Manipur Mail – Page 10

MDF not involved in threat to scribes

IMPHAL, Sep 4 NNN : The Kanglei Yaon Kanna Lup- Military Defence Force (KYKL-MDF) general secretary L Achouba today spelled out that the militant outfit has discontinued demanding money from the public to raise its fund since it signed the Suspension of Operation (SoO) with both the Central and Manipur Governments.
Addressing a press conference at the Press Club here, Achouba appealed to the people to immediately inform KYKL-MDF finance secretary Deepak if the outfit’s name is found using by any individual or group in extortion activities.
Achouba further explained the outfit has not issued any diktat or threat to the state journalists and media houses and vowed that the outfit will not violate the SoO ground rules.
The top militant leader also said tripartite talks involving the outfit, Manipur and Central Governments are underway smoothly and expressed hope that a final and peaceful political settlement for the organisation will be brought soon.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/mdf-not-involved-in-threat-to-scribes/

Scribes protest threat by militants

IMPHAL, Sep 4 MNS NNN : Hundreds of journalists and newspaper hawkers took out a protest rally in the heart of Imphal on Monday to demonstrate against the diktats of a particular insurgent group issued to the media houses and the newspaper distributors. A militant outfit has issued diktats to the media houses and the […]

IMPHAL, Sep 4 MNS NNN

Scribes staging a sit in protest against threat by militants.

: Hundreds of journalists and newspaper hawkers took out a protest rally in the heart of Imphal on Monday to demonstrate against the diktats of a particular insurgent group issued to the media houses and the newspaper distributors.
A militant outfit has issued diktats to the media houses and the newspaper hawkers as well after the editors refused to publish the outfit’s press statement, which the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) considers as a move against its local adjustment code of conduct.
On Monday, the AMWJU and AMNSDA members numbering about 200 held a protest rally here against the threat by the militant group. The rally started from Manipur Press Club stopped in front of the Chief Minister’s bungalow.
There, a small number of representatives, including the union’s president, Wangkhemcha Shyamjai met Chief Minister O Ibobi. They apprised him about the aggravated situation faced by the media fraternity and newspaper hawkers.
Ibobi assured the team to provide security protection to the scribes and newspaper distributors in the state so that they can perform their duties in an intimidation-free environment, Shyamjai told newsmen after the meeting.
At the same time, the AMWJU, Editors’ Committee, Manipur and AMNSDA have decided to continue protest against the militant’s diktat.
“All activities related to publication of newspapers in the state will be brought to a complete standstill for two days i.e Monday and Tuesday,” AMWJU, president Syamjai informed, adding it was decided during a joint meeting.
“Sit-in protest is being organised against the threat issued to the scribes and newspaper hawkers during the two days,” he further informed.
A sit in against the threat to media persons and distributors organized by AMWJU and editors committee was held in front of Keishampat power house yesterday.
The protesters hold placards which read like respect the freedom of press, don’t threatened press, we want peace etc.
Meanwhile a sit in against the threat to press, distributors was held at Keishampat Lairembi community hall today.
Representatives of various organizations took part in the protest.
The protesters expressed unhappiness over the non-availability of newspapers to the public.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/scribes-protest-threat-by-militants/

