April 24, 2013 – Manipur News

Aside: A Scheme for Creating Industrial Infrastructure

Amit Guin
Karnataka ranks top in the field of flower farming in India with over 18,000 hectares of land under cultivation. The state accounts for 75 per cent share in India’s total flower production and has the highest area under modern cut flowers. In the past, the cut flowers were transacted through the process of auction. As a result, the number of transactions per day was meagre. Therefore the need of a modern auctioning system to facilitate flower exports was deeply felt.
The International Flower Auction Yard in Bangalore, which is a joint venture between Karnataka Agro Industries Corporation and the flower growers of the state, was helped by the Department of Commerce with a financial assistance aid to maximise the transactions. The aid also paved the way towards the creation of a hygienic platform for both sellers and buyers so that the farmers get the maximum price in export of flowers. The financial assistance of Rupees Three Crore, which proved to a game changer for the flower growers of the state, was provided under the Assistance to States for Infrastructure Development and Exports Scheme (ASIDE) of the Department of Commerce of the Government of India. The monetary help facilitated in the completion of the project of replacement of the traditional auctioning system.
Now, with the support under the ASIDE Scheme, the modern electronic auction clock system helps the bidders in reducing time loss and maintaining transparency. Along with this, with the implementation of the new system, the local flower growers were able to facilitate 800-1000 transactions per day as against 400-500 transactions in the past when the manual system was in action. The new system was an evidence of the quick auctioning system, with very large number of small lots being auctioned through quick price discovery.
The ASIDE Scheme has, apart to the Karnataka flower growers, proved to be very efficacious and beneficiary for exports country-wide. Launched in 2002, this Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) is aimed at involving States / Union Territories in export effort by providing assistance to them for creating appropriate infrastructure for development and growth of exports. The scheme provides for an outlay for development of export infrastructure to be distributed to the States / UTs according to a pre-defined criterion.
Such activities which have overwhelming export content were funded through the Scheme, with the sole motto of the development of infrastructure for exports. The Scheme is exclusively used for building up infrastructure which does not get reflected either in the State / UT plan or in the plans of the Central Ministries or its organisation(s), yet such infrastructure is critical for growth of exports.
Till now, an amount of about Rs.5700 Crores has been released under the Central and State components of ASIDE Scheme for creation of the necessary infrastructure in States / UTs to boost exports. The Scheme has given shape to some of the most important infrastructure facilities in various States/UTs.
One such infrastructural development is the Maniram Dewan Trade Centre in Guwahati, Assam. With the growth in business and trade volumes in the North East region, along with the necessity for global competitiveness, the need for a Trade Centre to facilitate organisation of trade fairs and exhibitions and invite wider participation was being felt in the North East region. To address this issue, the Assam Trade Promotion Organization, a Special Purpose Vehicle under the Government of Assam made a proposal for assistance of Rs.28.38 Crore under the ASIDE Scheme for the construction of Maniram Dewan Trade Centre. The Centre started its operations in March 2009. It has three air conditioned exhibition halls and conference rooms, meeting rooms, amphitheatre, with all modern incidental facilities.
With the construction of the Trade Centre, the impact on export can be assessed from the increase in occupancy rate from 8.20 per cent in 2009 to 53.44 per cent in 2011. The Centre attracted visitors/delegates from various South East Asian countries. The Centre is serving as a platform for entrepreneurs of the region to display their products in national and international trade fairs.
Take for instance the additional infrastructure facilities built at the Calicut Air Cargo Complex under the ASIDE Scheme. Earlier, the export operations in Calicut Airport were transacted from within the airport itself. The lack of export processing area and space requirement for offices for customs, airlines, plant quarantine and exporters among others, was causing delays in transport of export goods which resulted in loss in quality and competitiveness of goods. To overcome the problems faced by exporters, the Kerala State Industrial Enterprises Ltd.

