Manipur Mail – Page 15

HPC D against extension of SoO

AIZAWL, Aug 18 NNN : The Hmar Peoples Convention-Democratic (HPC-D) while clearing the air of confusion and misconception in Mizoram, has said today that the Hmar outfit did not disagree for the extension of the Suspension of Operation (SoO) with the government of Mizoram.
HPC-D spokesman Lalmuanpuia Punte today expressed his regret that there have been wrong speculations doing the round in Mizoram that the Hmar militant outfit refused to extend the SoO term which had expired on July 31.
“On August 14, the leaders of HPC-D and the representatives of the government of Mizoram held talks in Aizawl where both the parties had agreed for the extension of the SoO term but differences cropped up on the duration of the SoO term,” said HPC-D spokesman Lalmuanpuia Punte while adding,” It is unfortunate that the talks had ended in a deadlock.
The stalled talks between the Mizoram government and the Hmar insurgent outfit – Hmar Peoples Convention-Democratic (HPC-D) which resumed here in the state capital Aizawl today, ended in a deadlock.
“However, we are hopeful that something good may come out soon and we have full faith in Mizoram chief minister Lal Thanhawla who had sacrificed his chief ministership in 1986 for the sake of the Mizo Accord.”
Meanwhile, sources said that the Mizoram government wanted that the SoO term should be extended for the period of six months while the HPC-D wanted only for two months.
It can be noted here that on August 14, the talks was held in continuation of the July 18 talks between the two parties.The issue of Suspension of Operation (SoO) which was discussed during the last talks was again raised by the government but could not be extended due to difference in opinions on the duration of the SoO term.
The Mizoram Government was represented by Secretary to the Government of Mizoram B. Lalhmingthanga, while the HPC(D) side was led by L.T. Hmar, Working Chairman of the outfit.
As reported earlier, on July 18, both the parties had a political talk at the same venue, during which the issue of further extension of SoO was raised by government and the HPC(D) firmly maintained its stand that any further extension of SoO should be intricately linked with fixation of a definite timeframe for a political dialogue within July, 2013.
On being asked whether there will be further talks, Joseph R Hmar, delegate of HPC(D) said that there is no discussion regarding for further talks but added that even without the extension of SoO, talks can still be had anytime.
The main agenda discussed today was granting Sinlung Hills Autonomous District Council (SHADC) within the Sixth Schedule under Article 244 (2) of the Constitution of India so as to to preserve, protect and promote distinct culture, custom, dialect, and socio-economic and political identity of the Hmar people in the State; to install and activate legally defined, structure and responsible political system/institution that will address the political aspirations of the Hmar people; to prevent the exploitation of the land and resource of not only the Hmar tribals but the whole state of Mizoram by central government and MNC and financial institutions in the name of Dams and Development; to instill a sense of belongingness to the Hmar peoples and make them contribute towards the better progress and development and to secure fundamental rights and consitutional promises.
“Since 1986, the Hmar People’s Convention (HPC) has been demanding for the creation of Hmar Autonomous District in Mizoram. In spite of the Peace Accord that was inked between the Government of Mizoram and the HPC in 1994, there was no concrete solution to address and redress the rights of the Hmar people,” the HPC(D) stated in a statement earlier.As a result, the HPC(D) has been pressing for the same demand to redress the “historical and political injustices”. Acknowledging the matter, the Centre has also been putting pressure on the Government to settle the political issues of the Hmars immediately.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/hpc-d-against-extension-of-soo/

