Manipur News

IMPHAL October 2: The 39th Zoo Foundation Day Celebration 2015 was held at Manipur Zoological Garden Iroisemba, Imphal today.

The function was hosted by Chief Wildlife Warden K Angami and graced by Commerce & Industries, Sericulture and Veterinary & Animal Husbandry minister Govindas Konthoujam as the chief guest along with Principal Chief Conservator of Forest Bala Prasad as the president.

The chief guest in his address highlighted the potential of tapping the existing flora and fauna resources of the State as a tourist attraction.

He stretched on the possibilities like bird watching promotions and packaging the exotic fragrance of our forest products among others.

He said, `Rare species of our Zoo makes us visible among the Indian Zoos. We should promote and market such beauty for economic returns as part of the larger tourism potential.`

He emphasized on the value of the rare Sangai Deer and said it can increase tourist inflow.

`Several migratory birds in Loktak could also woo the bird watching groups` he said.

According to Bala Prasad, there are 47 varieties of animals, birds and reptiles in the Imphal Zoo.

He added enthusiastically that the Sangai deer which was once declared extinct has a total population of 221 in the State now.

`Wildlife based tourism has a huge potential in Manipur`™ he said.

The wildlife week which started today will continue till October 8 and intends to create awareness about the importance of wildlife and conserving it especially among school children, he said.

Meanwhile, it may be mentioned that the last stretch of road that leads to the only Zoological garden of the State is devoid of any blacktopping and rattles in rough pot holes clearly highlighting the lack of coordination and communication of the PWD with other departments.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/10/states-flora-and-fauna-potential-tourists-attractions-minister-govindas/

IMPHAL, October 2: A day after it was reported that a suspected ZUF cadre was killed in a gunfight between cadres of the outfit and the Army yesterday morning at Khoupum Tamenglong District, certain Zeliangrong organisations including the out have claimed the victim to be an innocent civilian.

Strongly refuting the report that a cadre of the outfit was killed in a gunfight with the Army, the Zeliangrong United Front said it is a false and fabricated report of the security forces to defame the outfit.

A statement of the outfit issued by A Longmei, ZUF information and publicity secretary said there was no gunfight between its cadres and the Madras Regiment anywhere yesterday.

It said the Army should not accuse the innocent Chongkong (Kuki Village) villagers of being ZUF cadres.

The innocent villagers were coming back from Khoupum Bazar after buying medicine for their relatives when they were waylaid by the personnel of the Madras Regiment and one of them shot dead mercilessly, it claimed.

It said the villagers had no link with the ZUF.

The Madras Regiment posted at Khoupum valley has been a state sponsored terrorist brutalizing the innocent villagers, it claimed.

The ZUF release also claimed that the present villagers are having a hard time to even go to their fields for their daily needs.

The ZUF vehemently opposed the `coward and sinister acts` of security forces in the region and Khoupum area in particular which also happens to be the home town of deputy Chief Minister of Manipur who also holds the Home portfolio, it said.

On the other hand, Khoupum Zeliangrong bodies have also condemned the incident stating that indiscriminate firing of the Army killed a civilian.

The Zeliangrong Students Union Khoupum Area (ZSUKA), Khoupum Area Village Authority and Rongmei Luphuam in a joint statement said they vehemently condemned the indiscriminate firing.

The release further said that the trigger happy Gorkha Rifles (2/5 Gorkhas) in the name of insurgency operation, shot dead an innocent civilian Seikholen Haokip son of Jangden Haokip of Songkong Village between Molphei and Tiangkai under Henglep sub-division, Churachanpur district.

The 2/5 Gorkha Rifles fired to kill the civilian and claimed him to be a UG cadre.

It is neither desirable nor tolerable to witness the utter senselessness of the Army in the name of operation, it said.

The series of instances of Army excesses have proved beyond doubt that many civilians have been killed, it said.

It is also to clarify that only one person was shot dead and not two as alleged by the Gorkha Rifles.

