IMPHAL, October 20: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) sees the North eastern states of India as a potential game changer in the upcoming 2014 parliamentary election, said Nirmala Sitharaman, national spokesperson BJP.

The BJP spokesperson stated this during a public lecture on the theme “Parliamentary Election of 2014: What it means for the Northeast”, held at the Tribal Research Institute auditorium hall today.

The public lecture organised by the Centre for Social Studies, Manipur was attended by social leaders, academicians and politicians.

Prominent figures like Professor Gangmumei Kamei, Th Chaoba, president BJP Manipur, Bhorot Singh, Dr Borobabu, Khasim Ruivah etc were also present.

The programme was presided by M Horam, former chairman of Hill Area Committee, Manipur.

Further delivering her lecture, Nirmala Sitharaman, referring to the theme said that it has two sides.

The first is to dwell into aspects of what the North-eastern states has to do to have significant impact and the second is to retrospect and to speak out as what the significant gain availed to the people.

According to her, the NE states have shown great sense of dedication, participation and contribution in the Indian democracy for the past 60 years yet it has been deprived of meaningful development to its people in term of self-sustenance.

“I am shocked, a state like Manipur which has endowed its natural resources, talents, cultures has not being given full attention,” exclaimed Nirmala.

Apart from having failed to provide with vital communications and in the connectivity sector like railway, increasing airports etc, the Congress government has failed to tap the potential of youths in NE, claimed Nirmala.

Adding that talented youths of NE are today languishing, Nirmala opined that it is time to think out of the box to accommodate all the shortcomings of the regions.

People of the north east have to retrospect and to speak out what have the congress have done for the people despite being given enough times, contended Nirmala.

Claiming that the nation changes from ‘Big ticket Corruption’, she appealed the people to vote for significant change.

Meanwhile, an interface between Nirmala and the audience was also orgnaized as part of the programme.

KANGPOKPI, September 26: Paegent winner Lina Lamneilhing Chongloi was accorded a warm welcome at Tulihal Airport today morning at around 11:30 am by hundreds of fans, family members, near and dear ones particularly from the Sadar Hills Senapati District.

The red carpet for Lina Lamneilhing Chongloi who has won the title of Miss Bharat 2013 and Miss India North East was organized by Kuki Students’ Organization Sadar Hills.

Kangpokpi Town Committee, Kangpokpi Women Welfare Organization, Kangpokpi Youth Club and KSO-SH held a reception at Kangpokpi Bazaar where Addl. Deputy Commissioner Kangpokpi DK. Thangboi Haokip, Addl. SP Kangpokpi Zakir, KTC chairman Chonkam, KWWO president K. Hoinu and KYU Games and Sports Secretary Gogou garlanded the beauty queen amidst thousands of peoples.

From Kangpokpi Bazaar she was escorted upto her native village Haijang which is a 5 Km.drive from Kangpokpi where a simple religious reception was also organized.

Lina will be participating in the Miss Glory Universe,an International Beauty Pageant.

“I am so bigheaded that there are so many peoples in my lovely state Manipur who cares, loves, concern and support me as well as their warmest welcome which I ever had in my life”, shouted Lina while adding that though the state Govt seem to be ignoring me I truly adore and represent Manipur, noted Miss Bharat Lina Chongloi.

“I will again represent my State in the coming Miss Glory Universe-an International Beauty Pageant to be held at Paris London and I will once again glorify my sweet Manipur and bring much laurels and fame for my native state if God’s willing”, noted Lina while she expresses her desire and wish for the support and cooperation from her native state.

IMPHAL, Sept 24: A sub-committee comprising of six members of the Press Council of India (PCI), arrived in Imphal today on a two day visit as part of taking stoke of the perils that journalists face in the country.

The team led by the Convenor of the sub-committee, Kosuri Amarnath, was received at the Tulihal airport by members of the All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU) including its president W Shyamjai.

The PCI had earlier constituted a 10 member sub-committee in its meeting convened on September 19, in the wake of growing threats to journalists across the country. The objective of the committee was to examine the matter in depth under its mandate by the Parliament to preserve the freedom of the press. The committee has been meeting authorities and media persons in different parts of the country including the north-eastern state. The delegation had already visited Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura on the same purpose and has informed that it would tour more states in North East.

The team will interact with the journalists of the state tomorrow at Hotel Classic. On September 26, the team will meet the Principal Secretary of Home, Dr J Suresh Babu; Director General of Manipur, MK Das; Commissioner IPR and Director IPR.

IMPHAL, September 9: Altogether 155 cadres of four militant outfits based in the state laid down their weapons before the state government to join the peace process today during an official “Home Coming ceremony” at 1st Manipur Rifle Banquet Hall.

The militant groups are Kuki National Liberation Front (KNLF), Kuki Revolutionary Front (KRF), Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) Nongdren Khomba group and Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL).

50 cadres of the KNLF came with 35 weapons, 53 cadres of KRF brought 30 weapons, while 44 cadres of KCP (Nongdren Khomba) gave up 26 weapons.

Another eight cadres belonging to the KYKL led by s/s sergeant Ak Basantakumar also laid down four arms, though they did not sign any agreement like the others.

While the KNLF and KRF signed the Suspension of Operation; the KCP (Nongdren Khomba group) signed a 'Memorandum of Understanding' with the state and central governments.

Principal Secretary Home Government of Manipur, J Suresh Babu, represented the State Government; the KNLF was represented by Chairman Helun Haokip, Army chief Thangboi Khongsai and Secretary Lalmoi Haokip while the KRF was represented by Chairman Thanglen Doungel and General secretary Henkholal Doungel.

The KCP faction was represented by its Commander in chief Ningthoujam Nongdren Khomba, Chief of army Laishram Guni.

The peace pact agreement cum home coming ceremony was attended by Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh as the chief guest while Dy CM Gaikhangam who also holds the Home portfolio attended as the president.

Others who attended the ceremony included Chief Secretary PC Lawkunga, Director General of Police MK Das, cabinet ministers, MLAs and other top officials of the state police.

