Manipur News

IMPHAL, October 8: Heingang legislator Nongthombam Biren has praised the people of Heignang for producing ten players and a coach to represent India at the 17th Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea.

At a function for receiving the 11 individuals who participated at the 17th Asian Games in his residence at Luwangsangbam this morning, he praised the spirit of sportsmanship of the players from his Kendra as well as Manipur.

India has a population of 121 Crores but Manipur populated by only around 27 lakh people could send a 62 strong sports contingent in the 17th Asian games for India to contest the 45 countries of Asia. Among the 62 individuals, 11 from Heingnang represented the country, said N Biren.

He said Heingang has a gold medalist in Kothajit who was a key player of the Indian Hockey team and a coach who helped the Indian Archery team to claim gold.

We send three men and three women Sepak Takraw players, a woman footballer, a woman canoeing player, a woman kayaking player and a woman Judo player, he added.

Biren said credit for our Kendra sending the maximum number of players must go to the Heingang Kendra Sporting Union which was established with the dream of producing good international players from the Kendra.

In sports, participation is important than winning medals because no medals can be won without participation, he added.

He also assured that he will try to provide job opportunities under the sport policy of the State to medal winners in international and national events of the Kendra.

Biren condemned the Indian Olympic Association for not supporting L Sarita and L Devendro despite receiving dubious jury decisions and its officials for being absent at the moment of raising a complaint and its biased attitude.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/biren-lavishes-praise-on-heignang-for-producing-11member-strong-asiad-contingent/

IMPHAL, October 8: The outlawed People`™s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (Progressive) has greeted the people of Manipur on the 37th rising day of its red army.

A message signed by chairman, L Paliba Meitei also greeted its martyrs, leaders of the Corcom, revolutionary parties of WESIA region, well-wishers and the civil societies.

In the statement, the outfit reiterated the need for retaining sovereignty of Manipur from the clutches of Indian colonialism.

It said the attainment of sovereignty is based on certain democratic values and principle, in which there are equal responsibilities and duties for all indigenous peoples of Manipur.

The statement continued that there is need for building a new identity of Kangleipak, based on sound economic policy, facing the onslaught of globalisation policies at the same time, and also taking part in the global race for development.

It said the once prosperous nation of Kangleipak has been exploited by Indian colonialism, thereby instilling suspicion and hatred among the ethnic communities of Manipur. The colonial design has also injected the venom of dependency among the people, into its social and political value systems, it said.

It further came down heavily on the political leaders, and charged them of exploiting the people for their electoral gains, and those who have become MLAs and ministers only to amass huge personal wealth.

To win election, the political leaders are encouraging illegal migrants to settle in various parts of Kangleipak, so that the migrants in turn become a major chunk of their vote bank, the statement said.

It further said that the present political leaders have been enfeebled by their political masters of Indian colonialism.

The political leaders are shameless and selfish, who does not think for the betterment of Kangleipak. They have been using the highways of Manipur as their political tool, for their vested interest. Though India might have succeeded in ISRO`™s mission to Mars and making nuclear bombs, but ironically the colonial honchos have failed to maintain the highways of Manipur, maintained the statement.

Furthermore, the statement alleged that Manipur University has become a hot bed for earning contractual profits. It said that a few well-established teachers, under the colonial scholarship, have been trying to use education as `ethnic bomb`™, which is unfortunate.

`Outsiders`™, who have come to Manipur, have become the `market maker/actor`™ of the Ima Keithel in particular and the larger economy landscape in general. They (outsiders) have come only for the purpose of exploiting the market of Manipur, who does not have an iota of concern for the welfare of the Manipuri nation, added the statement.

It continued that the State secretariat department, which is the administrative command, has its political and administrative string attached to the Indian colonial system. And till today, the Indian political leaders have not showed any respect to the 13 years democratic struggle of Irom Sharmila against the Armed Forces Special Powers Act.

The statement said that the nature of a few police commando officers is highly questionable, as far as their conduct and integrity are concerned. It said that it is a well-known fact that some officers are involved in contract and supply works, gathering wealth beyond their known source of income. It has also questioned, by killing whom the gallantry awards are being conferred to the police officers.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/prepak-pro-greets-on-its-red-armys-37th-rising-day/

IMPHAL, October 8: The age-old traditional festival of Mera Houchongba celebrated annually to keep alive the ties between hills and valley people was held today at the Haying Khongbal, 1st MR Complex. It was organised by the Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple Board.

As a part of the celebration, Athenpots were offered to Lainingthou Sanamahi by various sections of people. `Ching-Tam Pot Lanaba`, the exchange of gifts to strengthen and keep alive the sense of brotherhood between the hills and plain, and various cultural programmes also featured in the celebration.

Addressing the function as the chief guest, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said everyone should not forget our origin and must keep trying to promote and preserve the indigenous art and culture of the State.

