Tag: IFP

Rights defenders and relatives of victims renew repeal call

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 18

Rights defenders and relatives of victims of fake encounter killings renewed their demand for repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act on the completion of 59 years existence of the Act.

It was on this day in 1958 that the parliament passed this Act.

To renew the demand a one-day public meeting was organised under the theme “59 th year of AFSPA and state of impunity” today at Manipur Press Club, Imphal.

The function was jointly organised by Extra-judicial Execution Victim Families Association Manipur (EEVFAM), Human Rights Alert (HRA), Just Peace Foundation (JPF) and United NGOs Mission Manipur (UNMM).

The meeting adopted four resolutions. The resolutions urged the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to repeal the AFSPA and chief minister N. Biren Singh to revoke the disturb area status under the AFSPA from Manipur at the earliest.

The resolution appealed to the families of victims, witnesses, the civil society, government of Manipur and all concerned to extend full cooperation to the CBI constituted Special Investigation Team, which is investigating the case of extra-judicial executions under the “draconian law.”

The meeting also decided to submit the evidences of 23rd July 2009 killing of Sanjit and Rabina at Khwairamband Bazaar to the CBI for prompting necessary actions.

After the meeting, a procession was taken out by the relatives and human rights activists to submit a memorandum to CM but they were stopped by police halfway. Only selected representatives of around ten people went to CM’s office and submitted the memorandum. The chief minister diid not meet the delegation as he was preoccupied. However, Biren sent assurances to the delegation that he would respond to their concerns very soon.

Addressing the gathering, Babloo Loitongjam, executive director of HRA said that he welcomes the decision made by Union government to give authority to the state governments of both Assam and Manipur to decide on the status of ‘disturbed areas’ for the their states.

He, however, said he is concerned that the on-going investigation by the CBI in the 23rd July 2009 killing of Sanjit and Rabina at Khwairamband Bazaar has not been able to establish the commander responsibile for the killings and charge-sheet against those responsible for the killings despite hard and substantive evidences exising in public domain.

Social activist and former MPS officer Brinda Thounaojam and Malem Ningthouja, scholar and social activist strongly condemned the enactment and implementation of AFSPA in the state and that it should be removed immediately.

One of the victims’ mother emotionally said that her son was allegedly terminated by the order of the former chief minister O. Ibobi Singh in 2009 and has not received justice till now. She complained that she wants to get justice immediately.

“When I met the chief minister he told me that he had instructed to bump off all the suspects,” the mother claimed. Her son was a kick-boxer and he won four gold medals.

From A Correspondent

THOUBAL | Aug 18

A district level peoples’ consultation on Manipur Vision 2032 was held today at the meeting hall of Integrated rural development service organisation, Wangjing, Thoubal  district  today.

The meet was jointly organised by IRDSO, Wangjing, women in governance (WiNg) Manipur and coalition for advocacy on lifelong learning (CALL-Manipur) with supports from the centre for study of social exclusion and inclusive policy, Manipur University.

The consultative meeting was being organised as a part of peoples’ participation in shaping Manipur vision 2032 in line with sustainable development goals 2032. This comes as a part of the planning department’s initiative in drafting Manipur vision 2032.

The purpose of the meet was to hear out and exchange views and perspectives between the civil society members and government officials on sustainable development goals in drafting the state’s vision 2032.

Director of CSSEIP, Manipur University professor, E. Bijoy, convenor of CALL-Manipur, B. Deban Sharma, Thoubal district co-ordinator, Nonibala Narengbam, principal of Thoubal College, O. Chaoba Devi were the main speakers of today’s meet.

It may be mentioned that the united nation’s sustainable development goals 2030 includes specific targets like end poverty in all its forms everywhere by 2032, end hunger,

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achieve food security and improve nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture by 2032,ensure healthy lives ,inclusive and equitable quality education, achieve gender equality and empower women and girls, ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all, promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all, build resilient infrastructures, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation, take urgent action to combat climate change and its impact by 2032 etc.

Members of civil society organisations, women police personnel and media personnel also took part at the meet.

IMPHAL | Aug 18

A cash reward of Rs. 1,00,000 has been announced for any person who provides information leading to the arrest of Vumthianlal Tombing alias Romeo, said a release by PRO Police.