Speaking at the ceremony, J Suresh Babu said that the sincere efforts made by both the state and the central governments has paid off as a considerable number of militants belonging to different groups have given up the path of violence and come up to join the mainstream since the past few years.

He recalled that in similar instances, the governments have signed peace agreement recently on two counts of home coming ceremony held at the same venue as today where militant outfits KCP (URF) (Lalheiba, Sunil Meetei, and Chingkeinganba), KCP Lamphel having three groups of KCP (Lamphel, Taibangangba and City Meitei), two groups of KYKL (MDF) KYKL Athouba and Achouba and  UPPK took part.

He maintained that the two Kuki militant outfits KNLF and KRF are joining a peace process through a Suspension of Operation agreement with the state and the central governments.

KNLF will be a part of KNO while KRF will be a part of UPF and cadres of both the groups will be accommodated at the existing SoO camps, he added further.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh said that many have raised their eyebrows on whether the Government is granting license to militants to kidnap and extort, by inviting them to SoO and MoUs. Making his stand clear on the perceived ideas about the peace pact, the Chief Minister said that the government will not remain as a silent spectator but deal accordingly with any groups which are found breaking the ground rules of the agreements signed.

If the need arises, the state government will seek the attention and review the agreement and cancel it, Ibobi continued.

He also appealed to other armed groups to come forward and take part in bringing peace and development in the state.

In his speech, Home Minister, Gaikhangam, said that signing a SoO or MoU, is just the tip of the iceberg adding that comprehensive development and lasting peace will only be brought about when everyone put their heads together.

He further expressed his optimism that many who are misguided would gradually choose to join the mainstream, as the Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh is relentlessly working for the better of both the hills and valley without any disparity.

Speaking at the Home coming ceremony, KCP Nongdren Khomba Commander in chief said that they have joined the home coming ceremony and signed the Peace agreement after taking into consideration the desires of the people who has been yearning for peace and development in the state.

He also appealed to the state government to strictly follow the ground rule of the peace agreement and fulfill it with the signed groups.

Lalmoi Haokip, KNLF Secretary said that the cadres of KNLF who have joined the home coming ceremony were the cadres who have been suffering for seven years in the jungles of Mayanmar and stated that the signing of SoO is a landmark history for the KNLF.

He further said that the cadres of the KNLF will be able to rehabilitate themselves under the peace agreement and reunite with their families.

Altogether 95 arms and ammunition were brought by the 155 cadres of fthe our different militant groups which include Seven Ak-56 rifle, two AK -47 rifle, five Ak-22, four SLR, four Carbine, two Stain gun, six M-16, two M-15, one M-A-1, one .32 rifle, one 60mm Mortor, five lethod gun, one RPG, eleven .32 pistol, eleven 9mm Pistol, two .38 revolver, ten grenade, twelve Radio set, four .303 rifle, three single Barrel, five single barrel, two 9mm rifle, one cartoos gun, fifteen IED bomb, 977 live ammunition, 33 magazine, three motor bomb and ten lethod bomb shells. 

MOREH, August 26: The state government has already informed the Union Ministry of External Affairs to pursue the matter of the border fencing row with the Myanmar authorities and conduct a joint survey by the two countries to bring an amicable solution at the earliest, Principal Secretary (Home) Dr J Suresh Babu told media persons during an inspection of the disputed areas of the border fencing at Moreh today.

Dr J Suresh Babu is also the chairman of the Indo-Myanmar Border Fencing Committee constituted by the state government to look into the ongoing border fencing row with Myanmar.

A team of the committee led by its chairman today inspected several disputed areas along the border at Moreh and nearby areas.

The team went on foot from Muslim village near Border Pillar Number 79 upto Govajang village inspecting the border and talked with the Govajang village chief on the problems of the villagers.

Further during the inspection, the team also visited disputed area, Haolenphai village and checked the stone marked as “Pillar 23” said to have been erected by the Myanmar authorities.

Later, the team inspected the materials stacked in the area by the neighbouring country’s army for the construction of a base camp at the area and another stone near the Tamil Sangam temple marked as “Pillar 21” purportedly by the Myanmar authorities though highly believed to be pillar number 78.

Addressing media persons, Dr J Suresh Babu said that the team had arrived at the border area under instructions from the state government to understand the views of the people of the border area on the present fencing issue.

He expressed that nine pillars along the Indo-Myanmar border remain unsettled at present.

The state government has already informed the Union Ministry of External Affairs to pursue the matter with the Myanmar authority and conduct a joint survey of the border, he said. However, the row could be solved only through a joint meeting of the two countries and one country alone cannot solve the issue, he continued.

The team also inspected the Govajang village located between Border Pillar 79 and 80 and where there is apprehension that around 15 houses will go on the Myanmar side once the border fencing is completed.

He further said that the people have a misconception regarding border fencing. Border fencing doesn’t mean the exact boundary, it is only a security fencing to stop illegal entry into the country by smugglers and other illegal elements, he said.

India wants a secure international boundary, he said before adding that under the international law, border fencing should be made 10 meter away from the exact border pillar.

At some places it is above 10 meter while at some it is made at exactly 10 meter away, he added.

Officially, 18 gates have been provided in between Border Pillar 79 and 81 for the villagers to conduct farming or other activities in Indian territory on the other side of the fencing, he said before adding that both India or Myanmar will not provide any restriction on such activities.

He further continued that Border Pillar Number 76 at Haolenphai and Pillar Number 78 at Moreh remain unsettled.

The issue cannot be settled unless the two countries sit together, he said.

Works taken up by the Myanmar authorities for the construction of a post at Haolenphai remains suspended following India’s interruption, he said and added that Myanmar is a friendly country and not an enemy.

When asked about a similar boundary issue at Ukhrul, he said that the state government will take actions after understanding the desires of the people of the area. The state government will never compromise on any issues regarding the territorial integrity of the state, Suresh Babu said.

A joint field visit is necessary if all such issues are to be addressed, he said.

