Day: June 8, 2015

IMPHAL, Jun 8: At least one person was killed and four others including a woman suffered injuries when a Tata DI passenger vehicle they were travelling veered off track and fell into a gorge in a place between Rangkhong and Awangkhul along NH-37 (Imphal-Jiribam road) under Noney Police Station, Tamenglong district today around 8.30 am.

The deceased has been identified as Md Akhtar Hussain, 36 son of Late Md Ashafuddin Laskar from Silchar. He was working as a tyre fitter in Coastal Project Limited, a company engaged in the ongoing construction of railway line.

Reports said the ill-fated passenger vehicle was heading towards Imphal from Jiribam when its driver lost control while trying to stop the vehicle from moving backwards after climbing a stiff portion of the road and plunged into a deep gorge located around 15-km from Noney Police Station.

The four injured who were admitted to a nearby hospital for treatment are said to be out of danger. Police have registered a case in connection with the incident.

The dead body of the deceased has been preserved at JNIMS morgue for post mortem examination, the reports stated.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/one-killed-four-hurt-as-vehicle-plunges-into-gorge/

IMPHAL, June 8: The final hearing of the counter case against the Manipur Legislative Assembly`™s Speaker impersonation case, filed by the speaker Th Lokeshwar Singh himself has been fixed on June 17, by the Court of District and Sessions Judge Manipur East at the complex of Uripok Cheirap Court.

The criminal revision case number 4 of 2015 was filed by the Speaker against Namoijam Singhajit Singh who contested in the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly Election as a NCP candidate from the Khundrakpam Constituency in 2012.

Namoijam Singhajit now the respondent of the case had earlier filed a petition (Criminal (C) case no. 35 of 2015) against the Speaker before the Chief Judicial Magistrate Imphal East.

He had charged that the Speaker`™s name appear as `Oinam Lokeshwar Singh`™ not as Thokchom Lokeshwar in his MA (History) passed documents. But in the affidavit submitted to the Election Commission of India for contesting in the State Assembly election in 2012, the Speaker used the title `Thokchom`™.

During the hearing of the case today, the court told counsels of the respondent that Election Commission of India accepts affidavit submitted by the Speaker and asked under which provision it should be challenged.

Directing the counsels to prepare relevant documents and affidavit in this regard, the court fixed the final hearing of the case on June 17.

It may be mentioned that Speaker Th Lokeshwar was summoned by CJM Imphal East on April 16, 2015 however prior to his appearance on April 15 he filed a counter case with the District and Session judge Manipur East.

The District and Session Judge in its ruling on April 15 while fixing the hearing the criminal revision case number 4 of 2015, on June 6 stayed the earlier case with the CJM Imphal East.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/final-hearing-on-speakers-challenge-to-impersonation-case-fixed-on-june-17/

IMPHAL, June 8: Four candidates of the 12-Chandel DCC namely independent candidate Hulang David Anal, NPF candidate PS Ngamnung Anal, NPF; independent candidate HT Kilaching, and BJP candidate SR Ngamhlung have jointly clarified regarding a charge from another independent candidate about their indulgence in proxy voting during re-poll at 12/4 Kanankhu Polling Station.

It may be mentioned that after the re-poll on June 6, Sng Larson chief agent of independent candidate TS Willingson Anal had written to the DEO concern demanding disqualification of the four candidates on the ground of proxy votes and waving party flags within the polling area.

Meanwhile clarifying on the allegation Hulang David Anal said that it was unfortunate that they are falsely charged and said that the election which was held on June 1 was re-polled due to having evidence of proxy voting and high handedness of the said TS Willingson Anal as the polling station was located within the 20meters of his residence.

He said on the day of re-poll on June 6, the four candidates had jointly inspected the polling station at Kanankhu Primary School and then stayed away from the polling station in accordance with the norms put up by the election commission.

He further clarified that all five candidate had not defy any rules of the election commission and did not used any of their respective party flags within the restricted parameter of the polling area.

SR Ngamhlung submitted that the candidates stayed at a distance till the end of the polling time on the re-poll day and added that there are no evidence of any proxy voting as it was a free and fair voting.

He said that any concern can have survey or conduct interviews of the polling agents and other officials for fact finding.

