Tag: State

IMPHAL, Sept 25: Manipur Governor Gurbachan Jagat Tuesday stated that militancy has become an “industry” in which many sections of the society are obtaining “huge profits” at the expense of the people of the state. He stressed that even at such stage, it is possible to resort to talks and make all attempts to bring about a resolution.
The Governor made a speech at the inaugural function of a 3-day seminar on “Good Governance in Manipur-Dialogue with Civil Society and Capacity Building and Management” held at Hotel Classic, Imphal.
Gurbachan attending the function as chief guest said, “From information that we have received not only from sources but from interrogation of arrested suspects and from the information obtained from their computers, it has been found that the undergrounds have invested heavily in foreign countries and within India. This only goes to prove my point that militancy has become an industry in which many sections of the society are obtaining huge profits at the expense of the people of the state. Even at this stage, we can resort to talks and make all attempts to bring about a solution.”
He said this is all the more necessary because there is another dimension to terrorism and that is support to such groups from outside the country and underscored the need to invest much more in increasing development, giving justice to the people and fighting the underground and that governance can become a top priority in such situations.
It is never too late and if begin action putting emphasis on good governance and development while at the same time isolating the underground, it would be getting closer to achieving “goal of peace,” the Governor further suggested at the inaugural function of the seminar jointly organised by State Academy of Training, Manipur, State Nodal Agency (Integrated Watershed Management Programme—IWMP) and Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS).
Expressing his strong desire to teach the police and security forces the basic of human rights, Gurbachan also emphasised that the police and security forces need to be sensitised in case of operations conducted within the country.
He also said, “In the initial training as well as in the refresher courses, they should be taught the basics of human rights and they should also be taught that we are engaged in a struggle with our own people and hence it needs different handling.”
“Any intentional act of violatiopn of human rights should be severely dealt with within a short period so that the message goes home to all the others.”
The function was also attended by Manipur chief secretary D.S. Poonia and M Joy Singh, Additional Director, State Academy of Training, Manipur.
In the Imphal seminar, 22 different NGOs from 11 states are particpating, including four from the Northeast.
In today’s seminar, Prof Amar Yumnam of Department of Economics, Manipur University spoke on the topic, “Governance and Conflict Resolution.” Dr Vijaya Lakshmi Barora, Department of Sociology, Manipur University also delivered her speech on the topic, “Unity in Diversity-Harmonization of Inter-Ethnic Relation,” while Y Joykumar, Director General of Police, Manipur spoked on ‘Increasing Opportunities—A Step Towards Conflict Resolution.”
The seminar is being held in four different zones in the country. For the Western Zone, the seminar was held from September 10-12 at Mumbai. In respect of Southern Zone, it will be organised at Bangalore from October 10-12 and from November 29 to December 1 for Northern Zone in Delhi and for Eastern Zone it has been organised at Imphal.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/militancy-has-become-an-industry-governor/

IMPHAL, Sept 25: A powerful bomb exploded in the high security ‘M Sector’, an office complex which houses Army in the heart of the capital Imphal close to Raj Bhawan early Tuesday morning but no human casualty was reported in the blast.
The explosion that occurred under a big banyan tree inside the M-Sector military complex around 5:30 am damaged window pants of the office of PRO, Defence Wing and destroyed trees nearby including the banyan tree. Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF) has claimed responsility for the blast.
Reports said it was believed the bomb was hurled by the militants.
No official comment on the blast was available.
M Sector is located close to Raj Bhawan and Treasury office complexes and is on the south of Johnstone Higher Secondary School while Manipur Fire Sevice is on its western side.
Meanwhile, just a few minutes after the blast in the military’s M-Sector complex, an IED planted on a roadside went off at Kwairakpam Lamkhai, a road leading to 6/8 Gorkha Regiment stationed nearby in Bishnupur district around 5:10 am. No one was hurt in the blast triggered by unidentified persons suspected to be militants.
Simultaneously around 6 am, police recovered another powerful Plastic Explosive Kiosks (PEK) planted at Moidangpok Maning Leikai near Cine School under Patsoi Police Station in Imphal West.
A team of Imphal East police commandos escaped unhurt when suspected People’s Liberation Army (PLA) militants attacked them by expoloding a powerful roadside bomb at Andro Kamu Maring village in Andro in Imphal east yesterday.
The attack took place on the eve of the raising day of the proscribed PLA, the armed wing of Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF).
On September 23, an IED was also exploded near Tiddim Ground along the Tiddim road just a few kilometres fromkwakeithel Police Outpost in Imphal West. No casualty was reported in the blast. Security forces recovered another IED at Sangaiprou Chowk the same day.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/series-of-bomb-blast-hit-state-on-tuesday/