During a recent Myanmar visit, the Indian Foreign Secretary had expressed the wish to address all such issues and to form a joint committee at the earliest, he said.

However, the Myanmar authorities are yet to get back, he said.

The Manipur boundary is guarded by the Assam Rifles based on the map provided by the survey of India, he said while declaring that the stones marked as Pillar 21 and 23 could be old Myanmarese pillars.

He further expressed his belief that the old stone marked Pillar Number 21 could be the new Pillar Number 78 and the other stone marked Pillar Number 23 could be the new Pillar Number 76.

He said at Haolenphai, the Myanmar villagers believe that Indian have entered into their territory, while Indians also believe that Myanmar villagers have entered into its territory.

Such issues should be solved by holding talks on the District Commissioner level and bringing it up at the government level, he said.

Today’s inspection was also participated by 26 Sector Assam Rifles DIG Brigadier Rajiv Mankotia, 9th AR CO Anadi Atriya, Chandel DC Chittaranjan, IG Intelligence KT Vaipheisu, ADC Moreh Robert Kshetrimayum, SP Chandel E Priyokumar and other officials.

Another team led by the Committee on protection of Land in Border Fencing, Manipur convenor Bojendro Nangomba and ICHAM president N Rajendro was also present during the inspection.

Imphal, August 26: Manipur Governor Dr Ashwani Kumar on Sunday Conferred annual Governor’s Award and other awards instituted by the Library & Information Centre, Kakching in a solemn function held at its auditorium.

During the function Governor presented altogether 11 different awards instituted by the Centre and others donated by individuals and trust.

The awards included Governor’s award, Phanjoubam Gourahari Singh awards, Kshetrimayum Sanajaoba Singh-Smt Amureima Devi awards, Ksetirymayum Ibohal Singh awards, Kshetrimayum Kullachandra Singh and Sija Devi awards, Moirengthem Toyaima memorial awards, Naorem Ganga Singh award, Yengkhom Yaima Singh medical scholarships, Naorem Niranjoy Memorial Meritorious awards, Dr Kshetrimayum Ratan Singh memorial sports awards and Naorem Amuba Singh teachers’ award.

Apart from the Governor Dr Ashwani Kumar who was the chief guest, the function was also attended by Kakching MLA Y Surchandra Singh and Ksh Subadani, Councillor, Kakching Municipal Council were guest of honour and president respectively.

This year’s Governor’s Award was given to HSLC (Manipur board) topper Miranda Mongbijam of Nirmalabas high school. The award carries cash prize of Rs 5000 and a citation.

Phanjaobam Gourahari Singh Award given annually to girl topper of Kakching residents was bagged by Shougaijam Lessi Devi of Padma Ratna English School. The award carries a cash prize of Rs 300 with a citation. Kshetrimayum Narendra Singh also of Padma Ratna English School bagged HSLC toppers’ award of Kakching residents.

This year’s Naorem Amuba Singh Teacher’s award was given to Kshetrimayum Mangal Singh of Kakching Turel Wangma Ningthou Pareng.

Before presenting the awards, the Governor released poetry book “Nungshibagee Lipun” and souvenir of the Library and Information Centre.

Speaking on the occasion, Governor Dr Ashwani Kumar stressed the need for imparting job oriented education to students as the state faces acute problem of unemployment.

As per latest statistics, literacy rate of the state is 80 percent but state government must try to achieve cent percent literacy rate, Governor said and expressed regret that unemployment rate in the state very high.

Giving advice to the students, the Governor said hard-work and sacrificial spirit should always go together. Meaningful education will prevail when an education policy based on self employment is adopted and implemented in the right way, he added.

IMPHAL, July 26: The Kargil Vijay Diwas was observed in Imphal on Friday to honour the Kargil war heroes.

State Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, PHED minister I Hemochandra, Chief Secretary DS Poonia and other top officials attended the glittering function held at the Secretariat South Block to mark the day.

Speaking at the occasion, Chief Minister Ibobi called for a firm stand to one and all to safeguard the oneness and freedom of the country and to pay rich tribute to the Kargil War heroes who had died martyred for their motherland.

On this day, July 26, 1999, India successfully took command of the high outposts which had been lost to Pakistani intruders. The Kargil War was fought for more than 60 days, ended on July 26 and resulted in the loss of life on both sides, India and Pakistan. Pakistan retreated after international diplomatic pressure.

Meanwhile, The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Manipur Pradesh today observed the ‘’Kargil Vijay Diwas’’ by offering floral tributes to the martyrs of the Kargil War led by its president Th Chaoba Singh and former president Meinam Bhorot along with other party leaders and members of the party at its party’s office.

Addressing media persons at its head office located at Nityapat Chuthek, Th Chaoba spoke at length about the Kargil war and jawans who had sacrificed their lives at the war saying that out of the 532 jawans who sacrificed their lives at the war, seven jawans were from Manipur.

M Bhorot informed that the Kargil War had occurred during the NDA Government at the centre between June and July, 1999 and that the war ended with a victory on July 26.

He further said that the victory was regarded as a historic and heroic event that took place during the tenure of the NDA Government.

A two minute silence was also observed in respect of the martyrs of the Kargil War during the observance.

Meanwhile, the ADC Office Jiribam also observed the ‘’Kargil Vijay Diwas’’ at the conference hall of the ADC around 11 am.

The oservence was attended by ADC Y. Iboyaima Singh, Addl SP O. Menjor Singh MPS and SDC David along with staffs of the department and public.

ADC Y Iboyaima Singh spoke about the event during the occasion.

IMPHAL, July 24: The 7th foundation day of the National Sports Academy was today celebrated at the indoor hall of the academy at the Khuman Lampak Sports Complex.

Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh attended as the chief guest while Parliamentary Secretary of Youth Affairs & Sports M Prithviraj Singh presided over the function, said a press statement of the Chief Minister’s secretariat.

Addressing the function, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh said that the Govt will extend all possible help to the academy before urging all to join hands to fulfill the goals of the academy which had been established in the interest of the nation.

