Day: January 30, 2015

IMPHAL, January 30: A member of the Sadar Hills Autonomous District Council (ADC) today escaped a life attempt bid this morning at Langol Game Village.

The ADC member has been identified as S Thangjamang Kipgen, 45, of Bongbal Khullen, Senapati district and presently staying at Langol Game village quarter zone-III (type 4).

He was shot at from point blank range but miraculously escaped with minor injuries.

Reports said that Kipgen was coming out to see off a guest after a brief meeting inside his quarter, however, as they reached the gates of his quarter, the guest whose identity could not be established at the moment, drew out a handgun and shot him several times.

A bullet chipped Kipgen`™s right shoulder before hitting his Bolero stationed nearby, while another bullet hit the front door of his residence.

Police reportedly recovered two live rounds and some empty cartridges of 9mm ammunitions.

Meanwhile, a team of Imphal West police led by the SP rushed to the area to take stock of the situation.

Members of Sadar Hills ADC have also vehemently condemned the attack on Kipgen and appealed to all concerned to shun violence and to solve any misunderstanding through peaceful negotiation.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/sadar-hills-adc-member-escapes-lifebid-miraculously/

By Alex Guite

Lamka 29 January: An ANM nurse at the Post Partum Centre Family Welfare, Churachandpur for Maternal Termination of Pregnancy attached with the CCpur District Hospital had been actively counselling and convincing helpless women particularly on issues relating to abortion of unwanted pregnancy.

The nurse Mrs.Biaklun has been counselling women who come for abortion and convincing them to abort their plan and at the same time facilitated a shelter for the unwanted or unfortunate child on many occasions.

It has been found that a woman named Boicha had recently come to the hospital to abort her seventh pregnancy as she was already overburden and can`™t feed another baby as her husband was already dead.

Mrs Biaklun had after consultation with the DFWO Dr VC Pau Tonsing had convinced the woman to deliver the baby and even arranged for a home for the unborn child. This is but one of the six occasions when she has helped women specially patients of MTP.

The nurse also received an appreciation certificate due to her work and dedication from the DC Churachandpur Lunminthang Haokip during the recent 66th Republic Day celebration held at the Hiangtam Lamka public ground.

Colleagues of Biaklun also said that she has been actively volunteering herself in rendering service to the people like attending to the recent dog bite vaccination programme which often run till late in the night and also providing medicine on credit from her pharmacy to the needy people

Speaking to this correspondent, Biaklun said it is routine duty and her interest to help women in distress.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/ccpur-nurse-on-a-mission-to-save-unborn-infants-from-abortion/

DIMAPUR, Jan 30 (NNN): The arrest of PLA cadres revealed that the outfit had attempted to carry out serial blasts in Dimapur.

The Dimapur police said today that the bomb blast of January 5 in Dimapur was committed by Manipur based Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) and the culprits are now in the custody of the Dimapur police.

It said the two co-accused involved in the incident are active members of the PLA insurgent organization of Manipur. With the assistance of Manipur police, the two co-accused identified as Maibam Biren Singh, s/o M.Tomba from Sabungkhkok Makha Leikai, PO/PS- Lamlai, Imphal East (Manipur) and Katuncha @ M. Jiban Singh, s/o Priyo Kumar from Sabungkhkok Makha Leikai, PO/PS- Lamlai, Imphal East (Manipur) have also been arrested from Manipur and brought to Dimapur.

According to the police, the arrested accused persons revealed that the IEDs were meant for three locations in Dimapur `“ (1) the garbage collection area at Burma camp below fly-over, (2) the garbage collection area opposite Hotel Senti and (3) the DMC dustbin at Eros Lane junction (the P.O) where different dates were marked in the three IEDs, viz `“ 26/01/2015, 25/01/2015 and 06/01/2015.

In that bomb explosion at at Eros Lane junction near Wotsami Complex Dimapur one person was found lying injured. On conducting thorough examination of the place of occurrence, about 14 (fourteen) numbers of splinters were seized and one suspicious vehicle, Maruti 800 bearing registration number MN1A-4462 was found abandoned near the crime scene. During safety drill by BDDS Special Branch and Bomb Disposal Squad of the Indian Army 2 (two) nos of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) weight approx 3 Kgs each were found concealed in a plastic container with rice in the abandoned car. On the direction of superior officers and order of destruction from the District Magistrate, the seized IEDs were neutralized by the army and Dimapur police.