Unfortunate episode

Two days without newspapers. That happened in Manipur. Dharna was also launched by scribes to protest against the restrictions imposed on the functioning of newspapers and media houses. Such incident is really unfortunate. Such incidents happen quite often in the strife torn state like
ours. Nobody can tackle it. Media houses are left to solve the problem on their own. Niceties of democracy were thrown in the wind. Minus powerful free press democracy has no meaning. The right to expression is safe guarded when the media houses both print and electronic can function independently without facing intimidation and infringement. It should be the duty of all to keep a vibrant media in Manipur, for minus powerful media the down trodden will remain trampled upon by the high and mighty groups of people. Do not do anything to curtail the freedom of speech. That however should not mean one should be given the liberty to utter blah blah on the roads. By freedom of speech we mean the ability to shout down the wrongs done by the high and mighty people. Keeping a vibrant media in a state like Manipur has become a difficult job. Working in the press is just like walking on the tied rope unless you move straight you
will fall. An editor quipped if one should be shot for moving backward, side ward or forward, it would be better dying standing erect without moving. If the editors have taken a stand it must be for the betterment of the society, another editor quipped. But who cares attitude has been shown. Something needs to be done to check the erosion into the freedom of press. It is time everyone realises that in keeping media houses in shambles nothing will be gained. That will pave the way for onset of chaos and confusion. Remember when the newspapers ceased publication abnormal things happened. Rumour mongers churned their mills and to sow hate and hatred between man and man. What we are hoping against hope is that better sense should prevail without delay to restore the normal functioning of the media houses. Confusion if any between man and man can be thrashed out through negotiation. Are you prepared for that? Wherever you are listen the voice of the masses and try to act in accordance with the expectation of the masses. One must be able to correct oneself. Until that happens we all continue to lead hellish way of life.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/unfortunate-episode/

CrPC 144 clamped in Shillong

SHILLONG, Sept 1 NNN: In view of the ‘public bandh’ of Meghalaya called by the various civil and students’ organisations including Khasi Students Union (KSU), FKJGP, HNYF, Garo Students Union (GSU), JSSU, CSWO, KWWADA, ADE, RBYF in protest against the non-implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Meghalaya, the District Magistrate, East Khasi Hills, Shillong has promulgated section 144 CrPC prohibiting carrying of arms, weapons or any material(s) which may be used to cause grievous harm, injury or damage or loss of human life, public and private property, sale of petrol/diesel or any other inflammable material in loose jericans/jars/bottles to any person(s) by any petrol pumps or refilling stations or private individuals dealing with the sale or storage of the same within the district.
This order shall come into force with immediate effect.
As their initial phase of the agitation, these civil organisayions will impose Meghalaya bandh tomorrow (Monday).
Above this, the state of Meghalaya is likely to witness series of intense agitation due to the break-down of August 29 talks between the civil societies and the Mukul Sangma government.
As reported earlier by NNN, the various civil society organisations are now preparing for the Monday’s state bandh and to be followed up by different forms of agitation.
The Mukul Sangma government wanted other mechanisms instead of implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) to control the influx issue in Meghalaya.
Pressure groups are demanding the state government of Meghalaya to immediately implement the recommendations made by the High Level Committee on Influx (HLCI) headed by the then deputy chief minister Bindo M Lanong.
Mentionably, the Lanong Committee which had submitted its report last year had recommended the state government for the implementation of ILP in the state.
Khasi Students Union (KSU), FKJGP, Garo Students Union (GSU), HNYF, RBYF, Jaintia Youth Federation (JYF), Jaintia Students Union (JSU), AJYWO, CSWO and many other organisations are demanding for the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Meghalaya.
The leaders of the pressure groups had said earlier that the civil organisations had tolerated enough and the government has made them wait more than eleven months but had failed to respond to their demand
“We demand that the state government should immediately consider the recommendation of High Level Committee on Influx headed by then deputy chief minister Bindo M Lanong for implementation of ILP,” they said.
Garo Students’ Union (GSU) president Tengsak G Momin said, “Government hear this, the people of Meghalaya are ready for inner line permit and we are ready to fight till the end for safeguarding our land and the people.”
Momin warned, “Let the government understand that we are serious and there will be no retrieve till we achieved what we have demanded for.”
FKJGP president Joe Marwein said that the 2011 census clearly indicated the abnormal increase of population in the state. He said that the ngos believe that only the ILP can be a proper mechanism to check illegal influx that is threatening the tribal minorities of the state.
Jaintia Students Union (JSU) president Rikut N Parien said that the government must not give the impression that the ILP will hinder development in the state. He said, “By implementing the ILP it will not stop people from coming to the state but will prevent illegal settlement, which is a dangerous trend that if not correct at right time will affect the state demography in a big way.”

