Manipur News

IMPHAL, October 24: In a horrific incident, a 40-year-old woman received serious burn injuries when she set herself on fire late last night around 11.30 at Kwakeithel Konjeng Leikai, Imphal West district.

The woman has been identified as Langpoklatpam Sunita Devi, 40, wife of L Sanjit Singh of Kwakeithel Konjeng Leikai.

She received 70 percent burnt on her body and is currently undergoing treatment at RIMS.

Reports said that Sunita reportedly had a heated argument with her husband Sanjit before setting herself on fire using Kerosene.

Soon after the immolation attempt she was evacuated to Raj Medicity and later referred to RIMS.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/woman-hospitalised-after-self-immolation-attempt/

IMPHAL, October 24 (NNN): Irked by alleged apathetic attitude shown by the Labour department towards its demands, the CAF & PD Labourers`™ Welfare Association (CAF & PD LWA) has announced an indefinite ban on all activities of FCI and CAF & PD godowns beginning October 27.

The association has been demanding the Manipur government to reinstate 61 labours who were recently sacked by some new contractors of Consumer Affairs Food & Public Distribution (CAF & PD).

Accusing the Labour department of ignoring its demands, CAF & PD LWA secretary told Newmai News Network on Friday that the association has decided to impose an indefinite ban on activities of loading and unloading of rice in all FCI and CAF & PD godowns starting October 27.

He warned all concerned of unwanted incidents in the event of resistance against the strike.

CAF & PD LWA had earlier launched strikes demanding the state Government to reinstate the 61 labourers.

As part of the department`™s efforts to resolve the issue, negotiations had been going on between the association, CAF & PD contractors and the department.

However, the association abruptly rejected the conciliation process after representatives of RK Fortune Developers Pvt Ltd failed to attend a meeting arranged at the chamber of the Deputy Commissioner, Labour today.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/labour-body-to-ban-all-activities-of-fci-caf-pd-godowns/

IMPHAL, Oct 24: With the steering wheel-down protest suspended Tankers drivers today resumed their normal duty.

According to A Deven Singh, general secretary All Manipur Petroleum Transporter Association (AMPTA), altogether 26 petroleum tankers distributed petroleum products to various oil depots across the state.

Of the total tankers four tankers of 20 KL petrol, two tankers of 18 KL and 12 tankers of 20-KL are said to be petrol while 25 and 14 tankers are said to be diesel and SK Oil respectively.

Meanwhile, 70 loaded petroleum tankers arrived in Imphal from Assam besides additional 15 LPG bullet tankers.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/tankers-begin-offloading-at-oil-depots/

IMPHAL, October 24: The 12-day long SARAS Mela, 2014 which concluded today managed to earn a total of Rs 1,00,42,000 said Rural Development and Panchayati Raj minister Francis Ngajokpa today.

He was speaking at the concluding function of the mela which began on October 13 at the DM College of Arts playground.

Continuing his speech, the minister said the government will put all efforts to make the mela bigger from next year and further sought cooperation from the public to make it possible.

The mela was organised by the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj under the sponsorship of the Manipur State Rural Livelihood Mission.

The minister who holds additional portfolios of Economics and Statistics also said that such events generate a lot of money both for the organisers and the participants.

Principal secretary (RD and PR) JC Ramthanga said that this year`™s is the eighth edition.

The mela has been organised to provide a platform for the artisans, crafstemans of handicrafts and handloom to exhibit and sell their products, he said.

He said this year`™s edition which concluded today was a success.

Altogether, 200 stalls were opened with participants from all nine districts of the State and from the three States of Assam, Uttarkhand and Maharashtra.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/saras-fair-turnover-cross-record-rs-1-crore-mark/

IMPHAL, October 24: The Ningol Chakouba `Fish Fair-cum-Firsh Crop Competition, 2014`™ was inaugurated by Commerce and Industry minister Govindas Konthoujam as the chief guest today at Mapal Kangjeibung.

The function also was attended by Agriculture and Fisheries minister, Md Abdul Nasir, as the function president while chief secretary PC Lawmkunga and commissioner of Fisheries, Y Jugindro Singh attended as the guests of honour.

Delivering his chief guest speech, Govindas Konthoujam revealed that Manipur is able to produce only 28,000 metric tonne of fish against the State`™s requirement of 48,000 MT but added that the shortage of 20,000 MT can be met locally for fish farmers in the State have the potential to produce this shortage.

The minister further divulged that the Government has taken up initiative to include import of fish from Myanmar besides the 62 items already approved in the border trade agreement.

