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Yelhoumee singtagi oiba keithel sabada meeyamna mateng pangbiyu: IPSA (In Manipuri)

Temporary Mao Keithel in Nagamapal, Imphal

Imphal, July 22: Houjik Kangleipak (Manipur) da meeeyamna khwaidagi pamnaba amadi khoidazaba potsak ama hairagadi MAO KEITHEL ni haibada lallaroi khalli. Kangleicha khudingmakna amadi leingakpa singna chap mannana yaaminnaba amadi apenba pokpa IMPHAL da MAO FURUP ki eechil eenao singna Mao da fangba mahei-marong, enshang naapi amadi hei lei sing asi matam kuirabagi tungda Imphalgi Khwairamband Keithel ga naknana Nagamapal da pukhatlaktuna meeyamda fanghalliba asimuk apenba asidagihenba leite. Hairiba wafam asibu louduna Manipur Government na MAO gi lalon eetik toujariba meeyamgi hotnajaman asibu khangbiduna Yelhoumee singtagi oiba Keithel ama semgat sagattuna thambiyu haiduna haijabada thamlagani hairakpasina amukka henna apenba pokee. Kangleipakta Kangleicha singi amadi Kanglei khunnaigi damakta katthaokpa amaga loinana meeyamgi damakta chongthoktuna leiriba Civil Societies Organization sing maru oina League of the Fourth World People Kangleipak (LFWPK), International Peace and Social Advancement (IPSA), All Clubs Organization Apunba Meira Paibi Lup, Kangleipk (ACOAM Lup), Kanglei Ima Lup (KIL), Kanglamei, Chanura Lamchinglel Kangleipak (CLK), Indigenous People’s Association of Kangleipak (IPAK), PANDAM amadi Kangleipak Students’ Association (KSA) na amadi UNITED CLUBS OF IMC WARD NO. 4-URIPOK, Kangjabi Youth Club amadi Nagamapal Youth Club na yumbu oibiduna mapung oiba thoudang louduna MAO gi lalonbi kayabu harao meenokka loinana okpiduna Kangleipakki puwarigi anouba lamai ama hangdokkhre. Loinana Meitei Puyada hairamba Nagamapal da Mao Keithel Karaklagani haiba wafam du mak ngasidi thoklare. Thoklariba Keithel asi mangfaonahannaba hotnabada Mao furup ki yaiphanabagi damak achouba thoudang louriba MAO UNION, MAO YOUTH & STUDENTs’ UNION, MAO BUSINESS UNION amadi atei Mao furup ki thawai yaobiba yaobibi Mao eechil eenao singgi su amukka henna achouba thoudang loubibadagi MAO KEITHEL asi oithoraklibani. Sinja langjabada saruk yajaruba luploi ama oina thamjaningliba wafamdi MAO KEITHEL na Imphal da karakpa asina khundaminaariba furup singi marakta nungshi channaba da nattana Kanglei khunaigi senmitlon da achouba ahongba amadi laklagani haibasini. Houkhiba July gi tang 3 dagi na July gi 22, 2015 ngasiga thana Mao Keithel na Imphal da famlakliba asi taruklak sukhre amadi ahouba numittagi tharaga ngasi faobada apunbagi oina mapot thanna yaoraba Tata Mobile Carrier Truck (114) chammaga taramari sukhre, puraktuna yonkhiba amadi apunbagi senfam oina chaorapna Lupa Lakh Kunthramari ga Lishing kun muk sure. (Thirty four lakh twenty thousand only) approximately. Tenkhraba numit taraga mari manganigi matam asida toukhriba lallon eetik asina karigumba touramdaba taarabadi hairiba senfam asi sungsoi soidana Kangleipakki waangmada oina chatlambasu yai.

Dr. Lolly, President Mao Union, Mao Briefing Media

Adubu Mao Keithel da lakkhiba senfamnina Mao gi meeyamda amadi iramdam kangleipak asigi account ta adummak leihoujabani haina state economy gi mityengda louba yai.Hairiba Keithel asina asumna tungkoina sum chang naina chattharaklabadi Tha amada Keithel 15 rak tagina 20 rak kumba karaklabadi changchatta Rupees 1.53 Crore, Lupa Crore Amaga Makhai mukki lalon eetik tougani haina paaba yai. Masi na chumba taarabadi asukki matik Mao Keithel na Imphal da karakpagi mayek laaraba mahei adu fangjare haina louba yai. Amadi pumnamakki hotnajaman adu lemna khak mangdre haina khanba yai.

Mao gi meeyamna Mao gi mahousadagi leijarakpa leihao da suja nomja duna puthokchaba pothoksingtana tanjaba senfamnina masi Kanglei Khunaigi khwaidagi mayek senglaba senmitlon gi anouba awonba amani haina meepum khudingmakna lounagani amadi saruk yajariba Lup loi singnasu loujei. Masina Kangleipakki mafam khudingmakta khundaminnariba yelhoumee khudingmakki mafamda chinjakta meepal tangdana hingjanabagi anouba eenot ama piragani. Suning nomningbagi chatnabi Work Culture Revolution ama soidana puraklagani amadi Mao gi meeyamgi haotnaba asi atoppa yelhoumee khudingmakna tamjaningngai oiragani haina khalli

Temporary Mao Keithel in Nagamapal, Imphal

Mao dagi lakliba lallonbi sing asi Imphal da ahanba lakpa amadi hanna fajana potyonbi oidriba, supnatagi eengkholda, loubukta sunomlaga punna punna whole sale da thadoklambana ayamba oibana Imphal gi amadi Khwairambandgi Keithel fambi sing douna yamna meekup nahum singba amadi heithoi singthoiba amadi oidri. Maram asina mee mayamna yomsillaga pot leinanaba hotnarakpada kok ngaoduna sen louhoudana pot pithokkhiba amadi mee chinbagi khudong chaba louraga pot matpikhiba kayasu yaaori. Mao gi chinglamda manung hanjinna yamna tamna leikhiba khun dagi ahanba mapan thoklaktuna pot yonjabasu yaobanina masida pot leiba lakpiriba meeyamnasu yaariba makhei pukchel sengna leiriba pot adugi mamal adu sen oina Masada soidana pibiduna chamjakhraba khunganggi waana soo nomlaga taanjaba asibu eikhoi khudingmakna pukning thougat pifam thokee. Imphal da laklaga amangba, meenambata oi haikhragadi asuk yamna waana mayam changdana hotnajariba sing ase ootta ghee heiba oina thoklagani. Maram asina Mao gi lallonbi singna Imphal da lallonba lakchabada tungkoiba mari ama saagatnaba hotnabada eikhoinasu pukchel tingna loinabiba mathou tai. Madu na tunglamchatta Mao gi meeyamna Imphal gi meeoi singbu mathamoida adummak chetna konsinduna amadi machinda sonduna thambigani.

Houjikti Mao gi khun khun khudingdasu Imphal da pot yonbana malemgi mafam ateida yonbadagi khwaidagi henna nungai haibasi Mao phurupcha khudingmakta loina taanare. Masi henna amukka mapum faana tung koina chatthaduna leihounaba hotnabada Kangleipakta leiriba Lup khuding makki thamoida faonariba Fei haiba wafam adumak tung koina leijahounaba hotnabada Iramdam ireipak asida khundaminnariba furup khudingmakna eesha eeshagi haiba wakhallon adudagi khajiktang khaidokpiduna katthokpa amaga loinana hotnaminnasi amadi Government ki maikeidagi thamoi sengna tingthorakliba khut asida eikhoi khudingmaknasu mateng pangsinduna Imphal da Yelhoumee singtagi oiba Keithel ama semgatpada punna saruk yaaminasi haina Kagleicha khwai khudingmakki mafamda ningsingjari.

Houjik eikhoigi maangda taaduna leiriba fibam sing asi maru oina matam kharagi oina houjik houjik potfam famduna haptagi Keithel famliba Naga Turel gi Keithel asida mee yamna chonna tinba mafam ama oibana mafam asida Keithel amuk amuk fambada thoklakliba amotpa sing asi mari leinaba Municipality gi echil eenao singna matam chana louthokpiba asina khwaidagi ahanba tangai fadaba thabak ama oire. Matam kharagi oirabasu famlingei manung asida mapan eepan thokningba amadi lamsang lakpagi hakchang wai sangdokningbana chingba sing asigi damakta tangai fadana temporary Toilet complex ama mafam asida sabiduna khudong chadaba sing asidagi kokhanbinaba hotbiyu haiduna thawai yaona sinbiriba Manipur Government ki MAHUD department ta haijari amadi athuba da sinbiyu.

