Manipur News

UKHRUL, November 2: A 25-year old was allegedly beaten to death around 4-5 pm yesterday at Chingjaroi Village along the National Highway 202 in between Raizai and Kharasom Village (eight kms from the latter village) at Ukhrul.

His dead body was found from inside a makeshift camp the next day, informed sources.

Sources also said that while the exact reasons cannot be ascertained, it is speculated that a drinking party led to a fight between him and the others.

It is also learnt that following the recovery of the dead body, hundreds of local youth accompanied by the Chingjaroi Village Authority arrived in two Shaktiman trucks rushed to Kharasom village and demanded the custody of three individuals believed to be involved in the death.

While a third one managed to escaped, two others C Ronza and K Zimik were handed over to Chingjaroi Village over mutual understanding and assurances between the two villages.

The two are now in the hands of Chingjaroi Khullen village for further enquiry/ investigation, informed sources.

Sources identified the third one who escaped as Abhoishang T Ronra.

Meanwhile, the Headman Chingjaroi has stated that the matter will be treated according to the Tangkhul village customary law.   

Meanwhile, according to police source so far no FIR has been registered on the case, though the police had intervened to control the situation.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2013/12/tension-at-ukhrul-after-youth-murder/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tension-at-ukhrul-after-youth-murder

IMPHAL, December 2: The driver of an inter-state night super bus who was abducted for a monetary demand of Rs 20 lakh by the proscribed UG group Naga National Council (NNC) was released safe and sound this morning.

The driver was abducted on November 27, 2013 from Vishwema area of Nagaland and remained captive for five days in NNC custody.

The driver Thoudam Rame, 31, son of Ningthem of Luwangsangbam Matai, Imphal East interacted with media this night at his residence.

He said that on November 27 morning, he was returning from Guwahati to Imphal.

After crossing Kohima and some distance away from Vishwema, a van (white colour) stopped the bus at around 6 am.

The occupants of the van asked him if he had a second driver. Afterwards, he was blindfolded and taken into their custody while the second drove the bus towards its destination.

After that they took him to an interior place in Nagaland. He said it was about 20 kilometer from the spot where he was kidnapped.

Rame said at their hideout the persons identified themselves as cadres of NNC group. They spoke Manipuri very well, and informed they do not have any anything personal with him but with the union as they have not given the annual tax of Rs 10 thousand per year per vehicle. The cadres assured Rame from the beginning that they were not going to hurt him.

He said that on the fateful day he brought 24 passengers from Guahati alongwith the second driver Chongtham Roshan (27) son of Tiken from Khurai .

This morning, the cadres escorted him till Tadubi on a short-cut hill track. After walking for 20 km they reached Tatubi area at 10.30 am.

Rame said that from Tatubi Bazar he board a taxi Somo to Senapati Bazar. Later he met his family members waiting at Senapati and by 6 pm evening he reached his residence.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2013/12/abducted-nightsuper-driver-released/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=abducted-nightsuper-driver-released

JIRIBAM, December 2: Four students’ bodies of Jiribam have announced that they will resume their agitation from next December 4 if the concerned authorities fail to carry out the assurances provided to them on issues pertaining to the sub-division by December 3.

Their movement will be resumed by shutting down government offices of Jiribam along with the Zonal Education Office of Jiribam, leaders of the students’ groups told media persons.

Addressing a press conference at the office of the All Manipur Students’ Union, Jiribam on Sunday, spokespersons of the students’ bodies said that on October 25 last, they met with the authorities of the Department of Education (S) in the office chamber of the minister M Okendro Singh and discussed their demands for filling up the shortage of teachers at Jiribam.

The minister had assured them on fulfillment of their demands, they echoed.

Later on November 18, 2013, based on their demands, the department of Education (S) put up an order posting 31 teachers at Jiribam, whereas till today only two teachers has joined to their respective postings at Jiribam.

