Manipur Mail – Page 19

Committee to protect border formed, government flayed

Imphal Aug 2 UNA : To protect the Land of the state Manipur, a Committee on Protection of Land in Border fencing, Manipur
(CPLBF) was formed by various organizations. A memorandum was submitted by the newly formed committee to Chief
Minister O. Ibobi Singh against the Indo-Myanmar (international border fencing) for encroaching into the land of Manipur on Friday.
The committee was jointly formed by Information Centre for Hill Areas, Manipur (ICHAM), Rural People’s Development Federation (RPDF) Pallel, (KSO) Moreh block, Eastern Maring Organisation (EMO) Chandel, and Kuki Chiefs’ Association Moreh Block today.
The committee demanded the government to intervene and stop the process for luring the village chiefs with peanuts of
compensation at the costs of Manipur’s land, Joint survey and demarcation of the traditional boundary of Manipur and
Myanmar, based on historical documents should be conducted by both Indian (Including State Government’s civil organisation concerned) and Myanmar’s authorities said the memorandum.
Construction of the fence should be halted until the traditional boundary between India and Myanmar is clearly identified and demarcated. Representatives of the Committee on Protection of Land in Border Fencing, Manipur be included in the survey.
Speaking at a press conference held at ICHAM office, the convenor of the CPLBF, Brojendro Ningombam said if the state government does not intervene immediately regarding the demand of the committee, it would amount to opening of Pandora’s box on the vexed border issue..
The convenor further said the committee welcome the state cabinet’s decision to conduct re-survey on the boundary and fence. And the committee would like to reiterate here that the committee is not against construction of the border fence but that we just don’t want to lose vast areas of Manipur once again, the Manipur people’s anguish over the gifting away of Kabaw valley to the then Burma (now Myanmar) by the government of India in 1953 following the Indo-Burma Treaty of which details had been kept as secret till date, is still fresh in the mind of people of Manipur.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/committee-to-protect-border-formed-government-flayed/

Better days are ahead

Public awareness has been created, a change will be seen. Two days back a discussion was held to make Imphal a safe place for living. The nature of discussion was really interesting. Everyone present aired their views. Focus of attention was mostly on infringement on the right of pedestrians, who constitute majority of population. Footpaths are not properly maintained. Even the few stretches of footpaths constructed in the heart of town have been used by roadside hotels or shops for parking vehicles or for showing the shop materials. Pedestrians are angry they say the roads and lanes are not for two wheelers and four wheelers only. How can space be made available for cyclists and pedestrians? The discussion continued. When the public transport system is improved after introducing latest model buses, which can be used by middle class family a change may be seen. But the low floor transport system failed someone pointed out. Will privatisation help then? The numbers of four wheelers, two wheelers and three wheelers are on the rise. If the problem is uncontrollable now, imagine what will happen after five years. That will be a hell like situation. Addition of parking spaces at the public place will not be the solution. Someone from planning group said, plans are afoot to fix the rate of parking fee according to the time taken by a vehicle. This is a wonderful idea. This will go a long way in easing traffic congestion. As per the reports available the owners of shops and those working in the shops are playing nuisance on the road parking their vehicles on the roadside from dawn to dusk leaving no space for the consumers to park their vehicle. According to the new rule the parking fee will reach three figures. When that rule is applied no owner will unnecessarily occupy the vacant portion available in front of the shop. That rule should be applied without delay. Then there are employees of banks and public undertakings who also park their vehicles in front of their office during office hours causing hindrances to the users of the road. They too will not like to part away one quarter of the pay in giving away parking fee. If the parking fee is increased they too will think of coming to offices using private vehicles. They will start using public transport vehicles. Therefore it will not be wrong to say that the traffic congestion on the important roads in bazaar areas can be eased by increasing parking fee. Do it without delay.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/better-days-are-ahead-4/

