Noted lyricist and writer Jayentakumar Sharma no more, WPT mourns

IMPHAL, April 9: Noted writer and lyricist of the state, Bachaspatimayum Jayentakumar Sharma of Brahmapur Nahabam Bachaspatimayum Leirak, Imphal West, has passed away this evening at Regional Institute of Medical

IMPHAL, April 9: Noted writer and lyricist of the state, Bachaspatimayum Jayentakumar Sharma of Brahmapur Nahabam Bachaspatimayum Leirak, Imphal West, has passed away this evening at Regional Institute of Medical Science (RIMS) after a brief illness.

He was 81 and is survived by his wife, two sons and three daughters. After he was diagnosed with a heart ailment, Jayentakumar was living with the support of a pace maker.

He was admitted to RIMS yesterday after his condition worsened and was shifted to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the institute.

Jayentakumar Sharma had authored 11 books based on drama, feature and songs. Some of the popular songs penned by him are `Ho Iril Turel`™, `Panthou Mangol Khenjonglang`™, `Ningsingli Meragi Thabaldo`™, `Khomlang Laman Singamloi Ema`™, `Sana Leibak Manipur`™, and `Khanguthakki Singarei`™.

He had served as the president of Manipur Sahitya Parishad and was conferred with Lifetime Achievement Award by Apunba Manipur Matam Ishei Kanglup (AMMIK). He was the working president of the organization.

He was also the advisor of the musical group `Sargam`™, Lalit Kala Sangam Imphal and All Manipur Music Association (AMMA) and had also served as a senior jury member of Film Forum Manipur.

Meanwhile, the Waba Publications Team has expressed deep sense of sorrow and brief at the sad demise of the legendry lyricist and writer B Jayentakumar Sharma, who inspired thousands including children with the power of his music, folktales and creativity.

In a statement, the organization said, “™Manipur has lost the leading exponent of its musical nationalism with the death of the legendary writer and lyricist. His contribution greatly enriched the glory of Manipuri music and children folk literatures of Manipur,`™`™

The void that has caused by the demise of him will not able to fill. The Waba Publications Team offers its sense of sympathy and solidarity to the grieving members of the bereaved family, friends and countless admirers of B. Jayentakumar Sharma, the statement said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/04/noted-lyricist-and-writer-jayentakumar-sharma-no-more-wpt-mourns/

Film makers honoured on day to celebrate birth of Manipuri cinema

IMPHAL, April 9: `Film is a medium to denounce social evils and propagate our social values,` Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam said, speaking as the chief guest at the 9th Mami

IMPHAL, April 9: `Film is a medium to denounce social evils and propagate our social values,` Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam said, speaking as the chief guest at the 9th Mami Numit Celebration cum 3rd Nong-in Music Video Festival at MFDC today. `Perhaps it is the fastest means for social transformation. Certain social messages underline the entertainment, definitely that`™s the crux we should absorb.` He added.

The function was jointly organized by the Film Forum Manipur and Manipur State Film Development Society.

He further said State Artists have sacrificed for our society and the Government would consider appropriate policy and budget for supporting this avenue.

K. Radhakumar Singh, IAS, Secretary Arts & Culture who graced the function as the guest of honour said that a film policy, a film institute and a film city are definitely a requisite to tap the digital explosion that we have experienced in the film industry. `We should focus on the quality aspect of our productions so that it can aim at worldwide market,` he said.

Padmashri Awardee Aribam Shyam Sharma was honoured with Jewel of Manipuri Cinema-2015 on the occasion.

Five Cine Activist were also felicitated namely Aphang Ahum, Producer and Director (Tangkhul); Dee Abonmei, Producer and Director (Liangmei); Moirangthem Nilamani Singh, Pioneer and Director; (Late) R.Leirenjao Kabui, Producer, Actor and Director (Kabui) and (Late) Lamgin Doungel, Producer and Director (Thadou).

Best Film Journalist Award 2015 was received by Narendra Ningombam.

April 9 is the launching anniversary of first Manipuri Feature Film `Matamgi Manipur` at Usha Hall in 1972. On the occasion, silent observation and floral tributes were paid to 37 departed souls including Lt. W. Lalitkumar.

Another silent observation was held later after receiving the sad news of B Jayentakumar Sharma`™s demise.

Nong-in Music Video Festival 2015 followed with the screening of 16 songs out of the 65 entries.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/04/film-makers-honoured-on-day-to-celebrate-birth-of-manipuri-cinema/

Passport and visa delays make teacher miss out on high profile exam

IMPHAL, April 9: In an embarrassing incident, a computer teacher of Slopeland Public School, Khongjom in Thoubal district, who was selected for participation in the worldwide Computer Based Entrance Examination,

IMPHAL, April 9: In an embarrassing incident, a computer teacher of Slopeland Public School, Khongjom in Thoubal district, who was selected for participation in the worldwide Computer Based Entrance Examination, 2015 organized by Joint Entrance Examination Union, CBSE New Delhi in Singapore from April 10 to 11 as an Internal Observer could not take part in it due to failure to get passport and visa in time.

Narrating the incident during a press meet at Slopeland Public School today, Nahakpam Babulin, principal of the school said that S Narendra, a PGT computer teacher of the school was chosen to take part in the high profile worldwide Computer Based Entrance Examination, 2015 as an Internal Observer which is a big achievement of the school.

