Manipur News

CHANDEL, September 28: A team of Kuki Students`™ Organisation, KSO Chandel on Sunday inspected the Imphal-Moreh highway at Pallel and found many loaded heavy vehicles violating a ban of the Public Works Department, National Highway Division on heavy vehicles commuting along the highway from Pallel towards Moreh.

The plying of loaded heavy vehicles along the route has hampered road repairing along the route, the team said.

The team which was accompanied by the media persons witnessed 10-wheeler trucks and Shaktiman plying along the highway despite the official ban.

Several Shaktiman trucks were found transporting wood planks from Moreh to Saivom and Senam Village to be transported towards Imphal by bus, the student body said.

The portion of sinking road along Imphal – Moreh Section of National Highway 102 in between Tengnoupal and Chahmol was also sunken deeper due to continue plying of heavy vehicles.

Lhunminlal Haokip, Secretary of Health and Environment, KSO Chandel also told that following the deteriorating road condition of Imphal-Moreh road particularly the sunken portion of the road near Tengnoupal due to the recent heavy rainfall, the student body has decided to enforce immediate ban on movement of heavy vehicles including ten wheelers along the section of highway till the road is fully repaired.

He also said that if heavy vehicles continue to ply along this road uncheck, the border town will be totally cut off for many days as there is no alternative by pass road for the sinking portion in between Tengnoupal and Chahmol.

And all commercial vehicles including Shaktiman truck carrying goods weighing more than eigth tonnes will also came under the purview of the ban, he added.

While appealing to all the traders, vehicle owners or associations and the general public to extend co-operation in this regard, the student leader also warned that the student body will take up befitting action if any one defies and violates the ban on heavy vehicles.

Sibong Khudengthabi Village chief Ch Pachoh Kom who is a former MDC said the Imphal-Moreh Highway is a life-line of not only the people of Moreh and its surrounding villages, but also for the whole people of the State.

The road from Heirok to Moreh via Leibi is only the alternative road of the Imphal-Moreh Highway, he added.

He also maintained that now we have to depend solely on Imphal-Moreh section of National Highway 102 as some portions of Heirok to Moreh road were also washed away by the recent landslide in the state.

However, the sunken portions of road along the Imphal-Moreh road near Tengnoupal and Kwatha Lamkhai were also sunken deeper as heavy vehicles continue to ply along the Highway. As such, the people of Moreh and surrounding villages were apprehension of being remain cut off from the rest of the state, added the Village Chief.

While appealing the State government and social organisaton to check movement of Heavy vehicles, S. Khudengthabi Chief also expressed that he along with his villagers resolved to enforced ban of heavy vehicles along the road.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/09/kso-chandel-imposes-ban-on-heavy-vehicles-along-imphalmoreh-road/

IMPHAL, September 28: The recent developments in Manipur especially after the Manipur Assembly had passed three bills for the protection of the indigenous people call for serious scrutiny and introspection by all concerned, the Senior Citizens for Society Manipur said today.

A statement signed by the president of the organisation said the anger and impulsive uprising of the people in Churachandpur and Sadar Hills that had cost nine valuable human lives was indeed an unfortunate part of the story.

It said `We, the members of the Senior Citizens for Society, Manipur express our deep sense of shock and sorrow at the sad demise of the 9 people in the unfortunate incident and pray for the eternal peace of the departed souls.`

It said the Senior Citizens believe that now is the time for healing the hurt sentiments of the people by fulfilling our human duty of sharing and caring with each other in times of the distress and agony.

`At this critical juncture of our society if our Chief Minister as the guardian of the people of Manipur could pay a visit to Churachandpur at least to console the bereaved families of the nine deceased people it would give a healing touch to the hurt sentiments and feelings of the people and pave the way forward for mutual understanding and solidarity.`

`We, the Senior Citizens are old enough to dispassionately introspect the past without bias and we understand that the upheaval in Churachandpur was not devoid of reasons.`

It continued, the people of Churachandpur and Sadar Hills were perhaps deeply hurt by some irresponsible statements of some fringe elements who seemed to be unaware of the age old composite history of this ancient land.

It said unfortunately these fringe elements with no public support or mandate are played into the hands of those who wanted to break the centuries old integrity and composite social fabric of the State.

