Category: Manipur Mail

IMPHAL, July 19 NNN : Only 45.9 percent of the Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan (NBA) scheme has so far been able to implement in Ukhrul district of Manipur due to lack of sincerity and awareness among the people in the hill district, said a PHED official.
A one-day workshop on NBA was held at Kamjong, Ukhrul on Friday during which L Swamikanta, Director, Communication and Capacity Development Unit (CCDU), PHED, Manipur said that full implementation of NBA scheme in Ukhrul has been hampered by lack of sincerity and awareness among the people of the district.
He said only 45.9 percent of NBA scheme, which was launched in the state in 2006, has so far been implemented in the district because the people of the district lack attentiveness about the scheme.
Tamenglong district is recorded to be the highest among other hill districts of the state to implement this scheme at 90.50 percent, Swamikanta said.
He said people need toilets to lead a healthy life and also to ward off many diseases like common cold, diarrhea and dysentery.
NBA is a scheme jointly sponsored by the state and Central Governments under which the poor can build toilets at home free of cost.
He appealed to the Ukhrul public, particularly with poor economic background to avail the benefit and to construct toilets with sincerity.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/poor-nba-work-at-ukhrul/

Based on specific information regarding presence of UG cadres with huge cache of arms and ammunition in Uyumpok Lokchao, Sagolmang near Sericulture farm, troops of 16 Assam Rifles of 10 Sector AR under aegis of HQ IGAR
(South) launched an operation and recovered huge cache of arms and ammunitions on 19 Jul 2013. One M-16 Rifle with magazine, four rounds of M-16 Rifle, two 7.65mm pistol with magazines, four rounds of 7.65mm, one C-150 Radio Set, one IC-V85 intercom RS and one G-3 Magazine were recovered from the cache.
15 Assam Rifles of 9 Sector AR under the aegis of HQ IGAR (South) organised a meeting of local community leaders of Yairipok and neighbouring Villages ThoubalDist on 19 Jul 2013. A total of 40 villages heads, Pradhans and local leaders belonging to Thoubal District attended the meeting. This meeting discussed issues related to infrastructure development, cleanliness, flood control and security aspects. The local leaders projected their requirements which will be taken up by 15 Assam Rifles in due course.
30 Assam Rifles of 9 Sector AR under the aegis of HQ IGAR (South) organised a Drawing Competition at Needy Academy, MapaoKhullen, Nilakuti on 19 Jul 2013. A total of 30 school children participated in this competition.
Mr R Chance, Assistant Professor of DM College was the Chief Guest of the event.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/ar-recovers-huge-cache-of-arms/

MNS: The parent association of selected candidates NEET UG 2013 has submitted memorandum to the chief minister Manipur today regarding the issue of MBBS/BDS entrance test 2013. The association said that the eligible candidates for admission to MBBS/BDS course as per NEET UG 2013 results have submitted. Counselling form to the medical directorate govt. of Manipur. In the mean time it appears in the daily local newspaper appear today the 19th July 2013 that Manipur Pre medical test may probably be held on 28 July or 4 August which confused the already selected candidates. In this connection, the supreme court verdict passed on 18 July seems wrongly interpreted as seen in local news papers published. The chief minister should give instruction to the concerned authority to start the counseling for admission to MBBS/BDS courses as per NEET UG 2013 results immediately.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/neet-candidates-submit-memorandum/