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/crpc-144-clamped-in-shillong/

CBI files charge sheet against Ex MP

Mail News Service
New Delhi, Sept 1 : The Central Bureau of Investigation has on Saturday filed a Charge sheet against a private person and another Delhi based person who is also a former Member of Parliament under sections 120 B of IPC,420/511 of IPC & section 8 of PC Act and , additionally under section 66A(b)(c) of IT Act against the private person before Special Judge for CBI cases, Patiala House Courts, New Delhi related to alleged forging letter of the then Union Minister of State , Govt. Of India.
A case was registered by CBI in 2012, on a complaint of then Union Minister of State (Independent charge), Sports & Youth Affairs, Govt. of India . It was alleged that a letter, purported to have been written by the complainant who was then Union Minister of State , to the Prime Minister of India, was a forged one and had neither been written by him nor had it been issued by his office. It was found during investigation that a Chinese Telecom companybased in Gurgaon (Haryana), was allegedly assured by both the private persons of Delhi of help in a visa related matter. They had assured the officials of the company that they would use their contact in the government to get visa extension for the employees of the company. For this purpose, they allegedly showed a letter, addressed to the Prime Minister of India and supposedly written by Union Minister of State, to assure the officials of said Telecom company regarding their claim of help. In the process, cost was also allegedly demanded from the officials of the said company.
It was found during investigation that the unsigned letter which was allegedly shown to the officials of said Telecom company was a fake & forged one, which had never been written by Union Minister of State .The investigation also revealed that this fake letter was sent by the private person to his accomplice in the USA via email for entering into a deal with said Telecom company . It was also found that meetings allegedly took place between both accused persons and the officials of Telecom company, when the said letter was shown to them by the accused persons and assurance was given to them for solving their visa problem.
After thorough investigation, CBI filed a Charge sheet.
The public is reminded that the above findings are based on the investigation done by CBI and evidence collected by it. Under the Indian Law, the accused are presumed to be innocent till their guilt is finally established after a fair trial.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/cbi-files-charge-sheet-against-ex-mp/

10 injured at Moreh

Mail News Service
Imphal, Sept 1 : About 10 persons received injuries when police fired tear has shells and blank fire at an angry crowd who tried to free one Tongjachai alias Tengkhai Kipgen (22) Moreh Sikkim Village from the hands of police last night around 10 p.m.
A team of commandos posted at Moreh arrested Tongjachai (22) a cadre of Pakan revolution army for extorting Money from near Kondong Lairembi yesterday in the morning. After this women and others stoned Moreh PS and commandos office to release him. They said, he is a civilian.
As the protesters stoned PS, police fired tear gas shells. The protesters also fired at PS. In the police action, about 10 persons received injuries.
Police arrested two persons involved in the shooting at police station. They were identified as Seiboi Kuki (33) Chanou Village, Moreh ward No. 9, Thongnam Haokip (40) Moreh Sikkim Veng.
As the situation deteriorated the angry crowd burnt down the police check post near Kondong Lairembi.
Following the incident, all shops, business establishment were closed down. The area was tense.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/10-injured-at-moreh/