ZORO not to participate in the third World Zomi Convention

Aizawl Aug18 UNA : The ZORO (Zo Reunification Organization) has decided not to take part and keep aloof in the 3rd World Zomi Convention/3rd Global Zo People Convention to be organized by Zomi Council of Manipur, according to the ZoRO General Headquarter Aizawl, Mizoram saying that the Convention being organized by the Zomi Council of Manipur is not sponsored by the ZoRO on Sunday.
The ZoRO General Headquarter Aizawl said in there press release that Peoples’ Conference Party of Mizoram and Zomi National Congress Manipur jointly organized the 1st World Zo Reunification Convention on the 19-21 May, 1988 at Champhai which is always called “Zo Khawpui”, where the generic name of ‘Zo’ coined by different writers was deliberated for naming the Zo nation and hence instituted “Zo Reunification Organization” for their social, cultural, economic, spiritual and political affinity.
Different Zo-folks, coming from different parts of the world adopted a joint resolution to unify all the Zofate (sons of Zo) within the Constitution of India in the Convention, the Zo General Headquarter Aizawl further stated.
It further went on to say that the Zofate (Sons of Zo) are under tripartite divisions of India, Myanmar and Bangladesh during the British period. Realizing that it is the UNO where to put up their aspiration for reunification and not within the framework of Indian Constitution besides it is not appropriate to make approach for the issue from one country under the supervision of one political party, they resolved to go headway under the banner of NGO and hence the 2nd World ZoRO Convention was convened at Vanapa Hall in Aizawl on July 1991 where a fresh ZoRO (Zo Reunification Organization) was instituted thereby keeping it aloof from any political party keeping in mind the decision of the Chin-Lushai Conference of 1892 at Fort William in Kolkata.
Hence, the ZoRO, acted from different angles as an independent organization for reunification of all Zofates (Son of Zo) participated in sessions of World Indigenous Peoples under the auspices of UN viz., UNWGIP, UNPFII, EMRIP and other seminars and trainings conducted in respect of the rights of the Indigenous Peoples of the World. It continues to participate in such sessions from 1999 till date. Therefore ZoRO does not feel it imperative, as of now, to conduct Convention of all Zofates since it finds no other compelling issues, said the ZoRO Gen HQ.

AMSU appeals for safeguarding of students from Manipur at Tripura

IMPHAL, Aug 18 NNN: In connection with the August 9 incident in Tripura where 11 students were beaten up, representatives from Manipur had gone to Tripura and had met the vice chancellor of Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India University, Tripura and asked for the protection of students from Manipur.
All Manipur Students Union (AMSU) leader Sinam Prakash who is also the general secretary of North East Students Organisation (NESO), Manipur police IG of Intelligence KT Vaiphei and two guardian representatives had met Ajay Pathak, vice chancellor of the university and had demanded that a separate hostel for the students from Manipur is established and provide security to the students for a month which should be extended if need be.
It can be noted here that students from Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh had assaulted 11 students from Manipur.
However, a compromise was made between them after the representatives from Manipur had met the VC.

Seva dal movement played great role during Independence struggle : CM

IMPHAL, Aug 18 NNN : The week long North East Zonal Congress Seva Dal Training Camp concluded today at Retreat House, Mantripukhri in Imphal.
Altogether 160 Seva Dal members of the region participated in the programme.
Except for Nagaland, Meghalaya and Sikkim, Seva Dal members from the
rest of the North Eastern states joined the event with 23 members from Arunachal Pradesh, 10 from Tripura, 7 from Mizoram, 24 from Assam and 75 from Manipur.
On the concluding day today, Manipur chief minister O Ibobi Singh, deputy chief minister Gaikhangam, ministers and MLAs took part.
O Ibobi Singh said Seva Dal had played an important role during Independence Movement of India. He said Seva Dal has also been very important for the Congress party. Ibobi then urged the participants to go home and strengthen the Congress party in their respective states.
It can be mentioned here that the week long programmed was inaugurated by Manipur deputy chief minister Gaikhangam on August 12.
Gaikhangam had said Seva Dal plays a great role in maintaining discipline in the country. Gaikhangam, who is also the president of Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) had said the main objective of organising such camp is to have physical fitness and to have mental strength, besides imparting training to the participants the values of discipline.
“When you go back to your home states you will impart to your collegues there what yiu you learn from this camp,” said Gaikhangam.
The Manipur deputy chief minister then said non-Congress states like Nagaland and Tripura will have soon the Congress government.