The three organisations Zeliangrong Students Union Khoupum Area, Khoupum Area Village Authority and Rongmei Luphuam appealed the Army personnel that such kind of indiscriminate firing should not be repeated in the future said the joint press release signed by Duangam Dangmei convener, Zeliangrong Students Union Khoupum Area; Kangamthaipou Gangmei vice-chairman, Khoupum Area Village Authority and Dimchui secretary, Rongmei Luphuam.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/10/zeliangrong-orgs-refute-khoupum-gunfight-report/

IMPHAL, October 2: A one day free eye screening camp was held today at the premise of Sagolband Youth Development Organisation, Sagolband Moirang Leirak Akham lampak organised jointly by the Sagolband Social Development Committee and the Lions Club of Imphal in collaboration with the State Blindness Control Society.

Sagolband Social Development Committee spokesperson former Social Welfare director G Seityabati said around 350 individuals with eye problems from Sagolband Moirang Leirak and surrounding areas were provided free check-up during the camp.

She said free eye operation will also be extended to those needing operation.

The camp was held in connection with the International Elders`™ Day to check the health problems of the aged persons especially eye problems, she said.

She said the doctors will be bringing out the results of the check-up conducted today by tomorrow.

She also said that senior leaders of the committee will soon discuss whether to provide free treatment to those needing it.

The committee is also planning to conduct such camps around the entire Sagolband constituency in the near future, she added.

She also said that although there are still many areas of development required in the constituency, the committee is considering the health sector as its top priority as for now.

However, the committee will also look into the issue of deplorable road conditions in the peripheries of the constituency after taking advice for others, she added.

The next priority of the committee is to develop human resource in the constituency, she added.

Today`™s free eye screening camp was attended by six doctors sponsored by the Lions Club of Imphal. Free medicines were also provided to the patients.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/10/sagolband-local-body-organises-eye-screening-camp-for-residents/

IMPHAL, October 2: A day after it was declared that the Kuki Inpi Manipur has been authorised to initiate talks with the State government on the issue of the three bills passed by the State Assembly on August 31, the apex body of the Kuki community hold talks with the State government today.

The talk initiated to resolve the ongoing tense situation in the State particularly in the hill districts over the three bills however, ended inconclusive today.

KIM secretary Khaimang Chongloi confirmed the meeting with the Chief Minister and said the first dialogue ended without any positive progress.

This is the first dialogue between the government and the KIM since protest erupted in Churachandpur on August 31 against the three bills.

It is learnt that the talk was held at the Chief Minister`™s Secretariat and was attended by an eight member team of KIM and a Chief Minister led government team.

The talk which commenced at 2pm concluded at 5pm, according to sources.

Chongloi said KIM reiterated its stand on the memorandum submitted to the government on September 21.

In the memorandum, KIM had asked the government to bring back the three bills to the table for discussion/negotiations with all the stake holders of both hill and valley communities.

Since the government was not ready to bring back the bills, today`™s talk ended inconclusively, he said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/10/kuki-inpis-talk-with-state-on-three-bills-ends-inconclusive/

IMPHAL, October 2: The declaration that a joint meeting of tribal bodies had authorised the Kuki Inpi Manipur to initiate talks with the State government on the three bills is a false propaganda of some individuals with vested interest, claimed the Thadou Inpi today.

An emailed statement issued by its secretary general Thangtinlen Haokip said the media report that claimed a joint meeting of Zomi Council, Hmar Inpui, Mizo Peoples Convention, Kuki Inpi Churachandpur, Vaiphei People Council, United Zou Organisation, Simte Tribe Council, Paite Tribe Council, Tidim Chin Union, Thangkhal Tribe Union, Komrem Union, Thadou Tribe Council, Gangte Tribe Council, Mate Tribe Council and Joint Action Committee was held on October 1 at KIC Office, Tuibuang convened by Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) is a false propaganda and is baseless. It is just an intention to malign the unity of tribals of Manipur, it claimed.

So far there is no such assignment given to the Kuki Inpi Manipur for and on behalf of all the tribal to fight against the recently passed three bills which is totally against the wishes and interests of tribal, it continued.

