Month: December 2011

Lok Ayukta Bill passed

Mail News Service Imphal, Dec 22: : The Manipur Legislative Assembly today passed the Lok Ayukta Bill 2011. Chief Minister, O Ibobi Singh moved the Manipur Lok Ayukta Bill 2011. Opposition leader, Radhabinod Koijam and opposition members O Joy, R K Anand, Dr Ibohalbi appealed to the House to consider full discussions on the matter […]

Mail News Service
Imphal, Dec 22: : The Manipur Legislative Assembly today passed the Lok Ayukta Bill 2011. Chief Minister, O Ibobi Singh moved the Manipur Lok Ayukta Bill 2011. Opposition leader, Radhabinod Koijam and opposition members O Joy, R K Anand, Dr Ibohalbi appealed to the House to consider full discussions on the matter however Chief Minister, O Ibobi Singh pressed for quick decision on the matter.
O Joy said the Lok Ayukta could not initiate investigation against the Chief Minister without approval of the Assembly . Two third majority is required and such pre-requisite will be hard to be fulfilled. Other Opposition members said the decision was welcome but it will be like a toothless tiger.
Chief Minister has to take the decision regarding probe against a minister. Inspite of the Opposition the matter was taken up and the House passed it. The last session of the ninth Legislative Assembly will have just three sittings and conclude today.
Regarding the issue of functioning of Naga People’s Front (NPF) in Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh said the Election Commission was discussing the matter. A branch of NPF was opened in Manipur and Manipur government informed the EC that as per constitution of the NPF the NPF shall be constituted by the state of Nagaland with 60 Assembly constituencies.
Ibobi said the opening of NPF in Manipur appears to be violation of the Constitution of the NPF.
Speaker, I Hemochandra presented special gifts to the Chief Minister , O Ibobi Singh, leader of the Opposition, Radhabinod Koijam. All members were presented a laptop by the Speaker.
Chief Minister O Ibobi moved the Manipur Lok Ayukta Bill 2011 to pass it in the House, saying since our State is within a democratic country the Centre has asked the government to choose either Lok Ayukta Bill or Lokpal Bill and “we have chosen the former to check corruption in the State”.
The Chief Minister also told the House that corruption being the most important issue now in the country; everybody wants to root it out from the top to the bottom from the society.
Opposition leader and MPP MLA O Joy gave the party’s nod to the bill but argued that the adequately qualified authority over the chief minister within the purview of the bill must be the Governor and not the Assembly House. He said the Governor takes oath while a chief minister takes its office.
However, MPP MLA R.K. Anand stressed that the competent authority over the chief minister and his council of ministers should only be Lok Ayukta itself.
State NCP chief Radhabinod Koijam also expressed his view regarding the competent authority which will have the absolute power to investigate against the chief minister on corruption charges saying the authority over the chief minister should not be the Assembly in any way, adding that it would be inappropriate.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/lok-ayukta-bill-passed/

Bill to grant ST status to six Manipur tribes approved

New Delhi , Dec 22 (ANI): Parliament today approved a bill to give Scheduled Tribes (ST) status to six communities of Manipur and substitute the name of one in the list of Arunachal Pradesh. The Rajya Sabha passed the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill 2011 to give Scheduled Tribe status to Inpui, Rongmei, Liangmai, […]

New Delhi , Dec 22 (ANI): Parliament today approved a bill to give Scheduled Tribes (ST) status to six communities of Manipur and substitute the name of one in the list of Arunachal Pradesh.
The Rajya Sabha passed the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill 2011 to give Scheduled Tribe status to Inpui, Rongmei, Liangmai, Zeme, Thangal and Mate communities of Manipur and substitute Galong with Galo.
The Lok Sabha had passed this bill on Monday.
Congress MP from Arunachal Pradesh (West) Takam Sanjoy had earlier welcomed the change of name from Galong to Galo and termed it to be a big victory for his state.
Sanjoy thanked UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Minister of Tribal Affairs V Kishore Chandra Deo and his predecessor Kantilal Bhuria for their support in passage of the Bill.
“The change of name is a big victory for Arunachal Pradesh and commitment made to the people has been fulfilled,” he said.
The Government of Arunachal Pradesh has been recommending for long that the name “Galo” be substituted in the list of Scheduled Tribes in the state since “Galong” is a distorted version of the original word “Galo”.
Kishore Chandra Deo had introduced the bill in the Parliament on December 7
Currently, 26 major communities exist in the list of Scheduled Tribes in Arunachal Pradesh, including “Galong”.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/bill-to-grant-st-status-to-six-manipur-tribes-approved/