Imphal, July 19 NNN: The Dy. CM, Gaikhangam said, to bring a civilized society, we should protect human rights together.
He was speaking as chief guest at the inaugural function of a seven day training on human rights organized by centre for human rights and duties education, Manipur University at the auditorium of the centre.
Regarding the prevailing situation in which people of Manipur refused to receive a body till a final solution is nothing but a disturbance to human rights. As per customary rules, the people should perform the last rites of the deceased.
The dy. CM further said, human rights has become a big issue for the world. The society as well as the individuals should abide by this.
Due to the advancement of technology violation of human rights is increasing. Besides, the knowledge of criminals is also increasing. If we forget responsibilities and duties, human rights will be of no use.
The minister was of the view that the organizers should submit the recommendations of the seven day training so that a forward law can be enacted.
Human rights organizations based in the state remained silent when non-state actors abuse the human rights even though they strongly shouted against the state actors when they violated the rights.
He called upon the people of the state to jointly protect the human rights for a prosperous and developed society.
“People of the state should not simply go along with their one sided views and keep on countering each other as there is no dearth of stones to be thrown to each other,” Gaikhangam said, expressing concern over the recent emerging trend of not receiving dead bodies for fulfilling the demands they put up is not a right decision.
“It is beyond the tradition of the human society,” Gaikhangam added.
“We should respect any dead body and perform its last rites”, the home minister said, asserting that leaving the dead body without performing the last rites is tantamount to violation of human rights.
The summer training camp participated by students, police personnel, members of civil organizations and resource persons from various part of the state was organized by the Centre for Human Rights and Duties Education, Manipur University. It would be concluded on July 23.
Resource persons observed that human rights abuses in Manipur have been an ongoing issue. The security forces have been committing several human rights violations in Manipur while suppressing a separatist insurgency in the region.
At the same time, the insurgency groups have been known to kidnap and recruit children to work as child soldiers against the Indian Government.
They observed that separatist insurgency began in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur in 1964, although momentum to a more violent phase did not occur until 1978.
The separatists demand a sovereign state separate from the union of India, conceding their grievances over lack of development, plundering of local resources and a general discontent in Manipur.
Human right activists argued that human rights violations by security forces have only fuelled the insurgency. Security forces have at times acted with impunity as anti-terrorism laws in the state make prosecution of human rights violators difficult.
The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 is a controversial legislation that was passed on September 11, 1958 by the Parliament of India granted “special powers” to the security forces in regions which the act refers to as “disturbed areas”.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/respect-human-rights-dy-cm/

IMPHAL, July 19 NNN : Anganwadi workers and helpers took out rallies in different parts of Manipur on Friday to lodge protest against non-payment of their 14 months due of honorariums by the state Government.
The protests were simultaneously organised in Imphal, Tamenglong and Churachandpur districts in the wake of the recent assurance given by Social Welfare minister AK Mirabai to clear their honorariums for five months only.
In Imphal, hundreds of Angawadi workers and helpers took out the rally that started from the office of the Anganwadi Workers and Helpers Union (AWHUM), Manipur at the IrawatBhawan Complex. Members of anganwadi associations of other districts except for that of Tamenglong and Churachandpur participated the demonstration in Imphal.
However, the rally led by the AWHUM was forced to halt in front of Kangla Fort after a large number of police personnel stopped them there.
There, the police picked up three prominent leaders who submitted a letter to the Chief Minister apprising him six different demands of the union. Copies of the letter were also submitted to the Social Welfare minister and the Director of the department.
In a statement, AWHUM said that it cannot accept the honorarium assured by the Social Welfare minister and it wants complete clearance of the 14 months due of honorariums.
The statement said that supplying of supplementary nutrition food items to anganwadi centre should be stopped as beneficiaries are refusing to consume them.
Removing anganwadi workers and helpers who are in the age of 60 was not a right move of the Government, it said and appealed to Chief Minister O Ibobi to take steps to extend the age limit of the anganwadi workers and helper to 65 years.
It also urged the Chief Minister to separate the state’s Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) from the Social Welfare.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/anganwadi-workers-take-out-rally/

