Day: May 14, 2015

IMPHAL, May 14: `Manipur creations`™ a Manipur base hosiery garment manufacturing factory which have a manufacturing unit at Tirupur, Tamil Nadu, is setting up first ever garment factory at Phumlou Siphai, Lamphelpat.

As a promotion event of the factory, the blue wings (event management team) is organising a mega fashion event entitled `EEYONG GI TANTHA` (Rhythm of Looms) showcasing Manipur Handloom and Weavers Products- Promoting Industrial growth presented by Manipur creations on May 24 at Classic grande hotel.

Speaking to media persons during a press conference held today at Manipur press club, Kh Nishikanta Singh, Managing director of Blue Wings, said that the mega event is a project to showcase international models from Europe, Russia, America along with North-eastern Indian top models adding that they (Models) will be walking the ramp in traditional attires and designers wear of Manipur.

Vasunraz Koijam, chairman and proprietor of Manipur Creations, said that the brand `Manipur Creations`™ was recently launched following its tremendous successful trail run in the state.

It said that the brand was not about profit but to start an industrial revolution assuring jobs and promoting the region through its colourful attires.

Assuring to provide consumers with high quality products at low rate, Koijam further revealed that it is also opening chain of showroom in Imphal, Thoubal besides providing with online shopping service.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/manipur-creations-to-host-fashion-show/

IMPHAL, May 14: Manipur government has clamped an indefinite curfew in Patsoi area, as police have been unable to control acts of violence. The joint action committee formed regarding the death of two laborers called a statewide 24 hour general strike beginning midnight today. One life has been lost in the violence.

Visibly irked residents of Patsoi area condemning the murder of two masons by the KRF took out protests along the Jiribam-Imphal road since Wednesday. The mobs gathered in strength and burnt tires, wood, broke glasses, put boulders along the national highway 37 stretch from Patsoi till Keithelmanbi. Similar protest were carried out along Haorang Sabal area which comes under Lamshang police station. A church was also set ablaze at Patsoi lamkhai.

During the protests, at least five vehicles were set aflame at different areas by the agitating public. One fatality was confirmed by police during the riots. The incident happened when a shaktiman driver was passing by Khaidem area, which comes under Lamshang police station. The inter village road leading from Phayeng area is mainly a deserted road. There were four occupants riding in the lorry when they were accosted by strikers. According to sources, they were beaten up badly. The driver identifies as Semngam Haokip,40, son of Nehkam , a resident of K Songlung village sustained injuries in his head. He was rushed to RIMS hospital but was declared dead on arrival. Another victim, Nehcham, 32, son of Senthang Haokip is said to be in a critical state. The shaktiman was also burnt down later.

Due to the deteriorating law and order situation, the state government clamped down curfew from Patsoi to Keithelmanbi area, Haorang Sabal where the strikers were mainly concentrated. According to an order of DC , Imphal West, the stretch along the Jiri Imphal road from Langjing Jiri parking to Nongchup Keithelmanbi Chingkhong and all areas upto a distance of 1 km on both sides of the said stretch , movement of any person outside their residences is prohibited until further orders. The JAC formed in the regard held a meeting at Patsoi Tuliyaima Sanctuary Club and resolve to call a 24 hour general strike from today midnight. The demands included that the KRF cadres involved in the killing should be given fitting punishment and the compensation should be given to the family members of the deceased persons by the KRF, not from the state government. It also resolved to continue agitations with other organizations till demands are not met.

Owing to the situation, the NH 37 remained shut down and vehicular movement came to a standstill. Transport coming from Jiribam to Imphal and vice-versa was halted due to the agitation.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/govt-clamps-indefinite-curfew-at-patsoi-one-killed-in-mob-violence/

IMPHAL, May 14: An emergency meeting of the State Cabinet chaired by the Chief Minister was held on May 14 and reviewed the present law and order situation arising out of killing of two labourers by KRF on May 12 and demise today of one person due to the injuries inflicted by the supporters of the agitation against the KRF killings.

