Tag: IFP

TAMENGLONG | Aug 16

The Barak bridge between Tousem sub-division and Tamenglong at Namtiram was collapsed at 8 am today. The bridge was the only lifeline for the people of Tousem area.

The locals of Tousem have appraised the authority concerned to take up immediate action for its restoration.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 16

State home department has failed to take up any initiative on the recommendation made by the State Vigilance Commission (SVC) for removal of six women sub-inspectors (SI) for submitting fake OBC certificates and sports certificates while joining their services.

According to source, SVC during August 2012 recommended for termination of Ronita Meisnam for alleged use of false OBC certificate during the recruitment of women SI of police department during 2010.

Similarly the commission during December 2013 recommended the home department to take up necessary steps against five women SIs of police department identified as Chanuleima Pangeijam, Th. Rosie Devi, Aruna Laishram, N. Memtu Devi and Rajana Begum for submitting fake sport certificates by the time of joining their service during 2013, according to source.

The source said that the issue is important now as there is apprehension that the DPC for the promotion to women police inspectors will not be a fair or transparent.

With the advent of the new government people are looking forward for transparency and efficiency of administration and DPC procedure but who will transparency be there if no action has been taken up against the wrong doers, added the source.

The source further said that setting aside of the recommendation of the SVC by the competent authority will amount to underestimate the prestigious SVC department established by the state government to check corruptions and irregularities of different department.

IMPHAL| Aug 16

Calling the ‘home coming ceremony’ on August 14 as a new surrender drama, the proscribed umbrella organisation, CorCoM has alleged the whole ‘drama’ was a publicity stunt to demoralise the people, said a statement signed by Ksh. Yoiheiba, media coordinator of the group.

The whole exercise is part of the colonial government’s propaganda to deceive the public and to project the revolutionary movement in a poor light.

Those who surrendered in the recent ‘Home coming ceremony’ are the incompetent ones, who were not qualified to be a revolutionary, having failed to follow the principle of the organisation and most of them are runaways who had deserted the group after committing disdainful acts, said the release.   

What makes the occasion all the more interesting, is that those who were staying as runaways since the last 14/15 years and have been working under the Indian army for committing anti- social activities like terrorising the public, kidnap and torture, and acted many roles in repeated surrender dramas, had been randomly gathered and presented to the public in a fresh avatar, said a release.

Sapam Mohon alias Iboyaima from Tentha Khunoi who was presented as a major of UNLF, is not a major but a 2nd lieutenant, it said adding he worked for the party’s department of organisation for some time and became a deserter who started working with the Indian army as a representative of KCP (City Metei), and been involved in committing anti-social activities.  

Longjam Jiten alias Manglem from Yairipok Kekru who is presented as a captain, worked as sergeant major in 2006 but became a ‘lap dog’ of the Indian army after deserting the party, it further said adding he became a representative of URF and was made to commit extortions and kidnapping.

Brigadier Jame alias Uttam, is also a deserter of RPF/PLA who left the organisation becoming incompetent and unable to maintain discipline and codes of the organisation, it further said.

Those who took part in the surrender drama are given their final part by the Indian Army after using them, it further continued. CorCoM lamented that the organisation could not keep these fugitives away from the public and prevent the damages they had caused; it said adding the organisation is prepared to give them punishments anytime.

It urged the public not to be dismayed by the act of defamation carried out by the colonial government and acknowledged that such occasion is actually beneficial to CorCoM as it helps them in a way to delimitates the traitors, it added.

IMPHAL | Aug 16

Hundreds of people turned up on the joint Hill Leaders’ day and Meeyamgi Numit to air their grievances to the chief minister N. Biren Singh at the CM’s Secretariat here today.

The chief minister attended to as many as about 350 complaints and personally met nearly 1500 people from 9 am to 2:30 pm.

On the sideline of the programme, N. Biren told the media that due to the recent flash floods and his urgent engagements inside and outside the country, he could not meet the public on August 10 and 15 last which were the actual dates of Hill Leader’s Day and Meeyamgi Numit respectively. So, a joint Hill Leaders’ day and Meeyamgi Numit was hosted today, he added.

He said, “Today, I have received complaints on not taking proper action in some cases by the departments concerned despite my directives given in the earlier Hill Leaders’ Day and Meeyamgi Numit.”

