Month: August 2017

Senior PLA leader Jame among those who returned to mainstream

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 14

Chief minister N. Biren Singh, today said violence is no solution to any problem and that differences can be resolved only through dialogue.

The chief minister was addressing a home coming ceremony organised for surrendered militants held today at 1st Manipur Rifles banquet hall.

Altogether 68 militants of different ranks and files belonging to different groups operating in the state surrendered before chief minister with arms.

Senior PLA leader Jame was among the notable to decide to call the armed resistance quits.

Calling on those who are yet to join the mainstream and presently taking shelter in Myanmar to come forward, he asserted that the government’s door is kept wide open.

Biren assured that security and welfare of the surrendered militants will be given top priority.

He divulged that his government has reviewed the previous ‘surrender policy’ of the state with a better one taking into consideration various aspects of the constant changes around us.

Maintaining that the state government is waiting for the approval of the new policy from the ministry of home affairs, Biren expressed his optimism.

Lauding the decision of the surrendered militants to join the mainstream, he urged the surrenderees to extend their co-operation to protect and safeguard the nation and state towards a better future.

He also appealed to those who have decided to join the mainstream to come forward without any fear while assuring all possible help from the government.

Maintaining that the state has got huge potential to shine if given a chance, he said it was high time we give peace a chance to Manipur.

The homecoming ceremony was attended by Cabinet ministers, MLAs, top brass of security forces including Police, Assam Rifles, CRPF etc.

Of the total surrendered militants 17 were members of the UNLF, 23 KCP, four KYKL, seven PLA, 10 Prepak and eight cadres of Prepak (Progressive).

While the identities of almost all the militants were concealed, high ranking officers were amongst the surrendered militants including a brigadier, Majors, captains, lieutenants, sergeant majors etc.

It has been informed that the militant cadres came along with several weapons but only eight were put on display during the ceremony which include three AK series rifles, one M-16, lethode launcher and three handguns.

The remaining weapons, the number of which was not disclosed, are reportedly under verification.

Jaame alias Uttam, senior RPF/PLA leader, speaking during the ceremony, claimed that he decided to come to the mainstream after realizing the futility of armed struggle which is leading to nowhere. Jaame reportedly joined the group in the year 1979.

“During my over 30 years experience in the armed struggle I realize that the struggle is not making any headway. What I witnessed was only bloodshed, many have been killed including civilians, friends, security forces”, said Jaame.

He observed that it was high time the insurgent groups of the North Eastern states particularly Manipur to enter into cease-fire agreement with the governments and start political dialogue.

The same policy is adopted by major insurgent groups in neighbouring Myanmar who are far more powerful than insurgency groups in North Eastern states, he asserted.

IMPHAL | Aug 14

The governor of the state, Najma Heptulla has extended heartiest greetings to the people of Manipur on the occasion of the 71st Independence Day. In her message the governor said India is a big country where diversities abound.

In India people from all communities live in harmony and unity in diversity is the hall mark of the country, her message read, and adding diversity is the strength of India.

“On this day in 1947, we freed ourselves from the Briish yoke after a long struggle and innumerable sacrifices. Today, while celebrating the country’s independence, we should remember that we did not get our freedom on a platter”, the message read.

The governor also maintained that we should be thankful to our brave forefathers whose love for their motherland and sacrifices made it possible. As Indians, this is our duty and responsibility to treasure this hard earned freedom and work hard to make India a proud and developed country in the comity of the nations, she said. 

She has also greeted the people on the occasion of the Krishna Janmastami, stating that let us remind ourselves of the teachings of Lord Krishna and propagate love and affection for all and usher in era of peace and prosperity in Manipur.

IMPHAL | Aug 14

The governor of the state, Najma Heptulla has extended heartiest greetings to the people of Manipur on the occasion of the 71st Independence Day. In her message the governor said India is a big country where diversities abound.

In India people from all communities live in harmony and unity in diversity is the hall mark of the country, her message read, and adding diversity is the strength of India.