Electoral Laws of India

S. K. Mendiratta, Legal Consultant, Election Commission of India
India is a sovereign, socialist, secular democratic republic. Democracy is one of the inalienable basic features of the Constitution of India and forms part of its basic structure (Kesavanand Bharati v State of Kerala and Others AIR 1973 SC 1461). The concept of democracy, as visualized by the Constitution, pre-supposes the representation of the people in Parliament and State Legislatures by the method of election (N P Punnuswami v Returning Officer Namakkal AIR 1952 SC 64). For democracy to survive rule of law must prevail and it is necessary that the best available men should be chosen as people’s representatives for proper governance of the country (Gadakh Yashwantrao Kankararao v Balasaheb Vikhepatil AIR 1994 SC 678). And for the best available men to be chosen as people’s representatives, elections must be free and fair and conducted in an atmosphere where the electors are able to exercise their franchise according to their own free will. Thus, free and fair elections form the bedrock of democracy.
India has adopted the British Westminster system of parliamentary form of government. We have an elected President, elected Vice-President, elected Parliament and elected State Legislature for every State. Now, we also have elected municipalities, panchayats and other local bodies. For ensuring free and fair elections to these offices and bodies, there are three pre-requisites: (1) an authority to conduct these elections, which should be insulated from political and executive interference, (2) set of laws which should govern the conduct of elections and in accordance whereof the authority charged with the responsibility of conducting these elections should hold them, and (3) a mechanism whereby all doubts and disputes arising in connection with these elections should be resolved.
The Constitution of India has paid due attention to all these imperatives and duly provided for all the three matters.
The Constitution has created an independent Election Commission of India in which vests the superintendence, direction and control of preparation of electoral rolls for, and conduct of elections to, the offices of President and Vice-President of India and Parliament and State Legislatures (Article 324). A similar independent constitutional authority has been created for conduct of elections to municipalities, panchayats and other local bodies (Articles 243 K and 243 ZA).
The authority to enact laws for elections to the offices of President and Vice-President and to Parliament and State Legislatures has been reposed by the Constitution in Indian Parliament (Articles 71 and 327). Laws relating to conduct of elections to municipalities, panchayats and other local bodies are framed by the respective State Legislatures (Articles 243 K and 243 ZA). All doubts and disputes relating to the elections to the office of President and Vice-President are dealt with by the Supreme Court (Article 71), whereas the initial jurisdiction to deal with all doubts and disputes relating to the elections to Parliament and State Legislatures vests in the High Court of the State concerned, with a right of appeal to the Supreme Court (Article 329). The disputed matters relating to elections to municipalities, etc. are decided by the lower courts in accordance with the laws made by the respective State Governments.
The law relating to the elections to the offices of President and Vice-President of India has been enacted by Parliament in the form of Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act 1952. This Act has been supplemented by the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Rules 1974 and further supplemented by the Election Commission’s directions and instructions on all aspects.
Conduct of elections to Parliament and State Legislatures are governed by the provisions of two Acts, namely, Representation of the People Act 1950 and Representation of the People Act 1951.
Representation of the People Act 1950 deals mainly with the matters relating to the preparation and revision of electoral rolls. The provisions of this Act have been supplemented by detailed rules, Registration of Electors Rules 1960, made by the Central Government, in consultation with the Election Commission, under Section 28 of that Act and these rules deal with all the aspects of preparation of electoral rolls, their periodic revision and updating, inclusion of eligible names, exclusion of ineligible names, correction of particulars, etc. These rules also provide for the issue of electoral identity cards to registered electors bearing their photographs at the State cost. These rules also empower the Election Commission to prepare the photo electoral rolls containing photographs of electors, in addition to their other particulars.
All matters relating to the actual conduct of elections are governed by the provisions of the Representation of the People Act 1951 which have been supplemented by the Conduct of Elections Rules 1961 framed by the Central Government, in consultation with the Election Commission, under Section 169 of that Act. This Act and the rules make detailed provisions for all stages of the conduct of elections like the issue of writ notification calling the election, filing of nominations, scrutiny of nominations, withdrawal of candidatures, taking of poll, counting of votes and constitution of the Houses on the basis of the results so declared.
The superintendence, directions and control of elections vested by the Constitution in the Election Commission empowers the Commission even to make special orders and directions to deal with the situations for which the laws enacted by the Parliament make no provision or insufficient provision. The classic example of filling such vacuous area is the promulgation of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order 1968 which governs the matters relating to recognition of political parties at the National and State level, reservation of election symbols for them, resolution of disputes between splinter groups of such recognised parties, and allotment of symbols to all candidates at elections, etc.
Another such vacuous area where the Election Commission exercises its inherent powers under Article 324 of the Constitution is the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct for guidance of political parties and candidates. The Model Code is a unique document evolved by the political parties themselves to govern their conduct during elections so as to ensure that a level playing field for all political parties is maintained during elections and, in particular, to curb the misuse of official power and official machinery by the ruling party(ies) to further the electoral prospects of their candidates.
All post election matters to resolve doubts and disputes arising out of or in connection with the elections are also dealt with in accordance with the provisions of the Representation of the People Act 1951. Under this Act, all such doubts and disputes can be raised before the High Court of the State concerned, but only after the election is over and not when the election process is still on.
The above mentioned Representation of the People Acts 1950 and 1951 and the Registration of Electors Rules 1960 and Conduct of Elections Rules 1961 form complete code on all matters relating to elections to both Houses of Parliament and State Legislatures. Any person aggrieved by any of the decisions of the Election Commission or the authorities functioning under it has to find a remedy in accordance with the provisions of these Acts and Rules.
These Acts and Rules enable the Election Commission to issue directions and instructions to deal with various aspects of the preparation/revision of electoral rolls and the conduct of elections and lead all such matters of detail to be dealt with by the Commission. Pursuant thereto, the Commission has issued a plethora of directions and instructions which have been consolidated by the Commission in various compendia and the handbooks for the Electoral Registration Officers, Returning Officers, Presiding Officers, candidates, polling agents and counting agents.
(PIB Features.)