The injured accused person was identified as one Longjam Ojit Meitei (30 yrs) S/o L.Joykumar Meitei, P/A. Sabungkhok Makha Laikai, P/O. Lamlong, P/S. Lamlai (Manipur). On questioning, the accused person revealed that he is an active member of PLA, a banned organization of Manipur, and working under the command of one Nungthomba Ingo @ Krishna, SS Captain of PLA. He confirmed that he along with co-accused, one Maiban Biren Singh had come to Dimapur under the direction of SS Captain Krishna of PLA organization with 3(three) nos of IEDs to be planted at Diampur with an objective to disrupt the Republic day celebration but before the IEDs could be planted properly one of the IEDs exploited accidently injuring him seriously. He stated that after the blast his partner disappeared from the crime scene.

The police release said tat thorough interrogation was conducted and during which it was learnt that the three IEDs were received by Maibam Biren Singh from one unidentified lady of around 25 years of age and a man of around 45 years of age in an open ground near Saijang village, Manipur. The three IEDs were concealed in a black bag covered with cauliflower and mustard leaf vegetables. On January 5, around 5 am, accused persons Longjam Ojit Meitei and Maibam Biren Singh hid the IEDs in the tool box of one Tata truck and proceeded for Dimapur. However, the truck broke down near Lairouching under Senapati district and so they called up one Katuncha @ M. Jiban Singh , who was also an active member in the civil set up of the PLA to arrange for another vehicle, the police added. Accordingly, Katuncha @ M. Jiban Singh accompanied by a Mr. Elangbam Basanta brought the Maruti car bearing registration number MN1A-4462. The IEDs were were loaded in the Maruti car concealed in a plastic container covered with some rice and Longjam Ojit Meitei and Maibam Biren Singh proceeded to Dimapur. At around 8.30 pm, they reached Eros Line junction and Longjam Ojit Meitei took out one IED . When he was planting the IED inside the dustbin, he slipped and fell down and the IED exploded inflicting serious injury to Longjam Ojit Meitei in the explosion. Maibam Biren Singh tried to start the car, but not knowing how to drive, he could not start it. So, he came out of the car and checked his friend lying on the ground in the pool of blood and seeing people starting to gather he ran away. The same night, he caught a night bus and returned to Manipur, the police added.

Meanwhile, regular case has been registered vide Dimapur East PS C/No. 04/2015 U/S 121/120 B IPC R/W 3/4/5 Explosive Substance Act and further investigation is on.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/pla-cadres-held-for-attempting-serial-blasts-in-dimapur/

IMPHAL, January 30: The State government observed the Martyrs Day today commemorating the 67th death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi at the Gandhi Memorial Hall.

However, the observation was led by deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam in the absence of both the Chief Minister, who is said to be Delhi, and the Governor who too is out of station currently.

Gaikhangam led other ministers MLAs and State officials in offering floral tribute to the father of the nation.

Sirens or `warning signal`™ was sounded from 10:50 am till 11 am and again from 11:02 till 11:03 am.

Everyone attending the observation stood still and observed silence during the sounding of the sirens.

Gaikhangam told media persons on the sideline of another observation of the day at the Congress Bhavan, BT Road that the reported harassment of commuters in the name of risk to security forces at the Tengnoupal check post along the Imphal-Moreh highway is unfortunate.

It is their duty to check and frisk commuters, however, they cannot harass people, the State Home minister said.

In order to minimise the inconvenience of the commuters, the government, he said is planning to procure and install two X-ray Inspection Systems for security checking of transport and passenger vehicles along the highway.

He said the equipments would be installed once the government receives fund approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Gaikhangam also said that the Martyrs Day is being observed as a show of obeisance and respect to the father of the nation.

This will help in spreading Mahatma Gandhi`™s message of peace and unity to the masses, he said adding that the Mahatma was also a crusader of non-violence.

