Manipur News

IMPHAL, May 18: Taking into account of likelihood of causing serious breach of peace, disturbances to public tranquillity and grave danger to human lives and properties in the areas under Imphal West, District Magistrate, Imphal West in exercise of the powers conferred under Sub-Section 2 of Section 144 CrPc has prohibited assembly of five or more persons which is likely to turn unlawful.

In an order, the DM also prohibited carrying of sticks, stones, firearms and weapons of any other description or objects which can be used as offensive weapons within the said area from 6 pm of May 18 until further orders.

However, the order will not apply to the agencies of the government involved in the enforcement of law and order and the maintenance of essential services.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/crpc-144-imposed-in-imphal-west/

IMPHAL, May 18: Commerce and Industry minister Govindas Konthoujam distributed prizes to winners of the Speed Climbing Competition held at the conference hall of the Manipur Mountaineering and Training Association today.

Speaking at the prize distribution ceremony as the chief guest, Govindas Konthoujam said that the people of Manipur have lots of potential when it comes to sports and games.

For instance, even in mountaineering the climbers of the MMTA has brought laurel for the State in both national and international arenas, he said.

He claimed that the dexterity of the people of the State has been highly regarded by critics and experts of other States of India.

Expressing his appreciation on the tremendous growth of the MMTA over the years, he said that setting up a regional institute of adventure is reasonable in Manipur to further upgrade the MMTA to world class level.

The minister also assured to apprise the Chief Minister to establish the institute besides highlighting the need for allotting a permanent complex for MMTA.

The Manipur Mountaineering Institute located in Lamdan will be added with new features including a Golf Course and upgradation of the accommodation to the level of a three-star hotel, he continued.

Gonvindas Konthoujam also exhorted the youths of Manipur to compete and excel in every aspect not only in sports.

The Speed Climbing was held yesterday at the Kangla Rock and Sport Climbing Wall of MMTA in commemoration of the 2nd Anniversary of the Successful Summit of Mt. Everest by MMTA and the 50 years Golden Jubilee of Indian Mountaineers on the top of the world.

The competition was organized by MMTA in collaboration with All Manipur Working Journalists Union sponsored by the Manipur Development Society.

AMWJU`™s president, W Shamjai, said the successful summit of Mount Everest by natives of the State is a dream come true for the founder members of the MMTA adding that he assured to extend full co-operation to initiatives taken up by MMTA from time to time.

Y Samarjit Singh of Imphal Free Press, bagged the first position in the 40 years below category while W Kumarjit of ISTV and Ch Leikoiba of Pandam, bagged the second and third positions respectively.

In the 40 years above category, Ratan Luwangcha bagged the first position while Jit Ningombam of ISTV and Imo Singh of People`™s Chronicle bagged the second and third positions repectively.

In the 40 years above category for Women, Sonia Sorensangbam of Poknapham bagged the first position while S Bimola of Senmitlon and Nomita Khongbantabam of Hueyen Lanpao bagged the second and third positions respectively.

In the 40 years below category for Women, E Babina Devi of Sanaleibak bagged the first position while Nongmaithem Reena of Impact TV and Chingsubam Leisembi Chanu of Pandam, bagged the second and third positions respectively.

In each category, all the first places were awarded with Rs 10,000 cash prize, Rs 5000 for second place and Rs 3000 for third place along with citations.

The cash prizes were donated by Pradhan-Patsoi G/P N Tomba Meetei, pradhan Mayang Langjing G/P Kh Sanaton Singh, Khaonghampat G/P Pradhan Y Muhindro Singh, Lairenkabi Kadangband G/P Pradhan N Bobby Singh, Representative Thounaojam Leikai G/P Pradhan N Ratan Singh, Sapam Leikai G/P Pradhan A Bishorjit Singh, Phayeng G/P Pradhan A Gojendro Singh, Representative Channgangei G/P Pradhan L Tomna Singh, Yarou Bhamdhiyar G/P Pradhan S Punakeshwor Singh, Takyel G/P Pradhan K Somolata Devi, Lamjaotongba G/P Pradhan RK Gunisana Devi and Bijoy Govinda G/P N Rani Devi.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/govindas-hopeful-of-setting-up-regional-institute-of-adventure-in-state/

IMPHAL, May 18: A team of District Police Commando, Imphal West has conducted search operation in and around Paona Bazar on May 16 based on information received regarding movement of some active members of CoRCoM organization.
According to a release of the PRO, the search was conducted in from of Burma Watch store, Paona Bazar.

