Manipur News

olutions inlcuding taking up intensive mobilization of the masses of NE to oppose this draconian law and the struggle against the Act by linking up with other peoples’ movements in the region

The women vendors observed the day with a silent protest around 1:30pm at the keithel premises.

Keeping their lips covered with black cloths, they sat on the stairs of the keithel under the banner “Stop State terrorism, 56 years of AFSPA is not temporary measure.”

Meanwhile, a panel discussion on the issue was also organised later in the evening at the Manipur Press Club which was converted to a press meet after the panellists failed to turn up.

The press meet was attended by Tezpur Gurukul CBSE School academic head Barnali Sarma Baruah, advocate Alakananda Kakati, Just Peace Foundation managing trustee Anandi; Just Peace Foundation member Irom Shekharjit; Maharaja Budha Chandra College professor Dr Homen Thangjam and research scholar Seram Rojesh.

Speaking at the conference, advocate Alakananda said every North Eastern State should join in Irom Chanu Sharmila’s movement to repeal AFSPA-1958.

The Act has been time and again misused by the security forces, she said.

Barnali Sarma condemning the Act said that the draconian AFSPA is acting against human interest.

She expressed that Sharmila’s demand is very much fundamental and all sections of the community must unite and support her.

She said AFSPA-1958 imposed in the NE states of India has totally hindered human rights.

All we have here is ‘electoral democracy’ said Dr Homen Thangjam during the press meet.

Every place where this draconian Act is imposed has suffered directly or indirectly. This Act has inflicted a fear psychosis amongst the general populace, he said.

Not only are the people of the region facing human rights violation under the draconian Act, but the region is at the same time losing the natural resources, he said.

Just Peace Foundation member Shekharjit said sit in protests and conventions were held at Meghalaya, Tripura, Guwahati and Bodo inhabitant areas of Assam against the draconian Act today.

Meanwhile, To recall the presidential assent given to the Armed Forces Special Powers Act on September 11, 1958, a gathering of different civil societies of Northeast region was held today at Guwahati.

The organisations present were Centre for Research and Advocacy, Human Rights Alert, Manab Adhikar Sangram Samiti, WingG-India, North East Dialogue Forum, Borok People Human Rights Organisation, Barak Human Rights Protection Committee, People’s Right to Information and Development Implementing Society of Mizoram, according to a statement from HRA.

The statement said eminent personalities of the region like Prof Apurba Kr Baruah, Advocate Bijon Mahajan, writer and social activist Kaka Iralu, Dr Prasenjit Biswas, Babloo Loitongbam, Anjuman Ara Begum and Prof Akhil Ranjan Dutta among others deliberated on various aspects of the imposition and continuation of AFSPA at the meeting.

The speakers highlighted on the horrendous stories of atrocities committed by the armed forces of the Union of India, including aerial bombing, burning down of villages, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial executions, rape and other forms of sexual violence, torture and inhumane degrading treatment etc., under the impunity provided by the AFSPA, added the statement.

Further the statement continued that the deliberations emphasised on the fact that rape and other forms of sexual violence have been used as weapons of masculine militarisation under the Act, adding that the AFSPA is increasingly used to gag and subvert the democratic voices against the unsustainable, predatory and anti-people mega dams and other development projects.

It added that the gathering deeply felt the need to liberate the upcoming generations from the inter-generational trauma inflicted by the militarised state of exception under AFSPA. The gathering lamented on the fact that various officials Commissions and Committees set up by the Government of India has also unanimously recommended the repeal of AFSPA, but nothing has been done so far in this regard.

It maintained that AFSPA violates not only the international human rights standards but even the international humanitarian law. The gathering unanimously agreed to take up intensive moblisation of the masses of the Northeast to oppose the draconian law. In the same regard, it was also agreed to constitute a Northeast platform for a broader coordination and coalition of various human rights groups, civil society groups, peoples’ movements at both regional as well as at all-India level by going beyond ethnic, tribal and community affiliations, added the statement.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/women-vendors-observe-invisible-911-to-protest-56-years-of-afspa/

IMPHAL, September 11: The United Naga Council has lifted its indefinite ban on all construction works on national projects and on vehicular traffic on highways after a weeklong imposition.