Mahatma Gandhi also crusaded for equality, Gaikhangam continued.

Meanwhile, Gaikhangam also reiterated his earlier stance that there have been no security lapses in the State despite of the recent blast series. He was replying to media queries on the law and order situation in the State.

He said all the blasts during the Republic Day observation were attempts of the armed outfits to make their presence felt.

Nevertheless all such violence are condemnable and regrettable, he said adding that the attack on AR personnel is also condemnable.

He further appealed to all to shun violence.

The Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee also observed the day at the Manipur Congress Bhavan today.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/deputy-cm-leads-martyrs-day-observation-in-absence-of-both-governor-and-chief-minister/

IMPHAL, January 30: Reports of a mysterious disease having claimed the lives of 300 cows and 200 buffaloes in Senapati district published in various dailies proved to be unfounded after a team from the Directorate of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry conducted a spot enquiry, stated Dr Saidokhum Joute, the director of the Animal and Husbandry department. Speaking in a press meet at his office today, he said the investigative team was led by principal investigator Dr Ng Ibotombi and Pathologist Dr T Dorendrojit who went to various spots to investigate about the matter along with the help of various farmers, village chiefs and chairmen.

The director said the investigative team with the help of the Senapati veterinary joint director Dr K Gopal Singh looked for any traces of the disease at several areas but didn`™t come across any of the cattle because the farmers had sent off their cattle deep inside the hills and expected them to be back only in April. The investigative team also enquired about the carcass of any of the dead cattle so that they can collect blood samples for investigation but the farmers were unable to provide any dead cattle, he added.

Veterinary and Animal Husbandry minister Govindas Konthoujam also enquired to know how far the reports were true from the department as well as the local MLA Dr V Alexander Pao. However, the MLA also didn`™t have any knowledge of the veracity of the report but mentioned the deaths of four cattle due to the foot and mouth disease to the minister, he said.

He appealed to the farmers that if they detect any traces of illness by their cattle than as a first step they should report to the concerned department for treatment while also adding that preventive measures will be put in place by organising vaccinations programmes in the area.

According to principal investigator Dr Ibotombi, the investigative team rushed to the spot and met the farmers along with several village chiefs and chairmen to enquire about the deaths of many cattle from a mysterious disease reported in several newspapers.

He said they asked about any such instances at several areas in the district in the last few days but the farmers were not aware of any such cases in their villages. Dr Ibotombi also said the team gave the vaccination to prevent their cattle from any common diseases.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/reports-of-cattle-deaths-unfounded/

Kuki bodies raise collective voice against 8 Assam Rifles

IMPHAL, January 30: The post mortem examinations of the two killed in an alleged encounter by 8 Assam Rifles at Kadangband on the evening of January 28 have been conducted today as unclaimed bodies at the RIMS morgue in the presence of an executive magistrate with full video coverage.

Meanwhile, the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) and the KSO General Headquarters have said in a joint statement that the two bodies condemn the Kadanban killing incident in which one civilian and 4 KNF cadres were shot dead by personnel of 8 AR on the night of January 28.

It said the 8 AR by blatantly labelling both the deceased as UGs is not telling the truth.

One of the victims, Khupneilal Neihsiel son of (L) Lallam Neihsiel of Kangchup Chingkhong was an innocent civilian, it said adding that he was the village authority secretary of his village and also the vice president of Kuki Inpi Twibul Lhang, and is known to everybody as an upright social leader.

The four KNF cadres had threatened him to drive them to their destination as he was one of the few people in the area who owned a vehicle, the statement said.

The other deceased, Robert Hesei Kipgen was the CAO of KNF which is under Suspension of Operation (SoO) with the State and Central government, the statement said adding that his killing by the AR personnel, without any provocation on his part or from his men, is strongly condemnable.

The Kuki Inpi and the KSO support the stance of the JAC and urge the government to come into terms with their demand for the sake of truth, justice and peace, it said.