Temporary Mao Keithel in Nagamapal, Imphal

Masigi makha taarakpada PDA na Temporary market Shed ama chingmeirong maning leikai gi Eastern Motors ki showroom nakal da sananaba hotnabada Chingmeirongi Leikai gi Club,Meira Paibi amadi pukchel chaoba chaobi singna thokpiraktuna ayetpa apanba singdagi ngakthokpiduna amadi matam chana quality leina sahanduna loisinbada mateng pangbiyu haina ningsingjari.

Kangleipakki civil societies singnasu Nagamapal da leiriba khudong chadaba sing asidagi thuna nanthoknaba hotnaba da Chingmeirong gi Temporary Market shed asina achouba mateng ama oigadouribani, maram asina yariba makhei mari leinaba Contractor amadi Department ki staff singna mateng pangsinbiduna khwaidagi khonglei thuna thabk loisinnanaba hotnabada punna saruk yainnasi haina LUP singi maikeidagi LUP Loisingi mahut sinjaraga nolukna ningsingjari.

sd/-

(Chingkhei Luwangcha)

President, IPSA

Kangleipak

Mapithel dam : Chadong Village submerges under water

Chadong Villagers witness submergence of their village along with all its priceless identities and history. The government`s developmental design has created another island in the State by submerging the erstwhile fertile plains of village of Chadong. It is a classical case where the woes of the affected people are completely ignored by the State, imposing its policy by hoodwinking some people with compensation and militarizing the area to continue with its `anti-people` project.

Bill drafting committee optimistic after meeting with legal experts

IMPHAL, July 25: Both the All Manipur Bar Association and the High Court Bar Association have shown keen interest in assisting the drafting committee of a new bill to protect

Aripat Meira paibis demonstrated at Pechi Chingolak by forming a human chain.

IMPHAL, July 25: Both the All Manipur Bar Association and the High Court Bar Association have shown keen interest in assisting the drafting committee of a new bill to protect the indigenous people of the State with their legal expertise, chairman of the government constituted drafting committee Thoudam Debendra Singh told media persons today.

Addressing media persons after a meeting of the drafting committee and legal experts from the two bar associations, Debendra who is also the Law and Legislative Affairs minister said that the legal experts will help the committee in preparing a new bill which will be acceptable to both the public as well as the government authority giving assent to it.

Today`™s meeting with the legal experts was the third meeting hosted by the four member government drafting committee.

The meeting was attended by a five-executive member team of the AMBA and eight-executive member team of the HCBA led by their respective presidents.

Devendro said `Today`™s discussion was enriched by the participation of the legal practitioners.`

`In the larger objective of brainstorming together with all the stakeholders, the drafting committee will continue to discuss the bill with all the stakeholders.`

The Law minister also said that the legal perspective regarding fundamental rights, right to settlement, land laws were discussed to develop a conceptual clarity among the members and all stakeholders to ensure proper drafting of the new better.

We will continue to utilize their service whenever required as we progress with the drafting, he said.

He further said, we wish to expedite the drafting and yet it is imperative to be guided by the legal experts hence we have requested for their inputs within a few days.

On the framework of the bill, the chairman insist, `The new bill will be based on reasonable restrictions within the framework of five points namely: Freedom of movement; Right to settlement; Ownership rights under MLRLR Act 1960; Improvement in Labour law and Deportation vis a vis 1951 as base year.`

Responding to a media query regarding efforts initiated by the drafting committee to invite the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System in this consultative process, the chairman said, `We acknowledge the importance of their opinion and continue to await their response.`

He however reflected the absence of officially communicating to JCILP till date.

Replying to a query as to the absence of a constitutional expert in the process, the law minister quickly retorted that a constitutional expert will be consulted at a later stage only after a preliminary bill is drafted.

MMTA team rows down Imphal River garnering support for ILPS

IMPHAL July 24: Manipur Mountaineering Training Association organised a rafting rally in two rafts down the Imphal River from Maharabi near Sekmai to Khurai Lamlong Thong demanding ILPS implementation in

The MMTA team during their ILP campaign

They were greeted by thousands of people who watch them from the river banks and shouted slogans supporting the ILPS demand.

Late Sapam Robinson`™s parents also greeted the team and showed support to the endeavour of the MMTA at the river bank.

The team also stopped for a brief moment to visit their home and pay homage to the departed student.

They proceeded further down the river towards passing under Salamthong the Lamlong Bridge and stopped to greet people on the river banks along their course.

They waited for more than an hour without flinching and join the chorus of shouting the ILP slogans.

It was indeed an overwhelming support and solidarity unmatched to any form of demonstration in the ILPS movement so far and appealed to the crowds.

Bridges were loaded with people nearing stampede.

And from each bridge they gathered more supporters to the next bridge.

Meanwhile, residents of Khergao Awang Leikai also staged a sit in protest demanding implementation of the ILPS in the State.

The sit in protest was jointly organised by Khergao Awang Leikai, Khargao Association Women Development, Young Vision Association Khergao Sabal Leikai, Nasikhong Youth Union, Sabal Leikai Youth Development Association.

JCILPS ready to extend deadline for new bill, but with a rider

`Suspend personnel involved in Robinhood`s death; provide written assurance to incorporate five-point recommendation` IMPHAL July 23: The Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System has decided to extend its deadline

Peoples convention on ILPS at Iboyaima Shanglen on 23 July 2015 . Photo : Athouba Khuraijam

`Suspend personnel involved in Robinhood`s death; provide written assurance to incorporate five-point recommendation`

IMPHAL July 23: The Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System has decided to extend its deadline for a new bill to monitor the unabated influx of outsiders into the State for a month following an intense five hour long brainstorming with the public and other leaders during a public consultative meeting.

The meeting convened to pool public opinion and suggestions on the present impasse between the State government and JCILPS was held at the Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen and organised by the committee.

More than 500 individuals participated in the intense discussion which was moderated by senior journalist Irengbam Arun.

The meeting commenced with the observance of a 2-minute silence in memory of Sapam Robinhood who was killed in police action to control a student rally on July 8.

At the end of the meeting the committee and those attending jointly resolved to extend the deadline set for the government to draft a new bill provided the government is ready to meet certain conditions.

The first of the conditions arrived at was for the government to pass the new bill before August 15 and that the government would provide a written insurance that it will incorporate the five points which were earlier recommended by the JCILPS to the government during the preparation of the now withdrawn Manipur Regulation of Visitors, Tenants and Migrant Workers Bill 2015.

Another condition was immediate suspension of the police personnel involved in the death of Sapam Robinhood and constitution of a judicial enquiry.

Peoples convention on ILPS at Iboyaima Shanglen on 23 July 2015 . Photo : Athouba Khuraijam

However, the meeting also resolved that people`s movement will continue until the new bill is passed by the Manipur Legislative Assembly.

Moderating the discussion, Arun explained that the purpose and the imperative need of the consultation was to streamline the future course of the movement.

He also observed that the last bill which stands withdrawn now following much public outcry was a misleading and mockery of the public demand.

He also explicitly asserted that the movement is not anti-non domicile and public should also be mindful/considerate of sensitive conducts and inconvenience due to instant impositions of bandhs, general strikes etc.

JCILPS co-convenor BK Moirangcha in his key-note address said for almost three years now, since November 2012 to be precise, the JCILPS has been campaigning for a legislation to legally safeguard the rights of the people of Manipur.

Several speakers from different fields of expertise also shared the platform to express their views on the present movement with the core concerns of almost all speakers centering on the alarming tripling of non-indigenous population of the State and the indigenous people`s shrinking ownership of resources especially land.

Executive members of the JCILPS also detailed the five-point recommendation which has already been submitted to the government and further sought a consensus on the points from those attending the meeting.

It was also observed during the meeting that the wave of support in the ongoing movement has come from the ordinary laymen including women groups, senior citizens, local clubs, individuals, CBOs and CSOs.

