Month: June 2014

IMPHAL, June 10: Five drivers of the State and a helper of Imphal-Guwahati night bus service were on Saturday, brutally assaulted by locals of Datchuchi, Assam inside the Guwahati Inter State Bus Terminus using iron rods, alleged the All Manipuri Night Super Bus Drivers Welfare Association.

The association called a press conference at the Manipur Press Club today.

Secretary L Irabot said three of the drivers reached Imphal yesterday, whereas the others including the handyman are still at Guwahati owing to a mechanical glitch in their vehicles.

The drivers are identified as Chingtham Biren, 50, son of Omor of Khongjom Patpal, Leichangbam Balbir, 42, son of Kumar of Kangchup Chingkhong, Ningombam Ratan, 25, son of Tomba of Kongjom Patpal, Thokchom Inao, 42, son of Nimai of Khongjom PatpaL and handymen Md Yaima, 32, of Minuthong Hatta.

On June 7, around 8pm, the drivers and the handyman were preparing to have their meal inside the ISBT campus, when three locals came and urinated just a few feet away from them, he said.

Speaking for the drivers, he said when one of the drivers asked them to get a little farther as they were about to have their dinner, they started arguing back.

And then the locals turned back soon, he continued.

However, after a gap of about 20 minutes, the locals accompanied by some 10 others came running shouting, “Kill the Manipuris,” in their language, he said.

The locals who were holding gear levers and iron rods, attack the drivers and the handyman, he continued.

However, the security personnel of the ISBT remained silent spectators, and never even tried to intervene while the drivers and their handyman were getting mercilessly attacked, L Irabot continued.

The assault stopped only after a gap of about 30 minutes, when the personnel from the nearby police outpost intervened, he asserted.

However, before going away, the locals warned that they will be done away if they interfere with anything that the local drivers do inside the ISBT complex, he continued. The drivers and the handyman were then taken to a nearby Primary Health Centre and treated.

They have lodged a complaint with the police station concerned to take action against the miscreants and to provide security to the Manipuri drivers inside the ISBT, he continued.

Such incident is not a one off, he said while appealing to both the Manipur and Assam governments to take collective effort to prevent such incident in the future inside the complex.

L Irabot also said that the association will be submitting a memorandum to the State Chief Minister and transport minister for necessary actions.

 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/06/drivers-allege-assualt-at-guwahati-seek-protection/

IMPHAL, June 10: The Educational Development and Health Promotion Council, EDAHPCO, Keirao Kendra has threatned to launch a 48-hour total bandh along the Imphal Moreh Road and Imphal Yairipok Road which passes through Keirao constituency from June 12 midnight.

General secretary of the council, Dhamendra Heirom said two bridges remain neglected by the government even though both had collapsed, resulting in much hardships for the people of the constituency.

The first bridge built across the Kiyamgei Pal Ahanbi had collapsed during June 2012, whereas the second bridge at Keirao Leitan Makhong built across the iril River had collapsed in February 2014, he said.

Some labourers were also injured when the bridge over Iril River had collapsed, he said.

Proper quality was not maintained during construction, resulting in the collapse, he told the media during a press conference at the Manipur Press Club.

Works minister Kh Ratankumar had already assured to take proper enquiry over the collapse of the two bridges and to award befitting punishment to all found responsible, he said.

The council have also submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister who has also assured steps in the matter, however, there has been no action from the State till date, he lamented.

Since, the State has continued to remain silent, the local residents have resolved to launch the 48 hour total bandh along the two roads, he said.

It may be mentioned that at least five labourers were injured when a 60-meter long, RCC Bridge under construction over the Iril River collapsed at Keirao Litan Makhong in Imphal East on February 5.

A 15-metre long deck slab construction over the bridge had suddenly caved in and plunged into the river. The bridge construction project was undertaken by the PWD at the cost of Rs 562.67 lakh under the Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources and the contract work of the bridge was undertaken by Md Liyakat Ali.

It may also be mentioned that three engineers of the department were expelled on February 9, five days after the collapse.

 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/06/48-hour-bandh-threatened-over-neglected-bridges/

IMPHAL, June 10: With no signs of intervention from the party’s chief whip, the contest over the top post of the Manipur Pradesh Trinamool Congress has only got uglier.

In a quick riposte to Andro MLA Th Shyamkumar’s announcement of his suspension along with that of two other MLAs from the party, Thangmeiband MLA Khumukcham Joykishan has today announced that the former has been terminated from the party for six years for anti-party activities.

