Tag: news

IMPHAl | July 16

Chief minister N. Biren Singh said that judiciary must strive for people’s trust to keep democracy vibrant. He was speaking at the inauguration function of family court, Thoubal district at new building at Thoubal district level officers’ complex today. The function was organised by law and legislative affairs department.

Biren said family courts are very unique and peculiar in the sense that various sensitive family disputes are being brought to the family court. Acknowledging that the judiciary is confronting with various challenges, he said that the government would extend its maximum support and co-operation to judiciary and would provide to enhance the infrastructure of the courts.

Highlighting that mob-justice is widely prevalent in the state he said that with the help of judiciary, all must strive to stop the culture of mob-justice in the state. He further stressed that one shouldn’t take the law into their hands to punish or torture any persons who commits a crime. One shouldn’t forget that we all are bound under the rule of law, he added.

Stating that timely intervention and streamlining the rehabilitation process is needed for drug addicts, he stressed that the rate of drug addiction is alarming in the state and we all should strive to bring victims of drug abuse into the mainstream of our society.

He assured that the government would bear all the expenses for the rehabilitation of those drug addicts. He said that around 24,000 women of the state are living with AIDS. We should strive for a change and collective effort is needed for this change for a bright future generation, he added.

Biren further said that holding Meeyamgi Numit and Hill Leaders’ Day provides an opportunity to the government to know the ground reality and how the people are living in our society.

He said that among several grievances raised by the people, he is deeply concerned with the problems especially faced by differently-abled persons, widows, and old-aged people.

Minister for education and labour and lmployment, Th. Radheshyam said that nobody wants to become a criminal so people must ask themselves why one commits a crime and becomes a criminal. All should work collectively towards reformation of the criminals, he added.

Benny Ngangom, MJS has been appointed as Judge of the family court, Thoubal.

Minister for law and legislative affairs, L. Jayantakumar Singh, Chief Justice (Acting) Justice N. Kotiswar Singh, Justice Kh. Nobin Singh, Judge, High Court of Manipur, chairman of Bar Council of Manipur, O. Maduchandra Singh, president of All Manipur Bar Association, H. Chandrajit Singh, president of High Court Bar Association, Kh. Bijoykumar Singh, president of Thoubal District Bar Association, officials of high court, Judges and Senior Advocates attended the function.

IMPHAL | July 16

The proscribed Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF) has alleged that Maniupr governments are puppets of the government of India and this is true  ever since Manipur joined India in 1949. The situation is now at its worst, it claimed.

The three months old BJP government led by Narendra Modi is now taking a long march to take over the control of the local institutes lying under the peripheral states, like education and culture, said a release yesterday.

Steps are taken to build cultural nationalism i.e. Indian centric nationalism by controlling education and culture, it said adding many agenda of an oppressive hegemony are nurtured to strengthen the existing imperialist democracy of India. Key appointments are made in the state as per the policy programmes to further continue the neo-imperialist democracy of India, it added.

Loyal puppets are being installed here so that they can pull the strings remotely and continue the oppressive rule, alleged the release. It is not surprising that they have appointed their remote agents at the post of CM’s advisor, chief secretary, chief justice of high court, deputy commissioner, vice-chancellor of university and other heads of institutions with non-Manipuris, it said. This was all started by the Instrument of Merger, September 21, in 1949, it added.

On the other hand, MLAs, bureaucrats, contractors and high ranking police officers have made a coalition and embezzled funds provided for the public and turned it into a profit making business, it charged. No wonder, these practices are actually helping the foundations of the imperialist democracy, it charged adding this has caused many obstacles on the struggle for “freedom and revolutionary goals.”

The former governments at Arunachal Pradesh and Uttarkhand have been toppled to install puppet governments, the same fate is being faced by Manipur and Goa, it charged.  Some of the signs of “colonised puppet” government are: making the state government a helpless onlooker while the Centre is getting its hands at the land resources like undertaking oil explorations etc; installations of many black laws to practice genocides and causing inter ethnic conflicts; breaking down of state boundaries under the divide and rule policy, it claimed.