He contended that that it gave him intense pain when he came to know about the condition of widows, differently-abled and poor people of the State. The government would introduce new welfare schemes at the earliest so that poor and needy people could be benefited, he added.

Health department officials had been deputed at the CM’s Secretariat for the day to attend to the people, who seek medical assistance, reimbursement and health care in government medical facilities, he added.

The chief minister said that with the successful completion of 100 days’ programme, the government is set to announce the list of tasks, which are to be accomplished during the first year of the Government in power.

In a week or so, special meetings would be convened for each and every department so that the departments could identify the thrust areas and set a target under the one year action plan, he asserted.

Replying to a query about the Special Investigation Teams’ (SITs) report on the mass recruitment drive conducted by the previous government, the N. Biren said that after a thorough screening, an official order would be issued soon to make available the investigation reports in the public domain.

After a grievance cell had been opened at the CM’s Secretariat, the number of complaints on corruption charges by government officials had started coming down when compared with the previous Meeyamgi Numit, the chief minister informed.

Biren said that he felt so sad when he was informed about the sufferings faced by the victims whose houses had been torched in a violence which occurred in Nungei some time back.

The government will build new houses for these people within a week, he said while adding that the government will also provide assistance under the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund and housing schemes under PMAY etc. He also directed the DCs concerned to resolve the issue and rehabilitate the affected people as soon as possible.

Seeking people’s support and co-operation from the people, the chief minister said that that the government needs some time to resolve all the issues and problems faced by the people of the State.

He further said that best efforts are being invested by the government to fulfil people’s hopes and aspirations.  Thus, the government needs people’s love and support, he added

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 16

The court of special judge (POCSO), Imphal East remanded an SSB personnel of 23rd battalion SSB, Green Land Lalpool to judicial custody for 15 days on the charge of kidnapping, molesting and trying to sexually assault his 12-year-old niece.

The accused, Irungbam Yaima (48) son of I. Bijoy Singh of Lamlong Thoidingjam Leirak was arrested on August 11, after the victim’s father lodged a complaint to the police.

In the complaint the father stated that on the evening of August 10 the accused took her daughter from his house for medical treatment in the accused person’s scooter and on the way he started touching her thigh and told her that they were going to hold the night at a hotel.

The accused stop his scooter at a remote area in between Top Moirangkampu Awang Leikai and Sajeb Leikai and started molesting her by holding and touching her breast, according to the complaint.

It added that luckily her daughter managed to escape from the accused and met on old man of their locality and she was rescued.

During the course of police investigation and interrogation the accused person admitted that he committed the crime.

Medical examination was conducted for both the accused and the victim and accordingly the police seized two sterile plastic tubes containing urethral and vaginal swabs and two sterile plastic tubes containing urethral and penile swabs and one EDTA vial containing samples of blood. The reports are awaited.

The investigating officer (IO) submitted to the court that the from the above facts and circumstances, it came to light that the accused person had wrongfully confined, concealed with criminal intimidation and caused aggravated sexual assault to the minor victim.

The IO prayed to the court to remand the accused to judicial custody for 15 days to complete the investigation and deliver justice to the girl during his judicial remand.

From Our Correspondent

UKHRUL | Aug 16

Thousands of Catholics turned up at Ukhrul headquarters to take part in the peaceful rally organised by JAC for burial of Ritah Haorei’s mortal remains at Leingangching and for the abolition of the village Constitution “one village, one denomination’’.

The rally started from Sacred Heart, Hungpung and ended at Viewland. The JAC submitted a memorandum to the chief minister of the state through the deputy commissioner of Ukhrul. The morning drizzle did not dampen the spirit of the protestors.

There was some information doing the rounds that the Tangkhul Naga Long, a civil body was against the rally. None of the representatives of TNL could be contacted to ascertain their stand on the rally.

Convenor of JAC while addressing the gathering before the rally took off remarked that necessary permission for organising peaceful rally was obtained from the district administration and TNL has no right to force and stop the proposed peaceful rally.

Coming down heavily against the village constitution of Leingangching, the JAC convenor pointed out that the said constitution violates Indian constitution, its secular spirit and fundamental rights. The controversial Article 18 of the village constitution read, “There should not be any denominational activity dividing the existing religion (i.e. Baptist Christianity)”.