Bill to grant ST status to six Manipur tribes approved

New Delhi , Dec 22 (ANI): Parliament today approved a bill to give Scheduled Tribes (ST) status to six communities of Manipur and substitute the name of one in the list of Arunachal Pradesh. The Rajya Sabha passed the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill 2011 to give Scheduled Tribe status to Inpui, Rongmei, Liangmai, […]

New Delhi , Dec 22 (ANI): Parliament today approved a bill to give Scheduled Tribes (ST) status to six communities of Manipur and substitute the name of one in the list of Arunachal Pradesh.
The Rajya Sabha passed the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill 2011 to give Scheduled Tribe status to Inpui, Rongmei, Liangmai, Zeme, Thangal and Mate communities of Manipur and substitute Galong with Galo.
The Lok Sabha had passed this bill on Monday.
Congress MP from Arunachal Pradesh (West) Takam Sanjoy had earlier welcomed the change of name from Galong to Galo and termed it to be a big victory for his state.
Sanjoy thanked UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Minister of Tribal Affairs V Kishore Chandra Deo and his predecessor Kantilal Bhuria for their support in passage of the Bill.
“The change of name is a big victory for Arunachal Pradesh and commitment made to the people has been fulfilled,” he said.
The Government of Arunachal Pradesh has been recommending for long that the name “Galo” be substituted in the list of Scheduled Tribes in the state since “Galong” is a distorted version of the original word “Galo”.
Kishore Chandra Deo had introduced the bill in the Parliament on December 7
Currently, 26 major communities exist in the list of Scheduled Tribes in Arunachal Pradesh, including “Galong”.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/bill-to-grant-st-status-to-six-manipur-tribes-approved/

Ten labourers killed in accident

Shillong, Dec 22: In a tragic incident, ten labourers of the coal rich mine fields of Nongjri-Nonghyllam-Rajaju area of West Khasi Hills in Meghalaya died in a freak vehicular mishap on Wednesday at Ranikor West Khasi Hills in the Meghalaya-Bangladesh border which is some 176 km away from Shillong. The incident took place at around […]

Shillong, Dec 22: In a tragic incident, ten labourers of the coal rich mine fields of Nongjri-Nonghyllam-Rajaju area of West Khasi Hills in Meghalaya died in a freak vehicular mishap on Wednesday at Ranikor West Khasi Hills in the Meghalaya-Bangladesh border which is some 176 km away from Shillong.
The incident took place at around 3.p.m yesterday when a truck loaded with coal laborers who were heading home for their Christmas vacation slipped the main road and run into the deep running water.
Five others are battling for their lives after the truck they were traveling fell into the Ranikor river in West Khasi Hills district on Wednesday. The DC said, “ Till this moment nothing can be established for the cause of the mishap”.
As per the latest report four of the dead were from Wahkaji, West Khasi Hills, four are from Pamlakrai, and each from Tyrsad and Dympep village of East Khasi Hills.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/ten-labourers-killed-in-accident/

Ten labourers killed in accident

Shillong, Dec 22: In a tragic incident, ten labourers of the coal rich mine fields of Nongjri-Nonghyllam-Rajaju area of West Khasi Hills in Meghalaya died in a freak vehicular mishap on Wednesday at Ranikor West Khasi Hills in the Meghalaya-Bangladesh border which is some 176 km away from Shillong. The incident took place at around […]

Shillong, Dec 22: In a tragic incident, ten labourers of the coal rich mine fields of Nongjri-Nonghyllam-Rajaju area of West Khasi Hills in Meghalaya died in a freak vehicular mishap on Wednesday at Ranikor West Khasi Hills in the Meghalaya-Bangladesh border which is some 176 km away from Shillong.
The incident took place at around 3.p.m yesterday when a truck loaded with coal laborers who were heading home for their Christmas vacation slipped the main road and run into the deep running water.
Five others are battling for their lives after the truck they were traveling fell into the Ranikor river in West Khasi Hills district on Wednesday. The DC said, “ Till this moment nothing can be established for the cause of the mishap”.
As per the latest report four of the dead were from Wahkaji, West Khasi Hills, four are from Pamlakrai, and each from Tyrsad and Dympep village of East Khasi Hills.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/ten-labourers-killed-in-accident/