It said, the town commander of ZRA, Romeo (40), son of Tunzakap from Dorcas Veng, New Lamka, Churachandpur has been absconding and he is required to be arrested in connection with FIR case number 48(7)2017 CCP-PS U/S 302/34 IPC of Churachandpur PS.

Information of Romeo may be given to the following police personnel of Churachandpur at their respective phone numbers, SP at 8131965814, addl. SP (LO) at 8974748584, SDPO at 8787508060 and OC at 8132816816.

IMPHAL | Aug 18

A cash reward of Rs. 1,00,000 has been announced for any person who provides information leading to the arrest of Vumthianlal Tombing alias Romeo, said a release by PRO Police.

It said, the town commander of ZRA, Romeo (40), son of Tunzakap from Dorcas Veng, New Lamka, Churachandpur has been absconding and he is required to be arrested in connection with FIR case number 48(7)2017 CCP-PS U/S 302/34 IPC of Churachandpur PS.

Information of Romeo may be given to the following police personnel of Churachandpur at their respective phone numbers, SP at 8131965814, addl. SP (LO) at 8974748584, SDPO at 8787508060 and OC at 8132816816.

From Our Correspondent

UKHRUL | Aug 18

The governor of Manipur officially accepted the resignation of chairman of ADC Ukhrul in a special meeting at the office chamber of vice-chairman of ADC Ukhrul on August 14.

The meeting was convened by vice-chairman of ADC Ukhrul, K. S. Thanmi and it was attended by 15 council members. The resignation of the chairman of ADC Ukhrul, Yaransho Ngalung was accepted with immediate effect as per Rule 6 (b) of the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council Rules, 1972. Accordingly, the same intimation was served by DC Ukhrul to vice-chairman, ADC Ukhrul and CEO-ADC Ukhrul.

The members present in the meeting expressed gratitude to Yaronsho Ngalung for tendering his resignation and for the many initiatives he had undertaken during his chairmanship.

S. Thanmi also extended his appreciation to the council members and appealed for smooth functioning of the ADC until a new chairman and other executive members are elected. Upon resignation of the chairman, the nominated executive members shall cease to be members of the executive committee. The vice-chairman shall act as chairman of ADC Ukhrul till a new chairman is elected.

Meanwhile, Naga Peoples’ Front (NPF), that has a majority in the house of 24 members and two nominees has chosen K. Dickson to be the new leader. However, the house is yet to officially elect and declare its chairman.

From Our Correspondent

UKHRUL | Aug 18

Shirui Kashong Area Forest Land Owners Conservancy (SKAFLOC) organised a social work in the vicinity of Shirui Kashong Peak, for which signboards were put up in various points and intersection.

Around 50 households participated in the social work and took pledge to protect and preserve the rich flora and fauna found in the Shirui village.

The headman of Shirui Aze, AW Khavangpam mentioned that the state bird of Manipur, Nongin is gradually diminishing with each passing year at Shangphungrei and Ngarahanrei of Shirui village.

Chairman of SKAFLOC Mayopam Shangh remarked that the habitat of Tragopan birds at Maiharam and Rongngai at Shirui are facing threat due to constant landslide caused by the ongoing road construction of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) from Shirui to Ngapum and Zingsui areas. Deforestation in the Shirui peak and its adjacent range is also one major factor for the disappearance of Tragopan, he added.

From Our Correspondent

UKHRUL | Aug 18

Shirui Kashong Area Forest Land Owners Conservancy (SKAFLOC) organised a social work in the vicinity of Shirui Kashong Peak, for which signboards were put up in various points and intersection.

Around 50 households participated in the social work and took pledge to protect and preserve the rich flora and fauna found in the Shirui village.

The headman of Shirui Aze, AW Khavangpam mentioned that the state bird of Manipur, Nongin is gradually diminishing with each passing year at Shangphungrei and Ngarahanrei of Shirui village.

Chairman of SKAFLOC Mayopam Shangh remarked that the habitat of Tragopan birds at Maiharam and Rongngai at Shirui are facing threat due to constant landslide caused by the ongoing road construction of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) from Shirui to Ngapum and Zingsui areas. Deforestation in the Shirui peak and its adjacent range is also one major factor for the disappearance of Tragopan, he added.

