kanglaonline – Page 541

Tradition and Change

The news yesterday that Ringui (Tongou) village in the Ukhrul district decided to allow women in the traditional village court of the village, deserves universal applause. The village assembly also

The news yesterday that Ringui (Tongou) village in the Ukhrul district decided to allow women in the traditional village court of the village, deserves universal applause. The village assembly also resolved to plea to the Church not to discriminate against women holding various positions of responsibility in the clergy, including Deaconship and Pastorship. The proposal, it is learnt has been endorsed by the chief of the village, Atem A Shimray and Speaker of the Village Assembly, Abel Ahum. The move to call for these revolutionary changes in the tradition of the village, as reported, was initiated by Ringui Shanou Long or Ringui Women`™s League. Their contention is that women have always played a big role in the Tangkhul society, and women`™s entrance into village decision making bodies can only be for the good of the Tangkhul society`™s future. The development is even more refreshing as it comes amidst the depressing news that the Nagaland Assembly had only recently passed a resolution to disallow reservation of seats in the State Assembly for women. In many ways traditional societies are liberal, but this fact should not be allowed to camouflage away all those attributes within any traditional society which are oppressive. One such oppressive quality in many traditional societies, including that of the Nagas, is gender inequality. Women, though respected, have never been allowed to be leaders. This is not only unfair, but also a question of a valuable human resource of a society not tapped optimally. Women have equal potential to be leaders as men, and given a level playing field, this fact would become more than evident sooner than later. We do hope more villages and communities in the state will follow suit.

The development should also be a caution to those who blindly eulogise customary laws and seek their unscreened codification. While the endeavour is essential and praiseworthy, they must be wary of the fact that even customary laws have features which are retrogressive. In fact, this is one of the sore points of the indigenous peoples`™ movement. Can by any standard of justice, gender discrimination, slavery, summary execution, extreme carnal punishments etc, be permissible. The development at Ringui village should also remind everybody of the notion of peremptory laws or jus cogens. These are norms which are deemed beyond compromise under any circumstance. Racial discrimination, slavery, colonisation, piracy, child soldiering, genocide, rape, gender discrimination, are some of these. Regardless of whether any of these is sanctioned by customary law or national law, it cannot just or legal from the standpoint of international jurisprudence. What Ringui village has done voluntarily is commendable, but even if there are other villages and communities which continue with similar practices, be it in the name of customary law, tradition or religion, the law must forbid them, or at least dissuade the practice through well charted out policies, such as entitlements to statutory incentives and benefits.

Tradition is great. It not only makes a society what it is, but also keeps it going effortlessly. But tradition if it is not ready to adjust to the needs of the times can become rigid and bigoted. This is precisely why a society`™s effort must be made continually strive to ensure a balance between tradition and modern. This tension is most acutely felt in the practice and application of law. No argument about it that tradition must influence good law making, and in turn the law must ensure bad tradition are done away with. In art, few others have been able to convey this message as poignantly as in the Broadway show of the 1970s, and subsequently made into a multi Oscar winning film, `Fiddler on the Roof`. Tradition can bog a society down, but without tradition, we all are reduced to fiddler on the roof, as the protagonist of the drama, the milkman Topol declares.

Leader Writer: Pradip Phanjoubam

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/tradition-and-change/

Extortionist held with small firearm from Wangoi

IMPHAL, Jan 15: A combined team of District Police Commando, Imphal West and 12 Bihar Regiment conducted search operation in and around Wangoi bazaar on January 13 and an extortionist

IMPHAL, Jan 15: A combined team of District Police Commando, Imphal West and 12 Bihar Regiment conducted search operation in and around Wangoi bazaar on January 13 and an extortionist identified as Md. Indra Rahaman, 43, son of (l) Md Aton of Lilong

Atoukhong Mamang Leikai, according to a PRO Police statement.

From his possession, One 9mm pistol along with 2 (two) live rounds of 9mm ammunition was seized, it said.

Investigation revealed that he came to Wangoi Bazar to extort money from general public by showing the 9mm pistol. A case has been registered at Wangoi Police Station and investigation is going on, it said.

In another endeavour, on January 14, a team of District Police Commando, Imphal East arrested a s/s Lance Corporal of UNLF outfit, namely, Thangjam Premkumar Singh alias Chingkheihunba alias

Pishak, 35, son of Th. Ibai Angang Singh of Lamsang Haorang Sabal Leikai from Lairenpat road, it said. Investigation revealed that he had extorted huge amount of money from the general public, Government employees, Contractors etc. for raising fund of the UNLF outfit, according to the statement.

Incriminating articles were seized from his possession. A case has been registered at Irilbung Police Station and investigation is going on, it said.

`Dog Bite Cells opened up in all districts, 2860 dogs vaccinated`

IMPHAL, January 15: Chief medical officers of all districts have been alerted to open dog-bite cells and report if there are any cases of dog-bites to prevent the outbreak of

IMPHAL, January 15: Chief medical officers of all districts have been alerted to open dog-bite cells and report if there are any cases of dog-bites to prevent the outbreak of rabies prevalent in Churachandpur at present, Health Services director Okram Ibomcha said.

Regarding the recent cases of dog-bites in Churachandpur district, the highest number of cases is recorded in New Lamka, while reports from Tipaimukh and Henglep are yet to come. At the same time, medical officers have been alerted through the police to report any cases brought to their health centres, he told a select group of media persons at the Health Directorate Office this afternoon.

It is also learnt that most dog-bite victims are in the age group of 25 years and below he said.

The director said that collaborative work has been being taken up with the Veterinary department and vaccinating 2860 dogs so far ever since the outbreak in Churachandpur.

Rabies is hundred percent fatal and 100 percent preventable and we are taking extra protection by making sure that the vaccine is available at all times, he said.

Officially since October 2014 till present 270 cases of dog bites are registered in the health centers of Churachandpur. The report comes out after a detail survey conducted by Medical Directorate and National Health Mission, Manipur, he asserted.

There is a growing need of public awareness in Churachandpur expressed the director.

`With 11 deaths claimed to be from rabies. In the case of rabies epidemic outbreak even the Cat needs to be vaccinated. One should take precaution even after a Rat bite,` he said.

The rabies vaccination has five doses and proper line listing of patients has been done for vaccination at present. Residential details are maintained to follow up the patients. A 24 X 7 Dog Bite Cell is open at Churachandpur District Hospital, he continued.