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/electoral-laws-of-india/

LTU – Single Window Facilitation For Large Taxpayers

Ravinder Singh, Director (M&C), PIB, New Delhi.
The Union Finance Minister in his Budget Speech 2005-06 announced the proposal to set-up Large Taxpayer Units (LTUs) in the country, which would act as a single window facilitation centre for all large entities paying excise duty, corporate tax/income tax and service tax.
The first LTU was set-up at Bangalore which commenced operation from 3rd October, 2006 followed by three more LTUs operating at Chennai from 1st December, 2007 in Mumbai from 27th March, 2008 and in Delhi from 2nd June, 2008.
What is an LTU?
LTU is a self-contained tax administration office under the Department of Revenue which acts as a single window clearance point for all matters relating to central excise, income tax/corporate tax and service tax. Entities would be able to file their excise return, direct taxes returns and service tax return at such LTUs and for all practical purposes will be assessed to all these taxes at these LTUs. Such units are equipped with modern facilities and trained manpower to assist the tax payers in all matters relating to direct and indirect tax/duty payments, filing of documents and returns, claim of rebates/refunds, settlement of disputes etc. The scheme aims at reducing tax compliance cost and delays, and bringing about uniformity in the matters of tax/duty determination. An eligible taxpayer can opt to avail of the facility of LTU scheme.
Establishment and Administration of LTUs
A Large Transfer Unit is headed by a Chief Commissioner. There are Commissioners posted in LTU, who hold executive and appellate charges. The powers and duties are similar to that of other field commissioner. The Chief Commissioners, LTU assigns a Client Executive for each taxpayer from among the Additional/Joint/Deputy/Assistant Commissioner posted in LTU, and the said Client Executive is to be the single point interface with the large taxpayer for all purposes.
The officers posted in LTU have All India jurisdiction in respect of all registered premises of a large taxpayer registered in that particular LTU. The erstwhile Central Excise or Service Tax Commissionerate officers have concurrent jurisdiction. However, the interaction with these units is limited to specific function requiring physical presence of the officers for purposes such as warehousing, sealing or any other work as assigned by the LTU.
The LTU performs all the statutory functions presently mandated under the Income Tax Act, 1961, Wealth Tax Act and Rules made there under (in respect of direct tax matters), under the Central Excise Act, 1944 and Rules made there under (in respect of central excise matters), Customs Act/Rules (in respect of functions handles by excise authorities), and under the Finance Act, 1994 and Service Tax Rules (in respect of service tax matters). The Chief Commissioner and Commissioners of an LTU are expected to play a pro-active role in the administration of the LTU.
Eligibility for Registration under LTU
The large taxpayers who pay direct and indirect taxes above the threshold limit as specified in Notification dated 30.09.2006 are eligible to seek registration under LTU as per the following norms:
Any person, engaged in the manufacture or production of goods, or a provider of taxable service, who has paid during the financial year 2004-05 or during the financial year preceding the year of filing of application for registration under LTU,
duties of excise of more than rupees five crores in cash or through account current; or
service tax of more than rupees five crores in cash or through account current; or
advance tax of more than rupees ten crores under the Income Tax Act, 1961,
and is presently assessed to income tax or corporate tax under the Income Tax Act, 1961, under certain jurisdictions of Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai.
Procedure to Seek Registration under LTU
A large taxpayer opting for registration under LTU needs to file a consent form to the head of LTU, and thereafter, procedure for acceptance of his form and transfer of jurisdiction follows. This includes, Submission of consent form for registration under LTU, Verification and acceptance of application, Transfer of jurisdiction to LTU and assignment of a chief executive as a single point interface.
A large taxpayer may, with intimation of at least thirty days in advance, opt out to be a large taxpayer from the first day of the following financial year.
Various Provisions as Applicable to Large Taxpayer
When a large taxpayer gets registered under LTU, the provisions of service tax, excise and CENVAT credit would apply to it mutatis mutandis as they apply to other assessees subject to the following:
1. Provisions applicable in relation to self-adjustment of excess duty paid under Rule 12BB of the Central Excise Rules, 2002, whereby a large taxpayer manufacturing excisable goods is permitted to adject excess duty paid by him in the subsequent period.
2. Provisions applicable in relation to transfer of credit under Rule 12A(4) of the CENVAT Credit Rules, 2004, to any of its other manufacturing or service providing units.
3. Provisions in relation to filing of service tax return : A large taxpayer shall submit the individual returns for each of the registered premises (as he was filing prior to registration under LTU). A large taxpayer who has obtained a centralized registration of service tax shall submit a consolidated return for all such premises. However, all the unit returns would be filed with LTU office.
4. Provisions applicable in relation to transfer of intermediate goods/inputs/capital goods
under Rule 12BB of the Central Excuse Rules, 2002 and Rule 12A of the CENVAT Credit Rules, 2004. However these relaxation are applicable with certain conditions.
5. Export procedures in relation to sealing of export consignment (for excise duty assesses): Facility of self-sealing of export consignment is available to all the large taxpayers. The processing of accepting the proof of export shall be carried out only in the office of the LTU. However, in no case, export consignment should be held up for want of any procedural formalities. In case of sealing by the jurisdictional officers, the jurisdictional officers, whether of Customs or Central Excise, will continue to render the services of sealing as earlier.
Audit norms: A large taxpayer who is liable to be audited every year would not be ordinarily audited annually. As far as possible, the audit of the head office and all the units will be conducted simultaneously. In relation to production of financial records: A large taxpayer, on demand, may be required to make available the financial, stores and CENVAT credit records in electronic media, such as, compact disc or tape for the purpose of carrying out any scrutiny and verification, as may be necessary.
Receptibility of the Scheme:
LTU scheme started with 28 All India eligible Large Taxpayer. Presently 174 units are registered in the four LTUs. These include Multi-locational clients, Central Excise Registrants and Service Tax Registrants. LTU Bangalore only had an annual revenue collection of Rs. 12029 crore during 2012-13. The collection was Rs. 2369 crore in 2006-07, the first year of its operation.
Advantage of Registration under LTU
An assessee having registered under LTU enjoys several advantages. These include
(i) Filing of documents at a single place since a large taxpayer (single PAN-based entity) can file all his direct taxes, excise and service tax returns as also all other documents, correspondence, intimations such as export/import related central excise documents, bonds, proof of exports, etc. pertaining to all these establishment can be filed with LTUs.
(ii) Single point interaction at senior level as upon joining the LTU, an officer of the level of Assistant/Deputy/Joint/Additional Commissioner would be appointed as client executive for assistance in any/all tax matter. This ensures that the taxpayer need not interact with different section/officers of the LTU.
(iii) Once a taxpayer opts for the LTU scheme, the erstwhile jurisdictional field officer (including preventive units of the erstwhile Excise Commissionerates) would not suo motu visit its units or interact with them for any issue arising. However certain procedures under the Central Excise Rules, requiring physical control, and verification of premises or documents, would be carried out by the local Commissioniorates under the express directions of the LTU.
(iv) The taxpayer would have the option to transfer any excess CENVAT credit (of central excise duty or service tax) accumulated in one manufacturing unit or service providing unit to any other eligible unit of his choice through a simple mechanism.
(v) Movement of capital goods without duty reversal. An LTU taxpayer would have the facility of removing capital goods and inputs from one unit to any other unit of its choice, without payment of duty/reversal of credit through a simple method. Similarly the finished product of one unit can be transferred to another unit, without payment of duty, provided the second unit uses the products as inputs and pays excise duty on the finished goods manufactured using such inputs.
(vi) The taxpayers is not be subjected to mandatory audit. The selection of a taxpayer for audit would be based on – risk assessment. The Department ensures that audit schedulers are drawn in consultation with the taxpayers so as to cause minimum inconvenience.
(vii) It would be ensured that there is uniformity in the practice as regards classification, valuation, credit availment and similar other issues, for various units of a taxpayer. Trade notices will be issued centrally by the LTU.
(viii) The rebate/refund claims would be disposed off in a time bound manner within 30 days, if the claims filed are in order.
(ix) Use of Automation: Returns can be filed electronically and payment of taxes also can be made electronically. Greater use of e-mail for communication is encouraged.
(x) Interactive approach is adopted for dispute settlement. Before a show cause notice is issued, the matter under dispute is discussed for a resolution, if possible.
Joint Committee on LTU
A Joint Committee on LTU was set-up in August, 2012 to examine the administrative issues faced by the LTUs with a view and making them more efficient and effective. The major recommendation of the committee included: training officers at the cutting edge level (Superintendents/Inspectors) in Financial Accounting from reputed institutes like ICAI, IIMS/MDI etc; creation of a Research & Business Intelligence Unit in each LTU to coordinate with intelligence agencies and gather intelligence; constitution of 12 Audit Groups in each LTU administering 50 large taxpayers (with registrations up to 600 under Central Excise and Servicer Tax) for effective audit scrutiny; for auditing multi- locational units, LTU Audit Groups may be formed in major cities to undertake audit of the LTU entities, directly under the supervision of Commissioner (LTU); and additional LTUs may be set-up, one each at Kolkata, Hyderabad, Pune and Ahmedabad as adequate number of large taxpayers is available in these jurisdictions.
(PIB Features.)

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/ltu-single-window-facilitation-for-large-taxpayers/

Border fencing

We need boundary wall to check tres
passing into our land by unwanted
elements and also to control illegal trade carried out at the border areas. But the manner with which the boundary fencing is done on the Manipur side bordering Mynamar is unacceptable for the fencing was erected after giving a huge portion of land to the neighbouring country. There is no specific rule that the fencing wall should be erected atop the hills only. It can be erected at the deep gorge if required. The wall is erected in the middle of the alley bifurcating a locality. The highlanders or villagers pleaded with folded hands to change the course of the wall for once the wall is erected they will be left on the Myanmar side. But they are Manipuris. They were born and brought up as Manipuris. It is heart warming to know that the Chief Minister O. Ibobi has assured to intervene into the matter. The walls that had been erected without doing proper survey of the land records and physical occupation of the land should be dismantled. The contractors and the agents assigned the task of erection of walls should lose money for they had hurt the sentiment of the masses with their carelessly done work. Manipur Government particularly Congress led Government had been ceaselessly scoffed at for showing non-challant attitude to the gradual losing of land at the border area. Congress Government is blamed for integration of Kabow valley to Myanmar side. Then there is Dzuko valley, which is encroached upon by Nagaland Government. Similar complaints are there from all the border areas of the state. But there is no fencing at such areas so the matter remains subsided. Once the fencing with barbed wire has been erected the land even if it is ours cannot be reclaimed. The lands will be lost forever. Hence the call for showing extreme care in taking up the construction of wall at the border areas. Now the construction of fencing at border area in Chandel has been brought to the knowledge of all by a ceaseless campaign made a section of the society the mind of the thinking men had been alerted. Political parties too have shown readiness to fight to get the lost portion of the land. The wall will crumble much the delight of the people of the state.