He further said that the National Sports Academy will encourage young players to be disciplined and bring honour to the state and the nation, the statement said.

The Chief Minister further expressed that players with the quality of sportsmanship would be successful in their respective fields if they are devoting themselves in the interest of nation and further continued to add that people of the other fields also must have the spirit of sacrifice for the nation, it said.

The president of the function Parliamentary Secretary M Prithviraj Singh said that Manipur is recognised as a sports power house in the country while adding that this recognition and culture of sports should be maintained.

He further appealed to all sports associations in the state of Manipur to end the culture of factions, it said.

It is notable to mention here that the National Sports Academy was established on July 24, 2007 under Prime Minister’s special package along with funding of ministry of DONER at the Hostel No. 1 of the Khuman Lampak Sports Complex, Imphal in six selected disciplines of Archery, Boxing, Judo, Taekwondo, Wrestling and Weightlifting so as to produce world class sportspersons. The Academy is providing general education of both science and arts streams stared from class VI to XII under CBSE, New Delhi, and the first badge of the Academy is now reading in class XII, it further added.

The participants, among others, in the 7th foundation day were Dr RK Nimai Singh, Commissioner of YAS, N Ashok Kumar Singh Director, YAS, the Principal, the staffs and students of the Academy, it said.

IMPHAL, July 24: The state Works/ Transport Minister Kh Ratankumar today met with officials of the 15 Border Road Task Force and strongly requested them to expedite the works for the carving of the hills at Phesama for the construction of the National Highway.

Since a 110 meter long stretch of the Imphal Dimapur national highway ad sunk at Phesama on July 12, almost transportation of all commodities into the state had come to an abrupt stop, until a tankers and other trucks few stranded outside the state started moving towards Jiribam to enter the state through the NH 37.

The Minister visited the site today to see the work undertaken in the neighbouring Nagaland state accompanied by the Mao MLA Dikho, PWD Principal Secretary, National Highway Division II Additional Chief Engineer, Superintending Engineer and Executive Engineer.

A heavy contingent of the Nagaland Armed Police including several of its higher up officials had provided security to the area before the arrival of the Minister and his team and further accorded a warm welcome.

15 BRTF Commander Colonel Tejpal Singh and his team involved with the carving of the hill for the construction of a new highway stretch also warmly welcomed the Minister and his team.

The Minister also discussed the situation with the BRTF officials and other Nagaland government officials.

They elaborated that the Nagaland government is also worried with the present situation of the highway which has blocked all Manipur bound heavy vehicles to enter Manipur and that there is stern instruction from the Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio to expedite work and allow passage to the Manipur bound vehicles.

On hearing their side of the story, the state Minister informed that the blockage of the highway has resulted in the scarcity of essential commodities especially petroleum products. He had further said that the Union Minister of State (Defence) had also visited Imphal on the issue.

The Minister further appealed to continue the hill carving work even in the night so as to expedite the highway construction work.

15 BRTF Commander Tejpal Singh had also informed the Minister that carving out of 30 meters of the highway stretch is already completed.

He had also said that after the completion of the hill carving, there is a need to construct a culvert at the point where the carved out stretch will meet the Manipur side of the sunken highway.

He was also confident that in case the rains ceases, the whole work would be completed within 14 days and there is enough manpower and machinery to achieve the completion.

However, since light vehicles continue to pass along the Kohima Heritage complex road used as a by-pass, the carving of the hill cannot be continued without breaks, he had said before adding that owing to the proper support and help from the locals, the construction work could complete at the earliest.

Later on stating that the state Chief Minister had given him stern instruction to inspect the by-pass road from Mao to Kohima after passing through Kedima in Nagaland, the Minister also inspected the road.

The road is just 7km long starting from Pudunamei, however it is a single lane, steep and has many corners.

Meanwhile, when asked by the Transporters & Drivers’ Forum Manipur members and Engineers of the PWD who were also part of the team, he replied that loaded trucks above the weight of 10 tons cannot pass the by-pass road.

Some trucks loaded above 10 ton with chicken feeds and other commodities could be seen stranded along the road. The commodities were then shifted to Shaktiman trucks to lessen the weight of the trucks and pass along the by-pass road.

The Minister and his team was also urged to properly repair the road if the trucks carrying commodities for the state should come along the by-pass and not to allow trucks weighing above 10 ton to pass the road.

IMPHAL, July 23: Against the backdrop of the recent Supreme Court verdict quashing the Medical Entrance Test National Eligibility Entrance cum Test (NEET) results, medical aspirants of the state are today finding themselves in two separate groups.

On one hand, aspirants who had passed the NEET are demanding from the government to initiate counseling sessions for their admissions at the earliest, while on the other hand other aspirants who were waiting for the state MBBS/BDS entrance test which was abruptly cancelled by the state government are demanding the conduct of a new entrance test.

Several aspirants demanding a new entrance test for MBBS/BDS today went on a rampage at the Medical Directorate, which further incited the other group to call a press conference demanding the state government to initiate counseling for admission for the NEET selected candidates at the earliest.

The aspirants against the NEET, demanding conduct of a new medical entrance stormed the Manipur Medical Directorate at Lamphelpat ransacking official files inside the office complex around 11am today.

Later, the students along with members of the All Manipur MBBS/BDS Parent Guardian Association met with the Director to place their demands.

Arun Kangjam, Secy of the parents association speaking to media persons after the meeting said the association will file a contempt of Court case with the Supreme Court, in case the government decides to choose NEET selected candidates as state nominees.

He continued that the Director has told representatives of the association and some of the aspirants that he will look into the state cabinet decision regarding the cancellation of the state conducted MBBS/BDS exam, 2013.

He said the Supreme Court has already quashed the NEET result and the government should uphold the verdict.

Meanwhile, S Raghubir president Parents’ Association of Selected Candidates (NEET UG-2013) speaking to media persons at the Manipur Press Club demanded the state government to initiate the counseling sessions for the NEET selected candidates at the earliest.

He said more delay in the conduct of the session will only harm the students’ career.