IMPHAL | Aug 17

Advertisement on recruitment of Indian nurses for Kuwait with the employers’ name as ‘ministry of health, Kuwait and Kuwait Oil Company’, circulated in social media using Whatsapp and various private media is a fake.

It is to dupe prospective nurses of the country financially or otherwise sending them to Kuwait via Dubai or Bahrain without involvement of authorized state-run agencies. Embassy of India, Kuwait, informed that the agency mentioned in the advertisement is not registered under Section 10 of Emigration Act, 1983 and hence is not authorized to carry out overseas recruitment business without a valid registration certificate, said a press release issued by under secretary (Home), government of Manipur.

The release further said that parents should not encourage their sons/daughters possessing nursing degree/diploma to apply for the above private illegal agencies in the name of working at higher salary at Kuwait or any Gulf countries. There is no authenticity in the matter and the advertisement is a fake.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 17

A division bench of the High Court of Manipur comprising acting chief justice, N. Kotiswar and justice, Kh. Nobin on Tuesday directed the judicial magistrate 1st class, Jiribam to inspect the road from Makru bridge to Jiribam and submit the report within two weeks.

The division bench along with a team consisting of advocate general and advocates of the court as well as officials inspected the Imphal-Jiribam road last Saturday but the team could go only upto Makru bridge as repairing work of one of the bridges was in progress.

As the road is filled with pot-holes, landslides, and there is lack of proper drainage system at various portions the division bench did not consider the condition of the road as proper.

The counsel of NHIDCL submits to the court that they have taken the task of short term improvement and routine maintenance of Imphal–Jiribam road and the task has been assigned to three contractors.

The counsel submitted that the work will be completed in due course without further delay.

In this regards the petitioner’s counsel, submitted that in order to appreciate whether the work has been properly executed or not, it is necessary to know the original work estimate prepared by NHIDCL which is submitted to the central government.

Regarding the matter the court has directed NHIDCL to furnish the details of the original work estimates submitted to the central government and also to produce the contract agreement made between NHIDCL and the three contractors.

As governemnt advocate has submitted that M/S Bhartia Infra Projects Ltd. was given the contract work for improvement of Koubru Leikha to Mao road, the court directed the contractor and the state authorities to inspect the site on August 21 before executing the work.

The court directed the state government to submit details of the work estimate prepared by PWD and also the agreement made between the state government and M/S Bhartia Infra Projects Ltd.

The court fixed the next hearing on September 4. 

IMPHAL | Aug 17

The enquiry committee which was constituted to probe the supply of sub-standard belts to Manipur police department has submitted its final report to the chief minister N. Biren Singh today.

The four member committee headed by additional chief secretary Suhel Akhtar along with additional chief secretary (Home) J. Suresh Babu, special secretary R. Sudhan and IGP (Admn) S. Ibocha handed over the probe report to the chief minister.

Mentioned may be made that after chief minister N. Biren Singh received complaints on social networking sites, the state government decided to constitute a committee to probe into the alleged supply of sub-standard police belts on June 7.

The chief minister had also personally visited the central store located in 1st Bn. Manipur Rifles campus and district store located in Imphal West SP’s office complex and conducted verification of the stocks at these stores.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 17

The state election commission has today announced that the 5th general panchayat election 2017 of the valley districts will be held on October 7.

The announcement was made by state election commissioner, Th. Kamini Kumar Singh, at the election office within the office complex of deputy commissioner (DC), Imphal West.

While the public notification of the election is to be issued on August 18, the election code of conduct will come into effect with the announcement of the election.

The election commissioner divulged that the term for the 4th panchayat body will expire on October 23.

Altogether 7,16,830 voters including 3,48,139 male and 3,68,691 female voters will exercise their franchise to elect 60 zilla parishad, 161 pradhans and 1,513 ward members. Voting will begin from 8 am and conclude at 4pm.

Kamini Kumar Singh, informed that election will be held at 1,521 polling stations for which a total of 9,126 polling personnel are required including 912 in reserved.