The UNC had imposed the indefinite ban since September 4 morning 6am reacting against the killing of two protestors during an August 30 mass rally in Ukhrul.

A statement of the council, said the decision was taken during an emergency presidential council meeting in “reciprocation of the intervention of the Centre government and to create a conducive atmosphere for taking forward the Indo-Naga peace process.”

The ban has been lifted since 12 noon of September 11.

The council further appreciated the actions of the Centre on the UNC memorandum submitted to the Prime Minister on August 30 and “the written assurance of the government of India’s sincere efforts to resolve the Naga issue delivered in person by the special secretary (internal security) Ministry of Home Affairs Prakash Mishra on September 9.”

Today’s emergency meeting was attended by Naga Tribe presidents, Naga frontal organisations and district organisations and deliberated on the request of the Government of India for review of the indefinite ban on all construction works of National projects and ban on vehicular traffic on highways, which was being enforced to demand the GoI’s intervention on the imperilled situation of the Nagas in Manipur, it said.

“The Council also therefore reposed its trust in the GoI to take up the central issue of the Indo-Naga cease-fire coverage at the appropriate level to ensure that henceforth the acts of state terrorism by the Government of Manipur (GoM) is prevented,” it said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/unc-lifts-ban-after-centres-written-assurance-to-resolve-naga-issue/

IMPHAL, September 11: A division bench of the High Court of Manipur comprising of Chief Justice Laxmi Kanta Mohapatra and Justice Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh awarded Rs. 10,00,000 each as compensation to the two petitioners, said a press release by Human Rights Law Network (HRLN).

According to the press release, the compensation was awarded in a glaring revelation of justice against the rampant fake encounter by the security forces in Manipur, arising out of two separate incidents.

It said, according to the case dossier of the first case, on December 28, 2008 Thiyam Amit Meitei left his house with his friend Moirangthem Inaobi Meitei in a Yamaha Motorcycle carrying a sum of Rs. 10,500 to make payment for the timbers purchased by his father to the chief of the village at Tshomyang village.

However, they were intercepted by a team of 23 Assan Rifles and were taken to AR camp at Yaingangpokpi and they were separated after being tortured and Thiyam Amit Meitei was killed in a fake encounter and the dead body was found with few arms and ammunitions along with a demand letter of KCP (MC) and thereafter false report was lodged with Lamlai Police Station and created a fake story, it said.

On the other hand his friend Moirangthem Inaobi Meitei was released, said the press release.

It said that the mother of the deceased filed a Writ Petition before High Court in 2009 and considering the dispute, the court District Judge ordered for an enquiry on July 6, 2010, to ascertain the facts leading to the death.

An inquiry was conducted by the learned District Judge, Manipur East, who submitted his report before the court on July 27, 2012 and eventually concluded that Thiyam Amit Meitei was killed and a sum of Rs 5,00,000 was awarded as compensation under public law domain, it said.

Further according to the release int he second case, a person identified as Soubam Baocha alias Shachuinta never returned home after he left to purchase iron bars for his house construction as he was killed by the personnel of Manipur Police commando and 23 Assam Rifles on December 28, 2008 at the foot hill of Huimei Ching, Imphal East district and the family members found the dead bodies of Soubam Baocha and his friend Salam Gurung at RIMS, Lamphelpat, the next day.

It said, after the killing, a false report was lodged with Lamlai Police Station stating of an ambush in and around Leimakhong Mapal and created a fake story out of it of cross firing on December 28, 2008.

The press release has stated that the mother of the deceased, Soubam Radhe Devi filed a Writ Petition before the High Court questioning the unjustified action of the security forces and consequently, the High Court ascertained the facts leading to the killing after conducting an enquiry through the learned District Judge, Manipur East and accordingly, a sum of Rs. 5,00,000 was awarded as compensation by the High Court of Manipur to the mother of the deceased.