Leaders and representatives of the United Committee Manipur, All Manipur United Clubs` Organisation, Information Center for Hill Areas, Manipur also attended and placed suggestions on the present movement.

Several speakers also raised issues on the need to re-open educational institutes, which have today become the major casualty sufferers during any movement in the State.

One of the speakers, Dr Khomdon Lisam voiced his concern about the absence of a guiding constitutional expert in the present drafting committee constituted by the government to prepare the bill.

People`s Action for National Democratic Movement (PANDAM) president Yumnamcha Dilip Kumar also raised concern over the trust deficit of the public on the present government and its tactics, ever since the latter `betrayed the public.`

He further suggested opening up of a communication channel between the JCILPS and the government to ensure that the five-point recommendation is incorporated in the bill this time.

Titular king of Manipur Leishemba Sanajaoba implored the government to empathise and acknowledge the popular sentiment of the people and safeguard `our identity.`

He continued that the government should constitute a well represented drafting committee which will be acceptable to the public and incorporate the recommendation of the JCILPS.

He also sought penalty for the police personnel involved in the action which led to the death of Sapam Robinhood.

Meanwhile, another speaker questioned as to why the government failed to utilise the Law Secretary, the Advocate General or a constitutional expert for drafting such an important law.

Senior citizen Dr Arambam Lokendro also asserted that JCILPS being the representative of the public has the right to be informed about the progress of the drafting process of the bill and on the status of the five points.

The government drafting committee should also accommodate further suggestions that evolved from public consultations, he observed.

He suggested few actions for the government to restore the trust of the people, which include constituting a judicial inquiry on the death of Sapam Robinhood, extending official invitation to JCILPS, and drawing up ILPS or a similar law to safeguard the indigenous people in the State.

He also shared his concern about the national media projecting the movement in a different light.

Human chains and sit-ins mark ILPS demand agitation

IMPHAL, July 22: Agitations demanding implementation of the Inner Line Permit System in the State and punishment for the police personnel involved in the death of student Sapam Robinhood continued

Students of Waikhom Mani Girls College form a human chain along the Impha-Moreh Highway in support of ILPS.

IMPHAL, July 22: Agitations demanding implementation of the Inner Line Permit System in the State and punishment for the police personnel involved in the death of student Sapam Robinhood continued at several places in the State today.

As part of the movement, Meitei pangals of Andro constituency today staged a sit in protest and later formed a human chain at the Yairipok Azad bazaar.

The agitators also observed a one-minute silence in memory of Late Sapam Robinhood.

The agitation was jointly organised by the Tulihal Educated Association, SDYO, TMWA, IYDO, Ningthounai Youth Organisation, local clubs of Changamdabi and Laikol Muslim clubs.

President of the Tulihal Educated Association, Md Thoiba said the people fully support the demand for implementation of the ILPS in the State.

Now that Ramadan- the holy month fasting is over, we will come out in full support of the demand, he said.

He further urged the government to stop neglecting people`s demand until there is a death and deploying delay tactics.

He asked whether the government would not have withdrawn the bill, if there were no incidents of death or people getting injured during the movement.

Taking a week`s time just for the formation of a Drafting Committee is akin to showing disrespect to the public movement, he said.

Several local leaders also spoke on the ILPS during the protest.

Agitators also shouted slogans demanding implementation of the ILPS in the State and action against the police personnel involved in the death of Robinhood.

They also shouted that there is no peace in Manipur.

The sit in protest was also participated by students of Azad High School, Antartic English School and Model Kids Centre all located in Yairipok Tulihal.

Meira paibis groups and local youth clubs of Tentha area also sit in protest at the Tentha Multiplex complex and later took out a rally starting from Tentha Khongbal Leikai.

Students of local schools like United English School, Oxford English School, Model English School.

During the protest demonstration, the protestors demanded amending the Constitution if it is required in order to implement the ILPS in the State and to punish the police personnel involved in the death of the student Robinhood.

Students of Waikhom Mani Girls College, Thoubal also formed a human chain on Imphal-Moreh national highway.

Meira paibis of Nongangkhong also staged a sit in protest at the Thoubal Ningthou Lai haraobung, while students of Pole Star School also formed a human chain showing support to the ongoing ILPS movement.

NNN adds: Today residents of Khurai Sajor Leikai formed a mob and stopped traffic movement in Imphal-Ukhrul road.

Since early morning, people of the locality came out out and blocked the road.

They said they will continue blocking the road until the state government implements ILPS in Manipur.

Vehicles coming along the road from both sides were made to turn back.

At Lamlong Bazar too, women vendors of the market staged a sit-in-protest wearing black badges in demand of the ILP system and punishment to those security personnel who were responsible for the death of student Sapam Robinhood. Similar protests were also held at Nambol Hao Keithel, Haobam Marak and many other areas.

Many women of Uripok area also demanded implementation of ILP system in Manipur by staging a sit-in-protest beneath the Uripok Flyover Bridge.

Members of 12 major transporter organisations today staged a sit-in-protest demanding the implementation of ILP system in Manipur. The protest was held at Keishampat Leimajam Leikai area on the side of Tiddim Road. The members announced to support the on-going agitation by stopping their services on July 24 from 4 am to 6 pm.

The transporters strongly condemned the brutal killing of Sapam Robinhood by the state forces.

Announcing that they will support the actions of the JCILPS and JAC of Robinhood, they also demanded the state government to implement ILP system in Manipur and to punish those personnel who killed Robinhood as per law accordingly.

Those who attended in the protest today appealed all the drivers, truckers and transporters of the state to support and join in the cease-work strike of July 24.

India’s War on Naga Peoples: Wuju firing

July 15, 20015 FACT FINDING REPORT OF WUZU FIRING AND THE KILLING OF TWO STUDENTS BY THE ASSAM RIFLES Fact-finding Team: (1) Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) (2) Naga Peoples Movement

July 15, 20015

FACT FINDING REPORT OF WUZU FIRING AND THE KILLING OF TWO STUDENTS BY THE ASSAM RIFLES

Fact-finding Team:
(1) Naga Students’ Federation (NSF)
(2) Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR)

Why did they fire at us? Was one question the villagers at Wuzu, Phor and new Phor asked when the NSF and NPMHR team went for fact-finding at Wuzu village. A five members fact-finding team from 17th to 19th July 2015 visited and talked to the eye witnesses.

Sequence of events

July 15: Firing starts at Avankhu (Also known as Avankhung) area where two NSCN K cadres are killed by the Assam Rifles. The firing starts around 11 pm at night and lasted till 5 am in the morning of July 16.

July 16: The bodies of the two cadres were being taken to Meluri via Wuzu by the AR. Five AR vehicles convoy (three 407 truck, gypsy, and one tata truck) passes through Wuzu village by 6 pm, according to eye witnesses in the village. The villagers having learned that one of the slain cadres, Captain Puhachu belonged to Wuzu village decides to request the AR to hand over the body for proper burial in the village land as per Naga customs.

Firing inside Wuzu village

The village leaders of Wuzu and neighboring villages of Phor and New Phor stood by the side of the road and raise their hands when the Army convoys was passing through. The first three vehicles sped off without stopping however they stopped near the village community hall on seeing the Major stop his vehicle, which is a few metres away from where the villagers are standing.

The villagers did not force the military convoy to stop.

The fourth vehicle carrying Major Surinder Singh and the last vehicle stopped where the villagers stood. The village leaders requested the Major who was well acquainted with them, if it were possible for the Major to handover the body to which the Major expressed his inability. So they requested the Major to at least take the coffin for the dead bodies to which the Major agreed. The conversation lasted for about two minutes when they started hearing gunshots from the direction of the AR truck near the Community hall which was followed by indiscriminate firing from the vehicle of the Major and the last vehicle behind the Major’s vehicle. Aso and Tiizali were killed from the bullets of the Jawans who fired from the Major’s vehicle, according to the eye witnesses. The villagers have also stated that the shots fired by the Jawans were not blank firing but aimed directly at the civilians. The firing lasted for about 20 minutes, we have been told.

Bullet marks are seen in the houses and trees in the whole stretch. The villagers have collected around 140 empty shells. Witnesses have claimed that there could be much more empty cases inside the AR vehicles as the maximum number of gunshots was fired inside the vehicle.

