Day: May 7, 2015

IMPHAL, 06 May: The United Committee Manipur has condemned yesterday`™s Pallel shooting incident stating that such act of targeting a religious procession is an act of sin.

Speaking to media persons, UCM organisation secretary Yk Dhiren said the incident was very unfortunate.

The press meet was held at the committee`™s office located at Lamphel.

He also said that the ugly aftermath of the incident is also regrettable. The UCM has taken stock of the situation during a visit to the area and met with the elders of the surrounding villages, he added.

The UCM team had also met with the Aimol Satu village chief in charge Khupler who has assured to cooperate in finding the culprit at the earliest, he continued.

The UCM, at the same time, appeal to the concern authorities of the State government for timely intervention to avoid any communal disharmony, he stated.

Dhiren also said that the committee shares the grief of the victim`™s family and injured individuals.

All Manipur United Clubs Organisation has also condemned the incident and stated that it will support all demands put forth by the JAC formed in connection with the unfortunate incident.

Speaking to media persons at the organisation`™s office at Kwakeithel this evening, AMUCO president Mani Khuman said AMUCO along with the United Peoples`™ Front, MAPI Council, Macha Leima, Discovery Manipur and NIPCO will support the charter of demand issued by the JAC to produce the culprits by tomorrow to bring normalcy in the area.

Condemning the act, he put pressure on the State government to book the culprit according the law of the book and said the incident has created an air of uneasiness among the people of the State especially in the Pallel area.

He further continued that the culprits should themselves surrender voluntarily before the law in order to avoid any communal outrage.

Mani further appealed to all communities to respect the sentiments of each and every community and to maintain peace and harmony.

The Umanglai Kangba Apunba Lup (UKAL) has also warned of collective action under `Nat and Chatnabi`™, if the government fails to arrest the culprits behind the indiscriminate shooting at a religious group last night at Pallel by 5pm of May 7.

Unidentified miscreants had opened indiscriminate firing at a group of people taking part in Lai Chingdokpa of Nongpok Ningthou and Sekmai Ningthou Lai Haraoba at a place between Pallel and Aimol village killing one and injuring four. The injured are presently undergoing treatment at RIMS and another at Raj Medicity.

Speaking to media persons at the UKAL office, Lailup & UKAL convener Matum Nganba said we condemn such attack on peaceful religious proceedings and demand immediate justice from the government.

He further declared that the victim of the shooting incident `Moirangthem Gopal`™ has been accorded the `Umang laigi Athoiba Mapari title and his death anniversary will be observed as `the day the Meitei Culture was challenged.`

Matum Nganba also urged all `Laiharoaba`™ celebrations to observe a 10-minute of condolence for the victim.

Meanwhile, the All Manipur Ethnical Socio-Cultural Organisation (AMESCO) has also strongly condemned the Pallel incident.

A press release of AMESCO has said that it also condoled the demise of Moiranthem Gopal of Pallel Mayai Leikai who was killed during the firing and also shared the grievances of the family members of the deceased.

All sections of the society should condemn the incident and the perpetrators should be arrested and punished according to the law, it said.

It has further appealed to the security forces posted along the highway to remain vigil against such crimes instead of just patrolling the highway.

AMESCO has also demanded that the perpetrators be arrested at the earliest, and compensations be paid to the victim as well as those injured at the earliest.

The government should also ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future, it said.

At the same time, a women-based organisation of the Aimol tribe Aimol Numeivar today staged a sit in protest decrying the killing of a devotee and injuring four others in the unfortunate incident of miscreants shooting at a religious procession at Pallel yesterday.

The demonstration was staged at the Aimol Tampak Waiting Shed in Chandel district.

A large number of women were seen holding placards condemning the unfortunate incident.

Speaking to the media persons, president of the organisation, Ch Leena Aimol said that the association strongly condemned the unfortunate incident and also shares the grief of the victim`™s family as well as the injured persons.

The people of Aimol also have no dispute and objection against the villagers of Pallel in organising such religious rituals at Laithokching, she added.