He elaborated that Narendra received the confidential appointment order from CBSE New Delhi on March 13 confirming his participation.

On receiving the appointment order, the teacher tried his best to get passport and visa but could not get it despite putting earnest efforts. The failure to get passport and visa in time has led the teacher to miss out a lifetime opportunity.

`It is a big loss for the school too,` he lamented.

Expressing his desire for upgrading Imphal Passport Office to a full-fledged office so as to enable people get passport and visa in time, he said that there is no guarantee that the unfortunate incident experienced by Narendra would not happen to anyone in future.

He applauded three students of the school for getting selection to participate in the Asian Power Lifting Competition to be held in the first week of June in Hong Kong.

S Narendra himself and several other staff of the school were also present during the meet.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/04/passport-and-visa-delays-make-teacher-miss-out-on-high-profile-exam/

Rally held against the construction of Mapithel Dam

THOUBAL, April 9: A public rally was organised by villagers against the construction of Mapithel Dam at the source of Thoubal River by IFCD, Manipur Government today at Kakching Khunou

THOUBAL, April 9: A public rally was organised by villagers against the construction of Mapithel Dam at the source of Thoubal River by IFCD, Manipur Government today at Kakching Khunou Umathel.

The rally was held to ban the construction of the dam which will built without the consent of the villagers. Protestors held placards with slogans such as `Stop displacement of innocents`™, `Abide free prior and informed consent`™, `Respect Forest Conservation Act, 1980`™, `Review Mapithel Dam construction`™ etc., and demonstrated around the areas of Kakching Khunou Umathel.

After the rally, a public meeting was held at Umathel Awang Leikai community Hall and agreed to ban the construction of the dam at all cost. A memorandum containing the statements made by the villagers was submitted each to the Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh, Union Tribal Affairs Minister and Governor of Manipur, PK Paul and the Chief Minister.

The meeting was jointly organised by Centre for Youth Development Association, Umathel, Umathel Women Development Association, Community Development Organisation and Life to Life Foundation, Umathel and attended by representatives of Mapithel Dam Affected Villages Organisation and Centre for Research and Advocation.

Speaking at the public meeting, MDACTO member, Dominic has said that the dam constructed by the government for the development of the state is not for development but to fill the pockets of contractors. He also questioned whether affecting the villagers and causing them trouble be called development. After the construction of reservoir of the dam on January 15 with security force by blocking the river, fields of Chadong village which is located near the dam was flooded. If the dam is fully constructed the village will be submerged under water, along with neighbouring village, Lamlai village and other villages as well, said Dominic.

He further questioned if starvation and children who cannot get education can be called development.

With the arrival of monsoon season, the bridge laid above Chandong village river will be flooded and will cut off connection with other villages. The village will suffer greatly if their products cannot be sold due to the flood. Also the station of security at the dam has also caused panic among the children and has refused to go to school, he lamented.

Secretary of WAD, Sobita said that the government`™s plan for construction of dams in the name of development is an insult to the indigenous people. Workers hired in the construction of dams and Security force stationed at the dams will cause problems to women and children. The indigenous people should not be made to suffer in the name development, said the secretary.

Large dams should not be constructed at any cost. People suffering due to construction of large dams is one big example, she said.

Afterwards, various statements were taken. The statements are, to stop blocking of Thoubal River immediately and filling up of the reservoir of the dam, to ban construction of dam till all rehabilitation process acceptable to affected communities and their free, prior and informed consent is taken, to resume the Expert Review Committee set up in 2008 by Manipur Government, to halt all militarization process that support Mapithel dam construction immediately, to stop all forms of involuntary displacement if indigenous people affected by the dam as per UN Declaration on Indigenous Peoples`™ Right 2007 and recommendations World Commission on Dam, 2000 and to urge the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to desist from financing the Integrated Water Supply Scheme, to draw water from Mapithel for Imphal town.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/04/rally-held-against-the-construction-of-mapithel-dam/

Education minister assures government will ensure safe reopening of Catholic schools

IMPHAL, April 9: Education Minister Moirangthem Okendro on Thursday made a fervent appeal to all concerned not to commit any kind of act that could alter the academic atmosphere in

IMPHAL, April 9: Education Minister Moirangthem Okendro on Thursday made a fervent appeal to all concerned not to commit any kind of act that could alter the academic atmosphere in the educational institutes in the state. He instead called upon one and all to make education a `Disturbance Free Zone`™.

The Minister`™s appeal came in the backdrop of an armed outfit imposing an indefinite ban on Catholic schools based in the state.

Following request from the Catholic Educational Society, Manipur, parents of students reading in these schools had a special meeting regarding the unfortunate development at the office of the Education Minister at Secretariat North Block this evening around 4.

The meeting chaired by the Education Minister was attended by P Vaiphei, Link Commissioner of Education (S); Deputy Commissioner (DC) Imphal West; Superintendent of Police (SP) Imphal West; Md Abdussalam, Joint Secretary of Education (S); N Praveen Singh, Director of Education (S) and H Mathang Singh, Deputy Secretary of Education (S). Representatives of Catholic Educational Society and father/sister of the catholic schools were also present.

During the meeting, representatives of Catholic Educational Society were allowed to explain their sorry plight. There, they disclosed that the proscribed KCP (MC) demanded 15 percent reservation of the total seats in all the private schools, for poor students.