Andro MLA, Th Shyamkumar announced yesterday that three party MLAs namely Thangmeiband MLA Khumukcham Joykishan, Thongju MLA Th Bishwajit and Wangoi MLA O Lukhoi have been suspended and the remaining three others have been served show-cause notices.

The party has only seven MLAs including the Andro MLA.

The decision for Shyamkumar’s termination was decided by the disciplinary committee of the party, said Khumukcham Joykishan.

He was addressing a press conference at the official quarter of Hiyanglam MLA Maibam Kunjo today.

The report for the Andro MLA’s termination will also be sent to the Assembly Speaker, he continued.

The decision for termination was arrived at after considering the MLA’s attitude against the party and taken after due consideration of the party’s rule and regulation, he said.

Now, the party has maximum numbers of party executive members including former president Kim Gangte, he said while nullifying the suspension of three MLAs including himself and the show cause notice served to three others.

The party doesn’t entertain the suspension and serving of show cause notice, he said.

Vice president, Th Bishwajit who is the Thongju MLA said even in the centre, the post of the party’s president is elected and not appointed or selected.

There are seven party MLAs in the State, and unfortunately, Shyamkumar is alone, he continued.

MLA K Sarat said the anti-party activity of MLA Shyamkumar is enough for his termination.

Even though Shyamkumar had announced serving show cause notice to three MLAs and suspending three MLAs including Joykishan, there is no such letter received by any of the MLAs and executive members of the Trinamool Congress, he said.

 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/06/joykishan-quashes-own-suspension-terminates-th-shyamkumar-from-party/

IMPHAL, June 10: The condition of 18 year old Nongyaimayum Rusdy Ahmed Shah who is presently lodged at the Sajiwa Central Jail is deteriorating, and need immediate medical attention, claimed the boy’s father Hamid Ali of Kwakta Keithel Ward No 8 today.

Rusdy was accidentally shot by the Manipur Police Commandos, while in their custody on April 22, 2014.

Nongyaimayum Rusdy Ahmed Shah is a Class XII student of the Moirang Multipurpose Higher Secondary School, before the police arrested him on April 22.

He was allegedly sent to judicial custody yesterday in connection under an FIR No. 105 (4) 2014 PRT PS u/s 353/511 IPC even before he could recover fully from his injury.

Despite the deteriorating condition, Rusdy has been deprived of medical treatment due to lack of proper facility with the jail authority, Hamid Ali told IFP today.

Moreover, he was denied admission at the JNIMS hospital by the hospital authority citing lack of facility, he said.

Hamid disclosed that his son’s spleen has been removed due to the bullet injury other than ending up with severely affected intestine.

According to police report, Rusdy was arrested from near the Public Hospital, Hatta around 7.30 pm on April 22 by a team of Imphal East police commandos led by sub-inspector henry Singh, he said.

The police report also said that he was taken to Porompat Police, however on the way, Rusdy tried to snatch the MP5 sub-machine gun from a constable resulting in a scuffle between the two, he asserted.

It claimed that during the scuffle, the gun accidentally went off, injuring the boy on his left chest, he said.

He claimed the bullet injured his son’s inner organs including spleen and intestine.

Contrary to the police side of the story, Hamid asserted, his son was arrested around 2.30 pm from near Public hospital and since the arrest his mobile phone has remained missing.

Hamid recalled Rusdy was sent to buy some household items in their family car an Alto (Red) bearing regd number MN 01 X 9338.

He said, the commando team rushed him to the Emergency and trauma Centre, JNIMS around 8.57 pm, but was suggested by the doctors to take him to Shija Hospital.

Subsequently, Rusdy was admitted at Shija around 9.44 pm, he said.

Further according to the father, the commando team has spent around Rs 2.50 lakh till May 7 for the boy’s treatment.

Elaborating further on the money spent by the cdo team, he said on April 22, the team deposited Rs 30000 at the hospital, followed by Rs 10000 on April 23, Rs 70000 on April 25, Rs 100000 on May 6 and another Rs 40700 on May 7.

Later, the police informed the family that Rusdy has been remanded to judicial custody despite his condition, he said before adding that the commandos have also stopped depositing money for the treatment after May 7.

And now, the family has an outstanding bill of Rs 1.40 lakh at the Shija Hospital.

It may be noted that in connection with the incident, one police constable identified as Elangbam Dhiraj was suspended from service.

Meanwhile, claiming Rusdy to be innocent the All Manipur Muslim Students’ Organisation has demanded the unconditional release besides compensating the victim with till today.

