Manipur Mail – Page 33

Assembly discusses health water, environment issues

Mail News Service
Imphal, June 19 : Manipur Assembly today discussed and passed demands for grants for five departments. The demands were Rs 378 cr for health, Rs 173 cr for environment and forest, Rs 212 cr for community development, Rs 181 cr for public health engineering and Rs 14 cr for labour and employment.
L Ibomcha said ambulance services should be started by the hospitals and the services if properly implemented will be self reliant. All the private clinics, hospitals should be monitored regularly. One time issuing of licence is not the solution he added.
Ibomcha pointed out that for the last one decade he has been raising the issue of unavailability of drinking water but there is no improvement. Consumers do not get bills and where there is no water supply bills are issued he said. There is shortage of about 233 staff in the water supply department he said. Government should dig up ponds and implement water harvesting programmes he said.
Dr I Ibohalbi said roads were not properly maintained even where there are large numbers of tourists. There is a decline in prevalence of HIV and AIDS however rate of death due to Hepatitis C is increasing. Government should frame policies to provide assistance to people living with AIDS to fight Hep C related diseases he said.
Chief Minister, O Ibobi Singh said his government has been trying to improve conditions of the people. Special focus is given to street vendors however the matter was sensitive and women vendors do not agree to the proposals made by the government. It is hard to convince the vendors not to sell products in the busy city areas he said.
A proposal has been sent to the centre to help in constructing a market complex for women in the city areas the CM said. At Lamphel area government is also considering of constructing mini sheds for women vendors he added.
Ngamthang Haokip, Minister Irrigation said the Thoubal multipurpose project started in 1977 at an estimated cost of Rs 47 cr however in 2011 it was estimated at Rs 1387 cr. Ministry of environment and forest has also given approval in principle for the project.
Kh Ratan, Minister works informed the House that parking activities in the city areas were entrusted to the Imphal Municipal council.
Not only violating the rights of the people, the Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA), 1958 has been charged of being an instrument for mass deforestation in Manipur.
He said AFSPA, 1958 was also an instrument of deforestation in the region. Dr I Ibohalbi blamed the controversial act (AFSPA) for empowering the security personnel in the state to cut down trees in the region.
“Security forces deployed in the state have been cutting down trees of the forest for security purpose”, he said, adding that the act of the security forces was amidst global concerned about the rising temperature and climatic change.
He said the security force which has been deployed in the forest area of the state has been cutting down trees as counter attacks from rebel groups, alleging that many trees which have been planted at Sanatapham area near Maibam Lotpa Ching in Bishnupur area has been cut down by the security forces deployed there.
He said the AFSPA has been helping the security forces in clearing forest region of the area and drew the attention of the house to take up appropriate measures to control mass cutting down of trees of the forest for security reasons.
He observed that the total reserved forest area of the state has been reduced to 730 square kilometer. Rampant deforestation has been taking place across the state and this has made every one worried and it was time the government make some concrete policy to control the deforestation.
He said after 50 years from today the state may face a desert like situation if steps to control mass deforestation was taken up from today. He further stressed the need of changing the life styled of tribal people in the hill districts of the state so that their livelihood now depending on forest could be reduced. Ibohalbi also demanded environment and forest minister to table a detail account of areas where jhum cultivation was still practice.
He said the tribal people are cutting the trees of the forest due to their requirements and as they fully depends on the product available in the forest.
“The government need to improve the socioeconomic condition of the people living in the forest area by introducing various schemes if it is serious to protect the environment and this has to be initiated by the forest department” Ibohalbi added.
L Ibomcha on the other hand charged that now drugs manufactured by good companies have not been supplied in the Government hospitals in the state and suggested that enhancement of capabilities of these hospitals will naturally minimize the disturbances caused to the public.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/assembly-discusses-health-water-environment-issues/

Court defers sentence on rape case

Imphal Jun 19 MNS Agencies: The must awaited sentence hearing of four persons who were pronounced guilty in the infamous U-morok (king chili) trader rape case was Wednesday postponed till June 25 next after counsel of one of the rapists failed to turn up in the court today.
For the first time in the history of judicial annals of Manipur, the District and Sessions Judge, Manipur West has concluded the hearing of rape case of U-morok trader in just about eight months by pronouncing all four accused in the case guilty on June 12 last.
The final hearing of the case which was held on June 12, all four accused, Laikhuram Rojit (28) of Porompat JN Hospital Road, Havildar of 1st IRB Chungkham Ibomcha alias Aigya (37) of Thongju Boroimakhong, Rifleman of 1st IRB Kshetrimayum Kenedy alias Dungi (37) of Kongpal Chanam Leikai and Salam Bijen (38) of Uripok were pronounced guilty by the judge under sections 328, 392 and 376 of the Indian Penal Code and sections 3(1) (11) (12) of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
However, the quantum of punishment was scheduled to announce today. As per schedule, the hearing was conducted today in the court of District and Sessions Judge, Manipur West, Imphal.
As the counsel of one of the accused Kshetrimayum Kenedy failed to turn up in the court on the ground that he (Advocate S Shyamachoron) met an accident and was hospitalized at Shija hospital, district and session judge Salam Ibomcha deferred the hearing till June 25.
However, he announced that even if the counsel could not appear in the court on this scheduled date, the quantum of sentences to be awarded to the four rapists would be pronounced.
It may be noted that in the last hearing in which the court pronounced the four persons as accused in the sensitive rape case of a 42-year old tribal U-morok trader hailing from Khoupum of Tamenglong district on the intervening night of March 21 and 22 2012, the court pointed out Laikhuram Rojit as the main accused of the case.
Public Prosecutor Ngangom Tajkumar and Achamlui Golmei, counsel of the victim woman prayed the court for life time imprisonment sentence for the four accused, asserting that it could check increasing violence against women in the state.
They further prayed the court to give a directive to the pertinent authority of the state government to provide adequate compensation to the victim woman, saying that she belongs to a poor family and she could not return to normal work to run her family after the ill-fated incident.
The woman was gang-raped by the four accused at an isolated place near Irom Meijrao in Imphal West on the intervening night of March 21 and 22 last year.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/court-defers-sentence-on-rape-case/

