Month: September 2014

IMPHAL, September 15: The issue of scuffle between students at the hostel mess on September 11 evening in the NIT campus had flared up from a minor incident that took place. But now the situation is under control and it is now returning back to normalcy.

This was stated by the chairman, Board of Governors for NIT, who is also an honorary professor at Indian Space Research Organisation, Department of Space.

Speaking to the IFP, Prof Rajan recalled how the incident had taken place. He said on September 11 evening, students who are staying in the NIT hostel campus at Langol, were queuing up for dinner as usual, suddenly some first year non-Manipuri students jumped the queue.

Prof Rajan continued, as a result a minor scuffle broke out between the students. He said a compromise was brought between the students who were involved in the scuffle, and the matter was put to rest the same evening.

The following day on September 12, some non-Manipuri students numbering around six, went to have evening snacks at Langol area as there is no canteen facility in the campus, narrated Prof Rajan. Further he said the students were attacked with sticks by some unknown persons who came on motorcycles.

Thereafter, the students ran back to the campus and started attacking Manipuri hostellers, and then an ugly brawl took place among the students, he added. Hostel authorities than called the police to control the situation; soon the police came and prevailed on the students.

Prof Rajan maintained that the students, after being attacked by strangers while having snacks outside the campus, must have misconstrued that those strangers were instigated by Manipuri hostellers following the September 11 mess incident. And also the current issue of ILP must have an impact on the minds of the non-Manipuri students, he added.

On being asked what prompted a whole delegation of the State Chief Minister, chief secretary, the DGP and other officials to visit the campus on September 13. Prof Rajan said, “I am told that the non-Manipuri students, after the incident of fracas on September 12 had informed their families and friends through mobile phones and social networking sites regarding the incidents. The families outside the State got alarmed and had approached their local MLAs and top bureaucrats, and obviously there were pressures on the State government of Manipur”.

IFP enquired Prof Rajan if his visit to the State was because of the incident, he denied and said, “I have come to attend the Board of Governors meeting which had been scheduled earlier, my presence in the meeting is required being the chairman of the board”.

Prof Rajan has appealed to the media not to misinterpret or magnify the issue as it could have serious repercussions.

During the interaction, IFP enquired about the concrete actions that have been taken up in the campus after the incident, to Dr S Birendra Singh, director of NIT Manipur. He said that a platoon of CRPF has been deployed in the campus to prevent any untoward incident.

Question was posed if the presence of security personnel in the campus, on the contrary, would disturb the mental equilibrium of the students. Prof Rajan volunteered to answer the question by himself and said the concern raised is valid, but the deployment of paramilitary personnel in the campus is a confidence building measure; and it is a temporary arrangement.

Taking the opportunity, IFP besides the issue of students fracas, asked the chairman on why the construction of physical infrastructure has been delayed in the NIT campus after acquiring land at Langol. Prof Rajan clarified that the delay has been caused because of the procedural requirements, “after all, this is a central government institute, and there is lengthy process of formalities to be fulfilled. Anyway, the CPWD is our main agent. They have already given public tender notice. Hopefully, construction work will begin by January next year”, he said.

Meanwhile, the principal secretary of Home, Govt of Manipur regarding the NIT incident has appealed to students and their parents not to panic, according to a release. It said the situation in the campus has returned to normalcy, as the govt has taken all measures required for the safety of the students.

It may be mentioned that out of 174 total students in the campus, 95 of them are from different parts of the country. Even with the situation limping back to normalcy, this reporter saw heavy presence of State Police personnel, besides the CRPF personnel inside the campus.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/media-should-not-magnify-the-nit-incident-says-prof-rajan/

IMPHAL, September 15: The BJP Manipur Pradesh has emerged triumphant in a by-election for a lone seat in the Kakching Municipal Council today, stated BJP Manipur Pradesh president Thounaojam Chaoba.

The counting of the vote for the September 8 election was held today from 9 am at SDO Kakching Office.

In a reception ceremony for Sandham Premita Devi, the newly elected councillor, at Nityaipat Chuthek this afternoon, Chaoba said the municipal council election even if small was a moral battle between the Congress and the BJP.

The success of the councillor (Premila) in the by-poll is an indication of the trust people have in the party. Now, the people of Manipur are awake and the dark days and the era of money power and muscle power has come to an end, the BJP president said.

