Manipur News

By Alex Guite

LAMKA, April 17: In a show of rare unity, several student organisations came together to stage a peace rally against the recent spate of bomb blasts in the district. The latest incident of bomb blast occurred near a duty post of the BSF located at Lighthouse Lane along the busy Tidim Road.

Students took out the rally from Hiangtam Lamka Public ground and continued till the Deputy Commissioner Office complex at Tuibuang passing along IB Road and Tiddim Road.

The rally was initiated by the Zomi Students`™ Federation GHQ, Kuki Students`™ organisation, CCpur, Hmar Students Association and the Mizo Zilai Pawl. A memorandum was later submitted to the deputy commissioner Lunminthang Haokip demanding action on the bomb blast which had hindered the peaceful environment in the town.

The explosions, the students said in the memorandum, were anything but a ploy to victimise the innocent civilians and were highly uncalled for and deplorable.

The students have also urged the district administration and the law enforcers to come out and take up the necessary measures to prevent such violence in the future. They have also appealed to all concerned against disturbing the peace and tranquillity in the area by the use of destructive devices in public places killing and injuring innocent bystanders.

The student bodies will also see to it that such actions are not repeated and no resource will be spared to thwart reoccurrence of such incidents in the future, the memorandum said.

Several voices were also heard condemning the recent incidents of crimes against women occurring in the district especially the alleged rape of young girls of a certain children`™s home by its administrator. Many also opined that the student bodies and other civil organisations should show similar concern against such crimes as they had shown regarding bomb blasts.

A local Zuii (name changed) said she was ever ready to join any protest against such crimes as rape which, she said is the real sign of a decaying society.

It is a shame that the society is not showing the desired concern to protect its girls, she lamented.

A mother of one of the girls alleged raped by the children home`™s administrator said her daughter`™s name was published in a local paper. She said the report was based on a press release issued by the authority of the student home.

This is a crime under section 21 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) Act 2000 which prohibits and bans naming and disclosing a juvenile`™s name in such cases, she said questioning the daily and its editor for publishing her daughter`™s name.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/04/ccpur-students-come-together-to-protest-recent-bomb-violence/

IMPHAL, April 17: The state cabinet during a meeting convened today has decided to reschedule the election date for holding the Autonomous District Council election on May 1 from its earlier schedule on May 30.

The meeting chaired by Chief Minister O Ibobi was held at the Conference Room of CM`™s Secretariat at 4 pm.

Elaborating about the decision taken, Education and CAF & PD Minister Moirangthem Okendro who is also the spokesperson of the government said that the election date was rescheduled in view of the religious function of Seventh Day Adventist Christian Group which falls on May 30.

According to the cabinet`™s nod on the ADC election, the casting of vote will start from 7 am up to 4.30 pm. If need arises, re-poll of the election will be held on June 6. The counting of vote will be held on June 10. All necessary works of the election will be completed before June 17, the Minister informed.

Further informing that the election will be conducted by State Election Commission, Okendro explained that the Cabinet in its meeting held on March 27 had given consent to the proposal of State Election Commission for holding the ADC election as need for electing representatives of the ADCs arises with the completion of five years term of the ADCs.

It may be mentioned that the Draft Electoral Roll of the election was published on March 30 last. The Cabinet had set April 13 deadline for making changes in the electoral roll. The Final Electoral Roll will be published on April 20. As per the guidelines, the Public Notification of the ADC election has to be published on April 30.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/04/cabinet-reschedules-adc-election-to-june-1/

IMPHAL, April 17: Observing the 125th Birth Anniversary of Dr BR Ambedkar by the Congress at the Congress Bhawan yesterday is nothing but a ploy of the party to garner votes for the upcoming ADC election, charged Manipur Peoples`™ Party president N Sovakiran today.

The MPP president also attacked the Chief Minister`™s speech made during the observation as `untimely`™.

Dr Ambedkar was the first Law Minister of independent India, but the Congress had removed him from the post in 1951 and he died in 1956, Sovakiran told a press conference today.

Later, the Congress became a dynastic party, he said adding that for the past many years the Congress had never observed Dr BR Ambedkar`™s anniversary.

Unfortunately, the State Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh had delivered an untimely and unrelated speech while remembering one of the most respectable leaders of the country, he claimed.

The Chief Minister spoke on issues and problems of the State instead of remembering the achievements of the leader during his birth anniversary observation which is only a `vote bank policy`™ the MPP leader said.

The speech is nothing but the ruling Congress humiliating Dr BR Ambedkar which is very much unfortunate, he added.

Reacting further to the Chief Minister`™s speech, he said the MPP was aware since long that the CBI would not accept the appeal to investigate into the finding of skeletons from the Tombisana School compound as the government had already destroyed all evidences.

On the present VDF-government imbroglio which was also mentioned in the Chief Minister`™s speech, he said according to reports, the Ministry of Home Affairs had approved the creation and appointment of only 1000 VDF personnel, whereas the State government ended up recruiting more than 10000 personnel just before the 2012 general election which is another `vote bank policy`™.