A civilian non-villager who happened to be at the site of the incident at that point in time witnessed the entire incident. He was by the site of the Community Hall next to the Army Maruti Gypsy vehicle where he witnessed the first gunshot being fired from the Assam Rifles Gypsy, he stated.

Accounts of Witnesses

Aso

Aso, 13, a class VII student of GHS Pholary, was the youngest child in her family. Aso is said to be a promising student. Her own grandfather was killed by the Indian Army in the 1960s during the battle of Thuda Phor. She was inside her relative’s house when the jawans fired. The bullet hit right below her armpit and came on the other side of her body.

Tüzali

Tiizali, 14 years and Class 7 student of GHS Pholary belonged to the neighboring village Phor, which is a walking distance from Wuzu village. Tiizali was with his three other friends right above the road when the shooting started. His friends escaped but he was shot in the chest and the skull.

Esther Jorror

The fact finding team visited Esther Jorror, 24 years old, on July 19 at the Community Health Centre of Meluri. Esther was shot in the right arm by the Assam Rifles. She was carrying her one year and five months old baby when she heard the firing. She ran inside the house of Yichiili for cover but was shot in the arm while running for cover. It is the same house where Aso was killed. Esther saw Aso being shot. Esther’s husband Ritu Jorror was also at the spot and is an eye witness to the firing by Assam Rifles.

The NSF and NPMHR Fact- finding team has taken pictures of the bullet marks in each houses which were shot. The Assam Rifles has claimed that the NSCN K had shot from the hilltops but the bullet marks and eye witness evidences indicates that the Assam Rifles shot directly at the civilians and the houses.

The Team called on Maj. Surinder Singh of the 46 AR C Coy at his camp at Akhegwo Post. In course of the interaction, he admitted that he was not sure who shot the students in the village. He further told the Team to contact his superiors, particularly the IGAR, on the matter. The Team also noticed a group of Para Commando personnel of the Indian Army with their strange looks and unusual uniform. Maj. Surinder Singh also revealed that the assault team comprised of personnel from the Para Commando personnel of the Indian Army along with the jawans from the Assam Rifles under his command. He also admitted that he had an Officer senior to him and some other Junior Commissioned Officers at the spot where the students were murdered. On being queried how he could claim that the NSCN (K) had killed the students, he responded that he was not sure and requested the team to contact the IGAR (N). This is particularly interesting because it is ascertained that there was no presence of the cadres of the NSCN (K) in the vicinity. If the Major himself who was present at the incident of July 16 is not sure, then how can the IGAR (N) be so sure in there press statements that the two students were killed by the NSCN (K)?

Boveio Poukai Duo, General Secretary, Naga Students’ Federation (NSF)
Vibi Yhokha, Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR)
Dated: July 21, 2015

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/indias-war-on-naga-peoples-wuju-firing/

Another Wall of Injustice

By Jiten Yumnam In January this year, the Thoubal River was impeded by the Mapithel Dam. In the pipeline since the 1980s, the commissioning of the dam meant that the

By Jiten Yumnam

In January this year, the Thoubal River was impeded by the Mapithel Dam. In the pipeline since the 1980s, the commissioning of the dam meant that the backwater reservoir slowly began to rise, fill and spread, even though resettlement had not been completed. It was a despicable act by the Manipur government to forcefully commission the Thoubal Multipurpose Project. By June, due to the rains in the northeastern Indian state, the dam reservoir began to rise rapidly and submerged an extensive area of Chadong village, where many project-affected people reside. The reservoir began to submerge their agricultural land, grazing grounds and forest.

protest_against_inundation_in_june_15_at_chadong_village

Villagers protest after commissioning of the Mapithel Dam earlier this year Photo : Jiten Yumnam

As I write this, homes are being inundated by the rising waters. Villagers are compelled to rely on bamboo rafts to cross the river, given that the only bridge that connects Chadong with other villages along the Mapithel Valley has already been submerged. Most say they can not swim; turbulent waters in high winds pose a constant risk. The villagers are in deep despair as they watch their ancestral lands vanish. But right now they are most worried for their immediate livelihood as their cultivable land is lost to the rising water.

The Thoubal Multipurpose Project is intended to generate 7.5 MW of hydroelectricity and supply 10 million gallons of water each day to the state capital, Imphal. But the filling of the reservoir without addressing the concerns of affected communities – in the absence of holistic impact assessment of the dam – amounts to no less than harassment and is illegal. The Tangkhul Naga and Kuki people will lose their subsistence agricultural land and forests, their source of survival.

The blocking of the river has already led to the drying up of the Thoubal River in the immediate downstream stretch of the dam. The villagers in downstream villages, belonging to the Meiteitribe, are worried of extreme water shortages. The villagers can no longer fish and collect sand and stones brought down by the Thoubal River, which is an economic mainstay in addition to agriculture. Collection of firewood and seasonal food sources from nearby hills is getting disturbed as forest areas are being destroyed, also partly due to militarization in the region. The Mapithel Dam site is located in a highly seismic area, and villagers are concerned about a potential dam break.

Villagers are compelled to rely on bamboo rafts to cross the river after the Mapithel Dam inundated the only bridge in the area Photo : Jiten Yumnam

The ongoing filling of the Mapithel Dam reservoir is accompanied with full-scale deployment of security forces of the government of India while subduing all affected peoples’ call and resistance against the blocking of the Thoubal River. Villagers strongly opposed the forceful filling up of the dam reservoir as a clear example of undemocratic and anti-indigenous peoples development. This has created political disenchantment and a fear psychosis among the affected villagers.

The ongoing effort to finalize Mapithel Dam construction is moving ahead, despite the fact that the National Green Tribunal is still considering the violation of forest rights under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980 and the Forest Rights Act, 2006. In clear procedural violations, the Ministry of Environment and Forest, government of India accorded final forest clearance for Mapithel Dam only on December 31, 2013, more than 30 years after the project was approved in 1980, and that too without conducting any site visit to the affected area.

The rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R) is being carried out in a piecemeal and divisive manner and has already caused much controversy and human rights violations, resulting in confusion and division among affected communities. Due to the failure of the agreement on R&R, the government of Manipur constituted an Expert Review Committee in January 2008. However, the government withdrew from the process after seven rounds of talks, the last held in February 2011. The government of Manipur forcefully began verification at Lamlai Khunou and Chadong Village in October 2012, despite community objections. The verification is a direct violation of the stay order of the Gauhati High Court on April 25, 2012.

Agricultural land partially submerged in Chadong village by Mapithel Dam Photo : Jiten Yumnam

The construction of Mapithel Dam is still fraught with the absence of a detailed impact assessment on communities with their rightful participation, especially regarding the impact on forest land and other livelihood sources. The plight of the affected communities remains uncertain as project authorities continue to fill the dam reservoir with military presence on their land, suppressing their democratic rights. Mapithel Dam is yet another clear symbol of development injustice.

The filling of the reservoir should be stopped until rehabilitation has been satisfactorily completed while free, prior and informed consent of the indigenous people is taken on board. The militarization of the region, in the name of battling insurgents, too should be halted immediately. Lastly, all forms of involuntary displacement in violation of the UN Declaration on Indigenous Peoples Rights, 2007 and the recommendations of the World Commission on Dams, 2000 should be put to a stop. Now.

Jitin Yumnam is Secretary, Centre for Research and Advocacy (Manipur), and can be contacted at: jitnyumnam@yahoo.co.in
Source : http://www.internationalrivers.org/blogs/328-20

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/another-wall-of-injustice/

No let up in ILPS movement: Road blocks give way to suspension of all economic activities

IMPHAL, July 20: There is no let up in the movement demanding implementation of the Inner Line Permit System or a similar legislation in the State, although supporters turned to

A torch rally taken out in New Checkong area demanding implementation of the ILPS.

IMPHAL, July 20: There is no let up in the movement demanding implementation of the Inner Line Permit System or a similar legislation in the State, although supporters turned to suspending all economic activities and staging sit in protests rather than imposing road blocks as the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System initiates its new course of agitations.

Normal life in the State capital and the valley districts was greatly hampered as business activities were suspended in response to a call from the JCILPS. Road blocks were also witnessed at a few places.

Since early morning, womenfolk came out to the streets and staged sit in protests.

Women vendors suspended their economic activities and staged sit in protests at their market sheds at several places.