Christmas is an important occasion for Christians worldwide: Governor

AIZAWL, Dec 22 NNN: Mizoram Governor Vakkom Purushothaman while greeting the people of Mizoram during the yuletide said, “Christmas is an important occasion for Christians worldwide because it was at Christmas that God sent His beloved Son, Jesus Christ, into the world. To Christians it represents a time of reconciliation, of peace, of hope and […]

AIZAWL, Dec 22 NNN: Mizoram Governor Vakkom Purushothaman while greeting the people of Mizoram during the yuletide said, “Christmas is an important occasion for Christians worldwide because it was at Christmas that God sent His beloved Son, Jesus Christ, into the world.
To Christians it represents a time of reconciliation, of peace, of hope and of happiness.
Preparations for the festivities are on in Mizoram as in other parts of the world and there is a general feeling of cheerfulness and goodwill.” He also said that this would be his first Christmas here in Mizoram and is looking forward to enjoy the spirit of merriment and festivity which is in the air.
While reveling in the festivities of Christmas, the Governor sent a message of “peace and goodwill” that was proclaimed by the angels at Christmas. He expressed confident that the celebrations in Mizoram will be in the true spirit of Christmas that is love, peace, goodwill and benevolence.
In his message, the Governor expressed deeply about the state, its beautiful landscape, moderate climate provide immense scope for developing tourism and tourist related industries. Promotion and publicity of the various festivals and dances could draw tourists not only from the mainland but from different parts of the world, he said.
While commenting on the Congress flagship project, New Land Use Policy (NLUP), the governor stated that for the coordinated development of rural areas is now in full swing. However the success of NLUP rest largely on the active participation of the beneficiaries and the line departments.
He also conveyed his appreciation of the active role being played by the Churches and the NGOs in supporting the Government’s efforts in various projects intended for the socioeconomic uplift of the society and in enlightening the citizens of the-State on health related issues.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/christmas-is-an-important-occasion-for-christians-worldwide-governor/

Christmas is an important occasion for Christians worldwide: Governor

AIZAWL, Dec 22 NNN: Mizoram Governor Vakkom Purushothaman while greeting the people of Mizoram during the yuletide said, “Christmas is an important occasion for Christians worldwide because it was at Christmas that God sent His beloved Son, Jesus Christ, into the world. To Christians it represents a time of reconciliation, of peace, of hope and […]

AIZAWL, Dec 22 NNN: Mizoram Governor Vakkom Purushothaman while greeting the people of Mizoram during the yuletide said, “Christmas is an important occasion for Christians worldwide because it was at Christmas that God sent His beloved Son, Jesus Christ, into the world.
To Christians it represents a time of reconciliation, of peace, of hope and of happiness.
Preparations for the festivities are on in Mizoram as in other parts of the world and there is a general feeling of cheerfulness and goodwill.” He also said that this would be his first Christmas here in Mizoram and is looking forward to enjoy the spirit of merriment and festivity which is in the air.
While reveling in the festivities of Christmas, the Governor sent a message of “peace and goodwill” that was proclaimed by the angels at Christmas. He expressed confident that the celebrations in Mizoram will be in the true spirit of Christmas that is love, peace, goodwill and benevolence.
In his message, the Governor expressed deeply about the state, its beautiful landscape, moderate climate provide immense scope for developing tourism and tourist related industries. Promotion and publicity of the various festivals and dances could draw tourists not only from the mainland but from different parts of the world, he said.
While commenting on the Congress flagship project, New Land Use Policy (NLUP), the governor stated that for the coordinated development of rural areas is now in full swing. However the success of NLUP rest largely on the active participation of the beneficiaries and the line departments.
He also conveyed his appreciation of the active role being played by the Churches and the NGOs in supporting the Government’s efforts in various projects intended for the socioeconomic uplift of the society and in enlightening the citizens of the-State on health related issues.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/christmas-is-an-important-occasion-for-christians-worldwide-governor/

CBI files chargesheet against an ex-minister of Jharkhand

Mail News Service New Delhi, Dec 22: The Central Bureau of Investigation today filed a charge sheet in the Court of Special Judge (CBI Cases), Ranchi against Ex- Minister of Jharkhand and 6 others for possessing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income. He was Minister for Health & Labour in the cabinet of […]

