.

The car has also been damaged beyond recognition.

The boy has been identified as Thokchom Loyumba son of T Shyamkishore and T (o) Ibempishak. The family who is originally from Achanbigei runs a shop opposite to the buildings razed by the fire.

The occupants of the car including the driver managed to flee from the site, locals said.

Locals also said that the mother of the boy has been rushed to the nearby Catholic Medical Centre along with some other injured women. However, the exact number of injured cannot be confirmed till the filling of this report.

Locals also said that there is no confirmation of how many people are trapped inside the building, as the inhabitants of the buildings are nowhere to be found in the area. This has created apprehensions that many more could be buried under the debris, locals added.

More than five fire tenders arrived around 8:20pm to control the fire, they said. The fire was brought under control only around 9pm, although by that time the buildings were already razed to the ground.

Heingang police have taken the body of the boy for post mortem.

JCILPS decries bringing in of labour from outside

IMPHAL, October 21: Getting information that a passenger bus had dropped 48 non-locals at Sekmai bazaar this afternoon around 2pm, a team of Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System

IMPHAL, October 21: Getting information that a passenger bus had dropped 48 non-locals at Sekmai bazaar this afternoon around 2pm, a team of Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System rushed to the spot and met with the non-locals, said the committee`™s coordinator Thabi.

Speaking to media persons, he said one of the non-locals identified themselves as from Malda district of West Bengal and that they have been brought into the State as labours of Yurembam Power grid.

According to the non-local, they were supposed to wait at Sekmai bazar for the authorities to pick them up, Thabi told media persons.

He said the non-locals were found waiting at the Sekmai Police Station, however, the bus went back soon after dropping them.

Meanwhile, according to Sekmai Police sources, non-locals have been dropped in the area on two counts earlier and each time department officials had come to pick them up.

When they had asked, they were informed that the non-locals were labours for the Yurembam Power grid.

On the other hand, Thabi said this is unfortunate as the JCILPS has been trying hard with support from the public to check the illegal influx of non-locals into the State.

The officials are showing irresponsibility, he said before urging local authorities to hire people of the State if they need labours.

Boy succumbs to accident injury

IMPHAL, Oct 20: Sinam Ponin Singh who met an accident at Langpoklao Haraopham under Nambol police Station on October 18 has succumbed to his injuries today. A report from the

IMPHAL, Oct 20: Sinam Ponin Singh who met an accident at Langpoklao Haraopham under Nambol police Station on October 18 has succumbed to his injuries today.

A report from the police stated that the accident occurred on October 18 when the Bajaj Pulsar motor bike (registration number MN01Z-9294) he was riding along with two friends collided with a Honda Activa MN-06/F-7216. Ponin along with his two friends was hospitalised at Raj Medicity, however, Ponin succumbed to his injuries.

His two friends are still under treatment.

A case has been registered by the police.

The dead body has been handed over to the family member after a post mortem was conducted at RIMS morgue. Ponin succumbed to his injuries at the hospital yesterday at around 11.20 am. The police have seized both vehicles involved in the accident.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/boy-succumbs-to-accident-injury/

Transporters` bodies appeal ATSUM to withdraw bandh

IMPHAL, October 20: Several transporters`™ bodies have today urged the All Tribal Students`™ Union to withdraw its indefinite bandh along the national highways starting this midnight considering the Ningol Chakkouba

Several other organisations of the State led by All Manipur Ethnical Socio Culture Organisation, AMESCO have also called on ATSUM to withdraw the blockade.

Speaking to media persons in Imphal, All Manipur Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union president Bhopendra Ghose said the NH 37, 53 Truck Owners Welfare Association, All Manipur Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union, All Manipur Inter State Bus Association and All Manipur Petroleum Transporter Association are jointly making an appeal to ATSUM to withdraw the blockade considering the Ningol Chakkouba festival.

He said the transporters are working for the people of the State irrespective of hills and valley.

The repeated appeals of the transporters to the State authorities to properly maintain the National Highway 37 have all fallen into deaf ears, he continued.

As the State has remained indifferent to the appeals, the transporters will have to meet the Union Minister for Transport Nitin Gadkari to find a solution at the earliest, he said.