(KSIE) submitted a project report for constructions of “IInd Phase Construction of Additional Infrastructural Facilities at Calicut Air Cargo Complex, Karipur” at the total cost of Rs.3.10 crore, with financial assistance of Rs.15.5. crore under the ASIDE Scheme.
The project involved construction of buildings, electrification & air-conditioning, fire detection, fire fighting equipments & security system, machinery & equipment, computerisation and communication systems. With the completion of the project, the dwelling time of the cargo was reduced by its speedy clearance by new X-ray machine. Apart from it, the creation of additional space and other infrastructural facilities also helped the exporters to protect their commodities from direct sunlight and rain. It is to be noted that when the project was partially commissioned during 2008-09, the quantity of exports increased by 50 per cent. But presently the export volume is 225 per cent more than what it was in 2007- 08. It has given big boost to the agricultural exports from Malabar region through the Calicut airport.
The Institute of Auto parts & Hand Tools Technology in Ludhiana lacked the R&D facilities for quality improvement of products of Small and Medium Enterprises of the place to match export standards elsewhere. The Department of Commerce helped in strengthening the Institute for installation of facilities for reverse engineering, non-destructive testing and advanced heat treatment processing with 100 per cent finance of the project cost of Rs.5.18 crore under the ASIDE Scheme. With the financial assistance, the exports in this sector have gone up from Rs. 6000 crore in 2005-06 to Rs.9500 crore in 2008-09, with the share of Punjab being 30-35 per cent. It has also eased component sourcing & import substitutability and ensured availability of advanced technical infrastructure to manufacturers and exporters locally. It has also resulted in precision manufacturing of product development for global markets. Besides all these, the project has been successful in creation of skilled manpower base for various industries and employment generation through training programs & skills upgradation.
The financial aid under the ASIDE Scheme hence proved to be a major booster dose for the exporters in building infrastructural facilities. (PIB Features.)

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/aside-a-scheme-for-creating-industrial-infrastructure/

Relevance of Khongjom day celebration

The significance of the observation of Khongjom day in a grandeur manner is its ability to instil in the minds of all the sacrifices made by our forefathers in the protection of the territory of our land. They fought against the British might valiantly and fearlessly laying down their own life to uphold the prestige of the land. We are now living in a land of our own. If our forefathers did not feel the need for fighting against the invaders would we have what we are having now? The answer will be in negative. Though Manipur lost in the Khongjom war it reminds Manipuris are ferocious when they are challenged. Unrelenting and ceaseless, they continue to fight till they get the goal of their choice. But the time has come for all to ponder where and how our energy is being utilised. Social ailments like corruption which have eaten into the vitals of the society have permeated everywhere, but none comes out to fight against the menace of this disease. Corruption has threatened to tear apart social fabric. The possibility of brilliant student yet poor becoming a Government servant is remote in Manipur. Those who can gamble by selling homestead land and paddy fields may be able to lead a blissful life, there is no doubt about it. Many young men had taken up arms to bring a change to the society and also to liberate Manipur. Nevertheless the attack carried out at Kwatha by armed elements leaves a big question mark. What message the attackers wanted to give by ambushing unarmed civilian officials. Something is wrong somewhere. Human life is not a plaything. One must show restraint in the face of provocation. Manipur will set on the path laid down by forefathers when we as people learn to respect each other. Let us learn to despise those who become rich and famous by indulging in heinous activities. Let us learn to show respect to those, who make sacrifices for the cause of other people. Until that happens we will continue to see social unrest caused by the ever widening gap between the haves and have nots. As we observe Khongjom day we must take a pledge not to indulge in any form of activities that will be detrimental to the well being of the society. It is really sad even the drivers, who toil hard to earn a living are gunned down. Disgusting stories of young girls being kidnapped and killed continue to ring in our ears. All out efforts must be made to check such type of incidents. The cooperation of all is required. When these men and women related crimes are stopped our forefathers will rest in peace. The men in power must attempt to achieve this goal.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/relevance-of-khongjom-day-celebration/

Remembering Wangkhei Meiraba: A Forgotten Hero

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Remembering Wangkhei Meiraba: A Forgotten Hero Vikram Nongmaithem Unlike the much celebrated and much remembered Forgotten Army of William Slim of the World War II, most Manipuris seem to forget to remember and celebrate the heroic deeds and acts of … Continue reading →

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Remembering Wangkhei Meiraba: A Forgotten Hero
Vikram Nongmaithem

Unlike the much celebrated and much remembered Forgotten Army of William Slim of the World War II, most Manipuris seem to forget to remember and celebrate the heroic deeds and acts of Poila Wangkhei Meiraba and his band of nineteen other brave soldiers who gave their lives on 23rd April, 1891 at Manao Ching of Kakching during the course of the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891. Here is a brief and cursory history of this man and his band of warriors.

