Ukhrul – Page 5 – Manipur News

Exclusive Photos: Phaikoh Village Manipur Myamar Border, where Indian Army were supposedly picked up by Helicopter after the operation

Phaikoh Village lies in the border between Manipur (India) and Myanmar. The famous ‘Myanmar attack’ that Indian Army have claimed to have carried out against Naga/Metei millitant camps in the Manipur Myamar border or inside Myanmar, to take revenge against Manipur Ambush at Chandel which killed 20 soldiers, wouldn’t have been possible without passing through Phaikoh Village, Ukhrul Manipur. Photo journalist and freelancer Deepak Shijagurumayum and few of his friends visited the border village to find out the truth.

Click on any photos below to view at best resolution.

At border village, recalling Army’s Myanmar operation: ‘We heard shooting, explosions… boom, boom, boom’

“Suddenly, we heard a lot of shooting and bombs going off in the near distance. Boom, boom, boom. We were wondering what was happening,” 55-year-old Hemlet Guite, a village elder,

“Suddenly, we heard a lot of shooting and bombs going off in the near distance. Boom, boom, boom. We were wondering what was happening,” 55-year-old Hemlet Guite, a village elder, said.

Angko Chingbo hill, 15 km inside Myanmar, where villagers say 3 insurgent groups have their camps; (inset) Hemkhoshei, 65, a minister of the Phaikoh village council. (Source: express photo by Deepak Shijagurumayum)

Esha Roy, Phaikoh(Indo-Myanmar border), 14 June 2015:

In this last Indian village in Manipur’s Ukhrul district, there is no telling where India ends and Myanmar begins. The boundary is not demarcated visibly, and the small teak huts standing on wooden stilts could be in either country. On the morning of June 9, sleepy, isolated Phaikoh was jolted by the sounds of Indian soldiers attacking Naga militant camps in the area in retaliation against the June 4 ambush of the 6 Dogra Regiment.

“Suddenly, we heard a lot of shooting and bombs going off in the near distance. Boom, boom, boom. We were wondering what was happening. We didn’t see any soldiers go through our village or in the surrounding jungles. We assume they must have gone very quietly at night, on foot,” 55-year-old Hemlet Guite, a village elder, said.

It was approximately 8 in the morning when Phaikoh first heard the “sounds of the battle” — around the time its 16 schoolchildren had just begun classes at the village school.

“We did see them coming back, though,” Guite said. “In the afternoon, it must have been two or three o’clock, a stream of Indian Army soldiers started walking into the village. Then the helicopters started coming. They landed on our football field, and the soldiers started to get on. It looked as though there were at least a hundred soldiers. There were two helicopters, and each made three trips. Some of the soldiers left on foot,’’ Guite added.

Sixty-five-year-old Hemkhoshei, a minister of the village council, said it was the first time he saw an Army chopper. “I was very excited. One Armyman told me to shut my eyes because there would be a lot of dust as the machine landed,” he laughed.

Sauntering easily into Myanmarese territory, stepping over the shallow, muddy trench that marks the border, Hemkhoshei pointed to the grey-blue hill rising above the treetops, its peak surrounded by wispy white clouds.
“That is Angko Chingbo hill,” he said. It is about 15 km inside Myanmar. The UNLF, PLA and KYKL have their camps there. That is where the Army went that day.

“We have heard that nothing is left of the PLA camp now. But we do not know if the Army managed to reach the UNLF camp. It is on the other side of the mountain, and very difficult to reach,” Hemkhoshei added. According to him, the PLA camp had more than a hundred residents.