Complete obliteration of right to self determination; causing demographic terror by the influx of non locals and illegal immigrants; termination of local industries like state domestic products and small scale industries to create a captive economy, the release alleged.

RPF urged the people to realise that Manipur will be wiped away from the face of earth by becoming a completely colonised state of India, and stressed that it is the responsibility of the people to save their motherland.

Therefore, the front has appealed to the people to support the “war of freedom” against India, it said.

Newmai News Network

DIMAPUR | July 16

Two vehicles were reportedly burnt down by unknown persons near Hotel Vivor in Kohima where supporters of TR Zeliang who are opposing the leadership of Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu are being housed.

Sources said that unknown persons in large number came near the hotel this evening around 7 pm and burnt two vehicles. It is still not clear to whom the vehicles belonged.

Some 43 MLAs, both NPF and Independent MLAs, opposing the leadership of Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu are lodging at Hotel Vivor in Kohima after they had returned from the Kaziranga resort (Assam) for the last two days.

Meanwhile, the Nagaland Government spokesperson who is also a minister Yitachu said that the NPF party is open to a total reconciliation process and “therefore, would not like to place in the public domain the internal matters of the party”.

He said this evening that, certain facts need to be placed on record for the people to know since the issue has surfaced in the public domain through certain press releases.

“In the present scenario, the Leader of the House is Dr.Shürhozelie by virtue of being the Chief Minister and there is no vacancy for the Chief Minister’s post,” Ytachu said.  According to him, there is no Leader of Opposition because it is an opposition-less Government.  “Even if there is an Opposition party in the Assembly, if the number of MLAs is less than 1/6 of the total number of MLAs, one cannot be termed as a Leader of Opposition.  That is why in the 12th House with 8 Congress opposition MLAs, their Legislature Party  Leader could not be termed as Leader of Opposition and was not accorded any official status, but only referred to as Congress Legislature Party leader,” he added.

The Nagaland Government spokesperson then said that “it is unfortunate” that the issue which could  be resolved in the party which is purely an NPF internal party problem has  now been dragged to the  Governor’s office and Speaker’s office. “Both Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu and Shri T.R. Zeliang are members of NPF and their differences should be decided in the party forum first,” he added.

“Human memory cannot be that short: Dr. Shürhozelie was forced to take over the CM’s office.  On 26-05-2017 the DAN Legislators Meeting unanimously endorsed the view that Dr. Shürhozelie, Hon’ble Chief Minister should become a Member of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and work together as a solid team to facilitate the same.  Further, the DAN Legislators appealed to the Election Commission of India to conduct the bye-election for the 10 Northern Angami-I A/C at the earliest,” he added. 

According to him, T.R. Zeliang cannot move a no-confidence motion is simply because he belongs to the party which, the Chief Minister Dr. Shürhozelie heads, that is, the NPF party.  “Therefore, Constitutionally and legally Dr. Shürhozelie still enjoys absolute majority in the House, because, NPF alone commands 47 members in the House of 60,” he added.

“The confidence motion would put the NPF MLAs where they could be disqualified if they voted against the Party Whip. The MLAs are being misguided to say that the Speaker’s office will not disqualify them.  However, the Court is at our door-step and their disqualification will become imminent if the matter is taken to Court because the Constitution and the law of the land is supreme,” Yitachu also said.

The reconciliation process should not be treated as one’s weakness, he stated.  The people desire for peace, development and progress, Yitachu added. “The stability of the DAN Government is in the total interest of the people of the State. Let us not go against the wishes of the people and try to resort to unconstitutional means, but settle differences in party forum through reconciliation. We should carry forward the constitutional obligations mandated by the people to the DAN coalition,” the Nagaland Government spokesperson said.

Newmai News Network

IMPHAL | July 16

Leaders of several organizations from Mizoram and leaders of the Joint Action Committee Against Anti-Tribal Bills (JAC-AATB) are now fervently camping in New Delhi for “a separate administrative setup for the tribal people of Outer Manipur including the Zo (Chin-Kuki-Zomi/Mizo) descendants of southern Manipur”. Mangchinkhup, one of the leaders in the delegation told Newmai News Network this evening over phone that after six days of camping in New Delhi the tribal leaders are returning back on July 17 (Monday),

This report came few days after both civil society organizations and political parties based in Mizoram had submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister, Narendra Modi demanding a “separate administration for the Zo people (Chin-Kuki-Mizo/Zomi) in the present Manipur at the same status as that of the Nagas be made outside the ambit of the Manipur Government.”