He said that according to the information bulletin of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (UG)-2013, “There shall be a single eligibility cum entrance examination namely National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for Admission to MBBS/BDS courses in each academic year”.

It may be mentioned here that the three Judge bench of the Apex Court had said that the Medical Council of India had no powers to conduct single entrance examination and that the MCI should not force it on government and private medical colleges.

It may be mentioned that the Supreme Court had given its judgment on NEET quashing the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for admission in MBBS, BDS and post graduate medical courses.

The Supreme Court had however stated that admissions already made after the NEET will not be affected.

On the other hand, the state government had earlier cancelled the state conducted MBBS/BDS entrance test just two days before the exam leaving several aspirants disgruntled.

IMPHAL, July 22: Two state commando vehicles were set ablaze by violent mobs during two unrelated cases of crowd violence in the state today.

In the first incident, supporters of the 48 hour Muslim dominated areas bandh called by the JAC formed against the alleged killing of one Neiyimuddin during the recent Sora controversy turned violent at Hatta Minuthong traffic point area and set ablaze a Police Commando Gypsy this morning.

The second crowd violence related incident occurred just in front of the 69th CRPF battalion at Mantripukhri along the National Highway No 2.

The JAC had called a 48 hour bandh in all Muslim dominated areas demanding appropriate punishment for all police personnel and cdos involved in the alleged killing of Neiyimudin.

The bandh disturbed normal life in most Muslim dominated areas of the state, with bandh supporters burning tyres and placing heavy objects along the Hatta Golapatti area.

Today around 8am, bandh supporters at the Hatta Minuthong traffic point overpowered a Maruti Gypsy allotted to Imphal East police commandos bearing regd number MN 01-K 8100 and set it on fire.

The CDO team had been positioned to check the bandh supporters.

On getting information about the incident, a heavy team of the district police rushed to the area and managed to retrieve the vehicle before it was completely burnt.

Police also had to fire some rounds of tear gas shells and mock bombs to control and disperse the bandh supporters and pulled up several of the bandh supporters.

Meanwhile, it is also claimed that some of the bandh supporters were injured in the police action.

Later, a team of Imphal East police led by Angam Kamei Superintendent of Police Imphal East rushed to the area and took stock of the situation.

Meanwhile, the large number of police deployed in the area following the incident ensured that no one ventured out of their respective residence in order to check the situation from deteriorating further.

In the second incident, an official team led by Imphal East Deputy Commissioner RK Dinesh and other officials of the Settlement and Land Records were pelted stones at Mantripukhri by the locals who were protesting against the acquisition of land for the construction of a Reserve Bank of India at the area adjoining the Muslim Colony and Thakur Bali along the National Highway 2.

The incident occurred in front of the 69 CRPF battalion.The locals later overpowered one of three police commandos’ Gypsy and set it ablaze.

Early this morning, the team led by the DC along with a combined team of Imphal East and West district police commandos had gone to the site for measurement meant for the construction of the bank but a large section of the local population  came out to protest.

After the official team continued to go on with the measurement process, the angry mob started pelting stones at the officials including the DC. When the police CDOs fired some rounds to disperse the crowd,  it only angered the already violent mob.

The DC had to leave the place following the violent disruption; while the police CDOs and the officials ran inside the CRPF camp to take shelter.

Meanwhile, the mob managed to take control of a Maruti Gypsy bearing regd no MN01 W O357 of the Imphal West police commandos and set it on fire.

It is learnt that several live rounds of tear gas shells and a tear gas launcher were in the Gypsy when it was set ablaze.

Later on, a large number of police personnel led by SPs of the twin districts of Imphal East and West rushed to the area and took control of the situation.

Police fired several rounds of tear gas shells and mock bombs to control the mob who had been blocking the highway, while the mob in return pelted stones at the police.

Meanwhile, police picked up several of the protestors.

The measuring of the site for the RBI was done later at around 2pm by the officials of the settlement directorate amidst a tight security cover.

Police, however continued to be deployed in the area till the filling of this report.

Imphal, July 22: Kakching Keithel have been adorned with various hanging flower pots today as a part of city beautification and cleanliness campaign launched under the initiative of European Manipuri Association (EMA) London,  Korea Manipuri Association (KMA), Suwon.

Under the theme “My city, Clean City”, the event was organised in association with Kakching Municipal Council, Kakching bazar business welfare Association, Library and information centre, kaching and the Great Thoubal.

In the morning, volunteers cleaned the Kakching town and installed about 50 hanging flower pots of different varieties along the road median stretch of Kakching keithel to make the town greenery teeming with beautiful flowers.

One day awareness campaign on the theme MY city, Clean City was also held at the Auditorium of Library and information catre, kakching to aware the people about  the importance of safeguarding environment and keeping the city neat and tidy. Kshetrimayum Subadani Devi, Chairperson Kakching Municiapl Council, L. Shyam, President The great thoubal, M. Brojen, Vice chairperson Kakching municipal council graced the occasion as presidium members.

Okram Bishorjit, President of European Manipuri Association, speaking to the gathering, said that the event of cleaning of city and hanging flower pots is a part of the strategy to bring a positive attitude on the mindset of the people of Manipur full of conflicts, stress and killings. Moreover, it is a mission to save our environment, make the people healthy amidst a healthy environment.

“We, the sons of this soil living in European countries, have experienced the comforts of developed countries. However, we can’t spend our life comfortably there while our people in Manipur are living amidst Dust. Manipuris living abroad always care for their home state. City beautification program is part of our contribution we can extend to the people of this state”, said Bishorjit.

M. Brojen vice Chairperson of Kakching Municipal Council said, KMC have engaged 30 sweepers to clean Kakching keithel everyday. KMC charges Rs.30 per household as transport collection charges of Garbage. But the present rate of charges will be increased by Rs.100 with effect from August this year. A dieasel auto carrying PA system will drive along the routes of Kakching giving the message of MY city, clean city. Trnsport collection of solid waste will be strengthened to three times a day. Shopkeepers need to keep dust bins in front of their shop, he appealed.