Peoples’ Manifesto released

AIZAWL, Sept 1 NNN: Mizoram-based corruption watchdog PRISM (People’s Right to Information & Development Implementing Society of Mizoram) has issued ‘Peoples’ Manifesto’ to eight different political parties in Mizoram for the upcoming Mizoram assembly elections due in either October end or November.
The manifesto contains 20 chapters in which there are 87 duties and obligations where any political party that comes to power after the poll must implement them. Of the 87 duties, 43 are to be done within a specific time, while the other 44 duties do not have a time limit.
As stated in the manifesto, the Chief Minister (whoever he may be) should not hold the office of any department designed for developmental works. One point of the manifesto said salaries of ministers or MLAs should be reduced. Besides, plans will be prepared for land utilization and administrative reform and land reform that should be undertaken. “It is expected to check corruption thereby bringing transparency and accountability in the administration,” the manifesto stated.
If the manifesto is implemented by the government, families none of whose members are employed in government departments will also be benefitted.
‘Peoples’ Manifesto’ has been submitted to different parties including Bharatya Janata Party (BJP), Hmar People’s Convention (HPC), Maraland Democratic Front (MDF), Mizo National Front (MNF), Mizoram Peoples Conference (MPC), Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC), Mizoram Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Zoram Nationalist Party (ZNP) to use as their manifesto in the upcoming election. The same copy was given to 20 organizations including AMFU general headquarters, Aizawl; Chhim Bial Chhantu, Lunglei; Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA), Aizawl;FOMTU Gen. Hqrs., Aizawl; LDDVF, Lawngtlai; MHIP Gen. Hqrs., Aizawl; MJA General Headquarters.,Aizawl; MKHC, Aizawl; MPF Hqrs., Aizawl; MSEWC, Aizawl; MSU Gen. Hqrs., Aizawl; and MUP.
Meanwhile, Mizoram election watchodog, Mizoram Peoples Forum (MPF) has also laid rules for the upcoming assembly polls.
The Mizoram Peoples’ Forum (MPF) is floated by the Synod, the largest Church body in Mizoram as an election watch-dog.
About 27 rules have been made by the MPF for the political parties to abide. Among the 27 points, one is that the political parties should only make an election manifesto which they can implement. If any political party violates any one of the 27 points, the MPF will “invalid” that party.
Some of the rules are that every party will try their best to have free and fair election; only the citizens of India should cast their votes; no political party should drop the voters to their polling stations by means of a vehicle; the MPF will check whether any one indulges in demanding money to the candidates and to the political parties; house to house campaign is allowed till 10 days before the election; “selling and buying” of votes are strictly prohibited.
and no candidate should distribute some material like silpaulin, Jersy, football, mobile handset, government schemes etc.; no protest rally should be organised 10 days before the election; a fixed number of banners, flags, posters are to be used by the parties.
The MPF is very influential and the people in the state have high regard for the Forum for its impartiality.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/peoples-manifesto-released/

Mass movement on territory issue: UCM

IMPHAL, September 1 NNN: Under the banner of United Committee, Manipur (UCM), a mass movement is likely to be launched soon in Manipur on the issue of the ‘territorial integrity of Manipur’.
This was recommended in a one-day seminar held at Imphal Hotel, Imphal on the theme, “India’s Stand on the Territorial Integrity of Manipur”. The seminar was organised by the UCM.
Today’s seminar was organised at the backdrop of the border dispute between India and Myanmar where several villages of Manipur have gone to the other side of the border due to the ongoing controversial border fencing.
“A strong and intense mass movement is a must here so as to alert the Government of India on the issue,” opined social activist Dr Dhanabir Laishram. He asked for a bold and concerted and democratic form of agitation by the people of Manipur to get the attention of New Delhi on the issue.
Dr Dhanabir Laishram was speaking as one of the resource persons during the seminar on the topic, “India’s double standard on the territorial integrity of Manipur”.
RK Ranjan, ‘senior visiting fellow’, Geography department of Manipur University said that in this globalised world focus on the nitty-gritties of border lines has become weak. He however said, “But maintaining the correct boundary lines is important,” RK Ranjan stated while speaking as a resource person in the prigramme. He also said that boundaries have been affected whenever there occur historical event or incident and reiterated, “But reality should not be distorted.”RK Ranjan was speaking on the topic, “Boundaries of Manipur and its problems and issues.”
Also speaking in the seminar was Hareshwar Goswami, a writer and social activist who said that border dispute with Myanmar (Burma) has been there since 1867. He stressed the need for the Manipur government to present a clear white paper on the issue to the public.
Prof Nabakumar while speaking on the topic, “A new turn in the Indo-Myanmar relationship in the light of India’s Look East Policy,” has presented a detailed scenerio in the region developed in recent time.Meanwhile, the seminar also recommended, besides organising a massive mass movement on the territory of Manipur, for sending missives on the issue to international fora.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/mass-movement-on-territory-issue-ucm/