Wangkheimayum Meiraba was the grandson of Wangkheimayum Amu Singh, Ahallup Lakpa. His son Kshetri (Poila) married a lady of Thingbaijam and two sons were born. Meiraba was the elder one and his younger brother was named Jagat Singh. Meiraba (Poila) lived at Pishum Thong, Oinam Leikai on the bank of the Nambul River, Imphal.

Remembering Wangkhei Meiraba: A Forgotten Hero

An elderly paying homage to the departed souls
Wangkhei Meiraba was the Poila ( a military rank next to Major and above Subedar) in the Manipur army when Maharaja Kulachandra became the king of Manipur. After the Palace revolt and consequent developments which led to the execution of the five British officers including Mr. J.W. Quinton, the Chief Commissioner of Assam on the night of 24th March, 1891, the then British Government of India sent three columns namely the Kohima Column, the Silchar Column and the Tamu Column to invade Manipur which then was still a sovereign state even though much of India had then been under the British. The headquarters of the advance party of the Tamu column was at Palel, 29 miles south of Imphal, the capital of Manipur. Wangkheirakpaand Yenkhoiba Major along with their troops were sent to face the invading party and they encamped at Thoubal. After a few days Major Paona Brajadashee and Major Chongtha Miya with 400 sepoys re-inforced to assist Wangkheirakpa and Yengkhoiba Major. On the midnight of 20th April 1891 two parties, one under Paona Brajabashee and Chongtha Miya Major were sent via Khongjom to attack the British column at Palel and another party under Wangkhei Meiraba Poila were sent via Kakching to attack the British column stationed at Palel in a sort of pincer movement attack. But on the fateful night of 23rd April 1891 some British army under Major Leslie and his troops were holding a durbar discussing war strategy using a petromax at the Wairi side of Kakching were ambushed by Wangkhei Poila’s party .

Remembering Wangkhei Meiraba: A Forgotten Hero

Pena Thougal

The Memorial Tombstone (the white stone in front is the exact stone on which Wangkhei Meiraba fell when hit with bullets)
According to the late Pandit Achouba, in retaliation of the ambush a large contingent of British troops stationed at Palel marched towards the Chumnang side of Kakching and a fierce fighting took place between the well-armed and numerous troops against the Manipuri guerrilla army. Meiraba at this stage asked his outnumbered troops to retreat to the hillside while he himself hiding behind a big tree in a small ravine waited for his chance to shoot and kill as many British officers and their sepoys he could. Due to the superiority of the arms of the greatest empire, the guerrilla army of the Manipuris after the advice of Meiraba himself dispersed in different directions. Even after knowing that he and some of his troops have been surrounded by the British troops they fought to the end of their lives in the true Manipuri spirit where surrender is out of the question. A severe fighting took place at Manao Ching (Hill) of Kakching. It was here that Wangkhei Meiraba (Poila) and nineteen of his band of brave warriors gave their lives to defend their motherland. The exact spot where Meiraba fell had a big stone slab and it is on that exact spot that the memorial is built. In fact it won’t be wrong to say that the battle proved to be Manipur’s Battle of Plassey. Soon afterwards Maxwell blew up the Kangla Uttra which was then a symbol of the sovereignty of Manipur. Thus ended the two millennia old sovereignty of Manipur and it became the darkest chapter in the history of our beloved motherland.

