Month: January 2015

IMPHAL, January 13: The All Manipur VDF Welfare Association held its general conference today at the Irawat Bhavan Complex auditorium hall for the welfare of the Village Defence Force personnel and formed a committee to meet the government to discuss their demands.

The conference was attended by the association`™s president N Shanta Singh, All India Trade Union Congress, Manipur secretary L Sotinkumar Singh, Senior Citizen for Society secretary professor L Sadananda Singh and All Manipur Road Transport and Drivers Motor Workers Union H Kulamani as presidium members.

Speaking at the function, Sotinkumar said surviving in today`™s world with a monthly salary of below Rs 15000 is very tough and the time is ripe for all government employees to give a clarion call through democratic forms of agitation for pay hike.

Prices of all essential commodities have sky-rocketed today he said.

The government only promises and talks without any action he said adding that even the fund meant for all the Central schemes have only ended in the pockets of the ministers and officials.

Today the government is not for workers and only for businessmen and corporate houses, he continued.

It is time for all organisations to stand united and struggle to bring some changes Sotinkumar said.

AMVDFWA spokesperson Md Riyaz said the government has continued to neglect the demand submitted on September 22 in a memorandum.

The demands, he said included a separate battalion, salaries for 13 months, service security, increase in honorarium and routine provision of issued items, according to him.

In Manipur no agitation can attract the intention of the government without violence, he said.

At the end of the meeting, the association took several resolutions including setting up of a committee to meet the government regarding their demands.

The newly formed committee includes AMWJU president Wangkhemcha Shamjai, AMVDFWA advisor cum chairman N Shanta, Senior Citizen for Society secretary prof L Sadananda Singh and three VDF personnel.

It was also resolved that the association will undergo various agitations in case the committee fail to bring any amicable solution with the government and to seek support from the civil organisations, NGOs, meira paibis and local youth clubs.

The general conference was attended by personnel of all nine districts of the State.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/vdf-association-forms-committee-to-discuss-demands-with-govt/

IMPHAL, January 13: Even as the State Education department has issued an order to commence classes in all the Government High Schools from January 12, Poiroukhongjil High School and Moirangpurel High school are facing problems of a lack of text books and other educational facilities.

Students and school authorities of both the schools are demanding that the government must provide facilities under the RMSA and SSA. Students of both the schools are facing various inconveniences due to lack of text books, teachers, infrastructure when the State education department is talking about lifting the state of education in the State to a global standard.

Students, teachers and the school management committee are demanding that their grievances should be addressed within January 20.They have threatened to hold an agitation in New Delhi on January 26 if the concerned authority fails to take positive steps.

A team of media persons which visited Poiroukhongjil High School found that more than 744 students are studying in the school with an additional 200 students being newly admitted. The rush of students from Andro A/C and other areas of Imphal East district have caused an admission overflow.

According to Poiroukhongjil High School Head Master, Mutum Rajendra Singh, now classes in the school are running out of capacity. The school have 25 teachers among which six are being utilised under RMSA and seven being hired under SSA, with two teachers being hired on a private basis. The ratio of the number of teachers is very less in comparison to the number of students present. According to norms, there should be one teacher for every 30 students and a class should have 40 students only. But most of the classes far exceed this norm.

The school authority couldn`t have separate sections for students due to lack of class room, cycle set, computer class and teachers. The school was ungraded to high school in 2014 and this will be the third time that its students will be appearing for the matriculation exam. Most of the new students have joined from other private schools.

Its 32 students will appear in the matriculation exam by attaching to the Azad High School but from the next year onwards, students can appear from our own school, the Head Master said.

Students of the school have urged concerned authorities to provide students their due facilities as most of the students are poor.

Meanwhile, the media team after reaching Moirangpurel High School discovered that students and teachers were given a holiday because students are yet to receive their text books. The school is unique in the sense that it provides night classes to students.

Bimol, the caretaker of the school, said the school resume its session as per the government order on January 12.

Last year, teachers couldn`™t cover the full syllabus as students were bereft of text books. This year also the same problems persist with students facing lack of uniforms, begs, text books, a well furnished computer class room and teachers.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/andro-schools-facing-infrastructure-shortages-even-after-classes-commence/

IMPHAL, January 13: Commemorating the burning of ancient Manipuri scriptures `Puya`™ of Manipur today, the International Observation Committee on Puya Meithaba (ICOP) conducted a mass rally from Thangmeiband Athletic Union (THAU) Ground till the Kangla Fort.

After a ritualistic ceremony at the fort, the main function was held at the THAU ground with people from all communities of the State gathered together.