Sit in protests were also witnessed on the road sides in almost every locality. Formations of human chain were also witnessed at different localities including at the Keishamthong Elangbam Leikai, Thangmeiband, Sagolband, Nagamapal among others.

The movement supporters held placards demanding immediate implementation of the ILPS, punishing the police personnel involved in the death of Sapam Robinhood, etc.

Residents of Kotha Khabam Maning Leikai also staged a sit in protest at their local community hall. Similar sit in protests were also witnessed at Awang, Mayai and Mantra Leikais of the locality.

Locals also blocked the road demanding punishment of the police personnel involved in the death of Robinhood.

Agitators also blocked the Uripok-Kangchup road and the Imphal-Jiribam road at different places since early morning affecting traffic flows, however, no untoward incidents were reported from the said areas.

Sit in protests were also staged at Thangmeiband, Uripok, Moirangkhom, Yaiskul Police Lane, Keisamthong Kabui Khul, Keishamthong, Singjamei, Singjamei Wangma Kshetri Leikai, UYO-WWA-WDA Club of Bheigyapati Leikai, Heirangoithong Bazaar etc.

Meira rallies were also taken out at several places including at New Checkon area late in the evening.

A large number of supporters from Sagolband who had taken out a rally met and converged with another large number supporters coming from the Uripok side near the Bir Tikendrajit Flyover, however, police disperse them back to their respective areas in a peaceful manner.

The Kakhulong Women Society also took out a torch rally demanding and supporting the implementation of ILPS in the State. The torch rally which started from Kakhulong passed through Masjid Road and Paona Bazar.

The Sangaiprou Kabui Khul also staged a sit in protest at Sangaiprou Kabui Khul demanding implementation of ILP in the State.

The All Manipur Nupi Manbi Association also staged a sit in protest at Khurai Lamlong Bazar supporting the public movement for implementation of the ILPS or a similar law in the State.

Our community also shares the fear of the people of the State in the absence of an Act like the ILPS, said secretary of the association Santa Khurai.

Santa also said that it is their bounded duty to support the mass movement.

Incessant failed to dampen the spirit of Kang chingba (Rath Yatra) in Manipur: Photo gallery by Siddharth Haobijam

Imphal, 18 July 2015 : Like every year, this year too show Manipuri hindus celebrating Rath Yatra or Kang Chingba. But due to incessant rain , the Govindajee temple was

Manipuri hindus celebrating Rath Yatra(Kang Chingba) despite incessant rain. Photo by Siddharth Haobijam

Imphal, 18 July 2015 : Like every year, this year too show Manipuri hindus celebrating Rath Yatra or Kang Chingba. But due to incessant rain , the Govindajee temple was flooded and many devotees rue the neglect of the government .

Kang was also celebrated at ISKCON temple situated at Tiddim Road.

Many localities also saw colourful small rath rolling into the streets with children in colourful, festive dresses in tow.

Nagaland Legislators call on Union Home Minister

NEW DELHI, July 19 (NEPS): A delegation of Ministers and Members of Legislative Assembly from Nagaland led by the Speaker of Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Chotisuh Sazo and the Chief Minister,

A delegation of Ministers and MLAs from Nagaland led by the Speaker of Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Shri Chotisuh Sazo and the Chief Minister, Nagaland, Shri T.R. Zeliang, calling on the Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh, in New Delhi on July 17, 2015.
The Union Home Secretary, Shri L.C. Goyal, the Interlocutor for Naga peace talks and Chairman, Joint Intelligence Committee, Shri R.N. Ravi and the Joint Secretary (NE), MHA, Shri Shambhu Singh are also seen.

NEW DELHI, July 19 (NEPS): A delegation of Ministers and Members of Legislative Assembly from Nagaland led by the Speaker of Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Chotisuh Sazo and the Chief Minister, T.R. Zeliang, called on the Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh here on 17th July and discussed different Naga Political issues.
The delegation comprising the entire political spectrum of Nagaland, mentioned about their firm commitment to the Naga Peace process. The delegation hoped for an early settlement of the issue as according to them different civil society groups and people of Nagaland want peace.

Rajnath Singh, after hearing different members of the delegation stated that the Government of India is committed to maintain peace in the state as well as in the North Eastern region and will extend all necessary help in this regard.

Singh stated that the Government of India is committed for peace, prosperity, stability and the same is desired by the people of Nagaland. He mentioned that the unilateral abrogation of ceasefire by NSCN (K) has caused pain and concern to the people of Nagaland and the authorities in the state and at the Centre. The Home Minister expressed satisfaction on the steps being taken by the state government and stated that there should be no atmosphere of fear psychosis among the people.
Earlier, the delegation called on the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju and discussed the issues with him.
The Union Home Secretary, L.C. Goyal, the Interlocutor for Naga peace talk and Chairman, Join Intelligence Committee, R.N. Ravi and Shambhu Singh, Joint Secretary (NE), MHA also attended the meeting.

Sunil Deodhar launches BJP`s Maha Sampark Abhiyan in State

IMPHAL, July 19: Sunil Deodhar who is the BJP`s Tripura in-charge today launched the Maha Sampark Abhiyan at the BJP Manipur Pradesh office. The inauguration was also attended by BJP

BJP’s Tripura in-charge Sunil Deodhar launching the Maha Sampark Abhiyan

IMPHAL, July 19: Sunil Deodhar who is the BJP`s Tripura in-charge today launched the Maha Sampark Abhiyan at the BJP Manipur Pradesh office.

The inauguration was also attended by BJP Manipur president Th Chaoba, State convenor A Sarda Devi among others.

Speaking on the occasion, Deodhar said Manipur is a beautiful place with favourable climate however the Congress government in the State has killed all of people`s aspiration and hope for development.

This is the right time to eradicate the Congress government to bring new hopes of development in the State, he continued.

The people along with the BJP should confront the Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh led government, he continued.

During its 13 long years of rule, the Congress government has not brought any development in the State, he claimed.

There is no transparency in development projects and for their own selfish interest, the Congress has introduced corruption into the entire system in the name of ruling the State, he continued.

In the last one year and two months of forming the government, the BJP has allocated huge fund for developmental projects in the State including Rs 100 crores for the establishment of the National Sports University, he said.

However, the Ibobi led government has failed to provide the land required for the construction of the university till date, he said demanding as to why the people should not consider the Congress to be enemies of the talented Manipuri sportspersons.

BJP, he said is the only answer to a bright future for the State.

He said once the BJP comes to power in the State, it will construct 3000 km length of road in the State in the first year itself.

The district headquarter road connections will be upgraded to two lane roads and those connecting the district headquarters to the State capital will be turned into four lanes, he said adding that all these is impossible without the BJP coming to power in the State.

The people, he said should bring the BJP into power in the 2017 General Assembly election for their own welfare.

Deodhar said as part of strengthening the party ahead of the 2017 election in the State, enrolment drives have been successfully conducted with more than three lakh individuals joining.

Now the Maha Sampark Abhiyan will help the party`s member to directly contact the party, he said.

Chaoba said the party will conduct an action programme of the abhiyan for 90 days in the State.

Workshops and public meetings would be conducted during the 90 days-time to spread awareness of the party objectives among the members, he said.

He said the BJP will come out strong in the three constituencies of Thongju, Thangmeiband and Wangoi where bye-elections would be held soon and these elections would be a turning point for the party.

And in the 2017 election, the BJP will eradicate the most corrupted government of the Congress, he continued.

He further rued the government dealing of the ILPS issue and said the Chief Minister is not clear on when he would be bringing out the new bill.

In the function M Asnikuamr general secretary administration, L Basanta Sharma general secretary Media affairs, S Premananda general secretary Orgnaisation, O Malesh President Yuva Morcha, BJP former-presidents and BJP Office bearer district mandal leaders were present.

Manipuri students in Pune demands introduction of ILP in Manipur: MSAP PR

Pune, 14 July 2015 : The Manipur Students’ Association, Pune (MSAP) organized a peaceful rally on 14-July 2015 at Pune University Campus, Pune & also observed a 2 minutes silence

MSAP rally demanding introduction of ILPS in Manipur.