 
Imphal Jul 19 UNA : The Supreme Court ruling on scrapped holding of a single common entrance test (NEET) for admission to MBBS, BDS and post-graduate courses in all medical colleges has created once again controversy in Manipur.
While government was understood to have started preparation for conducting the entrance exam for selection of government nominees for the courses, student bodies pressed for resignation of the state health minister and education commission on moral ground even though they supported conduct of the entrance text.
The Democratic Students’ Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) has urged state health minister and commissioner to resign from their respective posts immediately for failing to interpret the ruling of Supreme Court on the matter.
Actually, Manipur government was about to conduct the state pre-medical test on June 9 last. But it was cancelled all of a sudden on June 6 following a decision of state cabinet citing a Supreme Court ruling, which is not related to the issue of conducting of state pre-medical test at all, the student pressure group alleged.
Taking moral responsibility of this, health minister and health commissioner resign, they demanded alleging that they were incapable and not fit to remain in their respective posts as they had misled the public by misinterpreting the ruling of Supreme Court.
The students’ body demanded the authorities concerned to conduct the state pre-medical test (PMT) as soon as possible in accordance with the ruling of the Supreme Court.
The three judge bench headed by Chief Justice AltamasKabir, who was retiring on Thursday, in a majority 2-1 verdict quashed the notifications for the National Eligibility-cum- Entrance Test (NEET).
The CJI’s view was shared by Justice VikramjitSen but Justice A R Dave disagreed with them and upheld the NEET saying the policy was “legal” and it would stop corrupt practice of undeserving students getting admission by paying huge capitation fee or donation.
It quashed the notifications issed by the Medical Council of India (MCI) and the Dental Council Of India (DCI) by which admissions to MBBS, BDS and Post-graduate courses to medical colleges were to be made solely on the basis of NEET and States and privately-run institutions were prevented from conducting any separate examination.
Meanwhile, the Parent’s Association of Selected Candidates (NEET UG-2013) which was formed in the wake of government cancellation of the entrance text today drew the attention of chief minister to issue instructions to the concerned authority to start/process counseling for admission to MBBS / BDS courses as per NEET UG-2013 results.
Addressing a press conference at Manipur Press Club, Imphal secretary of the association, Y Tomba Singh told the media persons that a memorandum has been submitted to the chief minister, making available copies to minister of education, principal secretary, director of health& family welfare.

tudent pressure group alleged.
Taking moral responsibility of this, health minister and health commissioner resign, they demanded alleging that they were incapable and not fit to remain in their respective posts as they had misled the public by misinterpreting the ruling of Supreme Court.
The students’ body demanded the authorities concerned to conduct the state pre-medical test (PMT) as soon as possible in accordance with the ruling of the Supreme Court.
The three judge bench headed by Chief Justice AltamasKabir, who was retiring on Thursday, in a majority 2-1 verdict quashed the notifications for the National Eligibility-cum- Entrance Test (NEET).
The CJI’s view was shared by Justice VikramjitSen but Justice A R Dave disagreed with them and upheld the NEET saying the policy was “legal” and it would stop corrupt practice of undeserving students getting admission by paying huge capitation fee or donation.
It quashed the notifications issed by the Medical Council of India (MCI) and the Dental Council Of India (DCI) by which admissions to MBBS, BDS and Post-graduate courses to medical colleges were to be made solely on the basis of NEET and States and privately-run institutions were prevented from conducting any separate examination.
Meanwhile, the Parent’s Association of Selected Candidates (NEET UG-2013) which was formed in the wake of government cancellation of the entrance text today drew the attention of chief minister to issue instructions to the concerned authority to start/process counseling for admission to MBBS / BDS courses as per NEET UG-2013 results.
Addressing a press conference at Manipur Press Club, Imphal secretary of the association, Y Tomba Singh told the media persons that a memorandum has been submitted to the chief minister, making available copies to minister of education, principal secretary, director of health& family welfare.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/student-body-demands-resignation-of-health-minister/