They admitted that the schools were shut down following direction given by the outfit through the media as their demand was not fulfilled.

Unhappy with the closure of the schools, Minister Okendro asked the representatives whether the Catholic schools should be closed whenever any individual or organization says so through the media.

The Minister said that the society should consult with the government on any matter and asked the representatives what kind of help the Catholic society wants from the government.

Assuring the society the government will extend all possible help whenever they face any problem, Okendro hailed the Catholic schools for their immense contribution towards education sector in the state.

Other government officials who were present at the meeting held a threadbare discussion with the representatives of the society.

The officials asked the representatives how they are being threatened by the armed outfit and why the schools have failed to serve an open clarification in this regard.

Responding to the query, the representatives said that the threat was served by the outfit to PRO of the society, van drivers and the media.

They also clarified that the schools were closed down considering dire consequences which students and van drivers could face following the threat served.

After much deliberation, a committee was formed with DC Imphal West and Director of Education (S) as its Chairman and Member Secretary respectively. SP Imphal West and Secretary of Board of Secondary Education Manipur (BSEM) have been also appointed as Members of the committee. First sitting of the committee will be held on April 10.

The committee will seek comments from certain individuals after which a report will be submitted to the government before April 10, they said.

Based on the report, the government assured it will take a firm decision to ensure safe resumption of classes in all the Catholic schools at the earliest, the society said.

The government has decided to frame an Admission Policy both for private and government schools to counter such threats from next year, the Minister told the society.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/04/education-minister-assures-government-will-ensure-safe-reopening-of-catholic-schools/

Forest Dept, social worker blamed for deforestation

IMPHAL, April 9: Taking strong exception to the rampant deforestation allegedly by Forest Department, Manipur Government in collusion with social worker Okram Henry at Lamlongei Villages Langol Reserved Forest Areas,

IMPHAL, April 9: Taking strong exception to the rampant deforestation allegedly by Forest Department, Manipur Government in collusion with social worker Okram Henry at Lamlongei Villages Langol Reserved Forest Areas, a case was registered with the National Green Tribunal on December 17, 2014, said Lamlongei Yaipha Thouda Nupi Marup Secretary Thangjam Ongbi Ratna Devi.

Addressing a press meet at Manipur Press Club today, Ratna said that on December 24, 2014 the government respondents were summoned by the court in connection with the hearing of the case while adding that the hearing was conducted in the presence of Justice Swalanter Kumar and other jury members.

She stated that the court had asked to stop deforestation, construction and digging sands from the Lamlongei Areas until the third hearing which was done on February 16, 2015 but unfortunately the construction and other activities were not ceased following which Lamlongei Yaipha Thouda Nupi Marup filed a complaint to the NGT again.

The NGT had directed to completely stop the construction and other activities at the areas on January 21 2015, she added.

Lamenting that Manipur is a lawless land where influential persons could rein sidelining needs of the people; she said that the NGT on April 6 last had instructed to conduct re-demarcation of the areas again on April 13.

She appealed to the government to take note of adverse affects before taking up any developmental projects in the larger interest of the people.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/04/forest-dept-social-worker-blamed-for-deforestation/

Laws and Outlaws

The brutal assault on a ZUF cadre at Noney some days ago by troops of the Assam Rifles posted there has once again brought to the fore the uneasy excuse

The brutal assault on a ZUF cadre at Noney some days ago by troops of the Assam Rifles posted there has once again brought to the fore the uneasy excuse of the State of the inevitability of resorting to extraordinary means to meet extraordinary circumstances. It has also once again exposed the dilemma of ordinary men and women in conflict situation who face affronts on their sense of liberty and dignity from either side of the conflict. On the one hand there are all the bans and intimidations faced by them from an ever multiplying number of non-State players in this increasingly absurd conflict theatre. Those on the ground, exposed to the dangers that either side can wreak not just on others, but on their own personal welfare too, know it for certain there are so many who swear silently between their teeth at these intimidations, and some even wishing in their desperation for these extraordinary measures of the State, in the hope they would bring back a semblance of order to end the indignity of their daily living, forced to cower before everybody. Their desperation have even led them to appeal not just to the State, which unfortunately has abdicated all its responsibilities of protecting its citizens, engrossed as its authorities are in Mammon worship, and thereby also surrendered all the faith its citizens should normally repose in it, but often to those they once believed were the alternate governments. But even these `alternate` governments seem out of resource to control the proliferation of `laws` under their very noses, and hence today, in the true description of a lawless land, the `law` has come to be in any hand that holds a gun. In this complex maze of conflict scenario, it is not just the State which is losing its legitimacy but also the known challengers of the State which are no longer able to fill the vacuum of governance legitimacy left void by the non-performing State. The general feeling is, nobody is in control anymore.