Pune, 14 July 2015 : The Manipur Students’ Association, Pune (MSAP) organized a peaceful rally on 14-July 2015 at Pune University Campus, Pune & also observed a 2 minutes silence to condemn the killing of one the students who was part of the peaceful rally demanding the introduction of the Inner Line Permit system (ILPS) in the state.

On July -8, a 16 year school boy, Mr. Sapam Robinhood was hit on the face by a tear gas shell fired from a close range in an effort by the state police to block a rally at Khurai, the impact had resulted in his tragic death.

The Students association of Manipur, Pune (MSAP) strongly condemned the current violation of basic human rights in the state and taken a strong resolution to support in whatever way possible in fighting against any human right violation in the state.

(MSAP can be reached at prezmsap@gmail.com)

24th NAMA convention held in Rockville, Maryland

The 24th NAMA Annual Convention Report, 2015 The 24th annual convention of the North American Manipur Association (NAMA) marked the largest gathering in NAMA history with nearly 130 participants

The 24^th NAMA Annual Convention Report, 2015

The 24^th annual convention of the North American Manipur Association (NAMA) marked the largest gathering in NAMA history with nearly 130 participants in attendance. The annual NAMA conventions that take place every year at different locations providean opportunity for all the Manipuris living in North America to reconnect with friends and family and rekindle Manipuri tradition and culture. Manipurisacross North America gathered under one roof on July 3^rd and 4^that Washington, D.C., meeting one another, dressing up in traditional attire, joining in traditional song and dance, eating ethnic food, renewing old friendships and making new ones. Members in attendance traveled far and wide from many states in the USA, includingVirginia, Maryland, North Carolina, Texas, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, Tennessee, Alabama, and Florida.

Friday July 3^rd, 2015– Social Gathering at Rollins Congressional Club

The 24^th NAMA Convention commenced with a social gathering at the Rollins Congressional Clubin Rockville, Maryland on Friday July 3^rd, 2015 at 7:00 PM. The convention hall was jam-packed with men, children and traditionally dressed beautiful Manipuri women. The stage was set up with a Manipuri theme. An ethnic potluck was held by the DC Area families (Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC) in the evening. While the dinner was underway, NAMA t-shirts were sold. Romola Kshetrimayum and Monica Laishram sang songs and music was played by Nishi Asem, Martin Haobam, Sagar Sharma, and Chingkhei Akoijam. The slide show compiled by Naba Singhadisplaying the former NAMA members, activities and events was played on the projector. The gathering and the dinner concluded at 11:00 PM.

Saturday July 4^th, 2015 – Main Event at Rollins Congressional Club

The main event took place on America’s Independence Day, the 4^th of July. While Americans celebrated their independence, Manipuris in North America celebrated theirreunion at Washington D.C. The registration began at 9:00 AM on Saturday morningwhile breakfast was served. The Mistress of Ceremonies was Babyrani Yumnam. The event started with a welcome address by the President of NAMA, Amom Ruhikant Meetei. The welcome address was followed by an opening song “Ho Ima Poknapham Ima” by the President himself, Thoihen Heisnam, Monica Laishram, Prativa Amom and Prety Amom. After the song, the President extended a warm welcome to everyone present and appreciated their support for the association. The Presidenturged the members to continue providing support for future NAMA activities.

The President’s welcome speech was followed by the General Secretary’sactivity report. Hori Irombham, the General Secretary of NAMA discussed the activities accomplishedin the years 2013-14 & 2014-15. Horifurther attested to how NAMA is actively supporting several organizationsin Manipurthroughdonations and endorsementduring the pastyears. Lily Sharma, the Treasurer of NAMA, then presented the financial report for the years 2013-14 & 2014-15. According to the reportNAMA’s financial standing continues to grow.

Naba Singha, Delly Adhikarimayum, Lalit Pukhrambam, Surjalal Sharma, P Swornalata each presented a speech. The presenters discussed the evolution of NAMAand how the association has progressedsignificantly in terms of program development and membership size. The presenters also reiterated the history of Manipur and discussedhow Manipur became a part of India. The founders of NAMA were honored. The participants stood in silence for a minute in remembrance of NAMA members who have passed away.

The newly amended NAMA Constitution was distributed to the participants for their review. Upon strict review of the language, terms, laws and principles of the newly amended NAMA constitution, the members offered their approval. Once approved by the members, Dritha Kumar announced an official final approval of the new NAMA constitution.

Shilpa Phairembam Weiss, the Assistant General Secretary, as well as the main coordinator of the NAMA Excellence Award program unveiled the NAMA Excellence award program. Shilpa outlined that the award program is a new initiative that aims to reward and motivate the talented Manipuri students in North America who have excelled in the field of academics, sports and arts. There was a good turnout in the inaugural year and more applications are expected in the future.

The recipient of the 2015 Sports Excellence Award was Adam Laishram, son of Dr. Joy Laishram and Christina Laishram of Ontario, Canada. Adam is a national hockey player. He played for Team Ontario alongside some of the top NHL draft prospects in the league. Adam has achieved many prestigious awards and played at the international level representing Canada. The recipients of the 2015 NAMA Academic Excellence Award were:Prativa Amom, daughter of Amom Ruhikant Meetei and Kebola Wahengbam; and Bosco Chanam, son of Kulabidhu Chanam and Pramodini Chanam. Their applications were evaluated judiciously and the academic excellence award recipients were selected based on their academic performance, overall GPA, voluntary experience, and participation in extracurricular activities.

Once the awards were distributed, the Chief Guest, Maisnam Riten Kumar who currently works in India as a Superintendent Engineer/Director, Ministry of Road, Transport and Highway presented a speech. The Chief Guest expressed his joy of being there at the convention and appreciated the effort and time that NAMA has been giving for the betterment of ourManipuri community back at home as well as here in the States. There was a 1 hour lunch break after the Chief Guest’s speech.

Members assembled around 2:05 PM after the lunch togive their votes for the new 2015-2017 executive members. Listed below are the candidates that were elected:

President – Lukhoi Shougaijam (Virginia)
Vice President – Hori Irombham (Illinois)
General Secretary –Shilpa Phairembam Weiss (Missouri)
Assistant General Secretary – Bijon Ayekpam (Washington,D.C.)
Treasurer – Lily Sharma (Maryland)
IT Lead – Nishi Asem (Ohio)
Cultural Secretary – Monica Laishram (New Jersey)
Member – Abhishek Sanoujam (Texas)
Member – Johnson Elangbam (Tennessee)

The President, Amom Ruhikant Meetei,and the NAMA members congratulated the newly elected Executive members. The President elect, Lukhoi Shougaijam,presented the vote of thanks. Lukhoi thanked everyone for their attendance and appreciated the DC Area family for being a great host.

The cultural program began with a beautiful “Mangala Charran” performance by A Indrani Sharmi. The Mangala Charran was followed by a heart touching flute performance of the Indian National Anthem by Ridhi Chingakham. Noopur Singha then gave an amazing“Krishna Abhishar” dance performance. After the dance, there was a very cute drama based on a folk tale “Pebet Macha and Haudong Lamboiba.” The drama was performed by Naba Singha, Monica Ingudam, Marc, Magen, Darshil, and Langlen.

Amy Shougaijham played the American National Anthem on the piano. Lavani Laishram danced to fusion music. Langlen Heisnamsang the song “Chingda Satpi Eengelei”. Navya Asem presented Thougal Jagoi. Prety Amom sang the cover of the song“I Am Not the Only One”. Lilianne Pukhrambam played“Sentimental Saraband” on violin. Prativa Amom sang “Color of the Wind”. Monica Laishram also sang“Eigi Chenghi Manam.” The songs were followed by “Thoibi Jagoi” by A Indrani Sharmi, Linthoi Angom, Lily Sharma, Monica Ingudam, and Ebechaobi Laishangthem. Once the Thoibi Jagoi performance was done, Amom Ruhikant Meetei presented two songs “Nouribi” and “Hey Ima Manipur”. Airi Haobam sang “Let it go”. Prasana Kumar gave a classical sitar performance. Naba Singha and Chingkhei Akoijam also joined Prasana by playing drum and guitar.Therockensemblecomposed of Martin Haobam, Raj Chingakham, Nishi Asem, Sagar Sharma and Chingkhei Akoijam played several songs. The slide show compiled by Dillon Laishram was played on the projector.