PM announces 1000 crore rupee disaster relief for Uttarakhand

Mail News Service
New Delhi, June 19 : Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh issued a statement to the media after an aerial survey of disaster affected areas of Uttarakhand: He said “Earlier today, Smt. Sonia Gandhi, Chairperson, UPA and I undertook an aerial survey of the rain and flood-affected areas of Uttarakhand. We saw for ourselves the large scale devastation that has been caused in the State. Our hearts go out to the families of those who have lost their lives and those who have suffered injury or loss of property in this huge tragedy.
Assessing the magnitude of the losses, both in terms of lives lost and houses destroyed, or the damage to buildings, roads and other infrastructure, is an exercise that will take some more time. The priority for the authorities at the moment is to rescue the stranded and provide urgently needed succor to those most in need of it.
What Chairperson UPA and I saw today was most distressing. While the most recent estimates put the death toll at 102, it is feared that loss of lives could eventually be much higher. So far, more than 10,000 people have been rescued and are being provided food, clothing and shelter. Many persons still remain stranded. The maximum damage has been in Kedarnath and its vicinity.
The immediate need is for rescue and relief operations and the Government will not spare any effort in this regard.
The Central and State Governments have deployed all possible resources to deal with the immediate aftermath of the ghastly tragedy. About 5500 Jawans and Officers of the Army, 3000 men of the Border Roads Organisation and 600 ITBP personnel are engaged in relief and rescue efforts. Thirteen teams of the National Disaster Response Force have been deployed. The Air Force has deployed 18 helicopters and a C-130 aircraft. Private helicopters have also been engaged by the State Government.
The Central and State Governments will continue to work in close coordination to ensure that every possible effort is made not only to provide immediate relief to the affected persons but also to help them reconstruct their lives.
Ex-gratia assistance of Rs. 2 lakh each to the families of those who have lost their lives and Rs. 50,000 each to those who have been injured will be provided from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). Further, we will also provide from the PMNRF ex-gratia assistance of Rs.1 lakh each to those whose houses have been completely destroyed and Rs. 50,000 each to those whose houses have been damaged.
I have decided to provide an amount of Rs.1000 crore to Uttarakhand for disaster relief, of which Rs. 145 crore is being released immediately. I have also directed all Central Agencies to render all possible assistance in their domain to the State.”

Land policy benefitting fishers

AIZAWL, June 19 NNN : Fish farmers in Mizoram are doing brisk business these days, thanks to the New Land Use Policy (NLUP).
However, the state government of Mizoram wants that the local fish farmers should increase their products to the extent where they start exporting fish outside the state.
NLUP is a pilot project of the Congress led Mizoram government under the leadership of chief minister Lal Thanhawla. Under this scheme, the government of Mizoram attempts to provide alternative means of livelihood to the farmers who are heavily dependent on jhumming which is detrimental to the environment.Piggery, bee-keeping, fish-farming, grape-cultivation etc., etc., are some of the fields the government is encouraging the local people to pursue by providing financial assistance.
Meanwhile, the Mizoram Co-operative Fish Farming Marketing and Processing Federation Ltd. (ZOFISFED) organised Annual General Assembly-cum-Awareness Campaign for Integrated Fish Farming Programme at Agriculture Conference Hall recently wherein Mizoram Co-operation minister J.H.Rothuama graced the ocassion as chief guest.
The federation had resolved ‘fish farming as a tool for self-sufficient’ as its yearly theme during the assembly.
While delivering a speech minister J.H Rothuama expressed happiness over Mizo fish farmers for their work and products and also said that the practice of fish farming has been increasing which is a good sign for many fish lovers in the state. The minister added that having ‘our own’ products (fish) in the market is a great boon for the health and hoped that in the coming days Mizoram will not be needing a fish from outside. The state government has introduced New Land Use Policy (NLUP) for upliftment and development of farmers in the state and fish farmers were among them who did well with the assistance given by the state. He also believed that NLUP will serve as a tool for long-term development of the state in various fields.
ZOFISFED was established October 29, 1998 with 22 Primary Fisheries Cooperative Societies 22 under its wing. Since 2008, ZOFISFED is maintaining 8 Demonstration-cum-Fish Seed Farms. Through government sanction the federation has built Ice Plant at Buhchangpui with an expense of Rs. 22,52,500 besides purchasing one ‘Refrigerated Van’ during last year. 17,900 families have been enrolled in Scheme for Welfare of Fisherman Saving-cum-Relief Scheme for Fishermen of Mizoram State while 781 were benefited through Paddy-cum-Fish Culture. The assembly presided over by ZOFISFED chairman Thangchungnunga and had elected Board of Directors for 2013-2018.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/land-policy-benefitting-fishers/

