Tag: State

IMPHAL, Oct 24: All the 60 Zilla Parishad Members who were elected in the recent Panchayat polls held in four valley districts of Manipur on Wednesday took oath of office following which Adakshas were also chosen from among them after voting. Newly elected Adhyakshas, Upa-Adhyakshas, Pradhans, Upa-Pradhans and Ward Members have also formally started taking their respective charges after taking oath of office.
The concerned Deputy Commissioners administered the oath of office and secrecy to all the newly elected Zilla Parishad Members at the oath-taking ceremony held at the DC offices of the four districts. After the oath-taking ceremony, the four Adhyakshas and four Upa-Adhyakshas for the four districts were elected by votes.
Chanam Bijenti Chanu from Yurembam constituency was elected as Imphal West Adhyaksha and Thokchom Sharatchandra of Naoriya Pakhanglakpa constituency as Up-Adhyaksha; Wangjam Tombi Devi from Makeng Dolaithabi constituency was elected as Imphal East Adhyaksha and Thoudam Ibomcha from Jiribam Hilghat constituency as Up-Adhyaksha; Thokchom Ithoibi Devi of Ngaikham Khullen constituency was elected as Bishnupur district Adhyaksha and Amom Brojen from Wangoo Borayangbi constituency as Up-Adhyaksha; Khundrakpam Surnalata Devi of Khangabok constituency was elected as Thoubal district Adhyaksha and Elangbam Manglemjao of Hiyanglam constituency as Up- Adhyaksha.
In the meantime, newly elected 161 Pradhans and 1511 Ward Members of the four districts also took oath of office. The concerned Returning Officers (ROs) administered the oath to them. Out of the 1511 Ward Members, 161 Upa-Pradhans were also elected by vote.
All the Adhyakshas, Up-Adhyakshas, Pradhans, Up-Pradhans have formally taken their respective charges from Wednesday after the oath-taking ceremony was taken place.
The 4th Panchayat polls of Manipur were held on September 13 in the four valley districts of Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur and Thoubal.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/zp-members-take-oath/

MNS: Nehru Yuva Kendra, Senapati and Rural Development Foundation Association (RDFA) organized a 15th day (conclusion day) de-addiction camp today for 40 campers.
The camp kick-started on October 10.
Hungyo Worshang, IAS, assistant commissioner, Senapati, Dr. Loli Mao, District AIDS Control Officer, Senapati and Mrs. Jackie Ruivah, Zonal Director, NYKS, Imphal/Manipur zone graced the conclusion function as chief guest and guest of honour and function president respectively.
Hungyo Worshang while speaking on the occasion emphasized on the need of relatives of the addicts to intervene in a manner best suited to the addicts so as to overcome the drug menace. Harping on the importance of life the young IAS officer said faith in God is also another key to overcoming drug abuses.
K. Kumar Singh, District Youth Coordinator welcome the dignitaries and deliberated the activities taken up by Nehru Yuva Kendra, Senapati. He also advised the campers to carry the message of what they have learned during the 15-day camp.
Dr. H. Loli Mao, District AIDS Control Officer, Senapati shared the traditional practices of using wine (alcohol). Meanwhile, two campers shared their experiences. Both of them appreciated the organizers for taking up such initiatives for the welfare of the drug addicts. NNN

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/de-addiction-camp-held/

Mysterious death of a man who went to the house of his wife’s elder sister in Ukhrul district has irked resident of the Wangkhem in Thoubal district and demanded booking of the culprit(s) involved in the alleged murder case. Thirty-two year old Nahakpam Dhramendra of Wangkhem village of Thoubal district who went to the house of his wife’s elder sister on last Saturday along with his wife Soniya alias Chameli (a Nepali) and his two year old son in Ukhrul district headquarters was found dead at a place near the Patrique College, Ukhrul on Tuesday morning. Local sources said that Dhramendra ran away of the house his wife’s elder sister on the evening of Sunday. After he was intercepted by one of his friends who is a rifleman in sixth Manipur Rifles at Ukhrul, he was taken to the Ukhrul police station. At the same his wife Soniya along with members of her parental family came to the police station and lodged a missing report about her husband. (UNA)

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/wangkhem-resident-killed-at-ukhrul/

Mysterious death of a man who went to the house of his wife’s elder sister in Ukhrul district has irked resident of the Wangkhem in Thoubal district and demanded booking of the culprit(s) involved in the alleged murder case. Thirty-two year old Nahakpam Dhramendra of Wangkhem village of Thoubal district who went to the house of his wife’s elder sister on last Saturday along with his wife Soniya alias Chameli (a Nepali) and his two year old son in Ukhrul district headquarters was found dead at a place near the Patrique College, Ukhrul on Tuesday morning. Local sources said that Dhramendra ran away of the house his wife’s elder sister on the evening of Sunday. After he was intercepted by one of his friends who is a rifleman in sixth Manipur Rifles at Ukhrul, he was taken to the Ukhrul police station. At the same his wife Soniya along with members of her parental family came to the police station and lodged a missing report about her husband. (UNA)

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/wangkhem-resident-killed-at-ukhrul/