Remembering Wangkhei Meiraba: A Forgotten Hero

M Gourachandra (Founder of People’s Museum, Kakching)
For the last twenty-four years the People’s Museum under the stewardship of Mayanglambam Gourachandra along with the State Archaeology , Department of Art and Culture, Government of Manipur has been observing the death anniversary of these fallen heroes. But the sad thing is that the monument is not getting the attention it truly deserves.The Manipuri people ought not to forget those who gave their Todays for our Tommorows.
( I did this write up based on my personal research, the records and souvenir published by People’s Museum , Kakching)

Remembering Wangkhei Meiraba: A Forgotten Hero

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ATSUM agrees to construction of godown

NNN: The All Tribal Students Union, Manipur (ATSUM) has at last agreed for the construction of an FCI godown at Molnoi village. Earlier, Kuki Chiefs Association, Chandel district, Thadou Students’ Association, Chandel dictrict (TSA-Cdl dist) and others have strongly opposed the move of the ATSUM. ATSUM had voiced against the move of the state government to construct the FCI godown at Molnoi village on the ground that the village’s land record is that of Thoubal district.
Today, ATSUM and Thadou Students Association, Chandel district (TSA-Chdl dist) in a meeting at the former’s office in Imphal have welcome the initiative of the government to construct the FCI godown for Chandel district at Molnoi village. However, ATSUM and TSA said they will push for the transfering the land record of Molnoi village to Chandel district at the earliest in collaboration with the ‘like-minded’ organisations. TSA-Chandel district then said it will support the move of ATSUM in championing the cause of the tribal people and exptend its support by participating in the affairs of the ‘apex tribal students’ body of Manipur’. Both the ATSUM and TSA said all the misgivings and misunderstandings on the FCI godown issue have been amicably ironed out in today’s meeting between the two parties.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/atsum-agrees-to-construction-of-godown/

Sanajaoba’s book on self determination reproduced

MNS: On Khongjom Day, 23 April 2013, Late Prof. Sanajaoba’s article Right to Self Determination of Manipur along with a critical foreword was reproduced by New Delhi based Campaign for Peace & Democracy (Manipur). The booklet was reproduced with the financial support from Somorendro Khangembam and Laishram Tiken Khuman. Book release programs were held at four places outside Manipur; (a) the program at Chandigarh organized under the aegis of Ng Robert was attended by Punjab University students and representatives of the Students for Society, (b) the program at Mumbai organized by Rakesh was attended by non-Manipuris as well, (c) in Shillong the program organized by Ojha Jugindro and team was held at the courtyard of the then Rajbari or Redland Bungalow, and (d) the program at the University of Delhi was hosted by the Manipur Students’ Association Delhi.
The programs upheld that there was utmost need of the entire people to had discussions on the question of the right to self determination of Manipur. The Delhi meeting raised that despite factual errors, methodological confusion and legal determinism that were inherent in the article; if the issues raised by it would be debated in wider scale on the basis of ideology there could be constructive conclusions to various questions pertaining in Manipur. The Chandigarh and Shillong program stressed that the principle of freedom / self-determination ought to be respected. The objective of CPDM in reproducing the booklet is to illustrate that freedom or self determination is not a tabooed word but to be discussed as an open discourse. CPDM upheld that there cannot be peace & democracy in a country where the question of freedom or self-determination are not allowed to be openly raised and discussed.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/sanajaobas-book-on-self-determination-reproduced/