Dr Ibomcha also expressed that if a person is bitten by Dog the injured area needs to be washed for 15 minutes. Betadine Ointment, Spirit and even Alcohol could be used for killing the germs from the infection. Cleaning of the infected area should be done continuously for seven days.

370 Vaccines are stored in Churachanpur District Hospital at present with 270 patients under vaccination.

The director also appealed the public not to rely on traditional healers as there is no herbal cure for rabies.

NPF leaders reveal Nagaland CM`s murky transactions in foreign bank accounts

IMPHAL, January 15: Nagaland People`™s Front president Noke Wangnao and leader of NPF legislature party Kaito Aye have alleged that now it was crystal clear why former party president Dr

IMPHAL, January 15: Nagaland People`™s Front president Noke Wangnao and leader of NPF legislature party Kaito Aye have alleged that now it was crystal clear why former party president Dr Shurhozelie has stood firmly behind T.R. Zeliang despite the latter losing popular support of the NPF and Democratic Alliance of Nagaland MLAs.

In a press release, the two party leaders stated that the real motive behind the support was the exchange of enormous amounts of black money that changed hands through multinational companies and which were deposited in foreign banks.

The two leaders in the press release mention that documents of international money transfers to TR Zeliang and his wife`™s accounts in Hong Kong and Kuala Lampur sent from Singapore are in their possession (a copy of which has been provided to the IFP).

The details of money transfers contained in the documents are to the tune of more than 78 crores, it said.

The two leaders also released some documents giving the details of money transactions of more than Rs. 78 crores and 66 lakhs. The documents reveal that an amount of 70,00,000 Singapore dollars roughly equivalent to Rs. 32,37,50,000 was transferred on August 16 last to Zeliang`™s bank account at the Royal Bank of Canada, Hong Kong by a certain Ramasamy Veeran from an account at the DBS Bank Ltd, Six Sheraton Way, DBS Building, Singapore.

The documents also further reveal that an amount of 1,00,08,500 Singapore dollars roughly equivalent to Rs. 46,28,93,125 was transferred to the account of Zeliang`™s wife, Kevizenuo Rangkau on September 26 last year at the RHB Bank BHD, Kuala Lumpur.

The money was transferred from an account at the OCBC Bank BHD, People`™s Park Centre, Singapore belonging to a certain Raguvaran Murali who mentions Ramasamy Veeran as his contact person, according to the document.

The enormous amount of illegal money is used to lure MLAs and party workers to favour Zeliang, it said, adding a syndicate of few ministers and politicians are secretly running the affairs of Nagaland and making unbelievable amounts of money for their personal gains.

It said they are selling Nagaland and the rights of the Naga people and carrying out international money transfers and moving black money which is being kept in foreign bank accounts.

`All this transferring and movement of black money is not only illegal and a direct admission of corruption but they are also a threat to national security of the country and needs to be investigated by competent authorities of the country so that those responsible can be punished as per the law of the land`, the two NPF leaders said in the press release.

Stating that the shocking revelations of his involvement in the corruption and transferring of black money requires his immediate removal as Chief Minister, it said he has no more moral authority to continue even for a single day as the Chief Minister of Nagaland.

In the press release, the two leaders accused him of not only being a minority Chief Minister but also a Chief Minister who has been selling Nagaland and the rights of the Naga people for his own personal gains.

`We have several more revelations to be brought out to the public domain on how he is involved in high corruption and how he has been releasing hundreds of crores as payments to selected contractors for his self gains`, the two leaders said in the press release, adding all this while he has been harping of the deficit and financial crisis in Nagaland while continuing to release funds wherever he has benefited. In just a few months as Chief Minister, he has accumulated hundreds of crores and has concentrated solely on making money as he always knew that his days as the Chief Minister were numbered, it said.

Even now, under the present political circumstances, the Chief Minister is clearing dozens of files everyday making crores and crores of payments under illegal circumstances and making money by keeping all his few MLAs and Ministers under forced confinement at de Oriental Grand hotel in Kohima, the two leaders said in the release.

Another fact that needs to be pointed out is that all the ministers, parliamentary secretaries, advisers and chairman who are supporting Kaito Aye have already tendered their resignations protesting against the illegal, unconstitutional and dictatorial orders of the Dr Shurhozelie and also due to the fact that Zeliang is now in the clear minority, it said.

In the press release, the two leaders assure the people of Nagaland that they will fix responsibility and punish him as per the law of the land once a popular government is installed in Nagaland. Any bureaucrat or politician, who is obeying the illegal instructions of the minority Chief Minister, will also be held responsible for their actions, the press release warns.

It is a clear sign of his inability and present minority position that the minority Chief Minister had called the officers and bureaucrats of the State Government to explain his political position and justify his embarrassing loss of confidence by the elected Members, it said, adding Zeliang has not only demeaned the office of the Chief Minister but also embarrassed himself and brought disrepute to the entire establishment in carrying out this immature and childish actions.

Suspected PLA militants attack AR camp injuring two personnel

IMPHAL, January 15: Two personnel of the Assam Rifles including a JCO were injured when suspected PLA militants attacked the AR camp located at Machi under Chandel district late last

IMPHAL, January 15: Two personnel of the Assam Rifles including a JCO were injured when suspected PLA militants attacked the AR camp located at Machi under Chandel district late last night.

According to reports, the incident occurred around 11.30 pm.

The camp is a Company Operating Base (COB) of the 20 Assam Rifles situated under Tengnoupal police station.

The militant reportedly attacked the camp from a hill top using sophisticated weapons including RPG and rocket launchers. Besides injuring the two personnel the attack also inflicted some damage to the camps, informed sources.

The injured personnel have been identified as Jeet Bahadur Suner, Naib Subedar (2002169 A) and rifleman T Chentya (5113719). Both sustained bullet injuries and were evacuated to military hospital Leimakhong early morning today.

It has been further informed that a massive operation was conducted today in an around the area from where the attack was launched.

Helicopters were also used during the operation, it said.