Manipur titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba attended the observation as the chief guest, while ICOP chairman and former minister RV Minthing, vice chairman ICOP Prof Sairem Nilabir, vice chairman ICOP M Naodalenkhomba, president Tangkhul Naga Wungnaolong Sweeten Rahing, vice chairman ICOP Tokpam Thawailemba Meetei, general secretary United Manipur Muslim Women Dev. Orgn (UMMWDO) Nazma Begum, president Manipur State Shumang Leela Council (MSSLC) Ph Gunachandra, vice president Meetei Erol Eyek Loinasillon Apunba Lup, MEELAL M Naokhamba, President Umanglai Kanba Apunba Lup (UKAL) Ch Parihal, advisor Meihourol Inat Kanba Apunba Lup (MIKAL) Maisnam Apabi, secretary All Manipur Recognised Private Schools Welfare Association (AMRPSWA) L Joy Khuman, chief of Maram Khullen Namba Maram, chief of Thoyee Village Ukhrul Ng Khating, chief of Purum Likli Rinwichoung Shongthu, secretary Longa Koireng Village Authority W Khelsong Koireng, Ningthou of Echum Kom Keirap (Pomithang) Thoiba Kom, Maram Center Village Authority T Peter
Kaba and Amaipiba of Moreh Meetei Lai Thougallup N Manihar as president and special guests respectively.

Regretting the burning of the puya, Leishemba Sanajaoba said it is a great loss.

He deliberated the scriptures were the most precious thing which has been lost.

Puya, he said included all aspects of life including both the living and non-living things.

He prayed that the burning or such sacred books should never be repeated.

Sanajaoba further lamented that the day is observed twice by different organisations due to conflicting claims and that he had to attend both functions.

It is not about the day, he said but about remembering the incident.

He said if the different organisations could observe the day unitedly, he would be very happy because observing the same incident on two different days is a sign of disunity of which the people attending are made victims.

The main objective of the day is to bring the people of the hills and the valley together and live in a peace and harmony as they used to before the burning of the scriptures, Leishemba continued.

The ancient scriptures had acted as a binding tool of the hill and valley he observed adding that now is the time to revive the peaceful and brotherly relation between the different communities once again for a better Manipur.

He later appealed to all concern to come together and observe the day together among all different communities of the State.

The `Maichou Ningsing Mana`™ was conferred to (late) Akoijam Nodiachan received by Akoijam Momon Leima while the Ching-Tam Nungshi Khudol Mana was awarded to chairman of R Suisa Trust Dr Ngohor Sai Luithui during the observation.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/titular-king-laments-disunity-in-observing-burning-of-ancient-scriptures-calls-for-unity/

IMPHAL, January 13: The State government will look into the complaints raised by people travelling along the Imphal-Moreh Road that the Tengnoupal AR check post and Khudengthabi AR check post are amounting to daily roadblocks on the highway, stated Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam.

In an exclusive meeting with some media persons at the MPCC office this evening, he said it will be better if people were to submit a formal complaint to the government soon after facing such inconveniences along the road. Anyway, the government has instructed the concerned authorities to convey the grievances faced by the people to the Assam Rifles officials, he added.

`As the road has now become one of the most important routes of the State, the survey on the road alignment of the Imphal-Mandalay International bus service started the day before. The route will be used for cross border trade between the two neighbouring countries. If the passengers and people travelling on the road face inconveniences, it will adversely affect the state`™s policy of connecting with South East Asian countries`, Gaikhangam said.

Some of the passengers and businessmen who routinely travelled on the road have been stopped from entering Moreh by AR personnel at Tengnoupal check post till 10 am while the Khudengthabi AR check post hinders people from leaving Moreh for Imphal after 3 pm. Normally, vehicles are allowed to cross Lokchao Bridge between 10am to 3 pm.

Meanwhile, AR officials have stated that the restrictions will follow until the Lokchao Bridge is fully repaired. This order was issued by the high command of the AR. According to sources, even a Doordarshan team was not allowed to pass the check post.

It further stated that the Lokchao Bridge is repaired by some individual contractors. The restriction has become more stringent from the last three days.

The deputy Chief Minister also termed the allegations made against the Congress government by BJP Manipur Pradesh as unfounded and baseless, adding `his party believes that the people of Manipur will not believe in such wild accusations`.

He was later talking with media persons about the upcoming three-day visit of the National general secretary in-charge and National Secretary in-charge (NER) of the Congress from January 17 to 19.