Bhupendra also condemned the recent gun attack on a loaded truck somewhere along the NH 37 in Tamenglong which resulted in the injury of a handyman and appealed to all concern not to repeat such threat.

NH 37, 53 TOWA president Kh Inaoba said that the four transporters`™ bodies support any demand for development both in the hills and the valley, however, such bandhs and blockade cannot bring any development.

It will also hinder participation of the women folk from the far-flung areas in the auspicious occasion of ninggol chakkouba, he said.

Condemning the repeated harassment of truckers along the national highways in the State, he appealed to all to stop such atrocities.

A debate on the repeated disturbances and harassment of truckers along the national highways in the State will be conducted soon, he told the media persons.

AMPTA general secretary A Deben spoke on the need to strengthen the security arrangements along the highways passing along the State.

AMISBA general secretary Bimol Singh also attended the press meet.

Meanwhile, All Manipur Ethnical Socio Culture Organisation, AMESCO supported by Manipur Naat Kanba Lup, All Manipur Arts & Culture Students`™ Union and Manipur State Shumang Leela Council has also appealed the student body to withdraw the blockade.

AMESCO president Sh Nando today called upon all to withdraw any kind of disturbances including highway bandhs during the festive season specially ahead of Ningol Chakkouba.

Speaking to media persons at the AMESCO office today, Nando said AMESCO has invited womenfolk from all communities to celebrate Ningol Chakkouba as it has been doing for the past many years.

The day will be celebrated at the Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound, he said.

AMESCO advisor LS Guite said the organisation respects every community irrespective of caste and creed.

He further appealed to ATSUM to withdraw its highway bandh as the organization has already invited women from all communities including those residing in the hills for its Ningol Chakkouba celebration.

`Western ways of looking at our society is inadequate to unravel issues`

IMPHAL, October 20: The Western way of looking at our society is inadequate to unravel many of the issues faced by the people of the State. Our own knowledge informed

IMPHAL, October 20: The Western way of looking at our society is inadequate to unravel many of the issues faced by the people of the State. Our own knowledge informed by tradition and culture is the best approach to study our society, said professor E Bijoykumar.

He was deliberating as a guest of honour in the National Seminar on Knowing from the Endogenous Perspective, jointly organised by the Centre for Manipur Studies, Manipur University and Indian Council of Social Science Research, New Delhi, which started today at MU Canchipur.

Prof Bijoykumar also said that we have tried every known model of development and growth in the Northeast region, but nothing seems to yield results. Thus, in our quest for economic prosperity, a dualistic approach encompassing the traditional and the modern is needed, he added.

Prof HNK Sharma, VC of Manipur University, speaking as the chief guest maintained that there is need to devise ways to streamline our knowledge system.

He said that traditional knowledge, as well as the modern scientific approach has limitations. Therefore, a convergence of both is called for, he stressed.

Speaking as the president of the function, Prof N Joykumar, director Centre for Manipur Studies, MU, pointed out that the seminar is an alternative way of looking at events, processes and knowledge that has led to the emergence of politico-legal entity called Manipur.

In the inaugural function, a book entitled `Knowing Manipur From The Endogenous Perspective`™, Vol 1 & 2 were released by the three dignitaries. Renowned artist, Lourembam Bedabati presented folk songs accompanied by Pena performance, which was followed by a short lecture on the performance.

In the post lunch technical session chaired by Prof S Mangi, MU, nine scholars presented their papers. The seminar will conclude tomorrow.

24-hour power supply for Greater Imphal from March: Ibobi

IMPHAL, Oct 20 (NNN): State Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh has said his government is persistently improving the requisite power infrastructure in the State to ensure 24 hour-power supply for

IMPHAL, Oct 20 (NNN): State Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh has said his government is persistently improving the requisite power infrastructure in the State to ensure 24 hour-power supply for the Greater Imphal area by March next year.

He said the same facility will be provided to two valley districts of Bishnupur and Thoubal and the hill district headquarters by 2015/16.

On Monday, the Chief Minister inaugurated and dedicated to the people three 33/11 KV power substations at Imphal East`™s Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences complex, Chingarel and Mantripukhri.

Speaking at the inaugural function at Mantripukhri, Ibobi said his government has given top priority to developing the power sector both in the hills and valley.