But amidst this confusing state of affairs, when people have begun to feel that some law, even if draconian, may be better than no law, cowboy troopers walk in and turn the table yet again. This is exactly what the AR troopers did at Noney. According to reports, the ZUF captive was stripped and paraded in public, where he was tortured inhumanly. The commander of the rampaging soldiers apparently even threw a challenge to the womenfolk to come forward and rescue their captive saying there are 2000 soldiers behind him. Official reports said the ZUF man was involved in two ambushes, one on the troops of the Gurkhas, and another on the Noney AR unit. Indications therefore are, the soldiers were out seeking revenge, and they were encouraged to do this by their commander. The fact often not taken cognizance of is, for disciplined professional soldiers, this is against the law, even by the standards of the draconian AFSPA. The AFSPA is draconian as it gives too much unaccountable power to the Army in dealing with civil unrests, but even it specifies that it is not within the power to the soldiers to establish guilt of captives much less award penalties. They are supposed to hand over their captives to the police at the shortest time possible so that the law can take its due course. We do hope these law breakers get to be penalised under the relevant sections of the law.
The madness of this conflict can be better understood by a look at a more distant conflict theatre, Iraq and Syria where the ISIS has been on a savage rampage, instilling terror and dread in the hearts of ordinary men and women of the land. The West saw for some time Iran backed Shiite militias which emerged to counter ISIS was the salvation, but these militias too are now indulging in ISIS style brutality on the population bases of the ISIS, evoking equally revulsion of what is left of the sane world. Back in Manipur, in these uncertain and brutalised times, we can only hope a comprehensive resolution to the conflict situation, acceptable to all in a spirit of give and take, comes to be soon in place so that dignity is restored to ordinary lives once again.

Leader Writer: Pradip Phanjoubam

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/04/laws-and-outlaws/

Hill contract teachers ban national projects to protest govt apathy

IMPHAL, April 9: The Joint Action Committee of All Manipur Hill Districts Contract Basis Teachers`™ Association (AMHDCBTA) has imposed ban on all the national projects undertaken in Manipur from April

IMPHAL, April 9: The Joint Action Committee of All Manipur Hill Districts Contract Basis Teachers`™ Association (AMHDCBTA) has imposed ban on all the national projects undertaken in Manipur from April 9 onward in protest against the government of Manipur for its failure to regularize the Hill Districts Contact Basis Teachers 2006 batch under the Directorate of Education (S).

JAC members along with media persons inspected the project office base camp 96+920 MN06-CW-2 at Sombrei.

Speaking at the sideline to the media persons, JAC member, Rounder Paul has said that a good numbers of contract basis teachers were appointed and engaged by the Directorate of Education (S) Hills under the MoU signed between the government of Manipur and the ATSUM in the year 2006 to cater the educational needs of hill schools.

He continued that the MoU clearly read that the service of the teachers appointed on contract basis will be utilised until the posts are filled up on Regular basis through normal recruitment. The service extension order of this contract basis teachers and payment of remuneration was made only up to 2008. However, no extension order had been made despite rendering their valuable service for the past many years, he said.

In November 2011, the physical verification accompanied with relevant documents was conducted by the Directorate of Education (S) for the service extension/regularisation and in due process 772 numbers of contract teachers were found to be genuine by the concerned Directorate and put up to the higher Authority but no concrete development has been taken up till date, he added.

Rounder Paul reiterated that the contract teachers have tirelessly rendered their sacrificial service towards the schools in which many hill schools are facing acute shortage of teachers. It is injustice on the part of the government to adopt the policy of use and throw towards the valuable service of the contract teachers, he added.

Rounder Paul also said that JAC-AMHDCBTA would initiate any form of agitation under democratic means, if the government fail to redress and bring amicable solution with 12 April for the end of justice.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/04/hill-contract-teachers-ban-national-projects-to-protest-govt-apathy/

The balancing act in Manipur – Livemint


Livemint

The balancing act in Manipur
Livemint
A peace deal will also require settling Naga rebel leaders and cadres in their traditional homelands in adjacent Manipur, and granting administrative autonomy to Nagas there—articulated as Alternative Arrangement by United Naga Council (UNC), the apex …

and more »


Livemint

The balancing act in Manipur
Livemint
A peace deal will also require settling Naga rebel leaders and cadres in their traditional homelands in adjacent Manipur, and granting administrative autonomy to Nagas there—articulated as Alternative Arrangement by United Naga Council (UNC), the apex …

and more »

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&ct2=us&usg=AFQjCNHLJb7_RZue0N5SgiYUV9CXbtbBAw&clid=c3a7d30bb8a4878e06b80cf16b898331&cid=52778799789221&ei=3fgmVYjTG5SI3AHUw4CgCA&url=http://www.livemint.com/Opinion/TiBS734fqIYiqhwZe0ybRK/The-balancing-act-in-Manipur.html

Mishap claims two youths

IMPHAL, April 8: In a fatal road accident, two youths lost their lives when a two-wheeler they were coming collided with a speeding truck at Tengdongyan under Sekmai Police Station

IMPHAL, April 8: In a fatal road accident, two youths lost their lives when a two-wheeler they were coming collided with a speeding truck at Tengdongyan under Sekmai Police Station in Imphal West today around 3 pm.

The two deceased have been identified as Aheibam Kodumba Singh, 15 son of A Rajbabu Singh of Khonghampat Mayai Leikai and Koijam Premchandra Singh, 16 son of K Rajen Singh of the same locality.

They were rushed to Catholic Medical Centre (CMC) Hospital at Koirengei for treatment. Later, the two were shifted to Shija Hospital after their condition deteriorated but succumbed to the injuries.

Police have registered a case in connection with the incident.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/04/mishap-claims-two-youths/

Gaikhangam inaugurates five police stations

IMPHAL, April 8: Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam who also holds the portfolio of Home on Wednesday inaugurated five police stations in Thoubal, Chandel and Imphal East district. The newly inaugurated

IMPHAL, April 8: Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam who also holds the portfolio of Home on Wednesday inaugurated five police stations in Thoubal, Chandel and Imphal East district.