“On this day in 1947, we freed ourselves from the Briish yoke after a long struggle and innumerable sacrifices. Today, while celebrating the country’s independence, we should remember that we did not get our freedom on a platter”, the message read.

The governor also maintained that we should be thankful to our brave forefathers whose love for their motherland and sacrifices made it possible. As Indians, this is our duty and responsibility to treasure this hard earned freedom and work hard to make India a proud and developed country in the comity of the nations, she said. 

She has also greeted the people on the occasion of the Krishna Janmastami, stating that let us remind ourselves of the teachings of Lord Krishna and propagate love and affection for all and usher in era of peace and prosperity in Manipur.

From Our Correspondent

CCPUR | Aug 14

Food Safety Department of Churachandpur district today took sample of the alleged plastic rice to Imphal for testing after an entire family of five members from Chapel Lane, Hiangtam Lamka Churachandpur got sick after consuming the rice yesterday morning. The head of the family, Ginzalian Paulsaid said that he brought one bag of rice from Rajban Shah variety store on August 11 and the tragedy started yesterday morning after consuming the rice. He said that all his family members, his wife and three children had a stomach related problem, chest pain and gastric soon after consuming the rice. Assuming that it was just a routine stomach issue and all the family members took Pantoprazole tablet but did not work out, he added.

He further said that after checking the rise, he reported the matter to the police which was forwarded to the Food Safety department, after which the officer of the department, Bisosana Loitongbam went to the shop and brought a bag of particular kind of rice. Later, the bag was taken to Imphal for clinical testing.

When enquired by the IFP correspondent, the owner of the variety store, Rajban Shah said that the rice was taken from a wholesaler named Prem from Bishnupur, who delivered 140 bags of rice.

From Our Correspondent

CCPUR | Aug 14

Food Safety Department of Churachandpur district today took sample of the alleged plastic rice to Imphal for testing after an entire family of five members from Chapel Lane, Hiangtam Lamka Churachandpur got sick after consuming the rice yesterday morning. The head of the family, Ginzalian Paulsaid said that he brought one bag of rice from Rajban Shah variety store on August 11 and the tragedy started yesterday morning after consuming the rice. He said that all his family members, his wife and three children had a stomach related problem, chest pain and gastric soon after consuming the rice. Assuming that it was just a routine stomach issue and all the family members took Pantoprazole tablet but did not work out, he added.

He further said that after checking the rise, he reported the matter to the police which was forwarded to the Food Safety department, after which the officer of the department, Bisosana Loitongbam went to the shop and brought a bag of particular kind of rice. Later, the bag was taken to Imphal for clinical testing.

When enquired by the IFP correspondent, the owner of the variety store, Rajban Shah said that the rice was taken from a wholesaler named Prem from Bishnupur, who delivered 140 bags of rice.

From Our Correspondent

CCPUR | Aug 14

Food Safety Department of Churachandpur district today took sample of the alleged plastic rice to Imphal for testing after an entire family of five members from Chapel Lane, Hiangtam Lamka Churachandpur got sick after consuming the rice yesterday morning. The head of the family, Ginzalian Paulsaid said that he brought one bag of rice from Rajban Shah variety store on August 11 and the tragedy started yesterday morning after consuming the rice. He said that all his family members, his wife and three children had a stomach related problem, chest pain and gastric soon after consuming the rice. Assuming that it was just a routine stomach issue and all the family members took Pantoprazole tablet but did not work out, he added.

He further said that after checking the rise, he reported the matter to the police which was forwarded to the Food Safety department, after which the officer of the department, Bisosana Loitongbam went to the shop and brought a bag of particular kind of rice. Later, the bag was taken to Imphal for clinical testing.

When enquired by the IFP correspondent, the owner of the variety store, Rajban Shah said that the rice was taken from a wholesaler named Prem from Bishnupur, who delivered 140 bags of rice.

IMPHAL | Aug 14

Chief minister N. Biren Singh urged the general public to elect the right leaders without taking money in elections. He was speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of a community hall at Luwangshangbam Maning Leikai in Imphal East district today.

