K-Featured – Page 57 – Manipur News

AMWJU celebrates 42nd foundation day

Gaikhangam calls anti-bills protestors to come forward for talks IMPHAL, September 16: The All Manipur Working Journalists`™ Union (AMWJU) celebrated its 42nd foundation day today here at Manipur Press Club

Dignitaries during the 42nd foundation day celebration of AMWJU

Gaikhangam calls anti-bills protestors to come forward for talks

IMPHAL, September 16: The All Manipur Working Journalists`™ Union (AMWJU) celebrated its 42nd foundation day today here at Manipur Press Club with Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam; AMWJU president Wangkhemcha Shamjai; Commerce & Industries, Sericulture and Vety & Animal Husbandry Minister Govindas Konthoujam and MLA N Biren attending as chief guest, president and guests of honour respectively.

Speaking at the function, MLA N Biren said that at a rally held at Senapati as well as according to some press statements, the agitators who are against the passing of the three bills in the Assembly have mentioned some points that the MLR and LR Act will be extended in whole of the State and by covering the hill areas the Section 14 (A) has been modified.

These points that the people want to know should be clarified by the media by asking the Dy CM, the MLA urged.

He also clarified that the amendment should be only confined to the principle bill that is the MLR & LR Act and that it is only enforced in the valley districts of the State.

And also the amendment of the bill is on the relevant subject and the relevant subject here is sales and purchase of land to non-Manipuris. That means it does not affect while selling the land to Meitei, Pangals, Kuki and Naga, he maintained.

He further said that few days ago a politician held a press meet where the politician had charged that the bills were created without including any tribal representative.

The charges levelled by the politician were carried by the local dallies as a news item the way the politician had claimed it, he said.

He said the media persons did not try to question the politician if the politician was not aware of the fact that the All Political Party Committee formed to discuss the ILP issue was headed by Dy CM Gaikhanagam, who is from the tribal community, as the Chairman.

The media persons were also pretty much aware of the fact that while discussing the bills the government ran pillar to post asking suggestions through the media and even consulted veteran politicians like former CMs Rishang, Dolendro and many others.

`Why was these questions not raised by the media persons to the said politician?`

`We are simply publishing whatever the person who held the press meet is claiming without even verifying the facts,` said the MLA who was a journalist himself before joining politics.

If the media persons had asked these questions to the politician, people would have been able to see a clearer picture of the issue, said the MLA who seems disappointed with the media persons.

He also maintained that there are currently four tribal Ministers.

`I urge the scribes to bridge the gaps in the communication during this time of crisis. The role of media is very important during this time,` he added.

Speaking on the occasion, Dy CM Gaikhangam reiterated what he said at the foundation day function of All Manipur Bar Association held at Cheirap Court yesterday.

He called upon the people of the hills who are agitating against the passing of the three bills to come forward for talks with the government to bring an amicable solution.

He also mentioned that the government had sent official invitation for talks twice already and now it is considering of sending the invitation for the third time.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/09/amwju-celebrates-42nd-foundation-day/

Point out the errors, and let`s resolve the issue amicably, Gaikhangam beseeches anti-bills protestors

IMPHAL, September 15: `How are we supposed to bring a solution if we are not given the chance to discuss the issue?` deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam said today. The deputy

Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam speaking at the 64th Foundation Day celebration of the AMBA.

IMPHAL, September 15: `How are we supposed to bring a solution if we are not given the chance to discuss the issue?` deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam said today.

The deputy Chief Minister was speaking at the 64th Foundation Day celebration of the All Manipur Bar Association held at the Chierap Court Complex today.

Referring to the present agitations launched against the passing of the three bills by the State Assembly, he said invitations have been sent out twice for talks, but till date there has been no response.

`Whatever the contentious issue is, we need to sit down and discuss it to find a solution,` he continued.

He said following a demand of the JCILPS for an Act to safeguard the interest of the indigenous people of the State, the government, after a very long process, finally passed the three bills in the State Assembly.

However, once the bills were passed, unwanted and unfortunate incidents were reported from the hill districts, he said.

He said this may have happened due to failure of the government to understand, comprehend the issue or due to communication gaps.

`But point out the errors to us and let`™s remove it.`

`If the people are not willing to talk or discuss the issue than it is confusing for us,` he said.

The State government has repeatedly urged the stakeholders to come forward for discussion if they find anything wrong in the bills that could hurt the interest of any community. However, till date, the government has not received any response, he continued.

He said `You have been saying the bills will hurt the interest of the hill people, but have never come forward to discuss the points where the bills are wrong. If you don`™t want to come and meet the government representatives, then we are ready to come to you, just let us know.`

The government had created and passed the bills thinking they will do good for the State, but instead if it is going to break the State, then what is the point of passing the bills, he observed.

If required and if there are sufficient grounds, then we can consider even withdrawal of the bills, he said.

The Chief Minister has also asked repeatedly to point out the contentious issues and had assured that the bills will not harm the interest of the people, he continued.

He said the government has sent official invitations twice already and is planning to send out for the third time now, he said.

`Whatever the thing is we need to talk and discuss,` he observed.

`I on behalf of the Government of Manipur once again call upon the hill peoples, leaders of civil society organizations, student bodies and womenfolk to come forward for talks in the best interest of the State as well as for the sake of peace.`

CNPO peace rally welcomes Peace Accord

CHANDEL, September 14: The Chandel Naga People`™s Organisation organised a peace rally today under the aegis of the United Naga Council to welcome the Peace Accord signed between the Centre

The CNPO rally in Chandel.

CHANDEL, September 14: The Chandel Naga People`™s Organisation organised a peace rally today under the aegis of the United Naga Council to welcome the Peace Accord signed between the Centre and the NSCN (IM) on August 3 and in protest against the three bills passed by the Manipur State Legislative Assembly on August 31.

The rally was organised at Chandel District HQ.

A public meeting was also held at the playground of the Maha Union Government Higher Secondary School, Japhou during which a one-minute silence was also observed to show respect to the nine tribal martyrs who died during the recent Churachandpur unrest.

UNC president Gaidon Kamei, Committee For Alternative Arrangement vice president Ashinpou Gangmei, CNPO president Ws Kanral Anal and other leaders of Naga including Shumsot Khular, vice president Naga Women Union Manipur deliberated about the Naga Peace Accord and the reasons for opposing the three infamous Bills during the public meeting.

The public meeting also condemned the statement of K Ranjit Singh, MLA Sugnu in the Assembly alleging that there is no Naga in Manipur and also boycotted him in Naga areas for his remark against the Nagas.

After the meeting, the rally commenced from the Maha Union Government Higher Secondary School`™s Ground and proceeded toward the Office complex of Deputy Commissioner, Chandel where a memorandum was submitted to Prime Minister of India and Governor of the State through Julie Daryal Anal, SDO Chandel and Machi.

People from all walks of life including Naga Tribes leaders, CSO leaders, village chiefs, church leaders and students participated in the rally by holding several placards inscribed with a slogans `We welcome the peace Accord, Respect Tribal Rights, oppose the infamous 3 bills, Naga integration is a must for final solution, etc.`

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/09/cnpo-peace-rally-welcomes-peace-accord/

CoPoTR bandh hits normal life in Chandel, to extend till today

CHANDEL, September 13: The Commitee on Protection of Tribal Rights Chandel district (CoPoTR) agitation demanding withdrawal of the government`™s September 11 notification to re-conduct sitting of ADC Members for election

A deserted road in Chandel during the CoPotR bandh.

The second day began with a 12 hours total bandh from 6 am of today with large numbers of bandh supporters blocking the Imphal-Moreh road at Lamkang Khunou, Pallel-Chandel District Headquarters road at Liwachangning and Chandel DC Lamkhai by burning tyres and piling woods.

Vehicular movement along section of NH-102C (Pallel `“Chandel), NH 102 (Pallel Moreh) and Chandel-Chakpikarong road came to a grinding halt since 6 in the morning due to the bandh.

The district headquarters town Japhou Bazaar looked totally deserted.