He further stated that national general secretary in-charge (NER) V Narayan Swami and national secretary in-charge Dr Bidyalaxmi Shardo will kick off a leadership summit for Congress party members at Imphal. The deputy Chief Minister said the leadership summit will be attended by 100 to 200 members. During the meeting, the national leaders will interact with state party leaders and lower district leaders. A national meeting will be held at New Delhi in March this year.

He further stated that allegations made by BJP leaders are like telling 100 lies to make a truth. The allegations are unfounded, untrue and baseless.

People of Manipur are well aware about the past records of the BJP chiefs. People know what they have done earlier in their political careers, he added.

He clarified that no formal report has been received about a raid conducted by State Police Commandos of both the Imphal East and West at the Taphou Kuki area to bust a UG group camp. Reports on the incidents however may arrive later as the combined team is continuing with its raid at the area, he added.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/ar-check-posts-on-moreh-road-to-stay-until-lokchao-bridge-ready/

IMPHAL, Jan 13: The eight skulls and skeletons, recovered while digging up the old Tombisana School compound for the construction of a women`™s market, are remnants of India`™s silent attempt to wipe out the whole Manipuri society so that Indians could settle in the lands vacated by the Manipuris, proscribed outfit People`™s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak has said in a press statement.

Referring to the incident as the discovery of a mass grave maintained by India, the proscribed outfit has said that as much as the government wants to keep such incidents under wraps, today the mass grave at the old school compound has been brought under the limelight for all to see.

A proper examination of the skulls and skeletons by forensic experts will reveal the whole truth however, it would be hard for the people to hope for a proper investigation considering the manner with which the Ibobi government and the Indian government are handling the case, it said.

During the early part of 1960, AFSPA was imposed in some districts of Assam and some hill districts of Manipur and on September 8, 1980 the Act was imposed in the whole of Manipur including the valley districts, the statement continued. Since then there has been instances of more than 20 individuals have gone missing with most of them being taken away by the army, it said.

The discovery of the skulls when there are so many instances of forced disappearance has only heightened the public`™s desire to know the truth behind the skulls, it continued.

The people want the truth behind the recovered human skulls and skeletons and proper and fitting investigation along with proper examination by forensic experts, said the outfit in its statement.

It continued that the even though the government has announced its decision to hand over the investigation to the CBI, it is yet to be issued in the gazette notification. The CBI`™s involvement in any investigation need to be notified by the Indian Government according to the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act section 6, the proscribed outfit`™s statement said.

Citing several cases of forced disappearances which the CBI had taken up, the outfit investigation by the CBI cannot be trusted.

The investigation should be conducted by a Special Investigation Team headed by an IG or DIG ranked police officer based on the recommendation or findings on the case of a three member inquiry commission headed by a retd judge of the High Court or a district judge as prescribed by India`™s Commission of Inquiry Act, 1952, it said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/prepak-wants-sit-investigation-in-skulls-recovery-case/

IMPHAL, January 13: The star witness of the sensational July 23 Kwairamband Keithel fake encounter case, Teresa Rehman of the `Tahelka Magazine`, refused to reveal the identity of her sources citing security problem besides terming it unethical.

Teresa Rehman, who filed the news reports of the July 23 incident along with a number of pictures as evidence, gave her statement before the court Chief Judicial Magistrate, Kamrup (Metro) Guwahati, D Thakuriaa on January 6 as prosecution witness number 66.

In her statement, she confirm to have filed the article `Murder in plain sight` appeared at the Tehelka Magazine (dated 8.08.09) about the murder of Sanjit by Manipur police commandos on July 23.

She said that the article was written on the basis of the reports and photographs received on her e-mail ID adding that she did not know the person who took the photographs.

Rehman revealed that she collected the information to write the articles from various sources including Rakesh Meihoubam, the legal advisor of the mother of deceased Sanjit.

According to her it was from Rakesh she came to know that the deceased Sanjit was a former member of the outlawed group.

She further revealed that she was told that Sanjit was earlier arrested by the Police and got bail and was living as free man before he was killed in the sensational fake encounter case.

`I did not visit Imphal for the preparation of my article and I had not received any video footage of the incident,` claimed Rehman.

Soon after the receipt of the photographs through her e-mail ID she reportedly forwarded the same to her then editor in chief, Tarun Tejpal. Subsequently, she received instruction from Delhi office to go ahead and prepare the article. However, she clarified that she did not tamper with the photographs.

She further maintained that she no longer has the photographs with her after forwarding the same to the Tehelka weekly magazine office, the photographs became the property of Tehelka Weekly Magazine.