It may be mentioned that the movement of the four students’ bodies of Jiribam, namely AMSU-District committee, MSF Special Branch, DESAM Local Council and KSA-Jiribam unit, had been suspended following assurances of the concerned authorities to look into their demands.

The students’ bodies have further appealed to the authorities of Education (S) department to take up necessary actions against the teachers, who are yet to join their respective posting. If their demand is not fulfilled according to Memorandum of Understanding, signed between the student bodies of Jiribam (AMSU, MSF, DESAM, KSA) and representatives of the government within December 3, 2013, then the student bodies will resume their agitation from the next day, the student spokespersons said.

Further elaborating on the line of agitation to be carried further, they said that if in case the concerned authorities failed to send the teachers to their respective postings at the sub-division, the student bodies will demand the department to appoint teachers from the sub-division itself according to their Teachers Eligibility Test result.

The students’ bodies leaders also said that according to the signed Memorandum of Understanding, the state Education minister had assured the students of the sub-division that the appointment of additional contract lecturers for Jiribam Higher

Secondary School will be completed within the month of December, and preference will be given to local candidates.

However, there are still no positive sign on the assurances, they rued.

They further appealed to the teachers of Jiribam to be regular in attending their respective posting schools and to give up the policy of keeping substitute teachers by sharing their salaries.

Lastly, the students’ bodies appealed to the local MLA of Jiribam to take the initiative in settling the issues of Jiribam.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2013/12/jiribam-students-rue-govt-inaction-threaten-resumption-of-agitation/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=jiribam-students-rue-govt-inaction-threaten-resumption-of-agitation

IMPHAL, December 2: More than hundred activists and journalists participated in the State Level Seminar on Armed Forces Special Powers Act” Nation`s People`s and Women`s Security” at the Tamil Sangam Hall in Puducherry today.

The seminar is being organised by the India Social Action Forum (INSAF).

Prof A Marx of the People`s Union for Human Rights chaired the seminar and gave a detailed background on the genesis of AFSPA and the people`s struggle demanding repealing the Act.

RN Ravi, retd Director of IB for the North East while elaborating on why AFSPA is an Act of war said when applied in the “disturbed areas”, it in fact treats the entire population as suspects.

Strongly advocating that the Act has no place in a democracy, he said it is a national shame that after 60 years of independence we are still struggling for its repeal.

He asserted that in 25 years serving as a part of the government he could not change the system.

Heri Tiphagne, chairman of the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM ASIA) narrated his experiences of participating in the festival of Hope, Justice and Peace on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of Irom Sharmila’s hunger strike in 2010.

He also pointed out how the various UN human rights bodies have consistently recommend the repeal of AFSPA and asserted that if India wants to claim for its rightful place in the world as the champion of human rights and democracy it has to get rid of AFSPA.

Sugumaran convenor of the Federation for People`s Rights Punducheery narrated his experience of being a part of national fact finding mission in the aftermath of the rape and murder of Thangjam Manoram in 2004.   

Babloo Loitongbam of Human Rights Alert asserted that the struggle for the repeal of AFSPA is not an individual struggle of Shramila or for that matter Manipuri people or the people of the North East and J&K.

But it is a struggle for anyone and everyone who cherish the democratic values and oppose militarism, he said. What started as a state of exception in the Naga Hills in the 1950s, has engulfed the whole North East and Jammu and Kashmir over the years, he lamented.

There is already a proxy AFSPA in the naxalite affected red corridor, he said before observing that if we do not reverse this process, the exception will eventually become the rule for the whole country and India will be no different from Pakistan.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2013/12/repeal-afspa-echo-reaches-puducherry/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=repeal-afspa-echo-reaches-puducherry

THOUBAL, December 2: A one and half year old infant has been found missing from his mother’s bed where he was left sleeping yesterday evening.

Locals launched a massive search for the infant in the locality. The police have also filed a case in this regard.

The infant named Leishemba is the son of Phanjoubam Itoba and Chaobi of Tekcham Bazar under Kakching police and is the youngest of three siblings.