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

Assam Rifles organises ‘know your AR ’ camp

Know your AR held at a government school

Mail News Service
Imphal, Aug 1 : 27 Assam Rifles under the aegis of Headquarters 28 Sector Assam Rifles and Headquarters IGAR (South) organised a ‘Know your Assam Rifles’ Camp at Govt Secondary School, Wangu and Don Bosco School, Sugnu. The camp was organised with an endeavour to acquaint the students with the multiple facets of the Indian Army and the Assam Rifles.
The event included a lecture cum presentation on career options in the Armed Forces, the various options to join the Indian Army and Assam Rifles, an interactive session with the students and the faculty, a cultural programme presented by the students of the school and presentation of sports amenities to the school by 27 Assam Rifles.
The highlight of the Camp was a weapon cum equipment display and the response was overwhelming with the young generation wanting to know about the various options available for entry into the defence forces. It was indeed heartening to see the future generation take such a keen interest in issues confronting the nation.
Officers of 27 Assam Rifles during their interaction with the students exhorted them to focus on their studies in order to pave a concrete path to pursue their dreams and to put their best foot forward in the service of the community and the nation.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/assam-rifles-organises-know-your-ar-camp/

40th raising day of ADC

SENAPATI, Aug 1NNN: Since its inception in 1973 under the District Council Act, 1972, the Senapati Autonomous District Council (ADC), also known as Manipur North Autonomous District Council (MNADC) in a function observed the 40th Rising Day at its office compound Senapati today.
Graced by outgoing Chief Executive Officer (CEO) S.Kholia Larho, IAS as the Chief Guest, the occasion also significantly marked the farewell of the CEO. The guest of honors was DEO R.D Thaile and DFO Thaisii. Among the notable dignitaries, EE Deben Sharma, Medical Officer Dr. Kashung Maram and DVO Shyam Kishan along with DIs, AIs, School Headmaster and Headmistress were present for the programme.
CEO Kholia in her chief guest speech called upon the ADC employees to cultivate the culture of “giving attitude” though their sincere service rather than drawing salary without any sweat or labor. The newly appointed Joint Secretary, Higher and Technical Education making her last speech to the ADC office recollected that, there are also joy and happiness over those performing schools while painful to see some schools in remote areas without any proper educational system and sincerity of some teachers. It has been a wonderful and learning experience of touring remotest part of the District and witnessing the true picture of our educational system, she stated. She called upon for more efforts and sincerity to contribute for the society and next generation. She also appealed to create the ADC Senapati one of the best ADCs among the Hills. The IAS lady officer will be replaced by Tadubi SDO/BDO Rang Peter, MCS.
Marking the day, the DEO RD Thaile and DFO Thaisii also spoke on the occasion.
The programme was also enthralled by group of talented mothers with their melodious songs led by Annajarvis and company along with Roofy. The afternoon session was filled with series of group events including volley-ball, musical chair, cock fight, balloon games, wrestling, and a grand dinner.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/40th-raising-day-of-adc/

Four militants nabbed

Mail News Service
Imphal, Aug 1 : Based on specific intelligence, troops of 40 Assam Rifles of 9 Sector AR under the aegis of HQ IGAR (South) established on MVCP in general Area Waithou, Dist- Thoubal and apprehended three UPRF cadres travelling in one Hyundai Santro Car (Regd No. MN 04A- 5361) on 31 Jul 2013. The apprehendees were identified as Md Abdur Rehman aged 21 years, S/o Md Abdul Khalique, resident of Sangai Yumpham Puleipokpi, Md Sher Khan, aged 22 Years S/o Md Abdul, resident of Sangai Yumpham Puleipokpi and Md Abash Khan aged 24 years S/o Ayub Khan, resident of Moreh. One 9mm Pistol with magazine, one live round of 9mm, five .303 Rifle ammunition, two Extortion notes (UPRF), cash amount Rs 70,000/-(Indian currency) and two mobile phones with SIM card were also recovered from the apperendees. The apprehendees alongwith recovered items were handed over to Lilong Police Station.
Meanwhile, a RPF/PLA insurgent was arrested by Imphal West police commandos from Changangei Uchekon under Imphal West district yesterday.
The Revolutionary People’s Front/People’s Liberation Army militant is identified as Chabungbam Surjit alias Dayananda alias Tangba, 36, son of late Ch Manglem, a resident of Kwakeithel Mayai Koibi in the district, according to a release from the district Superintendent of Police.
He was nabbed by the commando team on July 31 last at 5:10 pm during a search at Changangei Uchekon. One 9 mm pistol with two magazines loaded with 15 rounds and one mobile handsets were seized at his instance from the residence of Heigrujam Jugindro Singh, 50, at Changangei Uchekon.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/four-militants-nabbed-2/

AMSU against crime against women

IMPHAL, August 1 NNN: All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU) and Coalition Against Drug and Alcohol (CADA) have called for strict punishment to rapists after a spate of rapes in Manipur in the past two months.
It is really shock to learn that number of rapes has increased in the state with most of the rape victims coming out to be students and physically challenged girls, AMSU general secretary L Thouba told newspersons at the union office here Thursday.
Thouba expressed unhappiness levelling allegations against the state police for not taking prompt action to arrest and punish the rapists.
Three rapes were reported in July this year and one in June last in the state. Among them, two were disabled girls including one minor and a 22-year-old woman, and another two minors.
The student leader also demanded that the police arrest the rape accused immediately and punish them so that the rape victims get justice.
A 13-year-old physically challenged girl from Ward No 2 of Bishnupur district was allegedly raped by a 34-year-old man neighbour named Oinam Sundar on July 10 midnight.
On June 19, a 17-year-old girl student from Thoubal district’s Yairipok Changamtabi was reportedly raped by one Taj Khan.
Also on July 26, a 22-year-old disabled woman from Thangmeiband Polem Leikai was allegedly raped by one Brahmacharimayum Samananda, a 36-year-old man from Samaram Mayai
Leikai under Khongjom in Thoubal district. Another 9-year-old girl from Nungoi Litan Makhong in Imphal East district was reportedly raped by one L Atomba, 18, also from the girl’s village.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/amsu-against-crime-against-women/

