Manipur News

Government will not tolerate criminal activities of UGs: Chief Minister

IMPHAL, July 14: Sending out a loud and clear message against underground groups breaching ground rules and committing crimes, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi has said that the government will not

IMPHAL, July 14: Sending out a loud and clear message against underground groups breaching ground rules and committing crimes, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi has said that the government will not tolerate violence.

The Chief Minister was responding to a call for an amendment to the motion of thanks raised by Opposition leader, Dr I Ibohalbi and MLA Samuel Risom during today’s sitting of the 8th session of the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly.

A motion of thanks for discussion on the Governor’s Address was moved by MLA T Mangibabu Singh and MLA Y Surchandra Singh on February 24, 2014, the discussion of which was held today.

The motion was approved by the House unanimously after the MLAs who raised the call for amendment withdrew.

Taking serious note of the series of crimes committed by armed groups including the killing of an Ukhrul ADC member, ambush on other elected representatives and continuous bomb attacks and threats to officials, the Chief Minister divulged that the people now understand the full sinister implications of ideologies or objectives of militant groups even if they don’t raised their voices.

We are all law abiding citizens of India, underscored the Chief Minister.

But, if they continue to take laws into their own hands, the government have no choice but to act, he continued.

Narrowing down to Dr Ibohalbi’s concerned on the seriousness of the crimes committed by the NSCN-IM totally disregarding the grounds rules despite being in peace talks with Government of India he asked rhetorically “We are hoping and praying that a solution be brought to the Naga political problem but if they persist on committing crimes where else can it lead to?”

Further, while referring to the killing of the Ukhrul ADC member, who is a people’s representative, he termed the act to be beyond limits and went on to say that the government will not tolerate anymore.

He exhorted that it is high time to stand up against such anti-social activities in unison irrespective of hill or valley groups.

Meanwhile, giving his clarification on other issues raised by the MLAs, the Chief Minister assured to amend the State AIDS policy to ensure that it is made more effective.

Coming to the State boundary issue, the Chief Minister said that although there are no concerned of boundary encroachment from the other neighbouring States, the fencing has been put on hold until as resurvey is conducted as per the aspiration of the people.

If the need arises, the government is always ready for a joint venture cutting across political affiliation of ideology as was done in the pass, he continued.

The Chief Minister also assured to look upon various issues raised by the MLAs including the devolution of powers to the panchayat, water management and ascertaining the shortcomings on the part of the government in addressing some issues in the hills.

Moving his motion, Dr Ibohalbi mentioned that the Governor’s Address failed to mention about the issues faced by the public including law and order, drugs etc.

On the other hand, MLA Samuel Risom mentioned that the address fails to mention about the measures put to check rampant conversion of hill villages into valleys and the policy to increased funds allocation for the hill areas.

Gaikhangam disowns SIU, says unit not sanctioned by Home

IMPHAL, July 14: The Special Investigation Unit (SIU), responsible for major drug seizures in the State, was not set up with the approval of the State Home department but constituted

IMPHAL, July 14: The Special Investigation Unit (SIU), responsible for major drug seizures in the State, was not set up with the approval of the State Home department but constituted by the superintendent of police (SP) of the concerned district, said deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam who also holds the Home portfolio today.

Gaikhangam was replying to a question raised by senior Congress MLA, Y Irabot Singh during the Question Hour on the second day of the 8th session of the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly.

The Home minister elaborated that the unit worked under the direct supervision of an SP adding that it was constituted on May 6, 2012 and abolished on January 15, 2013.

SIU was not a sanctioned unit but constituted by the than SP Imphal West as per the requirement of the district to efficiently discharge its duty by assisting in cases involving PDS items, forest products, drugs etc.

In his question the Wangkhei MLA, Y Irabot had sought a clarification from the Home minister of the date of constitution of the SIU and its purposes.

At the same time, he also sought the date the unit was abolished.

Further in his supplementary question, Irabot had enquired about the sudden transfer of officer in charge SIU, K Ranjit just after a huge drug consignment seizure from near the NRL oil pump, Mantripukhri. He further sought details of the case.

In his response, Gaikhangam clarified the transfer of the OC was a normal departmental process.