According to JAC-AATB leader Mangchinkhup, representatives from Mizoram civil society organizations and political parties along with the JAC-AATB are camping in New Delhi since July 11 to appraise the Union Government of the situation pertaining to some of the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the JAC-AATB and Manipur Government by “emphasizing the need for a separate administrative setup for the tribal people of Outer Manipur including the Zo (Chin-Kuki-Zomi/Mizo) descendants of southern Manipur”.

Meanwhile, a JAC-AATB press note stated that a joint delegation met various Union Government officials and leaders from the North East Region including R.N. Ravi, the Interlocutor for the ongoing Indo-Naga Peace Talks. “With the Indo-Naga Framework Agreement expected to conclude soon, the joint delegation from Manipur and Mizoram appraised the Interlocutor of the mounting apprehensions and concerns of the Zo people in present Manipur; the undying aspiration of the Zo people for integration of their ancestral lands was also discussed at length,” it also stated.

According to the press note, the representatives from Mizoram also submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister’s Office as well as the Ministry of Home Affairs, and presented a copy of the same to R.N. Ravi which describes the historically distinct identity of the Zo people of Manipur and stressed on the need for them to be able to determine their own future. It also dwelled on the marginalization of the Zo people in Manipur and called for the fulfilment of their enduring desire for integration of Zo ancestral lands under the same administrative unit.

It then said that the the memorandum was signed by various civil society organizations and political parties of Mizoram including the Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA), Mizoram Upa Pawl (MUP), Mizo Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl (MHIP), Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), Mizo Students’ Union (MSU), Zo Re-unification Organization (ZoRO), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Mizoram State, Indian National Congress – Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC), Mizo National Front (MNF), Zoram Nationalist Party (ZNP) and Mizoram People’s Conference (MPC).

“It may be noted here that two months have passed since the signing of the MoU between the JAC and Manipur Government in the presence of a witness from the Ministry of Home Affairs, but some of the points of understanding are yet to see the light of the day,” the JAC-AATB said.

The press release also said that, with the Government stating its readiness in the MoU to provide all financial assistance for the construction of Tribal Martyrs Park and Tribal Martyrs Hall, ground work for the park at Mata Dam, Lamka was initiated by the JAC with borrowed funds and contributions from well-wishers with the hope that the same may be ready for inauguration on Tribal Unity Day (August 31, 2017). “However, the State Government is yet to release any amount towards the construction of both Tribal Martyrs Park at Lamka as well as Tribal Martyrs Hall at Singngat,” it lamented.

IMPHAL | July 15

Two more Congress MLAs of Lamlai assembly constituency, Ksh. Biren Singh and Wangjing Tentha Assembly constituency, P. Brojen Singh today joined BJP.

The reception ceremony of the two MLAs was held today at BJP state head office and was attended by chief minister, N. Biren Singh along with others ministers and MLAs.

Lilong Municipal Councillors, of ward number 1. Imran Ahmed, ward number 2. Md. Sayeed Ahamed, ward number 3. Ajmal Nisha, ward number 6. Abdul Barik joined the party.

Moreover MPCC, chairman media, Laishram Memo Singh and MPCC, secretary, Potsangbam Sashikanta Singh joined the party.

We are still naked, removal of AFSPA will clothe us: Ramani

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 15

The Supreme Court’s order for CBI inquiry into fake encounter killings in Manipur has not “clothed” the dozen elderly women, who disrobed at the gate of Imphal’s Kangla fort on this day 13 years ago to protest excesses committed by security forces in the state.

“The Supreme Court ruling does not clothe us. Until the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act is repealed from the state, we would take it that we are still naked and without cloths,” Ima Ramani said. She, however, welcomed the ruling.