Lawmkunga assumes charge as CS

IMPHAL, Aug 1 MNS NNN: Newly appointed chief secretary of Manipur PC Lawmkunga has affirmed that he will focus work for the equal development of the hills and the valley districts. He also said that functioning of offices in all the districts will be strictly monitored so that no room is given for misgovernance.
Talking to some journalists at his new chamber today, PC Lawmkunga said he will give maximum effort for the all round development both in the hills and the valley without any bias.
PC Lawmkunga had succeeded DS Poonia as the chief secretary of Manipur.
Several tribal based organisations have been elated after another tribal has been appointed as the new chief secretary of Manipur after a long gap.
It has been almost 20 years now that a tribal was the chief secretary of Manipur in H Jelshyam.
PC Lawmkunga has assumed office for the first time as the chief secretary of Manipur today succeeding DS Poonia. He appointment was announced late yesterday.
PC Lawmkunga is a 1979 Manipur-Tripura Indian Administrative Service cadre. He was born on October 1, 1955 in Mualthuam village, Mizoram.
Meanwhile, Committee on Protection of Tribal Areas, Manipur (COPTAM), Indigenous Democratic Front (IDF), All Manipur Tribal Students Union, Manipur (ATSUM) and All Manipur Tribal Union (AMTU) while congratulating the new chief secretary, have expressed gratitude to the government of Manipur and chief minister O Ibobi Singh for having had appointed a tribal as the chief secretary of Manipur.
These tribal based bodies expressed optimism that a tribal becoming the chief secretary of Manipur, will ‘soothe the wounds’ of the hill people.
COPTAM, ATSUM, AMTU and others have been urging the government not to skip the senior IAS officers who are tribals while appointing a new chief secretary of Manipur in the last few months. These bodies have been saying that there are lots of tribal bureaucrats who should be given their due shares while alleging that tribal IAS and IPS officers have been overlooked while appointing the chief secretary or the director general of police (DGP) in the state. However, the appointment of PC Lawmkunga has satiated them to certain extent.
UNA adds the Kuki Inpi Manipur expressed its heartiest congratulations and warm welcome to the recently sworn in as the first citizen of Manipur Dr. Ashwani Kumar, the Governor of Manipur and high profile pen pusher person Pu P.C. Lawnkunga, IAS as
the new Chief Secretary of the State.
The general secretary of Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) Khaimang Chongloi, on behalf of the KIM lauded the Chief Minister O.Ibobi Singh, and his SPF Government for doing justice in the administrative affairs by appointing P.C. Lawnkunga, the senior most and deserving IAS officer to the prestigious top post of the government.
“The appointment of P.C. Lawnkunga as the new Chief Secretary of the State without any partiality shows a delivery of justice and transparency of the O. Ibobi Singh led SPF Government”, Khaimang Chongloi added.
While welcoming both the newly sworn in Governor and the newly appointed Chief Secretary of the State, the Kuki Inpi Manipur firmly believed and hoped a new era of justice-socially, politically and economically to all the peoples of the state irrespective of caste and creed and also expressed its hope for the upliftment of the poor and downtrodden peoples in the composite society of the State. The KIM also wishes Dr. Ashwani Kumar, the Governor of Manipur and high profile bureaucrat personal P.C. Lawnkunga all the best in their endeavoring administration.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/lawmkunga-assumes-charge-as-cs/

Mizoram Scribe passes away

AIZAWL, Aug 1 NNN: H.Zosangliana, senior journalist and former president of Mizoram Journalist’ Association (MJA) passed away today at 10:20 am in his residence at Zotlang, Aizawl.
The funeral service of H Zosangliana will held tomorrow to be conducted by Rev.Darchungnunga.
He was 58 and was survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter.
H Zosangliana was attached with several newspapers based in Mizoram.
He had joined the profession when he was still in college. Aizawl based daily Tawrhbawm was the first newspaper he had joined as a reporter and later became the editor of the same. He was also an editor-in-chief in the Evening Post. Till the time of his demise Zosangliana was working as the Contributing Editor in Zalen Sunday newspaper. Zosangliana was an MJA member since August 18, 1990 and became an Executive Committee Member of the MJA on March 28, 2008. He was elected the president of MJA on March 27, 2010.
A tonsil cancer was detected in 2006 at TATA Hospital, Mumbai where he was treated.
Meanwhile, the sudden demise of H. Zosangliana has brought a gloomy mood amongst the journalists of Assam particularly in the Barak Valley.
Secretary of Journalists’ Federation of Assam, Subir Dutta in a statement expressed shock and remembered the initiative taken by the then president of MJA during uneasy situation in 2010. Zosangliana had sent a team of journalists led by Zirliana and Vanlalrema Vantawl respectively to Silchar and due effective exchange of informations between MJA and JAFA the troubled situation settled immediately thereafter.
Subir Dutta added that the leadership of H. Zosangliana will be always remembered by the journalists of Assam.Nilotpol Choudhury, editor of The Mizoram Post, Sankar Dey, general secretary, Silchar Press Club, senior journalist J.L Choudhury and Shantanu Chakraborty expressed their condolences at the demise of H. Zosangliana and hoped that at this hour of grief the family members of the deceased will be bestowed with God’s mercy to have fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/mizoram-scribe-passes-away/

Meet stresses on the need of land use policy

Imphal Aug 1 UNA : Manipur government too not serious even though arable lands in the state were fast diminishing, alleged speakers at a one-day convention on protection of agricultural land of the state held here on Thursday.
Besides utilizing agricultural land by private individuals for the construction of a large number of oil pumps, private schools, brick fields, government too encroaching paddy fields for the construction of its offices and others purposes, they alleged in the convention.
Paddy fields were fast diminishing in the state while the government was struggling to formulate land use policy to save the agricultural land.
Vast paddy fields in the state have been acquired by government agencies as well as private individuals for construction of office buildings, schools and residential houses. This phenomenon would pose a serious problem in the agricultural sector of the state.
Reiterating that arable land was diminishing day by day, they warned that if the trend is continuing unchecked, the state would entirely depend on the import food products.
According to the Economic Survey of Manipur there were 1,66,015 hectares of arable land, it is diminishing at the rate of 200 paris every year.
Asserting that farming is practiced only in certain areas of the valley and if the trend continues, after 10/20 years, there would be no arable land left, many of the speakers opined. The speakers also appealed to all to join the campaign for preserving arable land.
In the convention which was organized by the Irabot Foundation as a part of its ongoing campaign for greening Manipur since 2007.
President of the foundation, Th Iboyaima recalled that the foundation has started its “Campaign for Greening Manipur” from 2007 with the objective of growing vegetation in the paddy fields which were left unused after seasonal rice cropping.
Observing that arable lands of the state have been sinking day by day, Iboyaima said that the encroachment of arable land for profitable business by some greedy individuals and private companies is a big threat to the food production of the state.
Veteran social worker RK Ranendrajit observed the reason behind decreasing agricultural lands of the state as difference between the cost of farming and the price of the crop they produced. It may be mention here that Manipur government has already announced framing of a land use policy of the state four year back. In one of the sitting of the Manipur Assembly in 2009, chief minister O Ibobi singh has informed the house that government was considering for a land use policy to save agricultural land.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/meet-stresses-on-the-need-of-land-use-policy/

