July 2015 – Page 5 – Manipur News

Care Foundation observes World Hepatitis C day

Care Foundation, a popular NGO working on drug related issues in Manipur observed World Hepatitis Day at Lamyanba Shanglen, Palace Compound on Thursday Source Hueiyen News Service

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=32&src=310715

KCP (Noyon) cadre arrested, claim police

IMPHAL, July 30: A combined team of Thoubal district police commandos and 22 Assam Rifles reportedly arrested a cadre of the KCP Noyon faction on Wednesday during a search operation

IMPHAL, July 30: A combined team of Thoubal district police commandos and 22 Assam Rifles reportedly arrested a cadre of the KCP Noyon faction on Wednesday during a search operation conducted in the general area of Kakching Wairi.

A statement issued by PRO Manipur Police, RK Tutusana, identified the KCP cadre as one Leishangthem Rajkumar alias Naoba alias Tomba, 23, son fo L Muhindro Singh of Kakching Wairi Senapati Leikai.

It said that investigation revealed that he was involved in three different encounters with the security forces.

While a case has been registered at Nongpok Sekmai police station, investigation is said to be underway.

The statement further said that a combined team of 12 Bihar regiment and Bishnupur district police Commando arrested a cadre of the KYKL on July 27 from Nambol Kongkham Makha Leikai.

He has been identified as one Leishangthem Ibohal Meetei alias Loya, 50, son of L Rabichandra Meetei of Nambol Kongkham Makha Leikai.

It said that as per investigation he revealed to have given five demand letters to five congress MLAs of Bishnupur district.

In a separate incident troop of 45 Assam Rifles claimed to have arrested a cadre of PLA while conducted a search operation at Korengei area on Wednesday and recovered arms and ammunitions.

According to official sources, the arrested PLA cadre has been identified as one Lieutenant Hijam Premhi alias Jingboi, 41, son of H Iboyaima of Singjamei Mongkham.

On his disclosure a follow up operation was launched and revered arms and ammunitions from the area of Phaknung village including A Beretta alongwith Magazine, two hand grenades, three live rounds of 9mm pistol and mobile hand set.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/kcp-noyon-cadre-arrested-claim-police/

Pallel villages inundated as river overflows banks

IMPHAL July 30: Mounting tension has gripped the people in and around Pallel town along Asian Highway 1 as the river running alongside has overflowed flooding the vicinity and the

IMPHAL July 30: Mounting tension has gripped the people in and around Pallel town along Asian Highway 1 as the river running alongside has overflowed flooding the vicinity and the water level continuing to rise with the incessant rain.

Residents of surrounding villages of Pallel area were in for a surprise during the wee hours of July 30, when water started seeping into their homes around 2.

The Island Village which has 47 households under Tengnoupal Block is completely under water with only the rooftops visible above the water.

People have evacuated from their homes and are presently taking shelter at other relative`™s places and good Samaritans.

Some of the affected families are presently taking shelter under the Pallel Church for the night.

The most vulnerable at the moment are the children, elders and the pregnant women.

`No one except for the REACH M volunteers have come to our rescue yet,` lamented a displaced villager.

He said, `Our MLA, district administration authorities and the security forces have also failed to extend any help yet.`

Adjoining villages like Teraphai village, Theimongkung village have also been affected by the flood. At least four houses in Theimongkung villages are flooded.

In Pallel Khulak village, the water has flooded their paddy fields and standing crops.

`People of the Pallel Bazar area comprising of more than 150 households remains sleepless in anxiety as the water level of the river continues to rise` informed Bijoy Mao over the phone at the time of filing this news.

Pallel Bridge was also wrecked by the flood and the commuters are now using an un-inaugurated bridge to cross over the river.

Langthabal residents submit memorandum to Naoriya Pakhanglakpa MLA on ILPS issue

IMPHAL, July 30: The Apunba Langthabal Lep and Phuramakhong Nambul Mapal ILPS Demand Committee supported by local clubs, meira paibis had approached the Naoria Pakhanglakpa A/C, MLA RK Anand at

IMPHAL, July 30: The Apunba Langthabal Lep and Phuramakhong Nambul Mapal ILPS Demand Committee supported by local clubs, meira paibis had approached the Naoria Pakhanglakpa A/C, MLA RK Anand at his residence and also submitted a memorandum which contained four demands.

A press release of the committee said that the memorandum was submitted by four members of the committee including its chairman and secretary to the MLA in person.