IMPHAL, July 19 NNN : A one day consultation which was held today at the Diocesan Social Service Society, Mantripukhri, Imphal on the theme ‘Understanding the rights of the Indigenous Peoples in the Northeast” was jointly organized by the Meghalaya Peoples Human Rights Council (MPHRC), Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), Indigenous Women’s Forum of Northeast India (IWFNEI), Karbi Human Rights Watch (KHRW), Zo Indigenous Forum (ZIF), Sinlung Indigenous Peoples Human Rights organization (SIPHRO) & United Naga Council (UNC) held today at the Diocesan Social Service Society, Mantripukhri, Imphal, Manipur.
The objective of the consultation was to understand the rights of indigenous peoples in the Northeast and to develop solidarity and common understanding of the Indigenous peoples of Northeast on the essence of the right to self determination.
The consultation proposed setting up of an inclusive network of indigenous peoples in North East India and their organizations to collectively strengthen and facilitate relations, communications and solidarities amongst indigenous peoples while at the same time endeavoring to safeguard and ensure that the rights of the indigenous peoples are recognized and respected.
The consultation reaffirms and recognizes the centrifugal role of women in promoting indigenous peoples’ rights to self determination. Women should be strengthened and indigenous women-based organizations actively supported if rights toself determination are to be truly and sustainably realized by the indigenous communities in its overall holistic essence.
That, during the consultation, intense discussions were held on the very legitimacy of several organizations purporting to be indigenous organizations or working for indigenous peoples while in reality, they are not. The discussions also noted that there are indigenous organizations that ironically support the existence and activities of such organizations.
Given these facts, the consultation reaffirms the right to self determination of indigenous peoples and is fully committed to the realization of their deeply held aspirations and expectations without being covertly and insidiously manipulated.
The representatives felt that the self identification of Indigenous Peoples in North East India should be recognized and accepted by other indigenous communities.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/consultation-on-indigenous-people/

IMPHAL, July 17: Chief Justice of High Court of Manipur, Justice Abhay Manohar Sapre on Wednesday inaugurated a new post office at the High Court complex here.
The opening of this new post office by Postal Department, Manipur Division will enable the officials and the citizens in and around the High Court complex to access to easy and reliable postal services.
It was inaugurated by Justice Sapre in the presence of Justice N Kotiswar Singh, Judge of the High Court of Manipur.
This post office offers various facilities like Speed Post, Registered Post, eMO, Saving Bank, PLI, among others. It also provides state-of-the-art Track & Trace facilities for all the Speed Post articles booked to know their current positions, Director Postal Services, Manipur Division, T Mang Min Thang said.
He said, “Registered Posts can also be tracked with the help of R-Net, our departmental software. This office is fully computerized and connected with high speed internet. And it is manned by reliable and competent officials.”
It is hoped and believed that the postal facilities, provided here, will cater to the needs of the High Court of Manipur and its surrounding areas, he said.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/new-post-office-at-high-court/

IMPHAL, July 17 NNN : The Kuki Students Organisation General Headquarters (KSO-GHQ) has fervently appealed the state government of Manipur to honour and implement the agreement reached between the Kuki students’ body and the state government on May 21, 2013 with regard to the allocation of quota in respect of Scheduled Tribe candidates in the recruitment of constables in Manipur Police department following a backlog of 474 posts in the recruitment process held during February 20, 2008 and December 10, 2008 and the backlog of 28 posts in Manipur Police Housing Corporation Limited, vide letter No.G/19/2012-MPHC/505 of December 13, 2012.
The KSO had demanded that this backlog of 474 posts should be filled separately i.e., independent of the quota already allocated for the STs in the ensuing recruitment process for 2000 numbers of constable posts in the department. Also, the department should make an effort to fill up 28 various posts reserved for STs in MPHCL, the Kuki students’ body added.
According to the Kuki students’ body, responding to the KSO’s call chief minister O Ibobi had agreed to carry forward the backlog of 474 ST posts in the ensuing recruitment of 2000 numbers of Manipur Police Constables, and also to take immediate action regarding the backlog of 28 different posts in Manipur Housing Corporation Limited.
“Thereby, in good faith KSO had temporarily suspended its ongoing 24 hours general strike called on May 21 as well as the suspension of proposed indefinite economic blockade to begin the next following hour,” it stated.
“In the interest of tribal populace and concern for tribal rights KSO has been eagerly waiting for the state government with a hope that assurances are being translated into action. Therefore, KSO urges the SPF III government to show an exemplary that Congress government is indeed concern about tribal quota being manipulated in the state,” the Kuki students’ body demanded.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/kso-appeals-to-implement-agreement-on-st-reservation/