 Most Rev. Dominic Lumon, Archbishop of Imphal, Manipur asserted that we are here to protest against the violation of our rights and register our grievances to the authority concerned.

The memorandum called for abolition of “One Village One Denomination” as it is inhuman and violates basic fundamental rights. It also demanded full security protection for the burial of Ritah at her home yard.

The memorandum calls for enabling the persecuted victims to return and settle in the village and also to provide compensation for rebuilding their destroyed houses and punishment to the human rights violators according to the law of the land.

The JAC also appealed for constituting a fact finding body under chief minister’s watch.

The district administration provided security to the peaceful rally.

It may be recalled that Ritah Haorei (42) wife of Yangmi Haorei passed away in August 7. The denial of the burial of her body by Leinganching because she was a Catholic led to the formation of JAC, consisting of various Catholics from various districts of Manipur says the memorandum.

THOUBAL | Aug 16

President of Lamding Educated Welfare Association (LEWA), Sorokhaibam Ojit made a narrow escape today when he was allegedly chased with a harvest knife by one Md Ayamuddin Khan (42), son of Md Amubi Khan from Sangaiyumfam Ningthou, Thoubal.

The incident happened around 1.30 pm when Ojit and his team of LEWA, Lamding Khumanthem Leikai was conducting a drive against drugs at the said area. Ojit and his team were allegedly attacked and chased by Amubi Khan, who is presently a rifleman at 3rd IRB.

 It has been alleged that Khan is involved in selling Heroine and SP Capsules. It is further reported that around 20 – 30 people visits his house daily to buy or consume heroine and SP tablets.

IMPHAL | Aug 14

The governor of the state, Najma Heptulla has extended heartiest greetings to the people of Manipur on the occasion of the 71st Independence Day. In her message the governor said India is a big country where diversities abound.

In India people from all communities live in harmony and unity in diversity is the hall mark of the country, her message read, and adding diversity is the strength of India.

“On this day in 1947, we freed ourselves from the Briish yoke after a long struggle and innumerable sacrifices. Today, while celebrating the country’s independence, we should remember that we did not get our freedom on a platter”, the message read.

The governor also maintained that we should be thankful to our brave forefathers whose love for their motherland and sacrifices made it possible. As Indians, this is our duty and responsibility to treasure this hard earned freedom and work hard to make India a proud and developed country in the comity of the nations, she said. 

She has also greeted the people on the occasion of the Krishna Janmastami, stating that let us remind ourselves of the teachings of Lord Krishna and propagate love and affection for all and usher in era of peace and prosperity in Manipur.

IMPHAL | Aug 14

The governor of the state, Najma Heptulla has extended heartiest greetings to the people of Manipur on the occasion of the 71st Independence Day. In her message the governor said India is a big country where diversities abound.

In India people from all communities live in harmony and unity in diversity is the hall mark of the country, her message read, and adding diversity is the strength of India.

“On this day in 1947, we freed ourselves from the Briish yoke after a long struggle and innumerable sacrifices. Today, while celebrating the country’s independence, we should remember that we did not get our freedom on a platter”, the message read.

The governor also maintained that we should be thankful to our brave forefathers whose love for their motherland and sacrifices made it possible. As Indians, this is our duty and responsibility to treasure this hard earned freedom and work hard to make India a proud and developed country in the comity of the nations, she said. 

She has also greeted the people on the occasion of the Krishna Janmastami, stating that let us remind ourselves of the teachings of Lord Krishna and propagate love and affection for all and usher in era of peace and prosperity in Manipur.

Senior PLA leader Jame among those who returned to mainstream

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 14

Chief minister N. Biren Singh, today said violence is no solution to any problem and that differences can be resolved only through dialogue.

The chief minister was addressing a home coming ceremony organised for surrendered militants held today at 1st Manipur Rifles banquet hall.

Altogether 68 militants of different ranks and files belonging to different groups operating in the state surrendered before chief minister with arms.

Senior PLA leader Jame was among the notable to decide to call the armed resistance quits.

Calling on those who are yet to join the mainstream and presently taking shelter in Myanmar to come forward, he asserted that the government’s door is kept wide open.