The MLA gave his support to help implement ILPS in Manipur, it said.

The MLA had also clarified before the committee members that no delaying tactics are being employed by the government on the issue, according to the statement.

It said the MLA also pointed out that work has been taken up to carry out a judicial inquiry on the death of late Sapam Robinhood and there are also appeals for release of other arrested students, it said.

The committee has also stated that further demonstration will be organised if the MLA fails to take up positive actions regarding the demands by August 15, it said further appealing to the public to support the committee.

The committee also extended its gratitude towards those who took part in submitting the memorandum to the MLA.

The charter of demands contained in the memorandum are, to include the five points as demanded by Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System, Manipur in the present drafting Bill on ILPS, to pass the present drafting New Bill on ILPS by August 15 without fail, the Government of Manipur should not play delaying tactics to the drafting and passing of the New Bill on ILPS which can protect the `Indigenous People`™ of Manipur and to complete the judicial inquiry of late Sapam Robinhood at the earliest, it said.

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

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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.

Guv and CM mourn death of APJ Abdul Kalam

IMPHAL, Jul 29: The Governor of Manipur has expressed profound sorrow at the sad demise of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, former President of India. Dr. Syed Ahmad in a condolence

IMPHAL, Jul 29: The Governor of Manipur has expressed profound sorrow at the sad demise of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, former President of India.

Dr. Syed Ahmad in a condolence message said, `Dr. Kalam was an illustrious and visionary President of the country and guided millions of children to follow the path of the finest leaders of the country. He was the role model to the children in the country. `He invoked God to give his family members, the strength to bear the irreparable loss with courage, and prayed for his departed soul.

In a similar message, CM O Ibobi has also conveyed his deepest condolence at the sad demise of Dr. Abdul Kalam, former President of India and a Bharat Ratna awardee.

In his message, he said that Dr. Abdul Kalam was a great human being and visionary par excellence and his demise is an irreparable loss to the nation. His visits to Manipur are still remembered here and expressed sadness that he passed away while doing the things he likes best, igniting the minds of the youth of this country.

Echoing the same, Speaker Th. Lokeshwar expressed his deepest condolence at the untimely demise of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and shared the sorrow of family members and well wishers. In a message, Th. Lokeshwar said, Dr. Kalam was brought up from a humble fisherman family. He loves interacting with young students and even dedicates his last minute for the service of the country. When he was the President of India, he came to Bunglon village and inspects the needs of the school students. We should never forget the good deeds of Dr. Kalam, the Speaker urged.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/guv-and-cm-mourn-death-of-apj-abdul-kalam/

JCILPS on course to launch civil disobedience movement

IMPHAL, July 29: Asking the government to immediately cease indulging in double standard, the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) has accused the Drafting Committee constituted by the government of misleading the people by making false promises that a draft bill to monitor the alarming influx of outsiders into the state will be produced within three days.

In a statement signed by assistant media co-ordinator of JCILPS, the committee alleged that the government has been dishonest when it comes to the proposed bill, which is evident from the fact that suggestions have been sought from the public on the proposed drafting bill which should be acceptable to the people.

By passing the controversial Manipur Regulation of Visitors, Tenants and Migrant Workers Bill, 2015 instead of the draft bill recommended by the all political parties, it has been proved that the government is working according to its whims, sidelining wishes of the people. The present public outrage over the enactment of a fresh bill is due to the apparent failure of the government to work according to pulse of the people, it said.

Stating that the committee has lost faith in the government, the statement said the government could win hearts of the people only after the five points recommended by the committee are included in the proposed bill.

The government should regard and accommodate the resolutions adopted during the recent public convention on ILP in the proposed bill, it demanded, asking to suspend those police personnel involved in the killing of Sapam Robinhood instead of protecting them.

Further charging the government of violating Right to Education Act by closing down all the educational institutions since July 9 in fear of reprisal from the student community following the death of Robinhood, the statement made it clear the ongoing mass movement for enactment of an acceptable cannot be suppressed by shutting down the educational institutions.

It then clarified that the committee has not been formally informed by the government about the progress on the proposed bill.

Announcing that the committee will launch civil disobedience movement to teach the inefficient government a fitting lesson, it appealed to the people to continue with different forms of agitation including sit-in-protest, road-block, mass rally etc till a fresh bill acceptable to all sections of the people is passed by the government.