Failing to which it warn to launch an indefinite bandh in Bishnupur district from tomorrow in coalition with the JAC against lethal assault of Nongyaimayum Rusdy Ahmed Shah by Imphal East district police commandos.

 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/06/victim-of-accidental-police-firing-denied-medical-attention/

IMPHAL, June 10: Arambam Somorendra Trust and Social Student Club jointly organised the 14th Arambam Somorendra Memorial Martyrdom Anniversary at Khurai Nandeibam Leikai.

Well-wishers, family and friends paid floral tribute at the memorial site erected in memory of Somorendra.

As a part of the anniversary several events was organised as a tribute to Samarendra including performances by the Koi Musical group, who performed a song written by Samarendra “Chaikhre Ngasi”, short play of Pana Kangjei taken from Moirang Prava by child artist of Kangjabi Meitei Chanu Artist Drama Association etc. Altogether 50 student of the locality also participated in the poetry competition organised in connection with the anniversary.

A Malaysian delegate Professor Kamurulzaman Askandar, also took part in the observation.

Meanwhile, the Patriotic Writers Forum Manipur, Imphal also observed the death anniversary of Arambam Somorendra at the residence of Professor Jodha Chandra Sanasam, of Thangmeiband Khomdram Selungba Leikai.

Patriotic Writers Forum’s president Prof. Jodha Chandra Sanasam and former president Patriotic Writers Forum, Sagolsem Indrakumar Singh attended the function as presidium members.

Meanwhile addressing his key note address, Patriotic Writers Forum Manipur’s Editor OC Meiraba said that the demise of Arambam Somorendra is a great lost for the people as well as the literary movement of Manipur noting his outstanding contribution.

The president Patriotic Writer Forum, Prof. Jodha Chandra Sanasam, said that even as Samarendra’s time as a writer was short, the fact that he pioneered the youth movement for a better cause is not surprising.

As part of the Anniversary, the Pari Imom Kanba Lup also organised its 5th edition of State Level Painting Competition today at Lainingthou Puthiba Shanglen.

A district level open patriotic song competition was also organised today at Moirang Khunou Bazaar jointly organised by Meira Paibi Lup Moirang Khunou and United People’s Front, Bishnupur district.

 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/06/tributes-paid-on-arambam-somorendras-anniversary/

IMPHAL, June 10: The Ninth Arambam Somorendro Memorial Lecture was delivered by Professor Kamarulzaman Askandar on the theme ‘Nation and State Building, Self Determination and Conflict Resolution in Southeast Asia’ in the MDU Hall on Tuesday.

The Lecture was organised by Arambam Somorendro Trust.

Dr L Debabrata Roy, president of Elders Council Centre for Organization, Research and Education, Imphal presided over the lecture while Pradip Phanjoubam, Group Editor of the Imphal Free Press and Dr Immanuel Zarzosang Varte, Assitant professor, Tribal Studies, IGNTU, Regional Campus, Manipur and who is also an executive member of CORE, Manipur were the discussants of the Memorial Lecture.

Speaking at the function, Kamurulzaman Askandar said that it was his privilege and honour to be in Manipur, and to participate in the fourteenth death anniversary of the late Arambam Somorendro. He said that he is paying his respect by delivering the Memorial Lecture.

He further said that Arambam Somorendro should be admired for his conviction and determination to bring justice and dignity to the people of Manipur and North East India.

He added that people of Manipur and NE India should believe in his ideals and follow in his footsteps so that people can have a better tomorrow.

“The next generation of Manipur should honour his legacy by believing in his ideals and further continue the struggle that he had started”, Professor Askandar said.

Immanuel Zarzosang Varte said when it comes to national strength; people should set a common goal or common identity so that the issues and problems will subside.

The main cause of the conflict between communities is because every community wants to dominate the others, he stressed.

Further asserting that people do not try to bring solutions to conflicts but only manage the war, he said that it was high time that we should analyse ways to bring solution to the conflicts, think out of the box and must show willingness to compromise and understanding between the communities.

People should learn to confront the problems and must have thorough knowledge of the problems, Varte added.

Pradip Phanjoubam speaking as one of the discussants added that the lecture has thrown light on some of the crucial issues of Southeast Asia, which otherwise were not aware to the scholars of Manipur. Some of the conflicts in Southeast Asia which are assumed to be over with the decolonisation process have remained to be seen and studied. The issues that the Memorial Lecture has touched could have many parallels with the present situation in Manipur, Phanjoubam added.