Speaking to media persons, Wng. Kohring Victor, Chairman of CoPoTR Chandel District said that the bandh was imposed in continuation of the protest demanding withdrawal of the government`™s notification of September 11 to conduct sitting of ADC Members for election of ADC Chairman.

The bandh will remain enforced along the Imphal – Moreh road till tomorrow even after the 12- hr bandh ended by 6 pm today, he declared.

In compliance with the government`™s order, the election for electing the Chairman of Chandel ADC was conducted on September 9 in the presence of Chief Executive Officer, ADC Chandel therefore status quo of the sitting of September must be maintained, he asserted.

He further said that a sit-in-protest was also held yesterday at District Headquarters against the government`™s notification.

While demanding `status quo` of the election of ADC Chairman held on September 9 and immediate withdrawal of the notification, Kohring Victor warned that the committee will continue and intensify our agitation, if the state government fails to withdraw the notification for re-electing ADC Chairman which was scheduled to be held on September 14.

Alleging that the government is playing divide and rule policy among the tribal in the name of development and formation of ADC to function, he demanded immediate withdrawal of the notification to avoid undesirable consequences and unrest in the district.

While announcing endorsement of the peace rally organised by CNPO as well as ANSAM demands of not to go ahead with recruitment process, the Chairman of CoPoTR appealed to all the 24 elected ADC Members to re-introspect for unity of the tribal and stay away from the rules of the Congress government which is responsible for committing blunders that has led to bloodsheds and loss of tribal lives.

Unity of all the 24 elected ADC Members is the need of the hour to save the rights of tribal in the district from further damage in future, he added.

There were no reports of any untoward incidents till the time of filing this report.

Kuki Black day to be observed today

KANGPOKPI, September 12: The Kuki Black Day or Sahnit Ni in Kuki dialect will be observed for Justice at Kangpokpi tomorrow. Chonkam Kipgen, Chairman of Kangpokpi Town Committee said that

Kuki Black Day (Photo for representation only)

KANGPOKPI, September 12: The Kuki Black Day or Sahnit Ni in Kuki dialect will be observed for Justice at Kangpokpi tomorrow.

Chonkam Kipgen, Chairman of Kangpokpi Town Committee said that as part of the observation of the Kuki Black Day all churches within Kangpokpi will organize a mass prayer in their respective areas tomorrow morning.

In the evening at around 6 pm, candle lit service will be organized at the memorial monument site in front of the Inspector Bungalow (I.B) at Kangpokpi under the aegis of Kangpokpi Town Committee in collaboration with KWWO and KYU, he informed.

A giant black banner reading, `Kuki Black Day`™ has already been put up in the heart of the town and every household members of the town had been informed to hang a black flag in their respective households as a mark of mourning, homage and pray for justice.

He also appealed to all the denizens of Kangpokpi to participate in the candle lit service.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/09/kuki-black-day-to-be-observed-today/

Nagaland Post: Centre to absorb some NSCN (I-M) cadres into SF – Acharya

Kohima: Nagaland & Assam Governor PB Acharya said some NSCN (I-M) cadres would be absorbed into the security forces (SF) under the recent ‘frame work agreement’ signed between Centre and

NSCN (IM) Cadres

Kohima: Nagaland & Assam Governor PB Acharya said some NSCN (I-M) cadres would be absorbed into the security forces (SF) under the recent ‘frame work agreement’ signed between Centre and the NSCN (I-M) in the presence of PM Narendra Modi, Times of India report stated.

Speaking to mediapersons here on Tuesday at Raj Bhavan, as per the report, Acharya had said: “Since the members of the group (NSCN I-M) have long been cut off from the civil society and living with arms, the government has decided to absorb some 4,000 of them into the security forces in a big way.”
He also said that after signing of the agreement, NSCN (I-M) has now merged with the civil society.
Achraya said, “All that the NSCN (I-M) leadership wants is that the Nagas, wherever they reside, should enjoy equal status with other communities of the state where they are living.”

Acharya said the Governor of Nagaland would play a special role in implementing the peace deal that was signed in Delhi on August 3. He also reiterated that no areas of other states would be lumped with Nagaland, a demand raised by NSCN (I-M) for decades.

Meanwhile, according to the northeastnews report, Acharya, while interacting with the media informed that when most of the breakaway groups of NSCN have accepted to join the civil society and shun the path of violence, it is not long before NSCN (Khaplang) also joins the peace process.
He appealed to all armed groups operating in Assam and other parts of North East to shun the path of violence and to be the part of process of development of the region.
He also appealed Paresh Baruah faction of anti-talk ULFA (I) to come out soon and join the peace process.
Achraya said while the NSCN has given up the demand for a sovereign Nagaland, their concern for the welfare of Nagas in other states will be looked into and the proposals made by the Union Government have been accepted by the Naga leaders.

Source: Nagaland Post

Oil tankers to reach State capital today, bring respite to fuel scarcity

IMPHAL, September 9: Loaded oil tankers will enter the State through the Imphal-Dimapur highway tomorrow to bring some respite to the scarcity of fuel in the State, especially petrol, since

A truck trying to manoeuvre through the muddy Imp-Jiribam Highway stretch at Makru.

IMPHAL, September 9: Loaded oil tankers will enter the State through the Imphal-Dimapur highway tomorrow to bring some respite to the scarcity of fuel in the State, especially petrol, since both highways feeding the State had remained blocked for some time.

Transportation of essential commodities including fuel into the State had stopped after a landslide at Phesama near Kohima Town in Nagaland blocked the Imphal-Dimapur highway since August 18, while the second lifeline of the State Imphal-Jiribam remained blocked due to a damage of the Barak Bridge since August 24.

Speaking to media persons today at their Sangakpham office, the All Manipur Petroleum Tankers`™ and Drivers`™ Union president Y Bhupenchandra said the Border Road Organisation has issued an official confirmation regarding completion of repairing work of the highway stretch affected by the landslide at Phesama and loaded tankers will start plying normally along the Imphal-Dimapur highway from tomorrow.

Empty oil tankers will also leave Imphal this evening for which escorts have been arranged he added.

He said since August 18, no loaded trucks were able to pass through the route due to the massive landslide at Phesama in Nagaland.

Simultaneously, connectivity along the the Imphal-Jiribam Highway was also blocked due to a damage of the Barak Bridge since August 24 he said.

This had led to a scarcity of petrol and diesel in the State he said.

He said some oil tankers had also left Imphal today along the NH 37 with escorts and will be returning in another three or four days.

At the same time, 42 loaded oil tankers are at the moment stranded at Jiribam while another 188 loaded tankers are stranded along the Dimapur route he added.

He further appealed to the CSOs of both the hills and the valley against imposing any kind of restriction to the tankers.

People of Manipur Protection Bill – Lost in Translation: Linda Chhakchhuak

By Linda Chhakchhuak 07 September, 2015 Countercurrents.org Some folklore say that Manipur is land of the three brothers. They are the Meitei, Naga and the Kuki communities. But as most

Manipur police truck has been burnt down by the agitators on the road at Churachandpur
Photo: Deepak Shijagurumayum

By Linda Chhakchhuak

07 September, 2015
Countercurrents.org

Some folklore say that Manipur is land of the three brothers. They are the Meitei, Naga and the Kuki communities. But as most brotherhood stories go they inevitably ended up disagreeing and quarrelling over the inheritance left by their fathers. This myth seems to sum up the history of this troubled northeastern state of India which is once again engulfed in blood, soot and tears.

This being an age in which the information highway passes through almost every hand with a mobile phone, the war cries, chest thumping and ill conceived rumors were mass knowledge in a span of few minutes, each post more virulent than the earlier one igniting ire. Not too soon after the by now famous three Bills were passed in the Manipur Legislative Assembly on August 31, the house of a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) went up in flames. Homes of Manipur’s health minister Phungzathang Tonsing and five other MLAs were set afire during the protests. Eight persons died in the subsequent mob quelling actions by the state police.

The “angry mob” was people of the hills districts mad at their own tribal MLAs for not standing up against the three Bills which they claimed was a deviously diabolical game to take away their land rights and making them strangers in their own homeland.

