Day: December 2, 2017

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 2

Militants suspect reportedly carried an ambush on a team 31 Assam Rifles of D-company in Kamjong district early morning today.

According to reliable sources, at around 3:30am two powerful IED exploded simultaneously between Aishi and Lakhan Village when personnel of the 31 AR, posted at Kangkam, were moving towards Aishi village for a medical camp.

Subsequently, the AR team in retaliatory fire shots several rounds but no casualty was reportedly.

Unconfirmed sources said that the ambush could have been carried out by the proscribed RPF/PLA militant group.

It is also learnt that Assam Rifle had a plan to establish a post at Aishi and that as a signs resentment the suspected militant might have planted the IEDs reported one official on anonymity.

Newmai News Network

DIMAPUR | Dec 2

Lieutenant General Anthony Ningkhan Shimray has taken charge as new Commander-in-Chief of the Naga Army, NSCN-IM from today.

On the occasion, General (Retd) Kholi, Vice-President of the GPRN/NSCN-IM acknowledged outgoing Army Chief Lt. General Phungthing Shimrang for “his diligent and faithful service rendered to the Naga nation” as Longvibu (Chief of the Army Staff) until his service term duly completed on November 28, 2017.

“His outstanding meritorious service and lifelong sacrifice for the Naga sacred cause has gained him national recognition, thereof, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Phungthing Shimrang is inducted as an Executive Member of the Steering Committee with immediate effect,” the NSCN-IM said n a statement. “The outgoing Longvibu emphasized the role of the Naga Army in the national political movement, terming the Army as the backbone of any political nation,” the statement added.  

Lieutenant General Anthony Ningkhan Shimray is now appointed as the new “Longvibu” or Commander-in-Chief of the Naga Army succeeding Lt. Gen. Phungthing Shimrang, the outfit added.

“On this day, the 2nd of December, 2017 while taking the charge of Longvibu, the successor pledged to honor Christ, the Naga Flag and the Naga Army flag with his life. The charge was taken in prayer and jubilation at the General Headquarter,” the NSCN-IM further added.  

According to the NSCN-IM, Lt. Gen. Ningkhan Shimray is a Christ filled charismatic and potential key Naga National functionary. “The prayer aptitude of Late Isak Chishi Swu, the former Chairman of the NSCN is today secured by him. On September 27, 2010, Lieut. Gen. Ningkhan Shimray was kidnapped by the Indian Agency, NIA at Kathmandu while he was on his way from Bangkok to Delhi to attend the Indo-Naga political talk. On October 3, 2010, he was produced in a court in Delhi by the NIA with a fabricated accusation and imprisoned him for more than 5 years until his released on August 2, 2016. He was the Political Commissar of the NSCN and the Advisor to the Ato Kilonser of the GPRN prior to his new appointment,” the NSCN-IM statement also said.  

According to the NSCN-IM, with the changed of guard, a ray of hope with strength is seen like a rainbow which is a sign of Gods? promise to his people. The Naga Army and Naga political nationalists strongly expressed commitment to extend optimum co-operation to his patronage to salvage the Nagas, the outfit also said. “The Kilo Kilonser, the Keya Kilonser and the President of the CNC spoke on the occasion and acknowledged the former Longvibu?s contribution in building a firm Naga Army foundation and wished him the best in his new endeavor, and further congratulated the newly appointed Longvibu too on behalf of the GPRN,” it added.

IMPHAL | Dec 2

A Delhi based lawyer and an advocate of child rights, Eliza Rumthao of Ukhrul district, recently launched a comprehensive handbook, “Legal handbook on Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act, 2012: A Guide to Handle Sexual Violence Cases of Children” at the Centre for North East Studies and Policy Research (CNESPR), Jamia Milia Islamia (JMI), New Delhi.

Present at the launch were professor Simi Malhotra, Director CNESPR, JMI and Professor Sabiha Hussain, Director Sarojini Naidu Centre for Women Studies, JMI.

Speaking on the occasion, Eliza Rumthao said, “the survey of the ministry of women-children development states that 53.22% of our children are sexually abused. Child sexual offense is a dark subject to discuss or talked about in our society. So sexual abuse is hidden and pervasive in nature because of the social stigma, shame and fear attached to the victim.”

“The legal handbook is to help those survivors or parents who may have to go through the process of our criminal justice system,” she added.

On the similar subject of sexual offense, a young poet from the state, Yuimi Vashum also launched a collection of her poems that talks about “coping with sexual abuse as a kid, of falling in love, of heartbreaks” at the recently held International Literature and Art festival, Dehradun.

Titled as “Love, Lust and Loyalty”, Yuimi Vashum weaved a brutally honest and yet stunningly soulful poem that will stir the emotion, and at the same time, make readers clench their fists with anger. And yet Vashum began her painful writing with words of ‘forgiveness’ that has liberated her from the monster she was trapped.