Ima Ramani, is one of the 12 protesters. The unprecedented protest was triggered by the killing of Thangjam Manorama by personnel of the Assam Rifles after alleged rape on July 11, 2004.

Following the incident the then Okram Ibobi Singh government withdrew the armed forces act from Imphal Municipal Limit.

Thirteen years after the demonstration that shook the security establishment of the country 11 of the protesters, who are now fondly called by citizens mothers were honoured today for their courage to “rebel” against the “repressive” actions of the security forces.

One of them, Ima Ibetombi passed away some years back.

To commemorate the historic day a programme called by Anti-Repression Day is observed here today at Gandhi Memorial hall, Imphal today. It was organised by observation committee of Anti-Repression Day.

The first Anti-Repression Day was observed a day after the Supreme Court ordered CBI inquiry into 83 cases of alleged fake encounter killings.

The apex court yesterday ordered inquiry into 83 cases of extra-judicial killings in the state by the state police and security personnel and fixed the deadline of December 31 for registering FIRs, completion of investigation and filing of charge-sheets in appropriate cases.

Those gathered at the programme honoured 11 Imas by presenting them shawls. A booklet about the life of the 12 Imas was also released during the programme. They observed a two minute silence in honour of Ima Ibetombi, who took part in the protest. She died some years ago.

Former member of Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC), Kh. Chonjohn attended the function as chief guest. During his speech he had emphasised on how AFSPA had affected the normal life of people of Manipur. He said that taking advantage of AFSPA, armed personnel had committed excesses.

Babloo Loitongjam, executive director Human Rights Alert (HRA), Johnson Elangbam, president of United Committee Manipur (UCM) and Thounaojam Brinda, social activist spoke during the function.

They said that they welcomed the decision of SC yet the fight is not over and should pressurise the CBI who was given the responsibility of these cases. Johnson urged to set up a special investigation team (SIT) to especially look into the matter.

“The programme is held to commemorate the protest, celebrate the courage of Manipuri women to rebel against repressive measures and honour the Imas. The disrobing is symbolic whipping of the security forces with Imas’ fanek for humiliation and defiling the body of Manipuri women,” Babloo said.

Retired professor of political science of GP Women College, Rose Mangshi Haokip and Kh. Anandi, chairperson of observation committee attended the function as guest of honour and president respectively.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 15

One patient undergoing treatment at Shija Hospitals and Research Institute tested positive for pandemic influenza H1N1 (swine flu) and the condition of the patient is reportedly critical.

Announcing the detection health minister L. Jayantakumar at a media conference at Old Secretariat conference hall today said the 45 years old male patient hails from Imphal West district and is now at the intensive care unit of the private hospital.

According to the minister, the patient was brought to the Shija hospitals on July 4 with high fever. As the treatment did not yield any result the hospital sent throat swab of the patient to Mumbai based S. R. L. Diagnostic on July 10. The test result, which was received yesterday evening confirmed swine flu.

Stating that all measures have been taken to deal with the situation the minister said a state monitoring cell has been set up and surveillance has started in Imphal West and Imphal East.

Jayantakumar said the whole isolation ward with ventilators in JNIMS is kept reserved for treatment of the disease while five beds in the isolation ward with ventilators of RIMS are reserved in case if there is any new report of the case as a precaution.

He said instructions were given to all the health centres of the state by the health department, he added.

The minister said that currently the state has Tami flu stock of 1400 for adults and for 430 for children.

He appealed to the public not to be alarmed as there is no outbreak and in view of the the measures taken to control it.

Public health, additional director, Dr. Sachi said that the virus seems to be circulated from the state itself.

As of now the patient is kept in ICU ward of Shija hospital with ventilating support and there is chances that the patient may become critical, taking into consideration of medical history of the patient, he added.

IMPHAL | July 15

The unclaimed body lying at JNIMS mortuary, which was found on June 26 from Thoubal river between Shankai village and Thawai village, identified as Khundrakpam Bimola Devi (56) daughter of O (L) Kh. Gulamchand of Itam Nungoi, Lamlai police station will be disposed with the permission of district magistrate, Ukhrul district, said a release by OC of Litan police station, Ukhrul district.