The last date for filing of nomination papers has been scheduled on August 26 followed by scrutiny on August 26 and withdrawal of nomination papers on August 29.

While the counting has been fixed on October 11, the entire process of election is to be completed by October 16.

The 6 deputy commissioners (DCs) of the respective districts will be the district election officers, 14 returning officers and general observers will look into the smooth functioning of the election process.

To ensure free and fair conduct of the election, the commission has asked the concerned DCs to appoint a nodal officer from the police department and for this a joint meeting of the DCs, SPs and the state election commission officials will be arrange shortly, said the state election commissioner.

Ballot papers will be used as per the regulation of the Election Commission as the commission was unable to arrange electronic voting machines.

IMPHAL | Aug 17

A journal called “Beyond the horizon” which is going to be published in a quarterly basis is launched today at Manipur Press Club, Imphal.

The editor of the journal, Malem Ningthouja said that this journal will serve as an alternative which mainstream media is not able to voice out. This journal will cover economic, political and social views and other relevant topics, he added.

He further said name of the journal is tentative and the right title is still on the search. He announced that the targetted readers are mostly English readers so that their voice can be heard even from international level, he added.

Jugindro Akoijam, teacher activist, Sagolsem Saratchandra, proprieter of SS Electronics, Athouba Khuraijam, general secretary of IPSA, Ranjeeta Golmei, member of Manipur State Women Commission and Akhu Chingubam, singer and social activist attended the function as presidium members.

Neelima Kangembam, the publisher of ‘Beyond the horizon’ also attended the launching programme.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 17

Good drivers will be awarded under legal service authority and traffic police from September first, announced superintendent of police, traffic wing Imphal city, Khoisnam Sarma Devi during a one day interaction programme on traffic rules and regulations held today at Nongpok Ingkhol community hall, New Checkon.

Addressing the interaction programme, Sarma said Manipur is a poor state, most of the people are day earners who are struggling for livelihood. People who commit crimes get punishment according to their crime but people who get injured or dead due to accident get punishment without committing any crime.

She said people need to follow traffic rules cautiously and should co-operate with traffic police. Traffic police are not meant to harass the public, if public co-operate with traffic rules and regulation then no one will meet the fatal accident as well as people can get free from traffic congestion.

“Everyone blamed passenger vehicles for congestion of traffic but people who park their vehicles without at will also cause congestion of traffic. Passenger vehicles have their assigned parking lot by their association and the passenger vehicle drivers should also follow the rules and regulation of traffic in order to make an accident free society,” Sarma added.

She said traffic police punished the public or the passenger vehicles in order to follow rules and regulation made by government. Public should keep in their minds that punishment for breaking the traffic rules is for the welfare of public and to get free from accident, she said.

Sarma further said after September anyone personal or passenger vehicle owner found with complete document and proper equipment will be awarded with a certificate. The certificate will be given by legal service authority with superintendent of police traffic wing, Imphal city. And those who get the certificates five times consecutively will be given state level award, she said.

Imphal East traffic police, officer-in-charge, Y. Santa Singh said with the advancement of technology number of vehicles has been increasing each day. Public also need to understand the rules and regulation of traffic to get free from fatal accident.

The passenger vehicle driver should wear shoes instead of sandals because wearing sandals might cause accident if it gets stuck to the accelerator or other parts of the vehicle.

People should pay fine fully for breaking the rules. The fine that traffic police collected is deposited at the treasury office, he added.

The awareness programme was organised by New Lambulane Tribal Market Auto Rickshaw (Petrol) Association.

Vice-chairman, New Lambulane Welfare Committee, Sumpi Morish, head master of Kasom Khullen High School, Shyamkishore also attended the function.

From A Correspondent

THOUBAL | Aug 17

A Tata magic and a Honda Activa kept inside the residential premises of one Md. Sabir Ahamed (27), son of Md. Saferula (55) was set ablaze by unknown miscreants in the intervening night of August 15 and 16.

The incident happened at the household of Ahamed from Yairipok Tulihal Mayai Leikai under Andro police station. It was reported that the Tata magic was a used vehicle purchased 7 months earlier from Md. Alam Khan, son of Md. Najiruddin from Sangaimayum Pullie Makhong.

