Manipur News

IMPHAL, Nov 3: Due to stigma and discrimination People Living with HIV are not coming forward to take benefit of various social protection schemes, Dr. Naresh Goel, Deputy Director General (IEC & Mainstreaming and LS) National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) said.

He was speaking during the inaugural function of a one day workshop on DACPU led Single Window Model on Social Protection for People living with HIV (PLHIV), Children affected by AIDS (CABA) and Most at Risk Population (MARPs) at the Classic Hotel Imphal today.

This issue needs to address and that is why HIV sensitive social protection is one of the key objectives for National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) phase IV, he added.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Bitra George, Country Director, Family Health India (FHI 360) said that there are certain diseases which needs attention beyond medical needs. And HIV is one of such disease that needs social, economic and psychological help, he observed.

He further said that, Most at Risks Population (MARPs) have issues of non-linkages to social protection schemes due to stigma and discrimination. It is for this reason that NACO wants PLHIV, CABA and MARPs to access these schemes at national and state level, he added.

Speaking about accessing social protection schemes, Pradeep Kumar Jha, Project Director, Manipur State AIDS Control Society said, that only accessing few schemes like social welfare schemes, rural development schemes and Food Security Act can make huge differences in the lives of PLHIV, CABA and MARPs.

Representatives from all the 9 District AIDS Prevention Control Unit (DAPCU) and one representative from Tripura AIDS Control Society participated the workshop. The workshop was jointly organized by NACO, FHI 360 and UNDP and supported by Manipur State AIDS Control Society.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/11/workshop-on-dapcu-led-single-window-model-held/

IMPHAL, November 3: The JAC formed in connection with the alleged killing of Md Hashmad Ali Keirao today submitted the deputy Chief Minister its detailed report on the incident which allegedly led to Ali’s death.

It further demanded action against the involved culprits who are yet to be arrested.

The JAC today convened a public meeting at the Keirao KMYC ground this morning and adopted some resolutions.

According to the JAC convenor Md Rajaoddin, after the meeting, the JAC submit the resolutions in the form of a memorandum to the deputy Chief Minister who is also the Home minister this morning, the SP Imphal East and OC Irilbung.

The JAC also took out a public rally till Irilbung PS to submit the memorandum.

In its memorandum, the JAC has claimed that all allegations made on the deceased Md Hashmad are totally baseless and unfounded and that he was a professional teacher, and that the allegation of Md Hashmad stealing a calf is really unfortunate, he said.

The memorandum said although the owner of the calf has pointed three persons allegedly involved in the incident, the Irilbung Police is unable to make any arrest which the JAC takes seriously, he said.

The JAC has also warned to take further action jointly with organisations of Uchekon, Kongba, Keirao localities if the government fails to take proper action.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/11/jac-claims-mob-assault-victim-to-be-innocent/

KANGPOKPI, November 3: The demand for a full-fledged Sadar Hills District is not based on the principles of justice for all and laws of nations while it will only reopen the wounds of the past and will become a thorn in the flesh of our solidarity movement remarked All Naga Students’ Association Manipur.

Seth Shatsang, president ANSAM said in a press communiqué that creation of a full-fledged Sadar Hills District is not a political solution and the political future of our Kuki brothers and sisters while adding that the need of the hour is to focus on strengthening and solidifying our solidarity movement for our common future.

He also reminded the Government of Manipur of the various Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) signed between ANSAM, NSF (Naga Students’ Federation), and other Naga organizations in 1981, 1992, 1996 and 1998 with regard to the creation of a full-fledged Sardar Hills District while warning that abrogation of the MoUs will be viewed with all seriousness and as a continuing ploy of the State to weaken the indigenous/tribal organizations and communities’ solidarity.

He asserted that true healing of past wounds could occur only in a genuine solidarity movement firmly grounded on universal principles of human rights and humanity while adding that reverting to positions and demands that are fragmented and not based on democratic principles and of justice for all will not deliver us from the cycle of conflict sustained by the State.

Seth Shatsang also said that the passing of the three legally flawed and controversial Bills¯the Protection of Manipur People Bill 2015; Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms (seventh amendment) Bill 2015; and Manipur Shops and Establishment (second amendment) Bill 2015) provided a good reason for the indigenous/tribal peoples of Manipur to come together and stand up for their immediate cause.

The Bills are bias and not motivated by universal human rights and democratic principles and it is for this reason that the indigenous/tribal peoples in Manipur arose in solidarity for their just cause, he added.

He further said that the indigenous/tribal organizations and communities have emerged as having the capacity to unite for a right cause.