Reiterating that the present government has a firm commitment to root out corruption, he opined that cleansing of the society should begin from elections.

People should put in effort to settle for consensus candidates instead of encouraging the idea of having multiple numbers of candidates; the chief minister observed that extending collective support to the consensus candidate is the only means to cut down election expenditures.

Observing that electing the right candidate without taking money would be a huge positive change, he urged the gathering to begin this reformation from Heingang and set itself as an example for a corruption-free constituency.

 Expressing serious concern over involvement of two policemen in a recent bomb blast, the chief minister pointed that there is an urgent need for rectification of recruitment process of Manipur police department.

 He further said that the Special Investigation Teams (SITs) constituted to probe the mass recruitment of employees by the previous government were successful to gather some interesting points.

He added that 30 candidates were found interviewed in 30 minutes by a DPC board of a department.

 Speaking on bringing about an egalitarian development in the State, the chief minister said that construction of important roads and highways would commence soon after the rainy season.

MLAs Y. Surchandra and L. Rameshwor, Imphal West adhakshya Y. Dasumati, Laipham Khunou Zilla Parishad member, P. Sundar and BJP Heingang unit president Kh. Jila also attended the function which was presided by Kontha Khabam zilla parishad member P. Bimola.

IMPHAL | Aug 14

Chief minister N. Biren Singh urged the general public to elect the right leaders without taking money in elections. He was speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of a community hall at Luwangshangbam Maning Leikai in Imphal East district today.

Reiterating that the present government has a firm commitment to root out corruption, he opined that cleansing of the society should begin from elections.

People should put in effort to settle for consensus candidates instead of encouraging the idea of having multiple numbers of candidates; the chief minister observed that extending collective support to the consensus candidate is the only means to cut down election expenditures.

Observing that electing the right candidate without taking money would be a huge positive change, he urged the gathering to begin this reformation from Heingang and set itself as an example for a corruption-free constituency.

 Expressing serious concern over involvement of two policemen in a recent bomb blast, the chief minister pointed that there is an urgent need for rectification of recruitment process of Manipur police department.

 He further said that the Special Investigation Teams (SITs) constituted to probe the mass recruitment of employees by the previous government were successful to gather some interesting points.

He added that 30 candidates were found interviewed in 30 minutes by a DPC board of a department.

 Speaking on bringing about an egalitarian development in the State, the chief minister said that construction of important roads and highways would commence soon after the rainy season.

MLAs Y. Surchandra and L. Rameshwor, Imphal West adhakshya Y. Dasumati, Laipham Khunou Zilla Parishad member, P. Sundar and BJP Heingang unit president Kh. Jila also attended the function which was presided by Kontha Khabam zilla parishad member P. Bimola.

From Our Correspondent

UKHRUL | Aug 14

Terming the denial of an honourable burial of Catholic Christian faith follower, H. Rita by the villagers of Leinganching under Kamjong district, as inhuman, the Tangkhul Catholic Council has taken a serious note on the issue.

The general secretary of the TCC referred to the present crisis as a denomination issue. Meanwhile the convenor of “JAC for Denial of H. Rita burial” informed that they will organise a rally on August 16 at Ukhrul and on the following day at Imphal and if the state government cannot bring an amicable solution, the JAC will call for indefinite bandh in the state.

The JAC has been formed by apex body of all Catholics of Manipur. The JAC was formed on August 10. Paotam Zimik, convenor of the JAC informed the press that the rally is being organised mainly focusing on three points: peaceful burial of Late H. Rita wife of H. Yangmi, right to exercise freedom of religion, amendment of the Riyan/constitution of the Leinganching village.

The president of TCC also informed that they have met chief minister of Manipur and submitted a memorandum on the prevailing situation and pressed upon the administration to look into the matter and diffuse the situation at the earliest.