The vehicle was yet to be registered to the name of the new owner, Md. Amir Khan (28), son of (L) Md. Nashiruddin.

The vehicle was kept in Ahamad’s residence as the approach road to Nashirudin’s residence was in a deplorable condition. It is suspected that some unknown miscreant had set the vehicles ablaze using kerosene.

An empty kerosene bottle was found left in the courtyard. The two vehicles were parked in different places away from each other; the Active was parked in the southern side of the house whereas the Tata magic was kept in the courtyard.

Most of the upper body of the Tata Magic was burnt. However, only the seat of the Activa was found burnt.

Andro PS has begun investigations after as case has been registered.

IMPHAL | Aug 17

Ashok Kumar Singh, Inspector CBI anti-corruption branch (ACB) Imphal has been conferred with the prestigious President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service on the occasion of Independence Day, 2017.

Altogether 28 officers and officials of the CBI have been awarded the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service and Police Medal for Meritorious Service by the President of India on the occasion of Independence Day, 2017.

Ashok Kumar Singh was amongst the 6 officers awarded with President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service. Altogether 22 CBI officials were awarded with the Police Medal for Meritorious Service.

Ashok Kumar Singh, son of (late) W. Duhar Singh of Nongmeibung Ayangpali, joined the Manipur police in 1981 as an ASI and later promoted to Inspector in 2009.

He joined the CBI as an Inspector in 2007 on deputation from Manipur Police for five years then extended for 5 years (2+3).

During the tenure of deputation in CBI, ACB Shillong and Imphal branches he finalized 15 cases including 3 cases relating to the forcible breaking of Central Jail, Dimapur, Nagaland and subsequent lynching of the person who was accused for the rape of a Naga girl.

IMPHAL | Aug 17

The State Cabinet decided to constitute a state level committee for effective implementation of Act East Policy in the State.

The chief minister will be the chairman of the committee and the principal secretary (Planning) will be the member secretary. The committee will also have a vice-chairman and nine other members.

The decision was taken in the State cabinet meeting held with chief minister N. Biren Singh in the chair at CM’s Secretariat today.

 The Cabinet also decided to pay Rs. 32, 42,300 as compensation to 10 victims for properties damaged during the violent incidents which occurred at Nungei on April 11, 2016.

The State cabinet also approved the revision of Land Revenue Rate and Policy Reforms. As per the revised rate, the increase in land revenue is to be limited to five times of the existing rate.

 It also endorsed the Draft Amendment to Section 64 of Imphal Municipal Council Building Bye-Laws, 2013.

According to the amendment, it will be mandatory to have a Grid Interactive Rooftop SPV Power Plant of capacity ranging from 1 KWp to 500 KWp in all the new buildings with a roof area of more than 100 sq.m. and in all plots with an area of more than 1000 sq.m. The only exception to these Bye-Laws will be in those cases where it is not technically viable.

The State Cabinet also gave its nod to extension of retirement age for Manipur Health Service (MHS) doctors (Allopathic and Dental cadres) to 65 years of age from the current retirement age of 62 years.

This rule will be however applicable only to specialist and super specialists doctors.

After a thorough discussion, the Cabinet also approved the terms and conditions of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to be entered between the State government and Manipur Tourism Forum for the construction of Imphal War Museum and memorial complex at Maibam Lokpa Ching.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 17

Condemning the denial of burial of late Ritah Haorei of Leingangching on the ground that she was a Catholic, a mass rally was taken out today by Christians from Don Bosco school, Chingmeirong. It was organised by the joint action committee which was formed by Catholics from different districts.

All the catholic schools in the state are shut down as to protest and condemn the “inhuman act” of the Leingangching villagers. A similar rally was taken out yesterday at Ukhrul.

Family of late Ritah Haorei wife of Yangmei Haorei of Leingangching along with four other families of Leingangching were driven out from their village on May 3, 2010 as they converted from baptist to catholic in 2009 and are living as refugees at Litan.

Ritah passed away on August 7, but the Leingangching villagers denied her burial at her home yard at Leingangching on the ground that she is a catholic. So her dead body is lying for the past eight days.