However, one must not forget that having come together is only the beginning of a journey to address the historically rooted injustices and a search for peaceful co-existence firmly founded on a vision for just-peace, Seth Shatsang added.

He continued that coming together of indigenous/tribal peoples in Manipur must translate into a solidarity movement guided by their quest for truth and justice while adding that no movement can solidify overnight and no movement can withstand divisive forces of a state if it is not driven by their thirst for truth and justice.

He also said that a solidarity movement can only emerge victorious if it is clear of the principles it must be founded upon and added that it is only then that a solidarity movement will be able to establish a mutually acceptable fair terms of political and social cooperation.

He continued that it is only through a solidarity movement that one can build up common sympathies and begin to truly share their pains and pride, or even regrets together and transform their histories of conflict into one of mutual understanding and social and political cooperation.

All Naga Students’ Association Manipur (ANSAM) also appeals to all the indigenous/tribal organizations and communities to be vigilant of the divisive forces and be conscious of the basis for a solidarity movement.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/11/sadar-hills-demand-will-resurrect-the-past-wounds-says-ansam/

KANGPOKPI, November 3: The Kuki Inpi Manipur, the apex body of the Kukis, met the signatory of Naga Peace Accord RN Ravi, who is also the Interlocutor of Indo-Naga Peace Talks at Hotel Classic Grande, Chingmeirong Imphal today.

A four member delegate of KIM including its president Thangkhosei Haokip, general secretary Khaimang Chongloi, speaker Ch Ajang Khongsai and RT Akhel, president Aimol Tribe Union spent nearly an hour to apprised RN Ravi of various Kuki issues including the state of mind of Kuki people over the Naga Peace Accord and political dialogue with KNO and UPF.

Khaimang Chongloi said that we once again clearly informed RN Ravi about the standpoint of Kuki people over Naga Peace Accord and reminded him of our earlier representations to the Prime Minister and Home Ministry as well as highlighted our meeting with him recently at Sadar Patel Bhavan, New Delhi on August 20.

“There is no change in our standpoint over Naga Peace Accord and it remains the same”, said Khaimang Chongloi.

We also highlighted the compelling assimilation of Aimol community into Naga Community by the NSCN-IM and the recent kidnapping of one Aimol and Baite man by the NSCN-IM whose whereabouts is still unknown said Khaimang Chongloi.

KIM also underlined the forceful adaptation of four Aimol villages by NSCN-IM in full combat dress and sophisticated weapon thereby rendering untold misery like unbearable demand to the people and condemned the same in the strongest term he said.

We also pleaded RN Ravi for immediate intervention of the Centre for the safe release of the two victims added Khaimang Chongloi.

He further said according to the Haipi Declaration No 5 clause (a) and (b) we had mailed representation to the Centre about KIM’s directive to KNO and UPF to abrogated SoO if the Centre failed to hold political dialogue on or before October 31 while probing about the KIM representation to RN Ravi.

We also told RN Ravi that since the deadline set for the Centre to hold political dialogue with KNO and UPF had passed we have contemplated to take up an extreme form of agitation.

KIM also asked RN Ravi as to why the Centre has failed to expedite political dialogue with KNO and UPF even after the State government had recommended for appointment of Interlocutor and holding political talks with the KNO and UPF?, Khaimang added.

However, RN Ravi responded that on account of the ongoing intense campaign for Bihar election the process of political talks with KNO and UPF has been delayed said Khaimang Chongloi.

RN Ravi also assured us that since the election campaign program at Bihar have been culminated today political dialogue with KNO and UPF could have taken place within a few days, added Khaimang Chongloi.

Nevertheless, we warn the Centre government of intense agitation by the Kuki people if it fails to appoint an interlocutor and initiate political talks with KNO and UPF at the earliest, Khaimang Chongloi added.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/11/kim-apprises-centres-interlocutor-of-kukis-stand-on-peace-accord/

IMPHAL, Nov 3: Several civil society organizations have appealed for reinstating E Tomba as the deputy labour commissioner.

He had been transferred from the said post on October 24, 2015 by an order of the deputy secretary (DP), govt. of Manipur and the charge has been handed over to another official. In the regard, and decrying the transfer as unjust, Loyalam Construction Workers Welfare Union, Kangmong Manglak, Kangmong Nupi Chaokhat Thourang Lup, Kangmong Nupi Angang Yaipha Lup, Patsoi Yaorang Youth Development Club and Luker Mahila Mandal. Thourang Lup.