Residents of Phaikoh said insurgents often traveled to border villages on the Indian side “for patrolling”. Cadres of the UNLF were the most frequent visitors, they said. “They come at least once a month, sometimes more often. They talk to us, eat their lunch, and go back. But we never have to feed them. They give us money to buy rice, and cook for themselves. Twenty, or even 40 insurgents come at a time. We haven’t seen any since Tuesday (June 9), though,” said Janghen Jangkhohem, secretary of the village council. Guite said the villagers have a good rapport with the UNLF. “There is no doctor or pharmacy in the village. So the UNLF insurgents sometimes give us medicines. Malaria is endemic here, and they often hold medical camps in the village, to which they bring a doctor. In return, they ask us for information — on who comes here, and what we hear about the Army. Last Christmas, the UNLF gave us money to buy a pig or cow for a feast,” Guite said. Hemkhoshei said UNLF cadres sometimes held meetings with the village council or elders. “They talk to us of development… roads, better schools, medical facilities, electricity. They have told us that they would help us get all these things,” he said. No resident of Phaikoh has ever visited any of the camps, however. What they know about them is based on what they have heard from friends in Myanmar who visit the camps to sell their wares to the insurgents. “Since Tuesday, Myanmar has completely sealed off the border. We can’t even go to Mongjang, the neighbouring village on the other side. But hopefully, the restrictions will be lifted soon,” Guite said. Across a range of three hills closer to the Indian side of the border, at the village of Nampisha, villagers recalled the happenings of June 9. “Helicopters were flying in and out. Huge helicopters. We could here gunfire in the distance. We gathered at the church and I told my congregation to pray. I warned them not to stray far from the village. Not to even go out hunting. To just stay indoors and pray,” said pastor Akhui Kamkara. The 44 Assam Rifles has an outpost at Nampisha, villagers said, and they had tightened their vigil. No one was going towards Phaikoh, villagers said.

Published in The Indian Express.

RPF belittles SF claim on damaging militant camps

IMPHAL, June 10: The proscribed Revolutionary People`™s Front (RPF), refuting the claim made by `Indian Occupational Forces`™ (IOF) on inflicting serious damage to militant camps inside Myanmar territory

Amunitions and Megazines recovered by RPF

A statement issued by Roben Khuman, secretary publicity RPF, conceded that on June 9 morning around 7 am, IOF attacked an OP mobile camp of the outfit`™s armed wing People`™s Liberation Army (PLA) in the interior part Ukhrul bordering Myanmar.

Some of the IOF crossed over the border while some from the border initially attacked a sentry post. However, the IOF were forced to retreat following stiff resistance from the side of the PLA, it said.

It further claimed that the outfit found blood stains besides recovering magazine containing full lives round when combed the area in the aftermath of the gun fight.

Stating that the attack occurred only at the PLA mobile camp, it said that the reports of inflicting serious human casualties to the militant as claimed by top brass of IOF during the cross-border strike was a cheap propaganda, it said adding that `The IOF has failed to tell the truth and misled the Indian people`.

It further appealed the people of Manipur not to believe in such lies.

Army-UG outfits engaged in fierce gun-fight along Indo-Myanmar border

IMPHAL, June 9: A fierce gun-fight broke out between a combined team of underground outfits and the army this early morning along the Indo-Myanmar border in Ukhrul district.

Manipur Ambush – heavy fighting in Manipur Myanmar border

IMPHAL, June 9: A fierce gun-fight broke out between a combined team of underground outfits and the army this early morning along the Indo-Myanmar border in Ukhrul district.

The gun-fight broke out during the massive combing operation conducted by the Army in the wake of the June 4 ambush.

A PIB Defence Wing statement has also claimed of the army being engaged in clashes with separate insurgent groups along the Indo-Myanmar border at two locations today.

According to reports from the Ukhrul district Police, the fierce battle between heavily armed cadres of UG outfits and the security forces took place near Ningshom Village under Kamjong sub-division in Ukhrul district.

The encounter site is around 60 km from the Chasad Police Station towards the Myanmar border, according to the police report.

The Ukhrul District Police headquarter received information through the Chassad Police Station of the gun-fight only around 11:15am although the two sides had exchanged fire since early morning and lasted for a few hours.

However, there is no official confirmation of casualties till the filing of this report.

Meanwhile, according to a press release issued by the PIB, Ministry of Defence, additional Director General of Military Operations (A) Major General Ranbir Singh, had read out the army`™s statement on the operations carried out in the North East.

He had said `You are all aware that following the attack on our security personnel on June 4 in Chandel, Manipur, we have been on a high alert. In the course of the last few days, credible and specific intelligence was received about further attacks that were being planned within our territory.`

`These attacks were to be carried out by some of the groups involved in earlier attacks on our security personnel and their allies.`

`In view of the imminent threat, an immediate response was necessary. Based on intelligence, we conducted operations to counter these planned assaults.`

`Early this morning, the Indian Army engaged two separate groups of insurgents along the Indo- Myanmar border at two locations, along the Nagaland and Manipur borders. Significant casualties have been inflicted on them. As a consequence, threats to our civilian population and security forces were averted.

