Manipur News

IMPHAL, January 29: A team of Union Ministers are about to conduct spot inquiries of institutes under the Central government with the specific target of developing Manipur.

A reliable source said a team of Union Ministers will start reviewing every centrally run institute like RIMS, CAU, NIT etc from the first week of February.

The concerned Union ministers will conduct spot inquiries to know the ground reality of such institutes.

While interacting with the media, BJP general secretary (Administration) M Asnikumar said a team of Union Ministers which includes the Women and Child Development Minister, CAF & PD Minister, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister, Surface and Road Transport Minister etc will be in the state to review the progress of various projects undertaken by the State government at separate schedules.

The Union Minister of CAF and PD, Ram Bilash Pashwan will arrive in Imphal for a two days visit on February 14 to review the PDS system currently being practiced in the State.

During his visit, he will hold discussion with the State BJP members on the issue.

On February 6, the Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Thaawar Chand Gehlot will arrive in the State while an imminent National BJP leader will inaugurate the two halls of BJP Manipur Pradesh: Dr Shyama Prasad Mukharjee Hall and Pandit Dil Dayal Upadiya Hall on February 5 and 6 respectively. National BJP leaders will attend a high level BJP meeting along with core committee members of the State BJP, office bearers and district level presidents for strengthening the State BJP unit for the upcoming general elections in the State.

Asnikumar said the State BJP has conducted its first round of state level consultative committee meeting today in connection with the visits of the Central leaders and the upcoming ADC elections.

During the meeting, many Kuki and Naga leaders hold discussions on various issues of the party. The second round of the same meeting will be held soon and the party has decided to organise a mega online enrolment membership drive on January 30 and 31, he added.

Asnikumar said the Union government has decided to solve problems of road connectivity in the North-east region by constituting a National Highway Development Co-operation as a mission task under the guidance of Union Minister of Surface and Road Transports, Nitin Gadkari.

With an intention to develop road connectivity, the Secretary of Surface and Road Transport has already conducted surveys in every part of the NE region and J&K which are considered as land-lock regions, he added.

In the context of Manipur, the Imphal-Jiribam, Imphal-Dimapur, Imphal-Zesamy road and Imphal-Aizawl road will be developed with a specific target by the Central government, he said.

It is unfortunate for the people of Manipur that Chief Minister Ibobi led Congress government haven`™t started the construction of National

Sport University in the State. Instead, he is delaying the project by selecting a disputed site, Asnikumar said, appealing to the State government to start the construction of the National Sports University at an undisputed and non-agricultural area at any place in the hills or valley. Confining the sites for the construction at Thoubal only is not fair, he said.

He said the NDA government have assured to provide maximum support to Manipur provided that the developmental projects must be taken up with transparency, accountability and feasibility. Recently, the DoNER Minister has decided to open a coordinated camp led by a Joint Secretary Officer in every NE states and two teams of coordinated camps will visit Manipur soon. The central BJP has directed to submit a long vision of Manipur within a short period. In this regard, the BJP Manipur Pradesh has prepared to complete the State Vision Document for 50 years by submitting it within the month, he said, adding the political and every scenario in Manipur will change after a full-fledged Governor for Manipur is appointed on the middle week of February.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/union-ministers-all-set-for-spot-inspection-of-centrally-run-institutes-in-state/

IMPHAL, Jan 29: A team of District Police Commando, Imphal East arrested one vehicle lifter during frisking and checking near Advance Hospital tri-junction, Palace Compound on January 27, said a police release.

The arrested person has been indented as Md Anish Shah alias Chaoba, 20, son of (L) Md Humayun of Jiribam Babupara, presently staying at Hatta Golapti.

One red colour Honda Activa bearing registration number MN-01V-2936 was seized from his possession, it said.

Investigation revealed that he along with his associates had stolen the said Honda Activa from Hatta near Golapati water supply point in the intervening night of January 26 and 27, it said.

A case has been registered at Porompat Police Station and investigation is going on.

Further, a team of District Police Commando, Imphal East arrested one active member of KCP-MC outfit from Uripok Cheirap Court gate on January 28, it said.

The arrested person has been identified as Haokhothang Sitlhou, 36, son of Athang Sitlhou of Kangchup Pazang, Senapati District.