`No tribe council has entrusted or assigned KIM to have a dialogue with the Govt. of Manipur.`

The Thadou Inpi in its Thadou Conclave, Delhi `“ 2015 Declaration No 6 had stated that `Thadou Inpi will not endorse Kuki Inpi and its affiliated organisations as long as Kuki Inpi is not restructured with the participation of all the tribes under Kuki fold, but it will work together with other sister tribes,` it said.

Its explanation/justification is `“`Kuki is a nomenclature and conglomerate of many tribes but there are more than enough evidences that Kuki Inpi and its affiliated organizations are ignoring this fact and openly propagating the unitary concept of `Any Kuki Tribes` which is detrimental to the unity of Kuki nation and Thadou Inpi doesn`™t share such a vicious ideology,` it said.

The statement continued, `the declaration is made to highlight that Thadou Inpi will always espouse the cause of Kuki as a nomenclature along with other sister tribes with equal footings only.`

`Therefore, any such misuse of the Thadou Inpi without our knowledge will not be tolerated in the near future and such appalling, unfounded and senseless press statement by KIM is highly condemned and should not be repeated,` it warned.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/10/thadou-inpi-reacts-against-kuki-inpi-manipur-claim/

IMPHAL, October 2: The three bills passed in the State Assembly have been submitted to the Government of India and it has been reserved for consideration of the President for the time being.

This was stated by Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh answering to media queries in the sidelines of the Gandhi Jayanti function held this morning at the Congress Bhavan.

The observation was organised by the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee.

He also informed that it might take some time as the contents of the bills need to be scanned by Home Ministry, Law Ministry and other concerned ministries.

`I think they (GoI) will take the right decision after deeply considering whether the bills can hurt the interest of the hills or any other communities or not.`

Regarding the unrest in Churachandpur, he said `We (GOM) have always been telling them (agitators) to come for talks, as without dialogue it is not possible to bring a permanent solution.`

When asked about some insurgent groups under SoO pact now demanding for a separate State leaving their earlier demand for a separate administration, he replied: `We are living in a democratic country so everyone has the right to demand (or speak out) what they want. Whether they will get their demand or not is another matter.`

`If the things are under the purview of the State government then we can answer to their demands. However if their demands is for a separate State or separate administration, then it is simply not under the purview of the State government,` he said.

`If the demands are legitimate then the State government will also support in pressing the demands to the higher authority who can grant the demands.`

`But if it is against the interest or integrity of the State then naturally we cannot support it,` the Chief Minister maintained.

Ibobi also informed that the construction works of Sanjenthong (bridge) might be complete in a month before the upcoming Sangai festival.

The function was also attended by MPCC president Gaikhangam who is also the State deputy Chief Minister.

The Chief Minister and the deputy Chief Minister had also led in offering floral tributes to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi inside the Congress Bhavan on the Father of the Nation`™s 146th birth anniversary.

Prior to the formal function, the National Cleanliness Day was observed at the Gandhi Memorial Hall in commemoration of the 146th birth anniversary.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/10/bills-awaiting-presidential-assent-cm-ibobi-hopeful-of-centre-making-the-right-decision/

KANGPOKPI, October 2: A joint meeting of Sadar Hills CSOs, chiefs and social leaders today resolved and vowed to safeguard and maintained Sadar Hills at Multi-Purpose Conference Hall, Sadar Hills Autonomous District Council, Kangpokpi.

The joint meeting organized under the watchword, `Come let us reason together for our Sadar Hills` was attended by various civil society organizations including Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills, KSO Sadar Hills, KWU Sadar Hills, TSA Sadar Hills, all chief of various village in Sadar Hills and social leaders.

Haokholal Hangshing, chairman, ADC Sadar Hills and Thangkam Misao, vice chairman, ADC Sadar Hills with members of ADC Sadar Hills also attended the joint meeting.

The joint meeting on the onset paid tribute to the nine young bloods who were died during the protest against the alleged anti-tribal bills in Churachandpur by observing a minute silence.

Rev J Faith Lunkim, chairman Kangpokpi Town Churches Fellowship invoke prayers for the departed souls and the bereaved families.

`We come here to reason together for our Sadar Hills and it is very much crucial for all people living within it`, said Seikhomang Khongsai, president Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills.