Further according to the statement, Major general Ranbir Singh had said `We are in communication with the Myanmar authorities on this matter. There is a history of close cooperation between our two militaries. We look forward to working with them to combat such terrorism.`

`While ensuring peace and tranquility along the border and in the border states, any threat to our security, safety and national integrity will meet a firm response` he said according to the statement.

Attack carried out to teach a lesson to 44 Assam Rifles & stop harassing Kamjong villagers: RPF/PLA Manipur

IMPHAL, April 1: The proscribed Revolutionary People`™s Front (RPF) has in a press statement signed by its secretary publicity Roben Khuman claimed responsibility of the attacked on a patrolling team of 44 Assam Rifles yesterday morning at around 5:10 at Kamjong Kul in Ukhrual District.

RPF in its statement said the attacked was carried out by a Tactical Command team of its armed wing PLA.

It said four AR personnel were killed and some others sustained injuries in the attack. A weapon (No AE51-5050) which belongs to AR was also recovered by them.

It further said one of its sergeants identified as Prem real name Okram Pari, son of (L) O Tomba and (L) Okram ongbi Radhe, of Sagolmang Mamang Leikai, was also killed in the gunfight yesterday.

It said the PLA carried out the attack after hearing the complaint of the people of the area and their wishes to teach the 44 AR a lesson. Villagers of the area had complained to PLA that the personnel of 44 AR were routinely threatening and disturbing the passersby.

`This time, our people especially from the hills, knowing the true colour of the security forces, had approached the PLA to teach them a lesson which clearly shows that the tricks of the enemy are not working out,` RPF said.

`By occupying every slop and hill using its security forces, India is showing its power, which is not a sign of wanting peace but to suppress the people of Manipur and the people know it very well,` it said.

`Until and unless they (India) are kicked out from here, there will be no peace, development and equality in our land,` it added.

SS Khaplang led NSCN abrogating the 14 years ceasefire agreement with India and starting to attack security forces is a right step, it further said.

The PLA is always ready to join hands with NSCN and other revolutionary groups of WESEA Region in waging a war against India, it declared.

Chief of Army Staff from the War office has lauded the Tactical Command of PLA for carrying out the attack successfully according to the wishes of the people, the statement added.

Manipur attack: Two Assam Rifles personnels, one UG killed in ambush by suspected PLA cadres

IMPHAL, March 31: A convoy of 44 Assam Rifles came under attack from suspected PLA cadres this early morning at around 6 at Konkan Thana in Kamjong Sub-Division of Ukhrul

IMPHAL, March 31: A convoy of 44 Assam Rifles came under attack from suspected PLA cadres this early morning at around 6 at Konkan Thana in Kamjong Sub-Division of Ukhrul District which is under the jurisdiction of Chasad Police Station.

A brief gunfight broke out between the two groups leaving two Assam Rifles personnel killed and one injured. One UG cadre was also reportedly killed in the gunfight.

According to information received by IFP from the Police, a team of 44 Assam Rifles of Kamjong post who were heading towards Kashom Khullen in two vehicles were ambushed by suspected PLA cadres who were already waiting hiding in the bushes at a place which is about 5 km away towards the east direction from Chasad Police Station.

An improvised explosive device (IED) was first triggered followed by heavy firing using powerful automatic guns towards the AR team from two directions by the suspected PLA cadres.

The AR personnel also retaliated by firing towards the UG cadres and a brief gunfight broke out between the two groups.

But after some time the UG cadres left the place and vanished into the jungle.

The two AR personnel who were killed in the ambush have been identified as Havildar NK Doli (‘F’ Coy) and Havildar BN Chhetri (‘B’ Coy). The injured AR personnel have been identified as Rifleman RV Shastra.

He was rushed to Military Hospital at Leimakhong using a Helicopter.

Later, Police along with AR personnel conducted a thorough search of the incident site and recovered the lifeless bodies of the two AR personnel along with the lifeless body of a suspected PLA cadre.

The bodies have been deposited at Chasad Police Station and it will be taken to RIMS morgue tomorrow for post mortem examination.

The identity of the deceased suspected PLA cadre could not be ascertained till the filing of this report. He was wearing combat dress, has pierced ears, 5’2” tall and seems to be between 30 to 35 years of age. No document was recovered from his body to ascertain his true identify.

Two live IEDs were also detected during the search, however as there was no bomb expert in search team, a bomb disposal team from Imphal have been arranged to assist them in disposing the bombs.