Bru repatriation likely to resume soon

AIZAWL, June 19 NNN: Repatriation of Mizoram Bru refugees from Tripura camps to Mizoram is likely to resume soon.
This information is received by the Mizoram government from Tripura Government which stated that the situation has become conducive once again after a short-lived tension in the inter-state border areas during the last two months.
Meanwhile, the initiative taken at the official level is expected to be approved by the Government in a few days time.
According to official sources, Mizoram officials are likely to be sent to the refugee camps in Tripura for identification of the refugees who are willing to return to Mizoram.
It may be mentioned here that the inter-state road between Mizoram and Tripura which was blocked at Langkaih Bridge has been reopened with effect from the first June following improvement of the situation.
The process of repatriation was temporarily stalled by officials of Tripura Government following tension in the border area in the aftermath of the death of Siberamriang. But now, the situation has improved further with reopening of Langkaih Bridge which connects Mizoram and Tripura.
On May 7, in the wake of the move to resume the repatriation of the Bru refugees, Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP),the largest students’ body of Mizoram had asked the state government of Mizoram not to resume the repatriation process of Bru refugees from Tripura camp to Mizoram unless the refugees inform the government in writing that they were willing to come back to Mizoram.
The MZP leaders had said that the Bru people did not want to return to Mizoram when they were given chances five times by the Centre and the government of Mizoram as they left Mizoram for Tripura on their own volition.
The MZP also expressed concern over the increasing law and order problem in the border area including kidnapping of Mizos by the Brus for ransom.
It is pertinent to note that hundreds of Brus left Mizoram in 1997 and 2009. The first case was triggered when Bru militants murdered two Mizos who were forest guards on October 21, 1997. The second case happened after a 17-year-old Mizo boy was killed by the Brus near Bungthuam village on November 13, 2009. When the Bru left Mizoram they had driven out some Mizos in villages of Sakhan Hill Range in Tripura like Sakhan Serhmun, Sakhan Tlangsang, Sakhan Tualsen and Upper Dosda which had kicked up much ruckus in Mizoram then.
Meanwhile, a couple of years ago, head count conducted by the MBDPF found that there had been 31,703 Brus in the relief camps belonging to 5,448 families who were bona fide residents of Mizoram.
The repatriation of the 1997 batch of Bru refugees was underway until it stalled by the November 13 killing.
In the year 2011, conglomeration of major NGOs in Mizoram had submitted a joint memorandum to the then Union Home minister P Chidambaram to rehabilitate displacedMizos in Tripura and stall the ongoing repatriation of Brus from Tripura to Mizoram. The memorandum was signed by representatives of four large NGOs in the state—the Young Mizo Association (YMA), the MZP, the Mizoram Upa Pawl (MUP) or elders association and the Mizo Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl (MHIP) or the women’s federation and four political parties.
The memorandum had mentioned that more than 80 Mizo families displaced from Tripura’s Sakhan Hill range in 1998 after being threatened by Bru militants should be adequately rehabilitated by the Centre, otherwise, the repatriation of Bru refugees from Tripura relief camps should not be allowed.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/bru-repatriation-likely-to-resume-soon/

NPP condemns Govt’s inaction against rape accused Islam

SHILLONG, June 18 NNN : The National People’s Party (NPP) has condemned the inaction and inability of the Congress led Meghalaya United Alliance (MUA)-II government in locating and arresting the rape accused Sub-Inspector Nurul Islam, who is accused of molesting and raping two minor sisters at Ampati Police Station on March 13 and on May 31.
“It is a matter of great shame that such a crime was committed in the constituency of Chief Minister and instead of monitoring the situation himself and seeing to it that the accused is arrested immediately and brought to justice, CM is again camping in Delhi,” NPP Spokesperson James K Sangma said in a press statement on Tuesday here.
The NPP leaders wondered if ‘the soft pedaling and shoddy investigation being carried out is because as per some reports, the accused S.I. Nurul Islam is related to the Chief Minister Dr. Mukul Sangma from his mother Roshanara Begum’s side?”
At the same time, James also condemned the ‘hypocrisy’ of the MUA government on its empty talk on tackling the rising cases of Rape in the State. “The reality is contrary to this because Rape cases are rising at a meteoric rate and all the cases of Rape are still hanging fire with absolutely no conviction. The Government seems to be content with its obligation of giving a meager compensation of Rs. 50,000 to the rape victims,” he said.
Asking government to nab Islam at the earliest, NPP said the biggest deterrent to such crimes is conviction and punishment, which can only be initiated if the accused is arrested in the first place.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/npp-condemns-govts-inaction-against-rape-accused-islam/

Fighting Naxals

Union and state government are not able to chalk out a strategy to solve the Naxal movement which has spread out fast. It has hit hard recently indicated that it means real business. For the last decade or so there has been a campaign within the government to solve it but no concrete steps were taken up. India has problems in most of the north eastern states and Jammu and Kashmir . Even before insurgency movement took seed in Manipur the Union government had already decided to tackle any problem which may come up. It was to impose AFSPA and eliminate those who rebel. JK had also similar story with AFSPA and the evils associated with it. If the Union government really took up measures to fight the insurgency movements in north east and the movement in JK in a humane and political manner the administration could have been equipped with the mentality and infrastructure to fight the movements. As the Naxal movement is raging on within the heartland of the country and the media and the people are concerned with the people living in the Naxal affected areas no one wants to involve the military. Even after the recent massacre including top Congress leaders the first reaction from the political class in New Delhi was, “ No army to solve Naxal problem” even though all available adjectives were used to condemn the killings. The raging battle is not arms but of the mindset. The battle has to be fought through the minds. Whatever it is necessary to rectify the wrongs on the part of the government specially corruption, bad governnance have to be rooted out. The government should consult experts and experts should include academicians, political analysts not only police and officials and self proclaimed experts. The problem has really exposed the failiure of the administration to reach out to the masses and to the peripheries. All insurgency related problems occur in the peripheries were people are poor . Naxalism, which started from Naxalbari area in West Bengal in 1967 had almost seen its end but it started flourishing after the merger of the Peoples War Group (PWG) and the Maoist Communist Centre (MCC) in September, 2004 which led to the formation of the CPI (Maoist). As per official records the movement holds sway in ten states involving about 180 districts. All the steps taken up were to supply more arms and pour in security personnel. There is shortage of security personnel and most of them do not want to be posted in Naxal dominated areas. The 2006 status report stated that the Government would address the problem in a holistic manner. That includes ‘political security, development and public perception management fronts’ as well. To thwart designs of the government the Naxals are directly attacking politicians, security personnel and wiping out all developmental process taken up in the affected areas. Backed with security personnel civil administration should infiltrate and meticulously develop the infrastructure otherwise everything will be in a complete doldrum. The first approach is to love the people and their problems not killing the people as adopted in Manipur and other insurgency affected people. Once people realise the government really loves them and means business they will also come out and support the government otherwise there will be no meeting point.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/fighting-naxals/