Our Kangpokpi Correspondent adds: Kuki civil society organisations in Sadar Hills including Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills today condemned the brutal killing of Khupneilal Neihsial and Robert Hesei allegedly by the 8 Assam Rifles at Khadangban on January 28 and conveyed their endorsement of JAC constituted against the killing.

Speaking to media person this evening at Kangpokpi Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills general secretary Sehjalien Gangte in the presence of Kuki Inpi Gunhom Lhang, Kuki Women Union Sadar Hills and Kuki Students` Organization Sadar Hills said that people of Sadar Hills are not happy with the killing of Khupneilal Neihsial and Robert Hesei by the AR while adding that all Kuki Civil Society Organizations condemned the unconstitutional act of the AR in the strongest term.

He continued that the Kuki CSOs in Sadar Hills endorsed the Joint Action Committee (JAC) constituted in connection with the alleged killing of Khupneilal Neihsial and Robert.

While urging the state Government and the authority concerned to take up speedy measures towards the magisterial enquiry demanded by the JAC so as to ensure delivery of justice on acceptable time.

The people of Sadar Hills will endorsed any further steps taken by the JAC in connection with the unsolicited killing he said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/post-mortem-examination-of-kadangband-alleged-encounter-victims-conducted/

KANGPOKPI, January 30: All Tribal Students`™ Union Manipur (ATSUM) today asked MEELAL to promote and develop Meitei Mayek with positive intention.

Speaking to media persons at Kangpokpi, ATSUM president Emboi Serto said that we respect the noble efforts and struggle of MEELAL in developing Meitei Mayek.

However, we want MEELAL to take laudable measures in their efforts to develop Meitei Mayek so as to ensure that it is acceptable by all and nothing communal took birth in the development, Emboi added.

Coming straight to the point Emboi Serto further said that MEELAL should not make implementation of Meitei Mayek compulsory in Hill districts and to all tribal vehicles.

ATSUM is not against the efforts of MEELAL in developing the script said Emboi while cautioning that if any hill district vehicles or tribal vehicles face problems in valley for not using Meitei Mayek in their vehicles nameplate ATSUM will be compelled to restricted entry of any Meitei Mayek written nameplate in hill districts.

We asked MEELAL to make sure that their activists or volunteer do not disturbed the hill district or tribal vehicle while trying to develop the script in valley so as to avoid unsolicited atmosphere appeal Emboi.

Let the efforts and struggles of MEELAL in developing Meitei Mayek be positive not negative said ATSUM.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/atsum-asks-meelal-to-promote-meitei-mayek-with-positive-attitude/

IMPHAL, Jan 29: At least three civilians and two Assam Rifles personnel were injured in a grenade explosion suspected to be aimed at an AR team on patrolling duty this evening along the National Highway 2 under Lilong Police station.

Reports said the grenade was lobbed around 6:40 pm.

Miscreants coming in an auto-rickshaw lobbed a grenade when a patrolling team of 40 D company AR Lilong post were returning back to their post.

The explosion not only inflicted injuries to two AR personnel but also three civilians.

The two injured AR personnel have been identified as one Naib Subedar Kunjamohan KJ, 45, son of KP John of Kerala hit by splinters on his left thigh, rifleman Dipak Kumar, 30, of Kerala. They are hospitalised at RIMS.

The injured civilians have been identified as Boby Laishram, 25, son of (L) L Temba Singh of Yairipok; Md Mehruddin, 35, son of Latif of Lilong Mairenkhul and Md Wasim, 31, son of Md Tomba of Thoubal Litanpokpi. Boby has been reportedly admitted at the Iboyaima Hospital and Research Centre.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/five-including-three-civilians-injured-in-grenade-attack-on-ar-team/

IMPHAL, January 29: A team of Union Ministers are about to conduct spot inquiries of institutes under the Central government with the specific target of developing Manipur.

A reliable source said a team of Union Ministers will start reviewing every centrally run institute like RIMS, CAU, NIT etc from the first week of February.

The concerned Union ministers will conduct spot inquiries to know the ground reality of such institutes.

While interacting with the media, BJP general secretary (Administration) M Asnikumar said a team of Union Ministers which includes the Women and Child Development Minister, CAF & PD Minister, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister, Surface and Road Transport Minister etc will be in the state to review the progress of various projects undertaken by the State government at separate schedules.