Manipur Students in Delhi led by MSAD paid condolence to victims of Ukhrul violence

Delhi 31-Aug-2014: Volunteers of MSAD and others today, 31 August 2014, gathered at the University of Delhi and paid condolence to late Mayopam Ramror (09-01-1979), s/o L.R. Hangyui of Teinem Village, Ukhrul and Ramkashing Vashi (01-03-1988 to 30-08-2014), s/o L. Christopher Vashi of Teinem Village, Ukhrul) who were killed in police firing to suppress a public demonstration held in Ukhrul. In addition to candle lighting and two minutes silence in the name of those who were being killed, MSAD raised various slogans such as; Stop State Terrorism, Condemn Undemocratic and Inhuman Governance, Manipur Govt. Stop Killing Innocent Civilians and, Militarization is not the Democratic Solution. MSAD reiterated its appeal that militarization could not be a solution to any political question. MSAD condemned the Government for its failure to peaceful handling of the tense situation in Ukhrul.

CORE blames GoM, CSOs for Ukhrul incident

IMPHAL, August 30: The Centre for Organisation Research and Education (CORE) Manipur, condemned the atrocious shooting incident at Ukhrul today and blamed both the government and certain civil society organisation

“Under considerable and sensitive constraints, the Centre for Organisation Research and Education (CORE) Manipur expresses a considerable scorn towards the situation in Ukhrul in Manipur,” said a statement of the organisation.

It said the ugly state of affairs, and it’s tragic consequences, was a foregone conclusion because of the disgraceful divergent trajectories pursued by the government of Manipur and civil society organisations who think that a conflict can be resolved through untenable positions and supplication to so-called ‘authorities’ far removed from the realities of Manipur.

With increasing fatalities and casualties in Ukhrul, CORE remains deeply concerned that the martial law governance disposition of the Manipur government exposes its abject defeat to address its responsibilities as an answerable executive organ of the State, it continued.

The CORE statement appealed to all, including the sensible and astute sections among all citizens, in Ukhrul to refrain from postures and activities that will only result in further violent confrontation.

The CORE statement continued further “In our view, it is a foregone conclusion that Section 144 of the CrPC has been patently abused in Ukhrul.”

“On the other hand, the aggravation by the leadership of the widely appreciated and respected United Naga Council of Manipur is nakedly uncalled for, and only served to expose its superficial evaluation of the situation and missed an opportunity of a promising constructive role it can play under the circumstances that have tormented the citizens of Ukhrul and its surrounding areas for weeks.”

“Governments in a democratic system cannot be accused speciously and relentlessly of being ‘communal’ while ignoring the obvious exigency of the present sensitive opinionated scenario prevailing in Ukhrul,” it said.

The people of Manipur in one voice reject any communal agenda from any quarter, it said before adding that provocations designed to detonate a violent and potently incendiary situation cannot, under any circumstances be construed as a struggle for human dignity and rights, under any level of aggravation.

The law of the land must prevail including international human rights law, and that must be accepted by all; what is blatantly omitted is an open acknowledgment of responsibility and duties by all parties, further said the CORE statement.

“CORE expresses deeply felt condolences of those who lost their lives today in Ukhrul, and appeals to all, especially the government of Manipur to exercise its democratic responsibilities with due diligence in accordance to the highest principles and policies of democracy.”

The Manipur Police is being injudiciously and excessively exposed to a very partisan situation, it said before urging the Manipur government to immediately withdraw all prohibitory orders in Ukhrul under Section 144 of the CrPC as its justification and legal premises are no longer relevant nor acceptable.

An impartial judicial level inquiry must be instituted and the people who have suffered tragically must be compensated and rehabilitated by the government, it said.

Responsibility for the use of inappropriate and excessive force by the Police stationed in Manipur must be fixed, and those indicted beyond doubt must be given exemplary disciplinary punishment, the CORE statement concluded.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/08/core-blames-gom-csos-for-ukhrul-incident/

ATSUM condemns Ukhrul episode

KANGPOKPI, August 30: The All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur (ATSUM) Emboi Serto group has lodged strong condemnation over the violent incident during the mass district level rally organised under the

President of the student body, Emboi Serto stated that security personnel in the State have never failed to harm the innocent civilians when ever confrontation crop up while completely forgetting that they (security personnel) are protectors and not slayers.

A visibly upset Emboi asserted that it has become harder and harder for the innocent civilian in the State particularly for the tribal people to live.