Chaoba pointed out that the day of election to the by-poll of the Hiyanglam Assembly Constituency has been fixed on October 15 in a short period.

Let us give a message to the people of Hiyanglam that a new era has slowly emerged where money and muscle power can’t buy the valuable votes of the people, he added.

Further expressing that the Hiyanglam Assembly Constituency seat will be contested by the BJP on this plank, the BJP president assures to announce Hiyanglam as the first BJP model constituency in the State if the Hiyanglam seat is won by the BJP.

Now, the mission of ‘Clean India-Stop Corruption’ has reached Manipur recently and a simple example being the recent CBI raid in the RIMS Hospital, a historic first in the history of Manipur, he said, appealing the present government to stop corruption.

Chaoba said that Premita defeated her nearest Congress party rival by 325 votes. Though the Congress party led by the Chief Minister, deputy Chief Minister and Commerce and Industry minister conducted various campaigns and gave assurance of setting up a Sports University in Kakching, their efforts were to no avail, he added.

S Premita, the newly elected councillor to the Kakching Municipal Council, said that she was first elected on 1994 to the Municipal Council, as a member of the BJP, but there has been a long gap.

She also assured people that she will do her utmost best for the welfare of the people of Kakching.

The election was held to fill in the empty seat of the demised Councilor Mayaglambam Satarupi Devi.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/bjp-rejoices-as-party-backed-candidate-wins-kakching-municipal-by-election/

IMPHAL, September 15: The Committee on ILP constituted by members from all the political parties in Manipur closely examined the expert opinions of academics from the Manipur University for implementing the Inner Line Permit System in Manipur.

The third sitting for the committee on ILP was held from 2 pm till 4 pm at the Manipur Assembly Secretariat. The meeting was chaired by deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam and was attended by convenor RK Anand and various other political delegates.

Today, the committee deliberated upon the opinions on the implementation of ILP of academicians from Manipur University such as Professor Y Nabakumar of the Department Anthropology and Professor N Joykumar of the History department and their suggestions on how it can be implemented.

The two experts have submitted their opinions and suggestions before the committee while also giving a lecture on the ILP issue. Later, the committee asked for the written note to be submitted to them. But the expert committee requested for a few more time to prepare the documents properly.

According to a reliable source, the observation or expert opinions from various experts in the legal field and others for implementing ILP will continue till September 17.

It added that the representatives of the High Court’s Bar Association will give a lecture before the committee on the legal ways for implementing ILP in the State the next day.

The All Manipur Bar Association representatives will give their statements or comments on the issue to bring an amicable solution. The comments and opinions from the experts will be thoroughly considered by the committee, said the source.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/academics-from-mu-put-their-opinions-on-ilp-before-the-all-political-party-committee/

IMPHAL, September 15: Meghalaya Governor Dr Krishan Kant Paul was today sworn in as the 15th Governor of Manipur additional charge at Durbar Hall of the Raj Bhavan.

Chief Justice of the High Court of Manipur Lakshmi Kanta Mahapatra administered the oath of office and secrecy to Dr KK Paul.

Dr KK Paul who is presently the Governor of Meghalaya will be taking additional charge as Governor of Manipur.

The newly appointed Governor also inspected a guard of honour provided by a contingent of the Manipur Rifles.

Dr KK Paul also expressed gratitude for the warm welcome shown to him. The Governor had reached the State around 11:30 am today.

Today’s swearing in ceremony was also attended by Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, council of ministers, MLAs, parliamentary secretaries, former Chief Ministers Rishang Keishing and Radhabinod Koijam.

State chief secretary PC Lawmkunga, director general of police Shahid Ahmed, other high ranking officials and senior citizens also attended the function.

Later, a reception of the newly sworn in Governor was held at Raj Bhavan, with the Chief Minister and other cabinet ministers in attendance.

Dr Krishan Kant Paul has served as the Commissioner of Delhi Police from February 2004 to July 2007 and had later joined Union Public Service Commission as a member on July 26, 2007.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/dr-kk-paul-sworn-in-as-governor/

IMPHAL, September 15: Awards and pensions were distributed to differently-abled persons in connection with the Khondram Angou Memorial BI (Bravery Incentive) Award , 2014 which was organised by the International HandicappedWelfare Mission (INHAWEM) Manipur at Manipur Press Club here today.