Important speech

Chief Minister O. Ibobi opened his heart when he delivered speech on the occasion of the celebration of 67th Independence Day in the state capital. The message that he gave was loud and clear. The Government will not allow further division of the state on communal line. He boldly said no force can divide Manipur. His Government will face head on all the divisive forces that threaten to smash the unity and integrity of the state. Manipur is safe in the hands of the Congress Government. Shri Ibobi has taken a firm stand that was revealed when he said his Government would not succumb to the pressure given by the forces detrimental to the well being of the state. Having ruled the state continuously for 12 years, a record of sort, he can take hardened stand on matters of protection of territorial integrity of the state. His message had reached within the pale of hearing of all sections of the society. None attempted to defy his stand. Ibobi knows a powerful Government is respected by all sections of the state. So he revealed it by speaking in the manner as he spoke on the auspicious occasion like the celebration of the independence day of the country. Independence Day speech is important for it allows even the common men to delve into the minds of the men in power. No organisation howsoever powerful it may be will not think of disturbing territorial integrity of the state. The Government stand is really firm. It will not compromise territorial integrity of the state. Brave sons of Manipur had shown in the past they were prepared to lay down even their own precious life for protection of the land. That feeling is sweeping in the mind set of all the people of the state. Therefore none should think of carving out land of Manipur for creation of homeland. Manipur was created and protected by our forefathers. Present generation will be considered as coward if they cannot protect the land handed down to them by the forefathers, who fought against the mighty British forces. Manipur also fought against the invaders from Myanmar. Now the state is intact. And people of the state are proud of inheriting the big legacy. Now the focus should be on the further development of the state. By development we mean keeping well shaped roads and bridges. This is one area, which requires immediate attention of the Government.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/important-speech/

ZSUM remembers Kamei

IMPHAL, August 17 NNN: The Zeliangrong Students’ Union, Manipur (ZSUM) today remembered its former state secretary Chunthuigai Kamei on his 1st death anniversary at Luangmai (Noney), Tamenglong district.
Leaders of several tribal student organizations paid floral tribute to the late ZSUM leader. A memorial stone of Kamei was later unveiled by ZSU (Assam, Manipur and Nagaland) president Pamei Tingenlung at the occasion. A two-minute silence was also observed in honour of the departed soul.
Solidarity messages were given by leaders of All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur, All Tribal Students, Union, Manipur and others.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/zsum-remembers-kamei/

Six RLI schemes launched

IMPHAL, August 17 NNN : Minor Irrigation Department, Manipur today inaugurated six River Lift Irrigation (RLI) schemes in three valley districts of Manipur and dedicated to the public.
Six RLI schemes—Maibam Deven Mapa RLI Scheme and Hangun Maharani Loukol RLI Scheme in Wabgai constituency, Sekmaijin Khomei RLI Scheme in Hiyanglam constituency, Wangjing Lamding RLI Scheme in Khangabok constituency and Thoubal Ningombam RLI Scheme and Thoubal Okram RLI Scheme in Thoubal district— were dedicated to the public after the inaugurations by K Meghachandra Singh, Parliamentary Secretary for Minor Irrigation and Information and Public Relations.
MLAs O Landhoni Devi, Md Fajur Rahim, M Kunjo and M Shyambabu were also present during the inauguration ceremonies.
Minor Irrigation Department, Manipur has taken up the schemes as an allied project under the sponsorship of AIBP, 165 Minor Irrigation, Ministry of Water Resources, Government of India. This project aims to improve paddy buns and crops production, according to M Shyambabu Singh, Chief Engineer, Minor Irrigation Department.
Farmers can take up even triple cropping if these schemes are implemented well. Each scheme can also provide irrigation water to 20-30 pari (acre) of paddy field of potential credit during dry season and drought. And, if the paddy field is of ultimate credit, it can supply water to 40 paris, he said.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/six-rli-schemes-launched/