Emboi further questioned “Why there is a massive difference between mass rallies taken out at Ukhrul and Imphal while the 144 CrPC has been clamped in both districts?”

While ATSUM condoles for the bereaved family of the deceased and injured persons, we will not remain silent if the guilty personnel are not punished according to the law of the land, Emboi added.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/08/atsum-condemns-ukhrul-episode/

Manipur Violence: Two shot dead, scores including several cops injured, vehicles set ablaze in Ukhrul

Mass peace rally turns violent in Ukhrul, end peaceful elsewhere Two shot dead, scores including several cops injured, vehicles set ablaze in Ukhrul By R Lester Makang UKHRUL, August

Mass peace rally turns violent in Ukhrul, end peaceful elsewhere
Two shot dead, scores including several cops injured, vehicles set ablaze in Ukhrul

By R Lester Makang

Protestors burn effigies of Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and his deputy Gaikhangam at Ukhrul; People participating in the rally at Senapati and protestors stand nearby two vehicles set ablaze in Ukhrul.

UKHRUL, August 30: At least two civilians have been shot dead and scores grievously injured in police firing and subsequent assault on civilians even as irate mob beat up some four five police commando personnel in Ukhrul today.

The mob had also set ablaze two government vehicles after the United Naga Council (UNC)-sponsored public mass rally turned violent here on Saturday.

The two deceased have been identified as Ramkashing Vashi, 26, son of Christopher Vashi of Teinem village and Mayopam Ramror, 32 of Teinem village.

Both were said to be recently married and survived by their pregnant wives respectively. The bodies have been deposited at the Ukhrul District Hospital for post mortem.

Meanwhile, another critically wounded Ngachonmi Muivah of Somdal has been taken to Imphal for treatment while all the other injured are being treated at the district hospital.

However, the exact number of the injured could not be immediately ascertained, though expected to be around 16 including the critically wounded.

Eye witnesses said that as the public numbering over thousands turned out at Awon Tang junction and tried to proceed towards the Tangkhul Naga Long Ground around 1:35 pm to join a mass gathering where a joint memorandum of Naga Hohos and Naga frontal organisations of the respective districts was slated to be read out before being submitted to the Prime Minster of India at 2 pm, State security forces fired tear gas shells, mock bombs resulting in heavy casualties among the public.

Soon after, similar violent situation erupted at Alungtang and Wino Bazaar where police commandos fired live bullet allegedly from suspected AK 47 rifles upon the rallyists at point blank range killing the duo instantaneously in front of Ukhrul Higher Secondary School at Wino Bazaar even as explosions of mock bombs and tear gas shells continued, sources added.

In the ensuing mob action, eye witnesses said, some four five police commandos were beaten up by the irate mob resulting in grievous injury of one police personnel.

The public went ahead and set ablaze two vehicles including a Police commando gypsy in front of TNL Ground at Wino Bazaar.

The public also rained stones at security vehicles passing through the TNL Office breaking windows of some vehicles even as commandos kept blank firing. Thereafter the public put up boulders and logs across the road in dual direction in front of TNL office to block passage of security force vehicles.

At the same time, the public held a gathering at TNL Ground where effigies of the Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh and Dy CM Gaikhangam were burned amidst strong condemnation and curse.

Thereafter around 4 pm police commandos went on rampage on the main road of the township and damaged some private vehicles, eye witnesses have said.

Subsequently, the State forces resorted to physical attack on civilians crossing the District Mini Secretariat at Hamleikhong and whisked away 9 persons in their custody inside the office complex where the civilians were brutally assaulted resulting in critical injuries.

Later, with intervention of district administration, it was decided that State forces be retreated to ease the mounting tension for the time being and Assam Rifles personnel be deployed in the town instead and subsequently, the youth were released and rushed to the district hospital, sources added.

However, around 5:30 pm two persons who happened to be friends of the two deceased were returning home after visiting the hospital were reportedly severely beaten up by police commandos who were staying near Ukhrul Town Hall. However, they have been rescued by AR personnel and rushed them to Army hospital at Somsai immediately.

The public mass rally was held in all the Naga hill district of the State to demonstrate the sentiments of the Nagas in the backdrop of the continued imposition of CrPc 144 along with deployment of State security forces while also to pressurize the Government of India to expedite the process for Alternative Arrangement pending Indo-Naga solution.