According to family members, the mother runs a hotel at Tekcham Bazar, while the father works as a goldsmith and both were not present at home.

Last evening, around 8.30, Leishemba was playing at his mother’s hotel when his four year old cousin, daughter of his aunt, came and took him along with her, said family members.

Later, he was left sleeping on his mother’s bed. However, when the mother returned at around 7.30 pm she found him missing.

According to the mother, Leishemba wears a silver chain around his neck, silver trinkets on his ankles, gold earrings and a gold amulet around his waist.  

Meanwhile a case has been registered with the police regarding the incident. Soon after hearing the news about the missing child, the locals launched a massive man hunt in the locality.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2013/12/infant-stolen/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=infant-stolen

IMPHAL, December 1: Manipur today joined the world in observing the World AIDS Day under the global theme of ‘Getting to Zero’.

The Community Network for Empowerment, CoNE and the Manipur State Legal Services Authority jointly observed the World AIDS Day at the former’s conference hall today, under the theme of “Getting to Zero”.

Addressing the observation as the chief guest, member secretary MASLSA Ch Brajachand Singh opined that People Living With HIV/AIDS should be aware of the legal provisions and be in touch with the legal clinics provided by CoNE to avail of the legal benefits.

He further expressed upon the need of those in the rural areas of the state to be aware of the legal provisions.

There are Legal Act Clinics organized under CoNE in six districts of the state with several volunteers helping out, he observed.

The MASLSA member secretary also elaborated on the need for the people to work hand in hand with the NGOs and civil bodies to bring a solution to the issue of HIV/AIDS.

District and Sessions Judge, Manipur East, A Guneshwar Sharma attended as the guest of honour, president CoNE RK Nolikanta attended as the president.

In yet another observation, the Manipur Network of Positive People, MNP+; Social Awareness Service Organisation, SASO; Care Foundation and VIHAAN SCCs also observed the day at the conference hall of Hotel Tampha.

The observation was held under the theme of “Getting to Zero: Zero new infection, zero related death, zero discrimination.”

Asst Professor, ART, Nodal Officer, JNIMS speaking as the guest of honour said that in today’s society, the people are much aware about the issue at hand.

However, awareness alone is not enough; people need to understand how to prevent HIV/AIDS from spreading and what the root causes of transmission are, he added.

He further urged all not to discriminate against anyone living with HIV/AIDS.

PLWAIDS should also be able to provide the needed awareness against the HIV/AIDS to the people especially the youth, he opined.

Imphal West DC, K Radhakumar speaking as the chief guest said there are 4 million PLWAIDS in the world out of which Manipur has 43 thousand.

He said surveys will be completed in the districts where it is yet to be conducted at the earliest.

Our Bishnupur Correspondent adds: As in other parts of the world, Bishnupur district also witnessed the World AIDS Day observation at several places.

The District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit, DAPCU, Bishnupur also observed the day at the office campus of the People’s Resource Development Association, PRDA, Bishnupur under the theme “Share Responsibility strengthening for an AIDS free generation.”

Bishnupur DC Jason A Shimray attended the programme as the chief guest while Chief Medical Officer, Bishnupur presided over the function with Medical Superintendent Bishnupur Dr H Babychand attending as  guest of honour.

DC Jason A Shimray lighted the inaugural lamp of the formal function.

Meanwhile, addressing the function as resource person, secretary PRDA L Suranjoy elaborated on the need of the students to understand the issue properly and take a definitive responsibility towards making the future AIDS free.

He continued that the children who were with his office some 15 years are now all grown up.

A girl amongst them expressed that one of her teammates had proposed to her to be his life partner, he said.

Now, the girl is on ART, a fact which the boy is unaware of, he said before adding that it might be an issue.

There are several other such issues, which calls for attention, help and support from all, he observed.

He further urged the DLOs present to give priority to the PLWAIDS in case of any welfare schemes in their departments.