The three Bills are The Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms (Seventh) Amendment Bill 2015 (MLRLR Bill 2015), The Protection of Manipur People Bill, 2015 and The Manipur Shops and Establishments Act (Second) Amendment Bill 2015, collectively meant to be the Government of Manipur’s solution to the months long demand for implementation of Inner Line Permit system by the Meitei organizations to protect them from the high rate of influx of outsiders. The states of Mizoram, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh have the ILP system which are British enactments made for their own benefit but vaunted as a wall against assimilation from outsiders today.

Obviously the polity is so steeped in local conspiracy theory that common people have not a shred of trust left in the persons they themselves had voted to represent them. On the other hand neither did the representatives or the Government make any effort to get public opinion before legislating on such a sensitive issue. That cost them their homes and credibility. But did people understand what they were they out in the streets for, braving bullets and death?

The MLRLR Bill 2015 clearly outlines the unenviable situation of the Meitei people, who inhabit the valley portion of the Manipur state. The state is 90 percent hills and 10 percent plains. But demography wise, the valley is packed with 60 percent of the total population of the state (27 lakhs plus). The density 731 persons as opposed to 61 persons in the hills just go to show what the valley people are up against. Under the main 1960 MRLR Act, Scheduled Tribes of the state who are native of the hills can buy land and settle down in the plains. On the other hand the plains based Meitei people are forbidden to acquire land in the hills by this same law. This same Law permits the Scheduled Tribe (ST) to sell off their lands in the valley with the provision that if they are selling it to a non-Scheduled Tribe it can be done only with the consent of the Deputy Commissioner. This would mean that if they are disposing it off to another Scheduled Tribe person, then it would not need any consent of the DC.

What seems to be happening as can be surmised from reading between the lines of the MRLR Amendment Bill 2015 is that there is an influx of ‘outsiders’, not so much as that of non-tribals from outside the state, but also of persons of affiliated kins-tribes from across the network of Kuki-Chin-Mizo community as well as Nagas from neighboring borders whether it is from Mizoram, Nagaland, Assam and Myanmar. Affiliated and based on close-knit kinship systems it is impossible to differentiate the ‘native ST’ from the ‘outsider Tribes’ in the state where the buying and selling of land may be happening. This is a cause of concern for the valley inhabitants of the Meitei heritage, who are struggling to keep their ancestral lands from slipping away right under their noses. They are a beleaguered people hemmed in by dozens of problems, the least of them being officially categorized as “non-tribal” , settled on the fulcrum of a tribal volcano of resentment. (Long ago they refused to be clubbed under the category of “Tribe” which they want reversed now but it is another complicated
story.)

Instead of directly dealing with the issue of influx, the MRLR (Seventh) Amendment Bill2015 seeks to curtail this transfer by invoking sale against the “Non Manipur Person”(NMP). The amendment is to ‘regulate the sale of land to Non Manipur Persons of the state so that the limited land in the valley is available to the permanent residents of the state in the interests of the general public.” From now on any sale and transfer of land in the valley to Non Manipur Persons of the state, firms, institutions or any other entities intending to purchase land will be done only after getting state government approval. This is actually a cry for space and the plight of the growing population of Meitei people and the other non-tribal residents of the tiny valley jostling for space with the Scheduled tribe people who have the upper hand as far as the right to buy or sell land in the state is concerned.

The MRLR (Seventh) Amendment 2015 is supported by The Protection of Manipur People Bill, 2015. The objective of this Bill is to regulate the entry and exit of Non Manipur Persons and tenants. It defines who are the “Manipur People” in Clause 2 section (b) which says “b) “Manipur people” means Persons of Manipur whose name are in the National Register of Citizens, 1951 Census Report 1951 and Village Directory of 1951 and their descendants who have contributed to the collective social, cultural and economic life of Manipur;. This is the clause which has raised mayhem among the Kuki affiliate tribes and the Nagas who say, rightly, that during the early fifties there was hardly any infrastructure or government presence capable of capturing the whole population of the region in a register.

But these misgivings should have melted as the Bill carries a caveat in Paragraph 8 which unequivocally states that the persons to be exempted under the provisions of this Bill are “the native people of the state of Manipur.” The Bill does not give details about this, but going by definition by the heavyweight expert on Manipur, T C Hodson it refers to the Meitei, Kuki and Naga of the state.

Predictably, politicians of all hues and categories from the inside the state and the neighboring regions of Manipur have lost no time in fishing in troubled waters of Manipur. They should know better as the same equations of conflict are just a spark away in their own homes and states.

(Linda Chhakchhuak is an independent Journalist and anthropologist, based in Shillong, Meghalaya)

‘Us’, ‘them’ and an elusive peace – Dr. Malem Ningthouja

Manipur has often been the setting for violent agitations, with those behind them demanding the implementation of an Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in order to define and protect “insiders”

Meitei and Kabui women stage protest demanding Inner Line Permit System at Konung Mamang in Manipur

Manipur has often been the setting for violent agitations, with those behind them demanding the implementation of an Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in order to define and protect “insiders” from buying up land on the one hand, and from the unregulated entry of “outsiders” on the other. All this can be traced to the core — in the agitations of 1920, 1935, and 1965, when sections targeted the “outsider” monopoly in trade. The agitations, in 1980, 1994, and from 2006 onwards, have been primarily against unregulated immigrants who bought up land and immovable properties.

The agitations have been motivated by the situation that has set alarm bells ringing following unrestrained demographic pressure by “outsiders” and the need for an ILP as it exists in Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Nagaland. The ILP is required for ‘other’ Indian citizens to enter Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Mizoram. The objective has been to prevent outsiders from buying up land and owning natural resources in Manipur. But these stirs have been confined to the Manipur valley, which is about 9 per cent of the geographical area and where 61.54 per cent of the enumerated population (Census 2001) comprises the majority community Meitei, tribals and others living together. Interpretations of the campaign have been along communal lines, probably because it was concentrated in the valley and led by Meitei-based organisations.

Geo-community projection

The apparent Meitei orientation of the agitation has been obvious since minimal tribal presence in the valley has been juxtaposed with Meitei predominance and tribal organisations in the hills that have deliberately maintained an opaqueness about a supporting role. A visible role for the Meitei is clear as defending the territorial integrity of Manipur is dear to them and as they have been the front runners in being associated with other popular movements to protect land and resources from being consumed by controversial projects.

The ILP agitation has been the brainchild of Meitei organisations for two basic reasons. First, its geographical epicentre has been the valley where there has been increasing pressure on land as a result of population growth. This includes migrations by outsiders and continuous “land grabbing” by the government for the setting up of military establishments and other infrastructure, which led to systematic reduction of areas under primary economic activities. Second, Meiteis have been in the fore front of this as despite their known achievements in arts and culture, sport and other skills, they are deeply apprehensive of being marginalised and facing insecurity in Manipur.

This needs to be explained in detail. Despite the perception that identifies the Meitei with the valley, in reality, the valley is liberally open to all who can buy and own land and resources. This situation is what has promoted the large-scale migration of tribals and outsiders from other parts of India and also Nepal, Myanmar and Bangladesh. It is a one way migration that has deeply affected the psyche of many Meiteis, as they, as a result of being clubbed with non-tribals, are now constitutionally not permitted to own land both in the vast tracts of government reserved areas in the valley and in the hills of Manipur. However, the Meiteis consider the migration of tribals as a sign of integration and do not oppose it; what they are critical of and apprehensive about are the ‘outsiders’.

A form of restraint

Many Meiteis are worried that the numerical strength and growth of outsiders have now reached alarming proportions and there is a situation where they outnumber several small communities in Manipur; according to the 2001 census, there are 9.18 lakh Meiteis and others, 6.70 lakh tribals and 7.04 lakh outsiders. They predict a socio, cultural and economic domination by outsiders as a result of large-scale migration, especially after the extension of railway lines, trans-Asian highways and the expansion of market corridors towards Southeast Asian countries. They are also worried about unrestrained land grabbing in Manipur to facilitate hydro-electric projects, mining, and also oil exploration and drilling at the cost of the people and the ecology. Many have upheld that the implementation of the ILP or a similar law can act as a form of restraint to unregulated immigration and also prevent outsiders and companies/industry from taking control over the land and resources, especially in the valley, where there has been no protective law ever since the permit system was lifted by the Government of India in November 1950.