Tangkhul bodies apprise PM over border fencing

IMPHAL, Aug 17 NNN : As the controversy over Indo-Myanmar border fencing persists, with many villages of Manipur have been included in Myanmar side due to the faulty border fencing, the Tangkhul Naga Wungnao Long (TNWL) or Tangkhul Village Chiefs’ Association of Ukhrul district, Manipur State has submitted a memorandum each to the Prime Minister of India, the Union Home Minister, the Union External Affair Minister, the Ambassador of the Republic of Myanmar to India and the Governor of Manipur through the Deputy Commissioner, Ukhrul district.
In each memorandum, the TNWL sought the intervention of these above addressed personalities.
“Every nation big or small has a territorial boundary and likewise, all Naga villages share traditional boundary with others. Naga villages govern themselves and deliver justice by a set of traditional and customary laws since time immemorial. Every village is a republic and border dispute is of rare occurrence because we do not intent to grasp land which does not belong to us and also respect others ownership of land and their land law,” the memorandum stated.
According to TNWL, decades ago, aliens in civilian and military uniforms appeared in our land and erected border pillars with brute force against strong protestors along the existing lines of pillars erected without our prior informed knowledge and consent of the real land owners which cannot be honoured. The considered International pillars that stands today between India and Myanmar is not erected based on traditional and historical boundaries of our forefathers. As the rightful land owner, we cannot accept those border pillars erected either before or after India’s Independent under any circumstances, the Tangkhul chiefs’ body said.
“One of the main agenda of the Nagas is to live together under one administrative roof. Therefore, the Naga people in the present state of Manipur convened a Naga Peoples’ Convention (NPC) on 8th and 9th August, 2001, under the aegis of the United Naga Council (UNC), and, among others, resolved:”… that our identity and history have to be defended at all cost, and the firm political stand of the Nagas in Manipur is to uphold the resolution of the Naga people for integration for all Naga areas under one administration”. To attain, the Nagas of Manipur under the aegis of the United Naga Council (UNC) have demanded Alternative Arrangement outside the Government of Manipur pending Indo-Naga final settlement to the Government of India. In this connection, 5 (five) rounds of Tripartite Talks between the GoI, GoM and UNC had been held and the last was on the 12th February 2013 at Tahamzam (Senapati District Headquarters. It is therefore our obligation to safeguard our ancestral homeland at any cost and we will not part even an inch of our land because land and the Nagas are inseparable,” the chiefs body further stated.
While appreciating the ongoing construction of fencing along Indo-Myanmar International border, the TNWL urges the above addressed leaders to kindly accommodate their sentiments by erecting new International pillars respecting traditional boundaries.
Knee-high socks
London, August 17 (ANI): Knee-length socks, which once conquered an empire, now seem to be fading into history, as British men today prefer wearing ankle socks, ultra short sports socks or no socks at all.
Demand for the long woollen socks has fallen with modern lightweight shoes making them impractical and uncomfortable, the Daily Express reported.

According to Ed Watson, of Debenhams stores, while some men still refuse to part with tradition, knee-high socks are now worn primarily by school children and Swiss yodelling champions. (ANI)

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/tangkhul-bodies-apprise-pm-over-border-fencing/

NLUP main plank of Congress for elections

AIZAWL, Aug 17 NNN : The Lal Thanhawla led Congress party in Mizoram will go to the next assembly elections on the ‘New Land Use Policy’ (NLUP) card.
Mizoram will go to the poll in the next few months’ time.
So far, over one lakh families have already benefitted from the state government pilot project NLUP and by October this year 1,22,000 families will be benefitted altogether.
Each beneficiaries are given money ranging anything from Rs 50,000 to 1,50,000 depending on the type and nature of work they undertake.
Reports said the people especially the poor section of the people in the state are happy with the NLUP and the Mizoram government knows it well.
According to the reports, the Lal Thanhawla led Congress government in Mizoram is projecting itself as the pro-poor government and its successful implementation of the NLUP has been posted the ample proof.
NLUP is a pilot project of the Congress led Mizoram government under the leadership of chief minister Lal Thanhawla. Under this scheme, the government of Mizoram attempts to provide alternative means of livelihood to the farmers who are heavily dependent on jhumming which is detrimental to the environment.
Piggery, bee-keeping, fish-farming, grape-cultivation etc., etc., are some of the fields the government is encouraging the local people to pursue by providing financial assistance.
Meanwhile, the main Opposition party in Mizoram, the Mizo National Front (MNF) is giving maximum effort to re-establish its pro-Mizo centric political party. The MNF under former militant leader and ex-chief minister Zoramthanga has been accusing the Lal Thanhawla led Congress government as ‘very corrupt’. However, whether this old-fashion policy of attacking the rival party will be bought by the commoners, is unsure in the poll-bound Mizoram.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/nlup-main-plank-of-congress-for-elections/