The director of fisheries K Saratkumar Singh in his key note address said that the department has been organising fish fair-cum-fish crop competition since 1975 with the main objective to enhance fish production and to ease the shortages especially at the time of Chakouba.

Informing that fish farmers are encouraged by providing cash awards to the maximum fish producers, he said that a cash award of Rs. 60,000 is provided as first prize, Rs. 40,000 as second prize and Rs.30,000 as third prize and Rs. 5000 each as consolation prizes.

Further Saratkumar, opined that ever since the fish fair was started in 1975, this year is the first time that the Chief Secretary of Manipur has participated.

Altogether 90 fish stalls were opened to sell fish brought from across the entire length and breadth of the State.

The fair organised by the Directorate of Fisheries.

Ngaton and Pengba at Rs. 650 each per kg, command the highest price in the fair.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/ngaton-and-pengba-command-highest-prices-at-fish-fair/

IMPHAL, October 24: The Governor of Manipur, Dr KK Paul has conveyed his heartiest greetings on the occasion of Ningol Chakkouba to the people of Manipur and especially to the married womenfolk of the State.

In his message to the people of the State, the Governor has stated that Ningol Chakouba is a unique festival of the Meitei community, observed every year on the second day of the New Moon of the Manipuri month of Hiyangei (October-November).

On the day of the festival, the married sisters are invited over by the brothers to a feast and given `dakshina`™ thereafter at their parental homes and these intimate and nostalgic moments strengthen the bond of love and affection between the brothers and sisters, it said.

The Governor further wished for the festival to be celebrated by all in its true form and spirit.

Meanwhile, the State Chief Minister has also conveyed his warm greetings and good wishes to the people of Manipur on the occasion of Ningol Chakkouba festival which falls on October 25.

The festival is one of the biggest festivals of the State which celebrates the unbreakable bond of love between brothers and sisters and which reinforces the care and affection of the parents for their daughters binding and reviving family relations.

Though the festival is originally observed by the Meitei community, the celebration now extends to other communities and tribes in Manipur thereby reinforcing unity amidst diversity in the State, he said.

The festival promotes the feeling of peaceful co-existence and harmonious social life by reaffirming faith in the traditional values of love and protection, it said.

Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker Th Lokeshwar Singh has also greeted the people on the occasion.

In his message, the Speaker has prayed for peace and harmony among the various communities in the State, it said.

The Chairman of Hill Areas Committee, Manipur Legislative Assembly Dr Chaltonlien Amo has also greeted the people of Manipur on the auspicious occasion of the Ningol Chakkouba.

In his message, he wished for the festival to dispel hatred and mistrust among different communities of the State and bring peace, love, communal harmony and prosperity in the State.

The All Manipur Nupi Marup has also greeted the womenfolk of the State on the occasion.

Expressing concern over the competition for gifts during the festival, the AMNM has appealed to all against the practice and further wished for a corruption and crimes against women free society.

The Communist Party of India, Manipur State Council also greeted the people of the State.

A press released of the party signed by its assistant secretary has said that the party wishes for peace and end to crime against women in the State.

The Bharatiya Janata Party, Manipur Pradesh has also wished the people of the State on the auspicious occasion of Ningol Chakouba.

The party has prayed for peace, prosperity and tranquility in the State.

Major General Rajeev Chopra, IGAR (S) and all ranks of Assam Rifles extended warm greetings and sincere goodwill to the people of Manipur on the auspicious occasion of Ningol Chakouba, said PRO IGAR (s) statement.

The statement conveyed that the festival may herald an era of peace, progress and prosperity in the region and enhance the spirit of unity, cohesiveness and brotherhood amongst warm and friendly people of the State, it said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/governor-cm-others-greet-people-on-ningol-chakkouba/

IMPHAL, Oct 24: The department of Education has identified four schools to be used as examination centres for the Manipur Public Service Commission conducted preliminary exam of Manipur Education Service Grade-II and III.

The four schools will remain close on Sunday, October 28.

According to a press release of the department, the four schools are CC Higher Secondary School, Imphal, Ananda Singh Higher Secondary School, TG Higher Secondary School and Johnstone Higher Secondary School.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/exam-centres-for-mes-preliminary-identified/

IMPHAL, October 24: State police rescued two labours kidnapped for ransom, and in another incident arrested a police driver constable involved in lifting two-wheelers, in what was for the State police a fairly successful couple of days.

According to a press statement of the PRO police, on October 23, a team of the Imphal East District Police commando unit arrested two active members of the KNF(N) identified as Jangkhohen Kipgen alias Jangpu, 35 son of (L) Kamsei Kipgen of C Zoulen Village, Saikul PS and Paolenmang Kipgen, 38, son of Thanglal Kipgen of H Champhai Village, Saikul PS presently serving as a driver posted at Sadar Hills Autonomous District Council, Kangpokpi.

