Manipur News

IMPHAL July 20: The government and leaders of the agitating parties should loosen up on their rigid stances and come together to end the present impasse regarding the demand for the ILPS, said Senior Citizens for Society secretary Khaidem Mani.

Speaking at a press conference called at Keishamthong Laisom Leikai today, Mani said even though the society supports the legitimate demands of the JCILPS, the society appeals to both the parties to sit down together and collaborate in the preparation of the new bill.

He said `We feel that the government`™s timeline of three months for preparing the new bill is too long, but at the same time feel that the 15 days timeline of the JCILPS is a little too short.`

We propose the timeline to be within one month and appeal to both parties to agree on the same, he said.

Further appealing for dialogue between the two sides, he said the Senior Citizens Society would be happy to facilitate any such dialogue between the government and the JCILPS.

Mani continued, the SCS also demand punitive actions against those involved in the death of Sapam Robinhood and that the State government should construct a memorial in remembrance of his sacrifice.

The SCS would also like to appeal to the public especially the academicians and intelligentsia to make constructive suggestions on the issue instead of sensationalizing it, he said.

At the same time, the government should also ensure re-opening of educational institutions immediately, he continued.

SCS general secretary Laishram Sadananda Singh also expressed concern over the different paths chosen by the government and the JCILPS on the ILPS issue.

He explained the core objective of the movement is to protect the indigenous people through the ILPS or a similar law or even by amending or expanding an existing law.

There is also the possibility of appropriately amending the MLRLR Act 1960 to restrict the sale of land to non-domicile citizens, he continued.

He pointed out that the title of the bill which was passed and recently withdrawn was very misleading. He also suggested that besides improving the content of the new bill, the title should also be appropriate.

He suggested the imperative need to hire a constitutional expert while drafting a feasible bill and also emphasized that a dialogue between the government and the JCILPS is the only solution to the situation.

He further appealed to the JCILPS to positively respond to the invitation from the government.

Sadananda also expressed his concern regarding the delay in performing the funeral rites of late Sapam Robinhood whose body still lies in JNIMS morgue.

`It is an undeniable fact that Robinhood died in police action. Hence under the circumstances, the State should suspend the involve personnel to pacify the angst of the people,` he asserted.

At the same time it is also unfortunate that two volunteers of the present agitation are still in police custody, he said before appealing to the government to release them at the earliest and create a cordial atmosphere for dialogue instead of merely sending out invitation for talks.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/government-and-jcilps-dialogue-only-solution-to-present-issue-senior-citizens-society/

IMPHAL, July 20: Reacting to the remarks of Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam that the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) is not willing to talk with the government on ILP issue despite sending invitations, the JCILPS clarified that there has been no formal invitation from the government as of now to hold talk.

A statement of JCILPS revealed that the committee received a letter from the office of Chief Minister to hold a meeting on the issue on July 15 at around 2 pm just after the controversial Manipur Regulation of Visitors, Tenants and Migrant Workers Bill, 2015 was withdrawn during an emergency sitting of Manipur Legislative Assembly.

The request was rejected by the committee suspecting a hidden agenda on part of the government. The government had sent an invitation to the committee on July 14 wanting to hold a meeting of which the committee replied back the next day, it said.

However, there has been no reply from the government, it said.

The unwarranted remarks of the deputy Chief Minister could be seen as an attempt to create a rift between the JCILPS and the people which will not succeed, it asserted.

There has to be a solution to the ongoing mass agitation which cannot be brought about by holding a meeting that also in a hurried manner, the JCILPS statement said.

Stating that the committee will welcome any positive steps taken up by the government according to the wishes of the people regarding enactment of a new bill to monitor the rampant entry of non-locals into the State, the statement questioned the sincerity and commitment of the government on enacting such a new bill.

Apparent failure to implement the ILPS or any other law is due to lack of political will on part of the government, the JCILPS said.

The only solution to the ongoing mass agitation is enactment of a new strong bill within the deadline set by the committee and such a solution cannot be brought by convening a mere meeting devoid of any agenda, it said.

Six core members of the committee were arrested by police in connection with the ILPS movement. They were put in the lock up of Porompat Police Station. However, they were released the following day, with the authorities concern claiming that they were picked up for a meeting with the Chief Minister and that they were not arrested, it said.

The people are well aware of such drama staged by the government, the statement contended.

Pledging that the ongoing agitation will not be ceased till a new bill is passed by the government within the deadline set by it, it appealed to the people to continue with staging of sit-in-protest, rally, formation of human chain and storming residences of MLAs and Ministers to press the government to enact a new bill acceptable to the people within the set deadline.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/no-formal-invitation-from-govt-to-hold-talks-on-ilps-jcilps/

IMPHAL, July 20: This is not the time for the government to wait for an enquiry into the death of Sapam Robinhood, but it must take immediate punitive action against those police personnel involved in shooting at students who were in school uniforms, according to Manipur Truck Owners`™ Welfare Association president H Ranjit.

Speaking to media persons today at the MG Avenue office of the Truck Drivers`™ Council, Ranjit said several transporters`™ body of the State convened a joint meeting and have unanimously resolved to extend full support to the ongoing movement demanding implementation of the ILPS or a similar legislation which is under the ambit of the Indian Constitution in the State.

He said the transporters`™ bodies also condemned the death due to police firing at a student rally on July 8.

He said the transporters extend moral support to the bereaved family and share their grievances.

Ranjit said the government should take immediate action against the police personnel who intentionally fired the tear gas shells and rubber bullets aimed at the students who were taking out a rally in a democratic manner.