Lt.Gen. SL Narasimhan, , GOC 3 CORPS calling on Chief Minister, Manipur on Aug 16

ATSUM to launch stir

IMPHAL, Aug 16 NNN: All Tribal Students Union, Manipur (ATSUM) has taken a decision today to launch series of intense agitation including total bandh and blockade in Manipur in the next few days’ time in protest against the state government’s failure to materialise its assurances.
ATSUM president Muan Tombing and its general secretary Vareiyo Shatsang said setting up of a separate commission for the Scheduled Tribe in Manipur which was demanded by the tribal students’ body and assured by the state government, is till yet to be established.
“We had suspended our protest under the code-name ROTO (Reckoning of the Others) earlier after the government had assured to sep up the commission but till date we are yet to see it,” lamented the ATSUM leaders.
The ATSUM leaders also said after the survey was made on the teacher-student ratio in the hill districts, “the state government had made a commitment to recruit the required number of teachers but till date that too was not done”.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/atsum-to-launch-stir/

KSDC 48 hour general strike concludes

Imphal Aug 16 UNA : The Kuki State Demands Committee (KSDC) will watch and wait for the response and steps taken by the Government and further appropriate course of action will be taken in consultation with all stake-holders of Kuki state at the earliest said KSDC on Friday. The Second day of the 48 hours […]

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/ksdc-48-hour-general-strike-concludes/

Police recruitment legal case

IMPHAL, August 16 NNN : Dropped out candidates who had appeared in the recent recruitment rally for 292 posts of Sub-Inspectors and Jemadars conducted by Manipur Home Department are likely to face a legal battle with the guardians of the candidates taking a decision to file a petition in the Manipur High Court to challenge the final results of the interview.
Altogether 444 candidates had appeared in the recruitment rally that held between 2010 and 2011 and its written test was conducted on December 23, 2011 and 378 candidates were declared selected against the required number of vacancies, guardians of the unselected candidates told reporters in Imphal on Friday.
They alleged that candidates who had not even appeared in the written test were found in the selected list results of the recruitment rally announced on August 6 this year.
Disappointed over the state Home Department’s alleged unclean policy, the guardians of the unsuccessful candidates have formed an association to challenge the results in the Manipur High Court, informed Md Islam, secretary of the association.
He said a meeting attended by the guardians was held at Lilong on Friday during which the body was set up.
The association will file a petition in the Manipur High Court soon to challenge the results announced by the state Home Department, he said.
Results for selection of another 112 post of Assistant Sub-Inspectors are now in remission, Islam said, adding its recruitment rally was also held in 2011.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/police-recruitment-legal-case/

Sainik School Imphal celebrates 67th Independence day

Mail News Service
Imphal, Aug 16 : Sainik School Imphal observed 67th Independence Day with gaiety and great fervor on 15 Aug 2013 at school premises.
Gpt Capt DD Mishra, the school principal unfurled the tri-colour and addressed the cadets reminding them of the supreme sacrifices made by the freedom fighters in liberating the country from the British colonial rule.
Describing them as future leaders of the nation, he urged the cadets to strive for excellence in all spheres of life and be worthy citizens of the country.
On the occasion Sqn Ldr M Subba Rao, Registrar, Sainik School Imphal was presented Chief of Air Staff Commendation Card for his meritorious services of high order. Certificates and cash prizes were distributed to the cadets and staff for their achievement in sports and other activities. Activities like Speech Competition, sweets distribution, Bara-Khanna, etc. were organized to commemorate the occasion.
A contingent of 94 school cadets accompanied by school Band also participated in the Independence Day Celebrations held at 1 MR grounds, Imphal organized by State Government.
On 13th August, Patriots’ Day was also celebrated in the Manekshaw Auditorium of the school. Floral tributes were paid to the martyrs by the officers, staff and cadets of the school in commemoration of their supreme sacrifice in the honour and dignity of our motherland.
A colourful drama to depict the life event on ‘Bir Tikendrajit’ was played by cadets followed by patriotic songs.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/sainik-school-imphal-celebrates-67th-independence-day/

