Day: January 17, 2012

From John K. kaping
UKHRUL, Jan. 17: The Manipur State Congress Party (MSCP) inaugurated its party office at Phungreitang, Ukhrul today with former minister Vivek  Raj as the chief guest. Aleng Shimrah will be contesting from Ukhrul constituency in the forthcoming assembly elections under the party flag.

The office was inaugurated at the site of the Union Baptist Church after the flag hoisting ceremony at Shimrah’s residence.

Many thousands of party workers gathered at the jam-packed open site. Khamung Mashungva, the chief agent of Shimray, conducted the programme in the presence of Revd. Somi Kasomwoshi, pastor UTBC. During the function a key-note address was delivered detailing the political background of the candidate.

The function ended with special words of thanks by T.Zingkhai, one of the older workers of the candidate, and benediction prayer was graced by Revd. Ngachonmi, pastor, Viewland Baptist Church.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/mscp-opens-office-in-ukhrul/

IMPHAL, Jan 17: The Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), Manipur today released a “Chargesheet” titled dark Decade at the party office at Nityaipat Chuthek, Imphal. The chargesheet was released by BJP National spokesperson Prakash Javedkar in the presence of the North East Election Zonal representative Chandrasekhar Rao and President of the Mahila Morcha Samiti, Smriti Irani.

Addressing media persons today, BJP National spokesperson Prakash Javedkar said that the 10 years rule by the Secular Progressive Front (SPF) in Manipur has caused a number of harassment to the people of the state instead of giving peace, harmony and prosperity.

The charge-sheet further details the failure of the SPF government on various fronts and listed 15 point highlighting the break down of the law and order situation in the state that includes incidences of bomb blasts and killings.

“ Instead of arriving at a solution on the problem of insurgency, the Government allowed the situation to drift further and Manipur witnessed the number of underground groups increasing from 9 to over 40,” said the charge-sheet.

It further flagged off various scams saying that the SPF government could easily find a place in the Guiness book of world records for corruption. The charge-sheet also made a note of the incidences of bandhs and blockades in the states, saying that both the Central and State Congress government are responsible for the hardships faced by the people of Manipur. It also charged that the “O.Ibobi Singh Government sponsored black marketing has increased prices in Manipur phenomenally. Petrol at Rs.180/- Deisel at Rs.90, LPG at Rs 1500/- and Kerosene at Rs 100/- is the special Ibobi effect.”

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/bjp-chargesheets-spf-government/

Newmai News Network
DIMAPUR/IMPHAL, Jan 17: Normal activities in Nagaland commercial hub Dimapur and the state capital Kohima, as well as Naga-dominated areas in Manipur were affected due to the 12-hour bandh called by the NSCN-IM in protest against the move by New Delhi that prevented its chairman Isak Chisi Swu and general secretary Th. Muivah from visiting Zunheboto in Nagaland Saturday last.

Talking to Newmai News Network this evening, convenor of the NSCN-IM Steering Committee, V.S Atem said the bandh ended at 6 pm on Tuesday in `Nagalim`.

All business establishments in Dimapur were seen shut down during the bandh hours. In Kohima, the impact of the bandh was severe too with no shops seen opened. However, both private and public vehicles were seen plying as usual in the two towns.

In Senapati district headquarter, shops were closed since morning. Reports received from there said except a few vegetable vendors more or less all commercial places did not operate. Similar reports were also received from the district headquarters of Ukhrul, Tamenglong and Chandel.

It is worth noting that on January 14, Thuingaleng Muivah and Isak Chisi Swu were on their way to Zunheboto from their camp in Hebron along with a large entourage consisting of about 70 vehicles but were stopped by a waiting Assam Rifles team led by a brigadier at Bade village at around 9:30 am. Bade village is located about 20 kilometres from NSCN-IM`s Hebron camp.

The Assam Rifles personnel asked Muivah and Swu not to go ahead with their visit to Zunheboto without obtaining permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs. At around 3 pm the MHA had reportedly allowed Muivah and Isak Swu to visit Zunheboto but laid certain conditions.

One of the conditions was that Muivah and Swu should travel without weapons. The second condition was that their personal security guards shall not carry weapons even if they were concealed. The third condition was that the number of vehicles shall not exceed twenty and the NSCN-IM leaders will not hold any public meeting or press conference.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/nscnim-observes-bandh-against-restrictions-on-leaders-movement/

IMPHAL, Jan 17: The daily incidents of political intimidation on Congress candidates and party workers shows no let down with 5 bombs being recovered from different locations today. A hand grenade was recovered from the residence of Moirangthgem (O) Inakhunbi w/o Jiten. Inakhunbi is Chairperson of Kakching Municipal Council and is said to be an active worker for the INC candidate for Kakching constituency and sitting MLA Y. Surchandra.