Board warns schools

It has come to the notice of the Board that some of the Schools recognised by the Board have been sending up students from un-recognised schools as their own students for taking the HSLC Examinations. This practice is in contravention of existing Rules and Regulations prescribing code of conduct to be followed by the recognised schools.
All recognised schools were requested not to indulge in such unfair practices. All such students from unrecognised schools are not eligible to take the HSLC Examination and their names shall be deleted from the list of candidates. It has also been decided that in the event of any such malpractices, the defaulting schools (recognised schools) shall be liable to pay a fine of Rs. 1,00,000- (Rupees one lakh only) failing which the school shall be debarred from sending up candidates for any future HSLC Examination.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/board-warns-schools/

Bandh called on Sep 2

The United Diesel Auto Owners and Drivers Union (UDAODU) has on Saturday announced a 13-hour Manipur state wide general strike on September 2 from 5 am to 6 pm in protest against the killing of autorickshaw driver Ayekpam Naveen.
A mass sit-in protest was held at 20 different places between Wahengbam Leikai and Langjing along National Highway 37 (Imphal-Jiribam road) on Saturday against driver Naveen killing.
UDAODU said in a statement that it will impose a 13-hour Manipur bandh on September 2 to lodge a protest against the state Government for its failure to nab and punish the culprits.
Driver Naveen aged 55, hailed from Tera Loukrakpam Leikai in Imphal West district was found murdered at Thoubal district’s Tangjeng on August 28.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/bandh-called-on-sep-2/

Election mood in Manipur hills

IMPHAL, Aug 31 NNN : Hectic but discreet poll lobbies are underway in Manipur hills among aspiring candidates for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.
However, it is not clear as yet which candidate is lobbying for what party ticket in many cases.
It has been confirmed today that Naga Peoples Front (NPF) and Congress party will field their respective candidates in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections for the Outer Manipur seat.
NPF, Manipur State unit secretary Athuan Abonmai informed NNN that the party will definitely field its own candidate for the Manipur Outer Parliamentary seat (hill districts). when asked whether the NPF had finalised the name of its candidate, Athuan replied in negative.
Sources said BJP will also field its own candidate for the Outer Parliamentary seat. However, officially it has not been confirmed from the party.
Separate sources said former Lok Sabha MP Mani Charenamei, former minister C Doungel, ex-MP Kim Gangte, former Lok Sabha poll candidate Loli Adani, former minister Prof Gangmumei Kamei and sitting Congress MP Thangso Baite are likely to vie for the Manipur Outer Parliamentary seat in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.
There are two Lok Sabha seats in Manipur—Outer (reserved) and Inner (general).
Meanwhile, Mani Charenamei when contacted by NNN today, said he did not like to talk in public at the moment on the matter regarding his move.
In the case of Loli Adani, he had informed NNN sometime ago that he would take little more time to decide.
As reported sometimes back in local dailies, former MP Kim Gangte will contest from the Trinamool Congress ticket while C Doungel will fight the poll from the NCP ticket.
Reports said there are a handful of aspiring candidates lobbying for Congress party tickets in New Delhi presently. These aspiring candidates when contacted by Newmai News Network requested not to mention their names at this juncture.
Prof Gangmumei Kamei is reportedly lobbying for a BJP ticket. Attempts made to contact the former minister proved futile.
Meanwhile, a young and dynamic social activist informed NNN this evening that he will fight the forthcoming Lok Sabha poll with issues confronting the hill districts of Manipur as his vote plank. “I’m lobbying for a national party ticket. Even if I do fail to get the ticket I will fight the forthcoming Lok Sabha poll as an Independent candidate,” said the aspiring candidate who is also a student leader at the moment.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/election-mood-in-manipur-hills/