The Union Minister of CAF and PD, Ram Bilash Pashwan will arrive in Imphal for a two days visit on February 14 to review the PDS system currently being practiced in the State.

During his visit, he will hold discussion with the State BJP members on the issue.

On February 6, the Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Thaawar Chand Gehlot will arrive in the State while an imminent National BJP leader will inaugurate the two halls of BJP Manipur Pradesh: Dr Shyama Prasad Mukharjee Hall and Pandit Dil Dayal Upadiya Hall on February 5 and 6 respectively. National BJP leaders will attend a high level BJP meeting along with core committee members of the State BJP, office bearers and district level presidents for strengthening the State BJP unit for the upcoming general elections in the State.

Asnikumar said the State BJP has conducted its first round of state level consultative committee meeting today in connection with the visits of the Central leaders and the upcoming ADC elections.

During the meeting, many Kuki and Naga leaders hold discussions on various issues of the party. The second round of the same meeting will be held soon and the party has decided to organise a mega online enrolment membership drive on January 30 and 31, he added.

Asnikumar said the Union government has decided to solve problems of road connectivity in the North-east region by constituting a National Highway Development Co-operation as a mission task under the guidance of Union Minister of Surface and Road Transports, Nitin Gadkari.

With an intention to develop road connectivity, the Secretary of Surface and Road Transport has already conducted surveys in every part of the NE region and J&K which are considered as land-lock regions, he added.

In the context of Manipur, the Imphal-Jiribam, Imphal-Dimapur, Imphal-Zesamy road and Imphal-Aizawl road will be developed with a specific target by the Central government, he said.

It is unfortunate for the people of Manipur that Chief Minister Ibobi led Congress government haven`™t started the construction of National

Sport University in the State. Instead, he is delaying the project by selecting a disputed site, Asnikumar said, appealing to the State government to start the construction of the National Sports University at an undisputed and non-agricultural area at any place in the hills or valley. Confining the sites for the construction at Thoubal only is not fair, he said.

He said the NDA government have assured to provide maximum support to Manipur provided that the developmental projects must be taken up with transparency, accountability and feasibility. Recently, the DoNER Minister has decided to open a coordinated camp led by a Joint Secretary Officer in every NE states and two teams of coordinated camps will visit Manipur soon. The central BJP has directed to submit a long vision of Manipur within a short period. In this regard, the BJP Manipur Pradesh has prepared to complete the State Vision Document for 50 years by submitting it within the month, he said, adding the political and every scenario in Manipur will change after a full-fledged Governor for Manipur is appointed on the middle week of February.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/union-ministers-all-set-for-spot-inspection-of-centrally-run-institutes-in-state/

IMPHAL, Jan 29: A team of District Police Commando, Imphal East arrested one vehicle lifter during frisking and checking near Advance Hospital tri-junction, Palace Compound on January 27, said a police release.

The arrested person has been indented as Md Anish Shah alias Chaoba, 20, son of (L) Md Humayun of Jiribam Babupara, presently staying at Hatta Golapti.

One red colour Honda Activa bearing registration number MN-01V-2936 was seized from his possession, it said.

Investigation revealed that he along with his associates had stolen the said Honda Activa from Hatta near Golapati water supply point in the intervening night of January 26 and 27, it said.

A case has been registered at Porompat Police Station and investigation is going on.

Further, a team of District Police Commando, Imphal East arrested one active member of KCP-MC outfit from Uripok Cheirap Court gate on January 28, it said.

The arrested person has been identified as Haokhothang Sitlhou, 36, son of Athang Sitlhou of Kangchup Pazang, Senapati District.

One extortion letter of KCP-MC demanding a sum of Rs 1,50,000 from the Khuman Lampak Auto-Rickshaw Service Association and other incriminating articles were seized from his possession, the police release said.

Investigation revealed that he extorted a huge amount of money from brick field owners, private firms, Govt offices etc for raising fund for the outfit, it said.

A case has been registered at Imphal Police Station and investigation is going on.

