July 30, 2015 – Page 3

Inhuman punishment

Yakub Abdul Memon, one of the accused in the Bombay serial blasts of 1993, was hanged to death early this morning inside the Nagpur jail where he was interned. Memon

Yakub Abdul Memon, one of the accused in the Bombay serial blasts of 1993, was hanged to death early this morning inside the Nagpur jail where he was interned. Memon was convicted of the charge of financing the bomb blasts which killed 257 people and injured another 713. His brother `Tiger` Memon and notorious Mumbai gangster Dawood Ibrahim, were believed to be the masterminds of the mayhem, but both are in hiding out of the country. It is now known that Yakub Memon was formally arrested in 1994 from the New Delhi railway station, though he had earlier been whisked away by Indian sleuths from Kathmandu where he had allegedly come to consult his lawyers for possible routes for his acquittal in the case. He was sentenced to death in July 2007 along with 11 others. Twenty others were also sentenced to life imprisonment for involvement in the same crime. In 2013, the Supreme Court commuted the death sentences of all except Memon to life imprisonment. The court upheld Memon`™s sentence citing `his commanding position in the crime of utmost gravity` warranted no less.
We are no authority to comment on the guilt or otherwise of Memon in the dastardly Bombay serial blasts. It was however distressing to see such a sharp and irreconcilably polarised divide in the opinions of the country on the matter of his execution. One camp was rejoicing, describing this as justice done to what they called the `collective conscience` of the country. The same misplaced overflow of triumphal nationalism that we all witnessed during the June 8 cross border military strike into Myanmar, which later proved to be a damp squib, was seen repeated all over again. Memon probably was not innocent of the crime, but all the same this kind of reaction, we must say, was distasteful, and we say this in the belief death is nothing to be celebrated. The other camp is not a monolithic block. Some agree Memon would have had a part in the crime but were opposed to the death penalty on ethical grounds. Others who also do not dispute Memon would have been guilty, still wanted him spared on the `quality of mercy` plea that Shakespearean heroin Portia in `The Merchant of Venice` made immortal: `The quality of mercy is not strain`d,/ It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven/ Upon the place beneath:/ it is twice blest;/ It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.` Alas, the nation it seems does not have the patience for the poetry. Yet others take the extreme stand that Memon was not guilty and was framed to pacify what was vaunted by those seeking his death as the `collective conscience` of the nation.

We would probably stand with those who think Capital punishment is too vengeful and cruel. It also serves no purpose in terms of fighting crime than to satisfy the atavistic bloodlust defined by the principle of `an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth`. Death penalty has never been an adequate deterrent against crime either, and no country which has it, including the United States, has seen a decline in crimes punishable by death. We would also go for the `quality of mercy` plea, in the faith that mercy does bless the receiver as well as the giver, and equally that refusing it harms both spiritually. In this sense, commuting Memon`™s death sentence to one of life imprisonment would not have been about saving a life only, but about India giving itself grace. This alas was also not to be.
On the cruelty of the death sentence, no other has argued it more powerfully and convincingly than by another character in a work of art `“ Prince Muishkin in Dostoyevsky`™s `The Idiot`. The horror, he says, is not so much in the pain of the execution, but the murder of hope for life. He argues that the most dreadful experience the convict is made to face is not the execution itself, but the time between the execution and the pronouncement of his death sentence. For this reason, the crime of murder is less cruel than the death sentence, for in a murder, the victim even when his throat is cut, still clings on to hope that he/she will survive, and that is his salvation to the last. This salvation is not there for the man on death row. A soldier who can defy death in battlefield will breakdown and resign if his death sentence were to be read out to him, he says further. Imagine what must have gone through the mind of Memon yesterday night, knowing he would be hanged by morning. Capital punishment is too inhuman, and we would agree with the prince that no humane society must endorse it.

Leader Writer: Pradip Phanjoubam

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/inhuman-punishment/

Government negligence causing apprehensions of flood: BJP

IMPHAL, July 30: The recent incessant rainfall in the State has created much apprehension of flood among the people especially in Thoubal area, BJP Manipur Pradesh general secretary Media L

IMPHAL, July 30: The recent incessant rainfall in the State has created much apprehension of flood among the people especially in Thoubal area, BJP Manipur Pradesh general secretary Media L Bashanta Sharma told media persons today.

He said this is because of the misgovernance of the Congress government in the State.

Speaking to media persons, he said the panic among the people would not have been there had the IFC department been doing its work properly.