IMPHAL, Sept 25 NNN: The 8th Foundation Day of “Ngashigee Nachom” organised by All Manipur Art and Culture Student’s Union (AMACSU) was celebrated here today.
The function was graced by L. Upendro, Director, J.N. Dance Acacemy; Ph. Gunachandra, President, Manipur State Sumang Leela Council and L. Ibomcha, President of AMACSU as the chief guest, guest of honour and president respectively.
Speaking on the ocassion, L. Upendro asserted that the state has many talented artistes but do not have enough organisers to bring them in the platform to showcase their talents adding that the rich culture of the state are well known to other parts of the world.
President of AMACSU, L. Ibomcha stated the AMACSU was founded in September 25, 1999 and has been celebrating “Ngashigee Nachom” on the particular day till date.
“ In order to develop our culture, one should learn our rich culture intensively to preserve and maintain it. AMACSU has been demanding to the government to include cultural subjects in the school, higher secondary and college level. We will urge to the concerned authority to establish a cultural university and amend cultural policy “, added L. Ibomcha.
Hailing the state’s culture, Ph. Gunachandra noted that the state’s rich culture was built by the forefathers.
During the function, pena, thang-ta and leela shows were displayed.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/foundation-day-of-amacsu/

Mail News Service
Imphal, Sep 25: Continuing the campaign for mass awareness of various development projects initiated by the Government of India in the North East, a five-day Photo Exhibition on the theme ‘Development Initiatives in North East’ kick-off Tuesday at Lamsang Community Hall in Imphal West. The program well attended by locals was organized by the Field Exhibition Office, Directorate of Advertising & Visual Publicity (DAVP), Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, Imphal in collaboration with Lamsang Nagar Panchayat.
The impressive inaugural program was graced by Smt A Thaja Devi, Chairperson, Lamsang Nagar Panchayat as Chief Guest, Shri Ch Dwijamani Singh, President, Progressive Youth Association, Lamsang Bazar as Functional President and Smt Kashimlu Kamei, Councillor, Ward No 2 of Lamsang Nagar Panchayat as Guest of Honour. The exhibition would continue till September 29.
Rolling the five-day exhibition into motion, Smt Thaja Devi commented that the collection of 130-odd photos of the North East has helped her in many ways. ‘Photos are beautiful and knowledgeable. I learn many new things about the North East from this photo exhibition’ said the Chairperson. She also expressed her desired to see more of development photos of Manipur in future. ‘Stepping into the pristine exhibition hall is like taking out excursion’, she further said.
In his speech, Ch Dwijamani Singh talks about the various developmental schemes launched by the Government of India. Whilst outlining myriad of development projects, Singh however regretted about the poor implementation of various centrally-sponsored projects in Manipur. Reasoning why those schemes have not reached the targeted groups, Singh blamed weak implementation, which he said is due to corruption prevailing in our society. He calls for honest and sincere implementation of various centrally-sponsored schemes so that the targeted population may reap the fruits of develpopment.
Inspired by the collection of photos, Smt Kashimlu Kamei veered ‘This photo exhibition teaches me about the beautiful region of the North East’.
Earlier, explaining the significance of the exhibition, Dr Gin Gangte, IIS, Field Exhibition Officer, DAVP, Imphal exhorted the public to spare their times for watching the photo exhibition so as to learn about the programs and policies of the Central Government. The Field Exhibition Officer said that DAVP Imphal strived to dissemination information for mass awareness through photo exhibition round the year, and made special mentioned of the exhibitions which were held earlier at Mayang Imphal, Wangoi and Lilong. ‘These photos reflects what the Government is doing for the welfare of the people’, added Dr Gin Gangte.
Giving a positive response, the enthusiastic public, which includes elders, teachers, social workers, students, et al, the hall was packed to capacity. Captivated by the photos, visitors were seen taking round of the exhibition hall, glancing the eye-catching photos one after another. ‘It is very interesting to see the beautiful culture and tradition of the North East’, said Maibam Surjhit Singh, a documentary film producer. ‘Amazing photo exhibition. Hope that it will help the public to know about the various development projects undertaken by the Government of India’, noted Ahom Kamei, a Social Worker. Yet for the students, the exhibition was a source of adding more knowledge, apart from their usual classrooms education. ‘Through this photo exhibition, I understand the development of the North East’, said Houkhanlung, a class VIII student of Remnant English School. ‘This pohoto exhibition showcases the beauty of the North East’ feels Suman Yanglen, a nursing student of Navodaya College of Nursing, Raichur, Karnataka. Ksh Sanjuta, a BSc student of Oriental College sums up by writing that she wants to see more such pictures in future.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/lamsang-bustling-with-dev-photo-exhibition/

