Month: September 2014

The policemen were on their way to Imphal after withdrawal of CrPC Section 144
IMPHAL, September 9:  As the State government pulled back the police commandos deployed at Ukhrul today, militants suspected to be NSCN (IM) cadres laid ambush at two different locations along the Imphal-Ukhrul road. The defiant attack on the security convoy consisting of police commandos, IRB and Manipur Rifles personnel, left one Commando personnel dead and two others with grievous injuries.

The first attack occurred at around 9.45 am today. The location where the attack occurred was from a hillock adjoining the road which had a foliage of pine trees. It was around one kilometre from the defunct Hundung cement factory , situated around 13 kilometres from Ukhrul town and near Nongsangkhong.

The militants who were dug in earlier opened fire at the passing convoy. The automatic fire from the militants hit a commando personal at the face. He was identified as Thodmiyo, 31 , a resident of Riha village, Ukhrul district. He sustained two bullet wounds, one in the chin and one near the neck. He was transported from Finch Corner to Sangshak, 16 Assam Rifles post but later succumbed to his injury.

In the next attack to the convoy which occurred near Thawai Tangkhul Lamkhai/Sangkai which is situated about six kilometers from Litan police station, two police personnel were injured. They are identified as Khumukcham Amuthoi, 33 son of Achouba of Kakching Khunou and attached to the Thoubal district police commandos. He sustained multiple bullet injury and was hit in the chest. He is said to be in a critical condition and has been referred from JNIMS to RIMS hospital.  Another personnel who was injured is identified as Kapnilian Namsong, 29, son of Haokholum of Tuibong, Churachandpur. He sustained minor injury to his leg but is said to be out of danger.

Post the ambush, security forces including Assam Rifles, IRB and Manipur Rifles, state police forces were deployed along the road. The attack came when the police commands and IRB personnel who were previously posted at Ukhrul were recalled from their command to the valley.

At the same time, a combined team of IRB and MR personnel were en route to Ukhrul. But, due to the news of the attack, the team going to Ukhrul was halted at Litan until reinforcements came and cleared the road. After the road was sanitized and the probable areas where ambush could be laid were checked with help of para-military forces, the convoy finally reached Ukhrul late evening.

It may be mentioned the police commandos were deployed after ADC member Ngalangzar Malue was killed by NSCN (IM) cadres at Finch Corner on July 12 last. In a crackdown by the police, 8 cadres of the NSCN (IM) were arrested from Ukhrul and followed by subsequent imposition of CrPC 144 in the district headquarters.

Civil organizations of the district held various protest to have the ban orders to be lifted and for the police commandos and IRB to go back. The last incident of a mass protest on August 31 resulted in the death of two civilian protestors.

Spearheading the campaign, the United Naga Council has imposed an indefinite economic blockade along the highways since September 4. The state government reciprocating the appeal of the UNC lifted the CrPC 144 on September 7 subsequently and had decided to shift all police commandos from Ukhrul town today. The ambush occurred when the police commandos with IRB personnel travelling in approximately 35 vehicles were coming back to the valley.

The state government had lifted the 144 prohibitory order on a trail basis and had assured to withdraw the police commandos, a notification by principal secretary, Suresh Babu mentioned earlier after receiving the recommendation from Union additional secretary (Home) Rajiv Gauba, joint secretary Sambhu Singh and special secretary (Internal Affairs) , Prakash Mishra.

Following the law and order situation, it is left to the state government whether the CrpC 144 which was lifted on a trail basis is to be clamped back again and police commandos redeployed to contain militant activities.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/one-police-personnel-killed-two-others-injured-in-nscn-ambush/

By R Lester Makang
UKHRUL, September 9: Terming the tragic turn of events in which three innocent Naga lives have been lost in Ukhrul as a calculated infliction upon the Nagas in the State, the Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS) has said that the State government shown their military might under the façade of maintaining peace and tranquillity in the district.