The JCILPS in the statement also cautioned the government not to try to suppress the ongoing mass movement by using excessive power and deploying state forces as unwanted incidents may crop up thereafter.

Maintaining that the ongoing mass movement is for the sake of securing identity of the present and future generation, the committee appealed to protestors to not cause disturbance and damage to vehicles belonging to electricity, ambulance, water supply, media, medical and religious service during the agitations.

Health minister inaugurates PHSCs

IMPHAL, July 29: The State cabinet has already decided to upgrade the Churachandpur District Hospital to a medical college, said Health minister Phungzathang Tonsing after inaugurating two Primary Health sub-Centres

Churachandpur is the second city of Manipur, he said adding that the State cabinet has selected the district for the medical college proposed in a hill district.

Phungzathang said the 100-bedded CCpur hospital was recently upgraded to a 200 bedded hospital.

The State is now considering as to whether expand the hospital by acquiring the nearby area or to shift it to a new site, the Health minister said.

Meanwhile, elaborating about the two sub centres inaugurated today, Phungzathang said the two sub-centres were long established but had not been properly functioning.

Now with the new buildings inaugurated today, the two will start functioning normally from today, he observed.

He also assured that the department will make arrangements to hire grade VI employees starting from today onwards.

Although there are no criteria for posting regular doctors at both the sub-centres, visiting doctors will be made available in the sub-centres, he said.

According to the rule books, there is no provision entitling a doctor in a PHSC, but, he said, he had requested the doctors to atleast visit the PHSCs one or twice a week.

He further urged the nurses and the grade VI staff of the PHSCs to work diligently.

Okram Ibomcha director Health Services and project director, NRHM said there are now 421 PHSCs in the State including the two inaugurated today.

ASHAs and ANM nurses will directly contact people for immunization of pregnant women and children in the PHSCs, he observed.

The PHSC is the grass-root level of the Health sector, but it can be easily upgraded to a CHC if its performance is good, he continued.

Replying to a request of the chief of Mata Village to upgrade the PHSC to a PHC, the minister said it is not that easy to do so, but will certainly make an effort.

Deputy commissioner CCpur Lunminthang Haokip said that the efficiency and dependability of Ccpur in health sector is evident from the fact that many patients continue to arrive in the district from the neighbouring States for treatment.

On the occasion the Minister was accompanied by Director of Health Service Manipur and Director of Family welfare Manipur,and host of newly elected MDC, the SP and DC of Ccpur ,SDO Ccpur, CO of Khuga Battalion,CMO, Med.Supernatant of Ccpur district Hospital.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/health-minister-inaugurates-phscs/

Locals storm MLAs` residences endorsing JCILPS`s five point recommendation

IMPHAL, July 29: Womenfolk today stormed the residences of their respective local MLAs in support of the present movement demanding implementation of the ILPS or a similar law and submitted

IMPHAL, July 29: Womenfolk today stormed the residences of their respective local MLAs in support of the present movement demanding implementation of the ILPS or a similar law and submitted memorandums endorsing the five-point demands of the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System.

Residents of Wangkhei Assembly Constituency submitted a memorandum to local MLA Yungkham Irabot Singh endorsing the five-point recommendation.

Womenfolk started a rally from the Khurai Ahongai Leikai and marched towards the MLA`™s residence passing through Khurai Lamlong Bazar, gathering more women agitators from each locality along the route.

More than 500 womenfolk had gathered by the time they reach the MLA`™s residence.

The rally was organised by the Khurai Ahongai Thangjam Leikai Nupi Kanglup, Khurai Thangjam Leikai Abunba Nupi Lup, Lainingthou Awangba Mamang Leikai Women Welfare Society, Khurai Thoudam Leikai Nupi Lamjing Lup and Khurai Athouba Nupi Lup.

The memorandum submitted to the MLA endorsed the recommendation of the JCILPS for a cut off base year of 1951 for detection and deportation of illegal migrants, denial of land ownership rights for non-domicile, introduction of permit/ pass system for migrant workers, a full-fledged Labour department and a more appropriate title for the new bill.

Meanwhile, accepting the memorandum, the MLA supported the demands to be rightful demands.

He further expressed his concern for the indigenous population in the State and said this demographic imbalance will lead to various consequences to the disadvantage of the indigenous people.

He further highlighted that the Meitei population has been reduced to minority status in different pockets of places like Jiribam.