While assuring to extend all possible assistance in booking the culprit (s), she also clarified that the unfortunate incident could be committed by miscreants who were intoxicated.

She further appealed to the perpetrators to consider the hardships faced by the villagers and surrender themselves voluntarily at the earliest.

One of the protestor, Ln Romila told media persons that the people of the area also regretted the unwanted incident and that it would be unjust to hide such perpetrators. The villagers will extend whatever necessary assistance they could to book the culprits, she added.

While seeking the support and co-operation from all sides to book the culprit, she also maintained that the women organisation has resolved to banish the perpetrators from the area once their identities are decided.

The Molnoi Area Welfare Council (MAWC) and Kuki Chiefs`™ Association (KCA), Tengnoupal have condemned in the strongest terms the attack on Lai Haraoba devotees at Pallel on the fateful night of April 5 that led to the killing of a devotee and injuring four others.

In a joint statement, the bodies viewed the incident as the handiwork of anti-social elements aimed at destroying social harmony and peaceful co-existence in the area and appealed to not put the blame on tribals of the area or the whole Aimol population especially to the villagers of Aimol Satu and Aimol Chingnunghut in the interest of peace and harmony.

Culprit (s) must comply with the demands of the victim families/JAC by paying ex-gratia and adequate compensation at the earliest in order to diffuse the crisis. Molnol Area Welfare Council and Kuki Chiefs`™ Association are ready to assist the victim parties in any possible way, the statement said.

It also appealed to the government to promptly intervene and bring a lasting solution to the problem in the interest of the common people.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/csos-demand-arrest-of-lai-haraoba-firing-perpetrators/

IMPHAL, May 6: A joint meeting of locals of Pallel was convened at Ibuthou Sengmai Ningthou and Nongpok Ningthou Shanglen on May 5 at 11 pm in connection with the unprovoked firing on a crowd who were performing Lai Lamthokpa for Lai Haraoba on May 5 night killing a man besides injuring four others.

The meeting presided over by Up-Pradhan of Pallel Gram Panchayat adopted certain resolutions regarding the incident.

It unanimously resolved to form a 13-member Joint Action Committee christened as `JAC Against the Killing of Moirangthem Gopal and Other Victims`™ in connection with the incident of firing.

The meeting also resolved to call a state-wide general strike on April May 6 and impose indefinite bandh on Aimol road along National Highway 102 to condemn the fatal firing.

To not accept the dead body of the deceased, compensation of Rs 15 lakh for the deceased and Rs 5 lakh for the injured victims, urge the government to bear medical expenditures for the injured victims, compensation of Rs 15 lakh for halting the Lai Haraoba mid-way, to send written statement to all the cultural organizations about the incident etc are some of the resolutions adopted during the joint meeting

Meanwhile, subsequent upon its formation, the JAC has submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister O Ibobi urging to take up necessary action against those involved in the killing of M Gopal Singh son of Late M Gourachandra, who lost his life when some unidentified persons opened fire on a group of people while they were taking out Lai Haraoba procession at Pallel Lai Lamthokching on May 5 around 8.30 pm.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/pallel-jac-imposes-indefinite-bandh-along-nh-102/

IMPHAL, May 6: A group of former cadres of the KYKL, PLA and UNLF who had surrendered before the government has submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister on May 5 seeking implementation of their rehabilitation scheme, which they said had been assured to them during their surrender programme.

Speaking to media persons at the Manipur Press Club today, they threatened to resort to legal recourse if the government fails to consider their appeal.

`The Government has befooled us with false assurance of government jobs and normal mainstreaming but till date we are left high and dry without any avenues for survival and protection forthcoming` lamented Wahengbam Premananda Singh alias Ranjan alias Ipu during the press meeting.

Another member Ningthoujam Thoiba alias Gopen said, `An SDPO had wooed us into giving up arms and with great risk we had surrendered before the government trusting that the government will safeguard us and provide us a livelihood.`

Eight of us from KYKL surrendered with four pistols, however, till date the government has not given us any incentive even for these small arms, said Akoijam Bashanta Meitei alias Fighter.