Apprehension of fear of flood among the public would have been far lesser had the IFC department released water of the Ithai Barrage routinely, he observed.

Unfortunately, due to the negligence of the department, farmers of Thoubal area have to face much hardship as their paddy fields have been inundated by the recent rain, he asserted.

Various fields in Wabagai Keirak, hiyanglam, Arong Nongmaikhong and others have been submerged under flood, he said.

The Congress doesn`™t care for the people, he warned.

He said if the present government, which enjoys an absolute majority of 48 members in the 60-member House, had any interest for the people of the State, there could have been much development in the State.

But unfortunately, the present government thinks only of themselves and not for the people, he alleged.

Now the failure of the government to ensure quality control in the development projects undertaken in the State has resulted in the collapse of dam in Sekmai, controversial leakages of the yet to be completed Thoubal multi-purpose Dam, collapse of bridge at Heirok, he alleged.

If the government had properly maintained quality according to the fund reflected in the DPR of the projects, such unwarranted collapsing of dams and bridges would have been averted, he observed.

Now that not much time has been left for the third term of the present government to end, the government should take quality control steps of projects immediately, he observed.

He continued, the longest bridge of the State Serou Bridge has been submerged under water due to the recent incessant rainfall.

The bridge is constructed over the Chakpi River. Many houses and paddy fields have also been submerged under water in the area.

Meanwhile, villagers of Serou, Sugunu, Nungu and Tangjeng have drawn the attention of State government to look into their plights.

MDMPDVC supports MDACTO agitation against Mapithel Dam

IMPHAL, July 30: The Mapithel Dam Multipurpose Project Displaced Villages Committee (MDMPDVC) has said that in a unanimous move on July 29, the committee has endorsed to extend maximum cooperation

IMPHAL, July 30: The Mapithel Dam Multipurpose Project Displaced Villages Committee (MDMPDVC) has said that in a unanimous move on July 29, the committee has endorsed to extend maximum cooperation and moral support to the proposed agitation called by Mapithel Dam Affected Ching Tam Organisation (MDACTO) in relation with the extreme dissatisfaction of the affected villages in and around the construction site of Mapithel Dam.

According to a release of MDMPDVC, the injudicious treatment of the government of Manipur which affects more than 20,000 displaced people has called for strong condemnation from all quarters.

The Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R and R) package for those directly affected in Chadong and Lamlai Khunou villages have been cut off and the people who once subsisted on the natural resources and vegetations have been denied of access owning to massive submergence of lands, dwelling houses and sources thereby depriving the people of their means of livelihood, it said.

The committee further pointed out that due to blocking of the river, the main life support system of the downstream villages like Louphong, Phayang, Nongdam, Maphou Kuki, Tumukhong, Moirangpurel, Itham Island and TC Pokpi are worst affected. The government should announce economic Rehabilitation for downstream villages affected by the dam at the earliest either by means of employment or commensurate economic packages, it said.

The committee also pointed out that the man-made calamity created by the government of Manipur with deliberate intentions and its nonchalant attitude towards the plight of the people is a gross violation of human rights by all norms and standards, it said.

Appeal against harrasment of media persons: Editors Guild

IMPHAL, July 30: The Editors Guild, Manipur has stated that despite repeated request mediapersons and reporters continue to be stopped and even harassed by some people in the name of

IMPHAL, July 30: The Editors Guild, Manipur has stated that despite repeated request mediapersons and reporters continue to be stopped and even harassed by some people in the name of supporting the ongoing movement for ILPS and related issues of killing Robinhood.

It said today too a team of media person were stopped from crossing Dinku Road while on their way to collect news from the house of late Robinhood.

If such situation continue the media will not be able function properly. We therefore appeal to all organisations to kindly instruct their volunteers not to prevent any media person from performing their duty. If they have any doubt about the authenticity of the identity of any media person they are welcome to contact the President and General Secretary of the Editors Guild Manipur as well as any individual Editors whose number we are providing.