In a similar fashion, womenfolk of Langthabla Lep Makha Leikai, Langthabal Lep Awang Leikai and Langthabal Phuramakhong also stormed the residence of Naoriya Pakhanglakpa MLA RK Anand to submit a similar memorandum.

NNN adds: Women protestors in large numbers stormed the residences of Keishamthong MLA Laisom Ibomcha and Uripok MLA L Nandakumar. As a result, big conflicts arose between the security forces and the protestors. But ultimately, police succeeded in thwarting off the protestors.

AMUCO vows support to ILPS movement

IMPHAL, July 29: Asserting that the ongoing mass movement for enactment of a new bill in interest of the indigenous people of the State is nearing its goal, the All

IMPHAL, July 29: Asserting that the ongoing mass movement for enactment of a new bill in interest of the indigenous people of the State is nearing its goal, the All Manipur United Clubs Organization (AMUCO) has accused the government of not showing keen interest in safeguarding the indigenous people.

According to a statement signed by its secretary Information & Publicity, the government decided to pass a new bill acceptable to the people within the ambit of the Constitution of India only after witnessing public outcry and death of Sapam Robinhood who was killed in police action while taking part in a protest demonstration.

The Congress government in the State is taking lightly the public demand for implementation of Inner Line Permit System or any similar law to serve the purpose, it said.

Time has come for the people to identity those who are trying to create rift amongst the ILPS protestors by adopting certain ways, it stated.

Pledging that the committee in unison with clubs and organizations will face those who are trying to suppress the mass movement whether they are MLAs or ministers, the statement appealed to the people to continue supporting steps taken up by JCILPS and JAC formed in connection to the death of Sapam Robinhood due to police action for the sake of the indigenous people.

The government could have passed an effective bill in the interest of the indigenous people earlier, but instead waited for the people to revolt first, it said.

The five-Member Drafting Committee constituted by the government to draft a new bill is just an eye wash as the committee was formed only to appease the enraged protestors, it said.

The AMUCO in its statement asked the members of the Drafting Committee to step back if they are not going to draft the proposed bill within the set deadline.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/amuco-vows-support-to-ilps-movement/

Protest escalates on second day of JAC`s 38-hour general strike

IMPHAL, July 29: Smoke filled the skies in Imphal and sounds of smoke bombs and tear gas shells filled the air, as protestors came out to the streets with full

IMPHAL, July 29: Smoke filled the skies in Imphal and sounds of smoke bombs and tear gas shells filled the air, as protestors came out to the streets with full force on the second day of the 38-hour general strike demanding punishment for the police personnel involved in the death of Sapam Robinhood.

Unlike in the first day of the strike, the second day witnessed violent eruptions with police-agitators confrontations reported from several parts of the valley districts today.

The JAC formed in connection to the death of the young class XI student Sapam Robinhood had called a 38-hour general strike in the State expressing dissatisfaction against the State government`™s failure to suspend and punish the police personnel involved and provide justice to the boy`™s family.

The general strike came into effect at 5am of July 28 and concluded at 7pm July 29.

Sapam Robinhood succumbed at the hospital where he was taken after being hit by a tear gas shell fired by the police in their bid to control a student rally on July 8 demanding implementation of the Inner Line Permit System in the State.

In the meantime, the boy`™s body continues to lie in the JNIMS mortuary as the JAC has denied accepting the body until the government fulfills the demands for punishment of the involved personnel and implementation of the ILPS or a similar law.

Protestors burnt tyres and tree branches to block roads while police personnel fired tear-gas shells and smoke bombs in their bid to disperse the protestors.

The general strike affected inter-district and inter-State passenger services bringing the State to a standstill.

Supporters came out in full support and blocked roads by burning tyres and logs on the road. Boulders were also used to block roads at difference places. Women`™s clothing were hanged at several localities blocking roads.

General strike supporters including both men and women of all ages came out to the streets in several localities to join the agitations including formation of human chains, staging sit in protests, taking out rallies or blocking roads.

A brief confrontation between womenfolk and the police were reported near the Ramlal Paul High School at Keishamthong area after the police personnel tried to pick up some youngsters for allegedly pelting stones at the security forces.

A 65-year old man who was standing at the balcony of his house was hit by a police fired tear gas shell injuring his left leg during the commotion. Family members rushed him to a hospital in their family vehicle.