Mail News Service
New Delhi, Dec 22: The Central Bureau of Investigation today filed a charge sheet in the Court of Special Judge (CBI Cases), Ranchi against Ex- Minister of Jharkhand and 6 others for possessing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income. He was Minister for Health & Labour in the cabinet of the then Chief Minister who was also earlier chargesheeted in a CBI case. In the present Chargesheet, the then Minister of Health & Labour has been charged with acquiring disproportionate assets to the tune of Rs. 6.99/- crores (approx). The six others chargesheeted include his then OSD; his two nephews as well as two other relatives and one friend.
The case was registered by CBI in August, 2010 on transfer from the Jharkhand Vigilance as per the orders of Jharkhand High Court in WP (PIL) No. 4700/2008. Apart from the then Minister of Health & Labour, the then Chief Minister of Jharkhand and two other ex—ministers were also named accused in the FIR., which have allegations ranging from misuse of official position to possessing disproportionate assets.
The then Minister of Health & Labour is presently in judicial custody. The investigation of the case is continuing with reference to other allegations.
The public is reminded that the above findings are based on the investigation done by CBI and evidence collected by it. Under the Indian Law, the accused are presumed to be innocent till their guilt is finally established after a fair trial.Charges were filed against Bhanu Pratap Shahi, Ex Minister of Health & Labour, U.S. Malviya, Ex OSD of Sh. Bhanu Pratap Singh, Prashant Kumar, nephew of Sh. U.S. Malviya and three relatives and one friend . Madhu Koda the then Chief Minister of Jharkhand and two ex-ministers Kamlesh Singh & Bandhu Tirkey named in FIR.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/cbi-files-chargesheet-against-an-ex-minister-of-jharkhand/

CBI files chargesheet against an ex-minister of Jharkhand

Mail News Service New Delhi, Dec 22: The Central Bureau of Investigation today filed a charge sheet in the Court of Special Judge (CBI Cases), Ranchi against Ex- Minister of Jharkhand and 6 others for possessing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income. He was Minister for Health & Labour in the cabinet of […]

Mail News Service
New Delhi, Dec 22: The Central Bureau of Investigation today filed a charge sheet in the Court of Special Judge (CBI Cases), Ranchi against Ex- Minister of Jharkhand and 6 others for possessing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income. He was Minister for Health & Labour in the cabinet of the then Chief Minister who was also earlier chargesheeted in a CBI case. In the present Chargesheet, the then Minister of Health & Labour has been charged with acquiring disproportionate assets to the tune of Rs. 6.99/- crores (approx). The six others chargesheeted include his then OSD; his two nephews as well as two other relatives and one friend.
The case was registered by CBI in August, 2010 on transfer from the Jharkhand Vigilance as per the orders of Jharkhand High Court in WP (PIL) No. 4700/2008. Apart from the then Minister of Health & Labour, the then Chief Minister of Jharkhand and two other ex—ministers were also named accused in the FIR., which have allegations ranging from misuse of official position to possessing disproportionate assets.
The then Minister of Health & Labour is presently in judicial custody. The investigation of the case is continuing with reference to other allegations.
The public is reminded that the above findings are based on the investigation done by CBI and evidence collected by it. Under the Indian Law, the accused are presumed to be innocent till their guilt is finally established after a fair trial.Charges were filed against Bhanu Pratap Shahi, Ex Minister of Health & Labour, U.S. Malviya, Ex OSD of Sh. Bhanu Pratap Singh, Prashant Kumar, nephew of Sh. U.S. Malviya and three relatives and one friend . Madhu Koda the then Chief Minister of Jharkhand and two ex-ministers Kamlesh Singh & Bandhu Tirkey named in FIR.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/cbi-files-chargesheet-against-an-ex-minister-of-jharkhand/

Arrested

IMPHAL, Dec 22: A combined team of the 28 Assam Rifles and Imphal west CDO… more »

IMPHAL, Dec 22: A combined team of the 28 Assam Rifles and Imphal west CDO have arrested an active member of the underground group PREPAK(PRO) from Singjamei market on December 20 afternoon around 1.20pm.

A release of the Imphal west police said the arrested UG have been identified as Ningombam Iman Singh alias Udhoi, 42 s/o Kunjashyam of Singjamei Kshetri Leikai with the Army No. 40120 of 40th batch of PREPAK(PRO).