A.Mobi- President EGM 9206123606

Yumnam Rupachandra- Secretary General EGM 9612158469

For individual news house please contact:

Pradip Phanjoubam-Imphal Free Press: 9862032145

Aribam Robindro- Editor Poknapham: 9436021665

Khogen khomdram- Editor Sangai Express: 9402882488

Hemanta Ningombam – Editor Huiyen Lanpao: 9856088733

L Kumar- Editor Ireibak: 9862853418

P Ibochouba- Chief Editor Kangla Pao: 8794865615

A Chandragupta-Joint Editor Naharolgi Thoudang: 94368972484

Shivadutta Luwang `“ Editor Pandam 9436234189

Rinku Khumukcham `“ Imphal Times 9862860745

Ranjit Oinamcha `“ Paojel 9615465825

G. Bharvesh `“ Peoples`™ Chronicle 8974132510

Yumnam Rupachandra-Editor-in-Chief Impact TV News: 9612158469

Govt`s delaying tactics transparent: JCILPS

IMPHAL, July 30: The people are aware that the government has no tangible stand on the ongoing demand for the implementation of the Inner Line Permit System or a similar

IMPHAL, July 30: The people are aware that the government has no tangible stand on the ongoing demand for the implementation of the Inner Line Permit System or a similar law in the State, the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System told media persons today.

Speaking at a press conference at the Keishampat office of the United People`™s Front, JCILPS convenor in charge Khomdram Ratan said the people are aware of the delaying tactics of the government on the issue and that it has no will to bring a proper solution to the people`™s demand.

In such a scenario the JCILPS cannot hold any talks with the government, he said.

The government with its delaying tactics is only trying to befool the public, which we are aware of and as such there will be no let up in the people`™s movement demanding implementation of the ILPS, he asserted.

Elucidating on the fear of the people which has led to the uproar for the ILPS, Ratan observed that of the 27 lakhs approx State population, a staggering 10 lakhs are outsiders.

He said so long as there is no stopping of the large scale entry of illegal non-locals the apprehension of the local populace that they will end up marginalised will not be assuaged.

This is the time for the State government to act swiftly and allay the fear and apprehension of its people, Ratan observed. The elected representatives are here to represent their people and have the advantage to enact any legislation for the welfare of their people and if they are unable to do so, it would be because of their incompetence, he rued.

The JCILPS, he announced has also commenced its civil disobedience movement against the government from today.

Late Sapam Robinhood has already been declared a martyr with the title of `Yelhoumee Kannabagi Lamjing Meira` however, his body still lies unclaimed at the JNIMS mortuary since July 8, Ratan observed, adding further that this is due to the negligence of the State government.

Even though it has been more than 20 days now since his death, the government has failed to even suspend the personnel responsible for the student`™s death, he lamented.

Emphasising on the issue of closure of the educational institutes in the State capital, he said this could only mean a negative impact on the students of Manipur.

Expressing concern on the reports of incidents of media persons and medical staff being assaulted by protestors during the movement, he said the JCILPS has repeatedly urged the volunteers and agitators not to disturb the essential services including media persons, medical staff and those attending religions functions.

He further urged all supporters and agitators to comply with the appeal and stop hindering movements of the essential services.

Co-convenor of the JCILPS, Haopu Kom said the ongoing movement demanding ILPS in the State is for the entire State and not just for a community.

The report of some tribes not wanting to join the movement is regrettable and unfortunate, he said observing that the movement needs co-operation from every section of the society for the government to fulfill the demand.

He said Khurai is the epicenter of the ongoing agitation as it is the locality of Sapam Robinhood who was killed due to police action at a rally demanding ILPS.

Now the blockade at Dingku Road by the JAC is because it is the main road passing through their locality and not to cut-off Ukhrul, he continued.

Every section of the society should understand the sentiment of the movement and support it instead of spreading rumours and baseless information to tarnish the image of the ongoing movement, he continued.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/govts-delaying-tactics-transparent-jcilps/

MLAs resign from drafting committee leaving govt in a quandary; BJP bids for PR

IMPHAL, July 30: Three MLAs who are members of the government constituted drafting committee of the Inner Line Permit bill have submitted their resignation to the Chief Minister today. Sources

IMPHAL, July 30: Three MLAs who are members of the government constituted drafting committee of the Inner Line Permit bill have submitted their resignation to the Chief Minister today.

Sources also informed that the State government has requested the Ministry of Home Affairs for deployment of Rapid Action Force (RAF) in Imphal.

Meanwhile, top brass of the BJP State unit are presently in the national capital urging the Union government to clamp President`™s Rule in Manipur.

According to reliable sources, MLAs RK Anand, N Biren and Ng Bijoy who are members of the drafting committee of the bill for protection of indigenous people have tendered their resignations to the Chief Minister in the afternoon today.