Furthermore, a combined team of District Police Commando, Thoubal and 2 Assam Rifles arrested one active cadre of KNF (N) during frisking and checking in and around Yairipok Top Chingtha area on January 27, it said.

The arrested person has been identified as Mangminlun Kipgen alias Chand, 29, son of Letkholeh Kipgen of Bongbal Khullen.

One 9 mm pistol loaded with five live rounds was seized from his possession, it said.

Investigation revealed that he extorted money from sand quarries of Changamdabi and Keithelmanbi area and from trucks plying in Keithelmanbi area, it said.

Demand letters of the said outfit were delivered by him to the shops of Nongpok Keithelmanbi area, it said.

A case has been registered at Yairipok Police Station and investigation is going on, it added.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/police-arrest-vehicle-lifter-ug-cadres/

SENAPATI, January 28: Even as the State veterinary department and other concerned departments continue to cope with suspected cases of rabid dogs in the State, a mysterious cattle disease has reportedly claimed a large number of cattle in Senapati district, a report shared with IFP by Senapati based English daily, The Herald Today.

According to village sources the epidemic is widespread in Koide, Thingba Khullen, Purul, Oinam, Keize, Reah village has reportedly claimed more than 300 cows and 200 buffaloes the report said.

The epidemic continues to claim the lives of cattle posing threat to hundreds of poor farmers whose family income rely heavily on cattle, informed a source.

According to Thingba Khullen secretary Panii, the symptoms of the mysterious disease include bacterial infection between the claws, swelling above the hooves, fever, lack of appetite, red urine, pale, yellow gums and eyes, the report said. The same disease had broke out in the past too, however, this is the worst case ever, he added.

Th. Veinii of Lower Koide said most of the deceased cattle are calves between 1 to 3 years old. These calves are more vulnerable to succumb to the infectious disease due to lack of mother`™s milk.

It is noteworthy that almost every family in the village owns cattle to generate income and also use them for agricultural purposes. If the situation is not put under control before further spread of the epidemic, economy of hundreds of families will be severely hit. So far, no staff from the concerned department has come to provide medication or suggest remedies for the disease and villagers are aggrieved as they are in a helpless situation, said the disgruntled farmer, it said.

It is also reported that cattle-owners bought medicines in their own capacity from the market and Vety department, Senapati as immediate option for cure. However, only few were saved.

The angered villagers appeal to the concerned authorities, departments and other agencies and individuals to take stock of the situation at the earliest. The villagers also expressed their trepidation that the disease may transfer onto human if not addressed on time, it said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/mysterious-disease-claims-over-300-cows-and-200-buffaloes-in-senapati-villages/

IMPHAL, Jan 29: The State Home Department has in a press statement notified that the Martyrs`™ Day will be observed on the January 30 from 10:10 am to 11:04 am in memory of those who gave their lives for India`™s freedom at the Gandhi Memorial Hall, Imphal.

Three Bhajans: Sumiran Karle Mere Mana,Vaishnav Nana to Tene and Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram will be presented from 10:10 am to 10:55 am, the statement said.

A siren will be sounded from 10:59 am till 11:00 am as warning signal for observance of two minutes silence. Another siren will be sounded from 11:02 am to 11:03 am as close signal, it said.

During the two minutes silence, vehicles along the highway and campus areas will come to a standstill, the statement said.

The Home Department has requested all to observe two minutes silence when time signal as aforesaid is sounded. They are also expected to stand up wherever they are for observing the same, it said.

Deputy Chief Minister, Manipur will attend the function as chief guest. Other dignitaries of the State Government are also attending the function.

All Government servants working in the offices located within the Imphal Municipality area including Lamphelpat are requested to be present at GM Hall positively at 10 am on January 30, it added.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/state-to-observe-martyrs-day-on-jan-30/

IMPHAL, Jan 29: Two underground cadres of KNF (Nehlun) were killed and three others were injured in an encounter with troops Red Shield Division in the general area of Kangchup at around 7.30 pm on January 28, claimed a statement of the Press PIB (Defence).