He further continued that during the past many elections in the State, almost all the polling stations were declared as hyper sensitive and army and para-military forces were used.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/04/mpp-attacks-cms-speech-at-dr-br-ambedkars-anniversary-observation-as-untimely/

IMPHAL, April 17: Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam suggested the public to inculcate the ethics of punctuality as an essential conduct in today`™s lifestyle, where time is most valued.

He stated this at the 16th Foundation Day celebration of All Manipur Rickshaw Drivers and Pullers Welfare Association (AMRDPWA) on the theme `Dignity of labour`™ at the Gandhi Memorial Hall, which was delayed for more than an hour.

`There is no homeless person in our State. Our level of poverty can be overcome if we respect dignity of labour and infuse a more discipline work culture in our trades. Some people take pride in saying they do nothing; such hesitance to work should be denounced` the deputy Chief Minister remarked.

He narrated his own testimony of partaking in various casual labour works to save for his schooling in Imphal.

He said, `Earning in any avenue is respectable. However if one shamelessly steals or cheats, such accumulation can never earn the trust of people.`

`Rickshaw pullers render a vital public service by providing the accessible conveyance before and even after the auto services.` He said before ensuring `The government will extend all possible support to acknowledge your social service.`

On the occasion, a two-minute silence was observed to pay respect to deceased members of the association.

Several senior members above 55 years of age were also felicitated during today`™s function.

The association also submitted a memorandum to the deputy Chief Minister urging the government to enlist them under governmental programmes like Old age pension, PDS/AAY, widow pension etc. and on the allocation of parking space in town.

The association has above 7,000 members from different communities at present.

Other dignitaries namely AMRDPWA president, Th.Basanta; United Committee Manipur president Nabachandra Yumnam; PANDM president, Yunamcha Dilipkumar; United People`™s Front president BM Yaima Shah and internal security advisor, Ministry of Home Affairs, Dr Ch Manoranjan Khuman were also present.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/04/gaikhangam-advocates-importance-of-punctuality/

IMPHAL, April 17: The spokesperson of the JAC-All Manipur Hill Districts Contract Basis Teachers Association (AMHDCBTA), H.M. Saka has asserted that the JAC with the endorsement and supports of All Naga Students`™ Association, Manipur (ANSAM), Zeliangrong Students`™ Union, Manipur (ZSUM),Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS), Naga Students`™ Union, Chandel (NSUC), Zomi Students`™ Federation (ZSF) GHQ, Kuki Students`™ Organization (KSO) IB, Tribal Youth Council Manipur(TYCM) have been imposing for the closure of all National and Central sponsored Projects undertaken in Manipur, since April 9 demanding for service Regularization of hill districts contract basis teachers 2006 batch, under the Directorate of Education (S) Hills.

A press release of the JAC has stated that, countless numbers of representations and approaches have also been made to the Government of Manipur by the JAC and various hills and valley based students`™ bodies and many Civil Society Organizations of the State to redress the hardships and difficulties of the hills schools contract teachers`™ and to provide adequate teachers in the hills schools.

However, the Government of Manipur has remained silent and does not pay any heed to the representations and approaches of the various mandatory organizations of the state, compelling the JAC for closure/bandh of the national and central projects till date. The spokesperson observed that the state government is adopting the Use and Dispose policy towards the long suffering teachers which is purely a violation of the human rights. On the other hand, ignoring the voice of the various hills and valley based students`™ bodies and civil society organizations which will not be tolerated, it said.

It is declared that if the Government of Manipur does not hear and redress the issue at the earliest date, the JAC will intensify its mode of agitation by imposing 72 hours total bandh in all Inter-State Road Transport Services on National/Trans Asian Highways with effect from midnight of April 20. The JAC while extending gratitude, also appeal to all the students`™ bodies and civil society organizations to continue to extend their supports until an amicable solution is reached between JAC and Government of Manipur, it said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/04/jac-threatens-72hr-bandh-over-contract-teachers-regularisation-issue/

IMPHAL, April 17: Students shouted slogans demanding implementation of the Inner Line Permit System in the State at the earliest during a rally taken out as part of the 35th Meekap Thokpa Numit or Realisation Day today.

The observation was organised by the All Manipur Students`™ Union commemorating the 1980s Anti-Foreigner movement and Potshangbam Lukhoi and Huidrom Loken who were killed in police firing during the movement.

Since early morning, students from across the State paid rich floral tributes to portraits of (L) Loken and (L) Premananda at their memorial site at Pishum Chinga. From there the students took a peaceful rally upto the Multi-purpose Hall of DM College, Imphal passing through Keishamthong, Keishampat and Nagamapal.

The main observation was held at the DM College Multi-purpose hall.

Speaking at the function, AMSU secretary general Manjit Sarangthem said history of human civilisation is replete with stories of larger communities absorbing smaller ones.