In a press statement issued by its general secretary Alan Vashum, the apex students body while referring to the tragic August 30 incident and September 9 ambush by unidentified gunmen killing one IRB personnel, maintained that bloodshed amongst the public and their security forces are all but a “leela” to the state government for this was what the government wanted.  Expressing concern that several incidents of security convoys being ambushed have occurred and another Naga life is lost, TKS cautioned that the government will now use this as a pretext to blame and victimize the Naga public

Stating that Section 144CrPc was lifted from Ukhrul after almost two months, and the price that paid for that was two precious lives, the students body lamented that it was promulgated when there was peace in the district and revoked when violence occurred. “The paradox is so perverted because this current Chief Minister and his stooges do not seem to know when Section 144CrPc is needed and when it is not.”

“The United Naga Council had called for blockades on all National Highways in protest and also to make several demands, which is as much as anyone can see an inherent right of the Nagas to live as one, free from communal oppression. The state authorities rushed to New Delhi to meet and discuss with the Home Minister. What was the purpose of the visit? Not to deliberate and solve the issue pertaining to the Nagas, but instead to ask for security to transport goods to Imphal valley. The outright arrogance of Ibobi and Gaikhangam is there for all to see. For them, the people of the Hills (tribals) are not an important constituent but just simply a vote bank during election time. Their concern is more so for the people of the valley, rather than uplift the plight of the hills. The Nagas have never been against any community, but have stood firm and united against communal forces-regardless of where they come from. Any right thinking and rational human being would say that what the present Government of Manipur is
doing is communal to the very core,” the statement noted.

Further claiming that the Nagas of Manipur have faced innumerable, negative and communal consequences time and again ever since the Government of Manipur led by CM Okram Ibobi Singh came to power with his pack of corrupt and power hungry stooges as Ministers,TKS rued that it is indeed sad to witness that they have had the least of respect for human lives, human rights and humanity while that they have been doing everything to upset the earthly balance of life in the state.

“What more should one witness to testify against such blatant misuse of power? Today, the world has seen what Okram Ibobi Singh and his Deputy, Gaikhangam have done to the Nagas at large, and to the people of Ukhrul in particular, it further questioned adding that they sent hundreds of Commandos and IRB personnel to “maintain peace and tranquility.” And the Nagas dare to question them, what was so not peaceful and chaotic that they had to take such an extreme step?, it asked.

After the Ukhrul Superintendent of Police Selvan ordered the firing of live rounds into the peaceful protestors with all joyous approval from Ibobi and Gaikhangam, two innocent lives have been taken away from their families. We proudly declare them Martyrs. Yet, Ibobi is adamant to crush and keep the Nagas under his foot. That is why Ukhrul District remains heavily militarized to this very date, and Nagas a tortured community, the statement continued.

Coming down on the government, TKS said that Ibobi and Gaikhangam have done enough damage just for the sake of votes and that they are desperate to retain their seats of power while adding: “We the Nagas challenge them for once in their spineless, characterless, greed and blood filled political careers to do one ounce of good that people can speak of.

“We are done being mute spectators. If any of the elected representatives call themselves a Naga, resign from your seat and join the fight against communalism. We will then know Black and White about where you truly stand-for your people, or for money and power. Always remember, you were elected for a reason by the people. We are all yet to see you prove yourselves accountable to the people who elected you in their right minds-not the ones that were bought for with various incentives. We Nagas will always continue to question whatever integrity is left of the state Government, and also of the Government of India, as to whether they are really sincere in solving the issue of the Nagas or still playing their delaying tactics. Nagas have every right to live under one administrative roof, free from communal oppression, and as free people. Will you let us?” the statement asserted.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/tks-blames-cm-ibobi-for-tragic-turn-of-events-in-ukhrul/

IMPHAL, September 9: The meeting between the JCILPS and the government scheduled today has been postponed after the former did not turn up for the meeting to protest against Monday’s incident in which some JCILP members were arrested from its office by a police team led by Additional SP Yengkhom Victoria.

According to a source, the all political parties’ committee constituted for deliberating on the modalities of implementing ILP in the state which also includes Chief Minister Okram Ibobi and deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam were kept waiting at the Chief Minister’s Office.

However, the committee convened a meeting today and took the resolution of holding a meeting again on September 15 at 3 pm. It further resolved to take some concrete decisions on the issue of implementing the Inner Line Permit System in Manipur.