It said incriminating articles along with Hyundai Santro Xing car bearing registration number MN02A/8013, a purse containing a driving licence and a service ID were seized from the possession of Jangkhohen Kipgen.

Investigation also revealed that they had came to Andro parking for negotiation of ransom amount for two kidnapped labours abducted from Yairipok Malom during the intervening night of October 16 and 17, it said.

Investigation also revealed that the two kidnapped labours were being kept at Molnom Village, Sadar Hills, it said before adding that on follow up action, a combined team of Thoubal and Imphal East police commando units rescued the two.

The rescued labours are identified as Thokchom Kanta Singh, 21, son of Th Babu Singh of Kha Potsangbam, (excavator driver) and Haobijam Jackson Singh, 18, son of H Brojen Singh of Mayang Imphal Maibam Litan Makhong (excavator driver), it said before adding that they were kidnapped by KNF (N) for a ransom of Rs 1 crore.

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

Further according to the PRO Police statement, on October 21, a team of the Imphal East Police commando arrested a vehicle lifter who identified himself as Buyamayum Tajkhan, 25, son of BM Salaudin of Hiyangthang Tarahei Awang, a Manipur Police driver constable No 1 ODO 121 presently posted at DGCR.

It said that the police team had launched a search operation in the Hatta area after receiving an alert from the district Police Control Room about the loss of a Honda Dio from the area.

During the search, Tajkhan was detained with a Honda Dio bearing regd number MN 01C/ 2880 at Arapti and during verification it was found that the vehicle in his possession was the one reported stolen earlier, it continued.

He was arrested and the vehicle recovered, it said.

On further verification, it was revealed that he had stolen the said vehicle from Hatta near Orient Hotel and on his disclosure, the police team also seized a 9mm pistol along with 10 live rounds loaded in a magazine on October 22 from his house at Hiyangthang Tarahei Awang, it said.

The statement also revealed that he was involved in lifting and stealing of a number of vehicles. A case has been registered at Porompat Police Station and investigation is going on, it said.

On October 22, a combined team of Bishnupur police commando and 12 Bihar Regiment arrested an active member of PREPAK (Pro) identified as Leimapokpam Brojen Singh son of (L) L Keirungba Singh of Leimaram Awang Leikai during a search operation at nambol Bazar, the PRO Police statement said.

A 9mm pistol along with one magazine loaded with two live rounds, a Chinese Hand Grenade and incriminating articles were seized from the possession of the man involved in carrying of arms from one place to another, it said before adding that a case has been registered at Nambol Police Station.

On October 22, another team of the Imphal East District police commandos arrested an active member of the Kuki National Front who was trying to collect a sum of Rs 10000 from a village chief presently residing at Khongsai Veng.

The man identified as Letlalthang Chongloi alias Linus, 28, son of Ezekiel Paongam of H Khopibung Village, Saikul PS was arrested the eastern side of Lamlong bridge, it said.

Incriminating articles and a Honda Activa white in colour were also seized from his possession, it said before adding that investigation had revealed that he had extorted a huge amount of money from the general public, private firms, government offices, contractors, etc. to raise funds for KNF. A case has been registered at Porompat Police Station and investigation is going on.

The same day, another Imphal East district police commandos unit arrested three active members of Zou Defence Volunteer, who came in a Maruti car from near the New Checkon, Tribal Market during a search operation.

The statement identified the three arrested persons as Lalpu Zou alias Chongminal, 30 son of Mangboi Zou of Sangjang Village, Senapati District; Jamlal Haokip alias Alal, 44, son of (L) Vumkhosei Haokip of New Boljang, Churachandpur and Lunkhogam Haokip alias Angam, 33, son of Hemkholun Haokip of Churachandpur.

Incriminating articles along with a Maruti car Alto bearing registration number MN01S/4190 were seized from their possession and a case has been registered at the Porompat Police Station and investigation is going on.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/police-operations-yield-rich-results-peak-with-rescue-of-two-labourers-held-for-ransom/

IMPHAL, October 24: The Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy has said that a 16-member troupe of the academy led by director L Upendro Sharma has returned to Imphal after successfully presenting Manipuri dance and music in different cities of Japan from October 13 to 19 during the ongoing festival of India in Japan organised by Sangeet Natak Akademi, Ministry of Culture, Government of India and Embassy of India in Japan.

According to a release of the academy, the group returned on October 20.

The 1st performance of Manipuri group was presented in the Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Tokyo on October 14 in presence of Ambassador of India in Japan, Deepa G Wadhwa, other foreign dignitaries, MPs from India, artistes and public of Tokyo and the 2nd performance was held at Onagawa Town on October 16, it said.