Biren assured that security and welfare of the surrendered militants will be given top priority.

He divulged that his government has reviewed the previous ‘surrender policy’ of the state with a better one taking into consideration various aspects of the constant changes around us.

Maintaining that the state government is waiting for the approval of the new policy from the ministry of home affairs, Biren expressed his optimism.

Lauding the decision of the surrendered militants to join the mainstream, he urged the surrenderees to extend their co-operation to protect and safeguard the nation and state towards a better future.

He also appealed to those who have decided to join the mainstream to come forward without any fear while assuring all possible help from the government.

Maintaining that the state has got huge potential to shine if given a chance, he said it was high time we give peace a chance to Manipur.

The homecoming ceremony was attended by Cabinet ministers, MLAs, top brass of security forces including Police, Assam Rifles, CRPF etc.

Of the total surrendered militants 17 were members of the UNLF, 23 KCP, four KYKL, seven PLA, 10 Prepak and eight cadres of Prepak (Progressive).

While the identities of almost all the militants were concealed, high ranking officers were amongst the surrendered militants including a brigadier, Majors, captains, lieutenants, sergeant majors etc.

It has been informed that the militant cadres came along with several weapons but only eight were put on display during the ceremony which include three AK series rifles, one M-16, lethode launcher and three handguns.

The remaining weapons, the number of which was not disclosed, are reportedly under verification.

Jaame alias Uttam, senior RPF/PLA leader, speaking during the ceremony, claimed that he decided to come to the mainstream after realizing the futility of armed struggle which is leading to nowhere. Jaame reportedly joined the group in the year 1979.

“During my over 30 years experience in the armed struggle I realize that the struggle is not making any headway. What I witnessed was only bloodshed, many have been killed including civilians, friends, security forces”, said Jaame.

He observed that it was high time the insurgent groups of the North Eastern states particularly Manipur to enter into cease-fire agreement with the governments and start political dialogue.

The same policy is adopted by major insurgent groups in neighbouring Myanmar who are far more powerful than insurgency groups in North Eastern states, he asserted.

Elangbam Nikita & Ningthoujam Prasant

IMPHAL | Aug 14

 Laishram Guramangi (LG) Rose Garden, a well known and popular recreational garden, has a nursery where plants are cultured and nurtured in bulk before being retailed to other nurseries, who in turn sell them to the general public.

The garden which is owned by Laishram Dewakar is known for floriculture, a branch of agriculture concerned with the development of flowering and ornamental plants for home gardens and and other hobbyists.

The garden creates diverse types of plants such as pot plants, house plants, flowers, fruit bearing and ornamental trees.

“The trend for retailing flowers and other ornamental trees is increasing nowadays. Several women vendors come four to five times in a week to make bulk purchases. Additionally, individuals flock the garden to purchase seasonal flowers and other ornamental plants mainly during festivals, such as Diwali and in the wedding seasons,” said Thokchom Ibochou, an experienced nurseryman of the garden.

He said peak sale generally happen during November and February. The sales can go up to Rs. 10,000 per day during that period, claimed Ibochou, adding that Marigold is the much sought after during Diwali.

Ibochou was despondent about the state not having the capacity to create flowers and plants which can be exported to other states. He said Leihao saplings and other flowers and plants are supplied from Kolkata and Guwahati.

He expressed dissatisfaction on the requirement for saving indigenous plants of the state, for example, Urirei, Nageshwor, Labangga and so forth which are scarcely available.

One reason for such slack in the field of management of plant is the absence of work culture, especially among the young people, he said. Unemployed young people can procure and help themselves by filling in as a gardener or nurseryman instead of indulging in drugs, he suggested. The L.G. Rose Garden will offer a 3-month course from March next year in which 10 ccandidates will be chosen for training in the management of plants and nurseries. The scope of management of plants extends from vegetables to flowers and other ornamental plants, he further added.

Ibochou claims that the garden has more than 500 varieties of roses. Different types of flowers and plants include Kaboklei, Leihao, Azalea, U-thambal, Seed-less orange, sweet lemon, foxtail palm, traveller tree and so on. Some of the techniques used for the propagation of plants are cutting, layering and grafting. He stated, “With various 18 nurserymen, the nursery is kept up in the most ideal approach to keep the plants healthy by utilizing ‘cow dung’ as its main manure.”