He continued, `We face a lot of discrimination in society; as such our livelihood options are narrowed. Our mobility is also constrained by the threats from our former groups.`

Wahengbam Premananda stated, `In dire state I had gone to earn as a casual labourer in Wangoi but I was rearrested by Thoubal Police. I was released some seven months back and yet I am ordered to report every Sunday.`

They said they had surrendered in June 2012, January 2013, March 2013 and April 2013 in small groups during lavished celebrations hosted by the State government and were promised of jobs and protection, but now most of us work as masons.

We deserted our respective underground groups with the assurance of the government to support our mainstreaming but we are shocked at their total apathy to our deplorable situation. Such indifference with discourage others to surrender in future, said Khangembam Joychandra alias Joyradha alias Mangalpiba.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/former-militants-threaten-legal-recourse-against-state/

IMPHAL, May 6: Prime Minster Narendra Modi headed BJP Government of India had already assured that the Alternative Arrangement will work out within a time frame but if the assurance turns out to be a delaying tactics, different forms of agitation will be launched in consultation with the tri-council, said president of United Naga Council, Gaidon Kamei.

He was speaking during the 5th death anniversary observance of Neli Chakho and Dikho Loshuo who were killed by bullets of security forces during a rally.

The observance held today at Martyrs Park, Mao Gate was jointly organized by Mao Council; Naga Students`™ Association Manipur; Mao Students`™ Union under the aegis of United Naga Council.

Family members and other paid floral wreaths at the park.

Gaidon further said that seven rounds of talk have been held with the UNC regarding the demand for Alternative Arrangement while reiterating that the Government of India during the last round of talk had given commitment to translate the Alternative Arrangement into a reality.

`Government of India should expedite the peace process (Alternative Arrangement) on time bound manner otherwise it is not possible to live together in the State of Manipur under the communal forces and there is no scope for future for Nagas. The history, land, culture, and identity of Naga is not safe in the hand of communal government`, he said.

Pointing out that that the Indo-Naga peace process has now reached 17 years without any settlement, the president of UNC said that failure to bring a settlement to the peace process is due to the lack of political commitment on part of the Government of India.

The Naga people are still hopeful for a final solution soon though considerable amount of time had been passed, he added.

He also mentioned that unity amongst Naga people especially those residing in `South Nagalim`™ regarding Alternative Arrangement demand has further strengthened following the death of the two persons.

`Without Alternative Arrangement outside the Government of Manipur which is still pending, there is no other option for the Nagas in Manipur. The Government of India should pay maximum attention to bring a solution to the long standing demand`, he said.

He recalled that general secretary of NSCN GPRN Th Muivah who is also the chief negotiator cum atokilonser of the outfit was given permission by the Government of India to visit his native village at Somtal but his journey was halted at Mao Gate by Government of Manipur.

In its attempt, the Government of Manipur sent a large number of security forces who disrupted the peaceful rally and killed the two persons besides injuring several others, he said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/unc-cautions-stir-over-aa-demand/

THOUBAL, May 6: The perpetrators of last night`™s firing incident at Pallel will be expelled from their respective villages, it they are found to be from Aimol Satu or any other Aimol villages, declared Aimol Satu village church member L Simon today.

Speaking to media persons, Simon said the incident is unfortunate.

Since sometimes back, women of the villages have been keeping vigil at night due to some land disputes between Aimol villages, he said.

Allegations that yesterday`™s crime at Pallel was perpetrated by people from the Aimol tribe could be an attempt of some miscreants to create communal disturbances, he claimed adding that anyone from the village if found involved in the crime would be expelled from the village for life.

At the same time, the village condemns the police action of trying to arrest an Aimol youth without any proper evidence, he continued.

The police cannot arrest anyone without any proper evidence and proof, he observed.

At the same time, the village will provide all possible help to punish the perpetrators, Simon said adding that the police cannot however arrest anyone based on hearsay.

Meanwhile, the Aimol Tribe Union Manipur has also strongly condemned the incident.