Prativa Amom acknowledgedand awarded the children participants with a certificate of participation. After the certificate distribution, there was a “Leima Jagoi”performance by Kebola Wahengbam, Amom Prativa, Amom Prety, Ambrabati Adhikarimayum, Anju Aheibam, Lily Sharma, Priyadarshini Koijam, Khumanleima Laishram, Swornalata Takhellambam, Judy Sarungbam, and Linthoi Angom. Finally, allmen, women, and children irrespective of age and race gathered around, held hands together and danced happilyto the beat of the drums to a grand Thabal Chongba. This concluded the big event of the day successfully.

The2015 NAMA Convention was a perfect example of a close-knitted Manipuri community in North America. This gathering has also proved how well the Manipuri traditions have been practiced abroad. Abhishek Sanoujam and Geetanjali Laishram who attended the convention for the first time commented, “The convention is absolutely great! We feel like we are in our native place. The food tastes even better than the food we make in India. After long time, we even got an opportunity to participate in Thabal Chongba.Thanks to NAMA for inviting us.”

What made the convention even more interesting was the crowd that filled the room. People of different races and ages socialized and appreciated the beautiful culture of Manipur. Brian Weiss, American husband of Shilpa Phairembam Weiss stated, “The exposure to the richness of the Manipuri culture and the hospitality of the people made the weekend a great event to remember. The food was excellent, the performances were entertaining, and the Thabal Chongba was exhilarating. I look forward to next year!”

The NAMA Executive team would like to take this opportunity to say a heartfelt “Thank You!”to everyone who has attended the convention. The phenomenal success of the convention is a reflection of the ever-increasing dedication and enthusiasm the members display. Special thanksgoes to the DC Area Families who hosted the program and arranged the potluck. The Executive team hopes for a continued support from the members and are glad that they are able to help people back at home and here in North America. If you have any questions for NAMA or would like to contact the executive team, please contact them at namagroups@gmail.com.They look forward to seeing you at next year’s convention!

(The press release has been sent by NAMA. They can be reached at namagroups@gmail.com)

24th NAMA convention held in Rockville, Maryland

The 24th NAMA Annual Convention Report, 2015 The 24th annual convention of the North American Manipur Association (NAMA) marked the largest gathering in NAMA history with nearly 130 participants

The 24^th NAMA Annual Convention Report, 2015

Friday July 3^rd, 2015– Social Gathering at Rollins Congressional Club

Saturday July 4^th, 2015 – Main Event at Rollins Congressional Club

Members assembled around 2:05 PM after the lunch togive their votes for the new 2015-2017 executive members. Listed below are the candidates that were elected:

President – Lukhoi Shougaijam (Virginia)
Vice President – Hori Irombham (Illinois)
General Secretary –Shilpa Phairembam Weiss (Missouri)
Assistant General Secretary – Bijon Ayekpam (Washington,D.C.)
Treasurer – Lily Sharma (Maryland)
IT Lead – Nishi Asem (Ohio)
Cultural Secretary – Monica Laishram (New Jersey)
Member – Abhishek Sanoujam (Texas)
Member – Johnson Elangbam (Tennessee)

(The press release has been sent by NAMA. They can be reached at namagroups@gmail.com)

Women vendors` ILPS rally stopped midway

IMPHAL, July 15: Angry womenfolk of the three Ima Keithels took out a protest rally against the three months time set by the House to bring out a fresh bill

Police women trying to control vendors of Ima Keithels during a protest rally.

IMPHAL, July 15: Angry womenfolk of the three Ima Keithels took out a protest rally against the three months time set by the House to bring out a fresh bill which can protect the indigenous people during its special sitting today.

The women protestors demanded implementation of a bill at the earliest to check the unbridled entry of non-locals into the State.

Decrying police brutality in controlling the present ongoing movement, they further demanded that the police personnel involved in the death of Sapam Robinhood should be punished at the earliest.

The rally started around 12:30 pm from the bazaar area and attempted to march towards the Assembly building where the one day emergency sitting of the Assembly was underway.

Police attempt to stop them resulted in a tussle, however, an understanding was brought about soon between the two groups and the protestors turnaround from the Bir Tikendrajit Flyover and entered into the Ima Keithel.

During the short rally, around 200 women vendors of the three keithels shouted slogans condemning the police personnel involved in the death of Sapam Robinhood and implementation of the ILPS in the State at the earliest.

Meanwhile, residents of New Checkon road, Palace Gate also staged a mass sit in protest demanding implementation of the ILPS in the State by blocking one side of the road.

Residents of Keishampat also demonstrated at Keishampat Leimajam Leikai supporting the demand for implementing ILPS in the State and punishment for the police personnel responsible for Robinhood`™s death.

The Film Forum, Manipur also staged a sit in protest in front of the Usha Cinema hall.

Around 100 well-known actors, actresses and others hold placards condemning the death of S Robinhood and asking the government to act now to protect the indigenous people.

Following the sit in protest, they visited Robinhood`™s home at Khurai Lairikyengbam Leikai.

Meanwhile, an effigy of the Chief Minister was burn at Tera Bazar, while protestors from Khurai Leirikyengbam Leikai also blocked the Dingku Road in protest against the resolution of the House.

Local clubs and meira paibis of Tentha area also took out a meira rally this evening showing support for the ILPS movement.

Around 500 individuals participated in the rally.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/07/women-vendors-ilps-rally-stopped-midway/

General strike affects normal life; no untoward incident reported

IMPHAL, July 14: The 14-hour state-wide general strike called by the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System brought the State to a complete halt today. Bandh supporters came on

Manipur ILP Demand: Women agitators blocking a road.

IMPHAL, July 14: The 14-hour state-wide general strike called by the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System brought the State to a complete halt today.

Bandh supporters came on the streets and demonstrated at various places as shops and other business establishments remained shut-off for the day and vehicles including passenger services remained off the roads.

Meanwhile as part of the movement demanding implementation of the ILPS in the State, sit in protests were witnessed in various localities in the State capital including at Luwangsangbam, Lairikyengbam Leikai, Khurai Sajor Laikai, Thoidringjam Leikai, Yaiskul Police Lane, Soibam Leikai, Wangkhei, Palace Compound, Mahabali Kabui Khul, Naharup Mayai Leikai, Singjamei Chingam Leikai, Lilong, Sagolband area etc.

Protestors`™ and bandh supporters also burn effigies of Chief Minister and other MLAs demanding dismissal of the police personnel involved in the death of student Sapam Robinhood.

Road blocks were also witnessed at Thangmeiband road, Khuman Lampak Bus Terminus, Lairikyengbam Leikai, Khurai Ahongei, Soibam Leikai, Nongmeibung, Heirangoi thong etc

Agitators remained on the streets enforcing the 14 hour general strike.

Streets in the State capital wore deserted looks.

Meanwhile, demands were made to punished the involved police personnel in the killing of Sapam Robinhood and to implement the ILPS at the earliest.

However, there were no reports of any untoward incidents till the filing of this report.

Meanwhile, the Kakhulong Women Society also organized a meira rally starting from Khakhulong which continued till Paona Bazaar and ended in front of the Usha Hall.

Later the women folk gathered and condoled Sapam Robinhood and his bereaved family. The women folk also prayed for his soul to remain rest in peace.

The women demonstrators also lit candles in the formation of ILP at Kakhulong main gate.

Dr Lotha on many issues facing District Treasury offices; says CM’s response positive

KOHIMA, July 10 (NEPS): Dr TM Lotha, Adviser, Treasuries & Accounts, Relief and Rehabilitation, has today expressed his dismay at the pathetic conditions the department (Treasuries & Account) had in

Dr TM Lotha, Adviser, Treasuries & Accounts, speaking at 14th Gen Conf of NL Fin & Accont Service Assn

Dr TM Lotha, Adviser, Treasuries & Accounts, Relief and Rehabilitation, speaking at the 14th General Conference of the Nagaland Finance & Accounts Service Association held at Conference Hall of the Directorate of Treasuries & Accounts, Kohima on July 10, 2015. NEPS Photo.

KOHIMA, July 10 (NEPS): Dr TM Lotha, Adviser, Treasuries & Accounts, Relief and Rehabilitation, has today expressed his dismay at the pathetic conditions the department (Treasuries & Account) had in its other district offices. He disclosed that almost all the District Treasury Offices were being run with poor furniture and without even enough computers.