Following violent agitations that have often lasted months, the Government of Manipur and the Joint Committee on the Inner Line Permit System in Manipur (JCILPS) arrived at an agreement. Thus, on August 31, 2015, the Manipur Legislative Assembly passed three Bills, which were not to the complete satisfaction of pro-ILP sections. These are the Protection of Manipur People Bill 2015, which has fixed 1951 as the base year to detect outsiders; the Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms Amendment Bill 2015, and the Manipur Shops and Establishments Bill 2015. These Bills are being strongly opposed by the ‘tribal’ organisations in the Manipur hill districts, particularly those of the Kuki Chin Mizo-based organisations, and which have now been supported by Naga-based organisations as well.

Inter-community tensions

Agitators blocking the road by burning at churachandpur.
Photo: Deepak Shijagurumayum

Kuki organisations have opposed the ILP movement from spreading in Churachandpur and Chandel districts, which led to a violent clash on August 18, at the border town of Moreh. They have charged the Bills as being evidence of Meitei expansionism in the hills to expel a large section of Kukis. The propaganda has been appealing to many who are unhappy with the anti-Kuki stance and ‘refugee’ tag attributed to them by individuals from other communities. There has also been rivalry between Kuki underground organisations and those who have been identified as being with other communities. There could also be an element of fear as many of them — either people who might have migrated after 1951, or those whose lineages might not have been recorded in the list criteria — could be treated as outsiders. Other tribes have also expressed similar concerns.

The overall projection of the Bills as being pro-Meitei fails to holistically interpret the limitations of the cut-off year of 1951. This provision actually affects all, including some sections of the Meiteis and others who came to Manipur after 1951. It will also be practically difficult to detect and deport migrants who have close ethnic bonds with one or other ‘indigenous’ communities. But the polemics of insecurity have interplayed with the propaganda that the Manipur Land Revenue and Reform Act 1960 has been extended to the hill districts, which is untrue as there is no amendment in the territorial extent of the said Act.

BSF’s gypsy has been burnt down by the agitators inside the Churachandpur hospital
Photo: Deepak Shijagurumayum

The recent tensions, and which have been extensively reported in the media, might not have occurred had the Government of Manipur dealt with the situation in a better way. Instead of fully relying on the consent of the tribal MLAs, it could have also consulted the Hill Areas Committee or other responsible ‘tribal’ organisations in order to resolve any misunderstanding, before passing the Bills. On the other hand, neither the organisation that had led the ILP movement nor the tribal organisations who protested against the Bills had approached each other for mutual consent in this regard. The Kuki and Naga organisations were not insensitive to the primary objective of the cut-off year of 1951, as being primarily to target the ethno-culturally, distinguishable outsiders from other parts of India, Nepal and Bangladesh. They wanted to magnify the controversies arising from these Bills in order to invoke community sentiment, consolidate their respectively fractured communities, and to intensify the demand for either VI Schedule status for the tribes or different administrative systems for Kukis and Nagas. In this, there is tactical unity between Naga and Kuki organisations. This is understandable in the context of Naga enthusiasm towards the speeding up of some kind of pan-Naga integration under the proposed framework of the recent Peace Accord. This is something that the Kuki organisations are concerned about as this inspires the ‘Kuki’-based undergrounds that are under the Suspension of Order (SoO) with the government, to speed up their agenda to have either Pan Zomi Reunification or autonomous administration. The recently leaked Kuki National Organisation’s proposal to the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) or NSCN-IM asserts: “Historically, the [Meetei or Manipur] Kingdom consisted of the valley areas, which today form the valley districts of Manipur… The Kuki and Naga peoples shall mutually respect one another’s identity and territory and maintain the best of fraternal relations and work together to preserve peace in the land and usher in progress and human welfare in the Kuki and Naga states.”

Now, when tensions have been fanned, there seems to be the role of certain vested political groups to add fuel to the fire in order to magnify the issue of unrest, and, in turn, use this as a reason to justify the imposition of President’s rule in order to unseat the incumbent Congress government. In this there is an interplay of political demagogy, adventurism and speculation. Unrest, rioting and repression have led to a heavy toll in terms of civilian life, the destruction of property and a creation of tension. If the Bills are the issue, is there no room to either clear the misunderstandings or add some clauses in the Bills to resolve the tension? If the Bills are just the spark, what role should the Government of India be playing to scale down the tensions? The question now is this: who will negotiate for peace with whom, at what cost, and for what purpose?

Malem Ningthouja

(Dr. Ningthouja is a Fellow at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla, and the author of three books on Manipur.)

** The article was first published in The Hindu and reproduced in KanglaOnline with permission from the author.

CPDM Interview Series: “They say ILPS is a movement of the people of Manipur but not all communities are involved” – Manishwar Nongmaithem

Exclusive (online) interview carried out by Campaign for Peace & Democracy (Manipur) for KanglaOnline. – Why young student activists wanted Inner Line Permit System in Manipur? – Why are they

Exclusive (online) interview carried out by Campaign for Peace & Democracy (Manipur) for KanglaOnline.

– Why young student activists wanted Inner Line Permit System in Manipur?
– Why are they fearless to speak out their minds?
– How will the judgmental sections interpret their minds: are these students to be seen as misguided or forced to have political views and some democratic actions?

Read the background of this interview series: CPDM interview-series-why-young-student-activists-wanted-inner-line-permit-system-in-manipur

CPDM Interview with Manishwar Nongmaithem

Manishwar Nongmaithem

Manishwar Nongmaithem
33 years Old
Kakching Ningthou Leikai, Thoubal District, Manipur, India
Advisor, Manipur Students’ Association Delhi

CPDM: Where are you presently located?
Manishwar Nongmaithem: Delhi.

CPDM: Why did you leave Manipur and choose Delhi for your studies?
Manishwar Nongmaithem: I wanted to visit places and observe the conditions of the capitalist governments. Delhi was my first destination choice. This has also made me know clearly about the governance of my state.

CPDM: Which class are you in? please tell us the name of your institute too
Manishwar Nongmaithem: I am presently a student of tourism studies in IGNOU

CPDM: What is the purpose of your education? What ambition in life motivates you to pursue education?
Manishwar Nongmaithem: Since I belong to a system made for the comfort of the rich, I realised that I need a certificate too. I will use it when necessary. I want to work as a political activist to produce “revolutionaries” who can bring about a just and equitable society.

CPDM: What are your views on the inner line permit system movement in Manipur? Do you think it is a right movement? Please share us your thoughts.
Manishwar Nongmaithem: The use of the phrase “Inner Line Permit System” by the people of Manipur is appreciated. The people are united and have been demanding relentlessly to make this one phrase into an act. The demand of ILPS is to save the indigenous people. In this, the government has used its state forces to suppress my brethren agitators, mainly the students who have taken a firm commitment to challenge the government.

What I want to ask is how these tactics of suppressing the people’s movement has come into being? What people are witnessing and experiencing is just a symptom, the actual disease is veiled by the government and so people cannot see it or understand it. Are we going to blame the citizens for not having enough knowledge on this? Or are we going to say that it is the government’s trap or plan?

Before we start a discussion on ILPS, we must first know about the veil of the government i.e.; democracy. A great lie of Indian government will be democracy. This is the word the government uses to throw ash into people’s eyes to make the world a market place for the rich people. Its branches has reached my homeland Manipur too. So, I think we must have a discussion on weather we should have ILPS or not for saving the indigenous people. If a government truly upholds the democratic principles, I don’t think we need an ILPS.

Since many communities and ethnicities reside, the government might be at loss pondering which one community to protect and which one not? While trying to fulfil one’s brim, will it result in evaporating the others? This is a question well circulated among the numerically dominant meeteis, kukis and nagas. There are communities who will be at loss when there is ILPS. Are we going to hide the reasons forever? They say it is a people’s movement but are we doing it just for the heck of it? Can’t we find the answers to these questions together? If this is a people’s movement, why didn’t they give an opportunity for an open dialogue?