The rally was staged at six different localities of the town which was attended by thousands of peoples from all localities of the town and villages from nearby villages.

Who killed the rice beer?

By Chonchuirinmayo Luithui Rice beer, the drink our forefathers consumed both in celebration and illness, now comes with a generous dose of Christian moralism, alcoholism, even detergent powder! Drinking is good

By Chonchuirinmayo Luithui

Rice beer, the drink our forefathers consumed both in celebration and illness, now comes with a generous dose of Christian moralism, alcoholism, even detergent powder!

In-pic: Anao Oshim
Photo Credit: I Love Ukhrul Facebook Page.

Drinking is good for health. Our forefathers would know. It was part and parcel of our culture. Rice beer was part of the diet of our people. Yes, women used to drink. She was not type casted into Scarlets, Delilahs or khangkasers.

Note: Among the Tangkhuls, there are different variants of rice beer depending on how they are prepared. So we have leiyi, zam, khor, paso, chathur and so on. And they do look and taste different. Their alcohol content also probably differs. But for want of better translation, they are referred to as rice beer since they are mostly made with rice as the base.

Rice beer had a special place in rites and festivals, even in war during our forefathers’ time. It was regarded as medicinal. An aunt told me how my grandparents used to warm it (khor in this case) whenever someone in the family was unwell. The sick seemed to get better when he or she took it. May be it was the placebo effect. But, these practices were evolved over a long period of time.

Today, choosing to be religiously correct, many of us think of it as immoral but it was not so, at least, not during our grandfathers’ time. It was taken during festivals as well as when the elders sit down for serious discussion and as part of the meals. I am told that when the senior members of a family had to go to the field, they used to pour drinks in tumblers (shon) made from gourd, in case, any guests come by. But in all these there was a rider. They did not encourage getting drunk. Self-control was a virtue.

So who killed the rice beer drinking culture and replaced it with alcoholism, drunkards and adulterated alcohols? When did our people ‘stop’ drinking rice beer? When did we stop brewing? As I am told, it was after Christianity came into our homes.

One reason as told to me was that there was a close affinity between rice beer and observance of rites and ceremonies. Before Christianity, we believed in the Creator (kasa-akhava) the source of everything. But most of our religious practices were based on appeasing the spirits who could harm us, cause suffering and bad harvest. Animal sacrifices were common. But all these were incomplete without rice beer. Thus, the Christian missionaries might have thought it was better to demonized rice beer than to say that we were worshipping the wrong way/deity. They might have intended well but, because much of the rites and ceremonies could not be performed without rice beers, they stopped performing them altogether and much of our culture died along with the way we consume alcohol.

Now, most of us openly denounce it and secretly gulp them down including the adulterated ones. Health be damned. We become over righteous and held friends, kins and foes at contempt when they dare to drink openly. We become moral police, very often inspired by OUR church. There is prohibition written almost everywhere.

Photo Credit: I Love Ukhrul Facebook Page.

My maternal grandfather sometimes used to return home smelling of alcohol. And for a young sunday-school-going mind, it was the worst blasphemy. I remember once stopping him from entering the kitchen. My mission failed completely. He picked me up and in we went inside the house. I did not realize then, that this was how it had been for longer part of his life. That he had learnt from the elders never to cross the line. Mind you, I do not remember him ever drunk. That time, I was simply mad at him because someone ‘taught’ me that drinking alcohol is a sin, that I would go to hell. Distorted lessons.

What do we have today? A culture of binge drinking, DUI, drunken accidents, alcohol related abuse and diseases and poisoning. I had once gone in the early morning with grandpa dearest (actually tailing him but he caught me)to a vendor. As she gave him his drink, he mentioned that she must had added too much detergent powder (which supposedly gives faster kick). She did not deny! This happened years ago and as human minds become more creative, it seems they now even use Urea (yes the fertilizers). I hope it is not true. We might as well drink Urea solution.

I would like to go back to the gentleman days, sit down with the elders and see for myself how they used to be. But we have come too far from ‘headhunting barbarians’. to whiskey drinking maniacs. This will surely spoil my show. Now, I will settle for “admiring-our-grandfathers’-time” while I drink green tea, health drinks, sodas, choco drinks and coffee.

And covertly commit sins. Cheers!

Note:

* They were far more civilized than us. It is unfortunate that they are equated with barbarians.