According to the statement signed by Union president S. Munthuireng Aimol, the Aimol community and Pallel Meitei community have been loving each other and extended cooperation to one another for the last many decades. The Aimol Tribe still supports and undisturbed the Laiharaoba rituals.

It further stated that the Aimols are not only unaware of the incident happened last night and it does not instigate anyone to do so. While terming the incidence as `unfortunate`™ for all community, it wanted the Culprit to be booked at the earliest and further stated that the Aimol tribes will extend fullest cooperation to the concern authority in booking the culprit.

Meanwhile, reacting on the newspaper report published in some local dailies regarding the diktat of some militants in connection with the ensuing ADC elections, the Aimol Tribe Union Manipur has appealed for holding free and fair elections.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/aimol-villagers-involved-in-shooting-incident-will-be-expelled-from-village/

IMPHAL, May 6: In the aftermath of the Pallel incident and amidst the subsequent curfew imposed under CrPc Section 144 by District Magistrate Thoubal in areas covering Kakching Lamkhai up to Pallel, locals of Pallel took out to the streets today demanding arrest of those involved in the unprovoked firing that killed one individual and left four injured.

According to reports, the protesters who were large in number confronted police near Pallel-Chandel crossing area. As they resisted retreating, police resorted to firing tear gas shells and mock bombs to disperse them. Around seven persons including two women were hurt in the police action.

Despite strong attempts of the police to disperse them, the protesters did not retreat till late evening.

The injured persons have been identified as O Tombi, 50 of Pallel Khongnang Makhong; M Amujao, 24 of Pallel Maning Leikai; M Kengba, 25 of Pallel Khongnang Makhong; T Inakhunbi Leima, 52 of Pallel Doctor Maning; M Kiran, 35 of Pallel Maning Leikai; L Premjeet, 26 of Pallel Mayai Leikai and M Akash, 27 of Pallel Maning Leikai.

A team of police including SP Thoubal, K Radheshyam; SP Chandel, N Herojit and other top officers is being stationed at the area where the incident of firing took place to foil any unwanted activities.

Personnel of Thoubal Police Commando have also been stationed at Pallel as part of a strict security measure, reports stated.

Meanwhile, SDO Club Pallel has adopted a strong resolution of entering into Aimol village by locals of Pallel to pull up those involved in the fatal firing in case the perpetrators are not arrested by the police by May 6.

Addressing a press meet at Ibudhou Sengmai Ningthou and Ibudhou Nongpok Ningthou Shanglen at Pallel Laikon Leikai today, secretary of SDO Club Sachin Takhellambam Mangang claimed that there are eyewitnesses of the firing incident at the sacred Lai Haraoba site.

He identified the alleged shooters as Langshalel Aimol of Aimol Satu; Augustin Aimol of Aimol Chingnunghut and Mangthaliam Aimol of Aimol Chingnunghut.

Denouncing the indecent remarks passed by Pallel Police to the locals who went to file a complaint at Pallel Police Station following the incident, the club secretary appealed to the civil society organizations to extend help in arresting the perpetrators.

He cautioned that locals of Pallel will boycott Aimol people if the perpetrators are not handed over by the village authority at the earliest.

He also demanded the government to provide ex-gratia for the deceased and made it clear that Aimol people should refund the expenses incurred in observing the Lai Haraoba as it had been halted mid-way.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/mobpolice-faceoff-leaves-seven-injured/

LAMKA, May 6: BJP`™s internal discord seems to only deepen ahead of the June 1 ADC election as three party members claimed before the press at Lamka that they were first selected as candidates for the party and then unceremoniously removed.

Jahovah Malsom of Lungthulien, Laltlangmawi of Phurpui and Lalroupiang Hmar of Parbung called a press conference today expressing anger over their alleged removal from the list of BJP`™s selected candidate list.

They said they were first assured party tickets for the upcoming election but later denied by the BJP State president Th Chaoba and the general secretary (Administration) M Ashwinikumar and general secretary (organisation) Basanta Sharma.

The State leaders of the party are not regarding the party norms of consulting the mandals and district units for selection of candidates, they charged.

Lalroupiang said he was once again offered the party ticket which he denied as the president was not acting under party norms.