The statement also said that it is also aware that following the passing of the bills some damage has been done to the centuries old bonding of trust and amity that existed among our communities especially between the Meiteis and Kukis.

From our experience we believe that the social fabric that has been built through ages is too precious to be broken.

Therefore we, the Senior Citizens, urge all sections of people of the Hills and the Valley not to indulge in any activity that may aggravate the situation. We also fervently appeal to all politicians, legislators, CSOs, media persons to refrain from making any provocative statements, it said.

Finally, we earnestly urge upon our Civil Society Organisations in the hills to come forward with open mind and sit across the table with the State Government to thrash out everything and arrive at an honourable settlement of the problem. We believe we can overcome all differences soon. God bless you all and may peace prevail in our society.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/09/senior-citizens-for-society-manipur-deeply-concerned-by-recent-developments-in-state/

IMPHAL, September 28: The Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) has appreciated and thanked the Central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modiji for recognizing and hailing freedom fighter Rani Gaidinliu.

A statement of the outfit said the Indian government is celebrating Rani Gaidinliu Birth Centenary yearlong.

`Many awards and acknowledgement has been paid to the only lady tribal freedom fighter of North-East India,` it said.

The release further lauded three Indian leaders namely first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru for giving the title of `Rani` in 1937 to the freedom fighter, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi who conferred the title `Tamrapatra` meaning freedom fighter in 1972 and Narendra Modi for introducing coins of Rs 100 and 5 commemorating Rani Gaidinliu`™s birth centenary on August 24, 2015 in New Delhi.

It further said the outfit will not forget Nagaland Governor PB Acharya who walked the extra mile to honour the Naga lady who fought the British from a young age.

Rani Gaidinliu`™s sacrifices towards preserving and protecting her land, culture and indigenous religion from the hands of the alien forces have led the Zeliangrong people this far, it continued.

Rani Gaidinliu, the ZUF statement said, relinquished her life for the Zeliangrong and kindred tribes to come under a single administrative unit and raised her voice demanding a separate State for the Zeliangrong people.

Yet, the Zeliangrong people are made minorities in the three States of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland all under the Indian administration, it claimed.

The outfit also claimed that the sacrifices of the martyrs Haipou Jadonang and Rani Gaidinliu struggle to bring the Zeliangrong people under a single administration has not been fulfilled till date.

`The progenies of Haipou Jadonang and Rani Gaidinliu longs to realize the cherish vision of the past freedom fighters,` it said adding that the ZUF carries the same vision of Rani Gaidinliu demanding a separate state for the Zeliangrong people.

The ZUF also claimed that cadres of the outfit have been hunted every now and then by combined teams of the NSCN (IM) and the Indian Army/ Assam Rifles, even though the Central government is celebrating Rani Gaidinliu`™s centenary.

Several and repeated memorandums submitted to the Prime Minister Office and other concerned authorities of the Indian government have turned to deaf ears till date, it said.

It further charged the AR of giving protection and a free hand to the NSCN (IM) to roam around with arms and ammunitions around the local villages.

It said the hunting and operation against the ZUF that follows Rani Gaidinliu is `incongruous.`

The ZUF has also charged the NSCN (IM) of working hand in glove with the AR and other security forces and suppressing the voice of the Zeliangrong people.

The NSCN (IM) in a double standard manner has been stopping the Zeliangrong people`™s demand for separate State while giving a free hand to other communities, it said.

It further charged local politicians like deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam who also holds the Home portfolio of using the AR and the Dogra Regiment in bringing terror in Zeliangrong areas especially in Tamenglong.

The ZUF has warned that it will not remain silent if the Indian security forces continue with their policy of suppression in connivance with some local politicians on one hand and with the NSCN (IM) on the other.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/09/zuf-appreciates-centres-recognition-of-rani-gaidinliu/

IMPHAL, September 28: `The dream of those who are trying to break Manipur into pieces will never come true.`

This was stated by United Committee Manipur president Elangbam Johnson speaking on the sideline of `Heitha Leithaba` here at Kekrupat today.

He said the UCM has been observing the `Heitha Leithaba`™ on `langbandgee ahanba purnima numita`™ (of the Meitei lunar calendar) remembering the 18 brave souls who laid down their lives to save the territorial integrity of Manipur.

UCM has been observing this day every year since 2002.