IMPHAL, Oct 24 NNN: Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) has decided to observe a one-day mass sit-in protest to push the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to mull over the resolution of Manipur Legislative Assembly urging for introduction of ILP system in Manipur.
JCILPS will stage a mass protest dharna on October 31 at Keishampat Lairembi Community Hall in Imphal to remind and urge the MHA to approve the resolution on implementation of ILP passed by the state House on July 31, a statement of the committee informed Wednesday.
The statement further appealed the public as well as all the state ministers and MLAs to join the demonstration. It said sitting idle thinking that the resolution has passed will only make the demand a farce.
“We are expecting mass participation including ministers and MLAs from both the ruling and Opposition at the proposed protest, JCILPS convenor Sapamcha Jadumani told Newmai News Network this evening.
Senior leader of Manipur People’s Party (MPP) O Joy flayed all the political parties in the state on Tuesday for not showing reaction to the recent remarks made by Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde in connection with a Private Member Resolution unanimously passed in the last session of the Manipur Legislative Assembly session demanding introduction of Inner Line Permit system (ILP) in Manipur.
Shinde had said, “Our Constitution will not allow such things. Any sensible person who believes in the Constitution will not pass such a bill.” The Home Minister made the statement on September 10 in New Delhi. Speaking to mediapersons on the sidelines of the launching function of a ‘wall poster campaign’ at the party’s office, part of the movement being progressed on the demand of introduction of ILP system in Manipur, Joy alleged all the political parties in the state are afraid of their gurus (leaders) in New Delhi owing to which they do not want to act in response to what he said distasteful remarks of Shinde.
The MPP has launched the wall poster campaign consisting of a 5-point- demand and the campaign will cover all the valley districts to reinforce the demand of introduction of ILP system in the state. Flaying Shinde for his statement which rejected the resolution of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, Joy said the Home Minister had shown utter disrespect of democracy.
Not reacting to the statement of Shinde by the political parties of the state is quite amazing, Joy said. He dubbed the attitude of the state Home Minister Gaikhangam, who has allegedly kept silent on the matter, as showing no interest on the ILP issue.
The veteran MPP leader, however, maintained that the party has never said that it does not want outsiders in the state but he mentioned that Manipur has an area of 22,327 sq km out of the total area of 3,287,263 sq km of the country. The hill area measured 20, 089 sq km while the total area of the valley is 2,238 sq km only.
Supporting his statement on the undersized geographical area of the valley, Joy further said the indigenous Manipuri people will have to be naturally wiped out in the event of free flow of influx of migrants in the state and hence the MPP considering the vulnerable situation has launched the wall poster campaign to demand introduction of ILP system. The 5- point- demand included in the campaign are: implement ILP system in Manipur, Union Home Minister Shinde’s remarks have taunted Manipuris, withdraw Shinde’s statement or resign.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/mass-strike-on-ilp-on-31/

IMPHAL, Oct 24 NNN: Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) has decided to observe a one-day mass sit-in protest to push the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to mull over the resolution of Manipur Legislative Assembly urging for introduction of ILP system in Manipur.
JCILPS will stage a mass protest dharna on October 31 at Keishampat Lairembi Community Hall in Imphal to remind and urge the MHA to approve the resolution on implementation of ILP passed by the state House on July 31, a statement of the committee informed Wednesday.
The statement further appealed the public as well as all the state ministers and MLAs to join the demonstration. It said sitting idle thinking that the resolution has passed will only make the demand a farce.
“We are expecting mass participation including ministers and MLAs from both the ruling and Opposition at the proposed protest, JCILPS convenor Sapamcha Jadumani told Newmai News Network this evening.
Senior leader of Manipur People’s Party (MPP) O Joy flayed all the political parties in the state on Tuesday for not showing reaction to the recent remarks made by Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde in connection with a Private Member Resolution unanimously passed in the last session of the Manipur Legislative Assembly session demanding introduction of Inner Line Permit system (ILP) in Manipur.
Shinde had said, “Our Constitution will not allow such things. Any sensible person who believes in the Constitution will not pass such a bill.” The Home Minister made the statement on September 10 in New Delhi. Speaking to mediapersons on the sidelines of the launching function of a ‘wall poster campaign’ at the party’s office, part of the movement being progressed on the demand of introduction of ILP system in Manipur, Joy alleged all the political parties in the state are afraid of their gurus (leaders) in New Delhi owing to which they do not want to act in response to what he said distasteful remarks of Shinde.
The MPP has launched the wall poster campaign consisting of a 5-point- demand and the campaign will cover all the valley districts to reinforce the demand of introduction of ILP system in the state. Flaying Shinde for his statement which rejected the resolution of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, Joy said the Home Minister had shown utter disrespect of democracy.
Not reacting to the statement of Shinde by the political parties of the state is quite amazing, Joy said. He dubbed the attitude of the state Home Minister Gaikhangam, who has allegedly kept silent on the matter, as showing no interest on the ILP issue.
The veteran MPP leader, however, maintained that the party has never said that it does not want outsiders in the state but he mentioned that Manipur has an area of 22,327 sq km out of the total area of 3,287,263 sq km of the country. The hill area measured 20, 089 sq km while the total area of the valley is 2,238 sq km only.
Supporting his statement on the undersized geographical area of the valley, Joy further said the indigenous Manipuri people will have to be naturally wiped out in the event of free flow of influx of migrants in the state and hence the MPP considering the vulnerable situation has launched the wall poster campaign to demand introduction of ILP system. The 5- point- demand included in the campaign are: implement ILP system in Manipur, Union Home Minister Shinde’s remarks have taunted Manipuris, withdraw Shinde’s statement or resign.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/mass-strike-on-ilp-on-31/