P Chittaranjan remembered

Imphal, 16 Aug UNA : Crusader Pebam Chitaranjan who scarified his life after burning himself at Bishnupur Bazaar during the Independence Day celebration was going on in 15 August 2004 in demanding the repeal Armed Force Special Power Act, 1958 was fondly remembered by the state civil society’s organization and students’ bodies on Friday.
The day was observed by the Manipur Students’ federation (MSF) as a pears leadership, followed by a mass silence rally started from Takhelabam Leikai towards Thau ground Thangmeiband.
A floral tribute was paid to the photo of the Pebam Chitaranjan Mangan at Takhellambam Leikai Club.During the mass silence rally various student of the state were participated and carrying placards saying “repeal AFSPA” “Stop Killing” “we want peace” etc.
At the main function held at THAU ground, Thangmeiband prof. RK Hemankumar Singh, dean of Students’ Welfare MU, senior Advocate Khaidem Mani, W. Shyamjai, president AMWJU, Dr. Y. Mani Khuman, president AMUCO, and Longjam Umakanta Meitei, president MSF and who is also the convenor of the Joint Student Coordinating Committee, Inner Line Permit System, were attended as chief guest, guest of honour and president on the dyes.
As part of the observance, large number of representatives from various civil organisations, students and fans of late Chittaranjan offered floral tribute at Bishnupur bazaar where the martyrs took the extreme step as well at Takhellambam Leikai, Imphal where the mortal remains of the martyred students was laid to rest.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/p-chittaranjan-remembered/

Court reserves judgement on medical entrance exam

IMPHAL, August 16 NNN: The final hearing on the cancellation of MBB/BDS entrance test, 2013 case was held on Friday in Manipur High Court, but the court reserved its judgement.
Official sources confirmed to the press that a written argument was submitted by the petitioners to the court in connection with the case on August 14 while Manipur Government, the respondent submitted its written argument on Friday. Following that the court closed the final hearing of the case on Friday.
The petitioners said they will approach the Supreme Court if the verdict of the case fails to favour them.
A group of 10 candidates of the state MBBS/ BDS test 2013 had recently filed the case in the Manipur High Court challenging the decision of the state Cabinet to cancel the PMT.
Around 6, 000 candidates who have prepared for the Pre-Medical Test are demanding the state Government to hold the entrance exam after Supreme Court quashed the Medical Council of India’s (MCI) notification for holding common entrance tests for MBBS/BDS and post-graduate medical courses on July 18 this year.
It was cancelled following a Cabinet decision announcing that the state nominees for MBBS/BDS courses would be selected from the National Entrance Eligibility Test (NEET) merit list.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/court-reserves-judgement-on-medical-entrance-exam/

MSU opposes border fencing

IMPHAL, Aug 16 NNN: The Maring Students Union (MSU) said it is surprise to learn government of India’ Manipur’s initiatives to fence the Indo-Myanmar border without the knowledge and consent of the indigenous peoples living at the area.
According to MSU, there have been events of boundary demarcation between India and Burma since the Yandaboo Treaty of 1826. Another boundary demarcation was done in 1834 between the British India and the king of Ava which was again resurveyed in 1881 by Col.Johnstone.
It also said, again in 1967 agreement, the Union of India and Union of Burma had withdrawn the boundary line ceding large part of our land to Burma.
“All these boundary demarcations were done without the knowledge and consent of the Marings indigenous people who have been living and safeguarding the land since the ancient time. The Maring people have their understanding and traditional boundary lines with others. The government of India and the government of Manipur continue their step-motherly treatment attitude to the Maring people while declaring the Yangoupokpi Lokchao as a wildlife sanctuary in 1989 which is inhabited by the Maring people. So, the arbitrary international boundary line between India and Myanmar in which large chunk of land has been lost due to different events of boundary demarcation and the declaration of Yangoupokpi Lokchao Wildlife Santuary which are acts of human rights violation and discriminates the rights of indigenous peoples,” the Maring students’ body pointed out.
The MSU then said the Maring people have enough proofs of existence since ancient time at the present Maring Hills (Yomma Range by Mating) and the vast valley (Washaphai/Mungringphai/Kaangmaangphai in Maring) which the outsiders called it as Kabo Valley.
“Therefore, the MSU would like to ask the Ministry of Home Affairs, government of India to respect the rights of the indigenous people if to talk about international practices and the ground level facts of boundary lines and we urge the concern authority to withdraw the order of declaration of the wildlife sanctuary in the Maring area and also to conduct a re-survey of Indo-Myanmar boundary line after taking the consent of the Maring people who have been protecting the land since time immemorial without which MSU will not entertain any plan regarding the boundary line demarcation and border fencing,” it cautions.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/msu-opposes-border-fencing/