Vaccination must For Asians visiting endemic areas

Dr. H. R. Keshavamurthy,Director (M&C), Press Information Bureau, Kolkata
Yellow fever, also known as Yellow Jack is an acute viral hemorrhagic disease caused by a RNA virus, the first human virus discovered. The yellow fever virus is transmitted by the bite of female mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti, and other species) and is found in tropical and subtropical areas in South America and Africa. Even though the main vector Aedes aegypti also occurs in Asia, in the Pacific, and in the Middle East, yellow fever does not occur in these areas; the reason for this is unknown.
Yellow fever presents in most cases with fever, chills, anorexia, nausea, muscle pain (with prominent backache) and headache, which generally subsides after several days. In some patients, a toxic phase follows, in which liver damage with jaundice (inspiring the name of the disease), can occur. Bleeding in the mouth, the eyes, and the gastrointestinal tract will cause blood vomiting, hence the Spanish name for yellow fever, vomito negro (black vomit).The toxic phase is fatal in approximately 20% of cases. Because of the increased bleeding tendency yellow fever belongs to the group of hemorrhagic fevers. Surviving the infection provides lifelong immunity and normally there is no permanent organ damage. The World Health Organization estimates that yellow fever causes 200,000 illnesses and 30,000 deaths every year in unvaccinated populations with nearly 90% of the infections in Africa.
Yellow fever is a clinical diagnosis, which often relies on the whereabouts of the diseased person during the incubation time. Mild courses of the disease can only be confirmed virologically. Since mild courses of yellow fever can also contribute significantly to regional outbreaks, every suspected case of yellow fever (involving symptoms of fever, pain, nausea and vomiting six to ten days after leaving the affected area) has to be treated seriously.
A safe and effective vaccine against yellow fever has existed since the middle of the 20th century, and some countries require vaccinations for travelers. Since no treatment is known, vaccination programs are of great importance in affected areas, along with measures to prevent bites and reduce the population of the transmitting mosquito. Since the 1980s, the number of cases of yellow fever has been increasing, making it a re-emerging disease. This is likely due to warfare and social disruption in several African nations.
Prevention
Personal prevention of yellow fever includes vaccination as well as avoidance of mosquito bites in areas where yellow fever is endemic. Institutional measures for prevention of yellow fever include vaccination programmes and measures of controlling mosquitoes. Programmes for distribution of mosquito nets for use in homes are providing reductions in cases of both malaria and yellow fever.
Vaccination
For journeys into affected areas, vaccination is highly recommended, since mostly non-native people suffer severe cases of yellow fever. The protective effect is established 10 days after vaccination in 95 percent of the vaccinated people and lasts for at least 10 years (81% of patients retained immunity even 30 years later). The WHO recommends routine vaccinations for people living in endemic areas between the 9th and 12th month after birth. In 2013, the World Health Organization concluded, “a single dose of vaccination is sufficient to confer life-long immunity against yellow fever disease.
Compulsory Vaccination
Some countries in Asia are theoretically in danger of yellow fever epidemics (mosquitoes with the capability to transmit yellow fever and susceptible monkeys are present), although the disease does not yet occur there. To prevent introduction of the virus, some countries demand previous vaccination of foreign visitors if they have passed through yellow fever areas. Vaccination has to be proven in a vaccination certificate which is valid 10 days after the vaccination and lasts for 10 years. A list of the countries that require yellow fever vaccination is published by the WHO. If the vaccination cannot be conducted for some reasons, dispensation may be possible. In this case, an exemption certificate issued by a WHO approved vaccination center is required.
Besides vaccination, control of the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti is of major importance, especially because the same mosquito can also transmit dengue fever and chikungunya disease. Aedes aegypti breeds preferentially in water, for example in installations by inhabitants of areas with precarious drinking water supply, or in domestic waste; especially tires, cans and plastic bottles. Especially in proximity to urban centres of developing countries, these conditions are very common and make a perfect habitat for Aedes aegypti.
Treatment
For yellow fever there is no causative cure. Hospitalization is advisable and intensive care may be necessary because of rapid deterioration in some cases. A symptomatic treatment includes rehydration and pain relief with drugs like paracetamol. Aspirin should not be given because of its anticoagulant effect, which can be devastating in the case of inner bleeding that can occur with yellow fever.
In high-risk areas where vaccination coverage is low, prompt recognition and control of outbreaks through immunization is critical to prevent epidemics. The disease may be difficult to distinguish from other illnesses, especially in the early stages. To confirm any suspicions from the case history, information on the patient’s journeys abroad and serology will confirm the diagnosis.
(PIB Features.)
.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/vaccination-must-for-asians-visiting-endemic-areas/

Ice cream factories closed down

IMPHAL, July 31 NNN: The Student Wing of Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) today forced to close down two ice cream factories in the Imphal which did not have proper license to run them.
A drive against illegal ice cream factories were carried out by a dozen of volunteers of JCILPS Student Wing in the city
during which the two ice cream manufacturers at Nagaram and MM Hotel were found running illegally, M Angamaba, convenor, Student Wing, JCILPS told newspersons on the sidelines of the drive.
“We have forced them to shut down,” he said.
Both the factories respectively owned by one Joylal Prasad from Bihar another person named Kayamuddin of Yairipok Bishnunaha Leikai in Thoubal district did not possess license to run them, he said.
Angamba said the team raided three ice cream factories during the drive including Imoinu Ice Cream near Palace Compound, apart from the two.
The first two factories were found making ice creams in unhygienic manner using dirty water which was present with swarm of mosquitoes and worms, he said.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/ice-cream-factories-closed-down/

