Manipur News

IMPHAL, September 9: A team of the BJYM today conducted a surprise inspection against the inflating prices of essential commodities.

The team led by president Oinam Malesh inspected shops around Thangal Bazar and found many traders hiking prices of the essential commodities taking advantage of the blocking of the two highways.

Briefing media persons on the sideline of the drive, Malesh said the drive was conducted following complaints from several individuals that the traders are hiking the prices of the essential commodities.

During the drive, rates of commodities were found fluctuating from one shop to another.

At the same time, some shops also tried to fool the team by slashing the prices of the items on getting information of the drive he continued.

Many shops also locked down their godowns in order to hide their present stock he said.

Meanwhile, the team instructed the traders to maintain a proper price for all essential commodities considering the situation in the State.

He said traders were also warned that if they continue to hike their prices in the next surprise inspection, the names of the traders will be informed to the Centre.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/09/bjym-conducts-drive-against-inflation/

KANGPOKPI, September 9: The Joint Action Committee, Sadar Hills formed in connection with the tribal martyrs has decided to impose a 24 hours total bandh along the National Highway-2 or the Trans Asian Highway No.1 within Sadar Hills from midnight of September 10 till midnight of September 11.

The decision was taken during its meeting held today at Kangpokpi Town Committee office where the JAC Action Plan and expansion of its executives were minutely discussed.

The meeting was attended by representatives and delegates of various communities from different parts of the district.

The JAC Sadar Hills was formed recently on September 7 during a joint meeting of CSOs based in Sadar Hills at Multi-Purpose Hall, SHADC Kangpokpi to coordinate and streamline the present movement headed by the tribal apex bodies.

Expanding the JAC executives, the meeting inducted Hechon Singson, Helun Mate and Tolminthang Misao from Kangpokpi; Khupboi, Lalboi, Josh Kipgen, Kimdeilhen and Jenny from Sapormeina; Lunminlen and Nehmang from Keithelmanbi (Champhai); Thanggin Kipgen (Hengbung) in-charge of Taphou-Kuki to Changoubung; Haothelal (Changoubung); Mangboi, Chief of Phailen; Kammang Kipgen (in-charge of Gamgiphai); Thanglenmang, President Motbung YC; Madhav Khatiwada (In-charge of Charhajare); Khageshore (Gorkha community in-charge); Ninio (Dilli Village); Shanti Kamei (Yaikongpao); Kerry (T.Khullen); Tonglet Chongloi (Saikul Block incharge); Kaitinpao (K. Songtun); S. Ashi, KAPWU (Liyai Kongpao); Aruni (Kalapahar Women Union); Ribu Bhujel (Ex-Pradhan); Veichosapao (Liyai Kalapahar) and President & Secretary of Mayangkhang Area Youth Organization, KSO Twilang Block, KSO Island Block, KSO Moltam Lhang, KSO Bung Area, SANPO, Kalapahar Gorkha Youth Organization.

The JAC decided to call the 24-hr Sadar Hills total bandh against the three alleged anti-tribal bills passed recently by the Manipur Government and the brutal killing of nine civilian protestors in Churachandpur as well as to show solidarity while sharing the grief and pain suffered by the bereaved families and the injured victims who are undergoing treatment in hospital.

The JAC also resolved that any committee member(s) or individual(s) not adhering to the guideline of the JAC total bandh shall take the responsibility of any eventuality as per his/her misconduct and the JAC shall not be responsible for the same.

While appealing to individuals particularly the transporters`™ associations to regard the bandh the JAC Sadar Hills also warned to take appropriate action against those who violate the bandh.

However, the JAC exempted school duty, wedding party, airport, religious/pilgrim party, medical/hospital, electricity, fire service, PHED/Water supply and media from the purview of the bandh.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/09/jac-sadar-hills-calls-24hr-total-bandh/

IMPHAL, September 9: A huge number of people including both men and women participated in the protest rally against the recently passed three bills in Ukhrul today under the aegis of Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL).

