Month: August 2015

LAMKA, July 31: The elected members of the Autonomous District Council Churachandpur have elected Langkhanpau Guite as the leader of the council today with 16 voting for him.

The ADC Churachandpur was formed today with the election of Guite as the chairman.

His opponent Khaipau Haokip got five votes while two were declared void. Another member acting as the polling officer didn`™t vote.

The new chairman designate thanked his colleagues from the Hill People Alliance for electing him.

Guite also thanked his sole opponent describing him as a close colleague from the last council.

Speaking on the occasion, Guite said `as we are at the dawn of constituting a new council, let us resolve to work more closely in unison, harmony in the interest of our district.`™

`Due to lack of staff, the few who are there have to work extra in our offices today. Posts vacant due to death or superannuation are still lying vacant.`

He urged the elected members to work for the protection of the district boundary, secure sixth schedule in the hills and work in cooperation with the local MLAs.

He further exhorted the elected council members to work sincerely for the interest of the district.

Meanwhile, reacting to reports appearing on local dailies about the Hill Area Committee deciding to endorse the granting of sixth schedule to the hills of the State but on the condition that the ADC Act 1971 and ML&LR Act should be amended, he said he had talked to the HAC chairman who has clarified against making any such decision.

Guite said the council takes strong objection to the report.

He further appealed to all to attend to their posting places including the SDOs and the SDCs so that the medical staff, police and teachers would follow suit.

Guite also called on the need to invite the ADC leaders as chief guest in important functions like the Independence Day celebration which would be a step forward in the empowering of the ADCs.

Meanwhile, the DC Lunminthang Haokip who also attended the function briefed the newly elected council members about the status of the finance and different schemes undertaken in the district.

Elaborating on the status of IAY scheme in the district, the DC said funding is awaited as the paper work is already completed.

The other members of the council also expressed appreciation of the new chairman and made suggestion for improving ADC Churachandpur.

Meanwhile, it was informed that the election for the vice chairman will be held on August 3 following which the chairman will appoint five executive members.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/hill-peoples-alliance-forms-adc-churachandpur/

IMPHAL, July 31: Agitations demanding action against the police personnel involved in the death of Sapam Robinhood and introduction of the Inner Line Permit System or a similar legislation in the State continued at several places in the State today.

Protestors braved the incessant rain which has been non-stop since morning to come out to the streets and stage sit in protest supporting the movement.

Sit in protests were held at Pishumthong Oinal Leikai organised by the local meira paibi lup at the Pishumthong Waiting Shed.

Speaking to media persons, Memcha member of the POLMP demanded the government to acknowledge the interest of the people and fulfill their demand at the earliest.

Instead of going forward towards prosperity, the State seems to be going backward and through a lot of hardships, she said.

The students are losing their valuable time and those surviving and feeding their families through their daily wages have been hit hard by the government`™s lack of concern for the people, she added.

The present turmoil in the State could have been prevented only if the government was concern with the welfare of the people, she continued.

Memcha also demanded that the police personnel involved in the death of class XI student Sapam Robinhood should be punished at the earliest.

She continued the Pishumthong Oinam Leikai Meira Paibi Leikai will also support the JCILPS until the demand for introduction of the ILPS or a similar legislation is fulfilled.

Womenfolk of Khobghampat Awang Leikai, Khongampat Mantri Leikai, Khongampat Mayai Leikai also staged a sit in protest in their locality today.

Similar sit-ins were also witnessed at Singjamei, Uripok, Khurai, Kakwa among other places.

Placards demanding implementation of the ILPS and action against the police personnel involved in the death of class XI student Sapam Robinhood were also exhibited during the demonstrations.

Meanwhile, the Imphal East United Clubs`™ Organisation has demanded the Congress government to bring a proper solution to the present demand for the introduction of the Inner Line Permit System or a similar legislation in the State.

It stated any delay in finding a solution to the issue would only add fuel to the anger among the public which would result in more uprisings in the State.

It urged the government to prepare the draft of a bill and at the earliest and discuss it with the people.

The organisation further pointed out that the government employees of the State have failed to come out and support the ongoing movement till date.

It further appealed to the employees to join in the movement.

The organisation has also demanded suspension of the police personnel involved in the death of Sapam Robinhood at the earliest.