IMPHAL, Sep 24 MNS/NNN: The Joint Coordinating Committee of Engineering Departments (JCCED) today threatened to take up serious agitation if the state Government of Manipur fails to pay salaries for the 1,950 work- charged employees of five Government departments by September 27.
Voicing serious concern over the non-payment of salries of 1,950 work-charged employeess of PWD, PHED, IFCD, Power and MID, the JCCED secretary B Gunamani Sharma told a press conference at the Manipur Press Club that the committee will launch agitation from september 28 onwards if the state Government fails to address the matter to ensure payment of 18 months due salaries of the employees.
He said the state Finance Department had issued an office order regarding implementation of Revised of Pay (ROP) 2010 on May 5, 2010 for all the work-charged employees under Rule No. 2 of the Manipur Civil Services (Revised Pay) of 2010.
As per the order, all the work-charged employees of PWD and IFCD were paid salaries for seven months and 10 months respectively, Gunamani said while adding that since then salaries for the employees have not been paid till today.
The Finance Department seeking supporting documents of all the work-charged employees had stopped payment of salaries to the employees by an order issued on October 13, 2011, he recounted.
He, however, said all the documents had been submiited to the Finance Department timely but the department has remained mute on the matter till today, he accused. The state Chief Minister has not yet given a positive response so far on the matter since the committee submitted a memorandum on September 15 last, he regretted.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/engineering-departments-threaten-stir/

IMPHAL, Sep 24 MNS/NNN: A team of Imphal East police commandos escaped unhurt when suspected militants of the banned People’s Liberation Army (PLA) attacked them by triggering a powerful bomb early Monday at Andro Kamu Maring village, Pheidahi Turel, a revulet under Imphal East Police Station, a day ahead of the raising day of the RPF/PLA.
The roadside bomb planted by suspected PLA militants exploded around 9:30 am as a security convoy from Imphal East distric police posted at Andro Outpost reached Kamu Maring village in Andro. But, the attack could not inflict casualty on the side of the security force. The convoy included two Maruti Gypsy jeeps and one car.
However, one of the Maruti Gypsy jeeps coming in the rear was damaged in the blast. The security team fired several rounds in quick reaction to the attack. But the assailants were found nowhere.
Also yesterday, an IED was exploded near Tiddim Ground along the Tiddim road just a few kilometres from Kwakeithel Police Outpost. Security forces recovered another IED at Sangaiprou Chowk the same day moments after the explosion.
Meanwhile, Imphal East district police have said three active members of the proscribed Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF) have been nabbed during a joint operation carried out by police, Army and Assam Rifles on Monday.
Kamei Angam Romanus, Superintendant of Police, Imphal East district police while briefing the media at his office, said Sharungbam Thoiba Meitei, 57, son of late S Leishang Meitei, a resident of Andro Torongthel Mayai Leikai, Mutum Shanta, 40, son of M Tomba, hailing from Yairipok Mayai Leikai and Yumkhaibam Chaothoi, son of late Y Panjom from Andro Maringthel, all members of RPF were apprehended during a search operation that carried out at 5 am in the general area covering Andro Torongthel, Maringthel and Yambem village in Imphal East.
The combined team of Imphal East and Imphal West district police commandos, Army (Military intelligence) and 28 AR also recovered four flags of RPF/PLA and one mobile handset during the operation, the SP said.
Self-styled assistant division secretary of division-II of the outfit, namely Hijam Babu, 33, son of late H Sudol of Andro Kharam Leikai and another self-styled division secretary of the same division, namely Jayenta, a resident of Andro Uchon instructed the arrested cadres to make numbers of flag, festoon, stars, etc. for the celebration of the outfit’s raising day which falls on September 25, the SP further quoted the trio as saying.
They also collected information about the movement of security forces and transpoted arms, ammunition and explosives as per the advice of self-styled cororal Yumklhaibam Sharat, 33. son of Y Sajou of Andro Machangpat of RPF, he added.
Meanwhile Taohangsu Heiremcha, Chief Department Of Publicity Revolutionary People’s Front said the state forces are not treated as enemies.
It said today around 9:50 am at Yambem Lambi Pheidabi dam two Gypsy and a car came of Imphal East and a PLA special Warfare Group attacked them. As the PLA cadres were waiting for troops the police personnel came and if the IEDs were activated the police personnel could have been badly wounded.
People should stop fighting their own kinsmen for getting Rs 10000/20000 it was added.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/bomb-attack-by-pla/