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 14

Imphal West arrested three persons in relation with the second blast of Kakwa Naorem Leikai yesterday. Huge quantity of bomb making materials were recovered from the culprits, Imphal West superintendent of police Themthing Ngashangva told a press conference today at his conference hall.

Speaking to media persons, Themthing said after yesterday’s second blast Imphal West police team immediately conducted a massive search and raided different places to nab the perpetrators.

During the search and raids credible information was received that the IED blast was carried out by proscribed People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) under the command of one Aheiba Nagngom alias Tamocha alias Premkumar alias B. Koijam of Bashikhong who is self style finance in-charge of PREPAK (VC).

He said in the raid one person namely Sapam Nanda alias Makar (50) son of S. Sanatomba of Bashikhong Torban, CDO Imphal East was apprehended. On interrogation he revealed the name of two other persons namely Pipa Yaima Maring (29), CDO Imphal East, son of B. Angphun of Kangkoi Khullen under Machi police station and Thingbaijam Sanjoy (35) son of Th. Dronjit of Kakwa Naorem Leikai who were involved in the crime. The two were also arrested yesterday without delay.

On further interrogation the three accused confessed to have committed the crime and revealed the details of the plan. They confessed that they assemble the IED yesterday morning and planted it at around 7 am and waited for opportune time to target the security forces, Themthing said.

He further said they exploded the IED by using a remote control device from a distance of about 300 metres. They also disclosed that the bomb materials were kept at different places to be used during the Independence Day celebration Themthing added.

Police recovered bomb making materials from their disclosure such as 81 number of Gelatin sticks (power gel), two TNT cases of 500 grams each of military grade, six electronic circuits, one remote control device, three mobile phones, and five subscriber identity module (SIM) cards.

A case has registered under FIR number 252 (8) 2017 under Singjamei police station u/s 307/506/427/34 IPC and 20 UA (P) Act read with three explosive substance Act have been registered in c/w the IED blast at Singjamei police station and further investigation is in process, Themthing said.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 6

A minor girl from Churachandpur district is suffering from an unusual breast enlargement believed to be a rare side effect of Efavirenz, the first line of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) used to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS.

Life for 17 year old Jenny (name changed) has become a daily struggle physically and mentally for the past two years, since she developed the rare side effect.

But, things got worst during the last six months when her deformity increased at a very unusual way.

Jenny who is studying in class XII standard had to even stop her schooling since then.

When Imphal Free Press first contacted Jenny’s family they initially hesitated to disclose her HIV status.

Yet, the family was apparently desperate to know the cause of the unusual physical changes that has been bothering the minor.

According to Jenny’s family she had undergone pregnancy test six times following advice from doctors.

They have been even told that the minor girl could have been suffering from cancer.

When this reporter informed of similar case occurring to a man, who was on ART, several years back, they finally found themselves in the position to be more open.

The minor girl disclosed that she started having the physical problem after taking ART two years back.

Initially, she felt discomforting and had itching sensation on her chest which continued for about a year.

After a year on ART, Jenny said that she started experiencing excruciating pain on her chest occasionally followed by enlargement of her breast.

Jenny said that when she told her relative of the problem they assumed puberty could be the cause.

With each passing days, her unusual physically anomaly was taking over her life to the extent that she finally forced herself from stepping outside of her home.

Her physical changes attracted the unwanted attention of everyone and everywhere she goes, claimed Jenny.

“Whenever I step outside I hear people talking bad about me. Some of them think that I was pregnant or I have intentionally enlarged my breast for getting attention of boys. Sometimes don’t wish to live”, she said with a trembling tone.

Jenny contracted the virus from her parents. They (Jenny’s parents) contracted the virus from their cousins who were drug users. With no background of drugs and possibilities to get HIV, the parents were believed to have contracted the virus while taking care of their sick cousins.

Jenny’s parents came to know of their status when her (Jenny) mother felt terribly ill just months before her death in 2010. The father who could not comprehend the lost of his wife turned to alcohol and passed in 2011.

Before his death, Jenny’s father had his daughter tested HIV status and found positive when she was about six years old.