Chaoba dares Congress ministers to call the PM `Pakhangsari` again

IMPHAL, January 14: The deputy Chief Minister and the council of ministries must clarify about the allegations that they insulted Prime Minister Narendra Modi by mocking him as `Pakhang Sari

IMPHAL, January 14: The deputy Chief Minister and the council of ministries must clarify about the allegations that they insulted Prime Minister Narendra Modi by mocking him as `Pakhang Sari Lakle, Mongba Chunge` during his maiden visit to the State while campaigning for the Lok Sabha polls on February last year. Now, they must account for their actions in the coming days, stated BJP Manipur Pradesh president Th Choaba. He was briefing media persons during the reception of three renowned politicians who were newly inducted into the BJP. He also announced the plans for a mega membership enrolment drive.

He said Narendra Modi who is now a global icon was jeered during his maiden visit to the State by comparing him with a bird, `Mongba Chang Lakle, Manipur Loirani`, by deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam who must apologise to the people of Manipur. `The PM was then jeered as a Pakhangsari and we now dare the Congress leaders to call him that`, he added.

`The Prime Minister is a dynamic leader who is respected for his policies both in the country and abroad. Under his leadership, the BJP has not only swept the Lok Sabha polls but has so far formed governments in five states. Meanwhile, the Congress government in the State has indulged in corruption for 13 long years with impunity. The BJP Manipur Pradesh will hand over several corruption cases to CBI for launching probes against such cases in the state by providing incriminating documents against the Congress party` the State BJP chief said.

`The government has embezzled huge funds from schemes and projects sanctioned to the Tribal Welfare department for the development of drinking water, construction of road connectivity, health sectors, and education. The funds haven`™t reached any of the hill areas as the Congress government has distributed those funds in the valley only. Such corrupt practices have created deep fissures between the hills and valley people threatening the emotional unity between them. Now, several scams that involved the ruling Congress will be investigated shortly by the CBI soon. The incriminating documents will not be published to the media now but it will be handed over to the CBI`, Chaoba said.

The CCTVs installed in order to improve the law and order situation in the heart of the City under the Police modernisation policy have failed, he said, questioning whether the government issued genuine tenders during the installation of the cameras. How much money was spent on it, how many cameras, and where they, have been installed, how long did the cameras function and which company was awarded the tender, he asked.

`BJP Manipur Pradesh has acquired all the relevant documents and has found that the government has favoured some individuals. Now, reality can`™t be altered by the Congress government even if they have absolute powers as the documents are in our possession`, Chaoba claimed.

Chaoba pointed out that the State government till date has failed to open police stations and proper outposts with full strength in the hill districts. So, it`™s evident that the government is not able to keep the law and order situation under control, he said, stressing that governance and administration in the hill areas have failed. Police in the hill districts are not armed but operating with batons, he said.

People are well aware about the present condition of Tongjel Maril that leads to Khoupum which is the native village of the deputy Chief Minister and MPCC president Gaikhangam. Even PDS item can`™t be delivered properly to the residents of Khoupum, Chaoba said, assuring that he will soon inspect the road from Khoupum to Tongjil Maril by going on foot.

BJP has a full detailed report of how must PDS items like rice, sugar and kerosene have been taken out from the FCI godown in 2014. Rice meant to be delivered to poor families under AAY and BPL at Rs 3 to 6/7 per kg is found at the marketplace for Rs 17-18 per Kg. The weak governance of the Congress party is leading to such blatant malpractices, he pointed out.

`The deputy Chief Minister who presents himself as representing the clean image of his political party must know the current price of rice in other states of India. He goes about town claiming that he hasn`™t indulge in any corrupt practices during his political career with the Congress. In a very short time, the sordid corrupt track records of the current crop of Congress party will be revealed to the people. People will then know who is corrupt and who isn`™t`, he said.

State BJP general secretary (Administration), M Asnikumar said as a part of BJP`™s membership campaign, a motor cycle rally, a street corner awareness campaign, an institutional and quick campaign will be launched in the State. Now, many states are going through political changes after ushering in a BJP government. Similarly, our State needs a political change and for that, the State BJP needs the support of people.

State BJP general secretary (Media), Laimayum Basantakumar said February 7 has been fixed as the day for the Delhi assembly elections. In this regard, the State president Th Chaoba led team will leave Imphal for Delhi on January 15 to campaign for the party among the Manipuris who are eligible to cast their votes in the Delhi assembly elections. With their support, the BJP will win the elections.

NSCN-IM-GoI peace talks to focus on Nagas` rights, suffering for solution

By R Lester Makang UKHRUL, January 14: Leaving aside the protracted headache of factionalism, the ensuing peace dialogue between the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) and the Government of

By R Lester Makang

UKHRUL, January 14: Leaving aside the protracted headache of factionalism, the ensuing peace dialogue between the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) and the Government of India (GoI) is most likely to focus on the suffering of the Nagas and their rights to self determination collectively to reach an honorable settlement over the vexed Naga political issue.

`We have come to a stage where factional conflicts among the Nagas can no longer hold back our political aspirations which have for far too long been suppressed,` a senior official of the outfit in Dimapur informed this IFP correspondent Wednesday over the phone, while adding that irrespective of the existence of any number of factions, peace talks will now be solely based on the collective recognition of Nagas rights and their suffering.

Describing the present as opportune moment to push for the final solution, the official further informed that various international support groups and individuals from countries like US, Netherlands have come forward to lend legal support among others to the Nagas pressing for an early end to the age-old issue.

At the same time, the outfit`™s chairman Isac Chishi Swu already left Dimapur for New Delhi a few days back for the ensuing talks, while general secretary Th Muivah, who is currently staying put at Hebron, might be heading for the national capital in a few days`™ time, disclosed the NSCN-IM leader without giving exact date slated for the dialogue.

CCDD wants fresh work at Mapithel Dam stopped till rehabilitation issues settled to everybody`s satisfaction

IMPHAL, December 14: The Citizens Concern for Dams and Development (CCDD) expressed strong condemnation at the ongoing efforts of the Government of Manipur to complete construction of Mapithel Dam of

IMPHAL, December 14: The Citizens Concern for Dams and Development (CCDD) expressed strong condemnation at the ongoing efforts of the Government of Manipur to complete construction of Mapithel Dam of the Thoubal Multipurpose Hydroelectric Project from 10 January 2015 by filling up the portion of dam left for diverting Thoubal River to facilitate dam construction works.

In a press release the CCDD said the move will lead to direct submergence of agriculture land, grazing ground, forest areas of Chadong and other villages, and threaten affected indigenous peoples`™ survival and rights. Entire Chadong Village will be submerged and other villages along Mapithel Range will be affected.