The Cor Com has issued a list of house owners who have rented out their places to outsiders. In the document having 19 pages It contained lists of 17 house owners of Heingang Assembly Constituency viz, Khabam Lamkhai, Koirengei Keithel, Luwangsangbam Haotabi, Tingri, Ahallup and Achanbigeida.
Names of 36 house owners of Koirengei Nepali Basti (Anand Gram), Nepali Bastida were also given. For Naoria Pakhanglakpa Assembly Constituency it gave list of Malom Sorok Maning, Kwakeithel Mayai Leikai, Kwakeithel Makha Leikai, Malom Maning Leikai, Kwakeithel Lamlong Mari Fangba Sork Maning, Kwakeithel, Kamong Sorokki Awang, Kwakeithel Heinou Khongnembi, Kwakeithel Maning Leikai Sorokki Makha, Kamong Mamang Leikai, Malom Sorok Maning Side, Hiyangthang Sorok Maning (Lai Makhong), Hiyangthang Makha leikai and Hiyangthang Mayai Leikai.
Thangmeiband Assembly constituency has the maximum numbers of 311.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/cor-com-on-renting-out-of-place-to-outsiders/

IMPHAL, Oct 22 NNN: Manipur Commerce and Industries minister Govindas Konthoujam today distributed basic input items and money to 10 self-help groups of weavers working under Sekta Handloom Cluster.
The minister gave away basic input items and Rs 12,000 each to the 10 self-help groups of Sekta Handloom Cluster at a function organized by District Handloom and Textile, Imphal East at Sekta Awang Leikai.
Minister Govindas pointed out Manipur is now in third position with regard to handloom activities all over India and it is indeed a big success of all the weavers working in the handloom sector.
He said the working skills of Manipuri weavers are not lower comparing to weavers in other states of the country and urged all the weavers of the state to have full knowledge about all the assistance and schemes being provided to them by the Government.
A mechanized dying centre will be set up in the state soon, the minister assured. He also assured a mega handloom cluster and another handloom/textile park will be established.
Lamlai constituency MLA Ksh Biren; Additional Director, Commerce and Industries, V Taulthong and District Handloom and Textiles, Imphal East Officer on Special Duty (Handloom) P Minakumari were also present at the function.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/handloom-cluster/

SHILLONG, Oct 22: Meghalaya police today ruled-out the involvement of the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) in the kidnapping of three engineers of the Hyderabad – based firm BSC-C&C (JV) recently from Garo Hills region of the state, officials said.
“The GNLA has no hand behind the abduction of the three engineers,” State Director General of Police (DGP) N Ramachandran said here.
Mentionably, the three engineers – Manoj Kumar, Depak Kumar and AK Sharma were kidnapped by suspected armed militants of the GNLA on Saturday last. They (engineers) were on their way to Goalpara district (Assam) from the main camp of the company in Suangre of West Khasi hills district through Rongjeng reserve forest when the incident took place.
The engineers are engaged in the ongoing construction of the two-lane Shillong-Nongstoin-Tura road.
However he informed, “Preliminary investigations have indicated the involvement of some local goons.”
“We are still on the job to rescue the officers to ensure their safe release and nab the culprits,” the DGP said.
Refusing to divulge more on the headway, Ramachandran said, “We cannot share more until we make a breakthrough into the case.”
It is also informed that the senior police officials are camping at the site where the incident took place.
Operations have been intensified in and around the area to secure the release of the abducted engineers, police sources informed.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/gnla-not-involved-in-kidnapping/

IMPHAL, Oct 22: A major fire gutted a rented house of 12 shops and 10 rooms at Kwakeithel Ningthemkol near Imphal College along Imphal Airport road under Lamphel Police Station Monday morning. The fire destroyed properties including five LPG cylinders worth about Rs 24 lakh despite attempt of five fire tenders to save them.
The fire that occurred at around 8 am was caused by an electric circuit that swiftly caught an LPG gas burner which went up in flames inside a chicken centre, Manipur Fire Service said. The house was a semi-pucca of a single-storey with 10 separate families on the first floor and 12 shops on the ground floor. The house was completely destroyed in the fire.
Witnesses said loud noise of explosions apparently caused by the gas cylinders were heard as the blaze engulfed the house. Five fire tenders from Manipur Fire Service rushed to the site and tried to douse the fire but it completely destroyed the house and all the properties. Later, the fire tenders put out the fire.
The 12 shops razed to the ground in the fire include one grocery shop, four computer shops, one scooter workshop, one pork centre, one chicken centre, one stationery shop, one barber shop, one tea stall and another godown of iron scrap and waste iron materials.
Thokchom Haripriya, owner of the chicken centre told reporters she saw a sudden short circuit inside a switch box in her shop which immediately caught an LPG gas burner and burst into flames as she along with a butcher boy ran out of the shop.
Most of the family members upstairs of the house were not at the rooms as they went out for Durga pujah festival. The rented house is owned by one Takshelllambam Shanti, a resident of Kwakeithel Mayai Koibi.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/shops-house-gutted-in-fire/