On the other hand the Leingangching villagers claimed that they denied her burial as there is some land issue and it is not related with any religious matter. 

Speaking to media persons the JAC’s, co-convenor, father T.S. Dominic said that “one village, one denomination” is an inhuman rule and it violates the right to freedom of religion of the Indian Constitution.

Denying the burial of late Ritah is the result of an inhuman village constitution (Riyan) enacted by Sharkaphung (Leingangching S. Laho) village on January 3, 1973, he added.

Five families of Leingngaching including late Ritah’s family were chased out from the village as they changed their religion from baptist to catholic on the ground that they violates the village law, “one village, one denomination” , said Dominic.

The co-convenor continued that the houses and properties of the five families were destroyed and they were also not allowed to enter their cultivation land hence the five families have been suffering till today at Litan, where they are taking shelter.

The rule and action of the village have snatched away all the rights of the five families for changing their religion, which is the fundamental rights given by the Indian Constitution, he added.

“Leingangching villagers’ claim that the issue is about is totally false. They are trying to twist the issue as they know that they are not going to win in this matter,” said Dominic.

Later a memorandum was submitted to the chief minister, N. Biren Singh by the JAC seeking full security protection for the burial and abolition of the “one village, one denomination” law as it is unjust.

The memorandum demanded that the government should allow the “persecuted victims” to return and resettle in their legal village, compensation to rebuild their destroyed houses and punishment of the human rights violators.

The JAC warned agitation if the government fails to fulfill their demands within 48 hours.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 16

A public meeting organised by the National Sports University Haraothel Protection Committee (NSUHPC) today demanded that the government should carry out social impact assessment from the respective villagers if the government wants to take up a project or scheme.

The public meeting held at Haraothel ground.

The meeting was attended by representatives from 26 civil society organisations (CSOs) of the state.

After a long deliberations among the various CSOs, working chairman of NSUHPC, Irengbam Ranjan Singh said the meeting resolved not to compromise those who try to obstruct building National Sports University at Haraothel.

The land for construction of the university has been donated by the people of Senjam Khunou, Senjam Chirang and Koutruk.

State observes 71st I-Day admits boycott 

IMPHAL | Aug 16

As in other parts of the country, the 71st Independence Day was celebrated in the State as well. The State level celebration was held at 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles ground with chief minister N. Biren Singh as the chief guest.

The observation was held under tight security as different underground outfits have boycotted the Independence Day. Educational institutes, government offices and commercial places wore a deserted look while a few commuters were seen on the road.

Meantime the chief minister hoisted the national tricolour amid playing of national anthem by various band contingents.

Speaking at the occasion, N. Biren observed that people need to march forward together with an objective to achieve progress and development of the State by forgetting all the differences and past mistakes.

He urged all concerned to resolve the issues through talks if they have any dissatisfaction with the initiatives being taken up by the present government.

Celebration of the country’s Independence Day and paying homage to the martyrs and freedom fighters, who gifted freedom to the current generation, would be meaningful and bear fruit only when people concentrate on accomplishing their tasks and objectives with a strong sense of patriotism by forgetting all the differences.

He also appealed to the public to put in collective effort to make Manipur a peaceful and strong State having egalitarian development.

Though Manipur had also achieved many milestones of development being a part of the vast and strong India in the past 70 years, the State still needs to work hard to enhance the State’s economy and improve connectivity infrastructures, communication and conditions of children and women etc., he said.

Mentioning the achievements of the newly formed BJP-led coalition government, the chief minister said that the government had successfully resolved UNC’s economic blockade and the stir of JAC Against Anti-Tribal Bills within a short period of time.

He also said the government has a firm commitment to bring equal development in all parts of the State to regain emotional integrity between hill and valley.

Admitting that the current financial health of the State is not that good, the chief minister informed the gathering that the State government had started taking up necessary measures to maintain financial prudence and improve resource mobilisation.

Effective implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) is an important step towards this end, he added.

Earlier, he took salute from 43 march-past contingents of BSF, CRPF, Assam Police, civil police, India Reserve Battalion, Manipur Fire Service, Home Guards and VDF personnel, NCC Cadets, Government Department employees and college and school students.