AR SS School toppers felicitated

Mail News Service
Imphal, June 18 : 40 Assam Rifles of HQ 9 Sector Assam Rifles under HQ IGAR (S) organised a felicitation function at the Assam Rifles Senior Secondary School (ARSS School), Keithelmanbi to felicitate its meritorious students who cleared the Class X and XII CBSE Board examinations with flying colours on 18 Jun2013. The occasion was graced by the chief guest Maj Gen Rajeev Chopra, IG AR(S) along with Mrs Rashmi Chopra, President, ARWWA IGAR(S).
Apart from wards of Assam Rifles personnel, ARSS school is providing quality education to local students of adjoining areas. In addition to emphasizing on academics, school also promotes creative and adventure spirit amongst its student to facilitate all round development.
The Assam Rifles Senior Secondary School, Keithelmanbi has brought success home with astounding 100% results in the both X and XII with First Division. Master Thokchom Bidyashwor Singh brought laurels to the school by achieving 2nd position in entire state of Manipur in class XII with a percentage of 93.60%. His intelligent efforts and dedication transferred into outstanding result and made everyone associated with him proud of this unique achievement. Sneha Chettri performed outstandingly by achieving a CGPA 10 in Class X. The School also holds the distinction of being best CBSE School in Manipur state.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/ar-ss-school-toppers-felicitated/

Bandh against extortion affects life in Nagaland

DIMAPUR, June 18 NNN: The otherwise noisy and chaotic commercial hub of Nagaland looked deserted today with all the roaring business establishments came to sa grinding halt following the dawn to dusk bandh imposed by Action Committee Against Unabated Taxation (ACAUT) under the aegis of Naga Council, Dimapur.
The bandh began at 6 am and ended at 6 pm. During the bandh there was not a single case of stray incident reported anywhere in Dimapur. Roads too looked empty save for few commuters on urgent cases.
The ACAUT said today’s bandh was just a pointer of things to come unless concerned organisations and authorities accede to our demands or put mechanisms in place to curb unabated taxation and ultimately price rise, namely, dealership and multiple taxations by underground organisations and price rise which is the prerogative of government to check.
Unable to bear any longer on the rampant imposition of ‘taxes’ on the business community and also on the general public, the denizens of Dimapur, the commercial hub of Nagaland the bandh was called.
Schools, colleges, shops, transport system, offices both government and private obliged to the appeal of the ACAUT to close for the day.
ACAUT wants that there should be only one tax payable to any one underground group. ACAUT also stated earlier that the ‘back-breaking’ multiple taxes on goods imposed by underground groups should be abolished immediately.
‘Irritants’ such as trade license tax, ID tax, registration tax, calendar donations, Christmas and New Year donations, etc. shall not be entertained anymore.
The ACAUT also wants that the yearly tax payable to different underground organisations should not be increased arbitrarily under any circumstances and therefore, amount payable shall be the same as in 2012.
The creation of the new system of ‘dealership’ by underground groups has been strongly condemned. For instance, it was pointed out that under this latest innovation to milk businesses dry, there is only one poultry dealer/supplier in the whole of Dimapur district and no poultry can be sold in the open market without the consent of this poultry dealer.
It can be noted here that the ACAUT had met the NSCN-IM, the NSCN-Khole/Kitovi and others on the issue.
Meanwhile, ACAUT has listed some other factors that cause to price rise which include DMC toll gates, police check gates, Deopani sand syndicate, Vegetable syndicate, Pan patta syndiacate, Cement and hardware syndicate, Fish and dry fish syndicate, Egg syndicate, Dry supari syndicate, Second hand clothes syndicate, Poultry product vendor union and Butcher vendor union.
The list is not exhaustive. To tackle taxation on a wider scale ACAUT will further pursue to form a fact finding committee to study and compare price of commodities in Nagaland and Assam. It will also meet the state chief minister and the governor and also submit representation to judiciary of Dimapur district.
The sale of all syndicate controlled poultry products including local chicken is henceforth banned throughout the state indefinitely, starting June 18. Anyone found selling poultry shall be doing so at their own risk. This ban shall stay in force till the price comes down to an acceptable level on par with neighbouring Assam, according to ACAUT.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/bandh-against-extortion-affects-life-in-nagaland/