As for the drug seizure case it has been handed over to the CBI, said Giakhangam but said he could not provide details of the seized items as it was not available with him.

In another question, Irabot further queried whether there were any instances of registration of FIR in case of non-cognizable offence with or without the order of the competent court and to provide with the details.

Gaikhangam responded that there was no such cases till date, however if it was so, he assured to look into the matter and act accordingly against the erring personnel.

Tangkhul bodies set 24-hour deadline for three-point demand

By R Lester Makang UKHRUL, July 14: Taking serious note of the series of recent developments, the Tangkhul Frontal Organizations (TFOs) have today set a deadline of 24 hour for

By R Lester Makang
UKHRUL, July 14: Taking serious note of the series of recent developments, the Tangkhul Frontal Organizations (TFOs) have today set a deadline of 24 hour for their consensual three-point demands which included revocation of Section 144 of CrPc, withdrawal of reinforced combined team of Manipur Police Commondo (MPC) and Indian Reserved Battalion (IRB) and unconditional release of all the NSCN-IM cadres arrested from WTR office and their seized properties and documents immediately to restore the WTR’s status quo pre-July 13 incident.

The three-point demands were stated in a memorandum submitted to the Governor of Manipur through the deputy commissioner of Ukhrul district today which was jointly signed by representatives of Tangkhul Frontal Organizations (TFOs), namely Artax A Shimray, president TNL, SC Ringluiwon president TSL, Joel Angkang president TKS, Ningkhan Shangh president TMNL and Dearson general secretary TNWL.

Stating in no uncertain terms that the demands should be addressed within the stipulated 24-hour time, the memo threatened that in the event of the government failing to do so, they would be compelled to take recourse to democratic forms of agitation.

According to TFOs statement, the promulgation of section 144 CrPc in the town is effected on the pretext of containing probable disturbance of public tranquillity in the wake of the killing of ADC member Ngalangzar Malue, which does not arise.

And that deployment of hundreds of Manipur police commandos and IRB personnel here is creating a warlike situation and an environment wherein the safety and security of the civil populace is highly at stake, it stated.

As for the demand for unconditional release of all members of WTR, the statement maintained that WTR office was set up in the town to facilitate public relations and to strengthen dispensation of justice among the Tangkhul Naga populace.

“The raid on WTR office therefore, is a direct attempt to deny the Tangkhul Naga people their quest for peace and justice,” the TFOs reasoned while adding that such act also violates ceasefire agreement between GOI and NSCN-IM.

Hemochandra elected new MOA president

IMPHAL, 14 July 2014: PHED & Labour minister I Hemochandra Singh was elected president of the Manipur Olympic Association today. Members of the executive council Manipur Olympic Association today made the announcement at the Olympc Bhavan, Khuman Lampak Sports Complex. The election was held on April 4. Explaining the belated announcement of the result, returning officer, Radhakumar Singh said the result was kept withheld following an order from the Supreme Court and the ballot boxes were kept in the treasury office till today. The Supreme Court had on July 4 ordered declaration of the result by July 15, he said. Other elected members of the executive council are Sunil Elangbam as secretary, M Prithiviraj Singh as treasurer), Dr GA Ibopishak Sharma, A Baruni Singh, M Chourjit Singh, Jotin Waikhom, Th Joykumar Singh, Dr Kh Loken Singh as vice presidents, GA Sanatomba Sharma, Dr S Shantikumar Singh, T Dushanta Singh, K Achoubi singh as joint secretaries, M Biramani Singh, Y Bony Singh, L Shantakeshor Singh, Y Ibotombi Singh, Ng Inaocha Singh, A Johnson, Prof Joykumar Leishemba, L Phunil Singh, Ng Thoiba Singh, G Tombi Sharma as executive Mmembers. Hemochandra congratulated the newly elected executive members. He also said that the delay in the announcement of the election results had created much inconvenience in the sports institution of the State. He further expressed that the MOA will extend its duty with full integrity and added that a Sports University is in the pipeline. Hemochandra further said that it is time to gear up for the upcoming National Games at Kerala.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/07/hemochandra-elected-new-moa-president/

State BJP president likely to change in two-three days

Imphal, July 14: The rebel group within the State BJP has increased its lobbying for removing Thounaojam Chaoba from the post of the party president in New Delhi after the

Imphal, July 14: The rebel group within the State BJP has increased its lobbying for removing Thounaojam Chaoba from the post of the party president in New Delhi after the new BJP national president Amit Shah assumes charge. They are meeting Central leaders for removing the State party president, a source said.