Banners demanding the immediate resignation of MLA Preshow Shimray and MLA Victor Keishing and denouncing the three recent bills passed by the State Assembly were displayed by the protestors along with banners denouncing a statement of MLA Ranjit.

A memorandum addressed to the State Governor Dr Syed Ahmed was submitted to the Deputy Commissioner, Ukhrul signed by the TNL president, Weapon Zimik.

The memorandum stated that TNL opposes the three bills saying the procedure was a mockery of democracy and the enforcement of such bills has the potential to create social unrest and political chaos.

It requested the Governor to abstain from giving accent to such bills and instead proposed President Rule.

People started marching from two extreme edge of Ukhrul town namely Kharasom junction and Tungrei junction and met at Tangkhul Naga Long ground and held a mass meeting there.

During the meeting, Stephen Angkang former TNL president detailed the history of the Nagas and the Naga struggle.

He explained the contextual complexities and the unique land holding system of the Nagas which defines the Naga identity.

Senior adocate R Daniel educated the rally participants on the legal interpretation of the three Bills dwelling especially on the MLRLR Act.

President of the TNL Weapon Zimik read the rally declaration to the masses gather at the Tangkhul Naga Long ground.

The declaration stated that the Tangkhul Naga while opposing all the three infamous bills call for a President Rule in Manipur to save further loss of lives.

The apex body also demanded the immediate resignation of the two Congress Tangkhul MLAs namely Preshow Shimray and Victor Keishing within the deadline given by United Naga Council.

The Tangkhul Naga Long also stated that recent remark of MLA Ranjit in the Assembly saying that there are no Nagas in Manipur is an insult and should be awarded the rightful penalty.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/09/tnl-rally-denounces-recent-bills/

IMPHAL, September 9: Fifteen days after the Barak Bridge was first reported damaged, the Border Road Organisation has completed its repairing work and around 508 empty trucks crossed the bridge today, however, transporters are still wary of passing along a few more areas of the Imphal-Jiribam highway.

Speaking to media persons at their office, Manipur Truck Owners Welfare Association president H Ranjit said although repairing work of the Barak Bridge has been completed and empty trucks have already crossed it, a few places like the Makru area and the new Barak Bridge are still areas of concerns.

He said 508 empty trucks which include 381 trucks which will bring in essential commodities, 61 gas bullets, 51 oil tankers, 5 ATF and 10 NRL tankers crossed the bridge today with security escorts this morning around 10. Officials of the BRO accompanied by those of CRPF and the Manipur Police had also checked the vehicles after crossing the bridge he continued.

Ranjit however expressed concern over the condition of the Barak Bridge and said on closure inspection the steel alignment of the bridge is not straight which could weakened it.

He said they have also taken pictures of the steel alignment.

The road condition around Makru Brige is also pathetic and there is still about 2 feet deep mud and slime on the roads which might be a huge problem when the trucks return after picking up their loads he said.

The biggest concern is that at the moment there are atleast 236 loaded trucks including 25 gas bullets, 35 petroleum tankers and 176 trucks loaded with essential items waiting for security escort to return along the route to Imphal.

There is no saying what could be the fate of these trucks if they return along the route under these conditions he observed.

He continued the BRO is yet to fulfil the demand for provision of wheel guards on the Barak Bridge till today.

The BRO had been confined to the bridge for the past 15 days and have not turned their attention to the Makru area he complained.

At the same time, the BRO is checking whether the loaded trucks are within the prescribed weight limit while crossing the Barak Bridge and this could again delay the trucks in reaching Imphal he continued.

He further complained of the businessmen in Imphal of creating artificial scarcity of commodities and rising the prices.

He appealed to the government to instruct the BRO to complete fixing the wheel guards on the bridge and clearing the Makru area at the soonest before the loaded trucks return.

The BRO has claimed complete repairing of the Barak Bridge, but we are still not so sure he added.