Loss of Manipur’s land to Myanmar

Imphal Jul 31 UNA : The alleged loss of Manipur’s land because of the ongoing border fencing at the Indo-Myanmar border in Manipur sector has not only drawn the attention of various civil organizations but also political parties.
A day after Manipur People’s Party (MPP) petitioned Prime Minister of India over the matter, opposition Manipur unit of Trinamool Congress Wednesday came down heavily Manipur chief minister O Ibobi Singh alleging that his government could not protect the territorial boundary of the state.
Based on the spot visit to some interior villages located near the international border with Myanmar, media in Imphal reported that Manipur is going to a large portion of the land because of the ongoing fencing at the Indo-Myanmar border being undertaken by the Centre.
The report presumed the land to be lost at around 500 sq km which is approximately the size of Bishnupur district, one of the nine districts of the state.
The media report was even discussed by a meeting of the cabinet convened under the chair of the chief minister O Ibobi Singh.
The discussion at the cabinet meeting only after the media reported the matter, was a sign of Manipur government having no prior knowledge of the ongoing fencing work at the border, the Manipur unit of Trinamool Congress alleged today.
Addressing to media to its office here, state unit President of the party, Kim Gangte questioned on chief minister O Ibobi’s alleged silent over border fencing which would lose a huge portion of Manipuri territory over the diktat of the central government.
He (Ibobi) is hell bent on not to lose even a single inch of the land in greater Nagaland issue,” she asked while alleging that taking up the matter in the cabinet meeting showed that the state government has no prior knowledge of what was going at the border of the state.
She alleged that the ongoing fencing work has affected to 14 villages of the state near the border and the Centre has taken up the work bypassing the state government. This showed that Centre is doing whatever they like against the interest of the state.
“It’s a shameful” and tantamount to intervene into the affairs of the state, Kim said, asking the importance of erecting concrete pillars and wires fencing along the borders if hurt the sentiment of the people.
Her party will take the matter to its Central leaderships as well to the notice of the central government, alleging that the border fencing work was taken up without studying international boundary map.
Noting the matter of losing the land and alleging at Manipur had already lost Kabow valley to the country (Myanmar), the MPP has also brought up the matter to the notice of the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, in a memorandum submitted on Tuesday.
The memorandum demanded Prime Minister’s immediate intervene into the matter. Quoting media report the MPP memorandum mentioned that around 10 kilometers of land on the Indian side has been lost in the border fencing.
A 12-member team of the political party led by its general secretary M Singhajit has also left Imphal for Moreh today morning to take on spot account of the report. The team will look at the area where border fencing is going on, a party source said.
The Union Home Ministry has taken up the fencing work along the international borderline in Manipur sector with the objective of checking cross border illegal armed and drug trafficking in the region. Another purposed for the fencing was to curtail cross border movement of insurgents.
The first phase of fencing to 10 kms stretch of the border fencing from border no. 79 to 81 was near completion. But this would destroy the habitation of about 14 villages in Chandel district. Some of the villages would completely go to Myanmar while others would be dissected by the fencing.
Under the aegis of Information Centre for Hill areas Manipur (ICHAM), a team comprising members of Rural People’s Development Federation (RPDF), Kuki Students’ organization (Moreh block), Eastern Maring Association; Hill Tribal Council Moreh and Kuki Chiefs’ Association (Moreh block) had paid a visited to villages affected by the fencing work on July 26.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/loss-of-manipurs-land-to-myanmar/

Manipur facing artificial petroleum scarcity : TDC

Imphal Jul 31 UNA : While almost all the oil pumps remained closed saying stock nil, petrol and diesel were still available in plenty in the grey markets at a price double the actual rate.
Since the massive landslide along the Imphal-Dimapur section of national highway in Nagaland on the night of July 12 and 13, Manipur has been facing petroleum products scarcity.
Oil pumps were remaining close in most of the time citing “stock nil.”
But vehicle fuels (petrol and diesel) were still available in the grey market which was openly appeared near the oil pumps.
Even though the actual rate of petrol per litre was a little more than Rs 69 in Imphal, the same is currently selling above Rs 120 in the grey market. Similarly, diesel is also available at double the actual price.
No action was seen taken up against the grey marketers by the police even though they openly sold on the road sides, particularly near the oil pumps.
Asserting that the petroleum products scarcity being faced by the people of the state was an artificial one, the Transporters and Drivers Council today alleged that Manipur government lacked taking initiative to coup with the woes facing by the people.
TDC president, Ranjit said that artificial scarcity of petroleum products is witnessed in Manipur was due to the lack of sending more oil tankers by IOC in Manipur.
He said that IOC, Imphal branch has over 500 oil tankers to procure petroleum products. Security escort given to oil tankers for once only in a month was responsible for scarcity and could not lift in large numbers.
He further said that due to the land slide at Phesema in Nagaland stranded oil tankers at Khatkati were brought till Jiribam and could reached at Imphal on July 23 last. Those trucks included petrol and LPG which are 103 in number. Only about one hundred oil tankers are used for transporting once in a month and were responsible for scarcity by the general public.
He asked where the remaining tankers had gone

adding that if 250-300
oil tankers were used for transporting there would be no question of scarcity of petroleum products in the state.
He alleged that IOC was trying to save around Rs 3000-4000 per turn.
Transporters for NH-37 should be appointed by calling tender from transporters. IOC was simply misguiding the state government and TDC could never accept it at any cost, he added.
NNN adds leaders of Manipur unit of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) today met IOC Depot Manager,
Imphal and discussed the current problem of shortage of fuel in the state.
Briefing the media at the state BJP office after the meeting with the IOC Manager SI Singh, Northeast in-charge of BJYM P Somorjit informed that nine days of petrol and diesel stock was left with the IOC as of Wednesday.
He said as of Wednesday, 628 kl of petrol and 2578 kl of diesel were in stocked at the IOC Depot, Chingmeirong.
H Bijen, general secretary, BJYM, Manipur, L Basanta, media in-charge, Manipur unit of BJP and several volunteers of BJYM were among the team which met the IOC Manager.
Somorjit called the current shortage of fuel in the state as ‘artificial fuel scarcity.’
He said that factors like owning of 30 percent of the oil pumps by private companies such as NRL, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd and Tssar in the state are mainly responsible for unchecked fuel black market in the state.
The state BJYM leader also expressed his suggestion that the state Government should work out a plan for construction of oil pipelines from Assam to Manipur for easy shipping of oil into the state.
He also urged the Government for early completion of the oil depot now under construction at Malom here that has the capacity to stock up to 5, 5, 500 kl of oil.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/manipur-facing-artificial-petroleum-scarcity-tdc/