Since her parents passed away, Jenny is taken care of by his maternal relatives particularly her god father A Guite.

DIMAPUR | Aug 14 (NNN)

The Dr Shurhozelie group of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) claimed that a local court has passed an interim order restraining Neiphiu Rio from using the name of Naga People’s Front, its symbol and flags and also against the opening of any office using the name of NPF party.

It may be noted that the Naga People’s Front (NPF) led by Dr Shurhozelie Lizietsu and the other NPF led by Neiphiu Rio have been engaging in tussling work to hold the forte of the party.

According to the NPF led by Dr Shurhozelie Lizietsu, L Yanlong, president of the NPF Mon division had filed a civil suit in the court of the Civil Judge (Senior) Division in Mon district  submitting that the defendant Neiphiu Rio has been appointed as the “Interim President” of the NPF on July 31, 2017, by a group of expelled and suspended legislators of NPF and had opened an office at Hotel Legacy, Kohima, using the name of NPF and its symbol and flags.

Counsel for the Plaintiff pointed out that 20 legislators of the NPF were expelled and another 12 were suspended on various dates from active and primary membership of the party, it said.

The basis of the contention was that there is no post by the name and style of “Interim President” as per the Constitution of the NPF and that any official post of the party will have to be appointed by the General Convention of the party as per para 2 (c) of Article IV of the Constitution of the NPF party.

The learned Civil Judge was satisfied that the plaintiff had made out a case for grant of ad-interim injunction and accordingly passed an order restraining the defendant Neiphiu Rio from using the name of NPF, its symbol and flags and further restrained the defendant from opening of any new office using the name of NPF party till the next returnable date which has been scheduled for September 27, 2017.

Newmai News Network

DIMAPUR | Aug 14

NSCN (IM) vice president, General (Retd) Kholi hinted today that the Naga political issue will be settled “at any moment from now”. He said that the Naga people “are now blessed with the finest opportune time to see the glory of God”.

At the same time the NSCN (IM) leader however said, “Let us remind ourselves that, nothing is certain until it is achieved. Therefore, all the sons and daughters of Naga motherland, both the national workers and the public, should make concerted efforts with full sense of responsibility and accountability towards achieving a lasting solution to our political problem with India.”

This speech of the vice president was read out by the outfit’s home minister Hukavi Yepthomi during the Nagas’ Independence Day observation at Camp Hebron, off Dimapur today.

The 71st Naga Independence Day was observed across ‘Naga areas’ in the States of Nagaland and Manipur today. The main programme was held at the outfit’s headquarters Hebron which witnessed the participation of civil bodies and the cadres/officials of the NSCN (IM).

General Kholi on the other hand asked the Nagas to “be prepared with all the requisite skill and resources to build our nation”.  He said that the solution to “our problem will not be the end in itself; rather it will be just a new beginning for Nagas to build our nation”. He further said that it will depend greatly on “our concerted efforts how our nation” should progress and prosper. 

Meanwhile, UNC president, Gaidon Kamei while delivering a speech said that as long as the Nagas remained united the Naga society will remain intact, “our history will remain intact.” Gaidon Kamei also said that Nagas have come thus far suffering and being harassed for the past 70 years. “We have overcome this ordeal,” he stated. He added that the UNC will “support the NSCN till the end.”

Rh Raising, convenor of NSCN (IM)’s highest decision making body ‘Steering Committee’ in his speech said that 70 years ago, the Naga people declared their independence day on August 14, 1947, but “sadly the government of India did not recognise it”. Rh Raising, however, said that the “Framework Agreement will be the beginning of a new relationship between India and the Nagas.”

Naga Hoho leader HK Zhomomi speaking on behalf of the organisation said that there was some misconception on the Naga peace talks. “Actually, the ongoing Naga peace talks is for all the Nagas, and you will know this when you meet the government of India,” said the Naga Hoho leader.

A leader of the Naga People’s for Human Rights (NPMHR) representing the organisation, while quoting John F Kennedy, urged the Naga people “at this crucial stage” to “ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.”

A leader of the Naga Students Federation (NSF) while speaking on the occasion said that the students’ body “would like to convey a message loud and clear to the world that the Naga younger generation will never give up the spirit of true nationalism and our fight for self-determination will continue till we achieve it fully. We know that the road is not easy but we shall never give up”.