CM angered with slow works at JNIMS

Chief Minister, inspecting works taken up at JNIMS, Porompat,Imphal

IMPHAL, August 31 MNS NNN: Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh today visited Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) where he inspected the buildings of ladies hostel, administrative block, a 100-beded ward and a bank now under construction in the hospital complex.
Addressing the JNIMS staffs at the hospital’s Conference Hall after the inspection, Ibobi underscored the need for completing the basic infrastructures of the hospital by December this year ahead of the proposed visit by a team of Medical Council of India (MCI) to the hospital in December or January next year.
He appealed to the concerned authorities to finish the main structure by December, but expressed unhappiness over slow progress of the administrative block construction work.
Ibobi also informed that plans are afoot to send teams of specialist doctors and different staffs of the hospital to the remote areas of the hill districts of the state at least once a month to provide medical treatment and health care to the people.
He said the state Government is exerting efforts to procure vehicles for the medical teams and further appealed to the doctors to execute their duties with devotion and dedication.
During the trip, the Chief Minister was accompanied by Health minister Phungzathang Tonsing, Works minister Dr Kh Ratankumar, Principal Secry , Health and Family Welfare Dr Suhel Akhtar, Principal Secy,Works Ram Muivah and Chief Engineer, Works.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/cm-angered-with-slow-works-at-jnims/

Motivation for Liangmai youths

IMPHAL, August 31 NNN : Liangmai youths today have their hey-day with youth motivators from various fields pounded their lectures at Liangmai Baptist Church (LBC), Deulahlane in Imphal.
Organised by the ‘youth department’ of the LBC the youth motivation programme was attended by over 300 youths.
James Doupao Haokip (Manipur Secretariat Service), Rev Boipu Serto (Youth Director of Manipur Baptist Convention, MBC), Minmin Kipgen (a bank officer-UBI) were the resource persons on the occasion.
James Doupao Haokip said today’s youths have been swept away by modern electronic gadgets and that their future is at stake. He advised the Liangmai youths not to succumb to the temptations by the present fashion and trend but to focus on their career and future.
“Do not sell your future for this enjoyment,” asserted James Kipgen. The bureaucrat also said that lack of self confidence is one great enemy to build a bright career. According to him, God fearing and hard work will no go in vain.
Rev Boipu Serto harped on the moral aspect of the youths and said indulging in immoral activities hampers ones future. “Students staying far away from their villages and parents live a free-bird style not realising that very soon he will pay for it,” stated Rev Serto. The MBC Youth Director then stressed the need to trust God and said, “when you fear God you will not be able to do what God dislikes.”
Minmin Kipgen dwelt on the topics like banking, engineering, agriculture and computer technology.
He presented in detail on the job opportunity in these fields.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/motivation-for-liangmai-youths/

Bomb blasts near Governor’s residence, two injured

IMPHAL, August 31 MNS NNN: An IED blast in front of the heavily guarded Governor’s staff quarter (Raj Bhavan) in the heart of Imphal on Saturday wounded two persons including a civilian woman and a CRPF Havildar.
Police sources said the blast took place around 4 pm. The bomb exploded just as a passenger autorickshaw passed the spot. Four personnel from CRPF 109th Battalion were conducting a Road Opening Operation (ROP) on foot around the Raj Bhavan when the blast occurred.
Oinam Saya aged 57, a resident of Keishamthong Elangbam Leikai here and CRPF Havildar T Joy Singh suffered shrapnel injuries in the blast.
Saya was travelling in a car when the explosion occurred at the site. However, the duo suffered minor injuries in the blast.
The explosion created a 2 ft crater, according to police.
Saya was taken to Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) for medical treatment. However, the CRPF Havildar was taken to the post for first aid.
dditional Director General of Police (AP and Training) PM Goud, Inspector General of Police (Zone-I) L Kailun and Inspector General of Police (LO) Clay Khongshai were rushed to the spot, the police said.
A Manipur Police bomb squad rushed to the spot in search of more explosives in the area after the explosion.Police said that the bomb triggered by suspected militants on Saturday was a local made Improvised Explosive Device (IED).