The release also said another team of the CDO Imphal west also arrested another member of PREPAK(PRO) following a credible information given by the 18th Sikh from Mongsangei school leirak on December 20 evening around 6.10pm.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/arrested/

Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill 2011 Introduced

Mail News Service New Delhi, Dec 22: Government today introduced in Lok Sabha the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill, aimed at setting up the body of Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas at the level of the States. Government also introduced a Bill for amending the Constitution for conferment of Constitutional status on both bodies. Government […]

Mail News Service
New Delhi, Dec 22: Government today introduced in Lok Sabha the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill, aimed at setting up the body of Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas at the level of the States. Government also introduced a Bill for amending the Constitution for conferment of Constitutional status on both bodies. Government also withdrew earlier Lokpal Bill, 2011 as it decided to introduce a new comprehensive
Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill, 2011 Bill after consideration of the suggestions made by the Parliamentary Committee which recommended significant changes in the scope and content of the earlier Bill.
The salient features of the proposed new Bills are as under:-
Focus on improving accountability
Ø Establishment of new institution in the Constitution called Lokpal for the Union and Lokayukta for the States. These autonomous
and independent bodies, shall have powers of superintendence and direction for holding a preliminary inquiry, causing an investigation to be made and prosecution of offences in respect of complaints under any law for the prevention of corruption.
Ø The Bill provides a uniform vigilance and anti corruption road map for the nation, both at Centre and States.
Ø The Bill institutionalizes separation of investigation from prosecution and thereby removing conflict of interest as well as increasing the scope for professionalism and specialisation.
Structure of the Institution:
Ø Lokpal will consist of a Chairperson and a maximum of eight Members of which fifty percent shall be judicial Members.
Ø Fifty per cent of members of Lokpal shall be from amongst SC, ST, OBCs, Minorities and Women.
Ø There shall be an Inquiry Wing of the Lokpal for conducting the preliminary inquiry and an independent Prosecution Wing.
Ø Officers of the Lokpal to include the Secretary, Director of Prosecution, Director of Inquiry and other officers.
Process of selection:
Ø The selection of Chairperson and Members of Lokpal shall be through a Selection Committee consisting of –
§ Prime Minister;
§ Speaker of Lok Sabha;
§ Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha;
§ Chief Justice of India or a sitting Supreme Court Judge nominated by CJI;
§ Eminent jurist to be nominated by the President of India Ø A Search Committee to assist Selection Committee in the process of selection. Fifty per cent of members of Search Committee shall
be from amongst SC, ST, OBCs, Minorities and Women.
Jurisdiction:
Ø Prime Minister to be brought under the purview of the Lokpal with subject matter exclusions and specific process for handling complaints against the Prime Minister. Lokpal can not hold any inquiry against the Prime Minister if allegations relate to:
§ International relations;
§ External and internal security of the country;
§ Public Order;
§ Atomic energy§ Space.
Any decision of Lokpal to initiate preliminary inquiry or investigation against the Prime Minister shall be taken only by the Full Bench with a majority of 3/4th. Such proceedings shall be held in camera.
Ø Lokpal’s jurisdiction to include all categories of public servants including Group ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’ & ‘D’ officers and employees of Government. On complaints referred to CVC by Lokpal, CVC will send its report of PE in respect of Group ‘A’ and ‘B’ officers back to Lokpal for further decision.
With respect to Group ‘C’ and ‘D’ employees, CVC will proceed further in exercise of its own powers under
the CVC Act subject to reporting and review by Lokpal.
Ø All entities receiving donations from foreign source in the context of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) in excess of
Rs. 10 lakhs per year are brought under the jurisdiction of Lokpal.
Ø Lokpal will not be able to initiate inquiry suo moto.

Other significant features of the Bill

Ø No prior sanction shall be required for launching prosecution in cases enquired by Lokpal or initiated on the direction and with the
approval of Lokpal.
Ø A high powered Committee chaired by the Prime Minister with leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha and Chief Justice of India
as members, will recommend selection of the Director, CBI.

Ø Provisions for confiscation of property acquired by corrupt means, even while prosecution is pending.

Ø Lokpal to be final appellate authority on all decisions by public authorities relating to provision of public services and redressal of
grievances containing findings of corruption.

Ø Lokpal to have power of superintendence and direction over any investigation agency including CBI for cases referred to them.

