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Mail News Service
Imphal, May 21 : The CM O. Ibobi said, the anti terrorism day is being observed to remember the death of former PM of India, Shri Rajiv Gandhi. He was killed in a bomb blast at Tamil Nadu on May 21, 1991. Not only India, the people of the world condemned the act of terrorism.
Rajiv Gandhi wanted to settle every issue through talk. There he signed Punjab accord in 1985 and Mizoram accord in 1986. The CM was speaking as chief guest at the anti terrorism day at Secretariat South Block today.
As he did remarkable policies, the people of the nation will remember him forever. The Late PM had anxiety when the nation faced the problem of political instability.
The noted slogan ‘My India is great’ is designed by him. We should also remember the statements of PM while speaking in the joint session of two houses of US Congress in 1985 ‘ I dream of an India, strong independent, self-reliant and in the front rank of nations of the world, the CM said and added we should try to develop Manipur. Shri Gaikhangam, Home.Minister, M. Oken, Edn. Minister, Francis Ngajokpa RD&PR minister and others attended the function.
Anti Terrorism Day is being observed throughout the country today. Employees in Govt. offices, Public Sector Undertakings and other public institutions in the country took a pledge to oppose all forms of terrorism & violence.
The Union Home Minister Shri P.Chidambaram administered the oath to the officers and staff of the Ministry of Home Affairs in North Block this morning.
The Day is observed to generate awareness in the country among all sections of people, about the danger of terrorism, violence and its dangerous effect on the people, the society and the country as a whole.
‘The objective behind the observance of Anti-Terrorism Day is to wean away the youth from the terrorist/violence cult by highlighting the suffering of the common people and showing how it is prejudicial to the national interest.
These objectives are aimed to be achieved by organizing debates/discussions in schools, colleges and universities; holding of symposia/seminars, lectures, etc. on the dangers of terrorism & violence and a determined and sustained drive to bring about a mass awakening against terrorism and violence.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/anti-terrorism-day-observed-rajiv-gandhi-wanted-to-resolve-crisis-through-dialogue-cm/

Imphal. May 21NNN: Intensifying the agitation demanding the arrest of those involved in the alleged murder of Richard Loitam, a Manipuri student, in Bangalore, students today locked up the offices the Trinamool Congress, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Manipur State Congress Party (MSCP).
The students’ organizations demanding justice for the alleged murder of Richard Loitam stormed the offices of the political parties and locked up the offices after ransacking them, before the police could do anything about them.
The students has locked up the offices of the Bharatiya Janata Party, and Manipur Peoples’ Party on Monday and had a face-off with the police while trying to lock up the Congress office.
Sit-in protests were also organized by students’ bodies at places like Thoubal and effigies were burnt to denounce the inaction and lack of response from the Manipur government regarding the alleged murder of the student of the state in Karnataka.
A press meet was also organized by the students at a place in Imphal after sealing the offices of the political parties, in which the student representatives condemned the racial discrimination of North East students in the Indian mainland.
Various forms of democratic agitations were organized by the students to protest the suspicious deaths of Richard Loitam and Okram Laaba appealing to the government of Manipur to look into the matter and to give justice to the two students, but all the appeals of the students failed to bring about a desirable response from the state and central governments, stated the students’ representatives.
The students stated that the political parties whose offices were locked up did not deem it fit to listen to the appeals of the students to help bring justice regarding the deaths of the two Manipuri students and so their offices were locked as they were of no use to the people of the state, and warned that the students would not be responsible for any unfortunate development if the offices which are locked up by the students are forcibly opened.
“Discrimination of students from the North East has been going on for the last many years but the so called leaders of the state representing the government have been keeping quiet instead of protesting and demanding justice for the numerous victims of molestations, rape and killings, and the discrimination that is being faced till today is a result of the silence maintained by the government regarding all these cases of discrimination”, stated the student representatives.