IMPHAL, Sept 24 MNS/NNN: Normal activities in the hill districts of Tamenglong, Chandel, Ukhrul and parts of Senapati were disrupted today due to the 48-hour bandh imposed by the five influential tribal students’ organisations since midnight of September 23 under the aegis of the Joint Committee of Hill District Students’ Organisation (JCHDSO) in protest against the alleged apathetic attitude of the state government towards setting up of Teacher’s Eligibility Test (TET) form distribution centres as well as exam centres in all the hill district headquarters.
The students’ bodies that have formed the Joint Committee of Hill District Students’ Organisation (JCHDSO) are Zeliangrong Students’ Union, Manipur (ZSUM), Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA), Churachandpur District Students’ Union (CDSU), Naga Students’ Union of Chandel (NSUC) and Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS).
However, due to the opposition of the bandh by Kuki Students’ Organisation, General Headquarters (KSO-GHQs), the first day of the two-day bandh was not effective in Churachandpur districts and Sadar Hills ( in Senapati district).
Shops were seen opened in Kangpokpi bazar of Sadar Hills when a team of media toured today. From Motbung till Kangpokpi and beyond, the bandh impact was not felt.
However, ealier in the morning, confusion reigns as the stand of the Kuki Students Organisation was learnt by the public through the newspapers only this morning.
In Churachandpur too, the effect of the bandh was not felt though the Churachandpur District Students’ Union (CDSU) was part of the JCHDSO.
Meanwhile, save for Churachandpur and Sadar Hills, inter-state and inter-district public and goods transports did not operate today. Business establishments downed their shutters. The percentage of government office staff was quite low today in the hill districts, except for Churachandpur.
The Kuki Students’ Organisation had said yesterday that the 48-hour bandh would not be allowed to be enforced in the Kuki dominated areas as it was done without the knowledge of the Kuki students’ body. The KSO’s contention was that since the state Education minister had given assurance to make the TET forms available in the hill districts at the earliest and examination centres from next year onwards, calling bandh is uncalled for move.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/life-affected-due-to-bandh/