The organizations in different press releases said that the former deputy labour commissioner, Elangbam Tomba Singh is also the incumbent secretary of the Manipur Building Construction Workers Welfare Board and his transfer from the mentioned post is not timely and unjust. And as such, the transfer is not acceptable to the civil organizations. It was mentioned that E Tomba Singh is to retire in 2018 and he is among one of the most experienced persons to handle the state of affairs of the Labour department. It was requested by the said organizations to reinstitute E Tomba to his earlier post for more progressive conduct and for the humanitarian organizations to expedite their works for the public.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/11/civil-organizations-want-e-tomba-as-deputy-labour-commissioner/

IMPHAL, November 3: The two killed in yesterday’s bomb blast in front the residential gate of Wangkhem MLA Keisham Meghachandra Singh have been identified although official confirmation is still awaited.

Although, police sources insist that the concerned police station is yet to receive any official claim on the identification of the two bodies from anyone including their families, other reliable sources have identified the two.

It may be mentioned that an IED exploded near the gate of the Yairipok Bishnunaha residence of Wangkhem Constituency MLA Keisham Meghachandra Singh late last night around 9:15 following which a mutilated body was found along with a charred two-wheeler initially.

However, police sources confirmed that the mutilated bodies of two persons were found from the blast site and not just one as was reported earlier.

The same sources also confirmed that none of the family members of the two found dead at the spot have made any official claim or identified the bodies till this afternoon, however, the two bodies were shifted to JNIMS morgue late last night for post mortem.

The police sources also informed that some individuals have been picked up and are being interrogated in connection with yesterday’s blast however, since a police investigation is underway, much details cannot be divulged.

According to police sources, the charred vehicle found from the blast site has been officially identified as a Pleasure moped and to be black in colour with Regd No. MN 01/Y 1756 and is registered in the name of a Nepali woman from Salu Village in Senapati district.

On the other hand, other sources identified the two killed in the blast as Md Daulat, 30, son of Md Atao Rehman of Yairipok Tulihal Toupokpi and Nameirakpam Boboi, 30, son of N Sarat Singh of Yairipok Poirou Khongjil.

Sources also informed that although both are residents of Yairipok, Md Daulat is said to be presently staying at Hatta and that Boboi was staying in a rented room at KR Lane with his family.

Boboi is said to be an auto-rickshaw driver and supports his family, according to the sources. His mother is also a worker, while his father is a labourer for the charcoal sellers at the New Checkon crossing and delivers charcoal bags to customers using a rickshaw.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/11/two-killed-in-blast-identified-official-confirmation-awaited/

IMPHAL, Nov 3: A combined team of district police commandos Imphal West and 12 Bihar Regiment conducted cordon and search operation and arrested two active workers of UNLF on October 30, said a press statement of the PRO Police.

It said the operation was conducted acting on a reliable information about the presence of some active members of UNLF organisation in and around Mongsangei Kongjeng Leikai area with a view to commit prejudicial activities like extortion, transportation of weapons etc.

The statement further identified the two as Yumnam Chiranjit Singh alias Phajaba alias Robert, 40, son of Y Ingobi Singh of Konjeng Leikai Kounathabi and Sinam Santa Singh alias Abungo, 35, son of S Tombi Singh of Thangmeiband Sinam Leikai.

It said investigation revealed that they had served demand letters to various businessmen, government employees, the general public and pradhans, etc.

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

Further according to the statement, on October 31 based on a specific information, a team of Narcotics and Affairs of Border Police Station, Manipur arrested one drug smuggler namely Thangkhanhau Zou, 51, son of (L) Tutzathang Zou of P Kamdou Veng PS, Churachandpur from Oksongbung Lairanjam Leirak Machin near Citizen Club Moirang, Bishnupur district.

Three kgs of opium was seized from his possession, it said.

A case has been registered at Narcotics and Affiars of Border Police Stations, Manipur and investigation is going on, it said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/11/unlf-active-workers-arrested-pro-police/

IMPHAL, November 3: The Manipur Postal Division today launched its online Postal Life Insurance today.

Speaking to media at a press conference held at Manipur Postal Headquarter, director (Post), Vinod Kumar said it’s a mile stone in path of technology induction with objective of fastest and reliable insurance service to all the people and it will give a great boost for social security among the people.

The director further congratulated all Manipuri people as well as members of the Manipur Postal Family.

Now people in Manipur can do their PLI related works like deposit of premium of their policies in online environment, he said.

He said in the new online environment, periodical premium for insurance can be deposited in any Post Offices in Manipur, further not only in Manipur, it can be credited anywhere in India at any CSI Mc Camish equipped Post Office.

Imphal HPO is the first Post Office in Manipur to be given this status, he said.

Director intimated that at present there are more than 600 POs in India are working online, very soon, other POs will also join this new status.