The BRO`™s attitude, he said will not allow the loaded trucks to ferry along the highway.

He said the Imphal-Dimapur Highway is disturbed at most times and as such the Imphal-Jiribam highway is also an important route. The government is appealed not to consider the route only as a substitute he said.

He urged the government to make it an all-season road.

Citing that the checking of the loaded trucks at Barak Bridge is much of a disturbance, Ranjit said if the authorities really have to do the checking, then to conduct it at a more suitable place like Leingangpokpi or Jiribam so as not to delay the trucks.

The association has also threatened not to ply along the route if in case the BRO continue to conduct the check at Barak Bridge.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/09/barak-bridge-repaired-mtowa-remains-doubtful-of-nh-37-condition/

IMPHAL, September 9: The 5th Autonomous District Council, Tamenglong was formally formed today at the ADC Conference Hall of Tamenglong after a gap of three months from the declaration of its election results.

Namsinrei Panmei of NPF, who was elected from Lamlaba ADC segment under Tamei Constituency with voice vote, has been appointed as the new Chairman of ADC Tamenglong. Namsinrei Panmei, 53 hails from Pallong village under Tamei Sub-Division.

PR Guisinang of BJP has been appointed un-opposed as the Vice-Chairman. He was elected for the first time from Dailong ADC segment.

Today`™s election was presided over by Tuntanbou Guanta of NPF, who was elected twice from Chaton ADC segment.

The programme was attended amongst others by Deputy Commissioner Tamenglong M Luikham;Chief Executive Officer of ADC Tamenglong Joseph Pauline; ex-Minister Samuel Jiandai; president of NPF Manipur State Awangbou Newmai; office bearers of BJP and NPF; public leaders and church leaders.

Five more Executive Members will be inducted very soon after consulting the party leaders of Democratic Alliance of ADC Tamenglong comprising of 15 members with eight from NPF, five from BJP and one each from INC and Independent.

It may be mentioned that the ADC Election 2015 was held on June 1 and its results was declared on June 10.

Talking to media persons after the swearing-in-ceremony, the newly elected Chairman of ADC Tamenglong Namsinrei Panmei assured that he will do in his level best for the welfare of the general public with transparency on matters what the Members belong to whether in ruling or opposition benches.

He also expressed thankfulness to all his supporters.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/09/adc-tamenglong-formed-namsinrei-panmei-elected-chairman/

IMPHAL, September 9: The State government has kept its doors open wide for discussion and is ready to make any correction if necessary on the recently passed three bills after proper dialogue and discussion deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam said today.

Speaking at the inaugural of a morning Manipuri daily `Echel Express`™ at Hatta Minuthong, Gaikhangam said there was no objection during the passing of the three bills in the State Assembly and the bills were passed in unison.

None of the Opposition MLAs raised any opposition during the passing of the bills he observed.

Even the four NPF MLAs didn`™t raised any opposition he said.

There is room for any of the members of the House to put forth their opposition to any bill he continued.

He said the UNC had earlier stated that it neither supports nor opposes the bills, while the NPF president Awangbou Newmai had stated that the ILPS was due and they support the bills.

Now the NPF has taken a U-turn and termed the bills as anti-tribals he added.

He further urged all not to mislead the innocent people in the wrong direction.

Tension rose only after the passing of the Bills which is unfortunate he said and observed it was due to communication gap and misunderstanding among ourselves.

The tension could be controlled once the desired corrections are made after it is brought to the negotiation table he continued.

The government is inviting all communities to come to the negotiating table so that the contentious issues are iron out he said.

However, till date there has been response from any community he added. Problems can be solved through negotiation alone he continued.

Manipur can never be perfect without any of the communities residing together be it the Meitei pangals, the Meities or the Nagas or the Kukis he said.

It is only the unity of the communities that is called Manipur he added. He further appealed to all stakeholders to help in bringing solution to the issue.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/09/government-yet-to-recieve-reply-to-invitation-for-negotiation-gaikhangam/