GUWAHATI, Oct 22: Asian Centre for Human Rights (ACHR) in its latest report, “Manipur: Juvenile Justice Suspended”released today claimed that juvenile justice has been suspended in Manipur by the Ministry of Women and Child Development because of corruption and mis-use of the resources. The State Government of Manipur claimed that the Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs) have been set up in all nine districts and the Project Approval Board (PAB) for the Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) of the Ministry of Women and Child Development in its 14th meeting on February 22, 2011 approved grants for nine JJBs. However, as the State government failed to establish the JJBs, the PAB in its 35th Meeting held on January 17, 2012 had no other option but to stop funding to the JJBs for the current Financial Year 2012-2013, ACHR said.
“The service delivery for institutional care is an astounding case of total mis-use of resources. For the first year grant under the IPCS i.e. for 2009-2010, the complete grant was shown to have been utilized by the State Government even though no staff has been appointed to State Project Support Unit, State Child Protection Society (SCPS) etc. The officials of the State Government of Manipur informed that “equipment has been purchased in advance”. It is clear that the funds provided for providing services to children have been diverted for equipments! If that was not enough, the entire grant received under ICPS for 2010-11 too has been claimed to have been utilised, even though no staff has been appointed to SCPS, District Child Protection Units (DCPU) and State Adoption Resource Agency (SARA),” stated Mr Suhas Chakma, Director of Asian Centre for Human Rights.
The Manipur Government claimed that there are more than 3000 children in the State who are affected by armed conflict, ethnic clashes, orphan children and children living with HIV/AIDS. The situations of the Children Homes are far from being satisfactory. Given that no Inspection Committee has been set up as required under the JJ(C&PC) Act, the situations in the Homes established under the Act remain deplorable, it added. Asian Centre for Human Rights then stated that the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act prevails over any other national security legislation including the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1958. However, the Central security forces do not have any knowledge about the JJ(C&PC) Act and children have been regularly apprehended, detained and subjected to torture while many were killed in fake encounters in clear violations of the JJ(C&PC) Act.
The report cited 14 cases of extrajudicial execution of children by the Central and the State security forces.
Citing one emblematic case of abuse of the JJ(C&PC) Act, ACHR stated from February 14 to March 1, 2012, four persons including three minors identified as Sonkhopao Mate (15 years), Ngamminlun Mate (17 years) and Ngambom Haokip (17 years) were arbitrary arrested and illegally detained in the custody of 36th Assam Rifles and at Lamphel police station in Imphal. The personnel of the 36th Assam Rifles arrested them on 14 February 2012 after a civilian Gajendra Singh pointed his finger at the three minors and one adult villager stating that they are the one who murdered his friend and business partner Mangal Ram. Gajendra Singh and the deceased were running a civil canteen (Variety store) under the 36th AR and their canteen was situated inside the AR camp at Sehlon village. Later, the children were sent to judicial custody at Sajiwa Central Prison in clear violation of the provisions of the JJ(C&PC) Act, 2000. Even the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Imphal West sent them to the prison without verifying their age. In the meanwhile, the investigation into the murder of Mangal Ram [FIR No. 2(2) of 2012] registered at the Molcham Police Station under Sections 302/34/195/203 of Indian Penal Code was continuing.
After investigation, the Police arrested Gajendra Singh, who pointed fingers to the juveniles, and three others for the murder of civilian canteen owner late Mangal Ram. They have been sent to jail. It is clear that the arrested juveniles had nothing to do with the murder case but had to undergo the trauma.
In the entire State of Manipur, there is only one Government run Observation cum Special Home at Takyelpat in capital Imphal whereas the Army and para-military forces are deployed all over the State. This indicates that children who are apprehended by the Army and para-military forces are not produced before the Juvenile Justice Boards and Observation Homes but detained in their camps and in the best circumstances sent to the police lock up or prisons.
Only on paper, the state government of Manipur constituted Special Juvenile Police Units as their functioning remained confined to mere notification.
There are reports of ill-treatment of children in the Children Homes. On 15 September 2011, eight inmates of Destitute Children Home run by Leprosy Patients’ Welfare Society (LEWS) at Chingmeirong Lei-Inkhol in Imphal East district fled after allegedly being subjected to ill-treatment by owner of the Home identified as Ahanthem Tolen.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/juvenile-justice-suspended-in-manipur/

IMPHAL, Oct 22 NNN : The Movement for Tribal Peoples’ Rights, Manipur (MTPRM) has threatened to launch various forms of agitation in case the Tribal Affairs and Hills Department, Gvernment of Manipur does not disburse the post matric scholarship money to those backlog Scheduled Tribe students of the state at the earliest.
In a memorandum submitted to the minister of Tribal Affairs and Hills Department, the tribal rights body stated that there are as many as 698 backlog Scheduled Tribe students who are yet to receive their entitled post matric scholarship benefits amount for the academic session 2011-12 while most of the Scheduled Tribe students of the same academic session have already received their scholarship benefits as per provision given to the tribal students.
Stating that it has already enquired regarding the matter at the department’s office, MTPRM contended that the payment of the scholarship was made to most of the tribal students when there was relaxation of e-payment system and alleged that further continuation of disbursement could not be made due to paucity of fund during the year 2011-12 thereby leaving out 698 Scheduled Tribe students without payment till date.
While informing that there is no relaxation of e-payment for the year 2012-13 although the concerned department has approached for relaxation, it further appealed to the minister of Tribal Affairs and Hills Department to take up immediate necessary steps to disburse the scholarship amount to those backlog Scheduled Tribe students of 2011-12 academic session at the earliest.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/tribal-students-to-launch-stir-on-scholarship-issue/