During the operation, one hardcore member of CoRCoM, namely, Md. Atao Rahman alias Atabur, 35, son of (l) Md. Tomba of Lilong Chingkham Mamang Tamya Shumang was arrested. Investigation revealed that he was involved in hurling hand grenades and planting IEDs at different Motor Vehicle dealer shops and offices located at Imphal area, it said.

On his disclosure, a combined team of District Police Commando, Imphal West and Thoubal and 40 Assam Rifles seized two numbers of Chinese hand grenades, two number of detonators and one remote control along with two batteries from the courtyard of Fountain English School, located at Lilong Chingkham Tamya Shumanf on the same day, i.e., May 16. Investigation has revealed that Md. Atao Rahman planned a major bomb blast in Imphal area, it said.

Acting on further disclosures made by Atao Rahman, a combined team of District Police I/W and 40 AR seized one rocket launcher loaded with one high explosive shell from the pump house attached to the restroom of the Imam of Mosque located at Lilong Chingkham Tamya SHumang near the school on May 16, it said.

A case has been registered at City Police Station and investigation is going on, it said.

In another release, a team of District Police Commando I/W has conducted frisking and checking at North AOC, Imphal on May 15.

During the frisking and checking, an active member of NSCN (K) organisation namely Daithuipou Gangmei alias Chamshugam, 29 son of (l) Napuna Gangmei of Duithangjang Guitang, Nungba, Tamenglong district a/p Nongmeibung Rajbari was arrested. A case has been registered at Imphal Police Station and investigation is going on, it said.

In yet another release, the Moreh Police Station Officer in charge along with police party has conducted frisking and checking near Sunrise Club Office on May 17 and arrested one active cadre of PLA organisation, namely, Mayanglambam Nganthoi Meitei alias Chinglen Nganba lias Romesh, 25, son of (l) M. Nemai Meitei of Langol Game village Zone-III.

A case has been registered at Moreh Police Station and investigation is going on, it said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/corcom-nscn-k-cadres-nabbed/

IMPHAL, May 18: The BJP led NDA government at the Centre has decided that all development sanctions under the 14th Finance Commission, will be made directly to panchayats and municipal councils and not through the State, Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Jual Oram said today.

He was addressing an election campaign for BJP candidates of Chandel ADC at the Senapati district Head Quarter Public Ground.

Oram said he was in the district to appeal to the people of Senapati to elect the BJP candidates.

He said the party`™s elected members can directly approach the Prime Minister for development funds.

If the BJP candidates win the ADC election, Oram said he will directly apprise the Central government of the people`™s grievances.

The government will provide more funds for the development of tribals if the BJP candidates are elected in the ADC, however, electing the Congress candidates will mean that we cannot help much to improve the condition of Manipur, he observed.

`On my reaching Senapati, people have made demands for funds for development of the tribals`, he observed.

However, even if the Centre releases funds, who can take full responsibility that the funds will reach the people, he demanded.

BJP is for the poor and needy people, he said elaborating that the party`™s leaders have themselves experience poverty.

And the tribals`™ desire to see that funds meant for them are properly utilised can be achieved only if the BJP wins the election, he continued.

On the other hand, leaders of the Congress party come from rich families and as such have no consideration for the people belonging to the schedule tribes, schedule caste and other minority groups, he asserted.

Under the Congress government, the welfare of ST, SC and OBCs were club together with that of Animal Welfare under one ministry- Ministry of Social Justice, he claimed.

It was the NDA government under Atal Bihari Vajpayee that set up a separate Tribal Affairs Ministry, he asserted.

The Congress has never treated the downtrodden as equals, he continued.

The National Commission for Schedule Tribes had only three members but it was increased to five when Tapir Gao was the secretary, he said.

He said huge funds are sanctioned through the National Commission for Schedule Tribes which are misused by the State government.

Oram said, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has opened the nationalised banks for all citizens of India through the Jan Dhan Yojna, he said.

The party`™s State president Th Chaoba said lotus of the BJP has begun to bloom in the hills today.

There was time when no one from the minority groups would enroll for the party, but now more than a lakh has enrolled themselves with the party during its online membership drive in the State, Chaoba claimed.