Tributes offered to June 18 martyrs

Floral tributes offered to June 18 Martyrs at Kekrupat

Mail News Service NNN
Imphal, June 18 : The 12th Great June Uprising and Unity Day jointly organized by AMUCO and UCM was observed today at Kekrupat Imphal. From the early morning many people came at Kekrupat and offered floral tributes to the 18 martyres who sacrificed their lives for the preservation of boundary of Manipur.
KT Rahman president AMUCO, Y. Nabachandra president UCM, K. Langamba, RK Ranendrajit, Ibotombi Khuman, Dr. Dhanabir Laishram, Y. Leirik Leima, Kh. Sakhi Leima, M. Memchoubi Devi, Kakomlunglu Kamei and leaders of various communities were on the dais. Dhanabir Laishram said that we should not forget that unity in strength. We should struggle for demanding one issue unitedly. One day all communities inhabited in Manipur will unite. Nagas also will come in Manipur and join in the state. The Kukis also will come and join at the common platform. Manipur is not for only Meiteis. It is for all communities.
The commemorative function marking the 12th Great June 18 Uprising was jointly orgainsed by United Committee Manipur (UCM) and All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO) began at 5 am by presenting wake-up songs for the morning.
Thousands of people from several parts of the state including far flung areas were present at the Kekrupat where the mortal remains of the 18 people, who died martyred during the June 18, 2001 unrest, lied. The function organised to pay homage to the martyrs continued till 6 pm.
Apart from giving a general salute to the martyrs at 8:30 am, the two flags of UCM and AMUCO were unfurled in the half-mast position in remembrance and honour of the departed souls at the function.
Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, Commerce and Industries minister Govindas Konthoujam, Works minister Dr Kh Ratankumar, MLA O Landhoni Devi, Social Welfare minister AK Mirabai, MLA Biren and several leaders of Manipur state CPI unit also paid tributes to the martyrs at the Kekrupat.
A two-minute silence was later observed in honour of the willing victims of June 18 after SUTI Sangam presented four patriotic songs at the occasion.
For the first time the observation was jointly organised by all the organisations in a single spot. After the government of India agreed to extend truce with the NSCN (IM) beyond Nagaland in June 2001 there was a massive uprising in Manipur during which offices of political parties, residences of Chief Minister, ministers , Assembly complex were attacked . CRPF resorted to firing to control the uprising and 18 people including a woman died. Every year June 18 is observed as Unity day and the Great June Uprising by different organisations.
Chairman of the organising committee and President of All Manipur United Clubs Organisation , KT Rehman speaking on the occasion said the majority community of Manipur the Meitei is extremely broad minded and that is why a Muslim was able to become a Chief Minister and tribal became Chief Minister repeatedly.
He said it is the duty of all the communities settled in Manipur to work for integrity and development. People should fight against social evils like drug to build up a great nation he said. Y Nabachandra, President of United Committee Manipur speaking on the occasion said government officials often created problems while people tried to help family members of the martyrs. He further said the central government has different tongues . Regarding the Naga problem Union Home Minister gave different opinions at Manipur and Nagaland. He further said the government also leaks out information to see reaction of the people specially during election time.
Before the recent Nagaland elections the central government tried to solve the Naga problem but after the end of the elections the matter was forgotten. Representatives of all the tribes of Manipur and family members of the martyrs were also honoured on the occasion. Speaking at the occasion, former UCM president Y Dilipkumar said, “We just cannot remember the historic day just by paying floral tributes to the heroes.
Voicing concern over the ongoing peace parleys between the Centre and NSCN-IM, Dilipkumar blamed the Naga rebel group for fomenting tensions among different ethnic communities in the state.
He said, “We should fight together against the ‘divide and rule policy’ of the Government of India.”
Gaikhangam also spoke during the function. He called for peaceful co-existence amongst various communities in Manipur and said, “Let us work together to avoid reappearance of such a day in future.”

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/tributes-offered-to-june-18-martyrs/

UNC to continue stir

IMPHAL, June 18 NNN: United Naga Council (UNC) has vowed to intensify it stir with a series of agitations soon against Manipur Government . However, the UNC did not spell out the nature of its agitation nor the time to resume.
The UNC sponsored 48-hour bandh in ‘Naga areas’ of Manipur will end tonight (June 18 midnight).
UNC vice president TS Warngam informed NNN that many more protests will follow soon after the ongoing 48-hour bandh that ends Tuesday midnight.
He said that the UNC feels ‘very sad’ to learn that the Manipur Government has ‘always snubbed’ its demand that it has not discussed it even for a single minute in the current monsoon session of the state assembly.
Except for Imphal-Churachandpur inter district route, all the vehicular movements plying between the state capital Imphal and the district headquarters have been halting since Monday.
Educational institutions, shops and other business related activities halted today in the district headquarters of Ukhrul, Chandel, Tamenglong and Senapati. Inter-state public transports too did not operate following the UNC bandh.
However, there was no untoward incident reported anywhere due to the bandh.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/unc-to-continue-stir/

Air Force launches rescue operations

Fifteen children and six adults rescued from village near Yamunanagar on June 16, 2013. Indian Air Force launched a massive relief operation ‘Rahat’ at AF Stn Sarsawa.Operation ‘Rahat’ Launched by the IAF.

Mail News Service
New Delhi, June 18 : On 16 Jun heavy rains wreaked havoc in the hill states of Uttarakhandand HimachalPradesh leaving thousands stranded including pilgrims in transit in various valleys. IAF assistance was sought for rescue operations. HQ Western Air Command(WAC) promptly responded to the requests from various states for providing flood relief. IAF undertook the task simultaneously in the sectors of Yamunanagar, Kedarnath-Badrinath axis, Rudrapyag valley, Karcham- Puh axis.
Airforce station Sarsawa was made the hub centre with helicopters converging from Bhatinda and Hindon. A number of Medium lift helicopters including the newly inducted MI -17 V5 were positioned on 17 Jun at Jollygrant helipad at Dehradun despite inclement weather. On 17 Jun a total of 36 pax were evacuated from general area Karnal by MI -17 V5. In addition 21 passengers including 15 children were rescued from Nakud by ALH operating Ex Sarsawa.
On 18 Jun two additional MI -17 V5 helicopters were put into service along with the NDRF teams in the general area of Rampur- Rekongpeo in Himachal Pradesh. The relief operations are in full swing providing succor to thousand of standed pilgrims and tourists.
After reports were received of the torrential rains leading to floods and large numbers of travelers/pilgrims being stranded in Uttarakhand on 15.06.2013, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) were asked to swing into action and start providing assistance in conjunction with the District Administration to the stranded travelers / pilgrims. The IG, ITBP of Uttarakhand was asked to get in touch with Chief Secretary and provide whatever assistance was required by the State Government.
Two teams of National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) were already available in Uttarakhand. 12 additional teams were dispatched. The State Government also made a request for Helicopters to rescue the stranded people. The Ministry of Defence were accordingly requested and they have made available the helicopters. Due to bad weather the helicopters started operating only this morning. 50 pilgrims have been rescued from Kedarnath and brought to Gupt Kashi. Further sorties are in progress to evacuate the stranded.
A meeting was held by the Home Secretary R. K. Singh with the representatives of the State Government, BRO, ITBP, NDRF, Indian Air Force and Ministry of Defence on 17.06.2013 to review the steps being taken and plan for the operations. The Border Road Organisation (BRO) has mobilized its personnel to try and facilitate restoration of road communication across the different routes.
Upto now 34 persons have lost their lives in different parts of Uttarakhand. Two teams of NDRF have reached Kedarnath today and have started relief and rescue operations. 72 persons have been rescued by 2:30 PM. An advance party has reached Gaurikund in order to assess the requirements, for further intensifying the relief work.
The Home Secretary has been in continuous touch with the Chief Secretary, Uttarakhand. Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde has had a telephonic conversation with Chief Minister of Uttarakhand and assured all possible support.
Approximately 1000 tourists were reported stranded in Rekong-Peo and 500 in Sangla Valley. Helicopters have been dispatched to Sangla Valley this morning for rescuing the stranded. The BRO has been asked to assist the State PWD in restoring the communication to both Rekong Peo and Sangla Valley. One team of NDRF has reached Sangla and the other team is on way to Po to assist the district administration in relief work.
The devastation in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh has been extensive. Efforts are in full swing for search and rescue of the affected persons. The Central Government authorities are extending all the assistance as sought for by the State Governments.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/air-force-launches-rescue-operations/