The group presented its third programme at Sendai, a famous commercial area of Japan on October 17 and performed the most popular dance-drama of the academy `Keibul Lamjao`™ (Sangai) with items such as Dhol Cholom, Thang-Ta and Vasanta Raas, it said before adding that the final presentation was made on October 19 in Yokohama City on the occasion of Diwali mela during which Lai-haraoba, Dhol Cholom and Thang-Ta were presented.

Director of Meheila Museum, Japan Tokio Hasegawa who is also an expert on Indian culture was the coordinator of the Manipuri programme, it said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/jnmda-troupe-returns-from-successful-japan-trip/

IMPHAL, Oct 23: In separate messages Deputy Chief Minister and president Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee, Gaikhangam, and Inner Manipur MP, Dr T Meinya, greeted the people ahead of Ningol Chakkouba festival.

According to the messages from the two leaders, both on MPCC letterheads, Ningol Chakkouba is a much awaited day especially for women, who once in a year reunite at their parental homes over a meal, and receive gifts of love and happy tidings.

The day is also a reminder that women are respected, loved and have a special place in the Manipuri society, the messages said.

The two leaders also wished Ningol Chakouba celebration may bring peace, love and harmony in the State.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/chakkouba-greetings/

KANGPOKPI, Oct 23: Kuki civil organisations including Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills and its frontal organisations, Sadar Hills Women Union, KSO-Sadar Hills and Kuki Chiefs` Associations unanimously reaffirmed their stand once again in a general body meeting at Kangpokpi to not endorse and give any tax or donation to Naga militant group NSCN of the Kuki Tribal Union, KTU, which they allege is a proxy of the NSCN.

The Kuki civil bodies within Sadar Hills also re-affirmed their stand to stop the collection of any tax or donation in the Kuki inhabited areas within Sadar Hills by any other organisations.

The fact that KTU is collecting taxes from Kuki villages reveals the communal attitude of GPRN/NSCN, pointed out the Kuki civil bodies in the meeting, asserting `No Kuki village will pay any taxes to GPRN/NSCN/KTU and its constituent units or frontal organisations.` This is also the collective stand of the Kuki civil societies in Manipur.

The Kuki civil bodies further pointed out that repeated demands of taxes from Kuki village within Sadar Hills by KTU transparently reflects the design of GPRN/NSCN to sow seeds of discord between the Kukis and Nagas by using the Kuki Tribal Union (KTU) for collection of taxes from Kuki villages.

Urging to withdraw and cancel its orders with immediate effect for long lasting peace and harmony between the two communities, the collective leadership of the Kukis had earlier rejected the orders of GPRN openly in all leading newspapers of the state on March 12.

Cautioning the GPRN to mull a lot before using the name of KTU in the future so as to avoid communal tension, the Kuki civil bodies reminded the GPRN that the Kukis were peace loving people.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/no-tax-to-nscn-or-ktu-reaffirms-kuki-csos/

IMPHAL, October 23: The three Members of Parliament of the State have unanimously opined that there is need for implementation of Inner Line Permit System, or a similar law to safeguard the indigenous population of the State.

According to sources, the 19th sitting of all political party on implementation of Inner Line Permit System was held today at the office conference hall of the deputy Chief Minister, Gaikhangam, who is also the chairman of the committee.

The Sources continued that three Members of Parliament namely Thangso Baite of the Outer parliamentary constituency, Dr Th Meinya of the Inner parliamentary constituency and Dr Abdul Salam, Rajya Sabha MP were present in the committee meeting.

The three MPs gave the same view that ILP system or a similar law to protect the indigenous peoples of the State must be enacted.

Further the sources said the committee will call on the Chief Minister of the State on October 27.

The committee also decided to seek opinion of constitutional experts regarding enactment of ILP System of a similar law in the State.

Today`™s sitting also dwelled on the main routes of influx of illegal migrants, particularly the NH-37 Imphal `“ Jiribam road, NH-150 Imphal `“ Ukhrul road and NH 152 Mizoram `“ Imphal road.

It deliberated on how illegal influx of migrants can be checked and regulated along the said highways, informed the sources.

The committee also reiterated its decision to reach out to other States like Meghalaya, Himachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh etc to study the ways and means of checking illegal migration, and to implement land holding policies which would not compromise the interests of indigenous populations, added the sources.