One extortion letter of KCP-MC demanding a sum of Rs 1,50,000 from the Khuman Lampak Auto-Rickshaw Service Association and other incriminating articles were seized from his possession, the police release said.

Investigation revealed that he extorted a huge amount of money from brick field owners, private firms, Govt offices etc for raising fund for the outfit, it said.

A case has been registered at Imphal Police Station and investigation is going on.

Furthermore, a combined team of District Police Commando, Thoubal and 2 Assam Rifles arrested one active cadre of KNF (N) during frisking and checking in and around Yairipok Top Chingtha area on January 27, it said.

The arrested person has been identified as Mangminlun Kipgen alias Chand, 29, son of Letkholeh Kipgen of Bongbal Khullen.

One 9 mm pistol loaded with five live rounds was seized from his possession, it said.

Investigation revealed that he extorted money from sand quarries of Changamdabi and Keithelmanbi area and from trucks plying in Keithelmanbi area, it said.

Demand letters of the said outfit were delivered by him to the shops of Nongpok Keithelmanbi area, it said.

A case has been registered at Yairipok Police Station and investigation is going on, it added.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/police-arrest-vehicle-lifter-ug-cadres/

SENAPATI, January 28: Even as the State veterinary department and other concerned departments continue to cope with suspected cases of rabid dogs in the State, a mysterious cattle disease has reportedly claimed a large number of cattle in Senapati district, a report shared with IFP by Senapati based English daily, The Herald Today.

According to village sources the epidemic is widespread in Koide, Thingba Khullen, Purul, Oinam, Keize, Reah village has reportedly claimed more than 300 cows and 200 buffaloes the report said.

The epidemic continues to claim the lives of cattle posing threat to hundreds of poor farmers whose family income rely heavily on cattle, informed a source.

According to Thingba Khullen secretary Panii, the symptoms of the mysterious disease include bacterial infection between the claws, swelling above the hooves, fever, lack of appetite, red urine, pale, yellow gums and eyes, the report said. The same disease had broke out in the past too, however, this is the worst case ever, he added.

Th. Veinii of Lower Koide said most of the deceased cattle are calves between 1 to 3 years old. These calves are more vulnerable to succumb to the infectious disease due to lack of mother`™s milk.

It is noteworthy that almost every family in the village owns cattle to generate income and also use them for agricultural purposes. If the situation is not put under control before further spread of the epidemic, economy of hundreds of families will be severely hit. So far, no staff from the concerned department has come to provide medication or suggest remedies for the disease and villagers are aggrieved as they are in a helpless situation, said the disgruntled farmer, it said.

It is also reported that cattle-owners bought medicines in their own capacity from the market and Vety department, Senapati as immediate option for cure. However, only few were saved.

The angered villagers appeal to the concerned authorities, departments and other agencies and individuals to take stock of the situation at the earliest. The villagers also expressed their trepidation that the disease may transfer onto human if not addressed on time, it said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/mysterious-disease-claims-over-300-cows-and-200-buffaloes-in-senapati-villages/

IMPHAL, Jan 29: The State Home Department has in a press statement notified that the Martyrs`™ Day will be observed on the January 30 from 10:10 am to 11:04 am in memory of those who gave their lives for India`™s freedom at the Gandhi Memorial Hall, Imphal.

Three Bhajans: Sumiran Karle Mere Mana,Vaishnav Nana to Tene and Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram will be presented from 10:10 am to 10:55 am, the statement said.

A siren will be sounded from 10:59 am till 11:00 am as warning signal for observance of two minutes silence. Another siren will be sounded from 11:02 am to 11:03 am as close signal, it said.

During the two minutes silence, vehicles along the highway and campus areas will come to a standstill, the statement said.

The Home Department has requested all to observe two minutes silence when time signal as aforesaid is sounded. They are also expected to stand up wherever they are for observing the same, it said.

Deputy Chief Minister, Manipur will attend the function as chief guest. Other dignitaries of the State Government are also attending the function.

All Government servants working in the offices located within the Imphal Municipality area including Lamphelpat are requested to be present at GM Hall positively at 10 am on January 30, it added.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/state-to-observe-martyrs-day-on-jan-30/

IMPHAL, Jan 29: Two underground cadres of KNF (Nehlun) were killed and three others were injured in an encounter with troops Red Shield Division in the general area of Kangchup at around 7.30 pm on January 28, claimed a statement of the Press PIB (Defence).