He said the neighbouring Myanmar has sought power supply from the Government of India for Tamu town bordering Moreh town of Manipur along the Indo-Myanmar border.

Steps have been taken up to install a 102/33 KV power substation at Moreh since the Government of India has already approved the plan.

Ibobi appealed to public for their support in the government`™s efforts to boost electricity supply in the State and urged to help regulate regular collection of power tariff and to habituate payment of tax.

No highway bandh in Senapati: KSO-SH, SDSA

KANGPOKPI, Oct 20: Kuki Students`™ Organization Sadar Hills and Senapati District Students`™ Association today jointly declared not to endorse the ATSUM (Tombing) proposed indefinite total closure of national highways in

Speaking to this IFP correspondent Thangminlen Kipgen, president KSO Sadar Hills said that the proposed ATSUM (Tombing) indefinite bandh will not be endorsed and supported by both the KSO Sadar Hills and Senapati District Students`™ Association within Sadar Hills and Senapati district.

He continued that vehicular movement within Sadar Hills will continue as usual while the student body will initiate every possible measure to ensure safe movement of the traffic.

The student body leader further warn of fitting action against anyone taking part in the bandh and disrupting the normal life while urging all vehicle owners and drivers to continue their public service as usual.

In the meantime, a reliable source has also confirmed that SDSA has also declared not to endorse ATSUM (Tombing) proposed bandh in Senapati district.

ATSUM (Tombing) bandh will not be effective in the district since the student body will not involved and endorsed, it added.

However, the source further claimed that the TSA Sadar Hills announced their support and endorsement of the bandh and declared to enforce it along the national highway-2 within Sadar Hills.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/no-highway-bandh-in-senapati-ksosh-sdsa/

ATSUM begins highway bandh under ROTO

IMPHAL, October 20: The All Tribal Students`™ Union Manipur is all set to start its indefinite bandh on national highways and central projects from this midnight, as the government has

IMPHAL, October 20: The All Tribal Students`™ Union Manipur is all set to start its indefinite bandh on national highways and central projects from this midnight, as the government has failed to comply with the agreement decided upon earlier this year, said president Muan Tombing today.

He said the government was given time till October 20 to fulfill the demands.

Addressing a press meet at its office located at Nagaram, Imphal the ATSUM president stated that the government is not considering the student union`™s genuine demand.

As such ATSUM is compelled to resume its sustained agitation under the code name Reckoning of the Others, ROTO which was started from the early part of October 21, he said.

Elaborating on the nature of the agitation, he said it includes complete shutdown/ closure of all national highways, and central projects undertaken in the State.

He further appealed to all unions and associations to co-operate with the student body in the agitation.

The agitation could have been avoided had the government paid attention to the genuine demands, he continued.

He declared that the government should bear responsibility for any untoward incident occurring during the agitation.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/atsum-begins-highway-bandh-under-roto/

JCILPS women wing seeks action against addl SP

IMPHAL, Oct 20: The women wing of the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System today called a press conference on the twin issues of demanding implementation of the ILPS

IMPHAL, Oct 20: The women wing of the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System today called a press conference on the twin issues of demanding implementation of the ILPS in the Sate and action against addl SP Y Victoria.

Speaking to media persons at the JCILPS office, convenor Lourembam Nganbi said the government is trying to delay from taking actions on the two issues.

Condemning addl SP Y Victoria of over reacting during an incident which was reported widely by the media, she appealed to the concern authority to take action against the MPS officer at the earliest. The women`™s wing of the committee supports any agitation of the students`™ wing of the committee in demanding implementation of the ILPS in the State, she said.

She further appealed to all to support the ongoing survey of non-locals entry in the State electoral roll.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/jcilps-women-wing-seeks-action-against-addl-sp/

State re-verifies URF cadres under MoU

IMPHAL, October 20: The State government today conducted re-verification of cadres of the Memorandum of Understanding signatory group United Revolutionary Force, URF who had decided to remain under the MoU

The process was necessitated after cadres of the outfit which is in talks with the government had deserted their camp to pick up arms again led by the outfit`™s chairman Lanheiba Meitei.