Another resource person of the programme, Senior psychiatrist, District Hospital Bishnupur, Dr Angomcha said even though people are aware of the bad effects of certain habits, they find it hard to give them up and risk their lives.

Unless, people take it upon themselves to change for the better, the issue of HIV/AIDS will only increase, he opined.

Meanwhile, seven institutions of the district- ICTC of District Hospital Bishnupur; CHC, Nambol; CHC, Moirang; PHC, Ningthoukhong; PHC, Kumbi; PPTCTC, District Hospital Bishnupur and ARTC District Hospital Bishnupur and four targeted intervention NGOs- DPU, Kumbi; ESEWOSSA, Moirang, Care Foundation, Nambol; Maruploi Foundation, Bishnupur were honoured and awarded for their works in the field.

The formal function was however, preceded by a rally participated by students of different schools and colleges of the district.

The rally was flagged off by District AIDS Officer, Bishnupur Dr W Purnima and CMO Bishnupur, Dr Ng Hemantakumar from CI College gate.

In another observation of the day, the National Service Scheme of the Royal Academy of Law, Oinam also organized a social service camp.

Around 50 volunteers participated to clean up the campus of the academy during the camp.

As part of the observation, an awareness programme was also held at the conference hall of the same academy with the academy principal, I Jugeshwaor and lecturer M Mina Devi delivering lectures on HIV/AIDS and Law.

The day was also observed at Kamuching Village, Sadar Hills, Saikul Block organized by the Child Care Project, Bridge of Hop, Keithelmanbi of Believers Church.

The observation at held at the Kamuching Independent Baptist Church, with the pastor of the church Jn Mang Kipen and Bridge of Hope, Keithelmanbi project center, project co-ordinator Parhai Yaima Maring as resource persons.

Later in the day a rally was also taken out in the neighbouring areas.

The World AIDS day was also observed at Moreh and the function, jointly organized by various NGOs such as New Generation (NG), Dedicated Peoples’ Union (DPU), Organization of Social Development (SDO) and Organization for Salvation of Man (OSOM) which are working under MACS at Moreh.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2013/12/state-joins-global-call-for-getting-to-zero-on-world-aids-day/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=state-joins-global-call-for-getting-to-zero-on-world-aids-day

IMPHAL, December 1: An illustrated book titled ‘Nanao’ was released today at JN Dance Academy.

The book contains ethnic rhymes of the Meitei community based on traditional folklore.

Along with the book, an audio compact disk containing the rhymes was also included in the release of the package.

The function was attended by joint director, Directorate of Language Planning and Implementation, Prof H Bihari as the chief guest.

The director of Social Welfare, I Ibobi was to attend as the chief guest but had differed at the last minute.

MEELAL president , Sadokpam Tomba Meitei was the functional president. The guest of honors included Prof. H Bihari, convenor of Manipur Sahitya Board and renowned lyricist and musicologist, B Jayantakumar Sharma.

As part of the release function, the children who participated in the recording also presented a show for the audience. The other individuals inclusive of illustrative artists and background vocals, editors of the book and other concerned individuals in production was also distributed certificates.

According to Nelson Elangbam, managing director of NE Bros Entertainment Private Ltd  and publisher of the book, his venture is to promote our culture and tradition by imbibing the young generation with our folklore.

This book which is aimed at the pre-school level will foster our traditional children games which are presently disappearing due to globalization.

The chief guest in his speech mentioned that people are starting to ignore their own language as a first language and there is a breakdown of traditional vocabulary.

Our mindset is now more inclined towards a westernized mindset mainly among the teens, some of the younger generation have difficulties pronouncing words.

This is a precarious situation and the need of the hour is again to plant our language to the next generation and prevent further erosion of our cultural dialect. To go about on a practical basis, a proper program can be chalked out after dialectic exercises with knowledgeable persons from diversified fields, he added.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2013/12/nanao-released/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=nanao-released