A leader of the Eastern Naga People’s Organisation (ENPO) said that the Nagas are thirsty for peace, and we are hopeful that the ‘Framework Agreement’ will usher in the lasting peace.

Leaders of Arunachal Pradesh’s Tirap Changlang Longding People’s Forum while participating in the programme today said that they support the ‘Framework Agreement’.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 14

The titular king of Manipur, Sanajaoba Leisemba said “unless we are united we cannot go ahead so it is necessary to stay united and stand together as one for a bright future of Manipur.”

Sanajaoba was addressing the crowd during the celebration of 71st Manipur Independent Day today at the Old Royal Palace, Imphal organised by the members of Old Royal Palace and Coalition for Indigenes’ Rights Campaign (CIRCA), Manipur.

The erstwhile national flag of Manipur with the symbol of Lord Pakhangba (in serpentine form) embossed on it was hoisted by the titular king, Sanajaoba at the premises of the palace.

The titular king said that now a days the young generation do not know that Manipur was once an independent country with its own constitution.

The celebration of Manipur’s independent  day will empower the people of Manipur with the historical awareness of their existence as a free nation and enable the people to fight for their legitimate political aspiration, continued Sanajaoba.

Manipur national flag has been hoisted every year in the palace premises but from the last year with the support of CIRCA and people of the state the celebration becomes a big event, he added.

Sanajaoba said that “in order to show the people outside the state that we are united, we must celebrate the Independence Day together at one location grandly from next year.”

He also spoke about the brief history of the independence day of Manipur. 

CIRCA spokesperson, Ningthouja Lancha urged the state government to announce and declare August 14 as Manipur independence day.

He said until and unless a special constitutional status with maximum autonomy for Manipur is given, there will be no peace in the state.

He said that according to the Instrument of Accession any function in relation to the administration of the state and law of the dominion should be exercised by the state, except for the defence, communication, and external affairs.

To restore the pre-merger political status of Manipur for the welfare of the people, Instrument of Accession is the key to it.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 14

The titular king of Manipur, Sanajaoba Leisemba said “unless we are united we cannot go ahead so it is necessary to stay united and stand together as one for a bright future of Manipur.”

Sanajaoba was addressing the crowd during the celebration of 71st Manipur Independent Day today at the Old Royal Palace, Imphal organised by the members of Old Royal Palace and Coalition for Indigenes’ Rights Campaign (CIRCA), Manipur.

The erstwhile national flag of Manipur with the symbol of Lord Pakhangba (in serpentine form) embossed on it was hoisted by the titular king, Sanajaoba at the premises of the palace.

The titular king said that now a days the young generation do not know that Manipur was once an independent country with its own constitution.

The celebration of Manipur’s independent  day will empower the people of Manipur with the historical awareness of their existence as a free nation and enable the people to fight for their legitimate political aspiration, continued Sanajaoba.

Manipur national flag has been hoisted every year in the palace premises but from the last year with the support of CIRCA and people of the state the celebration becomes a big event, he added.

Sanajaoba said that “in order to show the people outside the state that we are united, we must celebrate the Independence Day together at one location grandly from next year.”

He also spoke about the brief history of the independence day of Manipur. 

CIRCA spokesperson, Ningthouja Lancha urged the state government to announce and declare August 14 as Manipur independence day.

He said until and unless a special constitutional status with maximum autonomy for Manipur is given, there will be no peace in the state.

He said that according to the Instrument of Accession any function in relation to the administration of the state and law of the dominion should be exercised by the state, except for the defence, communication, and external affairs.

To restore the pre-merger political status of Manipur for the welfare of the people, Instrument of Accession is the key to it.

From Our Correspondent

UKHRUL | Aug 14

Terming the denial of an honourable burial of Catholic Christian faith follower, H. Rita by the villagers of Leinganching under Kamjong district, as inhuman, the Tangkhul Catholic Council has taken a serious note on the issue.

The general secretary of the TCC referred to the present crisis as a denomination issue. Meanwhile the convenor of “JAC for Denial of H. Rita burial” informed that they will organise a rally on August 16 at Ukhrul and on the following day at Imphal and if the state government cannot bring an amicable solution, the JAC will call for indefinite bandh in the state.