Police press relationship

There was a discussion on press and media relationship which was organised by AMWJU in collaboration with Manipur police. Press and electronic media are complex team work. Editor and his subordinate staff role is known to all they are like men working in butcher houses. Their role is to cut and cut to make a report perfect, concise and precise. There is no room for redundancies in a newspaper story. Even the best and the most beautiful word written in a sentence cannot be repeated in the subsequent sentences. Unfortunately those giving information in the form of press releases or through verbal communications expect all that had been written or uttered to come out in the next publication or broadcast. Our reply is straight, that cannot be done. That marks the beginning of the distrust between the media and all those concerned. Law enforcing agencies have a big role to play in safeguarding a state and also in making a better society for all to live peacefully. But there are certain areas in which both police and media men work together. Investigative reporters work in the area reserved for law enforcing agencies. What do reporters do in such areas? Extremely wise reporters make friends with the agents they have chosen carefully. Police have investigative tools and contact. Reporters lack those facilities. Wise reporters attempt to win the trust of the agents. Police investigators want to corner wrong doers and they can do that with the enormous power they enjoy. Investigative reporters can reap the benefit by putting the information available in their report. Police like other organisations also want their organisation’s name to appear in the newspaper or electronic media. So they want reliable men for giving the information. Our thinking however is very simple as long as police attempts to carry out their duties judiciously, sincerely and honestly showing respect to the common masses the issue whether there is a good relationship or the worst relationship between police and media is immaterial. Police have a gun. Reporters too have pen. Realise the power and responsibility within you, a change will be seen. Shakespeare said “A soft answer turns away wrath, but the harsh word stirs up anger.”

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/police-press-relationship/

KIM urges PM to solve Naga problem

IMPHAL, July 31 : Kuki Inpi, Manipur (KIM), the apex traditional institution of the Kukis in Manipur has urged the Prime Minister of India today to deliver justice to the 900 Kukis killed by the NSCN-IM in the 1990s before any possible agreement is made with the Naga outfit.
In a lengthy memorandum to the Prime Minister, the KIM said over 60 memoranda had been submitted to the past four Prime Ministers of India including PV Narasimha Rao, H. Deva Gowda, I.K Gujral and Atal Behari Vaypayee and now to the present Prime Minister to amicably settle in a proper court of law in order to have peace and justice and to bring about law and order.
If that is so, “the last rite of those 900 innocent people murdered could be performed, according to the Kukis’ traditional practice of the burial rite, and over the two decades mourning come to a close. Without settlement, the age old Kuki customary law of burial rite cannot be performed and therefore, the government of India is repeatedly requested to settle the matter of Kukis killed before any agreement made with the culprits”, the Kuki Inpi, Manipur said.
“Many memoranda submitted to the above mentioned Prime Ministers to perform the last burial rites for 900 people butchered have not been replied, except your assuring letter dated 15-12-2011 and that of the Honourable Union Minister (Home)’s letter of the 21st March, 2013, which gave us hope for the settlement of the matter regarding the 900 Kukis butchered, 360 villages uprooted, and one lakh people made refugees in their own land by the NSCN-IM, before any possible agreement made with the NSCN-IM,” the KIM memorandum stated.
It then said that very surprisingly, an Imphal daily The Sangai Express had reported on July 26, 2013 which said, “A highly placed source informed The Sangai Express that the state government was put under strong pressure by the Ministry of Home Affairs to give positive feedbacks and response on certain matters related to the government of India’s quest for a solution to vexed Naga issue”.
“If the above quoted statement is true which vividly signifies that you have not only ignored over 60 memoranda submitted to you and to the past Prime Ministers, Union Ministers (Home) and even to His Excellency, the President of India, but you have also ignored your own promise ‘For action as appropriate’. These two letters are enclosed here with few memoranda already been submitted and an “Open letter to Mr Th Muivah for peace” written on June 5, 2010 for your easy reference. Please note that Kukis are the people who stood firmly for all indigenous people of the present so called north east India gainst the British might, and saved the whole land by sacrificing thousands of lives and many leaders imprisoned in several prisons in India and abroad. The war remains unsettled till date. Kukis hate violence of any form but want peace restored by means of the law of the country,” the Kuki body pointed out.
“Therefore, we appeal urgently that the government of India should respect those 900 innocent Kukis killed by NSCN-IM not sparing children, women, aged, invalids and many village chiefs and settle their case before any possible agreement made with NSCN-IM. Any settlement negates the rights of other cannot be accepted. A settlement for one particular community should not be the beginning of problem for other communities living with it. Any settlement should be in line with peaceful co-existence to all people living in the north east India from time immemorial.
Less the settlement possibly be made will become the epic centre of social disharmony, which may cause a civil war much worse than the present chaotic situation in the whole north east India. The rights of all indigenous people must be equally respected,” the Kuki Inpi urged to the Prime Minister signed by its president Thangsei Haokip.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/kim-urges-pm-to-solve-naga-problem/

Manipuri Diaspora delegates meet CM

Mr.World Dr. Ngangbam Shantikumar , his wife Chen Nan Tai (both extreme left ) interacting with Chief Minister O Ibobi at CM’s Secretariat.

IMPHAL, July 31 NNN : A delegation from Knowledge Exchange Networks (KENs), an organisation of Manipuri Diaspora, on Wednesday met Chief Minister of Manipur O Ibobi Singh and urged him to take steps to enhance the human value of the people of the state.
The delegation included Mr World 2013 Ngangom Shantikumar and his wife Chen Nan Tai from Taiwan, and Prof N Bidhan from South Korea, and Dr L Jibon KS, Director in-charge, Manipur Institute of Management Studies at Manipur University.
The team told the Chief Minister that the human value in Manipur is much lower than other countries of the world and urged Ibobi to set up an emergency service in the state to provide quick response to any emergency situation.
Ibobi welcomed the suggestion while stating that such emergency service for the public will be successful in the state like other countries if initiative is taken by the Government with the cooperation of the public.
Later, the delegation handed a book ‘Emergency Service in Manipur’ to the Chief Minister during the meeting.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/manipuri-diaspora-delegates-meet-cm/

AR recoveres banned wild life products

MNS: Discovering the transportation of Wild Life Products, troops of 24 Assam Rifles of 26 Sector AR under the aegis of HQ IGAR (South) apprehended two individuals alongwith 2.050 Kgs of Pangolin shells, two Nokia Mobile phones, cash amount Rupees 94,500/- and one Silver coloured Maruti Alto (Registered No MN 01W6780) on NH 102 on 30 Jul 2013. The apprehendees were identified as Hetingh Haokip W/o Hethang Haokip, of Sapormeina, PO- Motbung, PS- Gamnom Sapormeina Dist.- Senapati (Manipur) and Mr Khailet Haokip aged 21 years, S/o Mr Lunkholal Haokip, resident of vill- Sapormeina, PO- Motbung,PS- Gamnom Sapormeina Dist- Senapati . The apprehendees alongwith recovered items and vehicle were handed over to Office of the Divisional Forest Officer, Wild Life Department, Imphal (Manipur).

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/ar-recoveres-banned-wild-life-products/