In the past no one wanted BJP tickets to contest the ADC election, but now the party received 340 applications for the 144 seats available, he said.

BJP, Manipur Pradesh general secretart (media) laimayum Basanta Sharma alleged that the Centre had sanctioned Rs 1118 crore for the tribals of the State, however, the State government is yet to provide the utilization certificates of the funds.

Today`™s meeting was also attended by BJP National general secretary Tapir Gao, and other party leaders from the State including Dr Borababu, M Bhorot, Mahila president Pramodini, general secretary Mahila, state secretary of BJP.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/centre-will-sanction-funds-directly-to-local-governing-bodies-jual-oram/

IMPHAL, May 18: The BJP wants to overthrow the Congress government in the State and bring peace, harmony and development, asserted Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiran Rijiju today.

Addressing an election campaign for the BJP at Chandel today, the MoS said as long as there is Congress rule in the State, the people will continue to suffer pain and agony.

He said, his ministry receives reports of bandhs, blockades, dharna, etc in the State every day.

This is a clear indication of lack of good governance in the State, he asserted.

The Congress party has damaged Manipur and it will take several years to get back, he said appealing to the people not to give another chance to Congress.

He said the people should overthrow Congress and bring BJP to power for which it is important for the BJP to do well in the upcoming Autonomous District Council Election.

Although the government is there is protect and take care of the society and its people, the present Congress government has totally failed to fulfill the expectations of the public, he said.

Rijiju said Manipur is a beautiful State with a vast pool of resources. Its people have the potential to excel in many fields, however, the government has failed miserably in tapping all this resources and potential of the people, he said.

Road connectivity in the State is in a deplorable condition, he said adding that people are facing difficulties in their movement.

In such a scenario, the people in the remote areas and the hills especially must be facing many problems, he said.

Now is the time to teach the Congress government a lesson, he said appealing to the people to support the BJP in the ADC election.

`Our motto is not only to be in the government, our motto is to serve the people,` he stated before assuring that all possible steps will be taken up to develop the entire North East.

At the same time, he appealed to armed outfits operating in the State to return to normalcy.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/bjp-wants-to-overthrow-congress-and-bring-peace-in-the-state-rijiju/

IMPHAL, May 18: A double bench of the High Court of Manipur comprising of Justice Laxmikanta Mohapatra and Justice N Kotishwar has directed the Manipur government to allot a space in Greater Imphal area for people to assemble and hold peaceful protests.

The order has to be complied within three weeks from today.

The order came after a petition was filed to the High Court of Manipur by a member of Aam Aadmi Party, Digen Singh last year.

The petition was moved in court as the State government did not comply to the order of the then Governor of Manipur , VK Duggal to provide a space near the southern portion of Sahid Minar near Pologround or somewhere in Imphal, to enable the public for sit in protest, dharna, public speech etc. The order number GSM/Gen-8/2008 (Pt VII) was referred to the chief secretary on May 16 of last year.

According to the memorandum submitted by Digen Singh , the public has the right to assemble peacefully without arms and under the Constitution of India the right to freedom of expression.

It said in Manipur there are frequent agitations, and picketing occurs in front of the CM`™s bungalow, Governor`™s residence and other major crowded streets. During such times, unwanted incidents happen as tussle between the security forces and agitators constantly occur, violence is a fallout of such situations.

The need is there to tackle such scenarios and provide a common space for people to express themselves and protest peacefully, it said.

`As we are providing space for parks, gardens, playgrounds etc. we may provide a small space in the heart of Imphal in order to allow ventilation of thoughts and ideas of common people, intellectuals etc. So, the government of Manipur may kindly consider to provide a space for any meeting of public speech, protests etc. to avail fundamental rights under the constitution with reasonable restrictions,`™ it said.

The memorandum also cites that Delhi has Jantar Mantar, where citizens are allowed to gather peacefully and express their opinions.

The memorandum was reciprocated by the Governor, and forwarded to the chief secretary of Manipur.

However, despite the directive of the Governor, was not acknowledged by the State government. The AAP member Digen Sigh then petitioned to the High Court of Manipur as why the order has not been complied with.