He said in India the tribes of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the indigenous Tripuris of Tripura are some examples of smaller communities facing extinction.

Like their fate, it would be hard to say what would happen to the indigenous population of Manipur in case the ILPS or a similar system is not implemented in the State, he said.

President of Tripura Students` and Youth Co-ordination Committee, Advocate K Dhirendra Singhga who was also present at the function stated that indigenous population throughout the entire NE region of India are facing real threats to their very existence today.

He also recounted the situation of the indigenous people of Tripura.

The advocate said that the Tripuri kings had reserved 60 percent of land in Tripura for the indigenous population, however, he implementation of the Land Reformation Act, 1980 by the Indian government has created a great threat to the very existence of the indigenous population.

It is high time for the government to formulate a policy or law to protect the indigenous population, he added.

The observation was attended by associate prof of Life Science department Manipur University (former AMSU president) Dr N Mohilal Meitei, AMSU president S Subah Chandra , asst prof Pol Science Imphal College RK Itocha, asst prof Economics Manipur College L Gojendro, secretary general NESO Sinan Prakash, president All Assam Manipuri Student Union (AAMSU) Seram Herajit, Tripura Students` and Youth Co-ordination Committee president advocate K Dhirendra Singhga, Shillong Manipur Students` Union (SMSU) president Sangba Huidrom as chief guest, president and guests of honour respectively.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/04/demand-for-ilps-implementation-echoes-at-35th-realisation-day-observation/

IMPHAL, April 17: In a sensational judgement, the High Court of Manipur on Thursday disapproved the land allotted in 1996 to Kombirei Housing Co-operative Society Limited allegedly formed by bogus members during the tenure of Thounaojam Chaoba Singh as the Revenue Minister after he was elected from 24-Nambol Assembly Constituency of Manipur Legislative Assembly.

Welcoming the judgement of the court, a press meet was held at Irabot Bhavan, BT Road today around 7 pm.

Addressing media persons, ex-Minister and Communist Party of India (CPI) MLA Ningthoujam Mangi contended that the Government of Manipur allotted 30 acres of land to two societies namely the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, a society registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860 having its office at Anusandhan Bhavan, Rafti Marg, New Delhi `“ 110001 and The Regional Research Laboratory, Jorhat, Assam (A Constituent Establishment of the Petitioner 1) to take up research and developmental works.

He alleged that Th Chaoba during his tenure as the Revenue Minister had given away 18 acres of land out of the allotted 30 acres to the Kombirei Housing Co-operative Society Limited (Registration no 6 of 1995-96) at Lamphelpat, Imphal West.

The society is said to have 95 members. However, members of the society included Deputy Chief Minister of that time, Chief Town Planner, father-in-law, cousin sister and acquaintances of Th Chaoba.

Serial no 65 in the members list is Chaoba`™s son-in-law while the two persons mentioned in the serial no 69 were wrongly addressed to Lalambung Makhong, Imphal West. Serial no 77 is his brother while serial no 82 is wife of his brother, the MLA disclosed.

Saying that he as a Member of Manipur Legislative Assembly on March 27, 1996 raised starred question no 269 (A) in the House after coming to learn certain acres of land had been allotted to the bogus society, Mangi added that he had urged the House to form a committee to investigate into the scandalous matter.

Accordingly, a House Committee comprising of seven members including O Joy and Prof. Gangmumei Kamei was formed to probe into the matter. The committee submitted its report to the government of that time, he said.

In the meantime, the two societies filed a case in the court against the Kombirei Housing Co-operative Society Limited regarding the allotment of 18 acres of land.

Hearing of the case was done by a Single Bench of High Court of Manipur. The bench had passed judgment in favour of the Kombirei Housing Co-operative Society Limited and four other respondents.

Following appeal from the appellant societies made to the court, a Division Bench of High Court of Manipur comprising of Chief Justice LK Mohapatra and Justice Kh Nobin Singh on April 16 passed a final order on the case overturning the earlier ruling of the Single judge Bench.

The court in its ruling said, “™We do not agree with the finding of the learned Single Judge that the appellants did not have any enforceable right. However, having found that the allotment made in favour of the appellants was under a wrong provision of law and that such allotment was non east in the eye of law, we find no reason to either disturb the impunged order or modify the same. However, we grant liberty to the state to consider the recommendation of the House Committee and review of the order of allotment of land made in favour of the appellants and also at the same time grant liberty to the state to decide as to whether they should proceed for cancellation of land allotted in favour of the Kombirei Housing Co-operative Society Limited and its members after following due process of law as provided in the Rules. Both the writ appeals are disposed of accordingly.`™`™

N Mangi while hailing the ruling of the court asserted that the right judgment passed by the court has proved that there is law in the land too.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/04/court-disapproves-land-allotted-in-1996-to-bogus-society-floated-under-exrevenue-minister/