It said the CCDD also seriously considered the deployment and resents reliance on security forces for dam completion works by the Irrigation and Flood Control Department as a clear undemocratic, anti people and anti development process.

This is a direct threat and intimidation to the safety of affected villagers and confirms the undemocratic nature of pursuing development projects in Manipur, the release further said.

The ongoing construction is despite the fact that the National Green Tribunal of the Supreme Court is still considering the violation of Forest Rights under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980 and the Forest Rights Act, 2006. In clear procedural violations, the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF), Government of India accorded final Stage II Forest Clearance for Mapithel Dam only on 31st December 2013 after more than thirty years of project approval in 1980 without conducting any site visits into affected areas, which is a serious violation, it said.

The fresh construction work is amidst controversial and manipulative rehabilitation and resettlement process that has caused confusion, division and violation of affected indigenous communities`™ rights, it said adding the Rehabilitation and Resettlement is being carried out in a piecemeal and divisive approach.

Beginning from multiple violations of the 1993 Terms of Agreement for Rehabilitation with affected communities, the Government of Manipur failed to conduct a holistic impact assessment as sought by communities under the Expert Review Committee of 2008. The construction of Mapithel Dam is still fraught with the absence of a detailed impact assessment on communities with their rightful participation, especially impacts on forest land and other livelihood sources and further down in the downstream portion of Thoubal River, the release said.

The CCDD urged upon the Government of Manipur to stop Mapithel Dam construction till all rehabilitation process acceptable to all affected communities is fully ensured. All militarization process that support Mapithel Dam construction should halt immediately, it said.

There should be no commissioning of Mapithel dam until the `free prior informed consent` of the affected communities is taken with. The Mapithel dam construction should fully comply with the recommendations of the World Commission on Dams, 2000 and the provisions of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, 2007, the CCDD`™s release said.

Another dog-bite related death in CCpur, toll rises to 11

LAMKA, January 14: Even as the district administration has initiated steps to control dog bite issue in the district, the death toll of victims in the district reached 11 last

LAMKA, January 14: Even as the district administration has initiated steps to control dog bite issue in the district, the death toll of victims in the district reached 11 last night with the death of the latest victim identified as Thangkhanmang Tonsing, 58, husband of Nianglam of Mata Village, Churachandpur.

Meanwhile, replying to a query from IFP, DC Lunminthang Haokip said there is no provision of compensation for the victims at the moment; however, the administration will try to provide all possible help and support to the families with support from the Health minister.

Lunminthang also said that the district administration is trying to contain the issue.

Replying to a query on the reported transit of dogs from the district to other districts, the DC said such practice is of serious concerned and check posts will soon be set up on the main roads of the district.

According to a statistic released by the DC, since last October 18 persons have been administered with vaccines for dog-bite, around 2000 dogs have been vaccinated, 253 dog bites reported including 11 death cases.

An authority of the district hospital said most of the deaths had come to the hospital at an advanced period of their infection when there are little chances of any success with medication.

Churachandpur CMO Dr Thangchinkhup Guite and the medical superintendent said there is a very limited supply of vaccines for dog-bite victims and as such as for the moment victims with BPL card holders will be given advantage.

The CMO said of the 11 deaths, three had been victims of bites by pups.

A few days back talking to this IFP correspondent, the joint director Veterinary Dr Rosangrouol Kholum had said that the practice of killing the dog that had bitten an individual without checking whether the dog was rabid is unfortunate. He had said that there were signs of rabies infection like hydrophobia in some of the patients.

The doctors apprehension and concern however has been somewhat vindicated by the latest casualty Thangkhanmang who died yesterday but was bitten way back in October 2014 and the dog already killed back then

Locals who have somewhat developed a dog phobic stance have expressed concerned that the number of casualties will soon rise in the coming days.

The authorities need to take help of the philanthropic groups, they observed while at the same time lauded the authorities for initiating the mobile teams on the roads to check dogs.

The PO to the DC Khaikhopau also read out the DC`™s order which stated that the dog caught by the mobile team will be open for reclaiming by the owner within three days from the time of the dog being caught, with a fine that will be determined by the availability of valid documents of the dog`™s vaccination etc, by the owner and after the lapse of that three day window no one will be able to claim their dog irrespective of whether they have proper documents or not.

Attracting Seed Capital

One of the biggest road blocks before the task of culturing entrepreneurship and consequently successful enterprises in the northeast is weak capital base apart from the usually cited bottlenecks of

One of the biggest road blocks before the task of culturing entrepreneurship and consequently successful enterprises in the northeast is weak capital base apart from the usually cited bottlenecks of poor infrastructural support etc. Developing these infrastructures is solely the responsibility of the government, and will have to remain as such for at least all of the foreseeable future, making the lack of it a justified scale against which to measure the success or failure of policy makers as well as implementers. Unlike infrastructure, developing a culture of entrepreneurship will have to be the result of a sustained coordinated effort of the government, all putative entrepreneurs and the regional intelligentsia. Entrepreneurship is by and large nascent in the northeast region, businesses thus far being largely restricted to retailing, a necessary subsidiary of entrepreneurship, but lacking the creativity and regenerative qualities generally attributed to the latter. Hence, what the mission of bringing in a culture of entrepreneurship would need most are expertise and experience alongside of the seed capital so vital in giving wings to ideas.

These drawbacks in mind, the government must draw up policies aimed basically at removing these hurdles. It can do this through entrepreneur friendly credit facilities through its banks and other lending agencies and by providing expert and experienced consultation services on setting up and running of enterprises, providing information and links with agents in possible market areas of these products and services etc, using its imagination to gauge what area these entrepreneurial proposals are likely to come up from. It can also introduce tax incentives to attract investments from capital rich regions. One caution in any such move is that those attracted to come and invest would be driven solely by the motive of profit. While nobody can be expected to come out of any individual, social, or even national commitment to uplift the northeast, the northeastern states will be soundly advised to conceive beforehand some regulatory measures in anticipation of undesirable backlashes. If money earned from venture capital invested in the region leaves no tangible benefit to the place, it will need no expert to predict that there will be social unrest in the long run. Care must be taken to ensure wealth, in cash or kind, is generated not just for the investors, but also for the place. One way of ensuring this would be to encourage these investors to find local partners. This would mean there are permanent stakes in these investments, and there would be little chances of the investors not spending any of the money earned at the places they made the money, or of winding up the enterprises at the end of the tax holidays and other liberal industrial incentives the government may be compelled initially to introduce.