About the writer: Chonchuirinmayo Luithui is a freelance researcher based in Ukhrul, Manipur.

The article was first published on Seven Sisters Project and it’s been reproduced on KO for wider circulation in partnership with “I Love Ukhrul” facebook page.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/08/who-killed-the-rice-beer/

“Ukhrul suffering under 144 CrPC”

IMPHAL, August 22: The imposition of CrPC 144 for 40 days in Ukhrul has created a fear psychosis in Ukhrul and the public wants its removal at the earliest. This

IMPHAL, August 22: The imposition of CrPC 144 for 40 days in Ukhrul has created a fear psychosis in Ukhrul and the public wants its removal at the earliest.

This was stated by members of various civil organisations while interacting with media today at the Ukhrul District head quarter.

Representatives of Tangkhul Shanaolong, Tangkhul Naga long and village chief association were present during the interaction.

A media team along with members of United NGOs Mission Manipur went to assess the situation at Ukhrul today.

SC Ringleiwo president of Tangkhul Shanaolong said that after the unfortunate incident of the killing of an ADC member of Ukhrul, the State government has imposed 144 CrPC in Ukhrul area with deployment of State forces like IRB and commandoes.

He continued that the deployment of police has affected the civilians.

She further said that the main impact has been on students. The students have loss the rhythm of studies and classes. We want immediate normalcy in Ukhrul, and why is this imposition till today, whereas the killing took place 22 km away from Ukhrul on July 12, she asked.

A village chief maintained that imposition of 144 CrPC has given mental torture to public. He asked why there is need for additional forces in Ukhrul, which has AR, MR and State police already.

LM Abe of Tangkhul Nagalong said if the situation in Ukhrul continues, chaos could erupt, and at that time the government will not be able to control the situation.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/08/ukhrul-suffering-under-144-crpc/

Rich Shirui forests` biodiversity at stake

New Shirui-Mapum road sows seeds of destruction on Ukhrul`s richest rainforest By R Lester Makang UKHRUL, April 29: In an era where density of highways, roads and other such communication

New Shirui-Mapum road sows seeds of destruction on Ukhrul`s richest rainforest

By R Lester Makang

UKHRUL, April 29: In an era where density of highways, roads and other such communication links is considered an important benchmark of development everywhere, we are witnessing an upward trend in building or expanding highways and roads across towns, villages and rural interiors of Manipur. Correspondingly, the impact that this surge in road building has on the environment is also growing at an alarming rate and in cases where roads cut through dense forest regions, it could directly cause unplanned damages to the areas ` ecology beyond redemption.

A case in point is the fast degradation of the previously rich Shirui hills which is home to rich and unique biodiversity of the state including the famous Shirui Lily, Shirui tiger and various flora and fauna. The newly built inter village road spreading 30 kms across the Shirui Kashong`s wilderness connecting Shirui village and Mapum village in northern Ukhrul is directly blamed for the current large scale deforestation in the area.

Constructed in the year 2006-2007 under PMGSY, the IV road cuts through the heart of the Shirui`s deep rainforest causing immesurable damages rendering a vast portions of the forest open, dry and hotter. “The first and biggest blunder committed in destruction of the forest and wildlife in the area has been the opening of the IV road which then opens up Pandora` s box giving easy access for commercial activities like timber trading etc.” observed L Willington, headman of Shirui Aze.

“But this was permitted long ago as a goodwill gesture on our part and also considering the hardships of our neighbouring village,” he maintained.

Another factor that hinders a consensual approach to checking deforestation is the distribution of land ownership practised among the inhabitants of Shirui village.

“Ninety per cent of land spanning the deep forest belongs private owners, while public lands comprises only 10 per cent” Willington said while adding that which is why the Village Authority has little control over those privately owned lands where trees are felled with the consent of the owner.

The difficulty then lies in the fact that the current rampant deforestation across the Shirui hills are basically due to subsistence related activities. “Unless means of subsistence is secured for each private owner, we cannot stop them. The state government must adopt a special policy to preserve the forest and plan out an alternative means for the poor villagers who solely depend on the natural resources for their economic activities before it is too late” pleaded a village elder on condition of anonymity.