Nahakpam Bidhan, Member of Korea Manipuri Association stressed on the need of inclusion of solid waste management education in school syllabus to aware the children while assuring all possible help from the side of KMA to keep the city green and clean. 

IMPHAL, July 20: Chief Minister, Okram Ibobi Singh has today visited Pangei Nepali Busti, Imphal East scouting for available lands for the construction of a Judicial Academy there.

The Chief Minister has said on the spot that the necessary land area for the judicial academy is 50 acres while adding that 25-30 acres of land area could be manageable, according to information of the Chief Minister’s Secretariat.

The Chief Minister further instructed to the Deputy Commissioner of the district to submit detailed land records at the soonest on the available land space of Patta land and State land of the area and further continued to add that after due acquisition of required land area, Govt will initiate to construct compound fencing and approach road around it, it said.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by the Chief Justice of Manipur High Court, Justice Abhay Manohar Sapre, Works Minister Kh Ratankumar Singh, Manipur High Court Judge N Kotishwor Singh, Revenue Commissioner S Sunderlal  Singh, Advocate General Th Ibohal Singh, district Deputy Commissioner RK Dinesh Singh and other related officials and staffs, it further said.

IMPHAL, July 20: Two persons were injured during a grenade explosion at Sudhir Cement and steel Hardware Shop located at Hatta New Checkon road opposite Orient Hotel under Porompat Police station at around 11.10 am today.

The two received minor scratches and were discharged after applying first aid at the Public Hospital Hatta.

The shop is run by one Shikender Shah of Bihar who is presently staying at Majorkhul and the building belongs to one Makak Mayum Mangi of Hatta Golapati.    

It may be mentioned that on November 16 last year, a similar kind of bomb attack was carried out by unidentified person(s) in which 3 persons were injured including Shikendar Shah, the Proprietor of the Shop.

IMPHAL, July 17: A tripartite agreement was signed by the Joint Secretary (NE) Shambu Singh of Union Ministry of Home Affairs on behalf of Union Government, Principal Secretary (Home) Dr. Suresh Babu on behalf of State Government and President and Secretary of the UTLA (SK Thadou) on behalf of the militant group at Inspection bunglow, Jiribam today.

45 cadres of the outfit in full uniform along with 42 numbers of weapons including AK-47, AK -56, M-16, Lethod gun, pistol etc. took part in the signing of the tripartite agreement.

According to an official press release, Shambhu Kumar Singh, Joint Secretary (North East), MHA has described “today's ceremony as another big step towards peace initiative and appealed to all the UG groups to abjure the path of violence and join the mainstream.

He lauded the efforts of all the stake holders involved in the process ”.

He had also said that home coming of these cadres shows that peace and normalcy is not very far from the state and further also asserted that the central government would be seriously looking into the developmental issues and ensure implementation of the necessary works, said the release.

Further according to a press statement, the Principal Secretary Home, Manipur had praised the cadres for their courage and wisdom in choosing to become responsible citizens of the state and contribute to progressive realization of people's peace aspirations.

UTLA chairman S K Thadou said that they have laid down arms as they desired peace, it said.

With this, all th esub factions of UTLA have now joined the peace process which will bring about peace and developments in the general area of Vangai Ridge, Jiribam and adjoining areas, it said.

Meanwhile, it may be mentioned that the arrest of an alleged extortionist by Jiribam police yesterday had reportedly resulted in a confrontation between personnel of the 22 AR led by one major Anand Tanti and the Jiribam Police.

It was reported that the man identified as the general secy of UTLA (SKT) was arrested red handed alongwith the extortion money which he had picked up from a decoy police team. Meanwhile, personnel of the AR had demanded that the arrested person be handed over to them and even used force to enter the police station.

It was also reported that the AR team had said that the man in police custody was supposed to take part in the home coming ceremony held today.

The Jiribam police had also registered a case against the Assam Rifles Major and his men under FIR No 39 (&) 2013 JBM PS for assaulting the Addl SP of Jiribam and for using force against police personnel on duty.

IMPHAL, July 6: State Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh has appealed to the people to help the government to completely ban smokeless tobacco products like Zarda, Talab and Khaini from the state.

From the state government’s side, the police and excise department have taken up various steps to impose the ban, he said.   The Chief Mistier was speaking at a one day state level political convention of the Mahila Congress held this afternoon here at Congress Bhavan, BT Road.

“To save the younger generation from drug abuse and to ban these harmful tobacco products like Zarda, Talab and Khaini, Manipur Pradesh Mahila Congress Committee members should take active role,” the CM said while adding that prolonged use of these tobacco products can cause lung cancer and other forms of cancers.

While saying this, the CM advised the female workers of Manipur Pradesh Mahila Congress Committee not to fight with people selling the banned products but instead handle the issue with care and make them understand the harmful effects and encourage them to completely ban these harmful tobacco products.

Coming back to the topic of the function, the Chief Minister said that the Indian National Congress has been taking active role for the welfare of the women section of the society and added that efforts are still on to reserve 30 percent seats for women in the Parliaments and state Assemblies.

The Food Security Bill was recently passed in the Parliament. The Congress led UPA-I and UPA-II government has been working for this to happen for the last 7/8 years, the state CM said. However, opposition parties including BJP and SP have been objecting to the passing of this bill thinking that if this bill is passed then the Congress will get all the support from the women as well as the poor sections of the society, the CM said. Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam who is also the president of Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee speaking at the function said that the Mahila Congress is also very important besides all other Congress frontal organizations like NSUI, Seva Dal, Youth Congress.   MPMCC president Meinam (O) RK Ranisana Devi, MPCC general secretary MLA D Korungthang who is also the Mahila Congress in-charge, Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency MP Thangso Baite and MPCC vice president MLA T Mangibabu Singh also spoke at the function.

The function was attended by MLA T Manga Vaiphei, MLA S Bira, Deputy Speaker MK Preshow Shimray, MPCC office bearers and leaders of Congress frontal organizations. 