Citing the government`™s gross indifference to the agreements made under the MoU, Lanheiba had announced through a press statement on October 2 that he along with his cadres have left the peace process and taken up arms again.

Today`™s re-verification process was led by IGP Intelligence KT Vaiphei who declared appropriate actions will be taken up against those who have deserted the peace process.

The outfit under chairman Lanheiba Meitei had signed the MoU with representatives of the State and Central governments on February 13, 2013 at the Banquet Hall of the 1st Manipur Rifles.

The remaining cadres were today once again lined up at the 1st MR parade ground.

Speaking to media persons, KT Vaiphei said the process was conducted to re-verify the number of cadres who are still honouring the MoU in the presence of media.

Altogether 144 cadres including their leaders had joined the MoU signing on February 13, 2103, which is to expire on February 13, 2015, he said.

Of the 144, two of them were recovered dead, murdered by a group of their own members, he said before adding that only 80 were present in today`™s re-verification process. Many of them however, missed out from today`™s re-verification process, he continued.

The remaining cadres are absconding led by Lanheiba and reported to have taken up arms, he continued.

The IGP also informed all those missing from today`™s process to report for verification.

Meanwhile, a leader of those left behind Chingkheinganba alias Soviet said altogether 52 cadres of the outfit are presently under him and provided for at his Napetpalli residence.

He complained that the government has failed to honour their side of the agreement under the MoU.

The Rs 4000 stipend assured for all cadres irrespective of hierarchy are pending since July 2014, he continued.

The government has also failed to provide rehabilitation centre for vocational programmes for the cadres, agreed upon during the signing of the agreement, he said.

Another leader identified as N Nageshore was also present during today`™s verification process.

Three women cadres who were present at the re-verification process today denied any comments except that they want to enter the mainstream.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/state-reverifies-urf-cadres-under-mou/

Hiyanglam by-poll: Congress regains seat from AITC

Imphal, October 20: Congress has regained the Hiyanglam assembly constituency seat after its candidate Dr Elangbam Dwijamani defeated his nearest rival Dr Yumnam Radheshyam of the AITC by 1829 votes

Imphal, October 20: Congress has regained the Hiyanglam assembly constituency seat after its candidate Dr Elangbam Dwijamani defeated his nearest rival Dr Yumnam Radheshyam of the AITC by 1829 votes at the recently conducted by-election whose result was announced today. He had earlier represented the assembly constituency on a Congress ticket after winning the 9th assembly elections seven years ago.

After being elected, Dr Dwijamani told media persons at the Thoubal DC complex this morning that the result of the by-poll revealed that people have realised what kind of a leader is needed for Hiyanglam.

He further gave the credit of winning the election to the people of Hiyanglam whose love, moral and physical support made it possible for him to get the mandate in Hiyanglam.

Dr Dwijamani said his first priority as the MLA of the constituency was to complete those pending works which was initiated during his previous term.

`As a part of my development programme in the constituency, environment related programmes, sustainable development and harvesting of rain water will be taken up soon. During the next two and half years`™`™, he said, `I would take up many development projects in Hiyanglam which have never been witnessed after the country gained independence.`™`™

`People have entrusted me with the responsibility of Hiyanglam after electing me as an MLA of the Congress by coming out in large numbers with the cry that I am needed in Hiyanglam. If I have got some more time for election campaign, the margin of votes with which I won might have been bigger`, Dwijamani said.

Though BJP swept the polls in various states of India, the wave of NDA couldn`t reach Manipur. The Indian government is a quasi-federal form of government that appears unitary while maintaining a federal structure, the newly elected MLA said.

In the State`™s context, the Congress has ruled here for the last 13 years with great dedication for the people of Manipur. The result of the bye-election shows that the soil of Manipur is conducive for the Congress party, he added.

In today`™s result of the bye-poll declared at the Thoubal DC complex, Congress candidate E Dwijamani secured 9008 votes, AITC candidate Dr Yumnam Radheshyam got 7179 votes and BJP`™s Maibam Dhanabir received 6306 votes. Unfortunately, the remaining two candidates of MPP and MSCP secured only 615 and 46 votes respectively.

According to the poll statistics revealed by the returning officer of Hiyanglam, the Congress dominated several polling stations of the total 34 stations.