In Guwahati, the manner in which a British firm had once tied up with a local travel agent to introduce a luxury steamer on River Brahmaputra for a seven day river cruise from Guwahati to Dibrugarh for a 200 dollar a ticket package is a model to emulate. It is a small beginning, but if the success of this project opens a floodgate of similar entrepreneurial partnerships in the northeast region, including Manipur, we have no doubt miles would have been gained in the direction. The importance of local involvement in such ventures is with a view to give them a permanence and not just fly-by-night overtures to take advantage of tax and other advantages. This would be one of giving local entrepreneurs the confidence to join the hustle bustle competitive world of business enterprises around the country and the globe. Moreover, whatever may be said, local entrepreneurs, regardless of which community they belong to, will ultimately be spending a good part of their earnings, if not a majority of it, in their home region.

Leader Writer: Pradip Phanjoubam

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/attracting-seed-capital/

Report of cancelling proposed cable car baseless: Tourism director

IMPHAL, January 14: The Directorate of Tourism Government of Manipur has refuted news reports that the proposed cable car project at Loktak Lake has been cancelled even before its implementation

IMPHAL, January 14: The Directorate of Tourism Government of Manipur has refuted news reports that the proposed cable car project at Loktak Lake has been cancelled even before its implementation as baseless.

Reacting to the news report, director Tourism Shyam Lal Poonia has issued a clarification stating that the report was not based on correct facts and published from incompetent information.

According to the report, the project which was due to be implemented with a Bangkok based private firm, M/s Red Hills Company limited on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model is currently in a mess. The project has been cancelled against the backdrop of allocation of crores of rupees, the report had said.

Moreover, the State government has reportedly paid huge amount in advance to the M/s Red Hills Co. Ltd. even before the work was started it said alleging that the Bangkok firm was picked by the Chief Minister after coming across the said firm during a foreign tour.

The director Tourism however has clarified that a sum of Rs 20.35 crores for the project `Integrated Cable Car and Lakeside Tourism Development Project at Loktak Lake`™ was sanctioned by Ministry of Tourism, Govenrment of Manipur (vide letter No. F. No, 6-ENE (15)/2013 dated February 21, 2014 and dated March 31, 2014 being 25 percent of the project cost, out of which Rs 10 lakhs have been released as token amount for starting the work to the State government under Large Revenue Generating Scheme (LRGS) of the Ministry of Tourism .

Accordingly, Tourism department had floated e-tender for selection of PPP partner, but having not received any response on the first bid a fresh tender was floated vide letter No.4/426/2013-DTSM March 4, 2014, it said.

Following the second bid the department reportedly received bids from two companies including M/s Red Hills Company Limited, Bangkok and M/s Aarchem Enterprise, Kolkata, it said.

After evaluating the two firms by Higher Tender Committee in its meeting held on April, 30, 2014 the committee recommended M/s Red Hills as PPP partner for passenger Ropeway with revenue sharing at 9.75 percent along with other conditions.

It revealed that the matter was put up before the cabinet and with the approval of the cabinet the work was awarded to M/s Red Hills by the Tourism department (vide letter No.4/426/2013-DTSM dated June 4, 2014).

Magnifying on the report of cancellation, it explained that after the award of work, further steps were taken by the Government, Directorate of Tourism and Manipur Development Society in expediting execution of work.

Since, not much progress was made by the Bangkok firm, the Directorate of Tourism issued show cause notice (vide Notice No.4/456/2014-DTSM dated November 20, 2014) to the firm as to why the works assigned to them should not be withdrawn and cancelled or their acts of omission/commission, it continued.

Responding to the notice the Bangkok company (in their leeter No. RH/DOPP/SCN/001 dated December 10, 2014) explained that due to change of Government in Thailand and consequent change of rule with serious restrictions on Financial Institutions and their functioning, it remains impossible for them to arrange for the project. Accordingly, the firm intimated that they shall be able to put forward their contribution of 60 percent of the project cost, it said.

The statement held that in view of the developments, the government is in the process of cancelling the work awarded to M/s Red Hills Company Limited, Bangkok and to forfeit their security deposit, after adjustment of expenditure incurred by the firm on conducting various relating to Geological Contours, Alignment of Towers and Soil Testing.

It strongly reacted that the Chief Minister during his foreign visit never came across the said firm adding that the firm has not been given any advance money by State government.

Against this backdrop, it pointed out that after the award of work by the Government, the firm has completed various surveys relating to Geological contours, alignment of Towers and Soil testing etc. and added that the Government is quantifying the value of these works executed by the firm, after which a decision would be taken for forfeiting their security deposit.

The cecision to cancel the work to the firm is being taken based on their reply, it said.

Clarifying on the allocation of money, it said that the State Government has allocated only Rupees 610 lakhs during 2014-15 and not Rupees 610 crores adding that it was improper to say that 25 percent of the sanctioned amount has been given in advance.

It further put forward that the state Government is taking necessary steps to float RFQ-cum-RFP once again for selection of new PPP partner and for implementation of the said project on priority.

IRB personnel accused in shooting commando driver case arrested

IMPHAL, January 14: A special team of the Churachandpur Police has arrested the suspected accused involved in the murder of Imphal West Police Commando Elangbam Joykumar, 42, son of E

IMPHAL, January 14: A special team of the Churachandpur Police has arrested the suspected accused involved in the murder of Imphal West Police Commando Elangbam Joykumar, 42, son of E Bamon Singh of Samurou Mamang Leikai at PCTC Oil Pump, Khuyathong on September 25, 2014.

According to a statement of the PRO, Police, the arrested accused has been identified as Thangthiansong Tonsing, 26, son of T Tualgou of Vengnuam, New Lamka, Churachandpur.

He was arrested from Tuimazing Village area under Singhat Police along with a 9 mm pistol (suspected to be the weapon snatched from the slain driver) and 11 live 9 mm ammunition said the police.

The case of killing the commando driver is under investigation by Imphal police Station.

Meanwhile, the statement has also said that on January 11, based on a reliable information, a team of the Imphal East District Police commandos conducted a frisking and checking at Khurai Lamlong Bazar area and apprehended an active member of PREPAK identified as Tonjam Tondon Meitei alias Boicha, 30 son of (L) T Nandakishwor Meitei of Pukhao Khabam Makha Leikai.