In the meeting, the members of the committee are expected to dwell on the comments and suggestions of various experts on the ILP issue.

Source further stated that the meeting which was conducted without the CM and deputy CM as they had to attend a meeting at the Raj Bhawan in relation with the ambush on a convoy of Manipur Police personnel at Ukhrul by suspected NSCN-IM cadres earlier this morning.

The State governor had called them for an urgent meeting at the Raj Bhawan this evening, added the source.

In a latter development, principal secretary (Home) Dr J Suresh Babu has stated in a press release that despite invitations for talks by the Government which is examining the issue of implementing the Inner Line Permit System in Manipur after receiving requests from various quarters, the convenor of JCILPS and its representative have failed to turn up twice: first, on September 4 and again today.

Members of JCILPS should not send wrong signals to non- Manipuris by taking law in their own hands and the actions of the members of JCILPS were illegal and highly condemnable, the press release said, adding that members of the JCILPS should know that many people from Manipur are living in other parts of the country for various purposes and it should not tarnish the image of the State through its actions.

The Central government is watching the efforts of the state government on the ILP issue and wants it to restrain JCILPS from indulging in such illegal activities. It further appealed the civil organisations spearheading the movement for ILP implementation to come for discussions with the government.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/deadlock-over-the-ilps-issue-continues-as-committee-fails-to-show-up-for-talks/

IMPHAL, September 9: The Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) has called a 24-hours state-wide general strike starting today midnight.

This was announced in a press meet by the convenor of JCILPS who further condemned the actions of additional SP Yengkhom Victoria of the Imphal West District Traffic Police on Monday demanding her suspension from the government.

The JCILPS also took out a mass rally demanding additional SP Yengkhom Victoria’s suspension starting from Khwairamband Keithel. However, police used smoke bombs to disperse the rally in front of the Kangla Western gate.

Further demanding that the 14 members who were arrested yesterday should be released unconditionally, the convener stated that Addl. SP Victoria acted beyond her jurisdiction when she along with her Manipur Police commando escorts barged into the JCILPS office at Nongmeibung and forcibly arrested some of its members while they were holding discussions about the scheduled meeting with the CM and the all political parties’ committee.

The reason behind her irrational behavior can be explained by the alleged thrashing that her brother Y Devson, the proprietor and managing director of M/s Tashi Interiors, received at the hands of members of the students’ wing of JCILPS, the JCILPS convenor added.

Stressing that members of JCILPS were deliberating to bring a solution to the ILP issue once and for all in the State by holding talks with the government, he accused Addl. SP Victoria of trying to divert the issue by going beyond her jurisdiction for the sake of her brother who was allegedly thrashed by members of both the JCILPS and its students’ wing.

Besides, going against the tide of public sentiment, her brother is providing shelter to many non-locals without verified documents in his residence which she and her brother should be ashamed of, he said, adding that it will be useless to hold talks for implementing ILPS in the State and the despite best efforts of the government, the ILP issue cannot be solved if people like her and her brother continue to behave as if they are above the interests of the people of the State.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/jcilps-calls-24-hour-state-wide-bandh/

IMPHAL, September 9: Devson Yengkhom, brother of additional SP Yengkhom Victoria has clarified his stance on the present uproar over his alleged assault inside the JCILPS office yesterday.
In a statement, he said he was in his office in Singjamei when one of his contractual workers, a non-Manipuri ran inside the office being chased by a young person intimidating and assaulting him, and when Devson intervened immediately to inquire the reason, the young person replied that the non-Manipuri was not co-operating in verification, said a press statement by IFD Designing, Construction and Manufacturer.

The press statement said that in a while a group of persons turned up with camera but Devson was trying to calm the situation and urged them for no violence and to stop trespassing and taking pictures, afterwards, the matter was amicably resolved when Devson discussed the issue with one of the senior members of the group and but later he was asked through his assistant to meet the organisation in their office.