On a concluding note, I would want to add that saving an indigenous population is a natural phenomenon in a just and equitable society. We need to work jointly here.

CPDM: How have you come to know about the inner line permit system? Would you share it with us?
Manishwar Nongmaithem: I was aware of the mobilisation of students for strike in the 80’s by AMSU during my school days at home. The movement was “chasing mayangs” back then (they didn’t say outsiders). But when I was in Delhi, in 2011, as a member of the Human Rights Committee of Manipur Students’ Association Delhi, a group of people from Manipur came for demanding ILPS. I interacted and had discussions with them and from then onwards I knew about the nature and meaning of ILPS.

CPDM: Do you think the student community should/ should not participate in the ilp movement? Please elaborate your statement.
Manishwar Nongmaithem: The students should take part in the Inner Line Permit System movement. When it is a movement of the land, it is natural for people to participate in it. I am of the opinion that it is also very important for the students to do whatever they can. Old age is inevitable, everyone must be aware of it. But, there is a big difference between getting old and having an indepth knowledge of the issues of the land. This is the reason why young students should take active role in the issues of the land. Even if peace prevails in the land, if the government does not pay attention to small issues like lack of teachers in the school, then it is natural for students to come out and demand for teachers. Studying is the duty of students but when the society that child belongs to is burning, will the student still sit back and study?

CPDM: Do you think students who have left Manipur for their studies should take part in political activities of such nature? Please elaborate.
Manishwar Nongmaithem: Many Manipuri students study outside. Even if they are out from Manipur, they are still Manipuris. I am sure everyone must have attachments for their homeland and ethnicities. However, not everyone thinks the same. People stand and do for what they believe in. And it is not that such people do not harm the situation of the land. Few students who are out of the state take part in the issues of the land. Students who are volunteers in student organisations are the ones taking active roles. Most do not want to participate. This is because they are either scared or lazy, shy, timid, lacks interest or time, has no political consciousness or maybe the present situation of the government has made them so. I have mentioned earlier too that in the political issues of the land, the people have a huge role to play. So, it should be kept in mind that in “the people”, the students are also involved. It is the student stage which is best suited for a political consciousness and to get involved in political activities of the land. This is the reason I believe that students should not remain mumed in institutes which supports the government as this will render unfit to the true meaning of students. Therefore, I am not in favour of concluding a precious student’s life only to the confines of books and syllabuses.

CPDM: Have you taken any initiative/ active role in the ILPS movement? If so, please state it. Did anyone force you to join the agitation or take responsibility of it?
Manishwar Nongmaithem: I have read articles and pamphlets on the Inner Line Permit System. As a political activist, I know my stand. I clearly know my goal, my duty, and my responsibility in the ILPS movement of the people. If at any point of time an issue is brought up as an issue of the land at large, it is very important to discuss and dissect the ideology and goal of the individuals leading the movement. Because it will be wrong to be a part of any movement only because it is a people’s movement; it requires rigorous discussion. Similarly, the present ILPS movement, its genesis, and where it stands today, the people’s uprising, and the actions of the government, all of it must be discussed thoroughly. The student platforms provide room for debates of all sorts. This has given a wider opportunity to convey messages to young students and to the society. I have taken this opportunity to gather students (especially in Delhi) and have held talks and discussions on what ILPS is. We have together raised our voices to free ourselves from the demographic invasion arising out of the nature and policies of the government. Talks, meetings, discussions were conducted in different places with people from different communities. All these were done purely out of my own intention consciously and I think this needs to be done too.

CPDM: What are the reasons for the failure of ILPS demand movement?
Manishwar Nongmaithem: There will be certain reasons for the ILPS movement not to be a successful one. Those are:

They say it is a movement of the people of Manipur but not all communities are involved.
There are many people/communities who are not in favour of ILPS in Manipur.
The actions of the government suppress the people’s movement.
The Indian government too has put aside this issue.
How many of the demands in the ILPS movement are valid? This question needs to be asked.
The government is an experienced one in tricking movements and uprisings.
The committee which is taking a lead role in ILPS has not opened its doors for an open dialogue and,
There are many loopholes in ILPS itself.

CPDM: What do you want to say to the government of Manipur with regards to the inner line permit system movement?
Manishwar Nongmaithem: I want to put forward these words to the dictator government of Manipur which is using the mask of democracy in relation to ILPS. They are:

Stop this war you have carried out against the people of Manipur immediately.
Revoke the restrictions you have imposed on the people i.e; curfew immediately and open the schools you have closed down.
Give justice to Sapam Robinhood who has been killed in the democratic movement of the people.
Take up steps to normalise the lives of people you have much tortured to divert the uprising.
The government must take up immediate steps to bring a political solution to save the indigenous peoples of Manipur.
The moral-less training of the state forces must be replaced by a new training method which is in tandem with the people.
If you say that you are the government but don’t do your duty then you should resign immediately.

CPDM: What do you want to say to the government and police forces of Manipur on the issue of ILPS implementation?
Manishwar Nongmaithem: To the Manipur police and the government forces: The citizens are aware that the condition of the government has made the state forces a buy-able commodity in the market. People sell off their lands and properties to buy any government post for lakhs of rupees. Upto what extent will the people of Manipur have faith in them? For the government it is compulsory to pile up money for personal purpose. So, it won’t be wrong to state that most of the posts in Manipur Police must have been shared among the MLA’s. Those working in Manipur police are all Manipuris. I think the police should not behave in this brutal beastly manner to their own people or for the sake of humanity should have behaved humanly, even though the government directs them to behave brutality. The student they have killed might also be one of their locality mates. What poisonous potion has the government fed them that they, the forces who are supposed to protect us, are biting us instead? Don’t they have relatives, homes, children and locality mates? They will definitely have. Which face of their personality have they hidden for their family members? We the people of our land who are working for our land; are we going to end up like this by killing one another in broad day light? Don’t they have any thinking for the human society? Yes, it is true that you must have been given dangerous weapons, fed obnoxious drugs and must have gone through tough training regimes. But isn’t it time that you start thinking for whom it is? It is high time that we together save ourselves from drowning into the plots of the government.

CPDM: What message do you want to convey to the leaders and civil society organisations of ILPS movement?
Manishwar Nongmaithem: I put forward few words to the civil society organisations who has taken lead roles in the issues of the state in relation to the ILPS movement. First, I would be glad if you could organise or give an opportunity to organise mass inter community discussions on what ILP is, its nature, meaning etcetera. Being a state issue, many burdens and questions are bound to arise from all angles. If you consider these questions important, you can connect through social media to clear off the people’s doubts. I believe, you will stand firmly against the strong tide of the government. Most importantly, I would want the forerunners in the movement who are working on the platform of students to have proper classes on political consciousness and ideologies. The victory is for the people.

—x—

Read the interview series: CPDM interview-series-why-young-student-activists-wanted-inner-line-permit-system-in-manipur

–> Interview with Haobam Supriya: ILPS Movement is a People’s Movement

–> Interview with Chingtham Balbir: ILPS Movement is not Selected Few

–> Interview with Thoithoi Huidrom: Stop not till the ILPS demand is achieved

–> Interview with Irengbam Priobata: No one forced me to participate in any students movements, I was happy to be part of it

If there have been mistakes we can sit down together and correct them: CM

IMPHAL, September 5: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh today said the three bills are still amendable and can be modified if it will hurt the interest of the people of

IMPHAL, September 5: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh today said the three bills are still amendable and can be modified if it will hurt the interest of the people of the hills.

The bills were framed by humans not by God and can be modified or amended or corrected or even withdrawn if it is going to hurt the interest of the people of the hills or any other community in the State, the Chief Minister said during the 3rd State-level Teachers`™ Day at the DM College of Commerce ground.

Even the Constitution of India has been amended more than 50 to 60 times, he observed.

The government is ready to do all the needful, once the contentious issues are sorted out through dialogue, he said.

