Day: September 1, 2015

IMPHAL, September 1: Democratic Students Alliance of Manipur volunteers are continuing their hunger strikes in front of the student body`™s office seeking a proper dialogue from the government on the death of Sapam Robinhood.

The new DESAM volunteers who started their hunger strike since 7pm of August 31 are identified as secretary games and sports DESAM H/Q Oinam Subhaschandra, 27, son of O Mangi; BA 3rd semester student of Manipur College Abujam Micheal, 19, son of A Imo; BA 5th semester student of Naorem Birahari College Koijam Jiten, 20, son of K Sanamatum; class XII Sc Wangoi Higher Secondary School student Phisubam Nazir Ahamed, 17, son of Ph Nazirudin; B Sc 5th semester student of DM College of Science Nilakanta Longjam, 20, son of Longjam Ibomcha and Yumnam Naoba, 24, son of Yumnam Ango of Khurai Sajor Leikai.

Meanwhile, DESAM Thoubal district council has suspended their hunger strike.

However, its last phase hunger strikers were picked up by the concern authority on August 31.

The volunteers are identified as class VI student of Lalit Madhop Sharma Higher Secondary School Thokchom Radharani, 12; class IX student of Eureka High School Ningombam Sanathoi, 14; class XII students of Chaoyaima Higher Secondary School Lisham Joy and Ratana Chanu 17; class VIII student of Eureka High School Mayengbam Malemnganba Singh, 14; class IX student of Eureka High School Laishram Rabikanta, 14 and class IX student of Eureka High School Nepram Anand, 14.

Meanwhile, students of the JN Nursing School Porompat also staged a sit in protest at the DESAM HQ hunger strike venue.

The 24-hour rally hunger strike at Thangmeiband THAU ground opposite waiting shed is also continuing.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/09/desam-continues-hunger-strikes/

IMPHAL, September 1: The State government has reiterated that The Protection of Manipur Peoples`™ Bill 2015, Manipur Land Revenue & Land Records (seventh Amendment) 2015and the Manipur Shop & Establishment (Second Amendment) Bill, 2015 do not infringe on the existing rights of the tribal community settled in the state of Manipur and also do not impinges on the provision of Article 371 C.

The State government has also appealed to all stakeholders that any differences may be discussed and settled across the table.

The State cabinet today convened an emergency meeting following the present unrest in the Hill districts especially in Churachandpur following the passing of three bills.

According to an official statement issued by the secretary to the State Chief Minister N Ashok Kumar, the State cabinet, in its emergency meeting held today chaired by the Chief Minister and subsequent meeting with Hill Area Committee, has reviewed the present law and order situation arising out of the violent incidents leading to arson and destruction of residences of ministers and Members of the Manipur Legislative Assembly in hill areas which also led to the death of seven persons.

The agitation has been launched against the passing of the three bills by the Manipur Legislative Assembly on August 31, in a special sitting, on the perception that these bills are anti tribal and violates the provision of Article 371 C and the Manipur State Hill People Regulation, 1947, it said.

The statement said it is to clarify that these three bills do not infringe on the existing rights of the tribal community settled in the state of Manipur and also do not impinges on the provision of Article 371 C and the subsequent Presidential order of 1972 which provides for Scheduled areas and matters as also the Manipur State Hill People Regulation, 1947.

It is also clarified that the present amendment of MLR&LR Act which was passed in the Assembly does not extend to the Hill areas and in no way will affect or alter the present status of Tribal land.

The official statement said that there seems to be misinterpretation and misunderstanding of the provisions of the bills leading to the tragic incidents of yesterday and today causing tremendous losses including human lives.

It said the State Government appeals to all section of the society to maintain peace and calm in the state of Manipur and any differences may be discussed and settled across the table. Manipur deserves peace and tranquillity for its people, especially the children and youth.

`It is requested to all stakeholders to come forward for discussion with government to bring a solution to the present situation prevailing in the State.`

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/09/government-appeals-for-calm-says-differences-could-be-settled-through-talks/

LAMKA, September 1: Churachandpur continued to burn for the second day today with the protest against the passing of the Protection of Manipur Peoples`™ Bill 2015, Manipur Land Revenue & Land Records (seventh Amendment) 2015and the Manipur Shop & Establishment (Second Amendment) Bill, 2015 refusing to die down.

Meanwhile, the Kuki Innpi CCpur (KIC), the Hmar Innpui and the Zomi Council (ZC) and the respective frontal organisations convened a meeting jointly chaired by UPF and KNO and appealed to all that the unfortunate incidents should not be taken on communal lines and further appealed to all sections of the society to desist from any sort of violence.

Although there was no formal declaration of a bandh, people came out in the morning and burned the belonging of a family for allegedly sheltering the Army. There are also rumours doing the rounds that the firing yesterday which killed a supporter was from valley based UGs as the cartridge recovered were not of government supply.