Agitators and bandh supporters were also seen coming out on the Tiddim Road starting from Keishampat junction and till Kwakeithel bazaar and sat on the road barricading traffic as part of the strike.

They also shouted slogans demanding punishment for the personnel involved in the death of Sapam Robinhood and implementation of the ILPS or another similar.

Three youngsters were also picked up by the police for allegedly using catapults.

Air passengers arriving at the Imphal airport from outside the State had to walk the entire stretch upto the Keishampat Junction on foot with their baggages as the entire road stretch remained blocked for the day.

Similar confrontations and demonstrations were also witnessed at Sagolband, Uripok, Thangmeiband, Chingmeirong, Wangkhei, Singjamei and Kakwa areas.

Womenfolk of Keishamthong Moirangningthou Leirak also staged a sit in protest at their locality demanding punishment of the personnel involved in the killing of Sapam Robinhood on July 8.

Flood in Sangaiyumpham recedes

IMPHAL, July 29: The water level in Sangaiyumpham area which had been flooded owing to overflow of Wangjing River following incessant downpour in the past few weeks, has receded. However,

IMPHAL, July 29: The water level in Sangaiyumpham area which had been flooded owing to overflow of Wangjing River following incessant downpour in the past few weeks, has receded.

However, residents of Tentha area have been pushed to the wall as more than 2000 acres of their paddy fields and 300 residential houses remain inundated.

The residents are finding it hard to accommodate themselves in the present scene.

Many of the fish farms in the area have also been submerged in water. The overflowing of water from the Wangjing River is caused due to the breakage of the river pavement following the heavy shower of rain in the last couple of days, according to locals.

Notably, a large portion of the river pavement had already caved in on June 9, thereby inundating many residential houses and paddy fields.

MLA of Wangjing-Tentha Constituency Paonam Brojen had visited the affected areas yesterday and tried to stop the water from further entering residential houses and paddy fields using JCB and Tata Dipper vehicles.

Today also, locals along with labourers brought from other places tried to repair the broken portion of the river pavement from where water is flowing out.

Former minister Moirangthem Hemanta also sent additional vehicles and labourers to do the needful.

As the overflowing water from the river could not be stopped, fishes reared in ponds and farms in different areas, have also vanished, claimed locals.

Social worker from Wangjing Haobam Roben Singh came in and provided drinking water to the affected people.

A team of government officials led by AE of IFCD, Thoubal Division L Arunkumar also arrived and took part in the effort to block the overflowing water.

According to the flood victims, the frequent breakage of the river pavement is due to lack of digging of the river bed during the Wangjing River Flood Control Project.

Unless the river bed is properly dug out, pavement of the river may collapse anytime and people of the area will witness more flood, the aggrieved victims said.

Meanwhile, a one-day free health camp was organized by District Health Society, Thoubal today for people of Sangaiyumpham area under Khangabok Constituency in Thoubal district, whose residential houses and paddy fields have been inundated due to overflowing of water from Wangjing River following incessant rains for the last few days.

Around 335 people who have been affected by the flood were done health check-up during the camp.

Along with availing facilities of ultra sound and laboratory test, free medicines were also provided to the people.

The camp was organized under Health department with support of representatives of Panchayat, club members and villagers.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/flood-in-sangaiyumpham-recedes/

Sublimating the spontaneous

There is undoubtedly beauty in the spontaneous energy of the masses that Manipur is so richly endowed with. Time and again, throughout history, this rich fund of energy inherent in