The victorious candidate received the winning certificate from the RO Hiyanglam this morning after the election result was declared. Congress supporters thronged both sides of the road while waiting to receive their victorious candidate.

On account of having an action packed schedule with the people of Hiyanglam, the victorious candidate failed to turn-up at a reception function organised by the Congress party at the Congress Bhawan. The function has been postponed in the morning of October 21 at around 10:30 am.

Meanwhile, MPCC president Gaikhangam said the Hiyanglam seat was won by the combined support and hard work of the Chief Minister, cabinet ministers, MLAs and Congress workers.

The Congress had work hard to manage somehow to retrieve the seat from the opposition party, he added.

He further said that without the support of the people who are the supreme authority, no government, party or organisation can survive. The secret of Congress winning the election is public support, he adds.

Money power directly correlated to winning Hiyanglam by-poll: MPP

IMPHAL, October 19: The Manipur People`™s Party observed during the Hiyanglam by-poll that there is a direct correlation between the amount of money spent by a party and its chances

IMPHAL, October 19: The Manipur People`™s Party observed during the Hiyanglam by-poll that there is a direct correlation between the amount of money spent by a party and its chances of winning the by-poll, party president Nongmeikapam Sovakiran told media persons.

Speaking in a press meet at the party`™s office today, he said it was of the firm belief of the party that the people of Hiyanglam constituency have faith in regionalism.

However, money power and muscle power managed to influence the people of the constituency during the recent by-poll, he lamented.

He said it is sad that a person stealing a small item is perceived a thief and a criminal, while those who loot the State exchequer in terms of millions are considered leaders.

Alleging the Congress of distributing money to Hiyanglam voters, Sovakiran alleged that the loots from the State exchequer were used by the Congress MLAs and ministers to lure the voters of Hiyanglam.

At the same time, national projects and other important schemes undertaken in the State remained incomplete and neglected for long periods due to lack of fund which have been already siphoned off, he berated.

In such a situation, the future of the State is dim, he expressed concern.

Coming back to the Hiyanglam by-poll, he said the Congress split up the 34 polling stations in the constituency among its 47 MLAs.

There were also stations which were under the watch of two MLAs during the entire by-poll process, he claimed.

If the government was foresighted and considerate enough to divide the entire length of the National Highway 37 for repairing among the 47 MLAs the way it did the Hiyanglam polling stations, the condition of the highway would have been much better, he said.

The entire length of the highway is just about 225 km and if it is divided among the 47 MLAs, each will get only about 4-5 km highway stretch for maintenance, he said.

But unfortunately, the government is not that farsighted, he claimed before adding that it was more interested in the Hiyanglam by-poll rather than get involved with such projects.

Sovakiran also observed that his party had some weaknesses going into the Hiyanglam by-poll.

He regretted his inability to bring the senior leaders of the party to campaign for the by-poll.

Now, that the weaknesses of the party have been ascertained, MPP is hoping to look ahead and bounce back strongly with a vision for the 2017 general election, he said.

Party vice president Ojit said it is unfortunate that the culture of corruption and buying votes during elections is still prevalent, despite of the ECI`™s efforts and strong guidelines for the conduct of a free and fair election.

He further condemned the reported racial attacks on people of the region in other States of the country and urged the Chief Ministers of the region to pressure the Centre to intervene.

Action Plan in place to check insurgency: DGP

IMPHAL, Oct 19: `In order to prevent violent crimes in Imphal Municipal area committed by insurgents who are frequently indulging in extortions, kidnappings and bomb blasts, the Police department has

IMPHAL, Oct 19: `In order to prevent violent crimes in Imphal Municipal area committed by insurgents who are frequently indulging in extortions, kidnappings and bomb blasts, the Police department has put in place an elaborate Action Plan covering the seven Assembly segments under Imphal East and Imphal West districts,` said State DGP Shahid Ahmad during the 123rd Manipur Police Raising Day Parade ceremony today.

The areas under the Action Plan have been divided into zones and sectors and altogether as many as 105 duty points are being manned round the clock, he said.

About 2500 police personnel have been deployed for effective implementation of the Action Plan, he said before continuing that the plan, which has been in effect for the last few months, has greatly helped in checking the movement and subversive activities of the insurgents and has been successful in instilling a sense of security in the public.