In both the cases, Meihoubam Rakesh, Advocate appeared on behalf of the petitioners and Amarjit Naorem, Central Government Standing Counsel and RS Reisang, Senior Government Advocate appeared on behalf of Union of India and the present Writ Petitions was filed with the active initiation of the HRLN, Manipur, said the press release.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/hc-awards-compensations-in-fake-encounter-cases/

IMPHAL, September 11: The Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) students wing has strengthened its demand for suspension of additional SP Yengkhom Victoria by imposing an indefinite curfew against non-locals from moving out on the streets, opening their business establishments or from coming in or leaving the State.

Co-convenor S Subashchandra said the curfew will be imposed until Victoria is suspended and the arrested members released unconditionally.

Speaking at the Kwakeithel office of the Students’ Union of Kangleipak, Subashchandra said the government’s declaration of indefinite holidays for educational institutes is an act to suppress the movement of the JCILPS student wing demanding ILPS in the State.

However, the government will not be able to suppress the movement, he asserted.

Condemning the government decision to close down all schools, he said such act cannot suppress the movement; it will only lead the students on the wrong path.

With frequent closure of schools, the government will not achieve anything other than unfinished syllabus for the students, he condemned.

He said in his Independence Day speech, the Chief Minister had declared that students should not be harmed and that even during the times of war, students are left alone; however, in Manipur commandos are let loose on students, beating them assaulting them mercilessly, he added.

The government in collusion with Victoria is trying to derail the movement demanding implementation of the ILPS in the State, he said.

Demanding the unconditional release of the 12 arrested members of the committee, he said just for an altercation with Victoria’s brother, they have been arrested and charged with Sections 368, 384 and 34 of the IPC.

He said the committee as has been charged by Devson has never committed any act of ‘goondaism’ or made monetary demand.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/jcilps-student-wing-imposes-curfew-on-movements-of-migrants/

By R Lester Makang
UKHRUL, September 11: With the lifting of  the UNC’s indefinite ban on national and state highways and national projects in Naga areas — a few days after the revoking of prohibitory order from Ukhrul — normal life has once again returned to the township as normal activities began to burst into life this afternoon after almost two months of social unrest virtually ravaged normality here.

Around afternoon today, the news of UNC rolling back its indefinite ban spread like wildfire in the town and Winger taxis plying along the Imphal -Ukhrul route in no time resumed their  normal service from different points in the town while some inter-village and town-village passengers services also began to ply to their respective destinations.

All commercial establishments here practically resumed operating as usual from today and town taxis plied the township’s main road normally till evening. However, passenger buses from Ukhrul could not somehow ply today but would be duly resumed from tomorrow onward, sources added.

Later, in the evening, some Imphal-Ukhrul passenger buses also managed to reach here along with a handful of Winger taxis full of passengers. Moreover, some privately hired vehicles carrying commercial items could also be seen arriving here this evening.

Notably, the UNC’s decision to lift its strictures on highways and national projects in Naga areas was taken today in its presidential council meeting held at Senapati following the Centre’s assurance to the council and came three days after the state government revoked the prohibitory order under Section 144 CrPc being clamped in Ukhrul town since July 13 a day after Ukhrul ADC member Ngalamgzar Malue was gunned down by armed miscreants at Finch Corner.

Meanwhile, sources from the Tangkhul Frontal Organizations, have said that the town is once again begining to witness some semblance of normalcy since the past few days in the wake of the removal of both CrPc 144 and extra state security forces from the township and subsequent lifting of UNC’s highways ban today.

“But if the government decides to redeploy those extra forces under some pretext or the other, the situation may immediately become questionable,” Leiyolan of TFOs asserted.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/ukhrul-limps-back-to-normalcy/

IMPHAL, September 11: The 199th Birth Anniversary of Acharya Vinoba Bhave was organised  and observed jointly by the Sarvodaya Mitra Mandal Manipur, National Youth Organisation Manipur and National Youth Project Manipur at the Manipur Press Club today.

The occasion was attended by Sarva Seva Sangha president Mahadev Vidrohi, Sarvodaya Mitra Mandal, Manipur president professor L Sadananda Singh, Manipur Sahitya Parishad former president retd Professor N Tomba Singh and department of Political Science, Manipur University professor Ksh Bimola Devi as the chief guest, president and guests of honour respectively.