A press release of the CM Secretariat has said that the Cabinet unanimously condemned the burning down of the place of worship and appealed to all not to resort to damaging sacred places like churches, temples and mosques.

The killing of innocent labourers by KRF should not be attributed to entire community as it is done by a militant group. The state government acted swiftly and raided the KRF camp and arrested eight persons suspected to be involved in the killing and they are remanded to police custody.

The Cabinet also decided to take up the issue of violation of ground rules by the groups under SoO agreement with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.

The State Cabinet has also decided to sanction ex-gratia of Rs. 5 lakhs each to the three persons who have been killed and Rs. 1 lakh to the persons with serious injury and Rs. 20,000/- to persons with minor injury. Cabinet has further appealed to all the Civil Society Organisations of both the communities to make conscious efforts to defuse the tension and bring about mutual understanding to restore normalcy in the state, it said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/cabinet-condemns-killing-of-labourers-burning-down-of-worshipping-place/

Rights activist moots scrapping VIP regime

IMPHAL, May 14 : `The Speaker was with the escort team when the incident occurred, his car was parked near the Kangla Western Gate, he saw the whole incident from the car and did not lift a finger to stop the assault,` Arambam Vandana, wife of Amitabh Arambam told mediapersons today at Manipur Press Club.

She was reacting against the allegation made by Manipur Assembly Secretary-in-charge, K Meghachandra that the Speaker was absent when the incident occurred. Meghachandra had clarified yesterday on behalf of Lokeshwar, who is still shying away from making a personal statement.

Vandana recounted that they were returning home after attending a birthday party with their children when the incident happened. The escort guards gave them no chance to explain but assaulted them immediately. They were hit from the rear and front with the child and herself inside the vehicle. When the guards started attacking her husband, she pleaded with them to stop but the guards also pushed her and verbally abused her, she said.

She was confused whether to calm her children or to stop the attack. At that time, a patrol of the Narcotic Cell had arrived, they knew the identity of her husband but did not do anything to stop the assault, she said.

`I had expected intervention from the Speaker as a family was hapless, he is someone who should be helping the public. But, no response came from him and he was watching the series of incidents, the whole time.` She added that her children are still traumatized on the brutality meted to their father.

The attitude of the Speaker is unbecoming of his post, his blatant misuse of power against the public is a clear violation of human rights. She questioned further on how an escort commander and team attack a policeman without permission. `It is a fact that without the approval of the Speaker, the escort cannot act on their own whims and hence he is the main perpetrator,` she added. When the report was lodged at City police, she had mentioned that the Speaker escort attacked them. However, in the FIR, the name of the Speaker was omitted.

Human Rights Alert Director, Babloo Loitongbam added that the incident shows that the VIPs have ruled the roost and perpetrated abuses to the public as they think themselves untouchable. `Crimes by VIPs are not crimes, but those done by the public are against the law and punished,` he said that the public should outright condemn such wanton abuse of authority by individuals in power and start campaigning to abolish this VIP culture. `Making the pilot commander a sacrificial lamb is a plot by the Government machinery to save the Speaker, the rule of law must apply to everyone bring into existence a true democracy,` he said.

According to other human right activist present at Manipur Press Club, this is the first time that a public servant, Arambam Amitabh has outright challenged the dictatorial VIP system prevalent in the State, to whose whims the government office favors their close aides and punishes those who are not in their good books. They stated that this claim of human rights and justice shall not be compromised in any manner or duress.

According to credible sources, the Speaker incident which was highlighted in the national media has reached the AICC.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/how-can-a-security-escort-act-without-speakers-ordervandana/

IMPHAL, May 14: Zeliangrong Students` Union Khoupum Area (ZSUKA) condemned what it called blatant and reckless act by 5-Gorkha Rifle Captain Praveen Kumar, toward central project construction labours of Keystone Infra Private Ltd, a press release said.

The release further said that the 5-Gorkha Rifles posted at Luwanglong Khunou, Khoupum under Tamenglong District has caused hindrances on central sponsor construction work labourers at the behest of Captain Praveen Kumar.