Mail News Service
Imphal, Sep 24: Discovering the movement of PLA cadres in Andro Torengthal to target Security forces in the Valley by IED, the troops of 28 Assam Rifles of 9 Sector under HQ IGAR(S) along with Imphal East commandos launched joint operation in the area on 24 Sep 12 and apprehended one UG cadre. On interrogation, he disclosed about one of his cadre hiding in Andro Marigthel and he was responsible for passing of intelligence about movement of security forces to SS Lt Sharat of PLA. The same team rushed to the village and apprehended the hiding UG. The apprehendees were identified as Thoiba @ Saranbam Singh, 57 yrs, r/o Andro Torengthel s/o Reishan Singh an active member of PLA, who confessed to be involved in Kumbi IED Blast on 09 Sep 12 and Chaothoi @ Yumkhibam Singh age 37 yrs, s/o Panjom Singh r/o Andro Maningthal, the Intelligence officer of PLA who has actively masterminding the PLA IED operation on NH-37, especially Tera Bazar area. Later, the troops apprehended one more PLA cadre who identified as Mr Shanta @ Mutum Singh , 40 yrs, s/o Tomba Singh r/o yambem was apprehended from Nongoipokpi, he was responsible for publicity of PLA on their raising day. Four flags of PLA were also recovered from apprehendee.
In yet another incident, troops of 15 Assam Rifles, of 9 Sector under HQ IGAR(South) along with Thoubal Commandos launched operations at Tangjeng on 23 Sept 12 and apprehended one UG cadre. On seeing the troops the suspect started running but the troops chased and apprehended him. The apprehendee was identified as Altaf Khan @ Abo age 23 yrs , s/o Rafiuddin , r/o of Lilong Turel Ahanbin Dam, an active member of KCP (Noyon). He even disclosed that the Grenade attack which took place of 05 June 2012 at NRL Pump at Thoubal Haoka was carried out by him. One 9 mm Pistol,five Live rounds ,one Chinese Hand Grenade and two demand letters were recovered from the apprehendee who alongwith the recoveries was handed over to Thoubal police station.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/assam-rifles-net-four-ug-cadres/

IMPHAL, Sept 24: The 43rd Foundation Day of the National Service Scheme (NSS) organised jointly by the State NSS Cell, Government of Manipur, the NSS Cell of Manipur University and the NSS Unit of G.P. Women’s College observed here today at the G.P. Women’s College.
The function was graced by Professor H.N.K. Sarma, Vice-Chancellor, Manipur University and Professor H. Radhakanta, Senior Teacher of G.P. Women’s College as the chief guest and president respectively while M. Chandrakumar, State Liaison Officer-State NSS Cell, Government of Manipur and Dr. A. Rajmani, Former Programme Co-ordinator, NSS Cell, Manipur University were the guests of honour.
Speaking on the occasion, Professor H.N.K Sarma asserted that the state has more than 15950 NSS volunteers out of which 160 units with each unit constituting 100-200 volunteers were from the various higher secondary schools and colleges while two units are from the Manipur University.
He further stated that there are 66 colleges which have NSS units out of which 14 colleges are from the hills and 52 colleges from the valley. Sarma said the volunteers have a great opportunity to develop their own morality such as group discussion and various exchange programmes.
Professor H.N.K. Sarma also distributed certificates to 22 volunteers of Manipur University NSS Cell who had joined in the special camp conducted during 14-20 March, 2012 by NSS Unit-II.
Recalling the network of NSS Unit, Dr. A. Rajmani Singh observed that there are more than 300 universities in the country which have NSS units in which 33 universities provide various courses and extra curriculum related activities. There are 32 lakh NSS volunteers in India, he added.
Further, he also noted that NSS has three levels in the state-in the higher secondary level, college level and in the university level.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/43rd-nss-foundation-day/

Mail News Service
Imphal, Sep 24: A Surrender Drama will be organised soon the RPF / PLA today said. AR units are taking information about those former cadres who retired and those released from jail. They have been asked to attend a surrender drama and those who do not take part in it have been warned that they can either be killed or arrested whenever the AR personnel desire it was alleged in a statement issued by T. Leisemba, Secy. Publicity.
Some are given Rs 30000 each to carry out such activities. It reminded of deaths of Takhellambam Gobin , Oinam Halloba . It is known to all that such surrender acts means digging their own graves it was warned .