The dissident leaders in Delhi have said that within two to three days, a final decision on removing the State party president will be taken.

The suspension orders issued by president Chaoba are not approved by central leaders of the BJP. About 14 dissident leaders are lobbying with national leaders for removing Th Chaoba from his post.

Chances of Chaoba’s removal from the post are high because the Central leaders have replaced the Tamil Nadu BJP president recently after party members of that State have held discussions with senior party leaders and the national president, said a source.

BJP Manipur Pradesh president Th Chaoba failed twice to visit Delhi after central leaders asked him to submit the expenditure report of the recent Lok Sabha polls. Some senior leaders have completed their preparations for selecting a new president of the State BJP in the near future, added the source.

Meanwhile, a Th Chaoba led team of four is in New Delhi to meet various NDA leaders.

He is also lobbying with national leaders to let him complete his tenure as the State party president till 2015.

According to a source, Th Chaoba is also lobbying with national BJP leaders to complete his tenure.

Allegations on the president include foisting his ideas on the party without the consent of past leaders in the last elections and other party activities, developing the State office on his own without consulting anyone, corruption and misuse of funds sanctioned by the party high command in the Lok Sabha polls etc, the source said.

70 percent of party members are in favour of removing the State party president. In such a situation, the centre leaders have not decided till date on whether he will be removed or not. However, a series of incidents indicate that a new president will be elected within two to three days, the source said.

ZRO president calls for unity among Zo Suan tribe

By Alex Guite LAMKA, July 14: The Zomi Reunification Organisation, ZRO president Thanglianpau Guite who is also the general secretary of United People Front, UPF has said that he is

By Alex Guite
LAMKA, July 14: The Zomi Reunification Organisation, ZRO president Thanglianpau Guite who is also the general secretary of United People Front, UPF has said that he is an ardent supporter of unity among the tribal, particularly the Zomi and the Kuki goup.

Speaking to a select group of media at their base camp at Songtal Village, he said it was the right time for the movement when he took up revolutionary cause of the Zomi-Zosuan in 1993.

He said he was however, saddened by the ways of UPF and KNO of accentuating the little differences while ignoring the bigger similarities among the tribes, which has only provided pasture for those wanting to divide them.

He called for a unity oriented vision which will help in making their collective voice heard instead on meddling in narrow politics.

“We are fighting for an ‘unborn child’ and the name should be only decided after it is successful,” he said while referring to the various demands including a Kuki State or Zomi based names.

“Make no mistake, but we the descendants of Zo or Zomi, especially the non-Naga tribes of Manipur and elsewhere,” he asserted.

He continued we are the sons of Zo and the name Kuki is a “Bengali corrupted word” and came in used only after the British came to the hills of the present day Manipur.

Guite said, “We should look for unity and shun such nomenclature, for if such a nomenclature was to take centre stage, divisions are bound to challenge the common cause.”

On the question of the State government’s plan to implement the NLUP based on the Mizoram model in the hills of Manipur, Guite said that it is a development oriented Act and should be welcomed by all and that it has nothing to do with the Village Development Council.

“I’m a chief of a village myself, but there is an urgent need to reform the chieftainship as it is synonymous with dictatorship,” the leader said before quickly adding that until it is reformed, the people will have no real independence even though India had celebrated more than 60 Independence Day for the chief can do anything in his village.

He said it is our politician’s hunger for getting elected that is dividing the tribes particularly the Zo Suan and unless both the UPF and the KNO work in unison nothing momentous will be achieved.

He added that at several forums, he had himself champion unity with the “brothers who call themselves Kuki.”

While lauding the work of COPTAM, he observed it is unfortunate that some villages which fall under Churachandpur district are paying revenue to the Bishnupur administration.