The Memorial Lecture concluded with a cultural show in the evening with performance by Koi and other groups.

 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/06/admire-arambam-somorendro-for-his-determination-to-bring-justice/

ImphaL, June 10: The All Manipur Working Journalist Union (AMWJU) has mourned the death to staff reporter Thangjam Yaiphaba of Naharolgee Thoudang who died of a cardiac arrest on the wee hours of Tuesday. Members of AMJWU’s standing committee paid their last respects to the deceased at its premises on Tuesday.

Thirty seven-year-old Yaiphaba, son of late Shamu Mangang of Khurai Thangjam Leikai, who was staying at the quarter of T farm was immediately rushed to JNIMS Hospital after he suffered a cardiac arrest at around 10 pm on Monday but was declared death at around 1:00 am on Tuesday. Yaiphaba is survived by his son and daughter.

The dead body of Yaiphaba was brought to Manipur Press Club on Tuesday from the Hospital and members of AMJWU’s standing committee paid their last respects and offered him floral tributes. Prominent politicians N Biren and Kh Joykishan, Parliamentary Secretararies K Meghachandra and M Prithiviraj, Manipur Olympic Association president Bijoy Koijam, AMWJU president W Shyamjai and Yaiphaba’s colleagues from the field of journalism offered floral tributes to the deceased scribe.

Heingang MLA N Biren said that the conditions of journalists are getting worse due to over load of work which have affected their health. He suggested and appealed to the media fraternity to have routine health check-ups.

 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/06/amwju-mourns-sudden-demise-of-scribe/

IMPHAL, June 10: The United Naga Council has said in a press release that a 48 hour bandh will be observed from June 16 to June 18 at all Naga areas.

The United Naga Council has stated that the Government of Manipur has issued an office memorandum dated 6th January 2014 in its Gazette for establishment of “Village Development Committee” (VDC) in each village in the name of development instead of amending the Village Authority Act of 1956 and empowering their traditional institutions which has been the long standing demand of the tribal. The VDCs are to be chosen by the general body of the village but without the involvement nor endorsement of the village council/village authority, the ultimate traditional authority of the village instead of strengthening the village council/village authority, a parallel body with development function is to be put in place.

The village which is the primary polity of the tribal is being pushed into a conflict and division situation. This is a move to destroy the village republic system of the Nagas and the tribal, it said.

The 48-hour bandh will be observed in all Naga areas w.e.f the midnight of June 16 and till midnight of June 18.

However, medical services, fire-brigade, media, power and telecommunication departments will be exempted from the purview of the total bandh.

 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/06/naga-areas-bandh-from-june-16/

IMPHAL, JUNE 10: The Imphal West District commandos along with women police personnel arrested a cadre of KCP/MC (Lamyanba Khuman) along with his wife who were involved in extortion on Tuesday. Thirty three year old Khuraijam Tullachandra alias Tomal, son of Sagolband Meino Leirak was arrested from his residence. A mobile handset, a hand grenade and demand letters bearing the insignia of KCP (MC) were found in his possession. As a follow up action, his 25 year old wife, Khuraijam (O) Sushma Luitel Sharma was also arrested near the gate of his house. A mobile handset was seized from her possession. Investigations revealed that the couple were involved in extorting money from people. Investigations have also further revealed that Tullachandra collected the hand grenade from another KCP (MC) cadre from Singda three months ago as directed by his commander to use it at any opportune time. The Lamphel Police has registered a case against the couple as investigations are still on.

In another similar incident, a combined team of Imphal West District Commandos and 12 Bihar regiment arrested a KCP Noyon (Luwangcha) cadre, Elangbam Hemanta Singh alias Lakpa, 37, son of late Elangbam Ibopishak Singh of Uyumpok Mamang Leikai, Imphal east District near the gate of Imphal College on Monday. Investigations have revealed that he was involved in extortion in and around Kwakeithel. Two mobile handsets were found in his possession. The Singjamei Police has registered a case against him.

A Bishnupur District Police Commando Police team nabbed a cadre of RPF/PLA on 7 June after receiving reliable information during a search operation. The arrested cadre identified as Konthoujam Dinesh Singh alias Sanjit, 24, son of K Joychandra Singh of Arapti Lilong Mapal was nabbed from Ningthoukhong. A mobile handset with two SIM cards was found in his possession and investigations have revealed that he was involved in carrying IED explosives from Moreh to Imphal. Police have registered a case against him at the Bishnupur Police Station as investigations are on.

 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/06/security-personnel-nab-three-ugs/