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/yet-another-surrender-drama-in-the-offing-rpf/

IMPHAL, Sept 24 MNS/NNN: A team of Imphal East commandos has arrested a KYKL cadre identified as Shagolshem Bikon @ Star (34) s/o S. Ibohanbi Singh of Loushangkhong Makha Leikai in Imphal East district from Loushangkhong Makha Leikai on September 23 at around 4.30 early morning.
On verification, the cadre stated that he had joined the party in the year 2007 through one Premjit of Seijang and was trained at Tanal (Burma) under army number 1069 holding the rank of S/S L/Corporal and is presently working under S/S Corporal Mahesh of KYKL organisation , said the press release of Superintendent of Police, Imphal East district.
In a separate incident, a combined team of Thoubal commandos and 15 Assam Rifles have arrested a cadre of KCP (Noyon) after conducting a search operation at Tanjeng area on September 23 at around 9.45 morning.
The apprehendee has been identified as Altaf Khan @ Abo (23) s/o Rafiuddin of Lilong Turel Ahanbi Dam.
Police recovered one 9mm pistol, five rounds of 9mm ammunition, one demand letter of KCP (Noyon) signed by one S/S Finance Secretary, Tomthil Meetei, one Aircel and Reliance Sim Card from the cadre.
On questioning, the cadre revealed that he was an active member of KCP (Noyon) and was involved in the blast at NRL Pump, Thoubal Haokha at around 7.45 pm on June 5 last, said the press release of the Superintencent of Police, Thoubal district.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/cdos-nab-kykl-cadre/

IMPHAL, Sept 23 NNN : In yet another seizure of drug consignment, a combined team of Narcotics Affairs of Border and Special Unit Intelligence (SIU) led by Inspector K. Ranjit along with 43rd Assam Rifles personnel seized a drug consignment of Ephidrine tablets which was found in 13 carton boxes at Kanglatongbi at around 9.30 this morning.
Kanglatongbi is situated around 17 kilometres north of Imphal.
According to reports, the drugs were found wrapped with cement bags in a Tata truck bearing registration number AS O1 DD 6622 which is owned by one Md. Tayab Ali of Dewlahland, Imphal and the driver has been identified as Md. Farooq Khan s/o Md. Kalamudin from Khabeisoi.
The drug consignment was brought from Guwahati while the cement got loaded from Burnihad, Meghalaya. The cement bags were to be carried to Northern Iron Link, Newbazar, Churchandpur in southern Manipur where as the drugs were supposed to be delivered to one Bipin of Khurai, Imphal, the reports stated.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/ephidrine-tablets-seized/

Elections for the 6 Laipham Khunou Zilla Parishad were marred with irregularities alleged Mohendro Singh, President of Election Committee of L Ibemhal , candidate of the 6 Laipham Khunou Zilla Parishad.
After repeated countings by officials and counting agents of the four candidates Lairenjam Ibemhal was declared elected by a margin of 88 votes from her nearest rival. The certificate was written, results updated in the internet however the elected candidate and her agents were overpowered and the RO and supporters of P Sunder declared P Sunder elected it was alleged.
The matter was informed to the state election commissioner and case will be registered at election tribunal it was added. Various forms of protests are held on a daily basis. No one is instigating the people of the area but people who firmly believes in democracy are coming out to protest the gross murder of democracy.
No documents were given to election agent of Ibemhal. When the candidate and her supporters are not involved in the movement why should they take any responsibility of the incidents it was asked. Some individuals can not represent Lairikyengbam or Laipham Khunou ZP. It is unfortunate that people who aspire to become a ZP representative is resorting to divisive talks and politics it was added. People’s voice can not be subdued it was added.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/6-laipham-khunou-zp-elections-heralded-murder-of-democracy/

Security Forces under the aegis of Red Shield Division celebrated the 61st death and 116th birth anniversary of Hijam Irabot with local people on 23 Sep 2012 at Ningthoukhong. A large number of people attended the event. Col Kaushik Mukherjee, Commanding Officer of 6/8 Gorkha Rifles extended his wishes on this auspicious occasion, where the 11th local level march past competition was held in which a total of sixteen contingents from various schools participated. The Security Forces have been a part of many such goodwill gestures encompassing the entire spectrum of Manipur society.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/army-celebrates-anniversary-of-hijam-irabot/

The URF today said the UBI Jiribam can start functioning. AK. PIBAREL, Secretary, Information & Publicity, URF said women folk urged URF to remove the ban for the second time and the appeal was welcomed.
The bank should also be asked by the civil societies not to work against URF it was stated.
It was further stated that on Sep 21 , Imphal East Police three persons were held near Purana Rajbari Kusum Oil Service . They were not members of URF but family members of URF cadres.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/ubi-jiribam-can-start-functioning-urf/