According to the statement, the encounter took place during the evening hours of Wednesday when six underground cadres travelling in a Chevrolet Car bearing registration No WB 02X 6809 opened fire on the Mobile Vehicle Check Post established on the road between Kangchup and Kadangbot.

The troops in the Vehicle Check Post retaliated after taking cover, it said adding that dead bodies of two cadres were found and three injured cadres were apprehended from the incident site during a search of the area by Security Forces after the firing.

The injured cadres were immediately evacuated to RIMS, Imphal and were later identified as Helen Kipgen alias Lamuang Kipgen of Saparmaina, 30, Mamang Kipgen of Keithelmanbi, 25 and Thanggoulen Khongsi of Keithelmanbi, 22, it said.

The statement further claimed that a team of Manipur Police from Lamsang Police Station arrived at the incident site and a detailed search of the area was carried out during which a car, two 9mm pistols alongwith magazines and 13 live rounds, five detonators and some explosives were recovered.

The incident site was later inspected by Police Forensic Team during the morning hours on January 29 and the killed and injured cadres were later confirmed as members of KNF (Nehlun) UG group, the statement claimed.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/knf-nehlun-cadres-killed-in-encounter-pib-defence/

By R Lester Makang

UKHRUL, January 29: While the denizens of Ukhrul district find it convenient to direct their ire toward the Public Works Department (PWD), Ukhrul Division for the poor condition of circular roads and all approach roads to the town`™s main road which is also in a bad shape, the officials of the department have a different story to tell.

Soon after the wet, swampy season, Ukhrulites are once again greeted with the typical cloud of dust with the onset of dry wintry season as most part of the so-called black-topped surface of the town`™s roads have worn out sooner than expected, or for that matter, within a year of repairing or re-laying the same.

The task of maintaining the town`™s main road which has developed innumerable cracks and pot holes within a year of re-laying has been undertaken by the Border Roads Organization (BRO) along with that of national and state highways including Ukhrul-Imphal, Ukhrul-Jessami and Ukhrul-Kamjong roads since some years back, according to officials of PWD, Ukhrul.

PWD, Ukhrul division still retains the task of maintaining the twin Circular roads at the East and West of the district headquarters and a slew of approach roads within the town areas as well as in the interiors like Awang Kasom, Chingai, Ngaingu, Somdal, Tusom, Huimi and Kachai including the Imphal-Ukhrul old road via Lamlang Gate in western Ukhrul, disclosed the officials adding that the condition of all these roads has been deteriorating for the last many years rendering them almost unmotorable at various points.

`But what else could we do since the State government has not sanctioned any fund for repairing these roads for the past 3/4 years,` lamented the officials.

Citing financial crunch, the government is not releasing any fund for consecutive 3/4 years, they said before adding that at least Rs 1 crore would be required to repair some of the important roads under its jurisdiction.

Worst still, there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel as the department staff said that there has been no response whatsoever even after the department apprise the three local MLAs of the district about the matter.

`We are rendered idle and made to attend office here merely for namesake without having any task to do for want of fund and we do not see any positive sign in near future either,` they added.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/govt-apathy-writ-large-on-pwd-ukhrul/

Threatens 24 hour general strike, demands magisterial enquiry

IMPHAL/ KANGPOKPI, January 29 (With inputs from our Correspondent): A Joint Action Committee formed in connection with the alleged killing of Khupneilal Neihsial and Robert Hesei has warned of a 24-hour statewide strike from the midnight of January 31 and at the same time demanded a magisterial enquiry into the alleged encounter.

Meanwhile, Kangchup Chingkhong Village Authority has clarified that Khupneilal Neihsial son of (L) Lallam Neihsial one of the victims is a bonafide citizen and secretary of Kangchup Village Authority and not related to any underground organisation.

It is worth mentioning that yesterday at about 7:30pm, the two were killed reportedly in an alleged gunfight between 8 AR and suspected KNF cadres at Kadangband some few meters away from Kadangband Bridge under Lamshang police station.