The order was given today by the division bench that the space should be allocated within three weeks by the State Government.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/hc-orders-state-to-provide-space-for-peaceful-agitations/

KANGPOKPI, May 18: Enforcing the ban imposed on Imphal based leading newspaper The Sangai Express and ISTV News Channel by Kuki Students`™ Organization GHQ the student body in Sadar Hills burnt down all the copies of The Sangai Express mean for distributing at Kangpokpi in full public view at around 7:30 am this morning.

Some volunteers of KSO Sadar Hills took all The Sangai Express copies from Zalaileng News Service Centre, Kangpokpi and burnt down in front of the news centre in full public view.

KSO Sadar Hills president Thangminlen Kipgen said that the KSO GHQ decision to ban the newspaper and the local television news channel is justifiable and accepted by all tribal people in hill district while adding that the people have been very much aware of the unethical journalism by the two media house and favoritism in reporting performance with respect to the Haorang Kairel killing incident and Thingsat killings.

He also said that ISTV News Channel will be closed from today in the town and cautioned the people not to subscribe the said printed and electronic media in the interest of the ethical journalism in the state.

Thangminlen Kipgen also warned that every morning volunteers will check every bus and vehicles transporting the ban newspaper in town and if anyone found violating the diktak suitable action will be taken accordingly while urging the bus association of Senapati district not to engage in transporting the said paper.

While appealing to all ISTV operator and subscribers in the town to disconnect the channel the student body president also warned to initiate proper action to those who violated it.

Meanwhile, The Sangai Express subscribers of Zalaileng News Service Centre, Kangpokpi asked the news hawkers to replace their subscription with another daily which makes a restless day for the News Centre staffs.

Source from Zalaileng News Service Centre, Kangpokpi said that there are more than 100 subscribers of The Sangai Express both English and Manipur Edition while adding that it is the largest subscribed and circulated daily in the town.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/kso-sh-burns-copies-of-tse-at-kangpokpi-warns-to-unsubscribe/

IMPHAL, May 18: Strong interference are meted out from underground outfits and pressurizing candidates of the upcoming ADC elections to either back away from contesting and to support their sponsored candidate.

The situation is prevalent in many ADC segments of the Sadar Hills jurisdiction, the political manipulation is mostly perpetrated by underground outfits who are presently in suspension of operations with the State and Central government. This was the main point of contention raised by many village elders, village chiefs of Purum Likli which comes under Mapao ADC segment of Sadar Hills. A flag hoisting function of BJP candidate of the said segment, namely Kaikam Kom today was held today at Purum Likli. Speaking at the occasion, President of the Komrem Union, Serto Kom said that the Union condemns the harassment meted out by the organizations to the candidates who are not sponsored by them. `We condemn the harassment and the forced politics favoritism in this area,` he added that elections should be free and fair.

Further adding to the charges, the BJP candidate Kaikam Kom lamented that the public of the area has not been able to exercise their voting rights. They are either intimidated by certain unlawful organizations to vote for their sponsored candidate and for other candidates to back away from contesting. `There is no peace during election time, politics are forced on the public, our democratic rights have been violated,`Kaikum said.

He mentioned that during the last election, he wanted to contest but was made to drop from campaigning as certain highly influential individuals had pressured him to do so. `We should not bow in to intimidation, I have been threatened this time also but I am not afraid. In the interest of the NGOs, I left the election last time as the candidate would win uncontested. This time, the public is behind me,` Kaikam added that no organizations are backing him but only the pressure of the public encourages him to stand for elections this time. `Unlike last time, there will be no `selection`™ and the choice of the people should be respected.` he said.

He highlighted that the elected ADCs are riding in swanky vehicles and questioned where the money for such luxury is coming from: an ADC member is given Rs 10,000 as salary for a month. `Are they public representatives or someone else`™s, let us not give in to the pressure and it is time that the public no longer remain afraid to exercise their democratic right.` he said.

It was learnt that an underground organization had threatened the candidate recently and asked him to bring an amount of Rs 10,000 to their designated camp.

The ceremony was attended by former minister C Doungel, BJP Yuva Morcha vice president; Ramthar Zimik, BJP president of Sadar Hills; Thangkholen Kipgen, Chairman of election committee; Campminthang and Emerson Bapui; Pastor of Purum Likli among other dignitaries.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/pressure-politics-at-sadar-hills-adc-elections-bjp-candidate-cries-foul/