Floral tributes were paid to a picture of the philosopher during the observation.

Delivering a speech on the occasion, Tikendra Bhai Ngangomba said that Acharya Vinoba Bhave was an Indian advocate of non-violence and human rights and is known for the Bhoodan Movement.

Known as the national teacher of India and the spiritual successor of Gandhi, Vinoba Bhave’s religious outlook was very broad synthesises the truth of many religions and work tirelessly for the landless poor, he said.

He further stressed that nonviolence and compassion being a hallmark of his philosophy, Vinoba also campaigned against the slaughtering of cows.

A translated book of Gita Pravachan (Manipuri translation of Vinoba’s “Talk on the Gita” and Gandhi Hatpa (Manipuri translation of Chuni Bhai Beidya’s “ Gandhijiki Hatya” by Tikendra Bhai Ngangomba were also released during the occasion.

Observation on “Gita Pravachan” was given by N Tomba Singh and “Gandhi Hatpa” by prof Ksh Bimola Devi during the occasion.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/non-violence-advocate-remembered-on-birth-anniversary/

Imphal, Sept 11: The 13th death anniversary of Jupiter Yambem, who perished in the Al Qaeda attack on the World Trade Centre in New York on September 11, 2001 was observed today at his home in Uripok, Imphal.

Jupiter was working as a banquet manager in the Windows on the World restaurant located on the 107th floor of the WTC when the planes struck.

Three days later his body was recovered by the rescuers and cremated while his ashes were brought home and scattered over the Loktak Lake here in Manipur. It might be recalled that over 3000 people drawn from all parts of the world were killed in that fateful incident.

Over a 100 of friends, wellwishers and relatives gathered today and offered floral tributes to his portrait. Renderings of the Shrimad Bhagwat Gita was also done on the chapter of Karma Yogi.

Amongst those who attended included Works minister Dr Kh Ratan Kumar, PHED minister Irengbam Hemochandra MLA RK Anand, Education (S) director Hawaibam Dileep, secretary Transport Moirangthem Lakhsmi, project director Loktak Development Authority Bhagaton Singh and his American wife Nancy’s foster Manipuri father noted social activist RK Ranendrajit.

Two of Jupiter’s friends from Manipur who are now residing in the USA also participated they are Laifungbam Somi Roy from New York and Laishram Devdas from San Fransisco.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/911-remembered-in-manipur/

IMPHAL, September 11: Police arrested five functionaries of the JCILPS and raided their Nongmeibung head office raided.

Sources said that the functionaries of the JCILPS were arrested while they were attending a meeting convened at the Haobam Marak Irom Leikai residence of Ibotombi Khuman co-convenor of JCILPS around 5pm by a team of Imphal West district police. The meeting was reportedly held to decide on the further course of action of the ongoing movement of JCILPS.

The arrested leaders of JCILPS have been identified as Th Thabi and Sunil, members of the Publicity sub-committee JCILPS and its executives Rajen, O Premjit, P Arjun.

Later, around 8pm the office of the JCILPS, Nongmeibung was raided by the Imphal East district police led its SP.

During the raid the police team broke open the office before confiscating documents and others items in the presence of an executive magistrate.

Meanwhile, Police also reportedly approached the residences of other functionaries of the JCILPS. However, the motive behind these visits was not known.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/police-raid-jcilps-office-five-held-in-earlier-raid-at-haobam-marak/

IMPHAL, September 11: The Joint Students Coordination Committee (JSCC) has demanded the State government to quash its earlier order declaring indefinite holiday for educational institutes in the State and to allow the schools and colleges to open by tomorrow.

JSCC convenor Th Premanda speaking at a press conference at Kwakeithel condemned the government’s order declaring indefinite holiday for educational institutes and said the order amounts to violation of the Rights to Education Act.

Further questioning the act, he said such strategy has been used in the State since many years back, but none had ever been effective.

How long will the government continue with such action, he questioned and mockingly added that if closing down of educational institutes bring amicable solutions to problems then all educational institutes should done away with from the State.

Such action could only encourage more unwarranted reactions, he condemned.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/jscc-wants-immediate-re-opening-of-schools/