The function was graced by Konthoujam MLA, K Sarat Singh (Pension Donor);  Padmashri L Nabakishore, Father of Handicapped (Pension Donor);  Ng Tezkumar Singh, Director of Prosecution, Govt of Manipur;  L Ibomcha Singh, State Commissioner for persons with disabilities; UCM president Y Nabachandra Singh and Award donor A Guni Devi.

Delivering the keynote address at the function, INHAWEM general secretary Lokendro said that the conferment of the Bravery Incentive award sponsored by the Handicapped Mission began in 2012 but from this year the award function will be sponsored by the family of Khondram Angou in his memory.

The award is mainly conferred to the people who come forward and marry the handicapped and uplift them. The award is an appreciation and an inspiration for the people, he said.

Speaking at the function, Ng Tezkumar Singh said that a handicapped person should not be referred to as being handicapped but as a differently-abled person because they can do things differently.

This year the Bravery Incentive Awards were given to four couples namely Keisham Bishorjit Singh and Keisham (O) Khamdonbi, Ngairangbam Enaocha Singh and Ngairanbam (O) Lalita Devi, S Damkhohat Aimol and K Amang Aimol and Usam (O) Rashesbri and Usam Ropen Singh.

Moreover, annual pensions were given to 202 people. During the function, a sum of Rs 5000 was donated to the handicapped by K Sarat Singh, L Nabakishore and Ng Tezkumar Singh.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/bravery-incentive-awards-conferred-to-four-couples/

IMPHAL, September 15: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said there is a need to strengthen the legislative, executive and judiciary of every country that follows democracy.

Speaking at the 63rd Foundation Day of the All Manipur Bar Association, at the Cheirap Court Complex today, the Chief Minister said the three pillars of a democracy- legislature, executive and judiciary should be strengthened to achieve a welfare state.

Elaborating further, he said if the legislature and the executive continue to violate the law it will hinder deliverance of justice.

He appealed to the members of AMBA to uphold the justice and speedy disposal of cases.

The government will implement the Advocate Welfare Fund from next year, Ibobi asserted before urging the advocates to submit their grievances to the government.

He assured Rs 10 lakhs for the first phase towards setting up of the welfare committee.

Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam in his speech said one has to properly understand the laws in order to become a good citizen.

He appealed to AMBA to continue to be the guiding force in bringing up issues concerning the State for the welfare of the people.

As a part of the foundation day today, floral tributes were paid to deceased advocates while gifts were offered to older advocates.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/ibobi-assures-advocate-welfare-fund/

BISHNUPUR, September 15: A One Day Public Meeting on Communal Harmony and Peace Building through International Humanitarian Laws at Moirang Hotel Lake View today by the District Network Committee (DNC)  and United NGOs Mission (UNM), Bishnupur.

The meeting was attended by Secretary of People’s Resource Development Association (PRDA), Bishnupur, L. Suranjoy, Convener of DNC UNMM Bishnupur and Secretary of Association for Development and Women Empowerment, Keinou, L. Rebati Leima, Convener of District Women’s Committee UNMM Bishnupur and Director of Human Rights Alert Manipur, Babloo Loitongbam and New Life Foundation, L. Pishak as presidium members and resource persons.

In his keynote address, L. Suranjoy said that despite the increase in crime rates in the state the people often tend to inform the police. A lot of the people of the state who use mobile phones do not even have the police stations phone numbers. He further added that the meeting was held to close the gap between the public and the police.

In his speech, Babloo Loitongbam said that politicians are using the power given to them by the public for their own benefits. Instead of protecting the public, the police are covering the politicians only and end up doing more harm to the public.

He also said that till now 1528 cases against fake encounters has been filed to the Supreme Court and out of those cases only 6 cases has been crossed examined and investigated so far.

He further added that the 14 years hunger strike by Sharmila to repeal AFSPA is not for our own benefit.

He concluded by saying that the people of the state need to unite and work together to strengthen the state.