He was, according to the police PRO statement, arrested from in front of the AXIS ATM Booth.

Incriminating articles were seized from his possession and in follow up action, the police team arrested two active members of the outfit identified as Ningthoujam Manglem Singh alias Joychandra, 30, son of N Nabachandra Singh of Uyumpok Maning Leikai on the same day from Khurai Telipati Road, Chingambam Leirak Machin, and Ningthoujam Uttam Singh, 36 son of (L) N Ibohanbi Singh of Khurai Thongam Leikai from Khuman Lampak area.

It said incriminating articles were seized from the possession of both the UG cadres.

Investigation revealed that they were involved in extortion of money from the general public, private firms, government offices, etc, it said adding that a case has been registered at Porompat Police Station and investigation is going on.

On January 13, a combined team of Bishnupur District Police Commando unit and 2 JAKLI conducted search operation at Moirang Lamkhai area and arrested an active member of UNLF, namely, Hemam Premananda Singh alias Heingamba, 31 son of H Ranjit Singh alias Ibomcha Singh of Moirang Panshang.

A case has been registered at Moirang Police Station and investigation is going on.

Even minor health issues life-threatening for Thengsang villagers

IMPHAL, January 14: Villagers of Thengsang under the Tamei Assembly Constituency are facing life-threatening health care issues even if there is a fully operational Primary Health Centre within the range

A villager told IFP that Thengsang villagers are facing the healthcare problem from a long time because no development has been made to avail health care facilities in the village which also has a bad road connectivity issue. In the village, there are altogether 100 households.

The villager narrated that a man in his early fifties died of Asthma and the pain generated by a stone case due to lack of medical facilities in his village last November as he could not afford the money for his treatment elsewhere. His health problem was a minor one but due to lack of even basic medical facilities in the village it took his life, the villager added.

Villagers of Thengsang go to a pharmacy at Challawa which is 10 kms away for any health check-ups, treatment of any minor injuries or getting their vaccinations done. The pharmacy at Challawa is important to the villagers here because if anybody falls sick, he will receive first aid such as pain killer injections to get some relief. Those seriously ill are later taken to the hospital at Kangpokpi which is 60 to 65 kms away from Thengsang.

Comparing the distance between the hospital at Kangpoki and Tamei PHC from the village, the Tamei PHC is nearer but going to Kangpoki is more logistically convenient for patients and those tending him. Villagers faced serious trouble during the rainy session because the condition of the road is bad.

Most of the villagers prefer to go to Kangpoki instead of hospitals at Imphal because they couldn`™t bear the cost of the medical treatment.

More than one lakh deaths due to accidents annually in the country: AIRTWF secretary

IMPHAL, January 14: Manipur is the only State in the whole country where dead drivers of transport vehicles plying along the national highways are remembered and commemorated, said All India

Floral tribute being offered to portraits of deceased drivers.

IMPHAL, January 14: Manipur is the only State in the whole country where dead drivers of transport vehicles plying along the national highways are remembered and commemorated, said All India Road Transport Workers Federation secretary advocate Hareshwor Das today.

He was speaking at the 26th Drivers`™ Day celebration at the ISBT Complex.

Family members led others in offering floral tributes to portraits of the deceased drivers.

Continuing further, Das said his federation has been trying to do the same- commemorate the deceased drivers- for long.

Acknowledging the dangers that the drivers of the region had to undergo, he said the entire North Eastern States are mostly hills and on top of that the roads are in deplorable conditions, however, the Centre continues to remain silent.

The total length of road in India is 33.14 km on which some 15.92 crores of vehicles are plying daily and there is an 11 percent increase in the number of vehicles on daily basis he observed.

More than a lakh of people die while around 10 lakh are injured every year in road accidents he observed.

Elaborating further, he said Rs 70000 crore is utilised to control road mishap damages which amounts to around 3 percent of the total GDP.

The Narendra Modi government is also trying to replace the Motor Vehicle Act 1988 with the new Road transport & Safety Bill, 2014 he observed.

He said the new bill will magnify fines and extend imprisonment period.

He said that the All India Road Transport Workers Federation has been agitating against the new bill as most provisions of the bill are against the welfare of drivers. He also appealed to all associations and unions working for the welfare of drivers to join hands in agitating against the implementation of the new bill.

Das also said that the high number of accidents is mostly due to the poor road condition.

The day was organised by the All Manipur Petroleum Tankers Drivers`™ Union and was also attended by senior Depot Manager IOC Ltd, Manipur Sinam Ibungoton Singh; president Golaghat District Drivers Union, Assam Pabon Barua; President NH 53 Truck Owner Association, Imphal Kh Inaoba Meetei; secretary Centre for Indian Trade Union, Manipur Sarat Salam and president AMPTDU Y Bhupenchandra Ghosh as guests of honour and president respectively.

As part of function devotional songs were presented.

Later gifts were distributed to the family members of deceased drivers`™ family and veteran drivers.

Tangkhul village decides to allow women in apex village decision making body

IMPHAL, Dec 14: In an unprecedented and historical move the People of the Ringui (Tongou) village formally resolved to allow the women of the village to be elected as members

Tangkhul village decides to allow women in apex village decision making body

IMPHAL, Dec 14: In an unprecedented and historical move the People of the Ringui (Tongou) village formally resolved to allow the women of the village to be elected as members in the traditional village Court in the village Assembly held on yesterday, a report said.

The village also resolved that the Church should not discriminate women by denying them of their right to hold high offices of the Church simply because of their gender. It was resolved that the church should henceforth open up the position of Deconness and pastorship to women, the report added.

It further said, a motion to abolish the tradition of not allowing women folks in the court of the Naga village was moved by the president and general secretary of the Ringui Shanao Long (Ringui Women`™s League), which then was carried forward by the chief of the village Atem A Shimray and the Speaker of the House, Abel Ahum.

In his explanation, the headman informed the villagers that such legislation was not only necessary but an obligation for all the men folks, if the village and the people at large are to see progress, the report said.

Emphasising that the participation of women in the decision making of the society is vital to the overall development of the society the Speaker urged the Assembly to look beyond the present and not be restrained by traditions. He reminded the villagers that the role of women in the Tangkhul Society was much more than what has been practised now, it said.