Ø The Bill lays down clear time lines for :

§ Preliminary enquiry – three months extendable by three months.

§ Investigation – six months extendable by six months.

§ Trial – one year extendable by one year.

Ø The Bill proposes to enhance punishment under Prevention of Corruption Act :

(a) Maximum punishment from 7 years to 10 years

(b) Minimum punishment from 6 months to 2 years

Ø The Bill proposes to give legal backing to Asset Declaration by public servants.

Ø The Bill also seeks to make necessary consequential amendments in the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952, the Prevention of
Corruption Act, 1988, the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003, and the Delhi Special Police
Establishment Act, 1946.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/lokpal-and-lokayuktas-bill-2011-introduced/

Alzheimer programme

IMPHAL, Dec 22: The Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Society of India, Manipur chapter had organised… more »

IMPHAL, Dec 22: The Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Society of India, Manipur chapter had organised a one day programme on legal rights of people living with Alzheimer’s disease/dementia present situation in Manipur on December 17 at the premise of the Urban Health Centre, Singjamei Chingamathak, said a release.

During the programme, M Manojkumar, additional district judge, Manipur East spoke about the need to promote awareness on prevention of Alzheimer and related diseases and legal rights of the person suffering from the disease.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/alzheimer-programme/

Speeding truck knocks down man; driver surrenders to police

IMPHAL, Dec 22: A person succumbed to his injuries after he was knocked down by… more »

IMPHAL, Dec 22: A person succumbed to his injuries after he was knocked down by a speeding truck this morning about 8.20am at Kakching Lamkhai, under Kakching police station in Thoubal district.

The deceased person has been identified as Khamunsei Khoibu, 62 of Khangsim village.

According to reports, the person was knocked down by a speeding truck at Kakching Lamkhai. The driver of the truck bearing registration No. MN 01- 4127 surrendered to Kakching police immediately after the accident. The dead body have been handed over to family and relatives after conducting post mortem at JNIMS, Imphal.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/speeding-truck-knocks-down-man-driver-surrenders-to-police/

Loktak area fishers

IMPHAL, Dec 22: All Loktak Lake Area Fishermen’s Union, Manipur, in a statement, has said… more »

IMPHAL, Dec 22: All Loktak Lake Area Fishermen’s Union, Manipur, in a statement, has said at least 5000 dwellers of Loktak lake are currently taking shelter at Thanga Haorang Chingyang Community hall following torching of 1200 floating huts of Loktak lake by government authority.

The fishermen’s union also said at least eight persons who were injured during police action while participating in a rally on December 19 are currently undergoing treatment at various hospitals.

While alleging that OC Moirang Police intentionally beat up a women rallyist on December 19, the fishermen’s union demanded either transfer or dismissal of Moirang police OC namely Dhananjoy.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/loktak-area-fishers/

Arrested

IMPHAL, Dec 22: A combined team of the 28 Assam Rifles and Imphal west CDO… more »

IMPHAL, Dec 22: A combined team of the 28 Assam Rifles and Imphal west CDO have arrested an active member of the underground group PREPAK(PRO) from Singjamei market on December 20 afternoon around 1.20pm.

A release of the Imphal west police said the arrested UG have been identified as Ningombam Iman Singh alias Udhoi, 42 s/o Kunjashyam of Singjamei Kshetri Leikai with the Army No. 40120 of 40th batch of PREPAK(PRO).

The release also said another team of the CDO Imphal west also arrested another member of PREPAK(PRO) following a credible information given by the 18th Sikh from Mongsangei school leirak on December 20 evening around 6.10pm.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/arrested/

Merger to political parties

IMPHAL, Dec 22: At least 32 leaders of the Federal Party and other parties of… more »

IMPHAL, Dec 22: At least 32 leaders of the Federal Party and other parties of Nungba assembly constituency who had supported Prof. Gangumei Kamei, independent candidate in the 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly election 2007 have merged into the Indian National Congress along with 5000 members en-masse in a meeting held on December 19 at Hotel Classic, Imphal said a release.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/merger-to-political-parties/

AR clarifies

IMPHAL, Dec 22: A PRO statement has claimed that the new report “UNLF claims ambush… more »

IMPHAL, Dec 22: A PRO statement has claimed that the new report “UNLF claims ambush on AR” as false and completely baseless.