Army Chief visits J&K, discusses border situation

Jammu, Apr. 24 (ANI): Chief of Army Staff, General Bikram Singh, concluded his two-day visit of Jammu and Kashmir today.
General Singh’s visit to the state came even as the Indian Army has reportedly moved an infantry regiment specializing in mountain warfare to Ladakh’s Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO) sector.
General Singh reviewed the security scenario in the state, especially Ladakh where Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) of China has intruded about 10 kilometers inside the Indian territory at Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO) sector.
The Army Chief also met Jammu and Kashmir Governor N.N. Vohra and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah during his visit.
General Singh, who met top commanders of the Army, is said to have discussed various issues related to the Armed Forces with formation commanders and interacted with troops deployed on the line of control and Counter Insurgency duties.
External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid today said that both India and China are yet to demarcate their borders, hence these incidents keep happening frequently.
“Perceptions do vary from their side and our side as to what is the actual line of control, so when the perceptions vary, sometimes disagreements on the ground can take place and we have a system in place, which kicks in immediately over the issue and then that system tries to provide a solution. That’s what we are doing right now, that process is going on and I hope that we will find a solution,” he said.
Defence Minister A.K. Antony today said the government will take every step to protect the national integrity of the country to resolve the situation arising out of the incursion by Chinese troops in Ladakh.
“Our government will take every step to protect the national integrity of the country. At the same time, negotiations are going on at various levels to resolve the issue peacefully,” he said.
Apparently taking a tough stance on the reported presence of Chinese troops ten kilometers inside Indian territory in the Ladakh region, India yesterday asked China to maintain status-quo on the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Referring to the incident that is being reported widely in the Indian media, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said during his regular briefing today said that ‘New Delhi sees this as a face-to-face situation between border personnel of the two sides due to differences on their alignment of the Line of Actual Control’.
“We have therefore asked the Chinese side to maintain status-quo in this sector and by status-quo I mean status-quo prior to this incident. The term face-to-face situation is not something that we have conjured up, it is something that is referred to under 205 protocol for the implementation of CBMs in the military field along the Line of Actual Control in the India-China border areas,” he added.
Akbaruddin said the ongoing incident in the Depsang area of the western sector of the India-China boundary is a localized event.
“This is a sector in which there are differing perceptions of the Line of Actual Control. That’s why we have since 1996 been maintaining that there is a need for the sides to work together in clarifying and confirming the Line of Actual Control,” he added.
Akbaruddin said Joint Secretary (East Asia) Gautam Bambawale, who chairs the working mechanism for consultation and coordination on India-China border affairs spoke to his counterpart, who is the Director General Border Affairs of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, about the incident on April 16.
“Subsequently, on 18th morning there was a flag meeting. Following that on 18th evening, the Foreign Secretary expressed the concerns of the Government of India to Ambassador of China in Delhi,” he added.
According to reports, a Platoon-strength contingent of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) entered the Indian territory in Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO) sector in eastern Ladakh and erected a tented post, setting the stage for a face-off with Indian troops.
Daulat Beg Oldi, which is located in northernmost Ladakh, is a historic camp site. It is located on an ancient trade route connecting Ladakh to Yarkand in Xinjiang, China.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/army-chief-visits-jk-discusses-border-situation/

Seminar on NER biodiversity

SHILLONG, April 24 NNN : As a part of national environment awareness, a seminar on ‘NER Biodiversity and its Conservation’ was organized by the Department of Zoology, Botany and Environment of St Peter’s College at its college premises, here on Wednesday.
Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, Meghalaya Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, TTC Marak, placed his hopes on youth and students that they will play their active roles in conservation of environment especially biodiversity by acting locally and thinking globally.
Quoting a famous saying, “Forest presides civilization and deserts succeeds them”, Marak said that India is very rich in culture the only thing which is the need of the hour is development in a greener way.
“As youths one should enhance the quality of life. There is need of active need for the youths to get involved in maintain the bio-diversity of the nature,” Marak said adding, “Youth should make their involvement with police makers to bring a change and to achieve positive leadership.”
He also said that government has a vision to improve the standard of living environment is ready to extend its support.
Former Director Zoological Survey of India, Dr JRB Alfred while giving his keynote addressed expressed that there is a drastic need to create awareness among the people to save the environment.
“No one alone can bring a change. There is a need to create NGOs and go to the core of the issues,” Alfred said adding “Environment is our sovereign property and its environment which controls the lives of the people.”
He also highlighted the current scenario of biodiversity and how its conservation at local, regional and international level could be made possible to the college students.
Later, Principal of the College and also the Secretary of MEWS-India, Peter Therose said that Meghalaya is blessed with natural resources. “There is immense bio-diversity. The youths of the state should know how to conserve the bio-diversity,” Therose said. He also added that the other problem which the region suffers is from counter insurgency which is a major hurdle for the people.
The seminar was attended by the students and teachers of the college.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/seminar-on-ner-biodiversity/