During the press meet a chief agent Alex D remarked that before the ADC election a memorandum have submitted to the concern DC about the mentioned polling station Kanankhu Primary School and two other for shifting to other sites as those were hyper sensitively located but it was unfortunately not addressed. He also said that with the permission from the concern authority they have checked the ballot box and found no signs of proxy voting.

PS Ngamnung Anal and other candidates lamented the unfounded and baseless allegations charged by the TS Willingson.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/adc-candidates-clarify-on-proxy-voting-allegations/

IMPHAL, June 8: The agitation over the alleged murder and rape of Ningthoujam Rebika took a sudden twist today when locals of Heirok and Wangjing came close to a violent face-off over the alleged involvement of a Wangjing local identified as Bishe in the case.

However, police stepped in and fired several tear gas shells to defuse the tension and disperse the two sides.

At the same time Heirok MLA Moiranghtem Okendro who came to take stock of the situation faced the ire of the locals who pelted stones at his convoy damaging his car`™s windshield.

According to information culled from today`™s incident site, around 7:30 am, locals of Wangjing started doing a publicity round using loudspeakers to convene a public meeting against the burning down of Bishe`™s house.

The locals also blocked the IVR connecting Wangjing and Heirok against allegations of Ningthoujam Bishe`™s involvement in the killing of Rebika and the subsequent burning down of his house by a mob from Rebika`™s locality on June 6.

Infuriated on getting information about the road block, Heirok locals also came out in full strength to confront the Wangjing locals while declaring that the latter`™s upheaval against the public of Heirok is inappropriate and inconsequent at a time when the burning issue is the rape and murder of a 25-year-old woman.

Even as the two sides were standing face to face for a confrontation, a huge Thoubal police team including commandos arrived and dispersed the Wangjing locals by firing tear gas shells.

On the other hand, a face-off ensued between the police and the Heirok locals near the Wangjing Awang Leikai.

The police needed additional force and also fired tear gas shells, rubber bullets and live bullets to disperse the protestors. The protestors also fired sling-shots and pelted stones towards the police. The police-protestors showdown lasted for around three hours.

The police however managed to turn back the protestors towards their village.

During the commotion, more than 20 persons including two women were injured and around 28 protestors of Heirok were arrested by the police. The arrested were released later in the day.

However, many of the 28 arrested and released had to be taken to the Heirok CHC for treatment after they complained of undergoing severe beatings from the police.

Two of them were also referred and taken to RIMS for further treatment.

In the meantime, around 10:20 am, local MLA Moiranghtem Okendro arrived with his escort team at Heirok Part II Laimayum area to talk with the protestors.

However, the protestors angered by his late arrival pelted stones damaging the windshields of the MLA`™s government allotted Verna car bearing regd no MN 01W 8688.

This made the MLA turn back and return without stopping, however, the protestors besieged the three Gypsy vehicles (bearing regd nos N 01 W 3024, MN 01 W 3025 and MN 01 X 3408) of 1st MR DGP pool escorting the minister and released them only after damaging the windshields.

The minister was later escorted by a Thoubal Cdo team upto Imphal.

It may be mentioned that N Bisojit alias Bise son of (L) N Tombi of Wangjing Tekcham Leikai had called a press conference yesterday clarifying his innocence in the killing of Rebika. He had said that he was released by the police who picked him up for enquiry on the incident on June 6, the day when a mob protesting the killing had burned down the houses of three suspects including Bishe`™s.

On the other hand, the JAC formed in connection to the death of Rebika has condemned today`™s confrontation between the locals of the two villagers as unfortunate.

During a press conference held this evening at Heirok, JAC member Kh Sini said the incident was unfortunate however, the use of loudspeakers for a publicity round by the Wangjing villagers had started the confrontation.

He continued that the JAC had high hopes that the Chief Minister will not take lightly Rebika`™s killing and punish all the culprits at the earliest. He added that the IO of the case had also assured to fully investigate the case.

The JAC and the family will not demand ex-gratia and it is the firm stand of the JAC to fight without violence to get justice in the case, he said.

He said the JAC had failed to covey its stand to the people of Heirok.

Meanwhile, the alleged rape and murder of Rebika has been condemned by All Manipur Nupi Marup and its Thoubal branch, Kairembikhok Nupi Samaj, Women in Governance, Thoubal Chapter among others.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/police-fend-off-impending-wangjingheirok-clash-mob-damages-minister-okendros-car/

IMPHAL, June 8: Families of the four hunters of Tonsen Khullen in Chandel district who have failed to return after they went hunting and fishing near Moltuk area on June 3 have submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner, Chandel to extend administrative support in finding the missing persons.