He continued that it`™s time for the people of Sadar Hills to come together and shield the territorial integrity of Sadar Hills with whatever means accessible to them.

Many other CSOs, chiefs and social leaders also deliberated on various issues pertaining to Sadar Hills in the meeting.

After much deliberation and enthusiastic discussion various resolutions have been adopted moved by the Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills president.

Meanwhile, since Kuki Inpi Manipur has been authorized to initiate dialogue with GoM in connection with the 3 Bills and as per the meeting resolution of CSOs Sadar Hills on September 29, the JAC Sadar Hills formed against the three controversial Bills has been dissolved during the meeting.

The joint meeting also resolved to constitute a committee christened `JAC Sadar Hills` to initiate and streamline the movement of elected Sadar Hills representative in initiating declaration of Sadar Hills districthood by the Government of Manipur at the earliest.

The joint meeting unanimously elected Nehthang Kipgen as the JAC Sadar Hills convener while all president and secretary of CSOs within Sadar Hills are appointed members of the JAC.

It also resolved that punitive public penalty will be imposed upon the elected Sadar Hills representative including MLAs and MDCs if they fail to materialize the cherish dream of Sadar Hills people within October 15.

Speaking with a host of media persons on the sideline of the meeting N. Sehjalien Gangte, Thuching (general secretary) of Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills said that any Acts of Bills whether it is from the State or Centre Government which directly or indirectly affects the territorial integrity of Sadar Hills will be opposed tooth and nail.

He continued that any plan or motive to disintegrate Sadar Hills on the part of the State and Central governments will only invite tragedy while cautioning both the State and Centre not solicit war in Sadar Hills.

The KISH leaders urged the State and Centre to do what is best for the people of Manipur and Sadar Hills in particular.

The newly formed JAC Sadar Hills will have a meeting within two days to chalk out further steps in connection with Sadar Hills districthood issue.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/10/sadar-hills-vows-to-shield-its-territorial-integrity/

CHURACHANDPUR, October 2: Condolence for the nine killed during the recent Churachandpur agitations have been pouring in as groups of people and individuals continue to arrive to pay their condolence.

Braving the indefinite bandh called in Moirang areas today, a group of the members of the Manipur University Tribal Union came to show their respect and solidarity to the unified tribal movement and contributed Rs 30000 and 10 traditional shawls for the nine who lost their lives.

General secretary of the union Dr Gaikhansiam Riamen also issued a condolence message stating that MUTU had come to expressed their profound condolence to the grieving families of the victims.

He also stated that the union salute the supreme sacrifice of the nine heroes which he termed as `exemplary sacrifice`™ and said it will bring about a bright future for the tribal community of Manipur.

The condolence message also said that MUTU appreciates and acknowledges the role played by the Joint Philanthropic Organisation (JPO), JAC Churachandpur and ATSUM for keeping the movement moving on with great enthusiasm and irrespective of the hardships.

We asked them to continue the good work he said and added that the almighty will give strength and fortitude to the bereaved families.

In another news the JPO issued a press release signed by HSA GHQ president Laldawnlian Varte, YMA Manipur group president Mangcha Thangzom, ZYA GHQ president S Lianzalal, KKL, GHQ president Kamthang Haokip stating that they are extremely happy with the co-operation of the different groups that had contributed for the victims of the resent protest though financial, material and physical help and also for the day to day functioning of the JPO.

The press release also stated that the JPO is also deeply appreciative of the different organisations /church/groups/individuals etc. who had provided financial and material help.

Meanwhile, the annual observation of Gandhi Jayanti when people used to clean their campuses and the streets was barely witnessed accept for some Village Authorities in Churachandpur organising social work in their own villages also due to unprecedented unification of the tribal movement that swept the tribal dominated or hills of Manipur.

In the period of relaxation of the public curfew from 5am to 1:00 pm today, some individual and VA cleaned their campuses notably the District BJP office at Hmar Veng and the immediate campus areas of the office led by their president J Haokip during the morning hour.

Most offices enjoyed a holiday today.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/10/mutu-condoles-ccpur-victims/