Inland water transport in Mizoram soon

AIZAWL, April 24 NNN : Mizoram will soon have improved inland waterway transport.
In the follow up action in connection with the project proposal already submitted for inland water transport development along Tuichawng and Khawthlang rivers in Mizoram which are estimated to cost Rs. 26.97 crores, Mizoram Transport minister P.C. Zoram Sangliana met Union Shipping Minister G.K. Vasan at the latter’s office chamber, Transport Bhawan, New Delhi, and discussed the matter with him on Tuesday.
It was agreed that the follow-up discussion shall be held immediately at IWT centre in Noida, and then another discussion over technical matters shall be held by Project Engineers on May 15 in New Delhi, after which, when all necessary matters are cleared, the required fund for the project shall be sanctioned.
The Mizoram Transport minister also met Union Culture minister Chandresh Kumari Katoch at her office chamber, Shastri Bhawan, with whom he discussed about the project proposal for setting up of Heritage Village, Aizawl district at the cost estimation of Rs. 25 crores and construction of major Inns at Kawtchhuahropui and Vangchhia villages in Champhai district.
In can be noted here that in December last year while attending the 57th National Development Council Meeting at Vighyan Bhawan, New Delhi, Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla had mentioned about the availability of 34% of the country’s surface water in North East region.
It is worthwhile to recall that in July last year, a resolution for quicker development of Inland Water Way for strengthening transportation system in Mizoram was unanimously passed in the 8th Mizoram Legislative Assembly session.
Inland water transport history in Mizoram began with the arrival of Rev.Williams Williams in Aizawl on March 15, 1891. He had made the journey by boat through Tlawng River and landed in Mizoram to preach the Gospel. Despite creation of landmark navigation history through the river in 1891 there is no meaningful development of the river water way within the last 120 years.
There is a good scope for the development of inland water ways in Mizoram. Before partition of India in 1947 there was an excellent waterway between Chittagong in Bangladesh and Demagiri in Mizoram through the Karnafuli river. With coming up of Kaptai dam on the Karnafuli in Bangladesh, a huge area around Demagiri has been submerged. This has created a good potential of inland water transport in the area. Another water way in the south was the Kolodyne.
In the north of Mizoram, the most frequently used water way was the Tlawng by which the British used to move men and material from Silchar to Sairang, gateway to Aizawl. It was a journey of about seven days inward and three days outward.
Mizoram is one among the 5 best performing states in the country in terms of water transportation.
Mizoram Transport minister PC Zoram Sangliana had said last month, “The team from Inland Water Transport Ministry of the Central government, who came on inspection visit to the state, had expressed their satisfaction over the functioning of water transportation system in Mizoram, so much so that, they had placed Mizoram among the 5 best performing states in India.”
Further, having found suitable to develop a water route between Bairabi and Sairang along Tlawng River, the Central government also plans to prepare a water-way between Tuichawng and Khawthlang rivers by clearing off all the hindrances so as to enable transportation by boat, the Transport minister had added.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/inland-water-transport-in-mizoram-soon/