“We already have a God given identity in Zo Suan, nevertheless, we continue to differ on the name, which needs to be look at at the earliest, if we want to succeed in our demands for a Zomi Autonomous Hill State or the Kuki State,” he continued.

The president also said that any demands of the Zo Suan would be very hard to achieve without the Nagas, as much as it is for the Nagas to achieve theirs without the Zo Suan.

Aimol bodies seek eviction of land encroachers

IMPHAL, July 14: Several organisations of the Aimol tribe have threatened to imposed a 24-hour state wide general strike from 6 am of July 21 if their demands are not

IMPHAL, July 14: Several organisations of the Aimol tribe have threatened to imposed a 24-hour state wide general strike from 6 am of July 21 if their demands are not fulfilled before July 20.

The proposed agitation was announced by the general secretary of The Aimol Student’s Union Manipur, S Chunglalthang Aimol while speaking to the media on the sideline of a sit in protest held today at the Pallel bazaar waiting shed.

The sit in protest was jointly organised by the Student’s Union Manipur, Aimol Tribes Union Manipur and Aimol Meiwar (woman’s body).

The students’ body is demanding eviction against land encroachers along the 4l km stretch of Lingsikung road under Chandel district.

Further speaking to the media Chunglalthang revealed that the unions have sent several memorandums drawing the attention of the concerned authority however the government has remained indifferent to their demand.

He said that the unions have come to the decision to launch general strike as their last resort to ensure that their voice is heard.

If our demands are not met before July 20, we will impose a State-wide general strike from the next day, said Chunglalthang.

Moreover he also threatened to impose indefinite blockade along the Imphal-Moreh road as their next course of agitation.

The agitation will be supported by Organisation for Movement of Indigenous People of Manipur and Student League Manipur. The two groups also participated in today’s protest.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/07/aimol-bodies-seek-eviction-of-land-encroachers/

NSCN (IM) men remanded to 13 days police custody

IMPHAL, July 14: The eight NSCN-IM cadres who were arrested yesterday from Ukhrul in the aftermath of the Finch Corner ambush killing of Ngalangzar Malue have been remanded to 13

IMPHAL, July 14: The eight NSCN-IM cadres who were arrested yesterday from Ukhrul in the aftermath of the Finch Corner ambush killing of Ngalangzar Malue have been remanded to 13 days police custody today.

The arrested militants were produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate Imphal East this morning around 11.30.

The eight have been identified as as self styled sergent Wangkepam Raiping, self styled sergent major Esacher Ejao, self styled corporal VL Singregam, self styled private Winky, self styled lance corporal Sepachi, self styled private Longji, self styled lance corporal Somrei and self styled sergent K Hareithing Mung.

It is learnt that the Ukhrul Police in 2013 had registered an FIR against the eight in a different case under FIR no.14 (7) 2014 UKL PS.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/07/nscn-im-men-remanded-to-13-days-police-custody/

UNC calls 24 hour bandh

SENAPATI, July 14 (NNN): The United Naga Council (UNC) has threatened to call a 24 hours bandh in ‘Naga areas’ of Manipur from the midnight of July 15 in protest

SENAPATI, July 14 (NNN): The United Naga Council (UNC) has threatened to call a 24 hours bandh in ‘Naga areas’ of Manipur from the midnight of July 15 in protest against what it called ‘the military strength show’ of Manipur Chief Minister Okrom Ibobi Singh against the Nagas and also for the immediate implementation of ‘Alternative Arrangement’.

UNC general secretary Gaidon Kamei while addressing to some media persons here said that the latest ‘military strength show’ of Ibobi Singh is presently prevailing in Ukhrul town. Gaidon Kamei said this is not the first time the Manipur government has been harassing the Nagas.

According to the UNC leader, one such instance wasn when, in the year 2010 NSCN-IM general secretary Th Muivah wanted to visit his native village Somdal, Ukhrul district.