Imphal, Oct 22 (MNS/NNN) : Olympic Games bronze medalist M.C.Mary Kom has clarified that she had never made any comment against the media in Manipur. On Monday, while refuting the report Mary Kom has threatened that she would take up legal actions on the Mizoram based journalists for publishing fabricated statements which she had never mentioned it.
Addressing newsmen at Manipur Press Club here on the much-hyped story, Mary Kom further clarified that she had never made any comment of discrimination meted out on her by Manipur media as reported in some sections of the media.
Mary Kom said she had shared the emptiness and incomplete feelings which she felt during her last Olympic bout while adding that after winning the bronze medal, when the national media were packed at her house and village, few of the local media were seen.
Mary Kom said, she could not had exclusive interaction with the local media because of her tight schedules and added that she respects the media fraternity AMWJU for giving her a chance to clarify on the matter.
Regarding the reported communally inclined statement attributed to her, Mary Kom said, “I did not say the term ‘Meitei dominated’ as mentioned in some sections of the media.” The pugilist then added, “Of coure, there were times I used to be discouraged of my being from a minority group of people but this did not mean that I was discriminated as the fact remains that all of my mentors and coaches were Meiteis, not a Kom or any tribal. The boxing academy that I run accommodate students from different communities of Manipur which has no limit to cultures and beliefs, tongues and colours.”
“(At the Aizawl press meet when asked by the media) on the trial selections at federation level and the controversy that had captured the media once with L. Sarita, I expressed my straight away feeling that I was very much disappointed when my consent was not asked before it got published as being a sensitive issue but totally relied on a single-sided view. It was even mentioned that the federation was bribed for my selection to the Asian Games, lest, I kept quiet thinking the truth will be revealed one day. It was an individual issue between me and Sarita, not with the Meiteis. Sarita was my best friend and she is still my friend,” Mary Kom clarifies.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/mary-kom-denies-making-allegations-against-media/

K Seityajit, Chairman, Vision Foundation Manipur, Khuyathong, has asked the SPIO, GAD to provide details of the type of Quarter allotted to the Chief Secretary Officials, MLAs and Ministers .
What are the norms or procedure for modification/ renovation of Govt. Quarters in Manipur? What are the grounds or otherwise rules for modification/renovation and what are the budget from the year 2007 to 2012 ?
What are the agency/organization/firm/contractor which had done the work , what is the estimated amount for the work and the released amount and the balance amount for the work it was asked.
What are the amounts incurred as expenditure on the tState Guests and VIPs visiting in the State of Manipur during the period from January 2011 to December 2011, January 2010 to December 2010, January 2009 to December 2009, January 2008 to December 2008 and January 2007 to December 2007. Please give the details such as their names, expenditure, dates etc.
What are the annual income- yearwise, from the Manipur Bhavans in New Delhi,Kolkata, Guwahati and Shillong for the year 2007 to 2012 it was asked.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/govt-asked-to-provide-details-of-repair-of-government-quarters/

IMPHAL, Oct 21: Issues baffling over Teachers Eligibility Test (TET) continues as the All Tribal Disbles’ Unoin, Manipur (ATDUM) has threatened to impose a 12 hour bandh in all the hills districts of the state on October 29 from 5 am in case the government does not fulfill its charters of demand regarding the TET exam which is scheduled to be held on November 18.
Addressing newsmen at Manipur Press Club here today, Momo Tantanga, president of ATDUM asserted that there is no appropriate relaxation and pass mark criteria for the candidates of disabled persons in the TET exam.
While figuring out the eligibility criteria of the exam, he stated that for disabled persons the eligibility and pass mark for appearing in the exam are fixed at 45 percent and 50 percent respectively which is same with Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe.
Stating that disabled perons have the right to enjoy certain priviledges on such kind of exam, he further demanded the Board of Secondary Education, Manipur for relaxation of 5 percent each from the current marking system so that the eligibility criteria and pass mark comes to 40 percent and 45 percent repectively.
Further, he demanded that the government and concerned authority should arrange separate exam centres for candidates of disabled persons along with transport facilities looking at the hardships faced by them.
ATDUM has already talked with the Education Minster of the state over the issue. A memorandum has also submitted earlier regarding the matter, he added.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/atdum-on-tet-exam/

IMPHAL, Oct 21 NNN: A combined team of Special Intelligence Unit (SIU) and Narcotic Cell, Imphal West today has arrested two persons for making and using forged seals and certificates to be used in institutes, banks and as deputy commissioners’ line seal along with the materials, according to the police.
The arrested duo have been identified as Konjengbam Sunil Singh (42) s/o K. Achouba Singh of Moirang Mairenbam Leikai but presently staying at Chingmeirong Khongnang AniKarak, Yengkhoiba bazar and Lourembam Basanta Singh (44) s/o L. Mangi Singh of Kairang Mamang Leikai.The forged seals and documents was made by Basanta whereas Sunil used to take order from various customers.
The arrested duo along with the seized materials was paraded before the media today in the presence of Narcotic Cell, Imphal West Inspector K. Ranjit.
According to police report, following specific information the combine team raided the house of Sunil located at Chingmeirong Yengkhoiba bazar on October 20 at around 6.50 pm where he was arrested along with 175 seals and forged cerificates of various educational institutes. The team’s interrogation on Sunil led to the arrest of Basanta from his residence. From there, the police recovered 54 seals along with a computer set believed to be used in making the forged certificates and marksheets from his possession.
On further interrogation, the duo disclosed that they used to charged Rs. 500-600 for making a seal and a certificate. The recovered seals includes Line seal of Imphal West DC; round seal of Board of Secondary Education, Manipur, Council of Higher Secondary Education, Manipur, State Bank of India; line seal of chief manager, SBI and Manipur Institute of Management Studies (MIMS), Manipur University.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/two-persons-held-for-making-fake-seal-certificates/