`I am not ready to reveal the names of my source for fear their lives will be at risk and further it will be unethical on my part on revealed my sources`, said Rehman.

It may be recalled that Teresa Rehman was summoned to physically appear before the district and session Judge Manipur East. However, she was later granted permission on December 6 last to give her statement at a designated special court of CBI Guwahati by the concerned court following her plea to make the appearance in Guwahati citing security reason.

Meanwhile, the cross examination of witness of the case was also held today before the district and session Judge Manipur East.

Advocate Rakesh Singh Meihoubam, the legal advisor of Sanjit`™s mother appeared before the court as prosecution (no.67).

In his statement, the advocate revealed that he did not know Teresa Rehman before the BT road incident.

He came to know with Rehman through Babloo Loitongbam, a fellow activist, who told him that Rehman wanted to talk to her over phone.

Meihoubam further revealed that he talked to Rehman twice after the death of Sanjit wherein she inquired about the status of Sanjit before his death.

Accordingly, he mentioned that Sanjit was earlier arrested by Manipur police and was later released on bail but clarified that he was not the counsel in the criminal case involving the deceased.

He was approached by the deceased mother for filing a writ petition before the then Guwahati high court only after her son was killed.

Subsequently, Meihoubam claimed that he filed the petition after receiving the copy of the magazine from Rehman who sent him a copy following his request.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/tehelka-scribe-refuses-to-reveal-source-in-sensational-july-23-bt-road-fake-encounter-case/

IMPHAL, Jan 13: The Lt Gen Bipin Rawat, GOC 3 Corps, has arrived in the state on a 2 day visit to HQ IGAR (South) from January 13 to 14.

According to a release of the PRO, IGAR (s) the GOC 3 Corps was briefed on the prevailing security situation in the State by Major General Rajeev Chopra, IG AR (South).

Lt Gen Bipin Rawat reviewed the operational preparedness of the formations during his visit and also conveyed his whole hearted support to the various developmental projects in the State in coordination with the civil administration and the local populace and felicitated Assam Rifles Archery Team for their outstanding performance in the All India Police Archery Championship 2014 held at Guwahati from January 5 to 9. The Team also won Gold medals in all the three team events i.e. Indian Round, Compound &

Recurve Division. Rfn M Sunder Singh won two Gold Medals & Rfn Bijendranath Singh won a Gold Medal in Indian Round, Rfn Sh Netrajit Singh & Rfn G Robert Sharma each won a Gold Medal in Compound Division and Rfn Th Sanatomba Singh bagged a Gold Medal in Recurve Division, itsaid.

Meanwhile, it said Lt Gen Bipin Rawat, has donated two Solar Street lamps to Chingningkok Village, four computer sets to Andro village and utility items i.e. 3 solar street lamp, an LED TV, 8 plastic Chairs, 2 plastic tables and 6 mosquito net to RUSA (Rural Service Agency), district Imphal East in a ceremony organised by 30 & 40 Assam of 9 Sector AR under the aegis of HQ IGAR (South) at Mantripukhri garrison on January 13.

According to a release of the PRO, General Officer lauded the support of people of Manipur to the Assam Rifles in restoring the normalcy in the area and said that the provisioning of items will go a long way in uplifting the living standard and will facilitate effective and constructive use of time.

In another endeavour, the 40 Assam Rifles of 9 Sector AR has organised a medical camp at Andro as part of Operation Sadbhavana on January 12.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/goc-3-corps-in-state-on-twoday-visit/

By DNbir

IMPHAL, January 13: Over Rs. 43 lakhs sanctioned under the 13th Finance Commission has been allegedly misappropriated by the Autonomous District Council, Chandel in the name of developmental work in the district.

Of the total amount misappropriated Rs. 18,59,669 was meant for the construction of community hall at Aimol Chingnunghut and Rs. 25,00,000 for the construction of playground with gallery at Galngam Lentol at Moreh.

The total sum amounting to Rs. 43,59,669 was enchased on May 12, 2014 at the SBI Chandel district from the account number 11831653089 with cheque number 266708.

Surprisingly, it is learnt that the said two projects have already been completed and implemented after release of necessary funds under the Backward Region Grant Fund (BRGF) Ministry of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj in the year 2007-08 and 2009-2011 respectively.

At the time the total cost of the project was estimated to be Rs. 24,00,000 of which the construction of the community hall cost Rs. 8,00,000 and while the construction of playground with gallery at Galngam Lentol cost Rs. 16,00,000.