There is undoubtedly beauty in the spontaneous energy of the masses that Manipur is so richly endowed with. Time and again, throughout history, this rich fund of energy inherent in the society had come to the place`™s rescue whenever it was in dire need. In historical times, this is evident among others from the mid-18th Century onwards, ever since the ascendance of the Konbaung Dynasty in Ava, and the death of King Pamheiba in Manipur. Authoritative historians of SE Asia, (including D.G.E. Hall, G.E. Harvey, Victor Lieberman, and we cite these Western scholars here for the sake of the dispassionate distance necessary) generally agree marauding horsemen of King Pamheiba contributed heftily to the fall of the Tongoo Dynasty, paving the way for the Konbaung Dynasty to assume power in Ava. The first mission of the founder of the Konbaung Dynasty, King Alaungpaya was to raid and subdue Manipur, and in this raid the King himself took part though he did not stay in Manipur for more than a few days as news of another uprising by the Mons reached him while he was still on the Manipur mission. This was the decade after Pamheiba had died, and there was a succession tussle between his sons. This would be undoubtedly one of those pivotal periods of Manipur history, and we have many terrifying as well as enchanting stories from the time. As for instance, during King Alaungpaya`™s raid, the ruler in Manipur was King Chingthungkhomba, or Bheigyachandra, King Pamheiba`™s grandson, whose father was an unworldly ascetic who did not remain on the throne for long as he one day simply walked away into the forest never to return, leaving his brother ascend the throne. Bheigyachandra ousts his uncle but in time had to flee to the Ahom Kingdom during King Alaungpaya`™s raid, but the resilience of the people was such that under his leadership, they returned to recapture their kingdom. The myth is, during exile, in what must have been one of his most traumatic and trying times after the Ahom King began to suspect he was an imposter and was asked to tame a wild elephant singlehandedly to prove he was indeed the king of Manipur, he had a vision of the Ras Lila. He choreographed this dream after regaining his kingdom, and this dance went on to be considered a Classical Indian Dance two centuries later. Bheigyachandra inherited one more crisis. His grandfather Pamheiba (said to be a Naga) had not only converted to Hinduism but also made it the state religion. Understandably, after Pamheiba`™s death a bitter friction between the followers of the original faith and those of Hinduism resurfaced. Bheigyachandra`™s challenge was also to stem this. In a play on the life of the king, M.C. Arun of the Manipur University, interestingly interpreted that Bheigyachandra`™s Ras Lila is not only the king`™s masterpiece in terms of art, but also a masterstroke of politics and diplomacy to bring together and marry the two faiths so peace may return to his kingdom.

To return to the original contention, Manipur`™s energy within is admirable, but if left unharnessed, it can also lead to chaos and mayhem. The current agitation for the implementation of the Inner Line Permit System or an equivalent Act too is beginning to show signs of this danger. For one thing, it does seem there is no longer any central command directing and regulating the tempo of the street protests. Reports of ambulances being attacked, doctors, pressmen and other essential services not being spared even when they have proofs they are out on duty, and most disturbingly, the tendency of some sections of the protestors resorting to communal sloganeering etc., are indeed disturbing. Let the leadership of the movement be wary that if left unchecked, this can overturn the applecart, delaying the fruits and in the worst case scenario, even nullifying all efforts so far. The spontaneous surge of energy on the streets is amazing, and indeed grand, but what is now called for is for this energy to be sublimated and channelized into productive directions by the movement`™s leadership, and even more importantly, by the Government of Manipur. In a not so dissimilar way, the challenge today is somewhat akin to what was before King Bheigyachandra. Whatever the faults and sins of the king, among which is allegedly the crime of incest, it must be said he was a statesman and visionary. He fashioned a sublime order out of destructive and chaotic energy which was also prevalent in his time. Let those at the helm have the statesmanship and vision to also bring justiciable order back to this beleaguered state, ensuring this new social harmony sought is in keeping with the universal understanding justice. Genuine grievances (of which ensuring survival of small indigenous populations is definitely one), must be addressed and remedied, but care must be taken that nobody is unjustly victimised. This new order must not be allowed to be defined by a zero sum game equation, and instead be one in which all can be in a gainful partnership.

Leader Writer: Pradip Phanjoubam

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/sublimating-the-spontaneous/

Dingku road blockade causing inconvenience: TYCM

IMPHAL, Jul 29: The Tribal Youth Council Manipur has said that the bandh imposed on the Dingku Road by the JAC formed in connection to the death of Sapam Robinhood

IMPHAL, Jul 29: The Tribal Youth Council Manipur has said that the bandh imposed on the Dingku Road by the JAC formed in connection to the death of Sapam Robinhood has caused much inconveniences to the public.

A statement of the council said it is deeply saddened by the death of Robinhood, but the indefinite blockade at Dingku Road has caused a lot of inconveniences to the public, mainly the people from Ukhrul district and people residing along the roads.

It has further appealed to the State government and JAC and also the well-known valley based civil organisations to look into the matter.

It further charged that the hill people were not consulted for the ILPS movement.

As such, hill people should not be forced to join the agitation for ILP, it asserted.

It should not construe hill people as pro-ILP or anti-ILP movement, but the fact is that, valley people have never consulted the hill organizations on this issue.

As per our customs, an individual or groups cannot join such movements without the prior consent of the apex bodies, it claimed.