Following the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner immediately wrote to the Army commander for allowing search parties to look for them.

The family members also sought an appointment to meet the IG of 26 Sector Assam Rifles. However, a Major met the aggrieve party on behalf of the IG to receive the memorandum and informed them that a body found yesterday from the ambush site is not that of any of the missing persons.

Meanwhile, a wife of one of the hunters fainted during the meeting with the DC and had to be taken to the Chandel District Hospital where she is presently undergoing treatment.

The four hunters are K Rajamani Kom, 55, son of (L) Thonglen Kom, Y Mandana Kom, 39, son of Y Ibochou Kom, Yumnam Koireng, 30, son of Y Ibochou and Sr Koko Kom, 29, son of Sr Sanahongba Kom.

Our Kangpokpi Correspondent adds: The Komrem Union Manipur (North East India) today avidly pleaded with the security forces engaged in the extensive operation against the militants after the Paraolon (Chandel) ambush not to harm the four hunters from Tonsen Khullen if they happen to come upon them.

Lalkhomang Serto, President KRUM (NEI) in a press statement said it is our humble appeal to the security personnel involving in the extensive operation not to harm the four hunters if they happen to encounter them and hand over them to their families at the earliest so as to relief their families from their worries plead the union president.

Strongly condemning the ambush in which 18 army personnel were killed and others were severely injured, the union deeply condoles on the death of the soldiers who sacrificed their precious life for maintaining peace, law and order in Manipur while sharing the grief and pain of the deceased families.

`Violence brings no solution`, said the KRUM (NEI) supremo while appealing both security personnel and insurgents to respect the right to life of every human being in their conducts.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/families-of-missing-hunters-seek-administrative-help-to-find-them/

CHANDEL, June 7: A sit-in-protest against deadly attack of the Indian security forces that killed 18 soldiers and many other injured on June 4 near Paraolon village in Chandel district was held at the Chandel DC Lamkhai today.

Organised under the aegis of Chandel Civil Society, representatives of various frontal organisation women from different tribes, village chiefs and pastor took part in the protest.

A memorandum condemning the brutal attack which was addressed to the Union Minister of Home Affairs was submitted to the Deputy Commissioner of Chandel Robert Khetrimayum Singh

The Challong village authority has also strongly condemned the ambush.

The village authority in press note jointly signed by village chief SK James and secretary LV Molarson saluted and extended heartfelt condolence and solidarity to the near and dear ones of the departed soldiers.

It said the service of the soldiers to the nation and the people of the area and the Challong village in particular will remain forever.

`We also like to share that we have a friendly relation with the regiment and will not let any other agency to derail those ties. We have been safe and were able to live peacefully under their protection. We are also ready to cooperate with their initiative to make the area peaceful`, the statement added.

Further stating that the people of Sulam area yearned for peace, the village authority appealed to the groups not to repeat such kind of act in the future.

The United Naga Council, Chandel Naga People`™s Organisation (CNPO), Naga Women Union, Tribe presidents in a joint meeting held today at CNPO`™s office also condemned the ambush.

Condemning the deadly attack in the strongest term the joint meeting said that any underground groups must not upset the people for creating war in the peaceful zone.

The meeting condoled and mourned the loss of 18 security forces and shared deepest sorrows to the bereaved families of the soldiers. It also prayed and wished speedy recovery of the injured.

The meeting also deliberated on the combing operation launch by the Indian forces during which it said that the operation has to be done according to the order of court and women police must be deployed in the operational areas.

The meeting further appealed for the safe return of 4 villagers of Tonsen Khullen who were reported missing from June 3 while going for hunting.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/chandel-civil-societies-protest-ambush/

By Paojel Chaoba

IMPHAL, June 8: In 2000, he left Imphal with just around Rs 14,000. In a strange land, he swept floors just to survive, he was with his better half and they subsisted on just one square meal a day. This man returned to Manipur to build a textile factory and he opened his showroom at Thangmeiband today with his own brand titled `Manipur Creations.`™

This is a brief story of Koijam Vasunraz, a self made man, textile entrepreneur. He owns a factory at Tirupur, a district of Tamil Nadu and also known as the `textile city`™ of India. There, he has a work staff of more than 200 employees. In his power looms, he has made such designer apparel with names like Van Heusen ,Pantaloon, Polo etc. He opened his own brand titled `Manipur Creations`™ and the apparels are designed by his better half , Koijam Sanjita, `Behind every successful man they say there is a woman ! For me, it was her, she is my strength !` Vasunraz said.