Very soon, Churachandpur MDG, DM College SO, Lilong SO and Lamlong SO will follow suit and before the end of the month, maximum number of Post Offices in Manipur will be under McCamish, he said.

He added that at present there are 4629 PLI and 7886 RPLI number of policies in Manipur.

He added that before coming to this moment all information like insurer’s details, signatures and related documents were digitised and uploaded on Central Server.

He said that a Central Processing Centre (CPC) has been established in Imphal HPO which will scrutinise process and upload the digitized records in a prompt manner and people in Manipur will enjoy “Online Insurance Service”.

He declared that the objective is to provide all Manipur people the best insurance services with fastest speed. Director once again congratulated all Manipuri people and requested them to opt for maximum no of PLI and RPLI to ensure future investment.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/11/online-postal-life-insurance-launched/

IMPHAL, November 2: People today remembered the victims of the November 2, 2000 Malom incident when personnel of the Assam Rifles had gunned down 10 civilians.

Families of the victims, friends, supporters and others offered floral tribute during the memorial service observed at the memorial site erected at the place of the incident.

Photos of the victims were placed at their memorial site located on the western roadside of the Tiddim Road at Malom Tulihal Boroi Makhong since around 8 in the morning for the people to pay their respect.

The observation was organised by the Ten Immocents Deceased Families Committee which was formed by the family members of the 10 victims.

The 10 victims of the incident are Tokpam Shantikumar, a student and son of T Somorendro Singh of Malom Tulihal Awang Leikai, 2nd driver of FCI Kangujam Bijoy Singh of Leimapokpam Khunpham, Oinam Sanayaima Singh of Nambol Naorem, farmer Amakcham Raghumani Singh of Nambol Naorem, a National Child Bravery Award winner in 1988 Sinam Chandramani Singh son of S Tonu Singh, Malom Megha High School assistant teacher Sinam Robinson Singh, son of S Tonu Singh of Malom Tulihal Makha Leikai, student Soibam Prakash Singh of Malom Tulihal Awang Leikai, jeweller Kshetrimayum Inaocha Singh son of Ksh Ibochou Singh of Malom Tulihal Awang Leikai, Leisangbam Sana Devi, 64, wife of (L) L Tomba Singh of Kabaw Wakching and Revenue department employee Gurumayum Babu Sharma son of (L) G Tomba Sharma of Lairenjam.

It may be mentioned that on the fateful day, a UG group had attack the Assam Rifles team by triggering an IED explosion following which the Assam Rifles personnel gunned down the 10 innocent persons at the spot.

Last year, after family members of the victims filed a case, the Court had made the government pay Rs 5 lakhs each as compensation to the victim families.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/11/people-remembers-malom-incident-victims/

IMPHAL, November 2: The Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (CAF&PD), Minister M Okrendro has given strong instruction to all the district authority heads to complete the digitisation Process of Beneficiary list by November 15 to ensure the smooth implementation of the National Food Security Act due to be fully operational from January 1, 2016.

A preparatory meeting was convened today afternoon starting from 2.30 at the conference hall of secretariat south block chaired by the Minister and attended by all administrative heads of the entire district including Deputy Commissioners of Ukhrul, Thoubal, Bishnupur and Senapati. Besides, District Supply officers from other Sub-division including Jiribam, Kangpokpi.

The meeting minutely reviewed the progress of the ongoing digitisation process of beneficiaries and consequently the Minister asked the officers present to complete the digitisation by November 15 without leaving behind any deserving household/beneficiary.

During the meeting the officials also presented their current status report of their ongoing digitisation process.

It is learnt that Imphal east has so far covered 67 percent, 30.53 percent in Imphal west, 46.30 percent in Thoubal, 22.69 in Bishnupur, 55.58 percent in Churachandpur, 75.66 percent in Kangpokpi, 67.32 percent in Senapati, 71.86 percent in Ukhrul and 57.24 percent in Chandel.

The Minister also asked the officers to be cautious while preparing the beneficiaries and avoid listing beneficiaries from family with economically sound background in the priority household list.

Under the scheme, the beneficiaries will be avail with rice at 3 rupees per Kg, Pulses at 2 rupees per Kg and other coarse grains at one rupees per Kg.

However, the implementation of the scheme will not affect the benefits given to AAY beneficiaries.

Further during the meeting the Minister also asked the officials to spell out the difficulties being faced by the authority in their digitisation process and assured to give necessary assistance without any delay ranging from funds and other equipment required.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/11/complete-digitisation-of-food-security-act-beneficiaries-list-by-nov-15-minister/