The JAC has been formed by apex body of all Catholics of Manipur. The JAC was formed on August 10. Paotam Zimik, convenor of the JAC informed the press that the rally is being organised mainly focusing on three points: peaceful burial of Late H. Rita wife of H. Yangmi, right to exercise freedom of religion, amendment of the Riyan/constitution of the Leinganching village.

The president of TCC also informed that they have met chief minister of Manipur and submitted a memorandum on the prevailing situation and pressed upon the administration to look into the matter and diffuse the situation at the earliest.

The memorandum stated that “as a good citizen of the secular democratic republic of India, where Right to Freedom of Religion is enshrined in the constitution of India now being violated by the Baptist (majority) at Leingangching”, the memorandum appealed to put an end to such activities.

He also added that H. Yangmi husband of the deceased had approached the Litan PS three times for lodging an FIR but was denied as there was a strict instruction by the higher authority not to entertain any FIR on this matter. President TCC added that they were able to lodge FIR only after the intervention from the chief minister. 

The president of TCC recalled that as per directive given by CAO WTR on  August 28, a home coming program for H. Yangmi and party was arranged by TCC, AMCO ATCA, SDA Union Manipur, AMCWO (All Manipur Catholic Women Organisation) AMCYO but because of strong opposition by the villagers, the program was cancelled.

IMPHAL | Aug 14

Chief minister N. Biren Singh urged the general public to elect the right leaders without taking money in elections. He was speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of a community hall at Luwangshangbam Maning Leikai in Imphal East district today.

Reiterating that the present government has a firm commitment to root out corruption, he opined that cleansing of the society should begin from elections.

People should put in effort to settle for consensus candidates instead of encouraging the idea of having multiple numbers of candidates; the chief minister observed that extending collective support to the consensus candidate is the only means to cut down election expenditures.

Observing that electing the right candidate without taking money would be a huge positive change, he urged the gathering to begin this reformation from Heingang and set itself as an example for a corruption-free constituency.

 Expressing serious concern over involvement of two policemen in a recent bomb blast, the chief minister pointed that there is an urgent need for rectification of recruitment process of Manipur police department.

 He further said that the Special Investigation Teams (SITs) constituted to probe the mass recruitment of employees by the previous government were successful to gather some interesting points.

He added that 30 candidates were found interviewed in 30 minutes by a DPC board of a department.

 Speaking on bringing about an egalitarian development in the State, the chief minister said that construction of important roads and highways would commence soon after the rainy season.

MLAs Y. Surchandra and L. Rameshwor, Imphal West adhakshya Y. Dasumati, Laipham Khunou Zilla Parishad member, P. Sundar and BJP Heingang unit president Kh. Jila also attended the function which was presided by Kontha Khabam zilla parishad member P. Bimola.

IMPHAL | Aug 14

Chief minister N. Biren Singh urged the general public to elect the right leaders without taking money in elections. He was speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of a community hall at Luwangshangbam Maning Leikai in Imphal East district today.

Reiterating that the present government has a firm commitment to root out corruption, he opined that cleansing of the society should begin from elections.

People should put in effort to settle for consensus candidates instead of encouraging the idea of having multiple numbers of candidates; the chief minister observed that extending collective support to the consensus candidate is the only means to cut down election expenditures.

Observing that electing the right candidate without taking money would be a huge positive change, he urged the gathering to begin this reformation from Heingang and set itself as an example for a corruption-free constituency.

 Expressing serious concern over involvement of two policemen in a recent bomb blast, the chief minister pointed that there is an urgent need for rectification of recruitment process of Manipur police department.

 He further said that the Special Investigation Teams (SITs) constituted to probe the mass recruitment of employees by the previous government were successful to gather some interesting points.

He added that 30 candidates were found interviewed in 30 minutes by a DPC board of a department.

 Speaking on bringing about an egalitarian development in the State, the chief minister said that construction of important roads and highways would commence soon after the rainy season.

MLAs Y. Surchandra and L. Rameshwor, Imphal West adhakshya Y. Dasumati, Laipham Khunou Zilla Parishad member, P. Sundar and BJP Heingang unit president Kh. Jila also attended the function which was presided by Kontha Khabam zilla parishad member P. Bimola.