According to the statement, the encounter took place during the evening hours of Wednesday when six underground cadres travelling in a Chevrolet Car bearing registration No WB 02X 6809 opened fire on the Mobile Vehicle Check Post established on the road between Kangchup and Kadangbot.

The troops in the Vehicle Check Post retaliated after taking cover, it said adding that dead bodies of two cadres were found and three injured cadres were apprehended from the incident site during a search of the area by Security Forces after the firing.

The injured cadres were immediately evacuated to RIMS, Imphal and were later identified as Helen Kipgen alias Lamuang Kipgen of Saparmaina, 30, Mamang Kipgen of Keithelmanbi, 25 and Thanggoulen Khongsi of Keithelmanbi, 22, it said.

The statement further claimed that a team of Manipur Police from Lamsang Police Station arrived at the incident site and a detailed search of the area was carried out during which a car, two 9mm pistols alongwith magazines and 13 live rounds, five detonators and some explosives were recovered.

The incident site was later inspected by Police Forensic Team during the morning hours on January 29 and the killed and injured cadres were later confirmed as members of KNF (Nehlun) UG group, the statement claimed.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/knf-nehlun-cadres-killed-in-encounter-pib-defence/

By R Lester Makang

UKHRUL, January 29: While the denizens of Ukhrul district find it convenient to direct their ire toward the Public Works Department (PWD), Ukhrul Division for the poor condition of circular roads and all approach roads to the town`™s main road which is also in a bad shape, the officials of the department have a different story to tell.

Soon after the wet, swampy season, Ukhrulites are once again greeted with the typical cloud of dust with the onset of dry wintry season as most part of the so-called black-topped surface of the town`™s roads have worn out sooner than expected, or for that matter, within a year of repairing or re-laying the same.

The task of maintaining the town`™s main road which has developed innumerable cracks and pot holes within a year of re-laying has been undertaken by the Border Roads Organization (BRO) along with that of national and state highways including Ukhrul-Imphal, Ukhrul-Jessami and Ukhrul-Kamjong roads since some years back, according to officials of PWD, Ukhrul.

PWD, Ukhrul division still retains the task of maintaining the twin Circular roads at the East and West of the district headquarters and a slew of approach roads within the town areas as well as in the interiors like Awang Kasom, Chingai, Ngaingu, Somdal, Tusom, Huimi and Kachai including the Imphal-Ukhrul old road via Lamlang Gate in western Ukhrul, disclosed the officials adding that the condition of all these roads has been deteriorating for the last many years rendering them almost unmotorable at various points.

`But what else could we do since the State government has not sanctioned any fund for repairing these roads for the past 3/4 years,` lamented the officials.

Citing financial crunch, the government is not releasing any fund for consecutive 3/4 years, they said before adding that at least Rs 1 crore would be required to repair some of the important roads under its jurisdiction.

Worst still, there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel as the department staff said that there has been no response whatsoever even after the department apprise the three local MLAs of the district about the matter.

`We are rendered idle and made to attend office here merely for namesake without having any task to do for want of fund and we do not see any positive sign in near future either,` they added.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/govt-apathy-writ-large-on-pwd-ukhrul/

Threatens 24 hour general strike, demands magisterial enquiry

IMPHAL/ KANGPOKPI, January 29 (With inputs from our Correspondent): A Joint Action Committee formed in connection with the alleged killing of Khupneilal Neihsial and Robert Hesei has warned of a 24-hour statewide strike from the midnight of January 31 and at the same time demanded a magisterial enquiry into the alleged encounter.

Meanwhile, Kangchup Chingkhong Village Authority has clarified that Khupneilal Neihsial son of (L) Lallam Neihsial one of the victims is a bonafide citizen and secretary of Kangchup Village Authority and not related to any underground organisation.

It is worth mentioning that yesterday at about 7:30pm, the two were killed reportedly in an alleged gunfight between 8 AR and suspected KNF cadres at Kadangband some few meters away from Kadangband Bridge under Lamshang police station.

Three others identified as Helen Kuki (30) son of Chongsat of Saparmaina, Satmang Kuki (25) son of Thanglun of Keithelmanbi BM Road and Thangkholen Kuki (25) son of Thangjamang of Leimakhong were also injured in the encounter and are presently taking medical treatment at Regional Institute of Medical Science (RIMS).