Meanwhile, the UNC general secretary said the 24-hour bandh to be begun from July 15 midnight will be a democratic and a peaceful agitation. Educational institutions, media, electricity, medical services will be exempted from the purview of the bandh.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/07/unc-calls-24-hour-bandh/

Tangkhul apex body petitions Manipur Governor – MorungExpress

Tangkhul apex body petitions Manipur GovernorMorungExpressIt said following this, on July 13, at around 4 AM, Manipur police commandos and Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) from Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Imphal, bypassing the district authorities of Ukhrul …

Tangkhul apex body petitions Manipur Governor
MorungExpress
It said following this, on July 13, at around 4 AM, Manipur police commandos and Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) from Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Imphal, bypassing the district authorities of Ukhrul raided and ransacked the office of the Wung Tangkhul …
Tangkhul bodies set 24-hour deadline for three-point demandKanglaOnline
TNL plea to revoke 144 CrPC ; United Naga Council calls 12-hr bandhNagaland Post

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Army starts tree plantation drive in Manipur – Zee News

Army starts tree plantation drive in ManipurZee NewsKolkata: To preserve the rich biodiversity of Manipur, the Army on Monday started a drive to plant 20,000 saplings of fruit bearing and wood trees. "The plantation drive is based on collaborative…

Army starts tree plantation drive in Manipur
Zee News
Kolkata: To preserve the rich biodiversity of Manipur, the Army on Monday started a drive to plant 20,000 saplings of fruit bearing and wood trees. "The plantation drive is based on collaborative efforts between security forces and locals of the area …

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Army starts tree plantation drive in Manipur – Business Standard

Army starts tree plantation drive in ManipurBusiness StandardTo preserve the rich biodiversity of Manipur, the Army today started a drive to plant 20,000 saplings of fruit bearing and wood trees. "The plantation drive is based on collaborative eff…

Army starts tree plantation drive in Manipur
Business Standard
To preserve the rich biodiversity of Manipur, the Army today started a drive to plant 20,000 saplings of fruit bearing and wood trees. "The plantation drive is based on collaborative efforts between security forces and locals of the area. Schools …

Manipur ADC member killing: Eight ‘NSCN-IM cadres’ held – Times of India

E-Pao.netManipur ADC member killing: Eight 'NSCN-IM cadres' heldTimes of IndiaIMPHAL: A day after Ukhrul's Autonomous District Council (ADC) member Ngalangzar Malue was killed in an ambush, security officials arrested at least eight suspect…

E-Pao.net

Manipur ADC member killing: Eight 'NSCN-IM cadres' held
Times of India
IMPHAL: A day after Ukhrul's Autonomous District Council (ADC) member Ngalangzar Malue was killed in an ambush, security officials arrested at least eight suspected cadres of NSCN (IM) during a raid at Ukhrul town on Sunday. The district magistrate …
Ukhrul volatile as Manipur Government gets toughMorungExpress
Tension running high in Manipur hill townAssam Tribune
UNC calls bandh in 'Naga areas'E-Pao.net
KanglaOnline –Nagaland Post –The Hindu
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Manipur league gets 12 teams – E-Pao.net

Manipur league gets 12 teamsE-Pao.netThe 12 teams in the fray are North Imphal Sporting Association, Southern Sporting Union, Tiddim Road Athletic Union, United Sporting Association, North Eastern Re-organising and Cultural Association, Tiddim Road Uni…

Manipur league gets 12 teams
E-Pao.net
The 12 teams in the fray are North Imphal Sporting Association, Southern Sporting Union, Tiddim Road Athletic Union, United Sporting Association, North Eastern Re-organising and Cultural Association, Tiddim Road Unique Gamy Players Union, Manipur …

NPF Manipur presses for imposition of PR in State – E-Pao.net

NPF Manipur presses for imposition of PR in StateE-Pao.netThe NPF, Manipur state then takes serious note of the prevailing situation in Ukhrul district and asserted that a war-like situation has been created by Ibobi and Gaikhangam in the Ukhrul town w…

NPF Manipur presses for imposition of PR in State
E-Pao.net
The NPF, Manipur state then takes serious note of the prevailing situation in Ukhrul district and asserted that a war-like situation has been created by Ibobi and Gaikhangam in the Ukhrul town with hundreds of police commandos and IRB personnel …
NPF demands PR in ManipurMorungExpress

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