The newly inaugurated police stations are at Pallel, Chandel District, Heirok, Thoubal District, Nongpok Sekmai, Thoubal District, Yairipok, Thoubal District and Andro, Imphal East District.

The inauguration function was attended by Minister Education M Okendro Singh; MLA Chandel DK Korungthang; MLA Kumbi Sanasam Bira Singh; MLA Kakching Y Surchandra Singh; State DGP Shahid Ahmed, DC Thoubal and other top police officials.

Interacting with media persons after the inauguration of the police station at Yairipok, Gaikhangam informed that the five police stations constructed with fund from Police Modernisation Scheme and 13th Finance Commission are strategically located.

He maintained that construction of ten more police stations in Imphal East, Bishnupur and Imphal West District has been already completed while adding that inauguration of the stations will be done before the regulation of code of conduct for the upcoming ADC election.

Asserting that occurrence of anti-social activities will be drastically reduced if there is enough police stations in different areas, the Dy CM admitted that law and order situation in the state has gradually improved in the last four-five years.

Nongpok Sekmai was once a place where people had to think twice before visiting the place but now the area is totally safe with absence of anti-social activities, he said.

Gaikhangam made a fervent appeal to the people to co-operate with the security forces to maintain peace and tranquillity in the state.

He also said that the Central Government has shown interest to the proposed plan to install X-Ray machines along the Asian Highway to monitor vehicles.

The Dy CM appealed to all concerned organizations to revoke the ban imposed on mission schools at the earliest considering future of the students.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/04/gaikhangam-inaugurates-five-police-stations/

Large scale energy and infrastructure development projects flop: NEDF

IMPHAL, April 8: The North East Dialogue Forum has said that large scale energy and infrastructure development projects in Manipur have failed to adhere to several International human rights and

IMPHAL, April 8: The North East Dialogue Forum has said that large scale energy and infrastructure development projects in Manipur have failed to adhere to several International human rights and development standards.

According to a release of the forum, several energy projects and allied infrastructure projects are tacitly supported directly and indirectly with the financing of the International Financial Institutions in Manipur.

The Asian Development Bank is directly involved in Energy sector in power sector reforms and in preparing to finance several road infrastructures that will facilitate the construction of such large scale energy and allied infrastructure projects. The Asian Development Bank has several safeguard policies, which provides limited protection and safeguard for indigenous communities, wherever its projects are financed. The implementation of the energy sector related projects led to violations of several safeguard policies of these financial institutions.

ADB`s policy principles and scope of environmental safeguards focus on the commitment to technical assessment and mitigation measure to an emphasis on developing and implementing a Comprehensive Environmental Management Plan (EMP). The key elements of EMPs are mitigation measure, monitoring programs. cost estimate. budget etc.

The construction of Mapithel dam has been continuing for the last 30 years. This has caused much destruction of more than 100 hectares of forest land and agricultural land mainly at the Upstream. The blocking of ThoubaI River for completion of Mapithel dam led to complete drying of the river in downstream portion, with severe water shortages. There has been absence of strategic plan for mitigation, monitoring, budget etc and no participatory and holistic environment impact assessment which is a clear violation of these ADB policies.

The Asian Development Bank policy on indigenous people included recognition of Indigenous Peoples` cultural identity and rights to their ancestral lands and resources, fair sharing of development benefits among affected Indigenous Peoples communities and the rest of society and meaningful and culturally appropriate consultation with Indigenous Peoples communities in planning and implementing projects that are likely to affect their lives. India has the International Commitment to strictly follow this safeguard policy, it said.

However, the construction of Mapithel Dam violated all these safeguard policy. There is no any mechanism for fair share of the benefit of the dam. Indigenous Peoples safeguards 20 conclude that the policy is relevant to ADS and its borrowers/clients like Govt. of India and Manipur. There is no effort to respect the right to free, prior and informed consent of indigenous peoples. The call for resumption of expert review committee by affected communities to fully assess the implications of Mapithel dam has not been responded favorably by Government of Manipur, it said.

ADB`™s policy on Involuntary Resettlement stated that ADS-financed projects need to avoid or mitigate any adverse impacts which has largely been a result of Implementation of resettlement plans and environmental management plans. ADS recommended to integrate Indigenous Peoples` issues in resettlement plans where risks to Indigenous Peoples are primarily related to resettlement or to environmental damage, develop a plan for implementing the safeguard policy on Indigenous Peoples. However, the dam is fraught with multiple violations concerning the rehabilitation and resettlement. The first agreement in 1993 was violated. It was agreed that payment or land compensation was to be made in two installments i.e. 1993-94 and 1994-95 but was started only in 1996. Interest to be paid for not fulfilling the agreed terms @12% is ignored and final payment to 94 land owners is not done till date, it said.

The objectives of ADS`s safeguards are to avoid adverse impacts of projects on the environment and affected people, minimize and/or compensate for adverse project impacts on the environment and affected people when avoidance is not possible and help borrowers/clients to strengthen their safeguard systems and develop the capacity to manage environmental and social risks. ADS`s SPS sets out the policy objectives, scope and triggers and principles for three key safeguard areas which are environmental safeguards, involuntary resettlement safeguards and Indigenous Peoples safeguards.