The statement continued that the organisation strongly supports the movement spearheaded by the JCILPS.

Sit in protests were also staged at Kakching Khunou Bazar by the Kakching Khunou,Umathel,Thongam meira paibee, at Charangpat Nongpokp Sekmai by Charanagpat club and meira paibee Thokchom Lamkhai by Thokchom Lamkhai meira paibee and at Wabagai Lamkhai by Hiyanglam Lamjao,Wabagai meira paibee.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/ilps-agitations-continue/

IMPHAL, July 31: Claiming that insincerity of the government is clearly palpable with the resignation of three MLAs from the Drafting Committee which has been entrusted with the responsibility to draft an acceptable bill to safeguard the indigenous people, the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) has accused the government of trying to appease the people and committee by making false promises that an acceptable bill to do the needful will be drafted at the earliest.

In a statement signed by Assistant Media Co-ordinator of JCILPS Md Kheiruddin Shah Mojinmayum, the committee which is leading the mass movement for enactment of a new bill to monitor the incessant entry of outsiders into the state said the resignation of the three MLAs from the Drafting Committee came at a time when the government is assuring the people and the committee that a bill acceptable to all sections of the people will be drafted within the set deadline.

Following the resignation of the three MLAs from the Drafting Committee, the government`™s lackadaisical attitude towards drafting of the proposed bill which is the collective wishes of the people has come to the fore, it stated.

Saying that the ongoing mass movement for enactment of a fresh bill needs to be intensified as the government remains ineffective to the collective wishes of the people, the statement vowed to continue with different forms of agitation along with the public till an acceptable bill is passed by the government.

The government cannot easily fool the committee and public by inviting for talk on the proposed enactment of a new bill that also through the media. What the public want from the government is good governance nothing else which they have failed to deliver, it said.

Stating that the committee is closely monitoring the sudden resignation of the three MLAs from the Drafting Committee, it asked the political parties and government to desist from indulging in electoral politics by taking advantage of ILPS issue.

The ongoing legitimate movement for enactment of a new bill is solely for safeguarding the indigenous people, the statement said, appealing the people to intensify the ongoing agitation which the government is trying to suppress.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/jcilps-snubs-credibility-of-drafting-committee-pledges-to-continue-stir/

IMPHAL, July 31: Amidst escalating speculation on the appointment of a new director of the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), the High Court of Manipur on Friday has directed the authorities to reinstate Dr Shekharjit Singh as the new director of the prestigious medical institute.

It may be mentioned that Dr Shekharjit was removed from the post of director by a ruling passed by North East In-Charge of Ministry of Health on August 25, 2014.

According to reports received by this daily, Dr Shekharjit was relieved from the post of the director by an order issued by an official acting as the North East In-Charge of Ministry of Health.

Challenging the order, the incumbent director knocked the doors of High Court of Manipur.

The Court in its ruling passed today directed to reinstate him as the Director of the medical institute as no specific provision had been mentioned to relief him from the post of Director.

If the doctor is to be relieved from the post then an official order has to be issued supporting the direction otherwise he should be reinstated as the director of the institute within three weeks, the court said in its ruling.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/hc-directs-dr-shekharjit-reinstated-as-rims-director/

KANGPOKPI, July 31: Haokholal Hangshing, uncontested elected INC candidate from 2-Kangpokpi District Council Constituency have been elected uncontested as Chairman of ADC Sadar Hills today in a simple function of Election of Chairman held at Conference Hall, Sadar Hills Autonomous District Council, Kangpokpi.

Presiding Officer of the Election of Chairman, M.L. Dominic, elected MDC from 23-Nongmaiching DCC declared Haokholal Hangshing as Chairman of ADC Sadar Hills and hand over the Certificate of election as the ADC Sadar Hills Chairman after he administered the oath taking ceremony of the newly elected Chairman.

Proposed by Seikhosat Kipgen, elected INC candidate from 4-Tujang Waichong DCC and seconded by Lunkhohen Haokip, elected INC candidate from 20-Mapao DCC Haokholal Hangshing is the lone member who had filed nomination for the Chairman post.

The jovial occasion of election of Chairman was attended by all elected members of ADC Sadar Hills apart from staffs and employees of Sadar Hills Autonomous District Council, Kangpokpi.