Militants nabbed

Imphal East District Police today said an overground cadre of the banned People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak-Vice Chairman (PREPAK-VC) group was arrested by a combined team of commandos, 27 Assam Rifles and 40 Assam Rifles in the wee hours of yesterday.
Thokchom Khaba 40, son of late Th Leibakmacha, belonging to the VC group of PREPAK was arrested by the security forces from his residence at Telou Maning Leikai in Imphal East district around 3:30 am Sunday, according to a release from the district Superintendent of Police, Kamei Angam Romanus.
The security team further recovered a pistol from a drain on the southern side of the house of the PREPAK-VC cadre, it said, adding the firearm which was kept there by another cadre of the outfit named Naocha, was unearthed at the instance of Khaba Meitei, the release added.
A PIB (DW) released said , Oinam Tomba Singh, of Thanga Chinkha, Police Station Moirang, District Bishnupur of URF, was nabbed in a joint search operation with Keibul Police Commando was launched by the troops of Red Shield Division on 16 Jun 2013 which resulted in his apprehension. He was involved in extortion. The individual has been handed over to Moirang PS.
On 16 Jun at 1715hr, an active cadre of KCP, SS Maj Angom Ibochouba alias Punshiba a S/o Ibomcha Singh, resident of Moirang, Police Station Moirang, District Bishnupur surrendered to the troops of Red Shield Division at Moirang Khunou with a .32 mm Pistol and 02 Magazines.
On 16 Jun at 1830hr,an active cadre of UNLF, SS Sgt Chingngakham Ainaoba S/o CH Panjaroton surrendered to the troops of Red Shield Division at Thanga with a 9mm Pistol and 01 magazine. He joined UNLF in Aug 2005 at UNLF Camp Leiyang, Myanmar where he was trained for two and a half months from August to October 2005 along with 57 recruits including 06 female cadres.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/militants-nabbed-4/

Demand for CBI inquiry over cancellation of medical entrance test

Mail News Service
Imphal, June 17 : The All India Tribal Students’ Association, (AITSA) Delhi, a branch of the Mongoloid Peoples Forum, Delhi, termed sale of Application form for PMT exam for the session 2013-2014 as “Exposition of Greed and brazenness of the year” by the Directorate of Health Services, Government of Manipur.
The “National Eligibility – Cum- Entrance Test” (NEET) was introduced in the year 2011 by the Medical Council of India (MCI). The Supreme Court allows its implementation from the session 2013 – 2014. Accordingly, in the year 2012, the Director, RIMS, Imphal issued a notice stating that there will be a common PMT entrance exam under the NEET scheme from the session 2013-2014 as per the Supreme Court direction.
Directorate of Health Services (DHS) invited application for MBBS/ BDS course vides its letter No.140/1/2013-DHS dated 19th April, 2013. About 6718 young candidates applied for the course on payment of Rs 200/- for application form, Rs 600/- for exam fees, and Rs 25/- for submitting demand draft per applicant. In the process, the DHS collected Rs 47, 92,200/- from the applicants.
Date for the PMT examination was cancelled by a cabinet meeting on 6-6-2013, citing the same direction of the Supreme Court, (NEET) which the DHS has already notified way back in the year 2012.
AITSA, Delhi, while expressing its solidarity with the Manipur Student Federation (MSF), which is presently pursuing the matter, also urged all the civil societies’ organization to collectively demand for CBI inquiry, refund of the entire amount collected from the applicants and booked the concerned official as per the law according to K.Zou, Convener, All India Tribal Students Association, Delhi.

UNC bandh affects life

IMPHAL, June 17 NNN: Except for Imphal-Churachandpur inter district route, all the vehicular movements plying between the state capital Imphal and the district headquarters have halted on the first day of the 48-hours United Naga Council (UNC) Naga area bandh today.
Educational institutions, shops and other business related activities halted today in the district headquarters of Ukhrul, Chandel, Tamenglong and Senapati. Inter-state public transports too did not operate today following the UNC bandh which began last midnight.
However, there was no untoward incident reported anywhere due to the bandh on the first day today.
The United Naga Council (UNC) has imposed 48 hours bandh in ‘Naga areas’ in Manipur in what they term as a protest against the policies of the government of Manipur .
“After thorough deliberation it was decided to observe a 48 hours total bandh in Naga areas w.e.f the midnight of 16th June, 2013 and till midnight of 18th June, 2013 .
It discussed Momoko issue, Napetpali assault case, and molestation and the murder of two Kongkan Tangkhul villagers , burning of 36 houses of Silent village , joining of Alice Kamei in RPF , eviction of 28 houses at Kabo Leikai, keeping of surrendered cadres of KYKL(MDF at Chandel.
The 48 hours total bandh covers the railway construction works. Medical services, fire-brigade, media, power and telecommunication departments are being exempted from the purview of the total bandh.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/unc-bandh-affects-life/