Given the multiple violations, ADS should not finance all energy and infrastructure projects which has failed to comply with its safeguard policy statement and other human rights standards, in particular the U Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, it said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/04/large-scale-energy-and-infrastructure-development-projects-flop-nedf/

JD(U) demands white paper on BJP promises in LS poll manifesto

IMPHAL, April 8: The Janata Dal United JD(U) has demanded a white paper on the promise made in the run up to the LS poll 2104 on three issues before

IMPHAL, April 8: The Janata Dal United JD(U) has demanded a white paper on the promise made in the run up to the LS poll 2104 on three issues before people of Manipur, said Moirangthem Tombi Singh President JD(U).

Addressing the media at the office of JD(U) Babupara, he further said that the three promises made by the BJP were boldly included in their election manifesto. These are settlement of the controversy over the Indo-Myanmar border, Inner Line Permit issue and Indo-Naga peace talk issue.

JD(U) demanded a white paper on this matter before the upcoming ADC election on May 30 to be placed before the people of Manipur.

He said that JD(U) welcomes the peace talk process but there will never be any compromise on the state`™s territorial boundary. He said if the promises prove false, Manipur will fight till end for its integrity.

He further lamented that though the BJP Manipur unit promised to people before the Lok Sabha Poll that if the BJP came power in the Centre, the iron lady Irom Chanu Sharmila`™s fast will end as the AFSPA 1958 would be repealed from the state.

The BJP government is due to complete one years now, however, instead of repealing the AFSPA it is preparing to reject the Jeevan Raddy Commission`™s recommendation on the AFSPA.

`Our state has no rule of law except AFSPA, the state government needs restructuring of the police system, it has to take seek cooperation from the people, various department or office of the state are today unable to open without security deployment. Because of all this, there is a huge lack of developmental work in the state in all departments,` he said.

He said the JD(U) assuming the role of the opposition in earnest is vital now. He added it is now time to insist the BJP government at the Centre and the Congress government in the state to place their progress report before the people.

Meanwhile, Len Gangte General secretary JD(U) said that JD(U) has strongly condemned the barbaric act of the 8th AR personnel at Noney, inhumanly torturing an alleged ZUF cadre violating all norms of International Humanitarian Law.

He further said that even if the cadre had conduct outlaw activities, AR authority cannot resort to taking the law into their own hands.

The inhuman act of stripping a person and parading him before the public has demonstrated the draconian nature of the AFSPA, he said.

Such barbaric act is an insult on the Zeliengrong women community. Hill districts peoples are being assaulted by the AR personnel at will and such act must be put a halt to immediately, he said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/04/jdu-demands-white-paper-on-bjp-promises-in-ls-poll-manifesto/

Farmers appeal for non-violence in settling farmland dispute

IMPHAL, April 8: In all 13 farmers from Samushang Yangbi Mamang Patta Taba appealed for non-violence in the aftermath of an altercation on the March 9 and the continuing mounting

IMPHAL, April 8: In all 13 farmers from Samushang Yangbi Mamang Patta Taba appealed for non-violence in the aftermath of an altercation on the March 9 and the continuing mounting tension in the area, during a press meeting held at the Press Club today.

`These patta lands were bought from the Oinam villagers in the 80s and 90s and we have been paying revenue tax till date.` Naorem Rabi one of the affected farmers explained.

He narrated that the forcible encroachment in their farms with JCB crane destroying their yields and digging a canal on the March 9 sparked off the trouble.

`Sub Divisional Magistrate Wangoi had directed SDC/Mayang Imphal to demarcate the boundaries via order dated 20/9/2014 but nothing has happen till date` he further alleged.

Recently Oinam Tangleirada Okshoi Grazing Gound Protection Committee with other groups like Oinam Meira Paibi Lup had contested the ownership claims of these 13 farmers on a total of 15 acres farmland, he said.

The disputed farmland is about 18 kms from Imphal under Wangoi Block, Imphal West, he added.

Oinam Ushoipat land dispute case is still pending in the Tribunal Court for eight months now he said. In this regard, the concern DC has also imposed 144 CrPC since April 2 to maintain peace in the area, he further said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/04/farmers-appeal-for-nonviolence-in-settling-farmland-dispute/

Quarter rooms at MU collapse

IMPHAL, April 8: In yet another instance of poor-quality maintenance in construction of buildings, ceilings of several rooms of residential quarters at the Western Block Type II, Manipur University where

IMPHAL, April 8: In yet another instance of poor-quality maintenance in construction of buildings, ceilings of several rooms of residential quarters at the Western Block Type II, Manipur University where non-teaching staffs of the university are staying collapsed on Wednesday.

On hearing the news, members of Manipur University Students`™ Union (MUSU) rushed to the area to enquire the incident. An engineer employed by the university, Sanasam Rajen also arrived at the site and assured the residents that the quarters will be repaired at the earliest.

Talking to this daily, one of the residents staying in the quarters lamented that the concerned contractor entrusted with the construction was already urged to look into the poor-quality maintenance in the construction as parts of the quarters may collapse any time.

However, he said, the contractor has failed to repair the quarters which are in dilapidated condition citing non-release of funds by the concerned authority.

He appealed to the concerned authority to arrange an alternative means as the quarters are no longer safe for staying.