Visibly cheerful Haokholal Hangshing extended his heartfelt gratitude to the elected members for their concerned over the peaceful formation of ADC Sadar Hills while giving credit to all the members for the peaceful election of Chairman.

Stressing the importance of District Council the newly elected Haokholal Hangshing said awareness on the importance of District Council should be imparted among the people as well as the elected members.

He also assured that ADC Sadar Hills under his leadership would work for peaceful coexistence and good governance and work collectively for overall grassroots level development while urging the public including leaders of various civil society organization and village chiefs to render fullest cooperation towards the administration and functioning of district council.

The newly elected Chairman hosted an ebullient feast at his Kangpokpi residence which was attended by all elected members of ADC Sadar Hills.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/haokholal-hangshing-elected-chairman-of-adc-sadar-hills/

IMPHAL, July 31: With incessant rain continuing nonstop in the State over the past couple of days, several areas have been flooded. Several organisations have also called for help from the government to the flood affected areas.

The Anal Lenruwl Taangpi, Imphal Branch has appealed to the government to provide all possible help to the flooded areas of Chandel district.

According to a release of the association, due to incessant rain for the past few days, houses and properties including livestock as well as standing agricultural crops have been destroyed and submerged in Chandel Head Quarter areas, Chakpikarong and Pallel areas.

Moreover, the people of Chakpikarong area are in panic as the Chakpi river is flowing above the danger level and the lone bridge of Chakpikarong connecting the area is in a dilapidated condition as it is detached from the mainland from both sides leaving the people to be in touch through phone only as there is no other means of communication, it said.

Meanwhile, the Popular Front of India, Manipur State has also appealed to the government to look into the flooded areas in the south such as Khangabok, Sangaiyumpham, Wangjing-Tentha, Sangaiyumpham Cherapur, Nungphou, etc. which has been affected by flood.

A press release of the party has said that appeal has been made to medical, veterinary, water suppliers to give aids to the flood affected areas as soon as possible.

Moreover, paddy fields are mostly destroyed and needs immediate aid. Paddy fields of Lilong A/C are also at the risk of being destroyed. The party has appealed to the government once again to provide necessary help on the issue. The party also appealed to take up preventive measures on the rivers as well, it said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/appeals-for-aid-in-flooded-areas/

IMPHAL, July 31: Amid the reported leakages of the Thoubal Multi Purpose Dam, residents of the villages located in the immediate downstream area of the dam continue to take shelter outside their villages fearing an outburst of the water and flooding their villages.

Resident of Itham, Moirangpurel and Tumakhok villages had started evacuating their villages fearing the worst due to the reported leakages since July 23 and have been spending the night on trucks, waiting sheds and makeshift shelters.

Today a team of media persons accompanied volunteers of the Development Organisation Andro Kendra and visited the downstream villages including Tumukhok, Itham, Nongdam and Morangpurel.

The team found that villagers were staying on trucks, and some had scattered to higher places along the foothills. Villagers were also found taking shelter in some houses which were build on the hill slopes.

Interacting with the media team, a villager Y Thoiba said around 1614 villagers are presently staying in his camp at thangjing Pukhri Lamkhai relief camp. Most of the people are from Tumukhok Village, he continued.

Among those taking shelter there are several newly married women who had just settled in their husband`™s homes and pregnant women, he said. They have been shifted to their parental homes today, he continued.

There are also many children, he said.

The incessant rain has only compounded their problems, Thoiba said.

There are also some 300 villagers from Nongdam Tangkhul Village at the camp at present, he observed.

Tomba also observed that volunteers count the people staying in the camp everyday at around 8pm.

Although all these people had fled from their homes and staying in such hardship, there has been no help from the side of the State government, he observed.

He said recently the local MLA Th Shyamkumar had extended 100 bags of 50 kg rice, four bags of dal, one bag of onion and a tin of oil for them, while the Human Rights Initiative supplied 24 bags of rice to the people of Itham and Moirangpurel yesterday.

On being asked as to when the people will be returning to their homes, he said until and unless the leakages of the dam are filled and authorities concern repair the dam fully, the people are afraid to return home.

He continued, the people are afraid to trust just the assurances and guarantees of the officials as the leakage of the dam is a very dangerous issue.