Mail News Service
Imphal, Oct 21 : In a major breakthrough, troops of the Red Shield Division have cracked the alleged Khupum rape case of four minor girls while simultaneously denting the organisational structure of the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF). It may be recalled that on 05 Oct 2012 , four minor girls of the Khoupum Valley studying in Don Bosco School at Gaidimjang village under Khoupum sub-division were allegedly raped while returning home from the school by two inebriated ZUF cadres. SS Private Latjanthai Malangmai r/o Noney and SS L/CPL Gigonpou of Ramgaijang, NC Hills, Assam state allegedly defected from the ZUF camp in Khoupum and moved to Tousemjang where they allegedly raped four girls at gunpoint. Following the incident, the two ZUF cadres quarrelled over the detained girls, which resulted in the killing of SS L/Cpl Gigonpou at the hands of Latjanthai. Latjanthai later fled from the Khoupum Valley in a commandeered vehicle towards Pinjang. On 06 Oct 2012, while escaping from the Khoupum Valley, Latjanthai was intercepted by troops of the Red Shield Division at Pinjang. However, he managed to escape the fire fight after injuring two Army Jawans. A massive and concerted manhunt was launched by Red Shield Division in coordination , Bishnupur Police and Imphal West Commando, which resulted in the apprehension of Latjanthai , Chininkhol of Bishnupur District. He was further handed over to Bishnupur Police.
The continued domination of the Khoupum Valley by troops of the Red Shield Division thereafter resulted in apprehension of two ZUF cadres, named Alung (SS Sgt Maj) r/o Habnagarjan, Dimapur, Assam and SS Lt (Chaplain/religious teacher) Adon r/o Sonpron, Tamenglong on 20th Oct 2012 in Taoringpung village of Khoupum Valley who were in possession of a hand grenade and a 7.65 mm pistol with a magazine.
Red Shield and Bishnupur Police c and apprehended an OGW of the proscribed underground outfit KCP (MC) at 0715 am on 21 Oct 12 from Moirang Khunau of Bishnupur district. He was identified as Mairembam Jogindro a of Ngamu Leirak, Moirang Khunau of Bishnupur district. The apprehendee revealed that he is an active member of the KCP (MC) and is involved in tax collection on behalf of this group and he works under Samananda who is a senior leader in KCP (MC).
Security Forces of Red Shield Division accomplished another milestone in addressing the malaise of insurgency in Manipur by apprehending the Finance Secretary of Imphal Division of PLA on 19 Oct when he had gone to Ningthoukhong market for extortion activities on his scooter. The apprehended underground was identified as Nongthombam Amit Meitei (28) @ Ayangba son of Nongthombam Ibohanbi Meitei, resident of Khurithingom Leirak Lamlong Bazar, Imphal East.
He confessed his involvement in numerous extortion activities at Dimapur-Guwahati Bus stand and Jiribam Bus stand area. He also confessed having collected a sum of Rupees Five Lakhs last week from various shopkeepers in Imphal which was being used to fund the nefarious activities of the proscribed outfit. He has also divulged the names of some of the persons involved in recent attacks on Security Forces. One 7.65mm pistol along with three rounds demand letters of PLA were also recovered. Meanwhile Eight persons involved in the killing of Thokchom Maniton (42) Jiri Kamrankha were handed over to police. He was found dead under a bridge in between Shantipur and Alu Bazar on October 17.
A JAC formed in connection with the death of Maniton demanded Rs. Five lakhs as a compensation.The last rites of the victim was also held after post mortem.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/militant-involved-in-khoupum-rape-case-held/