He further said that everyone has the wisdom to follow their own wishes and religion but it will be wrong to criticise someone`™s religion and create rifts between different religious communities.

Ibobi further said that everyone should not forget their origin and the people living in hills and plain are equal and the only difference is that they follow the religions of their own choice.

However, no one can break the sense of brotherhood which is present in the people of the hills and plain, he said, adding people from both hills and the valley have come to attend the celebration today displaying the unity among them.

Due to the passing of the Govindaji Temple Board (Third Amendment) Bill, various controversies have erupted but even if is implemented it is not compulsory to get the permission for every function from the board by religious bodies not under the Govindaji Temple Board, he said.

Owing to the passing of the Govindaji Temple Board Bill by the Manipur Legislative Assembly in the budget session, various conflicts have occurred. The State government considering the controversies urged the then Governor to refrain from giving his approval but he passed it under his hand and seal.

Stating that the Bill can be further amended and the governed doesn`™t want to create any further controversies, he said that every issue can be solved through dialogue and everyone should not be worried about the issue.

Meanwhile, in another celebration of the day, deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam said the Mera Houchongba festival not only symbolises the unity between the people in the hills and the valley who have been co-existing together since time immemorial but also exhibits the bonhomie and sense of brotherhood between them.

He was speaking at the observation of the day organised by the Kangla Religious Committee at Kangla.

The deputy CM further stated that there was love and unity among the people of the State during ancient times but nowadays people can`™t relate to one another.

However, the main reason why differences and misunderstanding between the communities have cropped up is because many are ignorant of the history of Manipur and the fact that people in both the hills and valley are brothers , he said, asserting people of the state should be prepared to move forward for a progressive society based on peace and unity.

He pointed out that Mukna Kangjei is a unique sport which has been a part of the folklores of Manipur filled with indigenous values that requires a lot of energy, skill, technique and discipline.

Mukna Kangjei is not found in other countries of the world and should be popularised to the whole world to showcase the uniqueness of this sport, he added.

He also appealed the people of the State that such festival is not a simple festival as it has lots of significance for peace and unity in the State and should be celebrated in a grander manner.

During the function, Mukna Kangjei was demonstrated for 20 minutes, gifts were exchanged between people and cultural programmes were also presented.

Keishamthong MLA Laishram Ibomcha Singh was the president whereas Saikot MLA TN Haokip attended the function as the guest of honour.

Meanwhile, the day was also observed at the Chingei Lampak Moirang organised by the Youths Development Organisation, Moirang and Konjengbam Leikai Nupi Lup, Moirang under the theme Integrity, COmmunal harmony and Peace.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/cm-passes-buck-to-erstwhile-governor-for-passing-controversial-temple-board-bill/

IMPHAL, October 8: Unidentified men shot dead a man, while two others including a month old infant were hit by stray bullets at Marei Village under Litan Police in Ukhrul district this morning around 7:15.

The deceased has been identified as M Mataimi Tangkhul, 40, son of M Jona Tangkhul of Murei Village. He was hit on his left hip and thigh. He succumbed on the way to the hospital due to excessive bleeding, sources said.

A reliable source informed that Mataimi was a former NSCN (IM) cadre who had joined another faction.

It is also learnt that he was summoned by the NSCN (IM) to return which he had neglected to comply.

According to his family, two man had come this morning on a red Honda Activa and entered inside their house.

The two asked Mataimi for a talk following which he tried to flee from there, but the two followed him shooting gunshots aimed at him. They shot around five rounds, the family said.

Family members also said that the two left the spot believing that Mataimi who fell down after being hit twice was dead.

Meanwhile, the two injured identified as Ningwola, 50, wife of Phanitphang Tangkhul and her infant grandson M Belerian were rushed to the JNIMS for treatment.

Ningwola was hit on her left stomach and had to be operated upon to take out the bullet. She is said to be recuperating at the JNIMS Female Surgery Ward.

On the other hand, the infant was hit by a bullet which passed through his left wrist.

According to family members, Ningwola was carrying her grandson while accompanying her daughter in law to get an injection at Yaingangpokpi Bazar. The daughter in law was feeling unwell.

Hearing some gunshots, Ningwola tried to look in the direction of the sound and got hit by the bullet, the family said.

Meanwhile, Mataimi`™s body has been handed over to family members after post mortem was conducted at the RIMS morgue.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/man-shot-dead-two-including-month-old-infant-hit-by-stray-bullets-at-ukhrul/

IMPHAL, October 8: The proscribed outfit People`™s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak has greeted the people of the land, member parties of the CorCom, other revolutionary outfits of the region on the occasion of its 37th rising day.

A statement signed by its chairman N Nongdrenkhomba appealed to all to strengthen the unity between the people and the revolutionary groups. No revolutionary movement can be successful without unity, it said.