They have been harassing and disturbing workers and staffs of the Keystone infra Pvt Ltd under NEC frequently without any valid reason on the pretext they should not be working at night, the release said.

The road stretching from Bishnupur to Rengpang along the Old Cahar road (Tongjelmaril) is one of the most important life lines especially for the people of Khoupum valley, it said. The Government of Manipur has therefore been pressuring for work progress along it, it added.

`It is unfortunate that, the workers of the road construction company, Keystone Infra Pvt Ltd are facing serious disturbances and threats to life and properties from the 5-Gorkha Regiment posted at Luwanglong Khunou (Namkaolong), Khoupum valley of Tamenglong district` the release said.

While the GR is threatening the company to stop working at night, the company is under pressure from State Government to complete the construction work in stipulated time period, it said.

`It is pertinent to asked why such restriction should be made from Gorkha Regiment when a mega national project like Railways is being undertaken by various reputed companies?` it further asked.

The release further said that on May 11, at around 2:30 am GR personnel lead by Captain Praveen Kumar came to the work site and slapped the machine operator (excavator) named Umashankar. On the next day Captain Praveen came at the work site and blank fired at random leading to fleeing off all the workers from the work site, the release further said.

The company workers have been threatened of dire consequences if they continue to work at night, it said.

Later on May 13 the captain again came to work site and threaten more labourers of the company. He not only snatched away the Identity Card of six Company Staffs but also warned them that they will be booked if they do not obey his order, alleged the press release.

Such wanton acts by a national security force are strange, the release said. The integrity of Indian military officer captain Praveen Kumar and his subordinate officers are doubtful, it further said.

The ZSUKA urged the concerned authority to intervene urgently and initiate necessary action against the GR unit and its officer, the release said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/gr-officer-harassing-railway-project-workers-at-luwanglong-khunou-zsuka/

IMPHAL, 14 May: Calling for timely intervention of state Government in the Dziiko (Dzuko) Valley encroachment by the neighbouring state of Nagaland, members of Mao Council and Committee for Koziirii & Dziiko Land Boundary Resolution resolved to impose a state wide 24-hours bandh starting from May 22 midnight if the demand for timely intervention of Government is not addressed by May 22.

This was said today by Mao Council General Secretary A Athili during a press meet at Mao Council office Headquarter, Tadubi, Senapati District.

It may also be mentioned that the committee was freshly formed today at the Mao Council office constituting 11 members including N Heni as Convenor, B Neli as co convenor, N Rajendro (President ICHAM) as spokesperson and eight other as its members.

Mao Council Secretary A Athili further said that on April 23, a memorandum had been submitted to the state Chief Minister in the case to look into the matter. It served the deadline of May 7.

The State Government however failed to meet the deadline, and the Mao Council in association with the newly formed committee set May 22 as the next deadline for the State Government to intervene in the ongoing encroaching into Dziiko Valley by the neighbouring state of Nagaland.

He said that Southern Angami People Organisation (SAPO) is leading the encroachment using heavy tools and machineries.

He said that resources like timbers and other trees are being smuggled out without any intervention from the state. He said the encroachment have reached till the Water Pent or Summit of the Barail Range.

Committee Convenor N Heni during the press meet said that Koziirii is traditional land of Mao.

Lamenting the burning of timbers by the SAPO he said that SAPO has even abducted local people to spread fear psychosis among the people of the area.

He said that the people of the State believe the State Government would stand by the people of the state. He continued that the Mao people have the guts to take action against those encroachers but it will only escalate violence disturbing peace and harmony in the area and said that it is the duty of the Government to safeguard the territorial integrity of the state.

He mentioned that road construction encroaching the State has been reported to the State CM but the CM failed to look in to the matter. The road construction is still in continuation which is very disappointing, he said.

If the State Government fails to address the situation by May 22, a strong form of agitation will have to commence, he added.

Information Centre for Hills Area, Manipur (ICHAM) president N Rajendro alias Boi who is also spokesperson of the newly formed committee said that the encroachment from the neighbouring State of Nagaland using heavy tools and machineries shows the involvement of the Nagaland Government.