Significantly, the current water crisis in Ukhrul town is directly attributed to unplanned deforestation in Shirui hills which remain the sole water source for the township. Four rivers originating from the thick Shirui hills namely, Yangkong river and Maret kongrei which flow down into Loktak lake in Manipur and Shangkong and Razik kong flowing into Myanmar territory have severely depleted in recent years. “These Water sources have gone down by nearly 50 per cent in volume after construction of the said road,” Willngton asserted.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/04/rich-shirui-forests-biodiversity-at-stake/

Manipur’s Deafness Control Programme under NRHM turns as Flop show

The post Manipur’s Deafness Control Programme under NRHM turns as Flop show appeared first on KanglaOnline.com.By: Rinku Khumukcham Grant-in-aids under for implementation of National Programme for Prevention and Control of Deafness turns…

The post Manipur’s Deafness Control Programme under NRHM turns as Flop show appeared first on KanglaOnline.com.

By: Rinku Khumukcham Grant-in-aids under for implementation of National Programme for Prevention and Control of Deafness turns as flop show in Manipur as State health Mission fails to produce utilization certificate. Around rupees 50 lakhs sanctioned under the National … Continue reading →

The post Manipur’s Deafness Control Programme under NRHM turns as Flop show appeared first on KanglaOnline.com.

7 day Youth fest begins at Manipur

The post 7 day Youth fest begins at Manipur appeared first on KanglaOnline.com.IMPHAL, August 17: The seven day As per the cabinet decision, DIG (Range I) Clay Khongsai, IPS and Chandel SP Elangbam Priyokumar, IPS will leave for Bangalore and Pune re…

The post 7 day Youth fest begins at Manipur appeared first on KanglaOnline.com.

IMPHAL, August 17: The seven day As per the cabinet decision, DIG (Range I) Clay Khongsai, IPS and Chandel SP Elangbam Priyokumar, IPS will leave for Bangalore and Pune respectively tomorrow to liaise with the state governments there and to … Continue reading →

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Banana Festival Kicks Off At Ukhrul Village

IMPHAL, November 1: The first ever Banana festival of the state kicked off at Koso village situated under Phunyar sub-division of Ukhrul district, about 70 km from Imphal today. The festival was…

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IMPHAL, November 1: The first ever Banana festival of the state kicked off at Koso village situated under Phunyar sub-division of Ukhrul district, about 70 km from Imphal today. The festival was…

Read the full article and articles like this at manipurhub.com

Read more / Original news source: http://manipurhub.com/news-manipur/banana-festival-kicks-off-at-ukhrul-village/

Tangkhul Body Demands Exclusion of 34 Villages From Sadar Hills

IMPHAL, Sep 15:Tangkhul Naga Aze Longphang, Kasom Khullen, Ukhrul district has submitted a memorandum to the state chief secretary today demanding the exclusion of 34 villages under the jurisdiction…

Read the full article and articles like this at …

Read the full article and articles like this at manipurhub.com

Ukhrul Rally Protests Rape and Murder of School Girl

Ukhrul, Sep 14 : Thousands of people turned up to take part in a mass rally held here today to denounce the rape and murder of a school going girl by her alleged boyfriend on September 10 at…

Read the full article and articles like this at manipurh…

Ukhrul, Sep 14 : Thousands of people turned up to take part in a mass rally held here today to denounce the rape and murder of a school going girl by her alleged boyfriend on September 10 at…

Read the full article and articles like this at manipurhub.com

Ukhrul Rally Protests Rape and Murder of School Girl

Ukhrul, Sep 14 : Thousands of people turned up to take part in a mass rally held here today to denounce the rape and murder of a school going girl by her alleged boyfriend on September 10 at…

Read the full article and articles like this at manipurh…

Ukhrul, Sep 14 : Thousands of people turned up to take part in a mass rally held here today to denounce the rape and murder of a school going girl by her alleged boyfriend on September 10 at…

Read the full article and articles like this at manipurhub.com

Prime Suspect In Murder Of School Girl Held

IMPHAL, Sep 13: In a swift response, police have arrested a 22-year old youth, the prime suspect behind the death of 16-year old Vasmi Khaleng d/o Ngathingkhui Khaleng of Paorei village, Ukhrul…

Read the full article and articles like this at manip…

IMPHAL, Sep 13: In a swift response, police have arrested a 22-year old youth, the prime suspect behind the death of 16-year old Vasmi Khaleng d/o Ngathingkhui Khaleng of Paorei village, Ukhrul…

Read the full article and articles like this at manipurhub.com

Read more / Original news source: http://manipurhub.com/news-manipur/prime-suspect-in-murder-of-school-girl-held/