It may be reminded that the Apex Tangkhul Women`™s League `“ the Tangkhul Shanao Long has recently raised the issue of women`™s representative in the Tangkhul Naga Long. The decision of the Ringui Village Assembly has paved the way for other villages to follow suit and expedite the process of reformation within the traditional tribal institution, it added.

It may be recalled, the Nagaland Assembly had recently expressed its inability to implement the women reservation Act in Nagaland due to opposition from the village councils.

VDF association forms committee to discuss demands with govt

IMPHAL, January 13: The All Manipur VDF Welfare Association held its general conference today at the Irawat Bhavan Complex auditorium hall for the welfare of the Village Defence Force personnel

IMPHAL, January 13: The All Manipur VDF Welfare Association held its general conference today at the Irawat Bhavan Complex auditorium hall for the welfare of the Village Defence Force personnel and formed a committee to meet the government to discuss their demands.

The conference was attended by the association`™s president N Shanta Singh, All India Trade Union Congress, Manipur secretary L Sotinkumar Singh, Senior Citizen for Society secretary professor L Sadananda Singh and All Manipur Road Transport and Drivers Motor Workers Union H Kulamani as presidium members.

Speaking at the function, Sotinkumar said surviving in today`™s world with a monthly salary of below Rs 15000 is very tough and the time is ripe for all government employees to give a clarion call through democratic forms of agitation for pay hike.

Prices of all essential commodities have sky-rocketed today he said.

The government only promises and talks without any action he said adding that even the fund meant for all the Central schemes have only ended in the pockets of the ministers and officials.

Today the government is not for workers and only for businessmen and corporate houses, he continued.

It is time for all organisations to stand united and struggle to bring some changes Sotinkumar said.

AMVDFWA spokesperson Md Riyaz said the government has continued to neglect the demand submitted on September 22 in a memorandum.

The demands, he said included a separate battalion, salaries for 13 months, service security, increase in honorarium and routine provision of issued items, according to him.

In Manipur no agitation can attract the intention of the government without violence, he said.

At the end of the meeting, the association took several resolutions including setting up of a committee to meet the government regarding their demands.

The newly formed committee includes AMWJU president Wangkhemcha Shamjai, AMVDFWA advisor cum chairman N Shanta, Senior Citizen for Society secretary prof L Sadananda Singh and three VDF personnel.

It was also resolved that the association will undergo various agitations in case the committee fail to bring any amicable solution with the government and to seek support from the civil organisations, NGOs, meira paibis and local youth clubs.

The general conference was attended by personnel of all nine districts of the State.

Andro schools facing infrastructure shortages even after classes commence

IMPHAL, January 13: Even as the State Education department has issued an order to commence classes in all the Government High Schools from January 12, Poiroukhongjil High School and Moirangpurel

IMPHAL, January 13: Even as the State Education department has issued an order to commence classes in all the Government High Schools from January 12, Poiroukhongjil High School and Moirangpurel High school are facing problems of a lack of text books and other educational facilities.

Students and school authorities of both the schools are demanding that the government must provide facilities under the RMSA and SSA. Students of both the schools are facing various inconveniences due to lack of text books, teachers, infrastructure when the State education department is talking about lifting the state of education in the State to a global standard.

Students, teachers and the school management committee are demanding that their grievances should be addressed within January 20.They have threatened to hold an agitation in New Delhi on January 26 if the concerned authority fails to take positive steps.

A team of media persons which visited Poiroukhongjil High School found that more than 744 students are studying in the school with an additional 200 students being newly admitted. The rush of students from Andro A/C and other areas of Imphal East district have caused an admission overflow.

According to Poiroukhongjil High School Head Master, Mutum Rajendra Singh, now classes in the school are running out of capacity. The school have 25 teachers among which six are being utilised under RMSA and seven being hired under SSA, with two teachers being hired on a private basis. The ratio of the number of teachers is very less in comparison to the number of students present. According to norms, there should be one teacher for every 30 students and a class should have 40 students only. But most of the classes far exceed this norm.

The school authority couldn`t have separate sections for students due to lack of class room, cycle set, computer class and teachers. The school was ungraded to high school in 2014 and this will be the third time that its students will be appearing for the matriculation exam. Most of the new students have joined from other private schools.

Its 32 students will appear in the matriculation exam by attaching to the Azad High School but from the next year onwards, students can appear from our own school, the Head Master said.

Students of the school have urged concerned authorities to provide students their due facilities as most of the students are poor.

Meanwhile, the media team after reaching Moirangpurel High School discovered that students and teachers were given a holiday because students are yet to receive their text books. The school is unique in the sense that it provides night classes to students.

Bimol, the caretaker of the school, said the school resume its session as per the government order on January 12.

Last year, teachers couldn`™t cover the full syllabus as students were bereft of text books. This year also the same problems persist with students facing lack of uniforms, begs, text books, a well furnished computer class room and teachers.

Titular king laments disunity in observing burning of ancient scriptures, calls for unity

IMPHAL, January 13: Commemorating the burning of ancient Manipuri scriptures `Puya`™ of Manipur today, the International Observation Committee on Puya Meithaba (ICOP) conducted a mass rally from Thangmeiband Athletic Union

After a ritualistic ceremony at the fort, the main function was held at the THAU ground with people from all communities of the State gathered together.

Manipur titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba attended the observation as the chief guest, while ICOP chairman and former minister RV Minthing, vice chairman ICOP Prof Sairem Nilabir, vice chairman ICOP M Naodalenkhomba, president Tangkhul Naga Wungnaolong Sweeten Rahing, vice chairman ICOP Tokpam Thawailemba Meetei, general secretary United Manipur Muslim Women Dev. Orgn (UMMWDO) Nazma Begum, president Manipur State Shumang Leela Council (MSSLC) Ph Gunachandra, vice president Meetei Erol Eyek Loinasillon Apunba Lup, MEELAL M Naokhamba, President Umanglai Kanba Apunba Lup (UKAL) Ch Parihal, advisor Meihourol Inat Kanba Apunba Lup (MIKAL) Maisnam Apabi, secretary All Manipur Recognised Private Schools Welfare Association (AMRPSWA) L Joy Khuman, chief of Maram Khullen Namba Maram, chief of Thoyee Village Ukhrul Ng Khating, chief of Purum Likli Rinwichoung Shongthu, secretary Longa Koireng Village Authority W Khelsong Koireng, Ningthou of Echum Kom Keirap (Pomithang) Thoiba Kom, Maram Center Village Authority T Peter
Kaba and Amaipiba of Moreh Meetei Lai Thougallup N Manihar as president and special guests respectively.