The meeting was also attended by members of NGOs, Meira Paibis, Youth Organisations and Women Organisations.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/peace-building-and-communal-harmony-meet-held-at-moirang/

KANGPOKPI, September 15: A public meeting on the Sadar Hills issue today resolved to meet again with the elected MLAs and MDCs of the area for a final decision on the issue.

The public organised by the Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills was held today at Gamnom Sapormeina Community Hall.

Leaders of various civil societies including the Sadar Hills Chiefs’ Association president Tongpu Kipgen, Kuki Women Union Manipur president Rose Mangshi, Kuki Organization for Human Rights chairman Dr T Lunkim apart from block-wise Kuki Inpi leaders, village chiefs, block-wise women union and local civil bodies attended today’s meeting.

While, Lunthang Haokip, MDC Sadar Hills Autonomous District Council was the lone member of the Autonomous District Council attending, the three Congress MLAs from Sadar Hills and other elected MDCs failed to attend the meeting.

Former leaders of Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee who had signed a MoU with the State government on October 31 midnight, 2011 also failed to attend the meeting.

Highlighting the factors and reasons of discontentment of the people of area, Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills general secretary N Sehjalien Gangte said that creation of Sadar Hills is the outcome of an Act of Parliament called Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Council Act, 1971.

The Manipur Constitution Act, 1947 had clearly provided a separate administration for the hills while adding that the Northeast (re-organisation) Act, 1971 and other major and minor Acts of the Constitution provide for administration of the Central government, the special provision was not provided to the two States, he said.

He lamented that refusing to declare Sadar Hills as a full-fledged district is directed towards deprivation of economic development, social upliftment and political growth.

Denying our fundamental rights for the past 40 years is aimed at infusing communal hatred and subduing the interests of the citizens of Sadar Hills asserted Sehjalien while highlighting the chronology of failed assurances by successive Manipur government from 1974 to till date.

As our legitimate demand for creation of Sadar Hills is being continuously denied and cleverly delayed for more than 40 years, the people of Sadar Hills are now compelled to fight with whatever resources we have, affirmed Gangte.

“Why and how the Parliament Act has been ignored and delayed for so long”, wondered Tongpu Kipgen, president SAHILCA while adding that the Act has become a mockery since it has been ignored and delayed for too long.

It is worth withdrawing the Act on the part of the Central government, asserted SAHILCA supremo.

Kuki Women Union president Rose Mangshi opined that Prime Minister Narendra Modi led NDA government will have a liberal thinking on the Sadar Hills issue if deliberately discussed with.

Lunthang Haokip, MDC said that district boundary issue had already been finalised during the Nipamacha government and it should be followed.

Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills president Seikhomang Khongsai after the public discussion maintained that with the three Congress MLAs from Sadar Hills and elected MDCs totally not in attendance in the public meeting it has been resolved according to the public wave that another round of public meeting will be organised at Saikul sooner or later to take ending resolution on the issue with the presence of the three Congress MLAs of Sadar Hills and elected MDCs.

He continued that the schedule for the next round of public meeting will be informed very soon while urging the people of Sadar Hills to stand solidly with heads together and cooperate with the leaders.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/sadar-hills-meeting-resolves-joint-meeting-with-mlas-mdcs/

Imphal, Sept 15: Hailing the indigenous people of the State for their active participation and moral support in enabling the Joint Committee on the Inner Line Permit System to pursue their righteous cause, the JCILPS has stated in a press release that it reposes faith in the people of this State that they will continue with their support until it achieves its goal.

It further stated in a statement that due to some incidents in which personnel of the Manipur Police after arresting JCILPS members seized the receipts, written notes and the monetary help being provided by people, it is undergoing hardships in continuing with its movement.

We are asking the people of the State who support our cause to provide us monetary help, it added.

JCILPS has taken some initiatives to start a Regional Labour Force to stop outsiders from gaining in strength, controlling the trade and taking over the State both politically and culturally, stated the convenor of the JCILPS publicity committee in the press release.

Meanwhile, the Iramdam Kanba Apunba Lup (IKAL) has said that it also supports the ILP implementation demand in the State.

A release of IKAL, said it wants implementation of ILP immediately, besides the release of the members of JCILPS unconditionally and to dismiss addl SP Victoria.

It has also appealed to the people of the state to support their cause for the protection of the State.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/jcilps-seeks-monetary-help-from-people/