Although the authorities have started releasing the dam water through two valves it is not enough to allay the fears of the people, he continued.

He observed, if by any chance the dam collapses the first impact would be with our villages not others.

The water released since some days back is not enough, although it had led to the flood in Thoubal, he continued.

Meanwhile, the team also Moirangpurel Government High School where around 500 villagers are taking shelter and the SDO office where around 1000 villagers are taking shelter.

All the villagers continue to wait for help from the authorities.

Meanwhile, it may be mentioned that the local MLA Th Shyamkumar had inspected the situation of the relief campers and shared their grievances.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/mapithel-dam-downstream-villagers-continue-to-live-in-fear-of-dam-collapse/

IMPHAL, July 31: Incessant rain since the past few days and the ever rising water level of the rivers in the State have been a cause of worry for the government with several areas getting flooded. Overflowing rivers have inundated nearby areas in several districts with the worst affected areas reported in Chandel and Thoubal districts.

A team of the ministers accompanied by officials of the Irrigation and Flood Control department inspected the flood affected areas of Thoubal district including Heirok, Chandrakhong and Sangai Yumpham today.

The ministers in the inspection team included Education minister Moirangthem Okendro Singh who is also the local MLA of Heirok constituency, Works and Transport minister Dr Kh Ratan Kumar Singh and IFC minister Ngamthang Haokip.

On reaching Wangjing, the team found the Wangjing bazaar stretch of the Imphal-Moreh highway submerged under water due to the incessant rain, while paddy fields in the area have been totally submerged under water making the area look like a vast lake.

Noting the condition of the Heirok Champra Bridge connecting Heirok Part I and Part II to be unstable and that it could collapse any moment, the officials have also blocked passage over the bridge for the time being.

Briefing media persons at the spot, minister Ratan said a bailey bridge will be erected near the old bridge as an immediate solution.

He elaborated the department has some parts for the bridge while the remaining parts will be procured at the earliest.

Ratan said the Champra bridge is an important bridge of the area and more important the Litan Bridge in Heirok Part II.

It may be mentioned that the RCC Litan Bridge in Heirok part II had collapsed yesterday.

The team also witnessed that the Chandrakhong Bridge in the district has also collapsed due to the strong water current.

At Heirok, the minister also assured to replace the bridge which collapsed yesterday as soon as the water level of the river recedes.

At many places including at Pallel, Sugnu, and in other parts of the valley districts rivers are flowing above the bridges.

Meanwhile, the concern minister has promised necessary relief camps at the earliest at flooded areas. The government, he said will also provide necessary items including food supplies at the earliest to the flood affected people.

Local schools and community halls will be utilised to open the relief centres, he continued.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/ministerial-team-inspects-flood-situation-in-thoubal-district-assures-relief-material/

IMPHAL, July 31: The Naga People`™s Front (NPF) Tamenglong refuting to the claim made by deputy Chief Minister, Gaikhangam that no one has stake claim to form ADCs for Tamenglong, termed the statement as blatant lie and an attempt to murder democracy.

According to Ashang Pamei, president NFP Tamenglong, stated that the NPF was taken by surprised that such leader would stoop so low and try to misguide the people.

Pamei clarified that the NPF with eight elected members and BJP with five members have formed the Democratic Alliance of Tamenglong and claim majority to form the ADC Tamenglong on at least three counts, on June 19 a week after the announcement of the election results on June 28 and on 13 July after the swearing in ceremony at Tamenglong.

Upon not meeting our request for inviting us to form the council, we had already resorted to a 24-hour total shut down in the hill districts on July 26-27 last and we are still waiting for the State government to take up the required steps, divulged Pamei.

It continued that at this juncture, Gaikhangam making such irresponsible remark is uncalled for and fits condemnation in the strongest term.

Moreover, we demanded to know why Gaikhangam after having wasted so much time dare to blame the majority alliance for the impasse, said the NPF president.

Is the deputy commissioner Tamenglong sleeping over our repeated claim of majority and subsequent stake claims we made to form the ADC Tamenglng, he questioned.

Should the State government continue to dilly delaying the council formation process, people will not remain silent anymore, he maintained adding that it appealed all the right thinking citizens to rise up to defend the constitution.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/npf-refutes-dy-cms-claim-that-no-one-has-claimed-stake-for-tamenglong-adc/