It has further stated that the UNLF has resorted to launching false propaganda.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/ar-clarifies/

UNLF condoles

IMPHAL, Dec 22: The Central Committee, UNLF has expressed it’s deep sorrow at the sudden… more »

IMPHAL, Dec 22: The Central Committee, UNLF has expressed it’s deep sorrow at the sudden demise of Bhimkanta Buragohain popularly known as “Mama’, a political visionary and founder member of United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), stated a press release of the outfit.

It has further stated that all through-out his 83 years of fruitful life, `Mama` Buragohain devoted and worked tirelessly towards the emancipation of the Assamese people from Indian Colonial yoke.

From incarceration in different Indian jails after his arrest by join forces of Royal Bhutan Army and Indian Occupation Forces, he was released recently. He believed that the aspiration and destiny of Assamese people lies only in its` sovereignty and independence. His sudden demise will leave a void in the struggle not only for Asom but for the entire region as well, the release added.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/unlf-condoles/

Need of the Hour

Of all the proposal made by the state government in recent times, the one two… more »

Of all the proposal made by the state government in recent times, the one two days ago in the current state Assembly session to legislate a new law to not only ban bandh and blockades but to introduce deterrents including imprisonment of frontrunners of these disruptive agitations up to three months, is welcome. Nobody in Manipur today would disagree that the need of the hour is for such a legislation, having had to live with the hardships and damages to the state’s as well as household economy caused by these protests, which are in many ways a victimisation of the ordinary men and women, holding them as hostages so as to pressurise the powers that be to bend to their wishes. Daily wage earners and small enterprises which do not have the capacity to absorb the squeeze in market liquidity have been the worst sufferers, and they more than anybody else would be the ones to rejoice this new government intent. Ironically, most of these bandh and blockades have been imposed on behalf of the section of the population which would almost always end up as the worst victims of these very agitations. It has been long overdue to call this spade a spade, but better late than never.

It is very well for workers or sections of the society to call a strike when they perceive they are being subjected to unwarranted injustice by their employers or the administration. This is also a fundamental right guaranteed even by the UN Charter of Human Rights. However, to strike and to impose bandh and blockades are two radically different things. While strikes imply voluntary and non-violent participation in a protest against perceived injustice, bandh and blockades are about coercion of neutral and uninvolved sections of the society into either joining the protest or else suffering its consequences. In Manipur, at least this would need no explanation. Here in essence, even so called boycotts are coercive, and leaves the ordinary men and women on the streets facing the now very well known challenge of former US President, George W. Bush, epitomising brutal coercion like none other: “you are either with us or against us.” Anybody who does not boycott the event the boycott callers want to be boycotted are labelled traitors and made liable to face consequences, and sometimes these are extremely violent ones as well. So in Manipur’s violent environment today, boycotts are actually diktats which inspire the fear of death and are meant to be obeyed unconditionally. There is nothing in these which suggest they are voluntary expressions of dissidence by the public. It is a surprise boycott callers are not aware of the fact that they surrender the credibility of their claims of public support using the response to these so called boycotts as alibi precise because they have ensured there is nothing voluntary or spontaneous about these boycotts. Even the call for a plebiscite to settle Manipur’s long standing issues with the Indian Union suffers from this same stigma.

Leaving aside bandh and boycotts called by underground organisations, for they are outside the purview of the law, the government must ensure the law it intends to make on the matter is enforced strictly on those within the law by the application of the rule of law. The law must not be allowed to be diluted because extra legal concessions are allowed. Equally, it must also not be allowed to become a draconian tool to victimise opponents of the government. This can be only by strict adherence to the procedures laid down by the law while it is being formulated. This entails a lot of thoughts and discussions must go into its making. There is one clause the law could look into. Bandh callers have today come to use the media as their propaganda vehicles. Even organisations with only a handful of supporters have been made paper tigers by the media by force multiplying their actual strength in publishing their bandh announcements without the application of editorial freedom to decide the veracity of the claims. Perhaps the new law could also include a clause to make the media organisations more discerning so as not to give unwarranted publicity to habitual bandh and boycott callers. While it must be acknowledged there are dangers involved in imposing such restrictive measures on the functioning of the media, it must also be equally acknowledged that a great section of the media often jump their briefs of public responsibility. This responsibility to the public, in the present context must also be about lending support to the effort to make the protest culture in the state more sensible and sane.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/need-of-the-hour/