Different opinions on Alice issue

IMPHAL, April 24 NNN : Differences among the Zeliangrong organisations over Alice Kamei issue is rearing its ugly head.
The All Zeliangrong Students Union (AZSU), Zeliangrong Youth Front (ZYF) and Zeliangrong Students Union, Manipur ( ZSUM) outrightly rejected the clarification made by Zeliangrong Union (ZU) and Kabui Mother’s Association (KAMA) regarding Alice Kamei issue. The AZSU, ZYF and ZSUM said Alice Kamei, a minor school girl has been held captive by militant outfit Revolutionary Peoples Front (RPF).
The ZU and KAMA had said yesterday they had concern but agitation may create negative impact and bring misunderstanding amongst different communities. The ZU and KAMA had also said agitation will expose ill motivation.
Reacting to this, the AZSU, ZYF and ZSUM said today, “It would be more appropriate for the ZU and KAMA to blame the RPF for the prevailing situation. The issue of Alice Kamei is about violation of child rights which is infringement upon liberty of individual human rights as such the issue is fully supported by every right thinking people hence the ongoing agitation is fully participated and supported by every section of societies irrespective of different communities. The ZU and KAMA mentioning that Alice Kamei is out of order now to secure release from the captivity by RPF/PLA as she has joined the militant group on her own volition has exposed their (ZU and KAMA) role and endorsement for the minor school girl reaches the arm insurgent group,” the AZSU, ZYF and ZSUM stated.
AZSU, ZYF and ZSUM then advised, “self-style individuals claiming to be the functionaries of the ‘so called’ ZU and KAMA are advised to stop using the unmandated platform to be the mouth piece and breeding ground for minor innocent children to become cadres for underground groups”.
“The ZU and KAMA stating that Alice Kamei joined the militant group on her own volition is the version of the RPF/PLA therefore, speaking the same version of the militant outfit is parroting on behalf of the outlawed organization. It is fallacious for these vested individuals claiming themselves to be representing an apex body without peoples’ recognition,” the three Zeliangrong organisations opined.
They then pledged that the Zeliangrong people will very soon restrict the activities of these vested interest persons in order to put an end to create unnecessary problems which disturb the peaceful atmosphere.
“Had these self-style and vested interest pseudo leaders did not play any role nor interfere in petty and shallow politics, who are like the pond’s frogs totally unaware of the ocean, the school girl could have been released by RPF/PLA long ago based on their own declaration made in the Geneva Convention.
The AZSU, ZYF and ZSUM said the ZU and KAMA’s desperate and deliberate attempt by stating that the decision for taking up agitation is not approved by the public, is an utter disrespect to the peoples’ genuine efforts. “Every sane and reasoning person knows the Zeliangrong people having absolute confidence and trust on AZSU, ZYF and ZSUM,” the statement of the three Zeliangrong bodies claimed.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/different-opinions-on-alice-issue/

Tankers call off stir

IMPHAL, April 24 NNN : The Naga National Council (NNC) was involved in the kidnapping of driver Sh Surjit in Kohima on April 21. The outfit had kidnapped the driver in connection with non-payment of annual tax to the outfit, it has been revealed.
Surjit, 42, son of late Brajadol of Shiva village, Cachar in Assam, presently staying at Sangakpham bazaar in Imphal West, was freed by NNC somewhere in Kohima around 3 pm yesterday.
Briefing the media at Inter-state Bus Terminus, Khuman Lampak here Wednesday, Surjit said he was kidnapped by four armed persons who were in a taxi (Maruti 800 car) in Kohima, the capital of Nagaland around 4:30 am of April 21.
He said the unidentified persons then carried him in the taxi and afterwards they reached at a camp manned by uniformed men who claimed that they were cadres of NNC.
They told him that he was being kidnapped in connection with non-payment of annual tax of Rs 10, 000 to the outfit.
“This is the first warning… and all the oil tankers must pay the annual tax to the outfit within the current month,” Surjit quoted one of the cadres as saying.
All Manipur Petroleum Tankers and Drivers Union president Y Bhupenchandra Gosh who was also present at the media briefing expressed gratitude to all the NGOs for extending support to the strike imposed by the union over the abduction of driver Surjit.
He also said the union was really sad as the people had faced the problem of fuel during the stir and appealed to both the Central and state Governments and also to IOC authority to provide adequate security along the highways.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/tankers-call-off-stir/