Denial to acknowledge several memorandums regarding the case submitted to the State CM is regrettable said Boi. He continued that if the State Government still turns a deaf ear to the complaint of the Mao people by May 22, a 24 hour bandh will ensue and the responsibility of any untoward incidents which may occur in the bordering area of Nagaland must be borne by the Government.

He also condemns other CSOs for remaining mute in the regard and appealed to all to cooperate in further movements in the same regard to safeguard the state territory.

Further Boi questioned as to where all the State security forces have disappeared in the hill areas. Are they utilised only for the security of VIPs of the State residing at valley? He asked.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/mao-council-calls-for-govt-intervention-in-the-dziiko-valley-encroachment-case/

IMPHAL, May 14: Voicing its concern over the death of a civilian driver today amidst prevailing unrest arising out of the killing of two labours by Kuki Revolutionary Front (KRF), several civil society bodies appealed to all concerned not to communalise the issue.

Speaking to media persons in this regards at UMC office, AMUCO`™s advisor, KT Rahman, held the state Government responsible for its inability to maintain order amongst militant groups which are under peace pact with the Government.

Recalling that this was not the first time that UGs either groups under suspension of operation/MoU, has been engaged in extortion, intimidation, kidnapping and even killing etc. in total violation of the ground rules and human rights violation, KT Rahman claimed that such unwanted act often creates serious distort the communal harmony between Hills and Valley.

The AMUCO advisor urged the state Government to withdraw the Suspension of Operation pact if it cannot assure to prevent similar incident from recurring in the future.

Claiming that the incidents were carried out by vested interest groups and not in the interest of any particular community, KT Rahman appealed for a concerted effort to preserve the age old bond between hills and valley.

UCM`™s president, Johnson Elangbam, held that the killing of labours was perpetrated by some `mafia gang` of KRF.

He appealed all the public to be careful of any sinister design of any vested interest group and help contained the situation, be it Kuki civil bodies, politicians or other communities etc.

Amidst the charged situation, killing of a civilian was unfortunate, said Johnson adding that he urged the public not to communalise the issue rather put their effort together in finding the truth by booking all the perpetrators involved in the incidents.

Further appealing the public not to spread rumours, it urged the Government not to remain a silent spectator.

In the meantime, the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) today equally condemned the killing of two labours by KRF and subsequent, killing of civilian drivers at the strongest term.

Speaking to media persons at its Langol office, Thangkhosei Haokip, mitigated that any of the incident were instigated or endorsed by any communities.

Despite the claimed made by the police that eight people involved in the kidnapping and subsequent of two labours, the victim`™s family are not satisfied with the development rather demanded to book the real culprit involved, he said.

Given the situation, it appealed all section of the society concentrate in tracking the real culprits in these incidents and ensured that befitting punishment is awarded, further asserted KIM`™s president.

Stating that there is no room for communal violence in a civilised society, Thangkhosei maintained that everyone should condemned any act of violence be it UGs or any sect.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/civil-societies-urge-all-to-maintain-communal-harmony/

IMPHAL, May 14: Student of Khuman Maheikol of Mayang Imphal has secured overall first position in the High School Leaving Certificate Examination 2015, conducted by Board of Higher Secondary Education Manipur, results of which were out today.

The results were declared at the official chamber of M Okendro Minister Education Government of Manipur, at the New Secretariat, before media persons.

The Minister congratulated the successful candidates in the exam.

Delivering a brief speech to the media he said that this year the total number of student enrolled for examination, both regular and external was 34831. Among them, 34460 appeared the HSLC examination. The total number of students who passed the exam is 21225, making the pass percentage 61.52%.

Pass percentage of male regular candidates stood at 68.02%, female regular candidates at 60.81%. Male external candidates 31.73% and female external candidates 30.73% respectively, the Minister said.

In all, 6680 students have secured first division, 12951 second division and 1494 third division respectively, he said.

Tamenglong District saw the highest pass percentage, standing at 82.37% with 1240 students of a total of 1505, clearing the exam. Thoubal District was second with 71.48%. Out of 6051 students 4325 cleared the exam.