Yuimi Vashum wrote of her book, “I seek to speak for kids who had to endure the abuse in silence, because nobody said it was a crime and could seek help; no warnings. I also want this book to be a tool of awareness for parents. Through this book I want to communicate with victims of sexual abuse and emphasise that when we (victims) overcome shame, we are just like everyone else; entitled to love, lust and live.”

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 2

Three persons have been arrested in connection with an acid attack on one Mangsatabam Menaka, 32, wife of Mangsatabam Santosh, 38, of Soibam Leikai Wangkhei Khunou, Imphal East on November 29 at around 9 pm at Citizen Club area.

Speaking to media person during a press conference held today at Manipur Press Club, secretary of Citizens Club, Sapam Banabir Singh said this has never happened before in the history of crimes in Manipur history.

He said Menaka was attacked by one Md. Tomba, 22, son of Azad Ali of Hatta Inta Khola, Imphal East.

Banabir said according to the victim, she owned a hotel at the locality around 500 metres away from her residence. On that fateful day in the evening Tomba came at the hotel and ask about a girl but she told Tomba she had no idea where she might be, and the man went back.

When she came back home calling it a day and shuttering her hotel, Tomba suddenly appeared and threw acid on her. The acid hit on her right shoulder and some parts of the chin including dorsal side of her right palm.

He said she was immediately taken to JNIMS causality and after first aid she was referred to Regional Institute of Medical Science, Lamphel for further treatment. Doctor said she suffered 10 percent acid burn on her body, Banabir added.

Though the incident happened on November 29, no one from the family of the accused turned up to clarify or negotiate, he claimed.

Citizens Club made a decision that the accused family will be expelled from the locality permanently and the medical expenses would have to be born by the culprit’s family until she recovers completely, Banabir asserted.

He further said the family of Tomba is notorious for selling drugs in the locality and for many shady activities. He appealed to the government to take fitting legal action against the culprit immediately for the horrendous attack on an innocent woman without any reason.

“He must be given exemplary punishment so that such crimes do not recur ever again,” Banabir added.

Jiri News Network

JIRIBAM | Dec 2

In view of a controversy over an alleged unpleasant relationship of one doctor with women in the government hospital of Ningsingkhul, Jiribam, several civil organisations got together to condemn the act.

These include representatives of All Jiribam United Clubs Association (AJUCA), Jiri Ima Meira Paibi Apunba Lup (JIMPAL), Apunba Jiribam Meira Paibi (AJMP), along with other civil voluntary organisations and local club members within the vicinity of the hospital.

Addressing to the media, vice-president of AJUCA, M. Premchandra Singh stated that on November 29, an unfortunate squabble broke out at Jiribam hospital on the alleged immoral relationship of one doctor, namely Dr. Sonachand Sharma with women. He further mentioned that there have also been reports of RKS fund, allotted under National Health Mission, being misused by Sonachand. Due to the ill-natured character of the said doctor, the dignity of the hospital has been maligned, he added.

Further, he demanded that the doctor should be removed from the hospital within three days by the authority concerned.

In the said press conference, representatives of Meira Paibis in Jiribam also appealed to the authority concerned to remove Dr. Sonachand Sharma from the district hospital in the larger interest of the people in Jiribam.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 2

Former chief minister, O. Ibobi said the public of the state cannot believe the assurance given by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi that the framework agreement will not affect the territorial integrity of the state as the contents of the framework agreement is still kept secret.

He was addressing a crowd during a sit-in protest demanding disclosure of the framework agreement between the central government and NSCN-IM today at Loukham Leirak community hall, Sagolband Tera organised by Patsoi Block Congress Committee.

The former CM said that the public cannot trust Bharatya Janata Party especially when it comes to the framework agreement as they have even broken their many assurances to the public during the election campaign.

Ibobi charged BJP that during the time of election the BJP used the NSCN-IM as their weapon to win the election by letting the NSCN-IM’s frontal organisation UNC call an indefinite blockade.

“If the BJP were not to be in power in the state today, there is every chance the blockade would still be continuing,” he added. 

Stating that the unity between the people of hills and valley has never been ruptured since from the beginning of history he said shouting that the new government has brought unity between the people of hills and valley is ridiculous.

Ibobi warned that unwanted situation like the June 18 incident may arise if the framework agreement leaves provisions for destroying the territorial and emotional integrity of the state.

Former deputy chief minister, Gaikhangam who also attended the sit-in protest said that demanding disclosure of the contents of the framework agreement is the rights of the public and it is not a political issue created by Congress at all.

 “Why have the contents of the framework agreement still not been disclosed if, as claimed by the BJP, they do not affect the territorial and emotional integrity of the state?” he asked.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 2

Singju Yokhatpa Lup (SYOL) is organizing the 3rd singju festival from December 28 at Lamdeng Makha Leikai ground.

In this connection the SYOL appealed any groups or organistions to refrain from imposing strike or bandh during the 12 days festival which will conclude of January 8.

Speaking to the media persons at Manipur press club, Manaoton chairman SYOL, said that the Singju festival is organised to promote the forgotten taste of indigenous foods of Manipur to the world.

To promote the sate culture and identity, we need to popularise our state’s cuisine, said Manaoton.