General secretary of MUSU, RK Pritamkumar said that failure of the concerned authority to repair the quarters in time has led to the incident while adding that quality was not maintained in the construction of the residential quarters.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/04/quarter-rooms-at-mu-collapse/

Three hurt in lethod shell explosion

IMPHAL, April 8: At three persons including two children suffered grievous injuries when a lethod shell exploded suddenly inside a residential house at Hauailong village Ward no 4 in Tamenglong

IMPHAL, April 8: At three persons including two children suffered grievous injuries when a lethod shell exploded suddenly inside a residential house at Hauailong village Ward no 4 in Tamenglong district today around 2.30 pm.

The injured children are identified as Sumgailung Panmei, 10 son of Jessy Pamei and Peiduanliu, 14 daughter of Ganguangliu of Hauailong village Ward no 4. Ganguangliu was also hurt in the explosion.

Reports said the lethod shell was come across by family members of Jessy Panmei while cutting trees after which they brought it to their residence. The shell suddenly blasted when children in the house took out to take a glance of it.

The two injured children were rushed to Tamenglong District Hospital. After their condition worsened, they were shifted to a hospital based in Imphal. Both of them are students of Gadailong Government Primary School, the reports added.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/04/three-hurt-in-lethod-shell-explosion/

UNLF resolves fraud case after Diana and family confess to party

IMPHAL, April 8: The underground UNLF, in a press release today said it has finally resolved the case of fraud played by Diana and family using the party`™s name. Following

IMPHAL, April 8: The underground UNLF, in a press release today said it has finally resolved the case of fraud played by Diana and family using the party`™s name.

Following the bomb warning the party served to Lourembam Jiten of Sagolband Tera Yengkhom Leirak, notified to the public through newspapers on March 21, Jiten, his wife, Pramo Devi and daughter Diana contacted the UNLF and confessed their crimes, the release said.

According to their statement, in June 2013, Lourembam Diana, 23, with the consent of her parents, was admitted to SK College nambol for studies, the release said.

There she met R.K. Bonium, 24, son of R.K. Bapu and Thaballei Devi, of Ningthoukhong Radha Madhop Leikai, and soon was in a relationship with him, it said.

Diana, in the course of time wins the confidence of the family of Bonium, and begins to spend time at her boyfriend`™s house, tending to his parents, it said.

It was then that Diana began to play her game and falsely tells Bonium and his parents that her father is an influential leader of the UNLF and that he can help Bonium get a job in the police as ASI. She convinced the family that Bonium should have a job so they can marry, and accordingly Rs. 2 lakh was given to her so her father can start working to have Bonium selected for the job, the release said.

She then took Rs. 1.5 lakhs from the family again so that a sister-in-law of Bonium too can land a government job in the Social Welfare department. Bit by bit, she squeezed a total of Rs. 9,11,000 from the family.

On Jan 8, 2014, the two young couple marry quietly. She did not even inform her own family and the marriage was solemnised at the groom`™s place, the release said.

She then took Rs. 5 lakh more from Bonium`™s family so that her father who she said was UNLF leader can be assassinated, for it was likely he would object to their marriage, it said.

Bonium`™s family begin to have financial problem, but this notwithstanding, they take leave and go to Delhi for some time.

When they return from Delhi, they bid farewell at the Imphal airport and each head for their respective homes. However, when Diana ditched Bonium, the latter complained to the UNLF of Diana`™s deceit in the name of the UNLF, and the party took up the case, the release said.

Since all the concerned parties have confessed their part in the sordid game, the UNLF worked out a verdict acceptable to both, and the matter has been allowed to be treated as resolved, the release said.

The release said such cases are normal in a colonial situation in which a once proud people, living out of their own enterprise and genius have been robbed of their inner strength by the colonial system.

It appealed to all the people to revive the inner strength of the society by instilling in themselves Manipur`™s once proud work culture, and in this the UNLF will extend whatever help within its command.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/04/unlf-resolves-fraud-case-after-diana-and-family-confess-to-party/

Dreary Peace

Despite the all the brinkmanship and the worries that things may go wrong, the talks between the Government of India and the NSCN(IM) continues to hold. Sadly though, the NSCN`™s

Despite the all the brinkmanship and the worries that things may go wrong, the talks between the Government of India and the NSCN(IM) continues to hold. Sadly though, the NSCN`™s other major faction, the NSCN(K) led by SS Khaplang, has walked away from its own ceasefire agreement with the Government of India. Khaplang`™s NSCN however continues to be in a peace agreement with the Myanmar Government. As also widely speculated, his organisation is set for yet another split, roughly along the international border that divides India and Myanmar. He will be at the head of the faction that has support base on the Myanmar side of the border and NSCN(K) leaders from the Indian side of the border, the other. There was always an inevitability about this split, after all, how exactly was the Government of India to reach a negotiated settlement with rebels who were technically Myanmar citizens, just as it could also well be asked, how exactly was the Myanmar government to reach an agreement with rebels who were technically Indian citizens. In many ways, Khaplang`™s abrogation of the ceasefire agreement was a confirmation and admission of a status quo that revolutionary rhetoric could not move, and therefore nothing too much to worry for the governments of India and Myanmar, despite all the hypes by the media. This was quite clearly indicated by the Government of India`™s response of extending its ceasefire with the NSCN(K) unilaterally. The gesture almost seemed like a warm send off. With Khaplang retreating to his base in Myanmar, the NSCN(K) base on the Indian side would have become marginalised and manageable for the government of India, leaving it to focus its attention entirely on the NSCN(IM) which has a dominant presence on the Indian side of the border, and therefore a much bigger problem from its point of view.