The State government has always tried to protect the interest of all communities residing in Manipur, he observed.

He said the valley districts are open to all communities including the tribal, Meitei, Muslims and all other communities, who have been living together for long.

We will continue to live together, he said.

The valley districts cover only 10 percent of the entire total geographical area of Manipur and the remaining 90 percent are the hills. The valley districts cover a small area; nonetheless, all communities have the right to stay in the valley districts. We should stay together, the Chief Minister observed.

He continued the government had passed the three bills following pressure from the public and thinking that it would be for the good of the people of Manipur.

However, it seems like it will break the emotional integrity of Manipur and if it does so, then we have done a grave mistake though we never had any intention of doing so, the Chief Minister observed.

People tend to act a little too emotionally and unwarranted ugly situations occur due to little misunderstanding, he continued.

Houses are torched, precious lives are lost, he said.

The houses and the properties can be rebuilt, but the young precious lives lost can never be brought back, the CM observed.

A young student lost his life during the ILPS agitation and then more young ones have died in the hills, he continued.

This is the most unfortunate thing to have happened for all of us, he said appealing to the people of both the hills and the valley to avoid such eventualities.

Instead let us sit down together and iron out the issue if there is anything that will hurt the interest of either the hills or the valley, he continued.

`It is my firm belief that if there is a problem then there will always be a solution it`™s only a matter of time` he said.

People who are residing in Churachandpur, Tamenglong, Chandel, Ukhrul, Senapati, Imphal East and West, Thoubal, Bisempur are all Manipuris. We are going to live and die here so if there is anything which the government has failed to notice we can always bring a solution by sitting together, he continued.

The Chief Minister also lauded the teachers for their contributions in the society for a better future.

He said the teachers play an important part in developing human resource which is an important part of the society.

In his speech the Chief Minister also said that women empowerment is the need of the hour as women play a very important role in the Manipur society.

Citing an example, he said generally in any form of agitation in Manipur, children leads followed by womenfolk as if acting as shields for the men against police action.

However, in many cases the agitators fail to understand the limitations of the State government in fulfilling their demands and sometimes their demands are illogical and unreasonable.

And in such instances when the demands are unreasonable or illogical and beyond the reach of the State government, we have no choice but to simply stand and wait with a confused mind which is a very shameful thing, he said.

So bridging the gap of literacy rate between male and female population is what we the people of Manipur should be focusing on, he observed.

He further appealed to the teachers to find a way to make up for the loss of two months.

Robinhood finally laid to rest; record turn-out of supporters during funeral

IMPHAL, September 3: Lamjing Meira Sapam Robinhood was finally laid to rest in a fitting traditional burial with prayers and salutation from thousands of people today. The atmosphere was such

People surround the truck carrying Sapam Robinhood’s body on Thursday.

IMPHAL, September 3: Lamjing Meira Sapam Robinhood was finally laid to rest in a fitting traditional burial with prayers and salutation from thousands of people today.

The atmosphere was such that 117 people fainted during his funeral procession and were admitted at the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences.

Thousands of people from all walks of life participated in his last rites from early morning till late evening until his body was buried at the foothills of Awa Ching of Baruni Ching under Imphal East district around 6:30 pm.

Since early morning, people started flooding all routes towards the JNIMS morgue where the 17-year old`™s lifeless body was kept for nearly two months – 58 days to be precise- since July 8 when he was killed in police action against a student rally demanding implementation of the ILPS in the State.

Robinhood`™s body was carried in a Keiren Keichao adorned with traditional Heikat Leikat.

The JAC Robinhood along with the JCILPS and other supporting student bodies led the funeral procession from the JNIMS morgue to his residence in Lairikyengbam Leikai and to his birthplace, Keishamthong after a stopover at his school, Ananda Higher Secondary Academy.

The procession carrying his body also passed through Khurai Lamlong, Soibam Leikai, Nongmeibung, Yaiskul and after reaching Keishamthong turned backed.

At his Lairikyengbam Leikai, his family and relatives bade their final goodbyes and adorned his lifeless body with prayers and floral tributes. At his school there was an emotional condolence where the students and teachers paid their last respects.

People thronged the routes paying respect to the martyr, who had sacrificed his life for the indigenous people of the State.

Thousands chanted slogans of patriotism and acknowledgement of his sacrifice along the routes. The streets were adorned with floral tributes as people showered blessings and flowers to the body of Sapam Robinhood along the route.

Several people were emotional about his sacrifice and partake in the long distance march up to the hillock where he was buried.

The burial was preceded by solemn indigenous rituals including a Thang-ta salute and an adorning song composed for the martyr.

The tribute song was written by Narendra Ningomba with music and composition by Hamom Naba and Rahul.

Despite the scorching sun in the morning and the rain in the afternoon, the spirit of oneness and solidarity was solid and explicitly shown by the multitudes of men and women participating in the procession.

Men and women, young and old joined the funeral march and attended his burial ceremony without flinching despite the distance and the slippery uphill climb.

All those who had been on hunger strike till today also attended the funeral and decided to walk the length of the hill. And during the mournful funeral after sunset at the Awa Ching, several people fainted and since the back-up ambulance services was not sufficient, other volunteers assisted to transport the patients till the hospital.

During the funeral, there was a brief drizzle as the fog descended from the mountains to envelop the site.

And as darkness sets in, the body was buried with a mournful farewell from the thousands of well-wishers.

The Khetrigao Meitei Pangal inclusive of men and women, young and old conducted a cleanliness drive at the burial spot and the adjoining road during the last three days.

They also prepared the graveyard for Sapam Robinhood`™s burial today.

It may be mentioned here that late Sapam Robinhood died in police action on July 8 while he was participating in a rally demanding legal protection of the native people of Manipur.

The Government of Manipur ultimately passed three bills in the assembly on the 31 of August after the agitation aggravated following Sapam Robinhood`™s death.

Government ready for dialogue: Gaikhangam sends out message

IMPHAL, September 3: Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam assured the people of the hills that the three bills passed by the State Assembly on August 31 will not affect the hill

IMPHAL, September 3: Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam assured the people of the hills that the three bills passed by the State Assembly on August 31 will not affect the hill areas or interest of the hill people.

Reiterating an assurance made repeatedly by the Chief Minister, he said The Protection of Manipur Peoples Bill 2015 and the two related bills will not affect the interest of the people of hills.

Speaking to media persons at his official quarter at Babupara this morning, the deputy Chief Minister said if in case any mistakes in the bills are pointed out, the State government is ready to rectify it.

He said the Chief Minister has already sent out his invitations to the local bodies, civil society organisations to discuss the grievances of the people and is awaiting their responses.

He said the situation in Churachandpur is still tense, but it is under control.

The government is determined to send the chief secretary at Churachandpur to have dialogue with local leaders, students`™ bodies and civil society organisations, Gaikhangam said.

`We expect some development will take place in a day or so,` he said.

Additional DGP Manipur LM Khoute and other senior police officers are presently stationed there at Churachandpur and they have requested the civil society leaders to discuss the issue, he continued.

If there are enough reasons to withdraw the bills, it could be considered, Gaikhangam said, replying to a media query on the demand of the agitators to withdraw the bill within 10-days.

`The first and foremost thing is to sit together and iron out the differences and if there is any room for rectification the government is ready to do that,` he added.

`As far as the government is concerned we can`™t find or we don`™t find anything wrong that can affect the interest of hill people in the bills passed by the Assembly,` he maintained.

`I on behalf of the government would like to express our deepest condolence for the loss of precious lives during the agitation and also pray for the speedy recovery of the injured persons,` he further said.

The incidents of burning down of houses and properties of MLAs and ministers might have been caused due to lacking of communication, misunderstanding and rumors, he said, and appealed the people not to believe in rumours.

On being asked if there was any negligence on the part of the police that led to the agitators succeeding in burning down the houses and properties of the MLAs and ministers, he replied that the police are helpless as they cannot spray bullets on the armless agitators.

The police have done their best to control the mob by various means including lathi charge, firing mock bombs and tear gas cells etc.