Speaking as chief guest at the 14^th General Conference of the Nagaland Finance & Accounts Service Association held at Conference Hall of the Directorate of Treasuries & Accounts here on Friday, Dr Lotha disclosed that soon after becoming the Adviser, Treasuries & Accounts, he visited some of Treasury Offices and Training Center (Institute) at Dimapur. “I have seen most of the offices and the Training Center (Institute) at Dimapur and found that they are in a very pitiable condition, besides there is acute shortage of faculty members,” he added.

The Adviser also said most of the Treasury Office Buildings were without proper security fencing and security guard rooms, while some Treasury Offices and many Sub-Treasury Offices were being run in rented buildings. He said even the Treasury Officers were using very old and outdated vehicles which were 15 years old. Many officers had actually given back these vehicles to the department as they could no longer use them and they were without any vehicles now, he stated.

Dr Lotha, however, informed the officers and members of the Nagaland Finance & Accounts Service Association that he had already apprised the Chief Minister with regard to the Training Center (Institute) and other issues facing the department. The response from the chief minister was “very positive,” he said hoping that “It will be taken up during the current budget session.” “I also hope that the Honorable Chief Minister will also look into the other issues as well,” he added.

Congratulating the officers for maintaining a very high standard of efficient service to the people, the Adviser said if they continued to work together with the same spirit, they could bring about “fiscal discipline in the whole of the state in the near future.”

Stating that they were already in computer age revolutionizing and changing the whole working system in the department, he explained that all the officers should get themselves acquainted and updated themselves with the computer knowledge so that they would be in the system.

Temjen Toy, Principal Secretary and Finance Commissioner, also spoke on the occasion as guest of honor. He said officers in many offices did not keep pace with the fast changing world and further urged the officers and members of the State Treasuries & Accounts Department to keep pace with the fast changing world while working and discharging their duties. At the same time, they also needed to restructure in many areas.

“We have to streamline with the transactions in the state and also to remain as watchdog to various fraudulent activities and other issues,” he added.

The Principal Secretary also read out the speech of the Chief Minister who could not make it in the function as he had to attend a meeting of Northeast CMs at Guwahati. The Chief Minister’s inability to attend, the Adviser, Treasuries & Accounts, Dr Lotha was made a chief guest.

Earlier, Daso Paphino, president of Nagaland Finance & Accounts Service Association, also Joint Director in the Directorate of Treasuries & Accounts, delivered his presidential address on the occasion. He highlighted many activities of the department since its establishment in 1980.

The program was chaired by K Tiayanger Tzudir, Director, Treasuries & Accounts, while the Vote of Thanks by Z Mesen, Principal Director, Treasuries & Accounts. Officials from the Treasuries & Accounts, Members of the Nagaland Finance & Accounts Service Association attended the program.

Public-police clashes continue for third consecutive day

IMPHAL, July 11: For the third consecutive day, ILPS supporters came out defying curfew orders and imposed road blocks, conducted mock funeral of the Chief Minister, burn his effigies, staged

ILPS Demand Intensified: Public-police clashes continue for third consecutive day

IMPHAL, July 11: For the third consecutive day, ILPS supporters came out defying curfew orders and imposed road blocks, conducted mock funeral of the Chief Minister, burn his effigies, staged sit in protest demanding withdrawal of the Manipur Regulation of Visitors, Tenants and Migrant Workers Bill 2015.

The protestors were also demanding a Bill to safeguard the indigenous people of the State.

Although curfew was relaxed for five hours from 5am to 10am today, as soon as the curfew was re-imposed people came out to the streets and started demonstrating, resulting in several fierce police-agitators confrontations.

Meanwhile, the government has started deploying CRPF personnel including women personnel in the State capital to reinforce State security forces in controlling the raging agitation.

At Hiyangthang, meira paibis of Hiyangthan and Langthabal organised a joint meira rally.

In Kakwa a strong police-agitators confrontation occurred.

Police fired tear gas shells, rubber bullets, used catapults as the agitators also pelted stones and used catapults. There were several reports of minor injuries sustained during the confrontation.

The agitators also used foul language against the media persons covering the incident.

Police-agitators confrontations were also witnessed in Sagolband, Keisamthong, Kwakeithel, Pisum, Khagempali, Heirangoi Thong, MU gate, Kakwa, Kongman, Kongba, Basikhong, Heingang, Kontha Ahalup.

The Ragailong Pei (Thoubei), Ragailong women society, Ragailong youth club, JCILP Student Wing and MSF Imphal West also jointly conducted a torch rally at Ragailong.

The people also paid their respect to Sapam Robinhood who lost his life on July 8.

The Chingmi Tami Meira Paibi Lup also staged a sit in protest in the Langol area. Similar protests were staged at Lairkyengbam Leikai, Keisamthong, Khabam Leikai, Kontha Ahalup, Heirangoi Thong, Singjamei Mayeng Leiaki, Kongba, Singjamei Khatri Leiaki.

Rallies were also taken out at Sekmai, Mayang Langjing, Langthabal Phura Makhong, Pangei Bazar, Chanchipur, Ragailong, Kakwa and Singjamei.

Security forces also arrived to control the rallies and mob protests.

There were reports of police personnel suffering minor injuries in the tussle with the agitators.

In Khurai, agitators conducted a mock funeral of State Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh.

Sit in protest against the death of a student in police firing on June 8 were also staged at several places along the National Highway 2 starting from Khabam Lamkhai to Sekmai today.

Women folk started gathering on the highway since 11 am and staged sit in protest at Khabam Lamaki, Koirengei, Khonghampat, Pheidinga, Khurkhul, Sekmai and Maharabi.

At Khabam Lamkhai, around 700 women from various villages including Khabam, Heingang, Achanbingei, Matai, Luwangsangbam under the apunba Meira Paibee of Heingang Kendra gathered and staged the sit in protest.

The womenfolk later burned down effigies of the Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and his deputy Gaikhangam.

Slogans were also shouted demanding implementation of the ILPS, to safeguard the indigenous people of the State.

Condemning the incident of the death of Robinhood, the womenfolk also demanded punishment of the personnel involved.

Meira paibis of Koirengei also demonstrated at Koirengei Bazar, Khonghampat Mantri Leikai and Khonghampat Awang Leikai.

At Loitang, Pheidinga, Khurkhul, Sekmai, Maharabi sit-in-protest and protest rally were held blocking traffic movement along the NH-2.

The women protestors displayed placard reading `implement ILP in state` `safe indigenous people of Manipur` `we condemn student killed` and `Punish personnel who killed student`.

Meanwhile, sounds of smoke bombs and tear gas shells continue to echo even till late evening.

It may be mentioned that the JAC and JCILPS has underlined to continue to demonstrate agitations and protest rallies until the ILPS or similar Act is not implemented in to the state safeguarding the indigenous community of the state. The JAC along with family members of the deceased Sapam Robinhood denied accepting the soul-less body until the demand of the public is not met.

“Protect the people of Manipur from demographic invasion”, MSAD protests at Delhi against Police Brutality.

Office of the Manipur Students’ Association Delhi New Delhi Ref.: 20150711/ PR/ Demo Press Release MSAD Protest March in Delhi Manipur students and residents in Delhi, today, despite obstructions by

Office of

the Manipur Students’ Association Delhi

New Delhi

Ref.: 20150711/ PR/ Demo

Press Release

MSAD Protest March in Delhi

Manipur students and residents in Delhi, today, despite obstructions by rain, staged a protest march under the theme “Protest against brutality of state forces and to protect the people of Manipur from demographic invasion.” The march, organised by the Manipur Students’ Association Delhi, was a response to the brutal repression on the democratic agitation to protect the rights of the Indigenous peoples in Manipur, from the unregulated population invasion by outsiders and the State sponsored companies, who under the guard of the Indian military establishment took control of the land, labour, resources and market. Many have been injured in the series of repressions and a student named Sapam Robinhood was killed on July 8, 2015. In addition to the shutting down of educational establishments; curfew have suspended free movement of peoples for daily activities and have added to the economic hardships, particularly the poorer sections. The protest march raised various slogans such as: Stop State Terrorism, Long Live People’s Struggle, and Long Live People’s Democracy.

MSAD

11^th July 2015.