Independence day observed , Manipur’s territory sacrosanct : CM

Chief Minister ,Manipur inspecting guard of honour at 1st MR Parade Ground during INDEPENDENCE DAY observation

IMPHAL, August 16 NNN : Manipur chief minister O Ibobi Singh re-affirmed to protect the territorial integrity of Manipur saying any attempt to split Manipur will be a ‘futile effort.’
Ibobi Singh also rejected the demands for an ‘Alternative Arrangement’ for the Nagas in Manipur and a ‘separate state’ for the Kukis in the state and said these are ‘not achievable.’
Ibobi Singh made these comments on the 67th Independence Day celebration in Imphal on Thursday. The Independence Day celebrations were held in Manipur in high
spirits with the state Chief Minister unfurling the Tri Colour at 1st Manipur Rifles Parade Ground here yesterday.
Barely one hour before the celebration had begun suspected militants exploded a powerful bomb near Hicham Yaicham Pat, about 200 metres from the 1st Manipur Rifles Parade
Ground that was garnished for the celebrations. No one was injured in the blast. Earlier on August 10,
the proscribed People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) triggered a bomb in front of the state Chief Minister’s bungalow gatenand again, a blast had also occurred near City Convention Centre, Imphal on August 14. No human casualties were reported in the explosions, too.
Meanwhile, altogether 35 contingents from schools, colleges and other social organizations and another nine band contingents from different parts of the state participated in the celebrations. Chief Minister O Ibobi gave salamis to the contingents attired in different colourful dresses during the march past on the occasion.
The Chief Minister also distributed Police Medals to 13 state police personnel at the occasion.
Making a speech at the occasion, Ibobi reaffirmed to protect the state territorial integrity, saying any attempt to split Manipur will be a ‘futile effort.’
He rejected the demands for an ‘Alternative Arrangement’ for the Nagas and a ‘separate state’ for the Kukis in Manipur and said these are ‘not achievable.’
Making a clarification on the Indo-Myanmar Border Fencing, the Chief Minister said there are still nine Border Pillars to be settled by both the countries.
He said the Centre has been urged on the need for a joint re-survey on the border by the two neighbouring countries, saying the state Government has set up a committee to monitor the border fencing works.
Ibobi appealed to the people not to panic about losing Manipur’s land to Myanmar.
He said militancy in the state has been a great hamper to developmental activities and appealed the militant organizations to feel and understand the pulse of the people.
Ibobi said peace process has begun with some militant organizations which have understood the sentiment of the masses and appealed to other such organizations to come to the negotiating tables for talks.
The Chief Minister pledged the Government will not remain silent if militant organizations which are under Suspension of Operation (SoO) are found violating the Ground Rule of the truce.
Police Medal for Gallantry was conferred to S Ibomcha, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Imphal West, Kh Basantakumar, Sub-Inspector, Imphal West, P Tarunkumar, Sub-Inspector, Imphal West, T Khogen, Sub-Inspector, Imphal West, Kh Sunilkumar, Sub-Inspector, Imphal West and Biboy Irom, Jemadar, 6th Manipur Rifles.
President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service was given to N Ibohanbi, Inspector, CID (S/B) and Police Medal for Meritorious Service was awarded to Clay Khongsai, IPS, Deputy Inspector General of Police Range-I, H Kullachandra, Superintendent of Police (Telecom), N Chandrajini, retired Subedar, 1st Manipur Rifles, Badra Bakta Rai, Havildar, 4th IRB, A Tombi, Havildar, 2nd IRB and L Ibotombi, Havildar, Manipur Police Training Centre.
Ministers, MLAs, Parliamentary Secretaries, top officials of both civil and police also took part in the function marking the Independence Day.
The Independence Day was also marked in other districts of the state by organizing functions by district administrations.