Delegates from Bangladesh and also from different parts of the northeastern states will take part in the Festival orgnaised under the theme “Preservation and Protection of Indigenous Culture”, he added.

Varity of singju stalls alongside other general stalls like book stalls, craft, handloom and handicrafts stalls will be the main feature during the festival.

Moreover, singju cycle rally, seminar on singju, blood donation, photo exhibition, fashion parade and national film festival will be another highlights of the festival.

The festival is supported by pioneer club, Ima Lai Khurembi Seba Committee and Women Development Organisation of Lamdeng makha leikai and MMRC and UNITY park.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 2

The Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) has today termed the boycott call of the United Naga Council (UNC) against senior Congress legislator Gaikhangam, from entering in the Naga areas as an uncivilized move.

Speaking to media persons during a press conference convened today at Congress bhawan, MPCC spokesperson, Kh. Joykishan Singh, urged the UNC and the force behind to stop playing the divisive card between the Hill and Valley.

“The UNC by now should realize that their divisive strategies like diktat and intimidation particularly in Hill is a futile exercise”, he said.

The fact that Congress emerged to be the single largest party in Hills with 9 seats during the last assembly election despite the boycott speaks for itself what the people want, he continued.

Reminding the UNC of the Congress party’s steadfast stand in protecting the territorial integrity of Manipur, he demanded the former to make its stand clear on the integrity of Manipur and tribal people of Manipur.

Reacting to the announcement made by the President of India of a probable solution to the Indo-Naga peace talks, Joykishan reiterated that Congress will warmly welcome a peaceful settlement but not at the cost of Manipur’s territorial integrity.

The MPCC spokespersons pointed out that the NPF, one of the coalition partners during their party meeting made an open announcement that their objectives has been clearly mentioned in the party manifesto.

It is a well known fact that NPF’s foremost agenda is to integrate the Nagas settled in Northeastern region, he said adding that questioned other coalition partners of the present Manipur government to respond to NPF.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 2

A joint meet of all political parties and civil voluntary organisations (CVOs) on framework agreement issue was held today at Manipur Press Club but representatives from Naga People Front and state Aam Aadmi Party failed to turn up at the meeting.

After a long discussion between the political parties and CSOs the meeting resolves that all the state political parties and CSOs will work and stand together for the unity and welfare of the state if the content of framework agreement affects in any state issue.

Today’s meeting also endorsed and re-affirmed the decisions taken by the “open dialogue on the possible outcomes of the framework agreement” held on November 18.

The resolution also said that all the political parties’ body and CSOs will take fitting initiatives on any emergent issue on the framework agreement in the future, and in this they will not leave any stone unturned.

It also said representatives from each state political party and CSOs team should meet Central leaders to look for a definite resolution on the issue of framework agreement.

Lastly the resolution also stated that a general awareness campaign on framework will be organised in different parts of the state in order to make everybody aware of the issue involved in the framework agreement.

Representatives from all political parties and CSOs put their signatures on the resolution stating that the decisions made in the meet are unanimous.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 2

Social welfare and cooperation minister, Nemcha Kipgen said that Renu is such a dynamic cooperative leader and the state needs more people like her to be economically independent.

She was making this speech as the chief guest at the opening ceremony of 28 branches of Renu Handloom and handicraft Co-operative Society Limited at Hotel Classic Grande, Chingmeirong today.

She applauded the effort of Arambam Renu Devi for her consistent dedication to help and employ the downtrodden people. This is the fruit of her hard work, she added.

Nemcha said, ‘Renu is an exemplary cooperative and if there are more people like her in the state, the state will be economically developed and independent’.

She highlighted the life story of Renu and said that she started her business in the year 1991 and registered as a cooperative in 1992 with just 110 members. After 25 years, her continuous effort has spread to bigger areas covering 14 districts of the state and even to Kohima in Nagaland, with 28 branches and 1110 workers for her.

She appreciated her labours saying that out of 1110 workers, 500 of them are orphans and widows under her own care and adopted them as her own children.

Renu has won two national awards for her cooperative skills, for best Cooperative Excellency award in 2012 in primary level, given by National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) and recently in September 2017, she was awarded Laxman Rao Inamdar National Award for Co-operative Excellence.

Speaking at the occasion, Renu said that she is uneducated yet she tried her best to understand the subjugated people and their needs. She said that being called the ‘mother’ of those who do not have anything is the greatest privilege for her in her mission.

She also advocated that hills are her people and valley is only the home of her husband. She also said that peace and true love cannot be brought by microphone, but only work and deeds will.

Her products are sold in different parts of the country and even exported to other countries like Italy, Germany, China, Bangladesh and others.

Renu’s future plan is to participate in implementation of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), to train 3000 women, to open another 25 training centres and to generate revenue of Rs.2 crores in 2017-2020 from textile industries.

The opening function was attended by political advisor to the chief minister, R.K. Ranjan Singh, former minister for science and technology, Khashim Ruivah and former chairman of IMC, Moirangjao Gangmei as presidium members.