`Meitei, Kuki, Naga, Meitei Pangan are all children of our mother Manipur. We have to live together so please calm down and talk the things out,` he added.

Vehicles stranded at Tengnoupal due to Imp-Moreh highway bandh

IMPHAL, September 1: Several vehicles have been stranded at Tengnoupal due to bandh along the Imphal – Moreh road on National Highway-102 imposed by the Joint Tribal Student`s Organizations of

Vehicles stranded along the Imp-Moreh highway in Tengoupal

IMPHAL, September 1: Several vehicles have been stranded at Tengnoupal due to bandh along the Imphal – Moreh road on National Highway-102 imposed by the Joint Tribal Student`s Organizations of the State against the introduction and passing of the three bills in the special session of the Manipur Legislative Assembly on August 28 and 31 respectively.

More than 100 passengers and goods carrying vehicles coming from Moreh have been stranded at Tengnoupal Police Station since morning. And vehicles coming from Imphal could not proceed beyond Saivom Village as bandh supporters blocked the highway at Saivom and Tengnoupal Village.

Speaking to media persons, Daniel Mate, president of KSO Tengnoupal Block said that the bandh was enforced indefinitely in continuation of the 12 hours hill districts bandh called by the All Tribal Students ` Union Manipur, All Naga Students `™ Association Manipur ( ANSAM ) and Kuki Students `™ Organisation against the introduction and passing of the Protection of Manipur Peoples Bill 2015, the Manipur Land Revenue & Land Reforms (Seventh Amendment) Bill 2015 and the Manipur Shops & Establishments (Second Amendment) Bill 2015 by the State government in the special session of the Assembly.

Appealing to all concerned not to paint communal tint towards the agitation of the joint tribal students `™ bodies, the student`s leader pledged that the students`™ bodies will protect and uphold the rights of the tribal at any cost.

CCpur erupts in flames, as House passes bills

Three feared dead, MLAs`™ residences set ablaze, curfew imposed IMPHAL, August 31: Violence erupted in Churachandpur district this evening against the passing of the Protection of Manipur Peoples`™ Bill 2015

Three feared dead, MLAs`™ residences set ablaze, curfew imposed

IMPHAL, August 31: Violence erupted in Churachandpur district this evening against the passing of the Protection of Manipur Peoples`™ Bill 2015 and the two related bills during a special sitting of the State Legislative Assembly today.

Three persons have been reported dead , scores injured while residences of local MLAs in the district including that of Health minister Phungzathang Tonsing have been set ablaze, according to reliable sources.

Meanwhile, the district magistrate Churachandpur Lunminthang Haokip has imposed curfew in the district under section 144 (2) of Code of Criminal Procedure 1973 with immediate effect until further order.

Several vehicles including that of the DC and BSF have also been damaged in the riot, informed sources.

Huge mob of protestors came out to the streets soon after the bills were passed this afternoon, sources informed.

The mob attacked the residences of the MLAs and set them ablaze. Although, police sources have confirmed that the mob set ablaze the residence of Health minister Phungzathang Tonsing, the exact number of houses set ablaze is yet to be ascertained.

According to sources, 19 year old Pausuanlian, son of Zenkhanching of New Lamka Vengnuam succumbed to burn injuries sustained in one of the burning houses. However, it is yet to be confirmed in whose house he sustained the injuries and whether he was an agitator.

Thangzalian, 20, son of Vungching of Hiangtam was riding his bike which hit an electric post laid on the road as a road block. He succumbed to his injuries, according to sources.

The other dead has been identified as H Paulianmang, 23, son of (L) H Thianlal of Dorcas Veng. He was hit by a bullet, according to sources.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/ccpur-erupts-in-flames-as-house-passes-bills/

Recent rain damages estimated at Rs 600 crore; ADB Thoubal-Kasom Khullen Road by 2017

IMPHAL, August 30: The recent massive monsoon rainfall together with what is claimed to be a tectonic movement under the earth has severely affected the eastern belt of the state

Work Minister Ratankumar inspecting Thoubal Kasom Khullen Road on Sunday.

IMPHAL, August 30: The recent massive monsoon rainfall together with what is claimed to be a tectonic movement under the earth has severely affected the eastern belt of the state of Manipur, said Minister works and Transport Dr Kh Ratankumar Singh during a tour at Kasom Khullen to take stock of the natural calamity and progress of newly declared National Highway Thoubal Kasom Khullen Road today. He said that this kind of natural calamity is once witnessed in the state 60 years back but the intensity this time was more severe.

Sinking of roads, destruction of buildings and houses, flooding of irrigational land and homestead lands, collapse of more than 11 bridges is estimated to cost more than 600 crores, Minister asserted and further said that restoration work is under progress and it may take time to completely restore the destruction caused by Mother Nature.

Comprehensive reports regarding the loss from natural calamity have already been prepared and after assessing it, restoration will gear up in full throttle, Minister Works said.

It may be mentioned that due to massive rainfall during the month of July caused sinking of land affecting the road condition.

The ongoing work on Thoubal Kasom Khullen Road under the aegis of Asian Development Bank and ABCI Infrastructures Pvt. Ltd. has to go through new cutting of road stretching 1.5 Km due to sinking of road of 250meters length at Molnem Village, 38Km from Thoubal.

Road condition beyond Kasom Khullen which does not fall under the work jurisdiction of ADB is lying unattended having more than 10 landslides disconnecting interior villages.

Presently the interior villagers are totally cut off with the only communicable facility through mobile phones.

To least establish connectivity, Minister Works assured the villagers to make excavators and other tools for the purpose available and to start clearing the roads from tomorrow.

Minister Works and Transport Dr Ratankumar Singh also announce he would introduce `Geo Grid`™ to reinforce the road for longitivity and said that an extra amount of Rs. 11 crores will have to be spent to restoring the road construction initiated by ADB.

Project Director ADB Yumnam Joykumar who accompanied the tour said during a press briefing that the completion target for the 47.25 Km Thoubal Kasom Khullen road is by September 2017 but he is confident to complete the project by early 2017 if nature favours.

He said that due to 250meters sinking road at Molnem 40 villages have been disconnected and assures full restoration it within five days.

In regard he said though the landslides beyond Kasom Khullen are beyond their jurisdiction, he would still extend support by deploying two excavators in towing away the mud.

He further stressed that to reinforce the road condition, the introduction of `Geo-grid`™ and planting of special grass species from Africa named `Victory Grass`™ which grows in extreme environments will be successful.

MLA Phungyar Victor Keishing who is also Parliamentary Secretary Tribal Development during the interaction with the villagers assured the restoration of the road. He urged the villagers to have faith in the Government and its agencies.

He also appealed the Church authority and Village Authority to educate the villagers for scientific jhumming to at least minimise such natural calamity in future.

Octogenarian launches hunger strike

IMPHAL, August 28: An 80-year-old woman launched a hunger strike at Singjamei Wangma Kshetri Leikai waiting shed demanding implementation of the ILPS or a similar Act in the State. The

A woman attends to octogenarian hunger striker Aribam (o) Shamurailatpam (n) Sanahanbi Devi on Friday.

IMPHAL, August 28: An 80-year-old woman launched a hunger strike at Singjamei Wangma Kshetri Leikai waiting shed demanding implementation of the ILPS or a similar Act in the State.

The octogenarian identified as Aribam (o) Shamurailatpam Sanahanbi Devi wife of Aribam Chaoba Sharma of Singjamei Thongam Leikai commenced her fast this morning around 6:30, after an earlier faster Yumnam Enaobi was picked up by the concern authorities on August 27 evening around 2:30.

25-year-old Yumnam Dingku Singh, son of Y Naba Singh of Khongmal Mangjil has also started his hunger strike since 7pm of August 27 at the Oriental Club Khongman Mangjil, after the police arrested Bramacharimayum Narendra Sharma around 5pm of the same day.

Five new student volunteers have also taken the place of five previous hunger strike volunteers picked up around 8pm yesterday by the authorities from in front of the Ananda Singh Higher Secondary Academy gate.

The new hunger strikers began their strike since 11pm of August 27.