Demand for CBI inquiry over cancellation of medical entrance test

Assembly discusses police, land issues

Mail News Service
Imphal, June 17 : Manipur Assembly today discussed and passed demands for grants for police amounting to Rs 941 cr, for vigilance department an amount of Rs 2.61 cr, for fire protection an amount of Rs 9.11 cr, for Jails Rs 15.29 cr for Home guards Rs 10.68 cr and for rehabilitation Rs 1.24 cr.
During the discussion opposition MLAs, Dr I Ibohalbi, Th Shyamkumar, Samuel Rison, Kh Joykishan, RK Imo, V Alexander Pao demanded major reforms to make police work efficiently. They alleged that indiscipline is growing within the police force, there is lack of expertise in framing charges.
They raised the issue of corruption, improper code of conduct, failure to investigate properly, shortage of forces. The actual need in the state is around 33, 500 police personnel and the available strength is 25,565 personnel. Dr Ibohalbi said there is no meeting point between people and police and he asked the government to make police take up works to reach out to the people. He said the ratio of police to the entire state employees is 40 percent.
Ibohalbi said Police is considered as the rulers’ brigade”, and their task seems to be protecting the ruling elite.
Dr Ibohalbi also raised a call attention regarding sale of reserved land to Assam Rifles. Th Debendra, Minister Revenue said about 160 acres of land at Chandel district was sold to Assam Rifles at Rs 60 lakhs. He said the said land is a reserved land and two officials identified as Ibohal and Ibomcha were suspended. It was also found that an Under Secretary of Tribal department identified as S Nengzhachian had also written a letter approving sale of the land. He said the government is examining if the official had written on his capacity or had taken approval from the concerned minister.
The land located near Kondong Lairembi complex, Moreh was sold to 24 Assam Rifles was a part of Yangoupokpi Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary and was within the declared reserved forest of the Manipur government.
Devendra said that the land was a part of 184.88 square Km which the then king of Manipur declared as reserved forest area in 1946 after Manipur State Durbar adopted a resolution (No. 11) on April 3, 1946 to declare the same area as reserved forest area.
The area which was declared as reserved forest by the Manipur State Durbar was again declared a wildlife sanctuary by the Government of Manipur post Indian independence on October 2, 1991 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972.
Yangoupokpi Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary located along Indo-Myanmar
border is home to many species of wild animals including beer, wild pigs, Sambar, monkeys, Burmese peafowl etc., the opposition leader asserted and demanded government to table an action taken report on the matter.
K Sharat raised the issue of a fire that took place at Manipur State road Transport Corporation, Dimapur, Nagaland in which four quarters were gutted by fire. Kh Ratan, Minister Transport said during an enquiry it was found that those staying in the quarters were encroachers. Eviction process is going on however due to a case filed at Dimapur works all works have stopped. He said Manipur government has also cancelled a temporary arrangement to take care of the complex entrusted to two agencies as the matter was not taken up before Manipur Cabinet. Kh Ratan said the incident occured on June 5
As per the agreement with Nagaland government MSRTC complex could not be leased out which was violated by Manipur as it was leased out to two agencies , viz MS Northern enterprises and Achui Enterprises on August 1, 2007. After Manipur Chief Minister intervened Nagaland agreed to cancel allotments done to seven individuals however one of them had filed a case.
During question hour Phungzathang Tonsing, Minister Health informed that State Medical council will be formed soon. Nunghlung Victor was informed that estimated cost of 50-bedded hospital at Chandel Headquarters was revised and is expected to be completed by December 31 next year.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/assembly-discusses-police-land-issues/

Bandh called to protest extortion at Dimapur

DIMAPUR, June 17 NNN : Unable to bear any longer on the rampant imposition of ‘taxations’ on the business community and also on the general public, the denizens of Dimapur, the commercial hub of Nagaland are all set to enforce bandh on June 18 from 6 am to 6 pm.
The bandh has been called by the Action Committee Against Unabated Taxation (ACAUT), under the aegis of the Naga Council Dimapur.
Schools, colleges, shops, transport system, offices both government and private have been asked to close for the day by the ACAUT. In short, all the activities except the media, power and medical services, will come to a grinding halt tomorrow.
ACAUT wants that there should be only one tax payable to any one underground group. ACAUT also stated earlier that the ‘back-breaking’ multiple taxes on goods imposed by underground groups should be abolished immediately.
‘Irritants’ such as trade license tax, ID tax, registration tax, calendar donations, Christmas and New Year donations, etc. shall not be entertained anymore.
The ACAUT also wants that the yearly tax payable to different underground organisations should not be increased arbitrarily under any circumstances and therefore, amount payable shall be the same as in 2012.
The creation of the new system of ‘dealership’ by underground groups has been strongly condemned. For instance, it was pointed out that under this latest innovation to milk businesses dry, there is only one poultry dealer/supplier in the whole of Dimapur district and no poultry can be sold in the open market without the consent of this poultry dealer.
It can be noted here that the ACAUT had met the NSCN-IM, the NSCN-Khole/Kitovi and others on the issue.
Meanwhile, Dimapur Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI), Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) and Nagaland Medicine Dealers Association (NMDA), All Nagaland Taxi Association (ANTA) and All Nagaland Private Bus Union (ANPBU) have taken decisions to support the Dimapur bandh on Tuesday.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/bandh-called-to-protest-extortion-at-dimapur/