The concern authorities should immediately terminate the police personnel involved in the death of the student and conduct a departmental or judicial inquiry for further action, Ranjit said.

The transporters`™ main demand is for the government to deliver justice to the victim`™s family, he asserted.

The irresponsible and ill-trained police officers under whom the arrogant police personnel were acting with excessive violence leaving a student dead and many others injured should be held responsible for all such police excesses.

He said the government should not delay further in taking action against the involved personnel and the enquiry may be taken up later.

There is no need for the delay and waiting for an inquiry as the authorities are aware of the names of the personnel and officers who were present at the location when the incident happened, he continued.

It was the arrogance of the police personnel that killed young Sapam Robinhood, he continued.

It is unfortunate that the government has failed to seriously consider the public demand till today, he said.

He said the transporters have also decided during today`™s meeting to support all forms of agitation called by the JAC of Robinhood and the JCILPS, and as such will cease their activities inside the State immediately.

The transporters further appeals to the government to bring an amicable solution to the ongoing issue with the JCILPS and the JAC, he said.

Today`™s meeting of the transporters`™ bodies was attended by president and secretary of All Manipur Truck Owner`™s Welfare Association, All Manipur Transporters`™ Drivers and Motor Workers Union, Bus Owner`™s Union of Manipur, All Manipur Inter-Bus, Winger and Cruiser Driver`™s Welfare Union, Indo-Myanmar Road Self-employed Van Association Imphal and Moreh Tata Sumo, Jeep Welfare Association.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/terminate-personnel-who-shot-at-sapam-robinhood-transporters-bodies/

IMPHAL, July 20: BJP, Manipur Pradesh president Th Chaoba today advised the State government to consult constitutional experts regarding the drafting of the new bill.

Speaking to media persons after announcing extension of the party state office bearers today, Chaoba said the Congress government is wasting time instead of consulting the constitutional experts.

He said the BJP welcomes the open invitation of the deputy Chief Minister to the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System and other stakeholders for talks.

It means that the Congress government has atlast heard the cries of the public, he said.

At the same time, he asked why the government is delaying in inviting constitutional experts to discuss the drafting of the bill.

Chaoba also reiterated its earlier stand that the bill should not infringe on subjects listed under Union list like migrants and labours.

He also said that with aim of strengthening the party in the State, it has extended the office bearers.

In 2012, the number of BJP members was only 12000, but after the recent nation-wide enrolment drive, the members of BJP have reached 300000 in the State, he said.

He said newly appointed vice presidents of the BJP, Manipur Pradesh are V Hangkhalian (former minister), S Satybhama Devi, Dr RK Ranjan Singh, Md AR Khan, I Mangiton Singh and Adim Pamei.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/consult-constitutional-experts-bjp-advises-govt/

IMPHAL, July 20: In a shocking incident, a man had allegedly colluded with his two sons to kill his own sister and later buried her body in the backyard of their residence.

The incident took place at Loitang Khullen Mayai Leikai under Sekmai Police Station, Imphal West.

The accused man has been identified as Irom Apabi Singh of Loitang Khullen Mayai Leikai.

Apabi along with his two sons have surrendered to Sekmai Police Station, reports stated.

The deceased has been identified as Irom ningol Amubi Devi, 61 wife of Late Shamu Singh.

She was married to Shamu of Phumlou but had been staying at the residence of her brother since the past few years after her husband died.

Reports said for the past four-five days, family members have been complaining that Amubi has gone missing.

Suspicious of foul play, some local neighbours entered and checked Apabi`™s residential compound taking advantage of the absence of family members today.

During the search, they found a pit in the backyard in which Amubi`™s body was buried informed sources.

Meanwhile, a case has been registered by the police in connection to the incident. The body has been kept at RIMS morgue for post mortem examination.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/man-charged-of-killing-sister-in-collusion-with-sons-surrender-before-police/

CHANDEL, July 20: Newly elected member of the Autonomous District Council, Chandel from Chakpikarong DCC Nula Warngam has appealed to the concern authorities to make functional the power sub-station at Salluk Village at the earliest so that power supply in Chakpikarong and its surrounding areas which has been cut off for almost a month can be resumed.

Warngam made the appeal through the media after inspecting the Power station Salluk, Community Health Centre Chakpikarong and office of the SDO Chakpikarong.

He was accompanied by the village chiefs of Chakpikarong, Rungchang and Novokom, representatives of the NPF Chandel Divisional Unit and Anal Students Union Chakpikarong branch.

`The people of Chakpi area are grateful to the State government for having constructed the power station which is believed to solve the problem of power shortage in the entire sub division, when completed and put to use`™, Warngam said.

Informing of the hardships and problems the people have been facing for the last one month, Warngam appealed the concerned authority to expedite the process in making the station functional.

The team while visiting the Community Health Centre Chakpikarong found the ultra sound and x-ray rooms locked. Later, in the meeting it was reported that there were no technicians to operate the machines.

`Candle lights were sometimes used when there were cases of emergencies in the hospital due to lack of power supply in the hospital`™ a staff disclosed to the visiting team before the media.

It was also reported that there were lack of doctors and nurses in the hospital. Later while talking to the media, Warngam appealed to the concern health directorate to look in to the matter in the interest of the people at the earliest.

The team expressed unhappiness when the SDO office Chakpikarong was found without a single staff present.

NPF Chandel Divisional Unit president, Ts Molarsing talking to media after the inspection alleged the State government of neglecting Chakpikarong sub division.

He expressed resentment over the condition of CHC chakpikarong saying that the hospital exist only for name sake without proper equipment.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/expedite-construction-of-power-substation-at-salluk-village-chakpikarong-dcc-member/