Regretting the burning of the puya, Leishemba Sanajaoba said it is a great loss.

He deliberated the scriptures were the most precious thing which has been lost.

Puya, he said included all aspects of life including both the living and non-living things.

He prayed that the burning or such sacred books should never be repeated.

Sanajaoba further lamented that the day is observed twice by different organisations due to conflicting claims and that he had to attend both functions.

It is not about the day, he said but about remembering the incident.

He said if the different organisations could observe the day unitedly, he would be very happy because observing the same incident on two different days is a sign of disunity of which the people attending are made victims.

The main objective of the day is to bring the people of the hills and the valley together and live in a peace and harmony as they used to before the burning of the scriptures, Leishemba continued.

The ancient scriptures had acted as a binding tool of the hill and valley he observed adding that now is the time to revive the peaceful and brotherly relation between the different communities once again for a better Manipur.

He later appealed to all concern to come together and observe the day together among all different communities of the State.

The `Maichou Ningsing Mana`™ was conferred to (late) Akoijam Nodiachan received by Akoijam Momon Leima while the Ching-Tam Nungshi Khudol Mana was awarded to chairman of R Suisa Trust Dr Ngohor Sai Luithui during the observation.

AR check posts on Moreh road to stay until Lokchao bridge ready

IMPHAL, January 13: The State government will look into the complaints raised by people travelling along the Imphal-Moreh Road that the Tengnoupal AR check post and Khudengthabi AR check post

IMPHAL, January 13: The State government will look into the complaints raised by people travelling along the Imphal-Moreh Road that the Tengnoupal AR check post and Khudengthabi AR check post are amounting to daily roadblocks on the highway, stated Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam.

In an exclusive meeting with some media persons at the MPCC office this evening, he said it will be better if people were to submit a formal complaint to the government soon after facing such inconveniences along the road. Anyway, the government has instructed the concerned authorities to convey the grievances faced by the people to the Assam Rifles officials, he added.

`As the road has now become one of the most important routes of the State, the survey on the road alignment of the Imphal-Mandalay International bus service started the day before. The route will be used for cross border trade between the two neighbouring countries. If the passengers and people travelling on the road face inconveniences, it will adversely affect the state`™s policy of connecting with South East Asian countries`, Gaikhangam said.

Some of the passengers and businessmen who routinely travelled on the road have been stopped from entering Moreh by AR personnel at Tengnoupal check post till 10 am while the Khudengthabi AR check post hinders people from leaving Moreh for Imphal after 3 pm. Normally, vehicles are allowed to cross Lokchao Bridge between 10am to 3 pm.

Meanwhile, AR officials have stated that the restrictions will follow until the Lokchao Bridge is fully repaired. This order was issued by the high command of the AR. According to sources, even a Doordarshan team was not allowed to pass the check post.

It further stated that the Lokchao Bridge is repaired by some individual contractors. The restriction has become more stringent from the last three days.

The deputy Chief Minister also termed the allegations made against the Congress government by BJP Manipur Pradesh as unfounded and baseless, adding `his party believes that the people of Manipur will not believe in such wild accusations`.

He was later talking with media persons about the upcoming three-day visit of the National general secretary in-charge and National Secretary in-charge (NER) of the Congress from January 17 to 19.

He further stated that national general secretary in-charge (NER) V Narayan Swami and national secretary in-charge Dr Bidyalaxmi Shardo will kick off a leadership summit for Congress party members at Imphal. The deputy Chief Minister said the leadership summit will be attended by 100 to 200 members. During the meeting, the national leaders will interact with state party leaders and lower district leaders. A national meeting will be held at New Delhi in March this year.

He further stated that allegations made by BJP leaders are like telling 100 lies to make a truth. The allegations are unfounded, untrue and baseless.

People of Manipur are well aware about the past records of the BJP chiefs. People know what they have done earlier in their political careers, he added.

He clarified that no formal report has been received about a raid conducted by State Police Commandos of both the Imphal East and West at the Taphou Kuki area to bust a UG group camp. Reports on the incidents however may arrive later as the combined team is continuing with its raid at the area, he added.

PREPAK wants SIT investigation in skulls recovery case

IMPHAL, Jan 13: The eight skulls and skeletons, recovered while digging up the old Tombisana School compound for the construction of a women`™s market, are remnants of India`™s silent attempt

IMPHAL, Jan 13: The eight skulls and skeletons, recovered while digging up the old Tombisana School compound for the construction of a women`™s market, are remnants of India`™s silent attempt to wipe out the whole Manipuri society so that Indians could settle in the lands vacated by the Manipuris, proscribed outfit People`™s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak has said in a press statement.

Referring to the incident as the discovery of a mass grave maintained by India, the proscribed outfit has said that as much as the government wants to keep such incidents under wraps, today the mass grave at the old school compound has been brought under the limelight for all to see.

A proper examination of the skulls and skeletons by forensic experts will reveal the whole truth however, it would be hard for the people to hope for a proper investigation considering the manner with which the Ibobi government and the Indian government are handling the case, it said.

During the early part of 1960, AFSPA was imposed in some districts of Assam and some hill districts of Manipur and on September 8, 1980 the Act was imposed in the whole of Manipur including the valley districts, the statement continued. Since then there has been instances of more than 20 individuals have gone missing with most of them being taken away by the army, it said.

The discovery of the skulls when there are so many instances of forced disappearance has only heightened the public`™s desire to know the truth behind the skulls, it continued.

The people want the truth behind the recovered human skulls and skeletons and proper and fitting investigation along with proper examination by forensic experts, said the outfit in its statement.

It continued that the even though the government has announced its decision to hand over the investigation to the CBI, it is yet to be issued in the gazette notification. The CBI`™s involvement in any investigation need to be notified by the Indian Government according to the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act section 6, the proscribed outfit`™s statement said.

Citing several cases of forced disappearances which the CBI had taken up, the outfit investigation by the CBI cannot be trusted.

The investigation should be conducted by a Special Investigation Team headed by an IG or DIG ranked police officer based on the recommendation or findings on the case of a three member inquiry commission headed by a retd judge of the High Court or a district judge as prescribed by India`™s Commission of Inquiry Act, 1952, it said.