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/bomb-blasts-near-governors-residence-two-injured/

Mizoram bandh on Sep 10

AIZAWL, August 31 NNN : With the state assembly elections just two months away, political parties in Mizoram have started raking up different issues and the Mizo National Front (MNF) has gone to the extent of calling Mizoram bandh on September 10.
When the ruling Congress party is enjoying the popularity of its pilot project New Land Use Policy (NLUP) in the rural areas, state unit BJP has come up with the demand for 33% reservation for women in state assembly.
The MNF, the main Opposition party in Mizoram has geared up today to impose bandh on September 10 in protest against the alleged misrule of the Congress party in the state. “General decadence of political system coupled with economic recession in the state have compelled us to protest,” said the Action Committee of the MNF. The MNF also accused Lalrinliana Sailo, Mizoram health minister of indulging in drug smuggling.
Meanwhile, the BJP has demanded for the 33% reservation for women not only in Mizoram but in all the state assemblies and in both the houses of Parliament. Sipra Goon, Secretary, of Mahila Morcha National told this in Aizawl during the party’s assembly.
“BJP is very much concerned about women empowerment. BJP always focuses the women problems relating to the field of education, self employment, formation of self help groups,” said Sipra Goon.
Meanwhile, the Congress party under the leadership of Lal Thanhawla continues to boast of the successful implementation of the New Land Use Policy (NLUP) in Mizoram in the past five years.
NLUP is a scheme provided mostly to the farmers to engage in other alternatives for their livelihood rather than jhum or shifting cultivation which destroys forest to the large extent.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/mizoram-bandh-on-sep-10/

Delhi gang-rape: Juvenile sentenced to three years in special home

New Delhi, Aug. 31 (ANI): Delivering its first verdict in the gang-rape of a student on a moving bus in Delhi in December last year, a Juvenile Court on Saturday held the youngest accused guilty of all offences and sentenced him to three years at a reformatory home.
The parents of the 23-year-old girl, who was assaulted and raped by six men in a moving bus, expressed their displeasure with the verdict and said that they would challenge the ruling.
“This kind of justice is meaningless, unacceptable. If the accused gets only three years for rape and murder, he might as well be allowed to go free,” said the victim’s mother.
The fatal attack on the 23-year-old physiotherapy intern provoked national outrage and impelled an overhaul of archaic laws to punish sexual crimes against women.
Six men were arrested for assaulting the student and her male friend with an iron rod.
One of them was 17 at the time of the attack. The charges against him include murder and rape.
The girl’s family had asked for the death penalty for all six men accused of the barbaric attack and said the juvenile should be tried as an adult as a special case, given the sheer depravity of the crime.
The Supreme Court had earlier on August 22, while admitting a plea seeking fresh interpretation of the term ‘juvenile’ in the statute on the basis of mental and intellectual maturity of minor offenders, gave permission to the Juvenile Justice Board to deliver its verdict against one of the accused in the brutal gangrape.
The juvenile was one of the six accused arrested in the case. While the juvenile faced inquiry before the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), the four adult accused are being tried before a fast track court.
The 23-year-old paramedical student was raped, beaten and tortured by six men on a moving bus in South Delhi area on December 16 last year.
The victim later died of internal injuries in a Singapore hospital two weeks later.

Sainik School Imphal retains Championship trophy

Sainik School Imphal has retained Championship Trophy by winning the Inter-Zonal Sainik School Football Championship 2013 held at Sainik School, Kunjpura, Haryana from 25 Aug to 27 Aug 2013. The school under-17 Football team had earlier qualified to participate in the tournament by emerging as champion in the East zone Sainik School Football Championship 2013 held at Sainik School Goalpara, Assam in June this year.
The school team defeated Sainik School teams from other four zones to lift the coveted trophy. Cadet Yaiphaba Laishram of this School was adjudged the best player and highest scorer with ten goals in the tournament. Now, the team will be representing all Sainik Schools in the prestigious International Subroto Mukherjee Football Tournament to be held later this year.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/sainik-school-imphal-retains-championship-trophy/