IMPHAL, June 27: Two non-locals were dead and five other persons, including four non-locals and a local were left critically injured in a grenade attack on a private residence at Uripok Tourangbam Leikai this late evening at 7:50pm.

All five injured have been shifted to the nearby Regional Institute of Medical Sciences.

The two dead have been identified as as Rohitkumar Das (28), son of Rajkumar Das of Mugal Sarai Bihar and Ranjan Mahanto (35), son of Bokumahanto of Begu sarai Bihar.

The injured have been identified as Shiv Kumar Das (22), son of Upendra Das; Surendra Das (50) son of Chatar Das and BijoyKumar Das (25), son of Bikhari Das, all four non locals from Begu Sarai Bihar and the injured local has been identified as Ayekpam Franky (36), son of Late Ibohal of Uripok Tourangbam Leikai.

It is learnt that an unidentified person had lobbed a hand grenade at the rented room owned by one Ningthoujam Priyoshakhi (80), wife of (L) Ibobi at Uripok Tourangbam Leikai rented out to the injured non-locals.

All injured along with the dead were sitting inside the room chatting when the grenade was lobbed, killing the two.

A team of Imphal west police led by K Jayenta Superintendent of Police Imphal West rushed to the spot and look into the situation and also visited the RIMS hospital to look after the injured person.

The dead bodies have been deposited at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences for post mortem while all five injured who are undergoing treatment at the hospital are said to be in a critical condition with all of them receiving multiple injuries during the explosion.

Imphal, June 9: The Centre has given its approval for the release of an economic package of Rs 300 crore for executing different development works in areas of the states inhabited predominantly by minority groups, Chief Minister O Ibobi stated.

The Chief Minister was speaking as the chief guest of a political convention hosted by the minority cell of the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee at Congress Bhavan on Saturday.

He stated that the funds will be utilized for the construction of schools, colleges, hostels, hospitals and other building in those areas. The package is a present from Dr Manmohan Singh, the Prime Minister of the UPA Government, to the minority communities of Manipur, he stated. Commenting on the generosity of the Centre to the people of Manipur, he stated that it has not rejected even a single proposal from the state.

He stated that his government will look into the merits of opening a separate directorate for the minorities as demanded by leaders of the minority Muslim community but added that he cannot provide a definite answer about its fate at the moment.

He commended the high literacy rates among Muslim girls of Manipur stating that the figure is better than those of other states. He urged the community to maintain the upward trend in providing education to the girl child.

The community constitutes eight percent of the total population of the state and has a four percent reservation in recruitment to government posts. This showed that the administration has high regards for the minorities, he stated.

Commenting on the ongoing drive targeting non-Manipuris by activists of JAC on Implementation of Inner Line Permit, Ibobi said the harsh actions restricting the entry of outsiders could result in Manipuris residing in other states being sent back. The State Government has been mounting pressures on the Centre for promulgation of the legislation in the state and targeting fellow citizens of India from other parts at this juncture will automatically prompt the Centre to raise its reservation. Based on these factors, the state administration cannot allow the victimization of non-locals to carry on, he stated.

He reiterated that holding ILP related awareness programmes at educational institutes would harm the academic atmosphere there and have an adverse effect on the future of the state. He asserted that the government is scrupulously examining the foreigners issue and invited different groups to engage in dialogue with the government on the issue. MPCC chief and Deputy Chief Minister said the party will not be complete without the minority communities. The State and Central governments have taken up numerous development schemes for them and the main objective of the convention is to ensure that the benefits are delivered to the common people, he added.  Ministers I Hemochandra and Abdul Nasir, Parliamentary Secretary K Meghchandra and MLAs Md Amin Shah and Md Fazur Rehman and members of different cells and frontal organisations of the party attended the programme.

IMPHAL, May 22: The Arts Society Manipur on Tuesday conferred the Governor’s Art Award, 2012 to Langoijam Shamu Singh of Bamon Leikai, Mangjil. The award was handed over to the painter at a function at the Manipur State Art Gallery, Palace Compound.

Speaking at the function Langoijam Shamu Singh, a first class diploma holder of the Imphal Art College in 1963 and a retired selection grade art teacher, Silchar Region, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, New Delhi made the point that people are more interested in joining the field of dance, drama and music rather than study fine arts, sculpting, architecture as they find the latter to be boring. The number of aspiring artists in these fields has been lessening day by day, he said before assuring that being an avid lover of fine arts he will try his level best to promote painting in the society.

Speaking at the function as the chief guest, W Rajen Singh, Director, IPR, Settlement and Land Records said that the economic distribution system has failed considerably in the state as more number of people tend to buy commodities and construct houses beyond their means and requirement.

There is a growing sense of competition amongst the people on the number of vehicles and buildings one owns, however such competitions can never identify the status of the state, and it is only through arts and sports that Manipur can or has shone amongst the best in the world, he said.

Delivering the presidential speech Th Tombi Singh, chairman of the Arts Society Manipur said arts is not an easy field and most people cannot be an artist. People need to appreciate a work of art, he said.

KANGGUI, May 22: The alleged seven abducted Nepali youths by Kuki militant suspected to be Kuki Revolutionary Front from Gopibung and Mahavir Nepali village under Kangpokpi Police Station allegedly between 7 to 10 of May 2013 has strongly refuted over the abduction which was published on 18 and 19 May edition of some local dai
lies today at Gopibung Nepali village.

The alleged abducted seven youths while interacting with the Kuki Students' Organisation Sadar Hills and IFP Kangpokpi correspondent, who accompanied the student body during a spot investigation/visit over the alleged abduction issue at Gopibung and Mahavir village today said that, they were totally in the dark over the alleged abduction and intensely and genuinely astonished to find out that our names had been published in some local daily newspaper as an alleged abducted youth by some Kuki militant suspected to be KRF. This is something which is designed to create misunderstanding between the Gorkha's youths the militant outfit while it is also a communalism ideas of some vested individual, added the alleged abducted youths.

Mentioned may be made that, some local dailies under the headlines "Abducted Nepali youths remain untraceable" and "Gotkha bodies decry abduction of youths" respectively on 18 and 19 May.