KCP MC Nongdrenkhomba group to take part in talks

IMPHAL, April 24 MNS NNN: Self-styled chief of army of the banned Kangleipak Communist Party-MC group Nongdren Khomba along with his six followers has surrendered to the Indian Army and Manipur Police.
Disclosing this to the media at Manipur Press Club here on Wednesday, KCP-MC chief Nongdren Khomba claimed that they have surrendered to the Indian Army and Manipur Police because they want to usher in an era of peace and harmony in Manipur and that the people do not trust the insurgent movement any more.
KCP (Lamphel) group general secretary Taibang Nganba was also present at the media briefing. A corporal and a lance corporal were among the surrendered cadres of the KCP-MC.
Two AK rifles, one carbine, four pistols including ammunition were also laid down by the outfit’s members. The other six cadres led by Nongdren Khomba were Laishram Gunamani alias Guru, Ningthoujam Jiten alias Yaimaba, Kshetrimayum Binoy alias Kebi, Binoy Chingshubam alias Amuba and Laiphrakpam Gopen alias Rasha.
Nongdren Khomba further revealed that another 30 cadres of KCP-MC will be surrendered to the Government soon and said, “I am anticipating a surrender ceremony for the group.”
He also said steps will be taken up to work out modalities to start peace process between the group and the Government.
Reports said the surrendered cadres of the outfit are now currently lodging at an Army transit camp in Churachandpur district.
Press Information Bureau, (Defence Wing), Imphal had recently claimed that three cadres of KCP-MC group of Nongdren Khomba surrendered before 46 Assam Rifles/27 Sector of Red Shield Division on April 20-21.
The trio was identified as Laishram Mawani alias Guru of Kongba Laishram Leikai, Imphal East district, Ningthoujam Jiten alias Yaimaba of Keirenphabi Mamang Leikai, Bishnupur district and Kshetrimayum Majum alias Kebi of Singjamei Wangma, Imphal East district.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/kcp-mc-nongdrenkhomba-group-to-take-part-in-talks/

Manipur tanker drivers call off stir – Times of India

KanglaOnlineManipur tanker drivers call off stirTimes of IndiaIMPHAL: With the release of oil tanker driver S Surjit Singh by his captors in Nagaland, the all Manipur petroleum tanker drivers' union on Wednesday called off its cease-work stir and r…

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Manipur tanker drivers call off stir
Times of India
IMPHAL: With the release of oil tanker driver S Surjit Singh by his captors in Nagaland, the all Manipur petroleum tanker drivers' union on Wednesday called off its cease-work stir and resumed services. The move came as a breather for Imphal citizens …
Released driver Surjit recounts two day kidnapping ordealKanglaOnline
Drivers calls off strike, blockade continues in ManipurBusiness Standard
Petrol pumps re-open in ManipurAssam Tribune

all 18 news articles »

Foundation for Guest House of RIMS alumni laid

Prof S Source Hueiyen News Service

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=30&src=250413

Truce with ‘K’ to be extended with ‘IM’ still unknown

Ceasefire between the Government of India and the NSCN group headed by S Source Hueiyen News Service Newmai News Network

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=15&src=250413

MLA draws attention on depressed road

MLA of Keishamthong A C L Ibomcha Singh has drawn immediate attention of concerned authorities for renovating repairing the depressed portion of Thouda Bhavok road connecting with Nganapithong Source Hueiyen News Service

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=28&src=250413

Joint team rescue slow loris

A joint team of People’s for Animal Thoubal and Nongpok Sekmai Police Station rescued a slow loris from a hillock at Lourembam Awang Leikai Source The Sangai Express

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=14&src=250413

NH drivers want arms for selfprotection

While condemning the killing of truck driver S Babu by suspected armed cadres of NSCN IM at Charoi Pandongba along national highway 37 on April 17 night, Route No 2 City Bus Owners Co operative Society Ltd Magic service has organised a condolence …

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=26&src=250413

Advocacy workshop held

With the aim of strengthening the capacity of the communities to address issues facing People Living with HIV AIDS and Children, World Vision India has organised a workshop in Imphal from April 22 24 Source The Sangai Express

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=13&src=250413

Swine fever does not spread to human

The classical swine fever CSF or hog cholera, which is a highly contagious disease of pigs and wild boar, has been detected and confirmed positive in some parts of Imphal East, Dr S Koute, Director of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry has informed toda…

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=24&src=250413

Training programme

Two day training programme on mobile fertilizer monitoring system mFMS was inaugurated today at Hotel Imphal Source The Sangai Express

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=12&src=250413