The bomb, detected by family members was taken away safely by a team of Kakching police.

Another bomb was recovered from the residence of Takhellambam Koshi(67), aid to be a Congress worker from Ngaikhong Khullen bazaar in Bishnupur district. The bomb was found within his residential complex this morning by family members and was taken away by Bishnupur police.

A hand grenade was also found at the residence of Chingkham Tomba (63) of Bishnupur Ward no 3 in the early morning hours today. He is also said to be a congress worker.

In yet another incident, a hand grenade was found in the courtyard of Moirangthem Borajaoba from Lamlai Makha Leikai, who is said to be a congress worker. A hand written note with a caution not to get involved in the forthcoming election was found near the grenade.Another grenade was also found opposite to the Manipur University gate this morning. The Singjamei police took away the grenade.

Two persons identified as Thoi and Lamkhai said to be party workers of DD Thaisi, INC candidate and sitting MLA for Karong AC (Senapati) have been reportedly kidnapped by unidentified armed persons yesterday evening from Karong.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/5-bombs-found-2-kidnapped/

From Kaimuanthang
LAMKA, Jan 17: The two personnel of 39 AR, a havildar and a constable, who were killed in yersterday’s ambush at Zokhonuam located at about 20 kms along the international border with Myanmar from Singngat have been identified today after the bodies were taken to the district hospital mortuary.  The personnel have been identified as havildar Rajendra, 46, a resident of Bareilley district in Uttar Pradesh and constable Lakhinath Deori ,32,  from Arunachal Pradesh.

The body of Rajendra Pradesh will be flown to his native place later today while Deori has been taken to his native place by road.

In another incident, a labour of the 80 RCC BRTF, Mangal Munda , 27, son of Ramsoi Munda died after he fell down into a deep gorge at about 7.30 pm yesterday. His body has been taken to the district hospital today for post mortem.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/slain-ar-men-identified/

NEW DELHI,  January 17: A day after beginning talks on the boundary question, India and China on Tuesday agreed to set up a working mechanism on border management to deal with important border affairs related to maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border.

The working mechanism, mooted by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, was finalised at the conclusion of the 15th meeting of the Special Representatives (SR) on the boundary question — National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon and Chinese State Councillor Dai Bingguo here.

The agreement to establish the “Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs’’ was signed by India`s Ambassador to China S. Jaishankar and China`s Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin.

It will “undertake other tasks that are mutually agreed upon by the two sides but will not discuss resolution of the Boundary Question or affect the Special Representatives Mechanism,’’ according to the text of the agreement released by the External Affairs Ministry.

The working mechanism will “study ways and means to conduct and strengthen exchanges and cooperation between military personnel and establishments of the two sides in the border areas.’’

The working mechanism “will explore the possibility of cooperation in the border areas that are agreed upon by the two sides.”

It will be headed by a joint secretary-level officer from the Ministry of External Affairs and a Director General-level officer from the Chinese Foreign Ministry and will comprise diplomatic and military officials of the two sides.

“The Working Mechanism will address issues and situations that may arise in the border areas that affect the maintenance of peace and tranquillity and will work actively towards maintaining the friendly atmosphere between the two countries,” says the text of the agreement.

The working mechanism will hold consultations once or twice every year alternately in India and China. Emergency consultations, if required, may be convened after mutual agreement.

Chinese State Councillor Dai Binggou said on Monday that Sino-Indian ties have made “substantial progress” and “can work miracles” together. He observed that the two sides have “scaled much height” and “produced some results” on the framework of settlement of the boundary issue.

The two sides expressed their belief in respecting and abiding by the Line of Actual Control, pending a resolution of the boundary question. They noted that strengthening peace and tranquillity in the India-China border areas was “very significant” for enhancing mutual trust and security between the two countries, for resolving the boundary question at an early date and for building the India-China strategic and cooperative partnership for peace and prosperity.

While establishing the working mechanism, the two sides aimed for timely communication of information on the border situation, for appropriately handling border incidents and for earnestly undertaking other cooperation activities in the India-China border areas.

During the two-day talks, the Special Representatives also agreed to prepare a joint record on the progress made so far in the talks between them on the boundary question.

The SR mechanism was set up in 2003 following the visit of then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to China with Mr. Dai and the then National Security Adviser Brajesh Mishra as the SRs.

“Making a positive appraisal of the current state of bilateral relations, the SRs noted the importance of regular high-level exchanges and strengthened cooperation across different areas between the two countries,’’ an External Affairs Ministry statement said here.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/india-china-set-up-working-mechanism-on-borders/

IMPHAL, Jan 17: To sensitize media persons of the state ahead of the general election, a daylong workshop of media person on “Systematic Voter’s Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) for CEO and Journalists” was held at Manipur Press Club today. The workshop was jointly organized by Chief Electoral Officer, Manipur and All Manipur working Journalists Union (AMWJU).