It may be mentioned that so far the committee had heard comments and views of more than 50 experts, in connection with the implementation of ILP system. The committee in its meeting with the Chief Minister O Ibobi on October 27 will be briefing him on the comments and views collected from the experts, said the sources.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/state-mps-uphold-implementation-of-ilps/

IMPHAL, October 23: All Manipur Road Transport Driver`™s & Motor Workers Union General Secretary Hamom Kulamani said today that no driver will leave ISBT till Ghosh is booked.

It may be recalled the All Manipur Petroleum Tankers`™ Drivers Union launched a strike,yesterday, to protest against the bullying of an oil tanker driver by the union`™s president Y Bhupendra Ghosh using a gun and assaulting him.

In a press meet at the AMRTDMWU office, Kulamani said the victim, Niman Lama, son of Krishna Bahadur Lama of Kanglatombi, was standing in a queue to take his challan and was behaving nicely.

The victim is a member of the All Manipur Road Transport Driver`™s & Motor Workers Union, he said, adding that harassing a member of the Union is akin to harassing the Union.

He said the victim was only enquiring about the non issuance of challans but in return was harassed and intimidated with firearms. He further appealed the concerned police station to detain Y Bhupendra Ghosh and take actions against him.

Kulamani added that the FIR lodged at the concerned Police Station will not be withdrawn at any cost till the culprit is booked and all the drivers will not drive out of ISBT.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/amrtdmwu-demands-ghosh-arrest/

IMPHAL, Oct 23: Villagers of Sora, Koijam, Langthabal, Laiching Minou and Yaithibi Khunou have vehemently protested against the State government for attempting to illegally obtain land without the consent of villagers for the setting up of the Sports University at 44 Yaithibi Khonou allegedly through coercive measures.

The locals of five villages in Thoubal district took the resolution of objecting the government`™s move in a public meeting held at the Sora Bazar Community Hall today.

The meeting was graced by Yaithibi Gram Panchayat pradhan Md Mojuruddin.

In the meeting, the locals took another resolution of urging the concerned authorities to construct the Sports University elsewhere other than 44 Yaithibi Loukol after consulting and taking the consent of all the people of the State. The participants in the meeting stated that if the Union government has given the approval of setting it up here in good faith keeping the interests of the people of Manipur in mind, the government shouldn`™t have any problems in shifting the location of the proposed Sports University in some other place.

Condemning the coercive measures of Kakching MLA Y Surchandra, Wangjing Tentha MLA P Brojen and Tengnoupal MLA DK Korunthang who with the assistance of the Thoubal DC and other staffs are forcibly trying to go ahead with the plan of setting up the Sports University, the locals unanimously decided to launch strong agitations against these individuals if they persist with their activities.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/locals-protest-sports-univ-at-yaithibi-khunou/

IMPHAL, October 23: The steering wheel-down agitation of the tankers drivers which commenced from last afternoon has been suspended today taking into consideration the Ningol Chakkouba festival.

The tankers drivers will resume their normal duties from tomorrow.

Speaking to media persons during a meet held today at ISBT, A Deven Singh general secretary of All Manipur Petroleum Transporter Association (AMPTA), said that representatives of several transporters`™ body who endorsed the agitation today met with the CAF&PD Minister at his office chamber at 11 am.

The transporters`™ body included the All Manipur Inter State Bus Owners`™ Association (AMISBOA), NH-37/53 Truck Owners`™ Welfare Association and All Manipur Petroleum Tankers Drivers`™ Union (AMPTDA).

The meeting was also attended by Lamlai MLA-Ksh Biren, Konthoujam MLA K Sarat and senior depot managers of IOC, SI Singh.

Following an appeal made by the Government to suspend the agitation in the interest of the general public and taking into consideration the Ningol Chakkouba, the transporter suspended the agitation, he said.

It may be noted that the tankers driver resorted to protest demanding the police to withdraw an FIR lodge against Bhupenchandra Ghosh, president All Manipur Petroleum Transporter Association (AMPTA).

The case was lodged by one tanker driver namely Nirmal Lama, 34, of Gautam Basti, Khatkhati, Assam driving for Heirangoithong Service Station (oil pump) who had charged that he had been intimidated and assaulted by Bhupenchandra Gosh, using small arm on October 21.

However, the tankers driver refuted the allegation levelled against Ghosh was baseless adding that only a minor scuffle broke out following misbehaviour of Nirmal who was under the influence of alcohol.

Meanwhile, informing that the tankers driver will resume their normal duty, Deven asked the Nirmal Lama who is involved in the fiasco to tender his apology to the Union physically by November 10.

Terming the October 21 incident as an internal crisis within the tanker drivers`™ family, Deven urged external forces who are trying to blow the incident out of proportion, not to interfere into their matter.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/tanker-drivers-strike-suspended-in-view-of-chakkouba-fest/