AIZAWL, Sept 23: Mizoram helicopter service has become very popular but the service is running at a loss commercially.
Pawan Hans is giving the chopper service here since August 14. The availability of tickets in the sectors of Kolasib and Hnahthial has become a problem as the chopper is increasingly popular in these far-flung areas of Mizoram.
The Pawan Hans operated Mizoram helicopter service runs smoothly since its launch. There has been just one cancellation of service.
Among the district headquarters, Mamit is the only one where there is no chopper service as there is no helipad in the district.
DoNER is funding for the construction of helipads in various parts of Mizoram. Thenzawl, Saitual, Champhai and Mamit will soon enjoy the chopper service from November as the constructions of helipads are underway.
As mentioned earlier, the helicopter service is available in nine different places of Mizoram from its main centre Aizawl.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/helicopter-service/

IMPHAL, Sep 23 UNA : Terming that the gimmick of the five student bodies to call the bandh without KSO’s knowledge is an instance of opposing to tribal solidarity, the student bodies Sunday announced that its district units will not support the 48-hour general strike called in hill districts of Manipur by five district-based student bodies.
Five district-based student bodies, Senapati District Student’s Association (SDSA), Churachandpur District Student’s Union (CDSU), Zeliangrong Student’s Union Manipur (ZSUM), Naga Student’s Union Chandel (NSUC) and Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS) has called a 48-hour hill bandh, effective from Sunday midnight.
They imposed the bandh alleging that the state government failed to address their demand for opening TET (Teachers’ Eligibility Test) exam centre in all district headquarters.
A statement signed jointly by presidents of five branches of KSO dispatched to the media today announced that Kuki based student bodies have decided not to support the 48 hours bandh while asserting that district KSO branches have unanimously endorse the agreement reached between the KSO general headquarters and state education minister on September 18.
In the meeting, state government had given assurance of opening TET exam centre in all district headquarters in future TET exam after a threadbare discussion on the matter.
Kuki students are utterly dismayed over the intention of the five hill district based student bodies to impose a 48-hour general strike over the issue of non-holding of TET examination in the district headquarters of the state as state education minister, M Okendro had given his assurance to open TET exam centres in all the district headquarters in all TET exams in future, the statement asserted.
KSO was not taken into confidence by the five student organizations calling the bandh. The KSO has always made it a point to consult all the tribal student organizations wherever tribal issues are concerned. This gimmick of the five student bodies to call the bandh without KSO’s knowledge is opposed to tribal solidarity, the KSO alleged.
The statement further asserted that KSO had consulted with ANSAM when it decided to take up the issue with the government regarding the issue before the TET exam conducted by the Board of Secondary Education, Manipur (BOSEM)
On September 14, they submitted a memorandum to education minister M Okendro stating its demands. Subsequently, a meeting was held on the September 18, and all concerns pertaining to this issue had been discussed along with MLAs from the Hill Districts. As a result, an agreement was signed and the details of the agreement had also been made known to the public via printed and electronic media, it added.
The Kuki students were taken aback by the intention of some hill district student bodies to call a general strike on the same matter, and intending to pass it off as a tribal issue. Manipur is home to three major groups of communities – Meiteis, Nagas & Kukis and where had the other hill based student bodies gone when the KSO first raised the issue, the statement asked.
The Kuki students fail to understand the logic behind the proposed general strike, and cannot help but conclude that it is the handiwork of some vested interests. The Kuki – is a generic terminology which stands for all the Chin Kuki Mizo tribes in Manipur.
The KSO will always work for the over-all interest of the cognate/kindred tribes of the Kukis, the statement asserted, reiterating that there was something amiss in the proposed general strike, and will not be a party to it, and no general strike with regard to TET issue will be allowed to be enforced in the Kuki inhabitant areas of the state.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/kuki-students-declare-opposition-to-48-hr-hill-bandh/