Regulator for the Housing Sector

Ashok Handoo
The Cabinet recently approved the real estate regulation and development bill which provides for putting in place a regulator for the housing sector in the country with a view to bringing transparency to the sector. The regulator will oversee the functioning of the sector which unfortunately has been most opaque in its dealings. The bill, aimed at regulating the sector which is beset with multiple problems, is therefore a welcome step which has been long overdue.
The bill provides that the builder whose project is coming up on an area of 1000 Sq. metres or more will have to register with the regulator. The Agents, commonly known as property dealers, too will have to register themselves with the regulator and make public all the relevant information.
The prospective house owners in the country have been facing lots of problems in the process of acquiring a dwelling unit. They are never told the status of the project advertised with regard to the mandatory clearances from different agencies. Projects are launched without obtaining such clearances leading to litigations and harassment for the consumer. There are also cost overruns and often inordinate delays in handing over the dwelling units to the consumers. Besides, there are hidden costs which the consumer comes to know only at the time of taking over the possession. Not the least important is the confusion sought to be created by the builders with regard to the unit area. Instead of mentioning the carpet area–the actual area of a dwelling unit which one uses– the builders sell the vague super area which includes all the common areas.
To deal with such problems the bill provides for a number of measures. For instance no project can be launched, in fact even publicized, before all the necessary clearances for the project are obtained. Any violation of this provision through a misleading advertisement will lead to imposition of a penalty on the builder and if the offence is repeated for the second time, a jail term up to 3 years. The builder will have to put on his website all the relevant details about this. Similarly, in case of inordinate delay in handing over the possession as per the agreement, the builder will have to make full refund of the money to the consumer along with interest. The bill makes it mandatory for the builder to sell the unit according to the carpet area and not the super area as is being done now.
To prevent builders from diverting funds collected for one project to other projects the bill provides that 70 percent of the funds raised for a particular project have to be put in a different account and used for the construction of that project only. All this, indeed is going to bring transparency, accountability and professionalism to the sector which will enhance its credibility and bring some relief to the house buyers. But the question is whether this will be enough to deal with the massive housing problem the country is facing?
Two things need to be given immediate attention if the bill has to serve the desired purpose. First, since the clearances have to be given by various government agencies, it is important that they too are brought under its purview. Second, the regulator is proposed to be only for the housing sector. The commercial sector has been left out for the time being. One hopes that this sector too will be brought under the purview of the bill sooner than later.
Alongside, steps need to be taken to reform the sector to meet the massive housing demand in the county. The land use provisions and Floor Space Index (FSI), need to be given a fresh look. Better land use is the need of the hour in view of the huge shortfall in the housing field. Single window system needs to be given a push to avoid delays.
Growing urbanization, a growing middle class and migratory population is putting additional burden on the demand for housing in the country. It is therefore imperative that in addition to regulating the sector the supply side is also strengthened. Housing is one sector which gives a push to many other sectors like steel and iron, cement etc. It also generates employment at various levels. It thus plays a major role in the economic development, particularly at a time when the economy is facing a slowdown.
The bill envisages a well structured grievance disposal system. There will be an Appellate Tribunal to adjudicate disputes which will be headed by a sitting or a retired judge. There will also be a National Advisory Council headed by the Housing minister to advise the regulator on crucial matters. That should take care of adopting a fair approach with regard to all stakeholders involved in the sector.
Since land and property is a state subject, cooperation from the state governments is of utmost importance to make the bill a success. One hopes this cooperation will be forthcoming in the desired measure, as it is as much in the interests of the states to regulate the housing sector as it is for the Central government. PIB FEatures

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/regulator-for-the-housing-sector/

UPA will get a third term, says Manmohan Singh

New Delhi, June 17 (ANI): Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, on Monday said the Congress-led UPA Government will get a third term.
“I have always believed that we will have a third go as U P A and the people will again repose their faith in us,” Dr. Singh said on Twitter.
The Prime Minister’s comment came shortly after he inducted eight new faces in the Council of Ministers.
In perhaps the last reshuffle and expansion of the Union Council of Ministers, Mallikarjun Kharge was made the Railways Minister, as eight more were inducted with veterans Sis Ram Ola and Oscar Fernandes making a comeback.
After Sunday’s reshuffle in the party, senior woman leader from election-bound Rajasthan Girija Vyas and K S Rao from Andhra Pradesh were brought in as Cabinet Ministers in Monday’s exercise.
Three new faces — Santosh Chowdhary, J D Seelam and E N S Natchiappan were made Ministers of State along with veteran Maharashtra leader Manikrao Gavit.
With the fresh inductions, the strength of the Union Council of Ministers has gone up to 77.
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on Monday praised Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi, saying the latter is a national leader.
“Rahul Gandhi is a national leader. He has all the right qualities that a leader should have,” Dr. Singh said on Twitter.
“I have always said, as far as I am concerned, I would be very happy to see Rahul step into my shoes,” he added.
The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, on Monday avoided commenting on the infighting within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) following Janata Dal (United)’s decision to end the 17-year-old alliance. “It is their internal affair,” Dr. Singh said on twitter.
Dr. Singh, while commenting on future alliances, said ‘there are no permanent friends or enemies’.
“We take decisions as situation evolves,” he added.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar earlier in the day rejected the BJP’s charge of betrayal, and accused the saffron outfit of betraying and ignoring its own senior leaders.
“They (the BJP) have betrayed their own leaders… how can they accuse us of betrayal? If anyone is talking about betrayal, then betrayal has been from the other side. Someone who betrays his own seniors, can’t talk about being betrayed,” he told the media in Patna. Kumar further said the JD-U had chosen to opt out of the alliance because it could not see eye to eye with the new BJP leadership, especially in the wake of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi’s elevation as the leader of the BJP’s 2014 general election campaign.
“The era of Atal-Advani is over…. we cannot accept the new order of the BJP,” Kumar reiterated today,.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/upa-will-get-a-third-term-says-manmohan-singh/