MNS: A team of Bishnupur Police Commandos led by inspector Khaba in civil dress entered the house of two councilors last night and damaged household items. The commando team first entered the house of councilor of Ningthoukhong Ward No. 6, Ningthoujam Premila Devi and damaged lantern and others. He also reportedly touched the bodies of the girls. The commandos also damaged the articles of house belonging to Angoutombi, Councilor, Ward No. 1. The team also search the house of ex-minister Kh. Jiban around 11 p.m. He said, the act of Police is terrorism. He drew the attention of Chief Minister and Home minister. Councilor Premila said, the act of police is politically motivated as there is the controversy over the election of chairperson of Ningthoukhong Municipal Council. A team of Bishnupur police inspected the damaged caused by the commandos personnel.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/police-conducts-raid/

IMPHAL, July 17 NNN : The United Tribal Liberation Army (UTLA) is learnt to have signed Suspension of Operation (SoO) pact with Manipur and Central Governments at Jiribam on Wednesday to pave the way for tripartite talks.
In all, 45 UTLA insurgents attended the agreement signing ceremony held at Jiribam Kadamtala Electricity IB at 11 am. They also brought huge quantity of arms and ammunition during the ceremony.
UTLA’s chairman SK Thadou represented the outfit while Joint Secretary North East, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Shambu Singh and the state Principal Secretary (Home), Dr J Suresh Babu represented the Government of India and Government of Manipur respectively in signing the agreement.
Altogether 42 weapons including AK rifles, M-16s, carbines, 9 mm pistols and 2.2 rifles with ammunition were brought by the 45 cadres during the pact signing event.
They have been lodged at 22 Assam Rifles camp, Kadamtala after the SoO agreement.
Additional Director General of Police (Intelligence), top officials of IGAR (South) and other state police officials were also present at the occasion.
However, the outfit’s general secretary Seinio Guite was absent from the ceremony as he is now in the Jiribam Police Station in connection with an extortion case.
Guite was produced before the court of Jiribam District Magistrate which sent him to police custody till July 27 for further interrogation.
UTLA which is active in and around Jiribam was formed in 2002 with around 150 cadres. The tribal insurgent group faced a split in 2011 on ideological grounds that led to fratricidal killings.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/utla-signs-soo-with-government/

Imphal Jul 17 UNA: A nine year old minor girl was brutally raped by a 20 year neighbor on Wednesday here in Manipur.
The incident happen today around eight in the morning when she was playing with other children in the courtyard of the accused, who forcefully drag her inside the house while chasing away the other said the minor girl from the bed of RIMS hospital.
The underage girl was seen crying coming out from the house of accuse by a local women who happen to be just passing by for some personnel work but suspecting some unnatural the women enquire to the little girl.
In the course of consulting to find out what happen to her (victim) the women come across a blood stain in the clothes of the girl said the locals.
According to the victim the accuse Leimapokpam Athemba (20) son of Amarjeet of Nungoi Makha Leikai under Lamlai Police Station had threaten with a dire consequences if the matter is revealed to anyone.
After knowing the truth the localities caught the accused and handed over to the Lamlai police but after giving a good thrashing from the localities.
The little girl has been admitted at RIMS hospital and awaiting for forensic examination.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/9-year-old-girl-raped/