Devson went to meet the members of the organisation on September 8 expecting to clear apparent misunderstanding through peaceful talks but contrastingly there was a pre-plan and he was locked inside a room and attacked brutally with blunt objects on his head and back and even threatened to kill him without giving a single chance to explain on his stand, said the press statement.

It said, Devson’s assistant was also assaulted but somehow he escaped and rushed to the sister of the victim, Addl SP Y Victoria and when police reached the spot, the victim was unconscious and he was immediately rushed to hospital and he is still undergoing treatment for grievous injuries.

Devson Yengkhom reiterated that he is against violence but not JCILPS and further clarified that he has never mentioned his sister’s official occupation to intimidate anyone and the instant reaction by his colleague to ask her for help was obvious, said the press statement.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/devson-says-he-is-not-against-jcilps/

IMPHAL, September 9: Police used smoke bombs to disperse a mass rally organised by the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System in front of the Kangla Western gate.

The rally was taken out demanding additional SP Yengkhom Victoria’s suspension from service over yesterday’s incident at the JCILPS office.

The rally had originated from the Khwairamband Keithel this afternoon, participated by women vendors, students and others and proceeded towards Raj Bhavan shouting slogans demanding the police officer’s suspension and implementation of the ILPS in the State.

After police used smoke bombs to disperse the rally, the protestors again gathered at Shamu Makhong under the overbridge.

Police thwarted all attempts of the protestors to take out the rally again. Protestors tried to force their way into Thangal bazar, but were again blocked by the police.

Finding no way to move forward, the protestors turned back and rushed into the Chierap Court complex and later on getting information about the arrested 12 members being produced at a Lamphel court, the protestors took out a rally till the Lamphel Court.

By the time, the protestors reach the court, the 12 had already been remanded to judicial custody for 15 days. The 12 were produced before the Chief Judicial magistrate, Imphal East.

The 12 detained members are identified as Moirangthem Angamba Singh, Johnson Nongmaithem, Sumanta Manoharmayum, Elangbam Bijendra Meitei, Longjam Abothe Meitei, Konsam Phulindro Singh, Md Sajad Buya, Sarangthem William Milton, Khumukcham (n) Naosekpam (o) Rashesori Devi, Okram (n) Khomdram (o) Gunabati Devi, Hijam Ibema Devi and Nameirakpam Ibemcha Devi.

All 12 are charged with u/s 368/326/384/34 IPC.

Several shops in both Paona bazar and Thangal bazar remained closed in the evening due to the brief unrest.

Meanwhile, the student wing of the committee has strongly condemned “excessive action” of additional SP, Imphal West Yengkhom Victoria at the Nongmeibung office of the committee yesterday, expressed co-convenor Sanasam Subhash Chandra.

Speaking at a press conference at AMSU, head office, DM College he said the police officer’s action is regrettable.

It may be mentioned that Victoria had allegedly barged into the office of the committee yesterday while its members were discussing the invitation of the Chief Minister regarding a talk on ILPS demand.

She had arrested 12 members of the committee including four women following a scuffle between student wing members of the committee and her elder brother Debson Yengkhom CEO of “Tashi Interiors” inside the office.

Subhash also said that the Tashi Interiors has been banned indefinitely until an amicable solution is brought between the two parties.

He further appealed to the concerned authority to release the arrested members unconditionally at the earliest.

The student wing co-convenor continued that verification of non-locals for fake and illegal id-cards will be continued.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/rally-demanding-victorias-suspension-smoked-bombed/

IMPHAL, September 9: Thousands thronged the Khongjom War memorial today for the ceremonial offering of tarpan homage to the martyrs who laid down their lives for the land during the 1891 war at the sacred Khongjom River near the Khongjom War Memorial Complex.

The 21st Khongjom Tarpan was organised by the Khongjom War Memorial Trust.

BJP, Manipur unit president Thounaojam Chaoba said after the tarpan offering that he would convince the Centre to actualise a proposal of the trust to install what could become the world’s longest sword in the memorial complex.

Elaborating further, he said the proposal to place a 150 feet long sword is reasonable and it is heartrending that the State government is interested, though he had reservation about the state government’s proposal for making the sword shorter.