Speaking on the present issues in the State, he further said some people who have the intention to break Manipur are playing the communal card or ethnic card among the communities to create hatred among each other without considering the harm it could do.

He said UCM is closely monitoring the moves of these people.

He further appealed to the general public to remain calm and act responsibly to save the unity and integrity of Manipur.

Manipur has a very long history of various communities whether small or big residing together and considering the history of the land we are confident that no power on earth can break the integrity of Manipur, he maintained.

`Their dream of breaking Manipur into pieces will never come true. It is impossible,` he reaffirmed.

`We (UCM) also appeal to the people of Manipur to be cautious and stand united against these people who are trying to break the integrity of Manipur,` he added.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/09/breaking-manipur-impossible-ucm/

CCpur, Sept 28: Just two days after womenfolk set on fire the residence of UPF leader Thanglianpau Guite, womenfolk set on fire the residence of Hill Areas Committee chairman Chaltonlien Amo today.

Around 4:30 pm, womenfolk attacked and dismantled the residence of Chaltonlien Amo MLA of Tipaimuk a/c and chairman of HAC located at Nehru Marg and didn`™t allow pictures to be taken of the damaged building.

Meanwhile, more than seven officials who are part of the Kut Committee today visited the nine tribal Matyrs whose bodies are kept at the Ccpur District Hospital morgue for the past 29 days.

The team led by ADGP of Manipur P Doungel, wrap the nine hero with tribal traditional shawls and also provided Rs.30,000 to help the victim families.

Today also witness around 500 chief of the United Chief Committee (UCC) staging a rally at Lamka town starting from Peace Ground till the KKL Complex via the District hospital alleging that the three bills passed by the State Assembly have transgressed upon their rights and chieftainship which had come through their forefathers.

They demanded the repeal of the three bills while showing their solidarity with the victims of the resent violence and also the people movement.

The UCC also submit memorandum to the Asst Commissioner Th Simte.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/09/womenfolk-dismantles-chaltonlien-amos-residence/

IMPHAL, September 28: Commerce and Industries minister Govindas Konthoujam today distributed the first instalment of the North East Region Textiles Promotion Scheme (NERTPS) in the form of cheques for 110 Self Help Groups (SHG) of 11 Handloom clusters of Bishnupur district at Ibudhou Oknarel Shanglen Hall of Ningthoukhong Bazaar.

The distribution ceremony was also attended by the director, Commerce and Industries Department B John Tlanginkhuma and deputy director of Commerce and Industries K Lamlee Kamei and organised by the District Handlooms and Textiles, Bishnupur and Handloom Clusters of Bishnupur District under NERTPS, sponsored by the Development Commissioner (Handloom) Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.

The programme started with a one-minute silence in condolence to the sudden demise of Manipur Governor Dr Syed Ahmed.

Delivering his chief guest speech Govindas Konthoujam stated that such useful schemes should be properly utilized by the weavers and they should work with sincerity and dedication.

To receive the second instalment of the scheme, weavers must show sheer interest and provide their best efforts to bring out the best quality products and take part in the upcoming training sessions so that the Textiles Ministry grants weaver with the remaining payment.

He asserted that unlike other schemes the present schemes will be strictly monitored by the Ministry by introducing a system called Geographical Information System (GIS). With the introduction of the GIS, the Ministry will monitor all the activities of the weavers ranging from training, weaving etc online, he said.

The broad objective of the NERTPS is to develop and modernize the textile sector in the North East Region by providing the needed government support in terms of raw material, seed banks, machinery, common facility centers, skill development, design and marketing support etc. stated Kamei.

Further elaborating on the NERTPS, Kamei revealed that the present scheme is very unique and different when compared to the earlier schemes adding that under this scheme there are many components like establishing of separate Yarn Supply Schemes to provide raw material at subsidized rate to the weavers etc.

He also urged the weavers to extend their full support to make such ambitious project, which has been undertaken under strong initiative of the minister concerned, a success besides setting an example for other neighbouring States.

In his presidential speech, Director of Commerce and Industries Department B John Tlangtinkhuma exhorted the weavers to work sincerely and provide valid utilization certificates in time to get the second installment of the scheme.