Commandant of 3rd IRB, Thokchom Vikramjit Singh, was the parade commander.

Eleven band platoons of different security forces, Home Guards and Sainik School also took part in the march past.

The chief minister later decorated two police officers with President’s Police Medal for distinguished service and presented Police Medal for meritorious service to 20 personnel.

Recipients of the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service were: A Ghanashyam Sharma, (Dy. SP of Imphal West) and jemadar Bisham Dev Thakur of MPTC, Pangei while the recipients of Police Medal for Meritorious Service were H. Gyaneshwar, (Dy. CO of 7th MR), inspector T Sanatomba Singh (CID SB), inspector Kh. Shashi Kumar Singh (CID SB), inspector O. Jibonchandra Singh (CID Security), inspector Palmei Shantikumar Kabui (CID Security), inspector A.S Masongam Shimray (Senapti), subedar T.S Chamna Anal (8th Bn. Manipur Rifles), inspector Th. Nilamani Singh (Noney district), sub-inspector S. Guni Singh (CID SB), sub-inspector Kh. Debananda (CID SB), jemadar Th. Bharatchandra Singh (1st IRB), assistant sub-inspector N. Dilip Singh (CID SB), assistant sub-inspector O. Achoubi Devi (CID SB), Havildar Y. Manglemjao Singh (MPTC), Havildar Lunkhosei Haokip (2nd MR), Havildar R.K Sarat (2nd MR), Havildar Md. Rahimuddin (2nd MR), head constable L. Khamba Singh (Imphal West), rifleman Mangjathang Haokip (MPTC) and rifleman Kh. Babudhon (MPTC).

The chief minister also presented Police Trophy for community service and Police Trophy for anti-drug campaign for the first time from this year at the function.

The award included a trophy, a cash reward of Rs. 20,000 and a chief minister’s commendation certificate.

Ministers, MLAs, top civil, police and military officers, government employees and general public also took part in the celebration.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 16

The 13th To Excel Right to Life was observed today by Manipur Students’ Federation (MSF) to pay tribute to the departed soul of Pebam Chittaranjan Mangang (21st Centuary gi Athouba).

Floral tributes were paidto the statue of Chittaranjan at Bishnupur in the morning and a mass silent rally was taken out from Takhellambam Leikai till THAU ground, Thangmeiband.

Speaking to the gathering at THAU ground, Senior Citizen for Society, general secretary, L. Sadananda said that men like Chittaranjan who made supreme sacrifice for the right to life is born once in a century and he is the only one in the state who had made such sacrifice for the people’s rights. 

He said that implementing of AFSPA, 1958 which is an anti-democratic act in the state of a country which has the largest democracy, is very unfortunate.

Though the former Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh assured to replace the act with another act with human face and the Administrative Reform Committee of India submitted recommendation to remove AFSPA from the state, no single initiative has been taken till now, added Sadananda.

The general secretary said that announcing “disturbed area” is the main reason for implementing AFSPA in the state. It is in the hand of the state government to remove AFSPA by removing the disturbed area status and taking up the matter with the central government.

“As the new chief minister has assured to examine removing AFSPA from the state, let us hope for the best to bring back the right to life in the state,” added Sadananda.

The guest of honour, Working Committee of Apunba Lup, Manipur, coordinator Phulindro Konsam said that any kind of development is meaningless if there is no right to life.

And unless the draconian AFSPA, 1958 is removed from the state, the people cannot enjoy the right to life, which is the most important fundamental right, he added.

Phulindro said that youths and students across the world have been taking a big role in fighting for human rights and Chittaranjan is one of the student leaders, who made a supreme sacrifice fighting for the rights of the people at his young age.

His sacrifice gave a message to the people across the state that “it is better to die than to live without getting our rights,” he continued.

The delay in delivering justice in the B.T. Road fake encounter case clearly shows that the people of the state is subdued by the central government of the largest democratic country, added the coordinator.

MSF, president, N. Muktangamba said that MSF will take the AFSPA issue to the state government, central government and even to the United Nations. For this MSF needs cooperation of the public, he added.

The function was attended by advocate, Khaidem Mani as guest of honour.

A blood donation camp was held at THAU ground in connection with the day.