Day: August 8, 2013

Imphal Aug 8 UNA : Reiterating the stand against construction of Tipaimukh dam over the Barak river in Manipur, a one-day convention held here on Thursday urged National Hydro-Electric Power Corporation (NHPC) to shut its office and go back from Manipur immediately.
The convention, while hailing the rejection of forest clearance for the proposed 1500MW Tipaimukh multi-purpose project by the Forest Advisory Committee (FAC), insist that FAC should desist from granting the forest diversion proposal for the Mizoram part of the Tipaimukh project, observing that this would amount to clear cut violation of the rights of indigenous peoples in Mizoram.
Other resolution adopted by the convention stated that the government of India should fully implement the recommendations of the World Commission on Dams, the UN declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples, 2007, ILO convention No. 169 and the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination (UN CERD) on Tipaimukh Dam in 2007 and again in 2011. 2).
The Centre should revoke the earlier “Environment Clearance” on the mega project granted on 24 October 2008 as the Forest Advisory Committee of the MoEF, government of India has rejected the forest clearance for Tipaimukh Dam based on its colossal environment and social impacts.
Bangladesh should refrain from compromising on Tipaimukh Dam over Barak river for more water, power and other stakes.
The proceedings of the Indo Bangladesh Sub Group on proposed 1500 MW Tipaimukh dam project should be made open and transparent.
Both India and Bangladesh should respect the rights of Indigenous Peoples along the Barak River and especially the indigenous peoples of Manipur to be fully involved in all decision making on proposed Tipaimukh Dam, as also outlined in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Bangladesh should ensure that all decision on Trans-boundary Waters, such as Barak River and Testa River should be carried out with due participation of all indigenous peoples and other communities depending on such rivers.
A holistic impact assessment of the proposed Tipaimukh Dam should be conducted with due participation of all affected communities and their experts both in upstream and downstream of the Barak river, were other resolutions passed by the convention.
The convention on the proposed Tipaimukh Multipurpose Project was held Manipur Press Club today under the aegis of the United NGO Mission Manipur. It was attended by representatives of the civil society organizations, women bodies and other anti dam activists.
Social scientist Dr Dhanabir Laishram who spoke on the topic “Hydro-politics and its Impact in Manipur” stressed at length on the importance of land and its resources to the people saying that land, water, lake, fauna and flora and its resources are associated with people’s legends.
“We cannot simply sacrifice the rich traditions as well as our legends”, he said. Dr Laishram also stressed on the influence of China and Bangladesh to the construction of mega dam project.
“There are many indigenous people in Bangladesh who do not want the mega dam construction at Tipaimukh as they foresee their destructions in the aftermath of the dam, he said.
Regarding Central government’s decision to go ahead with the construction of the Tipaimukh dam in Manipur inspite of strong opposition from all section of the people, Dr Laishram lamented “Colonial ruler always considers the land and resource as commodities.”
President of the Naga Women Union, Aram Panmei said that the land belong to the people and not to the government. The proposed Tipaimukh dam will bring a catastrophic end to the societal relations of the various indigenous tribal inhabiting in the region.
Convenor of Centre for Research and Education (CORE) Dr L Debabrata Roy and social worker M Sobita shared their opinions on the issues surrounding over the Tipaimukh Dam and future steps as well as impact on the dam on the women of the affected area. Chairman of the United NGO Mission Manipur Dr Tamthing Ruivanao expressed concern over the mass deforestation be taken place besides once the dam is constructed.
The Tipaimukh project would have involved felling more than 7.8 million trees and 27,000 bamboo columns in Manipur alone and diverting 22,777.50 hectares of forest land.
The per-megawatt requirement of forest land (16 hectares of forest land per megawatt) for the Tipaimukh project of 1500 MW installed capacity is one of the highest in the world and much higher than the average per mega-watt requirement of forest land for the existing hydel projects in the entire country, he observed.
Similar convention and public consultative held at various places in the state had adopted to stand against the construction of the propose Tipaimukh Multi-purpose Project after threadbare discussion on the environment and other impacts to be given by the dam to be constructed across Barak river in Manipur’s Churachandpur district.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/convention-on-tipaimukh-dam-demands-immediate-shutting-down-of-nhpc-office/

Imphal, Aug 8 NNN: The Mao Council has called 24 hours ‘Mao inhabited areas’ in protest against the killing of ‘Lieutenant Colonel’ Pfokrehe James, 55 years, hailed from NSCN-Khole-Kitovi group (formerly called Unification on August 6 in Senapati district headquarters by unidentified gunmen.
The Mao Council had given a one-day deadline to those people responsible to reveal their identities and also to give reasons for the act. As the deadline has expired, the Mao Council has announced to impose 24 hours ‘total bandh’ in all the ‘Mao inhabited areas’ from 4 am of August 9 (Friday), till 4 am of August 10.
Meanwhile, However, the apex civil body of Senapati district, the Naga People’s Organization (NPO) has decided to fully endorse the bandh. It has also decided to assist in investigation and the movement of the Mao Council to trace those responsible in the killing. Since this is the case, the total bandh will be affective in the whole district of Senapati. The total bandh will shut down all educational institutions, vehicular movement, business establishments, government offices and others, said stated NPO.
Meanwhile, joining voices against the killing of Lt.Col.Pfokrehe James, the Poumai Naga Women Union (PNWU) has strongly condemned the act and demanded from those responsible to clarify the matter to the public immediately.
Coming out in a similar tone as demanded by other Naga civil organizations like UNC, NWU, NPO, SDWA, SDSA, KSTC, Mao Council, the apex Poumai women’s body added that, violent ways of achieving one’s end will not succeed in the present society. When the Nagas are investing all efforts to achieve reconciliation at its highest level and everyone endorsing such hard earned initiative of the Forum for Naga Reconcilation (FNR), the recent killing has shaken the entire district.
The PNWU also expresses its deep condolence on the demise Pfokrehe James ‘who has contributed’ to the society through his service and social activities.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/mao-council-calls-bandh/