NSCN opposes bifurcation of Tamenglong district

DIMAPUR, Aug 11 NNN: Bifurcating of Tamenglong district to create new districts will be opposed tooth and nail, says an NSCN-IM leader today.
Talking to NNN this evening, L Golmei, who is incharge of the ‘home affairs’ of the outfit of the ‘Zeliangrong Region’ (deputy kilonser of Kilo affairs) warned that no one should ever harbour a thought to touch Tamenglong district to upgrade Jiribam sub-division into a full-fledged district. The NSCN-IM leader further warned that anyone recommending or assisting for the creation of Jiribam district by carving out certain parts of Tamenglong district will be sternly dealth with. “We will not tolerate on such activity,” asserted L Golmei.
Today’s NSCN-IM leader’s warning came few days after Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh had assured the Jiribam District Demand Committee (JDDC) that the state Cabinet would take decision soon on making the Barak circle a separate sub-division but rejected the key demand of the Committee saying it was not the right time to declare Jiribam as a full-fledged revenue district considering the present state of affairs in the state.
Representatives of JDDC had met the Chief Minister at his office on August 7 and discussed about the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the state Government and the Committee. That meeting had deliberated on granting of Jiribam as a full-fledged revenue district, according to JDDC convenor Mutum Meipaksana who had informed the media that day.
JDDC and the state Government had signed an 11-point MoU on November 9, 2011. One of the key demands mentioned in the MoU is to declare Jiribam as a seperate district. Jiribam is a sub-division of Imphal East district located in the Manipur-Assam border.
Meanwhile, NSCN-IM leader L Golmei said since Tamenglong is the most backward district in Manipur, the concerned authorities should focus more on addressing the problems instead of creating problems by making divisions of the existing district.
While pointing out alleged misutilisation of development funds meant for Tamenglong district, L Golmei said, “It is very unfortunate to learn that the funds implemented especially for Tamenglong district by the government of Manipur for the year 2012-2013 under various projects such as BRGF amounting to Rs 10 crores, MSDP-Rs 27 crores and few lakhs could not be utilised due to non-issuing of utilisation certificates on time.” The NSCN-IM leader then added by alleging,” Those money had been diverted and misutilised by certain unscrupulous and vested interest individuals and organisations.” L Golmei further pointed out that funds under MDS (Manipur Development Society) amounting to Rs 100 crores meant for the districts of Tamenglong, Ukhrul, Senapati, Chandel and Churachandpur have not been released by the Director of MDS till date and “even repeated persuasions and requests to by concerned parties wwere have not borne any result.”

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/nscn-opposes-bifurcation-of-tamenglong-district/

Twice an MLA in a year–Nagaland

DIMAPUR, Aug 11 NNN: Two times a member of Lok Sabha (MP) and two times a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) just in a single year by an individual. This will be possible if C.M Chang from Nagaland is elected in the forth coming by-election to the Noksen assembly constituency in Tuensang district of Nagaland in the next couple of months.
C.M Chang was the member of Lok Sabha but had resigned to constest in the February 23 assembly election of Nagaland. He got elected from Noksen assembly constituency from the Naga Peoples Front (NPF) ticket and was assigned with the Education portfolio. He had however resigned as the MLA in the month of March and retained the Lok Sabha seat and continues as an MP and also as the Education minister of Nagaland till date.
CM Chang had reportedly said that rules allows one could continue as the minister in the state till the by-election is held in six months. On Saturday, the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN), in which the NPF is the main constituent, had announced that CM Chang is the consensus candidate for Noksen by-poll. With this CM Chang is likely to resign again for the second time in a year from the Lok Sabha membership soon.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/twice-an-mla-in-a-year-nagaland/