Three others identified as Helen Kuki (30) son of Chongsat of Saparmaina, Satmang Kuki (25) son of Thanglun of Keithelmanbi BM Road and Thangkholen Kuki (25) son of Thangjamang of Leimakhong were also injured in the encounter and are presently taking medical treatment at Regional Institute of Medical Science (RIMS).

Khupneilal`™s family informed that he left home to attend a meeting at Nakhojang village to settle a family dispute there.

Taking serious note of the nature of the incident, a public meeting was held today at Kangchup area attended by the Kuki Inpi Kangchup, Kangchup Area Human Rights Association, Kangchup Area Tribal Youth Organisation and other local bodies and formed a Joint Action Committee against the killing.

The demand was later submitted to the Chief Minister of Manipur in written form.

Speaking to the media persons at RIMS morgue JAC convenor Thangminlen Haokip said that if the government fails to constitute a magisterial enquiry into the alleged killing of a civilian Khupneilal Neihsial and a KNF cadre Robert Hesei within January 31, the JAC will be compelled to impose 24 hour statewide general strike and at the same time the death bodies will not be claimed.

Claiming otherwise to the reported encounter, Thangminlen said the security personnel shot at the team including the two from a very short range after stopping them without any warning or provocation.

He said at least the security personnel should frisked them at the first place to know their identity and added that shooting at SoO groups without verification is condemnable.

The JAC demanded the magisterial enquiry as it is the only way to know the truth said Thangminlen.

So the concern authority should look into the matter for the sake of delivery of justice in the interest of the general public.

Earlier in the day, a brief commotion ensued at RIMS mortuary over the issue of post mortem examination of the bodies.

It is learnt that with families of the both the deceased decling to claim the bodies, the police decided to proceed with the post mortem examination as unclaimed bodies. However, the bereaved family opposed leading to the brief commotion.

Later the post mortem examination was cancelled.

Meanwhile all business establishments along the NH-2 between Kangpokpi and Motbung remained closed for the entire day.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/jac-formed-against-reported-kadangband-killing-says-one-of-the-victims-is-a-civilian/

IMPHAL, January 29: The Oinam Tangleihad Okshoi Protection Committee has lifted its 48 hours bandh on NH 150 after the Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh assured to withdraw its decision for allotting 188.75 acres of Oinam Tangleihad Okshoi grazing ground to the Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department for plantation of fodder today.

Oinam Nagar Panchayat chairperson Oinam Budhi speaking on behalf of the protection committee said if the government doesn`™t take positive actions, the agitation will be continued with more intensity.

Oinam people launched agitations by blocking the NH-150 on January 28 and 29 in protest against the decision of the state government to hand over the Okshoi grazing ground to Veterinary and Animal Husbandry for fodder plantation.

The decision for the withdrawal of the agitation was taken after the Oinam A/C MLA Dr I Ibohalbi held talks with the Chief Minister and deputy Chief Minister on the night of January 28 along with representatives of the protection committee.

Many people from Oinam were injured in police action during the agitations yesterday.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister had assured to review the matter in the next cabinet meeting. Meanwhile, the committee thanked the Chief Minister for acting in consideration for the public grievance.

Today, Dr I Ibohanbi told the media that Okshoipat in Oinam is surrounded by Yangoi Maril on the Northern side, Meichakpi on its Southern side, while in its east lays Yangbi and in the west it`™s surrounded by Mayangpat. The portion of this lake was handed over to the locals for grazing their cattle from the Fishery department by the then Chief Commissioner in 1954. The ground was declared as belonging to the people of Oinam by the Director of Settlement on April 19, 1972 when two persons laid claims to the ground by encroaching upon it.

It got embroiled in another land dispute when 32 persons laid claims to the ground by entering it in their names in the patta record but the Meira Paibis filed a case in the High court in 1995. Later, DC Imphal West gave instructions to conduct an inquiry on who actually owned the ground. After the completion of the inquiry, DC Imphal West ordered that the land can`™t be allowed to be owned by the 32 people.

Dr I Ibohanbi met the Chief Minister twice: once in the morning along with the Deputy Chief Minister and again with the protection committee in the night. After a negotiation, the committee decided to withdraw the agitation in Oinam.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/oinam-civil-body-lifts-48-hours-tiddim-bandh/