The main issue at hand for the people of the land is to work for unity among the people and to bring the revolutionary outfits under a common leadership, it said.

It further called for the revolutionary outfits to understand the pulse of the public and work accordingly.

Further elaborating on the need to promote unity in the land, it said people of all communities should not forget that we are all brothers and sisters and should be able to forgive one another`™s mistakes.

Today, the people of the land are facing abuse at the hands of the occupational forces, it said.

The Indian colonialism has today created such a rift among the indigenous population of the land that it has started to create cracks in the unity of the land, it claimed.

Under the guise of SoO/ Peace talks, the Indian government is creating communal feelings among the organizations, it continued.

It said India has been trying to subjugate the revolutionary movements in the North Eastern region. The main reason for this was the strengthening of revolutionary movements by the Nagas, Mizos, Tripuris and Manipuris, it continued.

Even today, India is unable to have faith in the people of the region, it said.

The message also said that the continued imposition of the draconian AFSPA is not only an act of violating human rights but a symbol of India`™s racial discrimination.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/prepak-calls-for-unity-in-rising-day-message/

IMPHAL, October 8: Strict Police Commando, Thoubal, Imphal west and 2 Assam Rifles have arrested 5 persons involved in transportation and causing IED blasts in the State.

According to a release, the combined team conducted search operation at the area of Salungpham Makha Leikai and arrested an active cadre of PLA/PRF from the vicinity of Salungpham High School. The arrested cadre was identified as Phuritsabam Manimohon Meitei, 42, son of Ph. Dharma Singh of Salungpham Maning Leikai. On his disclosure, his associates namely, Pebam Roben Singh, naorem Sobha Meitei, 59 of Salungpham Maning Leikai and Thokchom Raghumani Singh, 42 son of Th. Nimai Singh of Khangabok part-3 Makha Leikai were also arrested from their respective houses.

It further mentioned that from the possession of Ph. Manimohon the team seized 2 Electronic detonators, a line seal marked as Secretary Finance, People Revolutionary Front (RPF), 2 nos. of 9 volt batteries, 6 nos. of 1.5 volt batteries and 4 PLA flags were also recoverd.

During further investigation, it was learned that IEDs were used to be received by Ph. Manimohon Singh from one Md. Jakir Hussain alias Babu Khan, 31, son of Md. Junab Ali of Yairipok Ningthounai Mathak Leikai. Accordingly, Md. Jakir Hussain was arrested on the morning of October 8 from Phouden Moirangpalli.

It further mentioned that a remote control IED with 2 Claymores weighing 1.5kg and 1.87 kg, 2 nos of 12 volt battery packets, 2 Special electrical detonators, a Circuit with Arial, a Remote control device and a 9 volt battery and a 2nd packet containing a High explosive mortar shell weighing 4.2 kg, a piece of TNT weighing 200 gm, 16 nos. of 1.5 batteries, a Special electrical detonator, a remote control device, a 9 volt battery and a black circuit board with Arial were found. Also in the 3rd packet, a Claymore weighing 1.69 kg, a Circuit board with Arial (big size), a remote control device, wire about 5m in length, a square black box containing TNT weighing 2.6kg, a special electrical detonator and a 9 volt battery were also found.

The investigation of the case which was registered at Thoubal Police Station is still going on. The recovery of the IEDs is a significant event as the same were to be used for causing the blasts in Imphal City, it said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/combine-force-arrest-five-involve-in-ied-blast/

IMPHAL, October 8: `The BJP in the State has lost credibility after the recent CBI raids at RIMS. People have lost their hope in the party,` said Premananda, spokesperson of the Manipur Pradesh Trinamool Congress Committee.

Premananda was speaking to media persons today.

He said that MP Derek O`™ Brien, who is also the national spokesperson of the party, will campaign in the Hiyanglam bye-poll for its candidate Dr Y Radheshaym. Derek will attend a public meeting at Langmeidong public ground on October 12.

Continuing his diatribe against BJP, Premananda said even though the party is in power at the Centre, the so called Modi wave has failed to reach Manipur till today.

Moreover, the Sate unit of BJP is already ridden with internal crisis and corruption charges against its leaders. The people are curious to know if the BJP leaders are involved in the alleged `RIMS scam`™, after having read news reports pointing towards it, he said.

On being asked whether the Congress candidate is a threat to Dr Radheshyam in the by-poll election, Premananda maintained that E Dwijamani the Congress candidate had lost to the AITC candidate, late MLA Kunjo in the last Assembly election.

Further, he said that the Congress candidate is like a `toothless tiger`™, who has become weak. Moreover, the Congress party which is in power in the State is under pressure following its failure to submit utilisation certificates for major projects being taken up in Manipur, he continued.

Premananda exuded confidence that his party`™s candidate will snatch the Hiyanglam bye-poll seat.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/bjp-has-lost-credibility-after-cbi-raids-at-rims/