Mail News Service
Imphal, Oct 21 : A Manipur State Level Convention on “EXPLOITATION OF LOKTAK WETLANDS” was organized by the All Loktak Lake Fishermen Union and the Committee on the Protection of Natural Resources in Manipur at Manipur Press Club, Imphal Manipur on 21 October 2012. The Convention also adopted series of resolutions to protect Loktak Lake.
Jiten Yumnam, Co-Convenor, Committee on the Protection of Natural Resources in Manipur, in his key note, introduced that the Loktak Lake management process is full of controversy. He explained that Tehelka, based in New Delhi exposed the corruption in the process of awarding a Rs. 224 Crores contract for “Management of Phumdis in the Loktak Lake” to a new company, K-Pro Infra Works Limited with only 10 lakhs as paid up capital and existing only on paper. Despite K-pro the lone bidder, it received the work contracts in violation of the Central Public Works Department norms, which requires at least three bidders for such tenders. He said Loktak Lake is a designated Protected Site of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. However, the Government failed to ensure participation of communities depending on Loktak Wetlands the management of Loktak Lake in violation of Ramsar Convention.
Irengbam Arun, Editor, Imphal Free Press, said Loktak Lake is intrinsic with people’s survival. Now Loktak Lake has become an arena for mismanagement in the name of managing it. The contract to K-pro for phumdi management is irrational as K-pro is an extremely new company with no experience, formed only on 22 June 2009 much after the tender notice of Loktak Development Authority on 4 June 2009. The allocation of contract on trial basis to Progressive Construction Limited for phumdi clearance at Loktak Wetlands is unprecedented. He questioned the interest of the Chief Minister and Govt of Manipur in according an interest free mobilization rate of Rs. 224 Crores to K-Pro and its associate PCL, which is blacklisted by the World Bank for its dubious records. The clarification by LDA
to allegations of Tehelka is irresponsible and questioned how can a responsible government violated laws of the land. There is clear conspiracy and manipulation process in the phumdi clearance in Loktak Lake, which is a clear disrespect to Loktak wetlands.
Dr. RK Ranjan, Chairperson of Citizens concern for Dams and Development said that wetlands are fast shrinking in Manipur. The natural water management function of Loktak Wetlands is completely disturbed after the commissioning of the Loktak Multipurpose Hydroelectric Project in 1984. The impact of Loktak Project is clearly visible. The person of Manipur needs to own and manage our land. It is unfortunate that there is no MoU with the Government of Manipur and the NHPC in the process of exploitation of our land and wetlands. The Manipur Loktak Lake Protection Act, 2006 enacted by the Govt of Manipur to protect wetlands has only targeted the communities, fishing communities depending on the wetlands for physical and spiritual survival. The Loktak Project has led to extinction of endemic flora and faunal species from Loktak Lake. There is no process to ensure peoples participation in all decision for Loktak wetlands management. LDA’s vision is to improve livelihood of local communities but LDA only evicts communities depending on wetlands and burnt down their floating huts. He also questioned the purpose of the Phumdi clearance in Loktak Lake as to whether it is for the people or for the benefits of the NHPC. LDA tends to function like a subsidiary to K-Pro.
Oinam Rajen, Secretary, All Loktak Lake Fishermen Union said that the Phumdis, floating vegetative mass, floating huts and the Sangai are the key characteristics of Loktak lake. The entire people of Manipur depend on Loktak Lake.

However, the Loktak Development Authority instead of considering the relationship of communities with wetlands
only insists on supplying water for the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation, while blaming the communities.
The Manipur Loktak Lake Protection Act, 2006 has caused enormous suffering to communities living in and around
Loktak Lake by imposing series of restriction on the livelihood sources and means of fishing communities in Loktak.
KT Rehman, President, All Manipur United Clubs Organization said that the Government has blamed communities
depending on the Loktak Wetlands for the pollution and contamination of Loktak Lake. There are no efforts to
address the root cause of deterioration of Loktak wetland. The people of Manipur does not benefit from Loktak
Project as the 90% of power generated from the project is exported outside even as the people of Manipur reels in
power shortage. There is complete mismanagement of Loktak Lake.
Mutum Churamani, HERICOUN highlighted that the awarding of Rs. 224 crores contract to K Pro Infra Works Limited
is full of manipulation and unanswered questions. He questioned why K-Pro and its head remains silent, what has
K-Pro undertaken any work before the contract for Loktak Lake. Why the Progressive Construction Limited, which
has been awarded contract for Phumdi clearance in 2008 awarded contract again in a joint venture with K-Pro. Why
K-Pro partners with PCL. Why PCL did not apply contracts directly. The details of K-Pro’s account and transaction
details related to the Phumdi clearance needs be revealed to the people. He also questioned why LDA takes hasty
decisions on awarding contract to K-Pro in partnership with PCL. Mr. Churamani also raised the importance of
detailed investigations and to form a joint committee to address the ongoing scandal in Loktak Lake.
RK Ranendrajit, Chairman, Freedom Research Foundation said that Manipur is rich in resources, including water and
oil and the Government in collusion with corporate bodies are trying to exploit our land and resources without
peoples consent. This is a clear undemocratic process. The phumdi clearance efforts and contract to K-pro is a clear
cut case of corruption and manipulations. What’s happening with the intelligence department of the Government,
they must be knowing everything of corruption with contracts to K-Pro and why are they remaining silent. The
phumdi clearance and eviction drive efforts is also part of counter insurgency efforts and nothing to do with
development. Its time to review the relevance and rationality of having Loktak Project in Manipur us as the project
has led to endless devastations in Manipur.
Phulindro Konsam, Convenor, Committee on Human Rights said that the Loktak Development Authority of the
Government of Manipur misinterpreted the provisions of Ramsar convention. LDA has been evicting people and
causing immense suffering to the communities depending on Loktak Wetlands in the name of Loktak conservation.
Advocate Puyam Tomcha expressed wonder how K-pro formed after tender notice for phumdi clearance was granted
contract to clear Loktak Lake. The Manipur Human Rights Commission and the National Human Rights Commission
has already directed the Govt of Manipur to investigate the controversy surrounding the contract to K-pro. He
expressed his suspicion that the Govt of Manipur has deliberately refused to reactivate the Commission. Loktak
Project has led to endless impacts on communities. People’s symbiotic relationship with wetlands need be promoted
instead of blaming communities. How come K-Pro with only ten lakhs gives bank guarantee of 70 Lakhs and interest
free advance mobilization cost of 10 percent. There are so many legal violations in the contract process and it’s high
time to reveal the shareholders of K-Pro.
Karam Sunil, NIPCP said the scandals surrounding the Loktak Lake clean up should be fully investigated by an
impartial body like CBI and the communities should collectively endeavor to protect Loktak Lake.
Joy Chingakham of FRIENDS presented that development projects, Loktak Project and proposed plans, Tipaimukh
Dam and Oil Exploration moves and also militarization process are confiscating peoples’ livelihood sources. Oinam
Bikramjit said people should stop celebrating Loktak Day as there’s no more reason to celebrate but rather should
have serious and intense discussion on how to save Loktak Lake with community participation.
It called upon the Government of India and Government of Manipur to:
· Commission an inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation to investigate the scandalous phumdi clearance
work process in Loktak Lake, including all processes of awarding contract to K-Pro Infra Works Private Ltd in 2009
and the role of Progressive Construction Limited and the Government of Manipur in such scandalous contracts.
· The LDA should furnish all details on the controversial contract, especially the details of the earnest money
submitted by K-Pro along with the financial bid and details of bank guarantee for mobilization of advance and also
mode of payment of mobilization advance (no of installments) and details of shareholders for K-Pro company. All
those officials involved in the violations should be punished.
· Investigate the correlation of phumdi clearance by K-Pro and arsoning of floating huts, forced eviction and
displacement of several thousands of fishing communities from Loktak Lake and immediately restore status quo by
allowing them to resettle in Loktak Lake. Provide adequate compensation for the hardship caused to fishing
communities during the arson and eviction in November 2011.
· Repeal Manipur Loktak Lake Protection Act, 2006
· Review Loktak Multipurpose Hydroelectric Project for its impacts on Loktak wetlands, including the
proliferation of Phumdis in Loktak Lake and impact on Keibul Lamjao National Park and take appropriate steps to
decommission the Ithai Barrage of Loktak Project as per recommendations of World Commission on Dams, 2000
· Formulate a comprehensive Wetlands Management Policies in Manipur with community participation as per
guidelines of Ramsar Convention for Community participation
· Formation of a “Joint Committee on the Preservation of Loktak Wetlands” with Islam Makakcha, Secretary
General of HERICOUN as the Convenor and the representatives of all organizations representing the State Level
Convention on “Exploitation of Loktak Wetlands” as co-Convenors.
· The Government should reveal the action taken and present status to the recommendations by the Manipur
State Human Rights Commission and National Human Rights Commission to investigate the contract awarded to
K-Pro for phumdi clearance.