Counter-insurgency operations alone cannot permanently solve the problem of insurgency and militancy in the State, he said before thanking the government for initiating the policy of inviting various UG groups to either surrender or enter into Suspension of Operations agreements as a prelude to negotiations and rehabilitation.

The State DGP also said that the number of UG groups who have come forward to rejoin the mainstream during the last few years is encouraging and about 3000 cadres already joining the mainstream.

He also recounted a brief history of the State police and said on October 19, 1892, Manipur Police originated with the raising of a small force with a strength of just 463 and called the State Military Police under the command of the-then political agent Crawford.

He said this become the 1st Bn Manipur Rifles.

`It was indeed a humble beginning for the State Police which is now considered one of the best police forces in the country and has a sanctioned strength of about 33000,` he observed.

The department is extremely grateful to the government which has despite constraints taken various steps for development and modernization of the force especially during last 10 years he said.

Radical development of the force has taken place not only in terms of numerical strength but also in terms of modernization- both in respect of equipment and training as well as orientation, the Police chief elaborated.

He also said that with an average yearly arrest of more than 1000 insurgents and recovery of about 500 weapons, the State police force is now in a position to handle not only insurgency but also other crimes and law and order problems.

Recently, the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS), a MHA sponsored project was launch by Manipur Police, he said before adding that with the help of this system, criminal records of one police station will be accessible to all the police stations in the country.

During the last one year itself investigate 3500 cases and finalized and the performance may be improve if the FSL, Manipur is strengthened by filling up all the vacant posts he said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/action-plan-in-place-to-check-insurgency-dgp/

Truck fired at, handyman injured along NH 37

IMPHAL, October 19: Unidentified persons fired at a loaded truck near Kambiron along the National Highway 37 in Tamenglong district injuring a handyman yesterday evening. The handyman identified as Konjengbam

IMPHAL, October 19: Unidentified persons fired at a loaded truck near Kambiron along the National Highway 37 in Tamenglong district injuring a handyman yesterday evening.

The handyman identified as Konjengbam Roshan alias Phairenjao Singh, 30, son of K Tombi Singh of Khurai Konsam Leikai was hit by a bullet on his right arm while another scratch his right calf.

According to driver Laishram Jemson, 31, son of Boboi Singh of Khurai heikrumakhong, he was driving the truck bearing registration number MN 03/T 1101 from Phularthol carrying cement.

He said there were three of them and identified the third person travelling with them as another driver Budha from Jiribam.

He said just after passing Kambiron while moving towards Imphal they were fired upon from the left side from the hills.

A bullet pierced the windshield; and two more hit the handyman who was travelling with the doors open as it was hot, he said before adding that they had heard at least four gun shots.

As soon as they were fired upon he drove fast towards the Nungba post of the CRPF, where the injured Roshan was provided first aid, he continued.

However due to excessive bleeding, they hired a DI Tata and rushed him to RIMS, the driver continued.

They reached RIMS past midnight, he said but Roshan was again shifted to Catholic Medical Hospital for further treatment.

The truck belongs to S Somorjit Singh of Khurai Salanthong.

A case has been registered with the Nungba Police Station. Further details are awaited.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/truck-fired-at-handyman-injured-along-nh-37/

Public consultation on Assam-Nagaland Border issues needed

By Oken Jeet Sandham Of late, there have been criticisms against the remarks made by Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang with regard to the chronic Assam-Nagaland border issues. The Chief

By Oken Jeet Sandham
Of late, there have been criticisms against the remarks made by Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang with regard to the chronic Assam-Nagaland border issues. The Chief Minister seemingly stated that Nagaland lacked documents to settle its protracted border row with neighboring Assam. His remarks soon drew flaks from various quarters.
In fact, soon after Zeliang`™s remarks came up, the Assam media jumped over it and generated fair amount of news vindicating their claims, while many Nagas termed his controversial remarks as capitulating.