Expressing his belief that the Prime Minister would certain give his consent to the proposal, Chaoba said he will urge the Centre to take up the proposal and not to shorten the length as is being considered by the State government.

He said the sword could be called “Statue of the brave.”

The Kheba Hill and Khongjom River have today become places of pilgrimage and there is a need to develop a vast water body in the vicinity for the future generation to offer tarpan at, he said.

The present generation should never forget the sacrifices of the martyrs who laid down their lives for the land, he said.

The few Manipuri soldiers who fought against the mighty British army had shown the courage of the Manipuris to the world, he said and added the present generation should also have the same courage.

The State BJP president further urged the people to pray that the closing of the Sanjenthong by the present government doesn’t throw the State into chaos.

Offering of Tarpan during the Manipuri month of Langban to the forefathers who had sacrificed their lives for the land is our duty, said trust president M Hemant.

He continued the trust has been proposing the installation of a 150 feet long sword on top of the Kheba Hill since some four years back, however, the trust has been informed that the government is considering shortening of the sword.

The trust will never obstruct to any developmental work undertaken by the government at the Khongjom War memorial complex, but it will not allow shortening of the sword, he said.

Meanwhile, the United COmmittee Manipur also organised a tarpan offering at the Keikhrupat Martyrs complex to the 18 martyrs of June 18 Uprising.

The ceremony was attended by leaders of several organisations, family members and the public.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/khongjom-martyrs-offered-tarpan/

IMPHAL, Sept 9 (NNN): There is a glimpse of hope that the indefinite blockade in all the highways in Manipur will be lifted in a day or two. However, the United Naga Council (UNC) is yet to conclude in that line.

Sources disclosed Newmai News Network that Prakash Mishra, Special Secretary of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) flown down to Imphal today and had a closed door meeting in the state capital with the leaders of UNC. Prakash Mishra also brought a letter from the MHA with reference to the recent memorandum of the UNC submitted to the Prime Minister of India.

“The gesture from the Government of India is quite encouraging and we will decide whether to suspend the ongoing indefinite blockade or not only after the Presidential Council meeting to be held tomorrow (September 10),” a UNC source said, adding, “It was a gigantic decision taken by the Naga frontal organisations to impose the blockade and to review the decision will only be done through the Presidential Council meeting.”

Meanwhile, a separate source from Senapati said that it is likely the UNC will suspend the indefinite blockade in a day or two. “Mr Prakash Mishra requested us on behalf of the Government of India and the letter content of the MHA too is quite encouraging,” stated the source. The source further said given this situation the UNC is likely to lift the ongoing blockade.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/unc-likely-to-lift-blockade/

IMPHAL, Sept 9: A delegation of Naga People’s Front of Manipur called on the Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh today at his office in Delhi.

The delegation submitted a memorandum to the Home Minister highlighting the situation of Manipur under the Congress led government.

While interacting over the phone with this IFP reporter, Honreikhui Kashung general secretary of NPF Manipur State unit said that the memorandum consisted several point to expedite the Indo-Naga peace talk and bring a solution which will be acceptable to both the parties. So that it may bring permanent peace in the Northeast region, he said.

The second point consists of immediate intervention of the Central government into the prevailing situation of chaos in the State.

He further said that yesterday the team has met Kiran Rajiju, Union Home Minister of State, and they expect to meet the Prime Minister Narendra Modi tomorrow.

He said that the Home Minister and the Union Home Minister for State listened carefully to their submission.

They highlighted that common people of Manipur are suffering and facing repression from the State forces. Conflict between communities, frequent bandhs and blockades, and disparity in development in the State are all due to the negligence of the leadership of the present government, it said.

He further said that the whole development process in the State has been stalled due to financial mismanagement by the present government. The Article 371(c) of the Indian Constitution has been thoroughly distorted by the Sate Govt all the years, thereby leaving the tribal in the State in a precarious situation.

He continued that democratic appeals from the public for removal of CrPC had fallen on deaf ears of the State Government. Instead of listening to the voice of the people, the Government suppressed the democratic rights of the people with guns by killing two innocent persons and injuring many others, he added.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/state-npf-calls-on-union-home-minister-rajnath-singh/