People have also alleged that the IRB posted in Churachandpur had used knives against the mob that attacked them with stones and any available crude object leading to three more deaths today.

The dead included a 12 year old boy identified as Khaizamang, son of (L) Haokhothang of Bizang.

With reports of several injuries including some critical and some being operated upon the number of casualties may still increase.

The dead persons have been identified as Thangzalian son of Zelzamung of Hiangtam Lamka; Paulianmang, 23, of Dorcas Veng; Pauanlian, 19, from Vengnuam; Henlalson, 18, from HQ Veng; Khamthianmuan, 22, son of Kamkhenthang of Pearsonmun; Zamminthang Valte, 27, son of (L) V Vungkhozam of College Veng; Khaizamang, 12, son of (L) Haukhothang of Bizang and.

Meanwhile, early this morning, the Autonomous District Council Churachandpur members called a press conference at the ADCC chairman Langkhanpau Guite`™s New Lamka residence.

Guite said the present situation wherein people have died is sad.

Their sacrifice will be remembered by the people, he said.

Expressing anger, the ADC chairman also claimed that rubber bullets and tear gas shells are being used in other areas to disperse protestors while real bullets are used in Churachandpur district yesterday.

The chairman, flanked by the vice chairman and the EM, further claimed that the ADCC who is the autonomous body of the district was not consulted on the three bills before they were passed by the Assembly.

He said the ADC Churachandpur will use all the resources under their disposal including pressuring and appeal to the Governor to block the bills from becoming Acts.

Meanwhile, the Kuki Innpi CCpur (KIC), the Hmar Innpui and the Zomi Council (ZC) and the respective frontal organisations convened a meeting jointly chaired by UPF and KNO representatives and deliberated on the issue confronting the tribal people of Manipur.

In a joint declaration to the press today, the organisations said the meeting unanimously condemned the three bills passed by the Manipur Assembly on August 31 citing that the bills are anti-Tribal which impinged on the traditional tribal land rights and land reform.

The meeting further lamented that the baseline for identification of the people of Manipur being fixed in the year 1951 is a `mockery of historical fact` and the manner in which the bills are passed `unanimously` without discussion or debate on the floor of the House is undemocratic and unparliamentary.

The organisations also stated that the Hill Areas Committee should at the earliest convened a meeting and take appropriate steps to either repeal the bills or insert exceptional clauses in the bill within 10 days.

The meeting also appealed that the unfortunate incidents should not be taken on community line and further appealed to all sections of the society to desist from any sort of violence.

The organisations also expressed their deep sorrow and condolences to the precious lives lost for the cause of the tribal while also condemning the security personnel responsible for causing the death and resolved that appropriate ex-gratia should be given to the deceased and compensation to those injured and all properties loss/destroyed.

The joint sitting and their declaration also took a resolution stating that the `The current imbroglio is a manifestation of the age old political grievances of the tribal of Manipur and as such the gathering resolved that the Union government should immediately intervene to find a permanent political settlement for the tribal of Manipur.`

Meanwhile, a team of the All Manipur Working Journalists`™ Union arrived in the district on a fact finding mission.

The team was also held up by an encounter between security forces and stone throwing protestors.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/09/death-toll-rises-to-seven-in-ccpur-civil-organisations-appeal-against-giving-incident-communal-tone/

IMPHAL September 1: The All Manipur United Club Organisation, the United Club Manipur and the Committee of Civil Society Kangleipak (CCSK) have together appealed for peace and harmony in the wake of the violence in tribal districts following the passing of the three bills in the assembly yesterday.

The organisations have also appealed against spreading of rumours in the social network which could incite communal tension.

Condoling the loss of six lives in the responsive agitation to the passing of the three bills yesterday, the organisations voiced concerns regarding the sensitivity of the issue and present situation.

`We expressed our deepest condolence for the families of the six persons who had sacrificed their lives. There might have been shortcomings and misunderstanding among communities which should be address by joint consultations both among leaders and publics to restore our ties and move forward together,` they appealed.

Vice president, AMUCO, Ph Deban said, road blocks have been imposed along the Moreh route and several vehicles are stranded along the route.

The government of Manipur and security personnel should ensure their safety and at the same time take the responsibility of settling the issues of the people who have disagreed with the three bills, he said.

Sunil Karam, vice president UCM added, it is imperative for everyone to restrain from spreading rumour in such a sensitive juncture.

`More than 30 communities reside in Manipur and we have to live together in harmony.`

He maintained that the Act will benefit all the people of the State.

While appealing to the GoM to control the situation without adding more casualties, he also appealed to the police force to abstain from treating the people as enemies.