The inability to resolve the border row between Assam and Nagaland over the years had cost hundreds of innocent lives, while the relationship between the two has been worsening and people living in either side of the borders feel insecure. The two Governments have miserably failed to instill a sense of security into the minds of their citizens living along the border areas.
As they kept dragging on the border problems with no solution at sight, the issues became more compounded for the simple fact that over the years, outsiders and illegal immigrants kept deluging in these vast border areas. Most of them are not indigenous people. Yet the Assam administration has allegedly provided these people with necessary papers making them as bonafide citizens of their State. This move has literally made Nagaland administration handicapped.
Comments and remarks by many Naga leaders including senior politicians after every unfortunate border clash have also become ritual because they would continue to insist on not holding talks with people living in Assam border. These people, they explained, were not real Assamese people.
Strangely, whenever such issues arose, the real Assamese people or any of their civil societies did not react. Their silence emboldened these people living in Assam border areas to go robust against Nagas living in Nagaland border areas.
Again, when there were any casualties due to border violence, the Assam Government would hurriedly announce ex-gratia for those who died in the unfortunate border clashes and also the injured. One such announcement was recently made by Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi when he visited affected villages in the border areas under Golaghat district of Assam bordering Nagaland`™s Wokha district. Such move on the part of Assam is also a clear manifestation that whosoever living in Assam border areas are bonafide citizens of her state.
Looking at these prevailing peculiarities, can anyone confidently ask as to whether our attempts to justify the non-indigenous status of these people living in their (Assam) border areas carry any weight? Not at all, because the real Assamese people or for that matter the Government of Assam have silently accepted that these people are theirs.
It is worth mentioning that in July 1960, an Naga People`™s Convention (NPC) delegation submitted a 16-Point Memorandum to Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru reiterating the Nagas`™ claim over the areas which they said were excluded from the erstwhile Naga Hills district by the British government in 1898, 1901 and 1918. The negotiations between the NPC and the Center led to the formation of Nagaland State in 1963.
Unfortunately, according to sources, the boundary dispute started in 1963 following the creation of Nagaland as the 16th State of the Indian Union. Assam insisted on retaining the constitutional boundaries that are defined by the 1962 State of Nagaland Act. It further explained that the boundaries of Nagaland comprise two units `“ the Naga Hills district of Assam created in 1866, whose boundaries were defined in precise terms through a notification of 1925, and the Tuensang areas as per the Naga Hills-Tuensang Areas Act, 1957. However, Nagaland insists on the restoration of the historical boundaries and demands re-transfer of 12,882 square kilometers of Assam`™s land to Nagaland on the ground that the colonial government excluded these Naga areas from the erstwhile Naga Hills district `without the knowledge and much less the consent of the Nagas.`
An official account of the boundary dispute brought out by the Assam government in 1985, titled `Facts About The Assam-Nagaland Border` however, stated: Absolutely no commitment whatsoever was made to the Naga leaders in the 16-Point Agreement in respect of the reserved Forests falling within Assam according to

CM assures review of controversial Temple Board bill

IMPHAL, October 19: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi has assured to either review or withdraw the Govindaji Temple board (Third Amendment) Bill in the next Assembly session. He gave the assurance

IMPHAL, October 19: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi has assured to either review or withdraw the Govindaji Temple board (Third Amendment) Bill in the next Assembly session.

He gave the assurance to the volunteers of Umanglai KANBA Apunba Lup in the annual conference on Umanglai Haraoba `Mera Meephamgee Paojel` held at the Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen. The conference was organised by (UKAL).

Ibobi further appealed UKAL to present a proposal which is legally acceptable to the State government.

UKAL takes a vital role in protecting and preserving our rituals. If UKAL is included under the Art and Culture department or has a directorate of its own then various schemes or provisions can be provided for the welfare of UKAL, he said.

He further assured that even if the bill was passed in the last budget session, it is yet to receive the assent from the Governor after the government requested him to keep the bill on hold.

Ibobi elaborated that the State government will not act against public opinion or hurt their sentiments.

He clarified that the controversy erupted after the bill was passed due to the misconception that Umamanglai worshippers need to take permission from the Govindaji Temple Board for performing rituals.

The bill will not affect worshipping Umanglai because the Moirang Thangjing or Nambol Umanglai celebrations have never taken permission from the Govindaji Temple Board till date, he said.

Now, the bill has become a big issue in the State so the government is considering repealing or withdrawing it in the next assembly session, he assures.