Imphal, Sept 22 (MNS/NNN):Five tribal students’ organisations in Manipur have on Saturday announced for a total 48-hour bandh in the five hill districts of Tamenglong, Churachandpur, Senapati, Chandel and Ukhrul that will begin from midnight of September 23 to show strong reaction against the apathetic attitude of the state Government towards setting up of Teacher’s Eligibility Test (TET) form distribution centres as well as exam centres in all the hill district headquarters.
The Joint Committee of Hill District Students’ Organisation (JCHDSO) of the Zeliangrong Students’ Union, Manipur (ZSUM), Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA), Churachandpur District Students’ Union (CDSU), Naga Students’ Union of Chandel (NSUC) and Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS) are showing nervously tense and angry against the state Government which is yet to meet the demand raised by them pertaining to the TET.
They said they will never in the future accept further assurances from the Government saying the issurance given by the state Education Minister to the five student bodies earlier regarding opening of TET form distribution centres and exam centres in the hill district headquarters has turned out be as “nothingness” because the minister has not yet taken up any step to implement the demand. They also said the Government lacks seriousness, particularly over tribal issues.
The Joint Committee addressed a press conference at the ZSU Manipur branch office, Namdullong near Khuman Lampak here. JCHDSO convenor Disuang Stephen said the state Government has not taken the TET issue seriously and announced that from now onwards, the hill student bodies will never accept further assurances from the Government except fulfilling of demands with immediacy.
The Government is not responding to the demand despite the assurance given to the student bodies in the earlier occasion and also the ultimatum served by the committee over the demand, the tribal student leader lamented.
He said the proposed 48-hour strike may be followed up by a serious of agitations in case the Government fails to initiate the right course of action so as to end the standoff.
TKS education secretary Ashung, who was also speaking at the press conference, warned any untoward incidents that may take place during the course of the shutdown in the five hill districts have to own up only by the state Government calling the demand a “serious matter” for the simple reason that they are demanding their rights.
“We are pushing for our rights to the Government. It is nothing if only the state Government works it out,” Ashung asserted.
During the proposed bandh, barring the media, there will be no any relaxation to any kind of activity, CHDSO informed.
It is worthwhile to note that the Kuki Students Organisation-General Headquarters (KSO-GHqs) had called off its proposed 48-hour Manipur bandh on September 18 following the assurance from the state government to avail the forms of Teacher’s Eligibility Test (TET) in the hill districts within two days’ time.
The state government representatives in a meeting with the student leaders on September 18 had assured the latter that the TET forms would be made available in the hill districts from September 20 onwards.
According tp Peter Mate, the examiniation of TET would also be held in the hill districts from next year onwards. “The state government has assured us this in written,” disclosed the KSO chief.
Education minister M Oken, Principal Secretary in charge of Education Suresh Babu and tribal MLAs including Preshow Shimray, Z Kikhonbou Newmai, Alexander Pao, Victor Nunglung, G Varte and Memcha Kipgen and KSO leaders had participated in the September 18 meeting.
The KSO’s 48-hour Manipur bandh was to begin from 5am of last Wednesday in protest against the non-issuing of TET forms in the hill districts.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/two-day-bandh-called-on-tet-from-sep-23-midnight/

Imphal, Sept 22 (MNS/NNN): Electorate of Mongshangei Gram Panchayat Ward No. 10/3/1 today demonstrated at Keisham Leikai, Keishampat in Imphal West today in the continuing public protests against widespread cheating in the counting of votes for the recent Panchayat Polls held in four valley districts of Manipur.
The protesters said that in serious violation of the report officially given by the concerned Presiding officer in respect of Monshangei Gram Panchayat a Pradhan candidate has been elected after illegally adding four more votes while counting. In the event, they are demanding repoll in the polling station 10/3/1.
Earlier, the protesters sat on a dharna at Keisham Leikai and from there they went straight to the official residence of the state chief Minister and submitted a memorandum to him there.
In the memorandum, the Chief Minister has been informed that the Returning Officer, Wangoi has committed malpractice during the voting strongly condemned by public and that the concerned authority is not heeding to the demand of repoll.
It also urged the Chief Minister to initiate necessary steps and direct the election authority to conduct repoll in the particular ward within September 24.
They said, if the demand of repoll is not met, they will launch further agitation over the controversial poll result.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/repoll-demanded-at-mongshangei/