Meanwhile, the High Court of Manipur has issued a directive to the Ministry of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj to check alleged misappropriation.

The directive was issued on December 19, 2014 by a double bench comprising of Justice N Kotishwar and Justice Kh Nobin Singh, following a PIL (no.28 of 2014) filed with the Court.

Senior Advocate N Ibotombi, appeared on behalf of the counsel while Th Ibohal Singh advocate general appeared as a State respondents and S Rupachandra, ASG for respondent number 1 Ministry of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj.

In the PIL, the petitioner sought certain directions to be issued to the respondents regarding the alleged misappropriations of fund sanctioned under the 13th Finance Commission for the development of the hill areas, more particularly with reference to Chandel district and also for a direction to investigation the alleged misappropriation.

The petitioner pointed out that despite the completion of the project, the autonomous district council Chandel in its 75th executive committee meeting held on May 8, 2014 again proposed for construction of the said two projects and sought the intervention of the court in the matter.

Subsequently, the court observed that the petitioner would be at liberty to approach respondent No.1 (Ministry of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj) by submitting a detail representation highlighting his grievances with supporting documents. At the same time, the respondents shall consider the same and take appropriate action as it may deem fit in accordance with the law.

While counsel appearing on behalf of the petitioner agreed to submit the representation within three weeks, the court directed the respondent (no.1) to consider the representation within three months.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/misappropriation-of-over-rs-43-lakhs-slur-cast-on-adc-chandel/

IMPHAL, January 13: The first National Bio-Resources and Sustainable Development Summit will be held at the Institute of Bio-Resources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Takyelpat. This was announced by IBSD director Prof Dinabandhu Sahoo at a press briefing today at his office chamber. He also informed that large number of dignitaries have made confirmations about participating in the summit.

The major topics that will be discussed are the role of microbial resources in fermentation, bio-fertilizers, bio-pesticides, bioactive metabolites, the role of algae in food, feed, fodder, pharmaceuticals, bio-fuels and rural development, the role of animal resources such as insect, fish and avian fauna for food and other uses, the role of plant resources for medicinal, aromatic, agricultural and horticulture development, biodiversity conservation and management, and the role of various stakeholders in sustainable development.

Prof Sahoo said the inclusion of the North East Region in the list of mega-biodiversity hotspots of the world provided a fillip to the researchers, resource planners, environmental enthusiasts and the local think-tanks about stopping the depletion of biodiversity in the region and finding scientific ways of sustainable uses of bio-resources.

During his time as the director, he said, he wanted to save Siroi Lilly as a first priority and then the Loktak Lake as both are facing threats of extinction. He added that he also wanted to improve the productivity of black rice and orchids for importing these products in big markets.

`People are quite aware that the Loktak Lake faces a big threat but are not doing anything. It needs to be protected for improving its deteriorating condition. The Loktak Lake has been blessed with ample bio-resources which can be utilised in various arenas. It must be protected because it is the pride of the state and the country, and also because many people are depending on it for earning their livelihood,` he said, adding, `actions to protect Loktak Lake will be soon taken up.`

He highlighted that many natural resources are available in Manipur but people are not able to harness such natural bounty. Various projects can be taken up generating a lot of employment opportunities, he said, adding that the aim of IBSD is to make Manipur a role model for other states.

Managing Director of Aqu-Agri Processing Pvt Ltd, Abhiram Seth said that IBSD have lots of qualified experts from whom the people of the State can acquire knowledge and take advantage, adding that the land is quite fertile that can grow various crops but the agricultural lands remain uncultivated for long which is of grave concern as people here do only one-time cultivation in a year.

He further said that when he visited the marketplace at Imphal, he was quite shock to know that the prices of vegetables here are as high as vegetable prices in Delhi where nothing is grown.

The State has the capability to produce many crops and vegetables but only a few cultivates vegetables, he said, adding that the people must produce lots of vegetable and crops to improve their economy.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/saving-loktak-lake-and-siroy-lily-from-extinction-is-priority-isbd-director/

IMPHAL, Jan 12: Potsangbam Seilendhino Devi, 60, wife of late P Hem Singh of Vidyanagar the accused in the death of Yumnam Ongbi Indrani Devi, was remanded to police custody till January 15.

Seilendhino was produced before the JMIC Jiribam yesterday.

It may be recalled that on January 9 Yumnam Ongbi Indrani Devi, 38, wife of Y Babahal Singh was killed when she was kicked by Seilendhino (neighbour) on her stomach.

The deceased is said to be nine months pregnant.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/killer-woman-held/