IMPHAL | July 15

Chief minister N. Biren Singh made an aerial survey of flood affected areas of the State today. He was accompanied by works minister Th. Biswajit, chief secretary R.R. Rashmi and additional chief secretary (home) Dr. J. Suresh Babu.

The team took off from Kangla helipad at around 9:30 am and surveyed the flood affected areas for over one hour.

The central government team, who has come to the state to take stock of the present situation arising out of the recent spates of heavy rainfall and subsequent flood, also undertook an aerial survey along with the top officials of the state government.

While speaking on the sidelines of ‘Meeyamgi Numit’ Biren said heavy rainfall and flood have severely affected the state and many areas are still submerged under flood water. He said that the central team is presently in the state to gather a first-hand account of the losses created by the calamity.

Biren said the state government had not only announced the present situation as a ‘state calamity’ but also requested the central government to declare it as a ‘calamity of severe nature’.

Expressing hope that the central government would provide all possible help to tackle the situation and rehabilitate the affected people Biren said the government would build houses for those whose houses had been damaged by the flood.

Andro flood

Forest minister Th. Shyamkumar inspected paddy fields submerged under flood water at Andro, Imphal East.

Shyamkumar said around 78 percent paddy fields in the constituency are presently submerged under flood water and all crops have been completely damaged.

He pointed out that all the river beds in the state have risen upto 20 feet due to silting resulting in the water overflowing causing the flood in the valley.

He opined that the silts are deposited due to debris brought down from the hills and other areas due to continuous exploitation of nature.

He further said that the state government under chief minister N Biren Singh is committed to take up steps to avoid such kind of flood situation in coming years.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 15

A woman has lodged a complaint with the Sekmai police station in connection with a child trafficking case against her own husband.

The man, against whom the human trafficking case was lodged, is identified as Yumkham Premjit alias Ibomcha (30) son of (L) Manithoiba of Awang Likinthabi, Imphal West district.

Premjit was alleged by his wife, Elangbam Chanchan (24) daughter of E. Rajen of Sadu Yengkhoman, near Saikul that he sold two of the couple’s children.

The couple now separated had three kids including two sons and one daughter (youngest child).

Chanchan was driven out by her own husband, who allegedly had affairs with a woman then. Chanchan left the home leaving behind her three kids. Her husband allegedly sold the couple’s eldest son, who was two and a half years old to a contractor at Nagamapal at Rs. 7 lakhs.

But four days later the boy was returned to the father by the contractor, identified to be one Chandras, as the child was still under suckling period.

Again in October 2016, Premjit allegedly sold his daughter, one and a half year, to one Khondongbam Premkumar of Heirok Part-II.

According to Chanchan, she heard about her daughter through some relatives but had no idea how much money was taken by her husband for the daughter.

Unable to cope with the news, a desperate Chanchan initially called the helpline number of Childline (1098) and later lodged an official complaint with the ChildLine Thoubal on July 1 last.

Following the complaint, the matter was entered in the general diary of the Heirok police station on July 2 and the case was forwarded to Child Welfare Committee (CWC) Thoubal the following day.

Subsequently, CWC referred the case to the Manipur Commission for Protection for Child Rights (MCPCR).

The MCPCR heard the case on July 10 and directed Premjit to produce the child before the commission.

Failing to do so the child was rescued by the Heirok police and kept under the custody of Specialised Adoption Agency (SAA) Bal Bhawan.

In this connection Chanchan has also lodged a complaint with the Sekmai police station against her husband.

IMPHAL | July 15

Thousands of people turned up to highlight their grievances to the chief minister N. Biren Singh on the third “Meeyamgi Numit” held at CM’s Secretariat today. The chief minister attended to as many as about 800 complaints personally and met nearly 3000 people from 8:30 am to 5:10 pm.

Biren Singh said such interaction gives an opportunity to know how the people are living in our society. He stressed that among several grievances, he is deeply concerned with the problems especially faced by differently-abled persons, widows, and old-aged people of the state.