MNS: United National Liberation Front: Manipur today said Major Anand Kanti of 22 Assam Rifles went on a rampage at Jiribam police station and assaulted an Addl SP of Manipur police . It was not a simple incident but showed what the army thinks about the people. It alleged that in the name of SoO and other surrender drama many people are kept to defame revolutionaries. Those maintained by troops carry out various activities like planting of bomb , firing and the extorted money is shared. Conspiring with 22 AR UTLA (SK Thadou faction) General Secy. Seikhohao Guite @ James Kuki in the name of KRA(U) tried to extort money from Jiri oil pump . Even a Havildar of army does not respect Ministers, MLAs , officers it was added. It reminded of Oinam , Heiranggoithong, Paatsoi-Laangjing, RIMS Road, Malom incidents during no MLA , Minister state police personnel were not allowed to enter . Many police men were assaulted and killed by troops it was alleged and the minister, MLAs should understand that they are victim of colonialism it was added. The time to wake up has come said Ksh. Yoiheiba , Senior Publicity Officer in a statement today.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/unlf-asks-people-to-wake-up/

IMPHAL, July 17 NNN: The demand to grant the Meiteis a Scheduled Tribe (ST) status has kicked up ruckus in Manipur. On wednesday, the UNC and ATSUM said they seriously viewed the development.
The UNC held an emergency meeting and said that it seriously viewed the move of Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee of Manipur (STDCM) demanding to grant the ST status for the Meiteis while ATSUM is convening a panel discussion on July 27 on the matter.
“UNC views this development as an attempt to infringe upon the rights and existence of the tribals in Manipur and to distort their history,” the Naga body accused, while adding, “We find it surprise that dominant community, i.e the Meiteis demanding a status that have been treated as untouchable and inferior for decades.”
The Naga body then questions the wisdom and statesmanship of the Prime Minister of India for reportedly having given assurance to consider the demand upon obtaining a cabinet approval.
“It may be recalled that the Prime Minister himself had admitted that there has been sharp social divide between the hills and the valley, fully knowing that the Meiteis and tribals are different,” the UNC pointed out.
Meanwhile, ATSUM information secretary Micah Kamei said, “With the STDCM gaining momentum for ST status of the Meiteis and the news that appeared in all the print media about a six member delegation of STDCM to Delhi on July 2 and its immediate response by the Prime Minister under certain conditions, ATSUM will be organizing a panel discussion with scholars, intellectuals, lawyers and social activists on July 27 somewhere In Imphal.” “As the dubious nature of the STDCM has already been circulated in the print media by the All India Tribal Students’ Association, AITSA, the tribal based Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM) is skeptical of the intention of the STDCM if it is genuinely for re-defining the historicity of the Meeteis or to avail the opportunity of reservation in jobs,” ATSUM information secretary Micah Kamei stated.
“Hill state or tribal state sounds synonymous although there may be variation of meaning when interpreted in technical terms. To this end, the brethren of the valley need to meticulously re-think before the issue turns volatile,” Micah cautions.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/unc-atsum-opposes-conversion-of-meitei-into-st/

Imphal, July 17 NNN: The All Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM) has urged the concern authority for the speedy delivery of justice to the rescued children.
On March 12 this year, young girls and boys including minors from Manipur and Nagaland and elsewhere had been rescued after two children homes in Jaipur were raided by a joint team of the Tangkhul Shanao Long-Delhi, the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Rajasthan, social workers, activists and media persons. The homes were run by one Pastor Jacon John. On Wednesday, ANSAM said, “The startling revelation by the various local and national dailies in regards to the manner in which children from Manipur and Nagaland state were raped and sexually exploited, has shocked the conscience of every sensible citizen”.
While appreciating the various civil societies for rescuing the children from the infamous Grace Home, Jaipur and also nabbing the notorious Mr. Jacob John , the ANSAM urges for speedy dispensation of the case. While reposing our faith in the fairness of the judiciary, ANSAM impresses upon the concern authority for swift delivery of justice to the traumatized children.
Taking the cognizance of the heinous crime, a befitting punishment as deemed appropriate by the law of the land be given to the culprit, the Naga students’ body demanded.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/ansam-wants-speedy-trial-in-children-abduction-case/