Mail News Service
Imphal, Aug 8 : The Vice President of India M. Hamid Ansari has greeted the citizens on the joyous occasion of Id-ul-Fitr, which marks the culmination of the holy month of Ramzan. In his message he has said that the festival celebrated with gaiety and piety all across the country reinforces the timeless message of universal brotherhood, love and compassion.
The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has greeted the people on the joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.
Governor of Manipur in a message said, “I extend my warmest greetings to our Muslim brethren and all the people of Manipur on the auspicious and joyous occasion of “Id-ul-Fitr”.
This Holy Festival preceded by a month long fasting, not only spreads the message of peace, brotherhood and universal love but also exhorts mankind to perform deeds of high value to enhance our souls. The message is most relevant in the present world, where there is turmoil in many parts of the globe.
Celebrating a festival like Id-ul-Fitr strengthens the feeling of oneness and ill-will is forgotten and forgiven. I would like to remind that we human beings inhabit only one planet and the whole world is a single family. We cannot leave the planet and survive elsewhere. On this auspicious occasion, as recipients of the love of God, let us all resolve to work together to preserve and disseminate the message of peace, friendship and love.
I join the people of Manipur in the celebration of the Holy Festival of Id-ul-Fitr.
CM said in a message, “I convey my warm greetings and good wishes to the people of Manipur, especially our Muslim brethren on the joyous occasion of Id-Ul-Fitr.Id-Ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramzan, the holy month of fasting. The Festival highlights the spirit of sacrifice and the joy of sharing and reflects the true spirit of our composite culture. May the festival spread peace, tolerance and harmony among all.
I once again greet the people of Manipur and wish everyone Id-Mubarak.
Major General Rajeev Chopra, IG AR (South) and all Ranks of Assam Rifles extend warm greetings and sincere goodwill to the people of Manipur on the auspicious occasion of IDU’L FITR. IG AR (South) also conveys his earnest message of peace, harmony and unity on this joyous occasion. We wish that the goodwill and harmony will bring us all together irrespective of caste, colour, creed and faith.
Living up to the spirit of Ramzan, 40 AR of HQ 9 Sect AR under the aegis of IGAR(S) conducted an Iftaar Party at Lilong COB. Iftaar is one of the religious observances of Ramzan and is often done as a community, with people gathering to break their fast together. Iftaar marks the end of fast by practicing Muslims who abstain from food, water and sensual pleasures from sunrise to sunset.
Approx 120 people attended the celebration in Lilong COB of 40 Assam Rifles where a sumptuous feast was organised. Commandant, 40 Assam Rifles, attended the function and exchanged good wishes with all present and reminded that feeding Iftaar as a form of charity is rewarding and such was practiced by the Prophet Muhammad. All prominent members of the civil society in Lilong were also present on the occasion.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/id-ul-fitr-to-be-celebrated-today/

Mail News Service
Imphal, Aug 8 : Claim of losing territory and 13 villages of Manipur, if the construction of fencing continues in the border areas has been written and published without checking full details on international practices and the ground level facts as they obtain along Indo-Bangladesh and Indo-Pak International Borders and the LoC said Addl. Director General (Media) & PIB, Imphal today .
This Ministry would like to set the record straight by detailing the relevant facts.
As far as the State of Manipur is concerned, the Boundary Pillars 66, 76, 78, 89 and 90 to 94 (9 Boundary Pillars) remain unsettled with Myanmar. Similarly, border pillars 79 and 81 cannot be settled as Pillar No.78 remains unsettled. This was brought to the notice of the Myanmar authorities in a meeting held in Myanmar on 19 & 20 June 2013 and they were requested for early joint survey for settlement of these boundary pillars. They are yet to revert back on this.
As far as fencing along the Indo-Bangladesh border is concerned, it has been made 150 yards away from the International Boundary, but at places where it was not possible to do so, the fencing has been done almost close to Zero Line with the consent of Bangladesh. A similar situation obtains along the International Border and LoC with Pakistan where the distance of the fence is sometimes much more than 150 mtrs. This results in farms and sometime an entire village lying across the fence. In all such cases gates are provided for the villagers to carry out their normal activities and the gates are opened at fixed hours in the morning and remain open till certain fixed hours in the evening. The International Boundary remains inviolate as the Boundary Pillars are not touched.
The International practice is that 10 mtrs across either side of the border is considered to be a ‘no construction zone’. In the case of the border with Myanmar, the policy of 10 mtrs of ‘no construction zone’ has been decided to be followed though contractors some time increase this distance for the convenience of construction. However, instructions have been issued that as far as possible the construction of fencing shall not be before the 10 mtr ‘no construction zone’.
It would be clear from above that without the settlement of the International Boundary along with Boundary Pillars referred to earlier, it is not possible to arrive at a definitive conclusion that a particular village or land is going to be lost. For the benefit of readers, it is further clarified that the on-going fencing work is restricted to only 10 Kms for the present and no further work will be undertaken unless all the Boundary Pillars are finally settled through joint inspection by the National Survey Authorities of the 2 countries as well as the Survey & Settlement Officers and Staff of the State.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/fencing-work-restricted-to-only-10-kms-clarifies-home-ministry/