Mary Kom conferred Baroda Lifetime award

IMPHAL, August 30 NNN: London Olympics bronze medalist MC Mary Kom was conferred the Baroda Sun Lifetime Achievement Award on Friday in recognition of her feat and the laurels she has brought to the nation.
RK Arora, general manager, Bank of Baroda Eastern Zone, Kolkata handed over the award to pugilist Mary Kom during a function at the Court Hall, Manipur University here.
The award carries Rs 5 lakh, a shawl and a trophy. The boxer has become the first eminent sportsperson in India to bag the prestigious award of the reputed national bank, the second largest financial institute in the country.
Atul Choudhury, senior manager, Bank of Baroda, Imphal Branch, AK Grover, assistant general manager, Bank of Baroda, Guwahati, H Nandakumar Sarma, Vice Chancellor, Manipur University, K Radhakumar, Deputy Commissioner, Imphal West district, among others also attended the function.
Bank of Baroda has honoured various important personalities who have excelled in different fields with simple awards in recognition of their work and achievements.
A new branch of the bank will be opened at the Manipur University campus tomorrow. This will be the 46th branch of the institute in the North East India.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/mary-kom-conferred-baroda-lifetime-award/

No separate units for Naga, Kuki

Imphal, Aug 30 UNA : While the sixth round of tripartite talks between the United Naga Council (UNC), the Union government and the government of
Manipur slated in New Delhi, Hill People Forum (HPF), a recently formed tribal body ruled out possibilities of separate administrative units for Nagas or Kukis.
(HPF-M) today convened a political awareness campaign at Rengkai community hall in Churachandpur district.
Speakers on the occasions spoke in dept about the possible outcome of the trilateral talk as well as the demand of the UNC over the proposed Naga inhabited area.
A speaker on the occasion K Guite blamed the British regime who had ruled the state for over half a century, for all the present day chaos and uncertainty. He said the UNC’s proposed map could not be accepted by the Kuki people as many of the area still belongs to the Kuki and other tribes. He also said the demand for a separate Kuki state is not viable as the demand was motivated by SoO signatories.
Chairman of Zomi Council LB Sona who had been invited on the occasion said that the ZC leadership had on many occasion urged the government for granting of more autonomy to the hills people. He said that the demands cannot be pressed effectively as the hill people do not have a common platform.
‘’ If we at the hills are united the Govt is ready to talk to us and for this the need of the hour is a common platform”, Sona said.
Dr john Pulamte said, ‘’ it’s always not possible to have a common route for the diverse community but the aim is the same in the hills which is an autonomy for the hill area’’.
On the other hand with the demand for autonomy the love for valley people of the territorial integrity will not also shattered, added another speaker K Guite.
Chairperson of the HPF-M R Sanga said, ”There is awareness in the intellectual circle of the hills people in Manipur for the creation of Autonomous Hills State in Manipur but at the grass root level its as good as nill and this will be where the HPF will be working”.
He continued that the aim of the new forum is also to protect the right of the indigenous tribal, to protect their rights over land, to strive for autonomy of the hill area and said that to enforce this, all the like minded people and group in any district of the hills are welcome to join the forum.
Vice -chairman of HPF-M, VC Moia said, “We as a tribal and hill people of Manipur are having a misfortune which is “lack of unity”, that had been the product of our past politicians.”

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/no-separate-units-for-naga-kuki/

ZUF pays tribute to Jadonang

TAMENGLONG, August 30 NNN : The Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) paid glowing tributes to the “martyr” Haipou Jadonang Malangmei, a veteran freedom fighter and the icon of “Naga Raj” struggle yesterday at its ‘general hq’ Dilung.
According to ZUF, the outfit’s ‘chief of army’ Jianchui Kamei and the ZUF and its armed wing Zeliangrong Tigers Force (ZTF) cadres were present in full strength along with invitees.
The ZUF ‘central council’ in the full composition also observed the 82nd Death Anniversary of Haipou Jadonnang Malangmei, the “martyr of Naga Independence” as graced by ZUF “home secretary” Benjamin Pamei.
According to ZUF inf sec y A Dangmei, the lecture on ‘Zeliangrong Vanguard’ was organised at the outfit’s general headquarters.
On the occasion, the speech of the outfit’s chairman with special reference to the “examplary martyrdom” of Haipou Jadonnang Malangmei.Benjamin Pamei, the outfit’s ‘home secretary’ emphasized on the occasion the Zeliangrong peoples’ need to protect the ‘Zeliangrong land’, the people and culture to meet the present challenges in this fast moving world.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/zuf-pays-tribute-to-jadonang/