Khupneilal`™s family informed that he left home to attend a meeting at Nakhojang village to settle a family dispute there.

Taking serious note of the nature of the incident, a public meeting was held today at Kangchup area attended by the Kuki Inpi Kangchup, Kangchup Area Human Rights Association, Kangchup Area Tribal Youth Organisation and other local bodies and formed a Joint Action Committee against the killing.

The demand was later submitted to the Chief Minister of Manipur in written form.

Speaking to the media persons at RIMS morgue JAC convenor Thangminlen Haokip said that if the government fails to constitute a magisterial enquiry into the alleged killing of a civilian Khupneilal Neihsial and a KNF cadre Robert Hesei within January 31, the JAC will be compelled to impose 24 hour statewide general strike and at the same time the death bodies will not be claimed.

Claiming otherwise to the reported encounter, Thangminlen said the security personnel shot at the team including the two from a very short range after stopping them without any warning or provocation.

He said at least the security personnel should frisked them at the first place to know their identity and added that shooting at SoO groups without verification is condemnable.

The JAC demanded the magisterial enquiry as it is the only way to know the truth said Thangminlen.

So the concern authority should look into the matter for the sake of delivery of justice in the interest of the general public.

Earlier in the day, a brief commotion ensued at RIMS mortuary over the issue of post mortem examination of the bodies.

It is learnt that with families of the both the deceased decling to claim the bodies, the police decided to proceed with the post mortem examination as unclaimed bodies. However, the bereaved family opposed leading to the brief commotion.

Later the post mortem examination was cancelled.

Meanwhile all business establishments along the NH-2 between Kangpokpi and Motbung remained closed for the entire day.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/jac-formed-against-reported-kadangband-killing-says-one-of-the-victims-is-a-civilian/

IMPHAL, January 29: The Oinam Tangleihad Okshoi Protection Committee has lifted its 48 hours bandh on NH 150 after the Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh assured to withdraw its decision for allotting 188.75 acres of Oinam Tangleihad Okshoi grazing ground to the Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department for plantation of fodder today.

Oinam Nagar Panchayat chairperson Oinam Budhi speaking on behalf of the protection committee said if the government doesn`™t take positive actions, the agitation will be continued with more intensity.

Oinam people launched agitations by blocking the NH-150 on January 28 and 29 in protest against the decision of the state government to hand over the Okshoi grazing ground to Veterinary and Animal Husbandry for fodder plantation.

The decision for the withdrawal of the agitation was taken after the Oinam A/C MLA Dr I Ibohalbi held talks with the Chief Minister and deputy Chief Minister on the night of January 28 along with representatives of the protection committee.

Many people from Oinam were injured in police action during the agitations yesterday.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister had assured to review the matter in the next cabinet meeting. Meanwhile, the committee thanked the Chief Minister for acting in consideration for the public grievance.

Today, Dr I Ibohanbi told the media that Okshoipat in Oinam is surrounded by Yangoi Maril on the Northern side, Meichakpi on its Southern side, while in its east lays Yangbi and in the west it`™s surrounded by Mayangpat. The portion of this lake was handed over to the locals for grazing their cattle from the Fishery department by the then Chief Commissioner in 1954. The ground was declared as belonging to the people of Oinam by the Director of Settlement on April 19, 1972 when two persons laid claims to the ground by encroaching upon it.

It got embroiled in another land dispute when 32 persons laid claims to the ground by entering it in their names in the patta record but the Meira Paibis filed a case in the High court in 1995. Later, DC Imphal West gave instructions to conduct an inquiry on who actually owned the ground. After the completion of the inquiry, DC Imphal West ordered that the land can`™t be allowed to be owned by the 32 people.

Dr I Ibohanbi met the Chief Minister twice: once in the morning along with the Deputy Chief Minister and again with the protection committee in the night. After a negotiation, the committee decided to withdraw the agitation in Oinam.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/oinam-civil-body-lifts-48-hours-tiddim-bandh/