However, the NSCN(IM) problem is not going to offer easy solutions either. Besides the known oppositions to one of its main campaign plank of a united homeland for the Nagas, there are other formidable problems ahead. As for instance, even if this united homeland were to be agreed upon, if this arrangement is to be within the Union of India, which now obviously it will have to be, besides opposition from neighbouring states, there will be myriad internal dissentions on matters of competition for resources under the Government of India`™s dispensation. Government jobs, education quotas etc, would be just some of these. It is a fact that there is a strong lobby within Nagaland which is interested in consolidating Nagaland rather than dilute its core interests by incorporating more people within it. What works as idealistic slogans, often does not when it comes to putting them into actual practice. Moreover, the uneasy question before any settlement plan would be, if this settlement is not anything radically different from what was offered by the Shillong Accord of 1975, why had the Naga agony been prolonged so unnecessary when it could have been put to rest in 1975. Forty more years of blood and tear would have to be accounted for by something substantially more for the Nagas in general and not just those in the extra territory to be acquired. Unfortunately, for the moment, greater Nagaland seems so much like a Manipur problem than a Nagaland problem, and if the forty extra years of bloodshed comes to be for a solution of a Manipur problem, it is only to be expected that many eyebrows in Nagaland would be raised. The NSCN(IM) leadership surely must be realizing this and that that the longer the stagnation remains, the deeper its problems would become. In fact, it may already be in a deep crisis. The matter is getting palpably urgent with the BJP government at the Centre, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, keen to have the matter resolved once and for all without further delay. In tricky situation like this, sometimes it is doubtful if pushing for a quick solution is the solution at all. Quite paradoxically, and unenviable though it may be, a ceasefire that continues on might have already begun to appear as the best solution. At least overt hostilities would be avoided, just as has been the case for the last nearly 18 years in the case of the Nagas.

Leader Writer: Pradip Phanjoubam

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/04/dreary-peace/

UNMM condemns Noney AR CO statement

IMPHAL, April 8: The United NGOs Mission Manipur (UNMM) has strongly condemned the degraded statement “Come out Women Folk. Now the WAR has begun. I command 2000 soldier” during the

IMPHAL, April 8: The United NGOs Mission Manipur (UNMM) has strongly condemned the degraded statement “Come out Women Folk. Now the WAR has begun. I command 2000 soldier” during the stand- off between public and AR troops at Noney made by the present CO (Commanding Officer) of 8th Assam Rifle, Rajiv Choudhury posted at Noney (Longmai).

According to a release of UNMM, such act by the CO is violation of the International Convention on Elimination of All Forms Discrimination Against Women. He should be tried under Violence Against Women Act at the first Track Court. The statement declaring war against the civilians with strong term was done under the shadow and influence of the Special Power of Armed Forces Special Power Act 1958(AFSPA). UNMM also strongly condemned the inhuman and degraded treatment and harassing of the innocent civilians at Noney Bazar on April 6 by team of 8th Assam Rifle posted at Noney (Longmai). The harassment and ill-treatment of any actors/ individual after arrest in custody is a war crime, it said.

The Assam Rifle has the allegation that they arrested one of the cadres of ZUF from Noney which led to the arresting and the harassing of innocent people is a crime against law of the country (without proper reason and investigation). The Court has to decide whether the person is a member of the armed Group or not. It also clearly proved that people of Manipur are under the army rule, not under Democracy.

India has kept the people of North East India under the AFSPA for the last 56 year. It also deeply understand as to what kind of relationship are established between Indian Armed Forces and armed groups at Noney area. UNMM also condemned the arresting of the civilians and harassing them with ill-treatment like wild animals.

The 24th AR posted at Khudengthabi along Imphal-Moreh highway has been harassing passengers of every vehicle with detention like under military rule. On February 9, 2015 even the Rural Development Minister, Francis Ngajokpa and MLA OK Korungthang were also detained several minutes by 24 AR Posted at Khudengthabi under the command of Maj. Rockey. Now, AR posted at Khudengthabi and Tengnoupal have disallowed vehicle movement along National Highway (Now Asian National Highway)-2 along Imphal-Moreh Highway in the night, it said.

Moreover, KBS. Maniam, a community leader was detained and harassed for 2 hrs from 10:30 PM -12:30 AM by troops of 9th AR posted at Moreh, Chandel, Manipur (Indo-Myanmar border) led by Colonel Anand Atreya on the night of November 26. Those officers involved in such crimes against humanity are still posted in their respective post without initiating any trial.

The UNMM has demanded punish Officers/soldiers of the Assam Rifle who committed heinous crimes against humanity and bring them under trial as per law of the land, to terminate all officers of Assam Rifle who committed crimes to innocent people, to stop the harassment, torture and detention of the civilians in the National Highways, to remove the posts of AR, which are being posted unnecessarily and stop harassing innocent people, to remove AFSPA for some months on trial basis in some districts, to review the special power given to Security Personnel. They are responsible for carrying out various crimes against humanity and crimes against International Law (India being one of the largest Democracies in the World) and to compensate appropriately the victims of the incidents, it said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/04/unmm-condemns-noney-ar-co-statement/