N Chingkheinganbi, vice president CCSK said the government should safeguard the citizens from such untoward incidents.

`We are one and should continue to uphold this oneness so that such unfortunate incidents will not repeat in future`™ she further appeals to the security personnel to uphold such ideals in their conduct.

They collectively appealed to the social media users to avoid provocating each other and spreading unfounded rumours and propagandas with a communal tone.

`Such practice might incite communal discord among the various communities residing together in the State. So it is imperative that social media users behave responsibly in such trouble times`™ they said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/09/amuco-ucm-and-ccsk-urge-all-to-abstain-from-spreading-rumour-with-communal-tone/

IMPHAL, Sept 1: The 119th Birth Anniversary of Jananeta Hijam Irawat Singh and `Kisan Demand Day`™ were observed by Manipur Loumi Lup today at Keishampat Lairembi Community Hall, Imphal West.

Speaking at the function, Dr Moirangthem Nara Singh, secretary of CPI called upon the people of the State to follow the footsteps of Hijam Irawat who launched various movements for the welfare of the oppressed section and worked tirelessly for the betterment of the society.

He continued that Hijam Irawat not only worked for the poor but also contributed his part towards the unity and harmony amongst the people of different ethnic communities in the State.

Dr Nara also mentioned that Irawat dedicated his entire life for the oppressed and equality for all sections of the people.

Moreover, Irawat also contributed in the fields of sports, arts and culture, women empowerment and politics, he added.

He also said that the people of the State should fondly remember Irabot as a freedom fighter, politician and social activist.

The function was also attended by former Minister, Ningthoujam Mangi Singh, who is also the president of Manipur Loumi Lup; L Sotinkumar, secretary of Irawat Celebration Committee, Manipur; L Iboyaima, state secretariat member, CPI, Manipur; L Thoiren; A Lalla; Surchand; Shakhi Dur and S Nillakanta, working president of Manipur Loumi Lup.

A 15-point charter of demands were also adopted and read out during the meeting.

The demands of the Loume Lup state that Indo-NSCN (IM) peace accord should not affect the territory of Manipur; implement ILPS in the State; appropriate compensation for flood affected people; implement Land Execution Act- 2013 instead of 2015 Ordinance; pension for people (60 years old and above); proper distribution of PDS items; curb corruption; zero interest farmers loan; daily wages of Rs 300 for MGNREGA workers; policy for total literacy; stop oppress against minority and women; waive off loan from farmers and special economic packages for flood affected people.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/09/119th-birth-anniv-of-hijam-irawat-kisan-demand-day-observed/

IMPHAL, September 1: The Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System today met with State government representatives and signed an agreement to translate certain provisions of the August 25 agreement between the two sides into action.

The two sides agreed to perform the funeral rites of (L) Sapam Robinhood on September 3, re-open the educational institutions after the last funeral rites of (L) Sapam Robinhood is performed, unconditional release of all persons under detention relating to the movement on ILPS and the government to provide financial assistance to all persons who are injured or inflicted during the course of movement.

The two sides also resolved to construct a complex at the place where the funeral rites of Robinhood is performed and that the government will provide all financial and logistic support in the development of the complex and that no person involved/ related to the movement on ILPS will be victimised.

It was also agreed that `In consequence to the accomplishment of the Agreements on the last Funeral Rites of Late S Robinhood and the unconditional release of all persons under detention relating to the movement on ILPS, all forms of agitation shall remain suspended.`

The agreement was signed by special secretary (Home) M Yaishkul Meitei representing the government and convenor in charge JCILPS Kh Ratan Singh and JAC ABK of S Robinhood chairman Ch Hemchand representing the JCILPS and the JAC formed in connection with the death of Robinhood.

The agreement was signed inside the CM Bungalow. The meeting began at around 2:45 pm and concluded around 6pm.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/09/robinhoods-funeral-on-sept-3-schools-to-reopen-soon/

IMPHAL, September 1: JCILPS convenor in charge Kh Ratan Singh said the ongoing movement as well as the passing of the three bills passed by the Assembly is for the welfare of both the hills and the valley people of Manipur.

While declaring that there is nothing in the bills that will affect any particular community in Manipur, he appealed that `We (hill and valley people) need to understand each other and unitedly take the initiative to prevent the happening of unwarranted incidents.`

He further said that the lifeless body of S Robinhood will be collected from the morgue on September 3 and his last rites will be performed at a complex.

As for the construction of a complex in memorial of (L) Sapam Robinhood could be constructed near a hillock in Imphal East, however, the final location could be announced only after confirmation tomorrow, he said.

`We are planning to construct a complex which will include a museum, park and a memorial tomb of Robinhood and the government has agreed to provide the land for the complex,` he said

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/09/bills-for-the-welfare-of-all-maintains-jcilps/