He further said that the government would try to find remedial measures or solutions for the problems faced by the people of the state. The new government’s objective is not just to enhance infrastructure development and construction of roads etc. but to help and serve the people of the state at its fullest extent, he added.

Chief minister mentioned that streamlining various welfare schemes and programmes is the need of the hour so as to have an effective and result oriented schemes. He assured that the government will conduct a comprehensive review of all the existing welfare schemes so that it can reach out to the needy people and genuine beneficiaries.

Maintaining that the state government is putting in effort to solve the problems faced by the common people at the micro level, the chief minister said that banks such as Manipur State Co-operative Bank has been entrusted to do the needful including providing loans to the needy people and to encourage the Self Help Groups for sustainable livelihood, generation of employment etc. so that they could bring pride and laurels to the state.

Acknowledging that there is a gap between the agency and beneficiaries in the implementation process of any welfare schemes Biren informed that he has written side-notes or marginal notes on the applications submitted by the people to monitor and take up necessary action by the concerned commissioners/secretaries.

Speaking to the media persons, he said that the government welcome the recent Supreme Court verdict on the alleged fake encounter cases. “Life is meaningless if we don’t respect and violate human rights of the people and the government is totally against human rights violations,” he said.

He assured that the government would extend full co-operation and assistance for a smooth investigation.

Education, labour and employment minister Th. Radheshyam met as many as 300 people at his residence at Canchipur and office at New Secretariat. On the occasion, the minister rendered financial assistance to students gearing up for an industrial visit outside the state.

Officials from the concern departments of the minister came for the meeting highlighting certain issues pertaining to the functioning of the office.

CSOs submitted memoranda to the minister concerning education department including the infrastructure requirement of the Motbung High School. The increasing number of drop out students in hill districts was also brought up during the meet.

Several labours approached the minister to enquire about the labour smart card specially meant for the workers of both unorganized and organized sector. Through the card, the workers could benefit insurance and pension to have social security.

IMPHAL | July 15

A woman of 85 years from Imphal East district tested positive for Japanese Encephalitis.

According to a source, the woman was admitted on July 3 midnight at Raj Medicity. When her blood sample was sent to JNIMS hospital and her blood sample was found positive. The test result was known yesterday.

For immediate measure district malaria Imphal east rushed to the area and fogging has been done in the area. District malaria officer, Imphal East, Dr. S Priyokumar said fogging has been done in the area of 1.5 km radius. In order to protect from this disease, people should use anti-mosquito items such as creams, mosquito coil etc.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 15

The working committee of the Apunba Lup today welcomed the ruling of the Supreme Court of India ordering investigation into 83 cases of fake encounter cases perpetrated by the state police, army and para-military forces in Manipur.

Speaking to Imphal Free Press, Phulindra Konsam said the ruling of the apex court although late has given a glimmer of hope to the people that justice has not entirely eluded.

The people of strife torn Manipur gradually have lost faith in any form of probe and investigation conducted by various agencies including the CBI for the fact that none of the perpetrators involved in extra-judicial cases were held accountable for punishment and that justice is often delayed, he said.

It appears that any enquiry or probe constituted by SC or CBI enquiry or likewise are often rendered ineffective in the case of Manipur, said the Phulindra Konsam.

Nevertheless, he welcomed the ruling of the SC stating that it has reassured the people.

The Apunba Lup co-ordinator, disclosed that the Apunba Lup will closely monitor all the follow up action pursuant to the Supreme Court’s order and its progress.

However, if the investigation agency fails to take up the direction given by the apex court in time the Apunba Lup will be compelled to launch people’s movement, said Konsam.

Stating that the Apunba Lup was formed with the agenda to end state sponsored terrorism, he pointed out that its (Apunba Lup) demands to bring perpetrators to justice and repeal of AFPSA remain unchanged.

Against this backdrop, Konsam also expressed his optimism that the present government will also take initiative in the interest of the people of Manipur.

IMPHAL | July 15

AYUSH director and Trevo India, Manipur branch jointly donated Rs. 1 lakh to the chief minister’s relief fund to extend help to the flood affected people today. JNIMS Outsource also donated Rs. 14,000 to the fund.