On receiving information that two among the alleged seven abducted youths are a student from HM.Hr.Sec.Eng.School, Keithelmanbi, the Kuki Students' Organisation Sadar Hills thinks necessary for spot investigation/visit and take the initiatives to find out the truth behind the alleged abduction in the interest of the student community particularly in Sadar Hills.

The student body along with the IFP Correspondent reached Gopibung Nepali village at around noon time today and first meet with some leaders of the Gopibung Nepali village.

While interacting with the visiting team, one TR.Sharma, one of the Gopibung Nepali village leader said, it is very unfortunate to learn that due to false and baseless information and sources, our innocent youths has been named in some dailies as a tools to create misunderstanding with some militant outfit.

"I as one of the responsible Gopibung Nepali village leader confirmed and testified that there is no Gorkha youths abducted by Kuki militant from Gopibung Nepali village till today", noted TR.Sharma while confirming that there are also no youths who fled from the village owing to the alleged abduction.

Sharma further verified that, Manao Tamang, one of the alleged abducted youth is a bonafide resident of Gopibung  Nepali village and he has been never abducted rather he is always busy helping and looking after his aged grand mother.

Another Gopibung Nepali village leader Mitra Pradhan Poudel thundered another heavy refuted over the abduction issue while saying that all information and sources provided for publication was purely false and baseless.

"Such baseless and false information provided for publication is very much condemnable since it is a very sensitive issue which can provoke communal misunderstanding  in future", added Mitra while appealing the responsible organisation or individual who gave such false and baseless information for publication to clarify at the earliest possibility.

Asking the village leaders to call upon the alleged abducted youths for interaction to cult out the truth, the leaders sincerely carried out the work in just few minutes and all the alleged seven abducted youths except Tensing Sherpa, who stayed at Kalapahar with his mother due to his schooling at Keithelmanbi, was absent but all the other six were present for interaction with the student body and the mediaperson.

In the meantime, 5 members representatives of Kalapahar Gorkha Youth Association are also arriving at the spot to tell their side of story so as to help find the student body the truth behind the alleged abduction.

Manao Tamang, one of the alleged abducted youth vehemently expresses that, i have no connection with the alleged abduction published. I am totally blinded over the incident. It was truely baseless and genuinely false. My aged published in the newspaper proved that the information or sources the concerned newspaper got and published was completely and totally baseless and false since my actual age is 22 while the newspaper published my age as only 18, Manao thundered.

"I have never been abducted by the KRF", Manao clarified while adding that the comcerned responsible organisation or individual who provided false and baseless information to the media for publication should by any mean clarify the matter as soon as possible since this can spoils our future in all aspect of life.

Ningma Sherpa, Lakpa Sherpa, Sanjoy Limbu and Shannu Limbu from Mahavir Nepali village also flatly refuted the alleged abduction saying that they have no idea regarding the incident.

"We are very much in our village during the alleged abduction time or day engaging in different kinds of cultivation. We have been never abducted. We were very surprised to learn that our names had been published in newspaper as an alleged abducted Gorkha youths. This is not right at all. We want to live freely and peacefully engaging in our respective works", narrated these youths.

The other two among those seven, Raj Kumar Limbu and Tensing Sherpa were a student of class IX and VIII in HM.Hr.Sec.Eng.School, Keithelmanbi.

Raj Kumar Limbu said that during the alleged days of abduction i.e 7 to 10 of May, I actually did not attend school, but that does not mean that i was abducted by the said suspected militant outfit. Due to lack of man power, I helped my parent in maize cultivation. I am truely at home engaging in maize cultivation, added Raj.

Raj also attended his school today and joined the interaction with student body after his school over with his school uniform.

Tensing Sherpa on the other hand could not be present at the spot visit interaction by the student body since he could not be comunicated at the time of visit. On his behalf his brother Salman Sherpa joined the interaction and talked on behalf of his brother.

Salman Sherla narrated that, during the alleged abduction days my brother went to school. This can also be proof from the school authority concerned. He was not abducted said Salman.

Kalapahar Gorkha Youth Association president, Milan Pradhan said that we have no knowledge about the incident. We came to know only when it was published in the newspaper. We came here to appeals to the concerned responsible organization or individual who gave wrong and baseless information for publication without knowing the truth not to repeat the same in future and also appeal to concerned daily not to published such sensitive issue without proper and thorough investigation, added Milan Pradhan.

Laxman Limbu father of Shannu Limbu also clarified that his son is not abducted and stayed at home with us helping us in our daily works. The reported news was baseless and truely false. The false information provider should clarify at the earliest, said Laxman.

The Kuki Students' Organisation Sadar Hills, after thorough investigation of all the story concluded that the alleged reported abduction issue has no base and claim genuinely false. Therefore appeals to the concerned responsible organisation or individual who provided such baseless source to media house for publication should at the earliest clarify the matter since such sensitive issue could spoils the future of those two student in particular and the other five and youths in general.

The student body also questioned, the Manipur Gorkha Welfare Union, All Manipur Gorkha Students Union, Nepali Sahitya Parishad  and Bharatiya Gorkha Parisang to re-consider their decried and issued a press statement after learning the genuine truth only.

The student body also sought clarification on the joint press statement by the above mentioned organisation that, do they(the mentioned Gorkhas bodies) were present at the time of abduction that they directly could mentioned that the family member of the alleged abducted youths were threatened at the time of abduction. If so, how comes the family members were not aware of the threatened.

The student body also urges the Gorkha organizations to openly come forward if they think their sources or information were genuine and purely true.

Mentioned may be made that, while asking about the welfare of the Manipur Gorkha Welfare Union, most of the assembled Nepali youths, elders and others were not aware of the said organisations.

It might also be worth noting that, Gopibung and Mahavir village who were earlier under the Shantolabari Gram Panchayat were now under ADC Kangpokpi availing all facilities available, according to the source provided by TR.Sharma, responsible Gopibung Nepali village leader.