The five are identified as class XII Sc student of the International School of Resource (ISOR) Jeevanchandra Wangkheimayum, 17, son of W Ramananda Singh; class XII Sc student of Lamlong Higher Secondary School Laishram Lanjingba Singh, 17, son of L Sunil Singh; class IX student of Laishram Mani Memorial English Academy Basko Moirangthem, 13, daughter of M Saratchandra; class XI Arts student of TG Higher Secondary School Tomthinnganbi Toijam, 15, daughter of T Satyam Luwang and class XI Sc student of Ananda Singh Higher Secondary Academy Keisham Nelson Singh, 16, son of K Dhiren Singh.

Thongbam Jogabati, 50, wife of Th Bimolchand, Kababam Shakhitombi Devi, 55, wife of (L) K Krishnamani and Yendrembam Danajit Singh, 32, son of Y Hemchandra Singh replaced Senjam Manitombi Devi, 75, wife of S Iboyaima and Hajarimayum Lika Devi, 25, daughter of (L) H Indramani Singh who suspended their strike this morning at 10.

29 local clubs of Thangmeiband area had launched a 24-hour relay hunger strike since yesterday at the waiting shed opposite to the THAU ground.

Meanwhile, sit in protests demanding implementation of the ILP also continued at several places.

Womenfolk of Chungkhum Leirak, Soram Leirak, Kangjabi machin and RIMS Maching Apunba Committee along with the Nagamapal RIMS Road Shopkeepers Association demonstrated by staging a sit in protest at Nagamapal Soram Leirak.

Shops around the area remained closed during the sit in protest.

Women vendors of the three Ima Keithels also staged sit in protest and ceased their normal business activity for the day. A public meeting was also held after the sit in protest.

At Chingmeiraong, womenfolk also organised a huge human chain demanding passing of the ILP bill.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/octogenarian-launches-hunger-strike/

Manipur State Government to set up Rani Gaidinliu complex in Imphal: Kabui Mother Association

IMPHAL, Aug 28: The Kabui Mother Association has expressed gratitude to the State government for agreeing to erect a life size statue of Heipei Rani Gaidinliu along will construction

Rani Gaidinliu

IMPHAL, Aug 28: The Kabui Mother Association has expressed gratitude to the State government for agreeing to erect a life size statue of Heipei Rani Gaidinliu along will construction of Rani Complex in Imphal area.

A released from the general secretary of KAMA Ranjita Golmei further mentioned that in this regard representative of KAMA had met Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and his council of ministers including Gaikhangam, Govindas Konthoujam and Okendro on August 27 at the Chief Minister`™s Secretariat around 11:30 am.

During the meeting, the KAMA proposed construction of the Rani Gaidinliu complex and statue citing that she was born in Manipur and the people need to do something for her, it said.

KAMA had also sought the government to allot land for construction of the complex along the national highways, it said.

In his response, the Chief Minister of the State assured to make the State government`™s decision during the unveiling of Haipou Jadonang statue on August 29, it said.

It said KAMA believes, the State government will act on its assurance considering the Zeliangrong community.

It has further condemned a step of the NDA government under Narendra Modi for taking an initiative to construct a Rani Gaidinliu statue in Nagaland rather than at her birthplace Manipur.

It is like looking down upon the Zeliangrong community, the KAMA statement said.

State hands over land to Union Ministry officials for sports univ construction at Thoubal Yaithibi Khunou

IMPHAL, August 27: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh today formally handed over the land for the construction of the Sports University to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. A

CM Ibobi handing over land for Sport University construction to representatives of Ministry of YAS.

IMPHAL, August 27: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh today formally handed over the land for the construction of the Sports University to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

A statement issued by the secretary of the Chief Minister said following the announcement of establishment of National Sports University in Manipur by the Union Finance Minister, a team headed by Secretary (Sports), Government of India visited the State on August 1 and 2, 2014 and identified the proposed site for establishment of National Sports University at Yaithibi Khunou, Thoubal district as first preference.

It said considering the importance of the Sports University, the State government has decided to provide approximately 400 acres of land at the aforesaid location keeping in mind the scope for the future expansion of the university.

The land for setting up of the university at Yaithibi Khunou, Thoubal district was formally handed over to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports during a simple function chaired by Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh and attended by M Prithviraj Singh, Parliamentary Secretary (YAS/Tourism); MLA P Brojen; Chief Secretary P C Lawmkunga; Secretary (YAS); representatives from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and several other officials.

The land handed over comprises an area of 336.93 acres at Village No. 44-Yaithibi Khunou,Thoubal district which is available with the State government, it said.

With this handing over of the required land, the National Sports University is expected to come up very soon to meet the aspiration of its people in particular and the whole country in general, it said.

The State government has also signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Ramakrishna Mission today at a simple function chaired by the Chief Minister in the Cabinet Hall of CM`™s Secretariat for establishment of a Primary School, with the objective of upgrading in the following years, a School of Languages (English, Spoken English, Burmese, Chinese and Japanese), a Computer Training Centre, Mobile Computer and Science Laboratories, Mobile Language Lessons and Value Education etc.

Education minister M Okendro; minister of Commerce and Industries/Sericulture Govindas Konthoujam; MLA L. Nanda Kumar; MLA R.K, Imo Singh; Chief Secretary P. C Lawmkunga; H. Deleep Singh, Secretary (Education-S); N. Praveen Singh, Director Education (S); Swami Bodhasarananda, Assistant Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission, Belur Math; Swami Nareshnanda, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission, Imphal; Swami Ishanathananda; high ranking officials of Education (S) Department and alumni of Ramakrishna Mission from Manipur were present at the time of signing of the agreement.

Exclusive Interview with NEPO V.P. Swadesh Sarkar: ILPS opposed by people of Barak valley, Tripura and other parts of Assam

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH VICE PRESIDENT, N.E.P.O (NORTH EAST PEOPLE ORGANIZATION) By – Momon Thoudam The Vice President Swadesh Sarkar of N.E.P.O (northeast people organization) in his interview has expressed that

Vice President Swadesh Sarkar of N.E.P.O (northeast people organization)

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH VICE PRESIDENT, N.E.P.O (NORTH EAST PEOPLE ORGANIZATION)

By – Momon Thoudam

The Vice President Swadesh Sarkar of N.E.P.O (northeast people organization) in his interview has expressed that they have started their agitation after getting certain instances of harassment on non- manipuri people in Imphal valley during ILPS demand campaign, they got those from people fleeing Imphal and also from the newspaper published in Manipur.

He stated that N.E.P.O has formed in protest against the harassment both mental and physical being carried out on Non-Manipuri people living in Manipur, Specially in imphal valley. He also said that this movement has support from all across Barak valley, neighbouring Tripura and also from other parts of Assam.

NEPO, interview, North East people Organisation, Manipur, ILPS, Jiribam, Cachar

NEPO V.P. Swadesh Sarkar (left); Momon Thoudam (right) reporting from Jiribam Manipur.

In his interview he said that the when they came to know that those people who came to Manipur after 1951 will not be allow to stay, their name will be delete from electoral roll those who are in service with Manipur Government will be terminated and people won’t even live there in rent houses they started their movement.

This movement has nothing against Manipuri people but they are fighting with govt of Manipur to stop the atrocities being carried out on Non-Manipuri.

He cited that the economic blocked which started from 5.00 am today was called off, after getting assurance from the administration govt of Assam about certain agreement being inked between Assam, Manipur and govt of India within 7 days.

The D.C himself has assured about certain solution within 7 days or the N.E.P.O can carry out much larger movement in coming days.

He said that up to 1833 the entire Jiri valley up to Barak was under the kingdom of Cachari King and they have historically proof about it.

They believed in peaceful co-existence, he said people living in both side of Jiri river peacefully since ages and N.E.P.O has no grudge against people of Jiribam but their movement is with government of Manipur.

Earlier NEPO has strongly demanded Manipur government not to implement ILPS in Manipur and also has expressed their desire to remove Inner Line Permit system from the 3 North East states i.e. Mizoram, Nagaland and Arunchal Pradesh, where ILPS has been in placed for several decades.