RESOLUTION OF MANIPUR STATE CONVENTION ON “EXPLOITATION OF LOKTAK WETLANDS”
ORGANIZED BY THE ALL LOKTAK LAKE FISHERMEN UNION AND THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROTECTION
OF NATURAL RESOURCES IN MANIPUR AT MANIPUR PRESS CLUB ON 21 OCTOBER 2012
We, the participants of the Manipur State Convention on “Exploitation of Loktak Wetlands” organized by the All
Loktak Lake Fishermen Union and the Committee on the Protection of Natural Resources in Manipur at Manipur
Press Club on 21 October 2012 hereby:
Affirm that Loktak Lake has been a physical and spiritual survival source of all indigenous peoples of Manpur with
the fishing communities in and around the Loktak Lake having intrinsic and inalienable survival dependence and
relationship with the Lake.
Express our concern that development processes in Loktak Lake, especially Loktak Multipurpose Hydroelectric
Project has led to wide social, environmental and human rights impacts, including proliferation of phumdis, floating
vegetative mass in the Lake and displacement of communities.
Also expresses our deep concern with the wide corruption and nepotism involved in the clearance of phumdis from
Loktak Lake as reported by Tehelka on 12 October 2012 and April 2010 while disregarding the survival and rights of
fishing communities in and around the Lake.
We call upon the Government of India and Government of Manipur to:
· Commission an inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation to investigate the scandalous phumdi clearance
work process in Loktak Lake, including all processes of awarding contract to K-Pro Infra Works Private Ltd in 2009
and the role of Progressive Construction Limited and the Government of Manipur in such scandalous contracts.
· The LDA should furnish all details on the controversial contract, especially the details of the earnest money
submitted by K-Pro along with the financial bid and details of bank guarantee for mobilization of advance and also
mode of payment of mobilization advance (no of installments) and details of shareholders for K-Pro company. All
those officials involved in the violations should be punished.
· Investigate the correlation of phumdi clearance by K-Pro and arsoning of floating huts, forced eviction and
displacement of several thousands of fishing communities from Loktak Lake and immediately restore status quo by
allowing them to resettle in Loktak Lake. Provide adequate compensation for the hardship caused to fishing
communities during the arson and eviction in November 2011.
· Repeal Manipur Loktak Lake Protection Act, 2006
· Review Loktak Multipurpose Hydroelectric Project for its impacts on Loktak wetlands, including the
proliferation of Phumdis in Loktak Lake and impact on Keibul Lamjao National Park and take appropriate steps to
decommission the Ithai Barrage of Loktak Project as per recommendations of World Commission on Dams, 2000
· Formulate a comprehensive Wetlands Management Policies in Manipur with community participation as per
guidelines of Ramsar Convention for Community participation
· Formation of a “Joint Committee on the Preservation of Loktak Wetlands” with Islam Makakcha, Secretary
General of HERICOUN as the Convenor and the representatives of all organizations representing the State Level
Convention on “Exploitation of Loktak Wetlands” as co-Convenors.
· The Government should reveal the action taken and present status to the recommendations by the Manipur
State Human Rights Commission and National Human Rights Commission to investigate the contract awarded to
K-Pro for phumdi clearance.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/convention-on-exploitation-of-loktak-wetlands-probe-into-wrong-doings-protection-of-lake-demanded/