The three have said that they have now filed their nominations as independent candidates. They also alleged that the State leadership has not taken into account the interest of the people of the Hills, where the election is to be held which is an insult to the Hills people.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/bjps-internal-discord-surfaces-at-ccpur/

IMPHAL, May 6: Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam has assured that the culprits involved in the Pallel firing incident in which one person was killed and four injured will be booked within two days from today.

He told media persons that the Chief Minister has also met with the JAC formed in connection with the incident around 11 am today, and at the same time, the concerned MLAs and top police officials are discussing the incident.

An amicable solution could be brought during the meeting, he said.

Gaikhangam also said that according to police officials, the incident occurred due to an altercation between some youth of Pallel and Aimol villages.

During the altercation some of them brought out firearms and started shooting, however, the intended targets moved out and the bullets hit the innocent devotees participating in the Lailam Thokpa procession, Gaikhangam continued.

Now, we have directed the police to hunt down the persons who fired the guns towards the people, he said adding that the culprits would be arrested by tomorrow first morning.

He further said it would be better for the culprits to surrender before the police, and that a DIG level officer has already started investigation on the incident.

The State government has already urged the Centre to intervene in the issue regarding land encroachment at Dzuko from the Nagaland side, Gaikhangam told the media persons.

Since the inter-State boundary is under the purview of the Centre, the boundary issue has to be settled by the Centre, he said.

The deputy Chief Minister was speaking on the sideline of the 223rd Birth Anniversary of Maharaj Narasingh at Sagolband Mabudhou Mantri Leikai today.

The observation was organised by Maharaja Narasingh Memorial Committee, Imphal and Shri Shri Gopinathjee Temple Board, Nongmeibung under the aegis of department of Manipur Art and Culture.

Speaking as the chief guest at the function deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam stated that a heart to heart connection between the people of the State should be the first priority in bringing a peaceful environment.

The State is no less than any other State as it is a God-gifted State with multiple talents in the field of art and culture, intellectual, sports and in various others he added.

But maintaining a little bit of discipline, work culture, honesty and sincerity will help the people of the state to fight against all odds he asserted.

Gaikhangam also lauded Maharaja Narasingh and said his administrative skills was incredible and that is why the different communities of the State continue to live as one till today.

During the function, awards were also given to eight persons from different fields such as sports, topper of HSLC exam, art and culture, police service, teaching, study of agriculture, children home, Rupmahal Theatre.

The function was also attended by E Sonamani Singh, IAS (Retd) Sahitya Academy Awardee and president Maharaja Narasingh Memorial Committee and R K Imo Singh MLA, Sagolband A/C as the president and guest of honour.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/gaikhangam-assures-early-arrest-of-culprits-in-pallel-shooting-case/

IMPHAL, May 6: BJP Manipur Pradesh president Th Choba has claimed that yesterday`™s cabinet meeting of the government was in total violation of the model code of conduct which is in place ever since the election notification for the ADC election was issued on April 30.

Speaking to media persons in this regard at the party`™s Nityaipat Chuthek, Chaoba said the decisions taken by the cabinet including appointment of teachers, supply of urea of farmers, direct purchase of land for government schemes, etc could influence the people of the hills who will be going to the polls on June 1.

The BJP, he said, has already submitted a written complaint to the State Election Commission against the government regarding the violation of the model code of conduct.

He condemned that the Congress government is trying to influence the voters with false assurances, and further demanded that the government should resign on moral grounds.

He continued when the State government is reeling under financial constrain and unable to even provide the monthly salaries of its employees, how will it buy land.

He further demanded that the government should clarify before the public as to how it is going to buy land.

Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam has been time and again announced that the Congress government stands for the territorial integrity of the State, but the party has cowered before a UG group on a mere threat to its candidates and failed to even field party candidates in all district council constituencies, Chaoba said.

Instead of confronting the situation, the Congress seems to have cowered before the UG group, he said.

The government should provide proper security to all candidates of all different political parties, he demanded.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/chaoba-charges-govt-of-violating-election-code-of-conduct/