Altogether 11 Handloom Clusters with 10 SHG in each cluster were availed with the schemes. One SHG received a sum of Rs 26,000 as the first installment of the scheme. As part of the function products from the handloom cluster were on displayed for sell.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/09/govindas-distributes-first-instalment-for-nertps-to-110-shgs/

BISHNUPUR, September 28: The United Clubs of Thanga has imposed an indefinite road block of the Thanga Road against the government`™s inability to repair the road stretch from Sendra to Thamangkhong.

Volunteers of the UCT and residents of Thanga, Ithing Sendra imposed road blocks at different parts of the 4 km long road stretch starting from the Sendra Tourist Spot to Thamangkhong (Thanga Chinglak).

Tree branches were set on fire and boulders placed at different parts of the road to impose the road blocks since early this morning.

However, vehicles carrying patients, religious programmes and other emergencies including students and essential services were allowed free passage. All other vehicles were blocked.

Tourists coming towards Sendra were also blocked and not allowed to pass the road blocks.

UCT president Oinam Maipakchao told media persons that they have been urging the government to look into the deplorable condition of the Thanga Road and repair it since some years back.

Last year the road was repaired with funds collected from the local MLA, gram panchayat members and local residents, however, since it was not black-topped, during the monsoon period the road became impassable, he said.

He complained the frequent passing of heavy loaded vehicles of the LDA including excavators only created more potholes along the road stretch.

On the other hand during the dry seasons, the road is covered in dust making it hazardous for the travellers, he continued.

There have been more than four-five instances when pregnant women from Thanga going for treatment at Moirang had miscarriages due to the jumpy road condition, he added.

Meanwhile, the bandh supporters also appealed to the government authorities to look into their woes and repair the road at the earliest.

They also warned that they will continue with the road blocks until the government initiate repair works.

It may also be mentioned that memorandums had been submitted on September 20 to the Chief Minister, Works minister, local MLA and other concerned authorities warning that the road will be indefinitely blocked if the authorities fail to repair the road within September 28.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/09/thanga-road-blocked-indefinitely-against-govts-failure-to-repair-road/

IMPHAL, September 28: The Khongjom War Memorial Trust observed the 22nd Khongjom Tarpan today at the Khongjom River near the Khongjom War Memorial Complex in memory of the martyrs who had sacrificed their lives for the land.

Thousands thronged the Khongjom River for the ceremonial offering of tarpan and paying homage to the martyrs.

The observation was attended by Manipur titular king Ningthou Leishemba Sanajaoba Singh, Khongjom War Memorial Trust president and ex-minister Moirangthem Hemanta, advisor of the trust and ex-minister Vivek Raj Wangkhem among others.

Titular king Leishamba Sanajaoba and Hemanta led the people in offering tarpan to the martyrs who had laid down their lives for the land.

People also offered floral tributes to a statue of Paona Brajabashi .

Speaking at the formal function held inside the community hall, Khongjom War Memorial Complex after the offering of tarpan, Leishemba said it is time for all communities residing in the State to come together and build a united Manipur.

The brave martyrs made supreme and selfless sacrifices for the cause of their motherland and protected it for long, he said.

If we fail to learn the lessons that their selfless sacrifices teaches us and inspire ourselves to safeguard our land, building a future would be hard considering the present developments, he added.

The titular king also prayed for the martyrs to accept the offerings of the people and help the people imbibe their ideals of bravery and sacrifices.

Hemanta said during the month of `Langban`™ the Meiteis make offerings to their forefathers.

The Khongjom War Memorial Trust has been observing the Langban Chara Tamba (Khongjom tarpan) since 1994 at the Khongjom War Memorial Complex paying respect to the martyrs who made the supreme sacrifices for the land, he said.

In the past, the leaders made selfless sacrifices to safeguard and protect the land, however, today`™s leaders do not have that quality, he lamented.

Today, our leaders find their post more important than protecting the people and the land, he continued.

The trust has been urging the State government to install a long sword on top of the Kheba Ching Khongjom which was already approved by both the Chief Minister and the Centre, however, now it has been informed that the sword will not be installed, he said.

Nevertheless, even if the government will not provide any aid, the trust, with the help of people, will certainly install the sword opposite to the place where the people are offering tarpan, he added.

He further said that the government had not provided a single rupee during the construction of the gate of the complex and the trust had constructed it on their own.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/09/titular-king-calls-for-unity-in-state-during-offering-of-khongjom-tarpan/