Today, Vasunraz and Sanjita opened their showroom at Thangmeiband near DM college campus, and a visibly impressed Industry minister, K Govindas inaugurated the shop. In a true rag to riches story which could inspire every youth seeking a job in the State, Vasunraz`™s ability to fight the odds and establish his presence in untested waters proves that when there is a will,there is indeed a way.

He has acquired land measuring 25,000 sq feet at Phumlou Siphai , Lamshang, Imphal West for building his factory. Besides this, he has also been offered another 10,000 sq feet of work space with dedicated power supply at Takyel Industrial estate by the State government.

Vasunraz said that the objective of opening up a factory is not entirely about profit alone but to start an industrial revolution assuring jobs and promoting the State through its colourful attires.

`We have produced garments at par with other renowned companies. We will compete with any other brand available in Manipur. The theme is to promote the handloom and handicraft of Manipur, my showroom design is based on our cultural heritage, the straw roofing and the bamboo, cane etc. used is to further promote the craftsmen who are dying out due to unemployment.` He added that his carry bags are also made from recycled paper to conserve the environment.

At the function today, minister Govindas said that Vasunraj is a promising entrepreneur of the state. He applauded that the modest showroom will expand to the rest of the other districts and will have a good market in future, which will also generate employment from the public. `I want to encourage this entrepreneur and have given him all the necessary infrastructure to do so, in the hope that there will be more employment generation in the State, we need more investors like him to promote the Industry sector in Manipur. I applaud his courage and determination of setting up a factory here. We cannot let his factory die away either, this is the land of economic blockade, bands which is a hindrance to progress, to development, there can be various agitations, but the economic blockade is dangerous starting from farmer to the businessmen of the State, it is our sole loss and hinders all development. Blockades and Bandhs are a number one enemy of the State.` Govindas said.

The minister mentioned that all major departments of the State are tying up together to form a program to eradicate unemployment in the State. `We want to explore the potential of the resources of this State, a Fragrance and Flavor development centre is coming up for the second time in the country. We have so much potential but don`™t know how to utilize it.`™ He added that a positive change will happen in the industry sector by next year.

MLA of Thangmeiband constituency , Kh Joykishan said that he never expected a Manipuri to have the capability of running a factory in another state of India. He said that our state is not self reliant and that we survive on the money given from the centre, however if we prioritize on developing industry and entrepreneurship, we can improve the financial condition of the State and along with it the living standards of the public.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/textile-son-of-manipur-to-start-first-hosiery-factory-in-state/

IMPHAL, June 8: A day after the National Investigation Agency commenced its probe of the June 4 ambush site with a spot enquiry, a forensic expert team of the agency led by a high level officer arrived in the State today.

It is also learnt that a team of the agency led by an inspector general level officer will be arriving in the State to inspect the ongoing investigation of the NIA.

A reliable source has informed IFP that the forensic expert team has brought along several high-tech equipments and will be joining the six-member team of the agency, already in the State, in the investigation.

The forensic experts will examine the gun, empty cases of bullets and empty shells of lathod gun recovered from the ambush site and will determine the details of the origination, year of manufacturing, power etc of the weapons recovered so far, the source said.

The source also informed that some individuals have been picked up during the combing operation conducted by the security forces which has been continuing in the area ever since the ambush.

The individuals are under stern interrogation to verify whether they are civilians or UG cadres involved in the ambush, the source added.

It may also be mentioned that 11 individuals were picked up yesterday during the operation, however, they were individually identified by the ADC chandel as civilians and later released.

It may be mentioned that a combined team of the NSCN/GPRN, KYKL and KCP had laid an ambush on a convoy of the 6 Dogra regiment of Moltuk post on June 4 in between Charlong Village and Paraolon Village, 35 kms from the Tengnoupal Police Station along the New Somtal Road in Chandel district killing 18 personnel including an assistant commandant and injuring scores of others.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/nia-forensic-experts-arrive-to-help-earlier-team-in-probe/