The workshop was participated by PC Lawmkunga, CEO Manipur, additional secretary SVEEP , A Tombikanta Singh, senior journalist Irengbam Arun, Rupachandra Yumnam and president of All Manipur Working Journalists Union, A Mobi Singh.

 Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Electoral Officer mentioned that the Election Expenditure Monitoring Mechanism implemented by the Election Commission is very effective in the state and revealed that political candidates and workers are very careful in spending money as compared to previous elections. The workshop was attended by around 150 media persons including field reporters and managers of media firms of the state.

The Chief Electoral Officer says that following the strict ECI’s guideline the state have not witnessed the usual mega election campaigns and large meetings. He further reiterates that any candidates who exceed an expenditure of Rs . 8 lacs will be disqualified.

The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Manipur further said that strict monitoring has been continuing for a smooth and peaceful election. He stated that the CEO office has spread eyes and ears through different observers which include general observers ranking of an IAS, IRS and police observer from a rank of DIG numbering to 39 individuals.

Irengbam Arun stated that the norms of the ECI have been properly observed by the CEO and the state has seen an unique system of polls and that this change is groundbreaking, he mentioned that the playing field has been levelled and each aspiring candidate has been given equal opportunity.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/unwarranted-expenditures-by-candidates-controlled-says-ceo/

IMPHAL, January 17:Manipur even though known for its rich contribution in sports too has parallel contributions in the field of Arts and Culture. A Manipuri lad who is appearing for his metric exams came back home after winning the ‘First Best’ title in repertory section at an international competition “Global Cultural Olympiad 2011” held at Victoria theatre at Hua-Hin in Thailand, December 27 last. The competition that includes dance, drama and music categories was organized by the ABSS’S Global Council of Art and Culture , Thailand. Soraisam Leninjit born to Soraisam Joychandra and Radhapyari of Sagolband Lukram Leirak is the third child . He has two elder sisters and a younger brother. His parents has been tendering to the needs and aspirations of their talented child and guiding him along the right direction.“I felt very content on him receiving such an award. We always supported him from the beginning and encourage him to choose any profession,whether it may be medical career or singing. Let the almighty lead him to the right direction”, Radhapyari said. Leninjit completed his Visharat during his tender years when he was studying in thesixth grade. He has decided to complete his doctorate in music and at the same time moving forward to complete his general education. The boy who sings better than his fellow junior international competitors of about 30 in the classical vocal competition has bagged the best of the best glory for the nation making the state proud. There was not only Hindustani Classical but also classical songs of various countries in the competition held at Thailand . He had bagged gold medals both in Hindustan Classical Vocal and Modern Vocal Solo in December, 2010 which was held at Ravindra Bhavan of Vardhman in Bengal.

“Sometimes I  find it hard to concentrate with my studies along with singing. There was this time when I had to appear for thepre metric exam and at the same time rehearse my songs, I remember it was  very hard . I wanted to complete my master’s degree in singing as well as complete my education. I believe that there is nothing impossible trust in the almighty”,Leninjit said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/state-boy-bags-global-cultural-olympiad-title/

Newmai News Network
IMPHAL, Jan 17: All Manipur Tribal Union (AMTU) today urged upon the tribal populace in the state to elect those candidates who can strengthen the Hill Area Committee (HAC) at the ensuing assembly elections, describing the committee as the sole institute which can constitutionally protect the interest of the tribals.
It accused the state government of attempting to reduce the tribals into victims under feudal policies. For example, the reserved forests in Chandel district were declared in the year 1939 when the British colonial regime forcibly made the declaration under Indian Forest Act, 1927 without the consent of the tribal chiefs, AMTU general secretary Romeo Bungdon stated while adding that the Manipur Forest Rules, 1971 further broadened the classification of the forests in Manipur into three categories- reserve forest, protected forest and unclassified or open forest.

Another controversial policy of the state is to transfer the power vested for recognition of a village in the hill areas from hills department to revenue department, most probably by overruling the HAC, he said.

The union warned that the government, under its ambiguous policies, could introduce more policies and regulations in the tribal areas undermining their aspirations. It asserted that land grabbing and displacement of villages have already begun which is a gruesome violation of Article 371  of the Indian Constitution.

The union appealed to the tribal people to focus on electing leaders capable of strengthening the HAC. It further urged hill-based political parties and political leaders to adopt such survival politics for retrieval strategies by cutting across party lines, maintaining that it could ultimately eradicate foreseeable threats.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/amtu-urges-tribal-voters-to-elect-those-who-can-strengthen-hac/