Imphal West District scored 64.16%. Out of 6878 student 4413 passed. Imphal East district secured 56.39%. Out of 4941 students 2786 passed. Pass percentage in Bishnupur was at 61.03%. Out of 3156 students 1926 passed.

Ukhrul had 56.19% pass perecentage. Of 2326 students 1307 passed. Churachandpur had 60.41%. Of 3314 students 2002 passed. Senapati had 50.44%. Of 4730 students 2386 passed. Chandel had 53.88%. Of 1559 students 840 passed.

Total percentage of successful student is 61.52% which is little less than last year`™s 68% said the Minister.

Later he said that this year the success rate of government schools has improved. Out of 7412 students enrolled 7243 appeared for the exam. Of them 468 students secured first division, 1948 second division and 410 third division respectively.

He said Jiribam students is improving slowly in performance and further appealed to the people and guardians to put their trust in Government higher secondary school which now total 52 from 39 schools. In the greater Imphal area eight government higher secondary school will target to intake 4670 student through joint admission system with written test examination, unlike last year where admission was on marks basis.

He further said that the aim is to have the eight schools provide good education to talented students of our State. He said on May 27 there will be a joint admission test for students and forms for the admission test will be issue from CoSEM office.

The State government has allotted Rs. 20 lakh each for introducing proper infrastructure in the eight schools. Government has also decided to post best experience and talented teachers in these schools, he said.

The eight schools are Ramlal Paul Higher Secondary school, CC Higher Secondary School, Ananda Singh Higher Secondary Academy, Johnston Higher Secondary School, TG Higher Secondary School, Ibotonsana Higher Secondary School, Lamlong Higher School and Model Higher Secondary School respectively.

The eight government higher secondary schools will provide facility for special career tutorial classes for students to contest in national level competitive examinations, he said. This is especially for needy but talented students who want to take coaching for engineering and medical studies. These tutorials will be free of cost in these schools around Rs. 50 lakhs have been sanctioned by the State government for the purpose, he said.

Okendro further said that parent should examine carefully the schools they admit their children especially in the wake of the 2500 students who lost a year because of fake affiliation of their schools to CBSE.

The Government is monitoring CBSE schools closely so they follow central norms and criteria faithfully. The Dos and Don will apply to every school. Teachers will be given special refresher courses and good teachers in their duty will be given incentive rewards just as students will be for excellence in studies, said Okendro.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/melody-khoirom-from-mayang-imphal-secures-first-position-in-hslc-exam-2015-plan-to-boost-govt-schools-announced/

IMPHAL, May 14: The Kuki National Libertion Front has threatened to invalidate the SoO ground rules, if the State Government do not compensate the damages caused by Dogra Regiment at their designated camp. The cadres which have been forcibly decamped must be allowed back at the same camp. The demands was stated by KNLF General Secretary, Lalmoi Haokip at Chelep Village, Chandel district today.

Speaking to mediapersons, Haokip said that the KNLF entered into SoO with the State Government and Central Government on 9 September ,2013 at the 1st MR Banquet Hall. There were 77 cadres with arms that day. Under the agreement, a designated camp was constructed with the approval of the Government authorities at Semon Village of Khengjoi sub-division at Chandel district and took nine months to complete. It was funded by the KNLF itself without any outside help.

But, on May 12 last, the personnel of the 6th Dogra Regiment led by an adjutant came and dismantled the camp and the cadres of KNLF were made to stay at the 24th Assam Rifles custody. Later, they were kept at the camp of the Pakan Revolutionary Army. He said that there was no official intimation from the government authorities that the camp would be dismantled and shifted, this is against the agreement of the Joint Monitoring Group article number 3(5). He warned that if the State Government does not intervene in the regard, the KNLF will act beyond the SoO ground rules. The consequences arising from the fallout will be solely be the fault of the State Government. Adding to the stance, Commander of Pakan Revolutionary Army, Henlen Haokip said that the KNLF cadres who are with women and children are allowed to stay at their camp on humanitarian grounds, but they will be put up for only five days.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/knlf-warns-to-break-soo-rules/