The memorandum stated that “as a good citizen of the secular democratic republic of India, where Right to Freedom of Religion is enshrined in the constitution of India now being violated by the Baptist (majority) at Leingangching”, the memorandum appealed to put an end to such activities.

He also added that H. Yangmi husband of the deceased had approached the Litan PS three times for lodging an FIR but was denied as there was a strict instruction by the higher authority not to entertain any FIR on this matter. President TCC added that they were able to lodge FIR only after the intervention from the chief minister. 

The president of TCC recalled that as per directive given by CAO WTR on  August 28, a home coming program for H. Yangmi and party was arranged by TCC, AMCO ATCA, SDA Union Manipur, AMCWO (All Manipur Catholic Women Organisation) AMCYO but because of strong opposition by the villagers, the program was cancelled.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 14

The titular king of Manipur, Sanajaoba Leisemba said “unless we are united we cannot go ahead so it is necessary to stay united and stand together as one for a bright future of Manipur.”

Sanajaoba was addressing the crowd during the celebration of 71st Manipur Independent Day today at the Old Royal Palace, Imphal organised by the members of Old Royal Palace and Coalition for Indigenes’ Rights Campaign (CIRCA), Manipur.

The erstwhile national flag of Manipur with the symbol of Lord Pakhangba (in serpentine form) embossed on it was hoisted by the titular king, Sanajaoba at the premises of the palace.

The titular king said that now a days the young generation do not know that Manipur was once an independent country with its own constitution.

The celebration of Manipur’s independent  day will empower the people of Manipur with the historical awareness of their existence as a free nation and enable the people to fight for their legitimate political aspiration, continued Sanajaoba.

Manipur national flag has been hoisted every year in the palace premises but from the last year with the support of CIRCA and people of the state the celebration becomes a big event, he added.

Sanajaoba said that “in order to show the people outside the state that we are united, we must celebrate the Independence Day together at one location grandly from next year.”

He also spoke about the brief history of the independence day of Manipur. 

CIRCA spokesperson, Ningthouja Lancha urged the state government to announce and declare August 14 as Manipur independence day.

He said until and unless a special constitutional status with maximum autonomy for Manipur is given, there will be no peace in the state.

He said that according to the Instrument of Accession any function in relation to the administration of the state and law of the dominion should be exercised by the state, except for the defence, communication, and external affairs.

To restore the pre-merger political status of Manipur for the welfare of the people, Instrument of Accession is the key to it.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 14

The titular king of Manipur, Sanajaoba Leisemba said “unless we are united we cannot go ahead so it is necessary to stay united and stand together as one for a bright future of Manipur.”

Sanajaoba was addressing the crowd during the celebration of 71st Manipur Independent Day today at the Old Royal Palace, Imphal organised by the members of Old Royal Palace and Coalition for Indigenes’ Rights Campaign (CIRCA), Manipur.

The erstwhile national flag of Manipur with the symbol of Lord Pakhangba (in serpentine form) embossed on it was hoisted by the titular king, Sanajaoba at the premises of the palace.

The titular king said that now a days the young generation do not know that Manipur was once an independent country with its own constitution.

The celebration of Manipur’s independent  day will empower the people of Manipur with the historical awareness of their existence as a free nation and enable the people to fight for their legitimate political aspiration, continued Sanajaoba.

Manipur national flag has been hoisted every year in the palace premises but from the last year with the support of CIRCA and people of the state the celebration becomes a big event, he added.

Sanajaoba said that “in order to show the people outside the state that we are united, we must celebrate the Independence Day together at one location grandly from next year.”

He also spoke about the brief history of the independence day of Manipur. 

CIRCA spokesperson, Ningthouja Lancha urged the state government to announce and declare August 14 as Manipur independence day.

He said until and unless a special constitutional status with maximum autonomy for Manipur is given, there will be no peace in the state.

He said that according to the Instrument of Accession any function in relation to the administration of the state and law of the dominion should be exercised by the state, except for the defence, communication, and external affairs.

To restore the pre-merger political status of Manipur for the welfare of the people, Instrument of Accession is the key to it.