The said committee was constituted in July 21 by the State government with minister Th Debendra as the chairman, M Yaiskul Meitei, special secretary as the convener along with the three MLAs as members.

The reason behind the three legislature`™s motive for leaving the committee is still not clear.

But, sources maintained that N Biren was annoyed that the police personnel who were responsible for the death of Sapam Robinhood are still not suspended. He had argued that the police who were responsible for shooting Ngangom Robinson at Singjamei Mayeng Leikai on July 28 were suspended, but no action has been taken against those who were involved in the Robinhood incident despite a judicial inquiry being initiated in the regard, according to the sources.

Late night reports informed that the Chief Minister had called RK Anand and Ng Bijoy to his bungalow to settle the matter but, N Biren refused to come for talks.

It may be mentioned that the late S Robinhood belongs to N Biren`™s assembly constituency.

IFP called up the concerned MLAs to verify the reports, but they remained unreachable.

Regarding the ILPS agitations, the State government has requested the Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi for deployment of Rapid Action Force (RAF) at Imphal.

Reliable sources mentioned that a fax message has been sent to the Joint Secretary (North East), MHA seeking immediate deployment of at least two companies of RAF at Imphal to aid in handling the law and order problem.

Sources maintained that the request for deployment of RAF was made in light of the intense agitations over the ILP issue and the under-staffed Manipur Police.

It is also learnt that acting on the problems faced by the public, the BJP Manipur Pradesh top leaders including its president Th Chaoba are presently camped at Delhi to meet the Union ministers and to put up a memorandum to the concern for clamping President`™s Rule in the State.

This is in the light that the State government has been unable to tender to the genuine demand of the public and handle the series of ongoing protests in the State.

Sources mentioned that signatures of BJP members have been collected in the petition urging for President`™s Rule.

After Sekmai dam collapse, Litan Bridge caves in as incessant rain wreaks havoc in State

IMPHAL, July 30: Owing to incessant heavy shower of rains for the last few days, large portion of pavements of the rivers flowing in the district, caved in, thereby causing

Parts of Litan Bridge which was were left standing after the bridge collapsed.

IMPHAL, July 30: Owing to incessant heavy shower of rains for the last few days, large portion of pavements of the rivers flowing in the district, caved in, thereby causing artificial flood in the district.

The excessive water which flowed out from the rivers has also inundated many residential houses, vast acres of paddy fields and fish farms.

Due to overflowing of water from Wangjing River under Wangjing-Tentha Constituency, many roads, residential houses and paddy fields have been submerged, arising need for prompt intervention.

The Wangjing High School-Wangjing Houdamba Leikai Road had been totally submerged in water, affecting normal activities of the people residing in the area. As for Wangjing Tekcham Leikai, JCB vehicles have been put to use to let the overflowing water pass through paddy fields.

Passage through the RCC Litan Bridge built over the Wangjing River near the BSF Post at Heirok Part II, has also been breached due to strong current of the overflowing water from the river.

The bridge which connects Heirok Part III, Konaiton, Thamlai and Inganglok village was inaugurated on December 7, 2009.

Four wooden bridges built along the Heirok River have also been washed away by the flood water.

Since early morning today, residents of Wangjing SK Leikai came out in large number and tried to stop the overflowing water from entering the locality. They managed the task only in the noon.

MLA of Wangjing-Tentha Constituency Paonam Brojen visited the area to take stock of the disturbing situation. He accompanied with JCB and Tata Dipper vehicles to be used in blocking the water.

BSF personnel posted at Wangjing Tekcham, Councillors and Members of Wangjing Municipal Council Ward No 5 and 6, social worker Haobam Roben and members of Youth Volunteer Association also arrived to extend help in stopping the water from entering the area.

It may be mentioned that around 2000 acres of paddy fields and fish farms in Tentha village have been submerged in water flown out from Wangjing River following the heavy downpour of rains for the last few days. Many residential houses and paddy fields in Sangaiyumpham area have also been inundated.

Also, due to sudden breakage of pavement of Sekmai River, residential houses at Keirak, Wabagai Leirak Achouba and Wabagai Tera Urak have been submerged in water. Residents of the areas have moved out to safer places for taking shelter.

It may be mentioned that on the morning of July 24, residents of Awang Sekmai had found parts of the Sekmai dam constructed over the Imphal River under the River Lift Irrigation (RLI) Scheme under the Minor Irrigation department collapsed and carried away by the strong currents of the river.