Observance of anti terrorism day
MNS: 30 Assam Rifles and 28 Assam Rifles of 9 Sector under HQ IGAR(S) to commemorate anti-terrorism day had organised drawing competition and lecture for youth at Nilakuti, Sawombung, Khurukhul, Chingmairong, Temple of Learning School at Andro and Mission High School at Machingpat. The objective of this function was to wean away the youth from terrorist violence cult by highlighting the sufferrings of common people and showing how it is prejudicial to the State & National interest. The function was a clear cut indication of awareness amongst the children, youth and elders against terrorism and efforts to usher everlasting peace and development.
In yet another occasion 23 Assam Rifles of 10 Sector under HQ IGAR(S) observed Anti Terrorism Day on 21 May 2012 at Battalion Headquarters, and its various Posts, rallies were conducted by School Children holding banners, placards and shouting slogans against Terrorism and counseling was conducted for village GBs, Secretaries.
Man killed
MNS: A bus proceeding towards Imphal from Wabgai knocked down a man who was driving his two wheeler near Hiyangthang Bridge this morning around 7 a.m.
The victim was identified as Lukram Angouba (48) Thiyam Leishangkhong Awang Leikai.He died on the way to hospital.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/students-lock-up-mscp-ncp-offices/

Mail News Service
Imphal, May 19 : In an unprecedented step, for the first time, a team of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), North East Cell led by the Chairperson Prof. Shantha Sinha and accompanied by Dr. L. Mishra, Special Adviser (North East Cell) NCPCR; Shri D.R. Kaarthikeyan, former Director, CBI and DG, NHRC; Shri Ajay Kumar, Project Coordinator (RTE) NCPCR; Shri Sanjay Kumar Tiwari, Sr. Consultant, NCPCR and Shri Santosh Chakma, Consultant, Asian Centre for Human Rights is visiting Imphal from the 18thto the 20thMay, 2012.
Nearly 100 cases of extrajudicial execution of children have been reported in the last three decades in Maniipur.
This shocking picture came to light after Civil Societies Coalition on Human Rights in Manipur (CSCHR) mentioned in its petition submitted to a team of National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), North East Cell. The CSCHR alleged that 92 children have ben executed.
“Ninety-two cases of extrajudicial execution of children have been recorded in Manipur from 1979 to February 6, 2012, the CSCHR said. The petition was supported with documents. 
The team members of the NCPCR are camping in Imphal since Friday. 
The visit was scheduled to investigate into the alleged encounter killings of children in Imphal West District Manipur.
The investigating team of the NCPCR is visiting Manipur in response to a complaint made by the Centre for Organisation Research and Education (CORE), Manipur regarding the alleged extra judicial execution of Master (L) Ahanthem Amujao 16 years old boy of Sawombung at Khuman Palli, Imphal West by the Imphal West Commandos.
The team conducted a formal hearing at the Hotel Imphal on Friday, 18th May, 2012 and met with the family members and other witnesses of Master (L) Ahanthem Amujao. During the hearing the NCPCR also took up the case of Master Sonkhopao Mate (16) year old boy from Chandel district who was allegedly tortured by Assam Rifles.
Following the hearing, the NCPCR team had a consultation with the NGOs of Manipur including members of the Child Welfare Committees (CWCs) of Chandel, Tamenglong, Ukhrul and Imphal West and Imphal East to discussed related issues of protection of children in ‘disturbed’ areas or armed conflict situations.
During the NGOs consultation the Chairperson announced that a special North East Cell has been recently opened at the NCPCR.
The NGOs Consultation was facilitated by the Civil Societies Coalition on Human Rights in Manipur and the UN (CSCHR).CSCHR also submitted a petition regarding 92 documented cases of extrajudicial executions of children in Manipur from 1979 till 6th Feb. 2012 with a prayer to the Commission to take up urgent steps regarding these cases for the end of justice.
The issues discussed impunity in the context of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, various lapses and lacunae in the procedures to be taken up by the Government in cases of culpable homicide involving children in accordance to the guidelines of the Supreme Court, the National Human Rights Commission and the Code of Criminal Procedures (CrPC); the need to assert the supremacy of The Juvenile Justice Act, 2000 (amended 2006) over AFSPA with regard to children in conflict with the law and involved in the armed conflict in Manipur and other parts of India; and the need to develop a “Standard Operating Procedure” to be adopted by NCPCR to deal with complaints relating to “encounter deaths” of children.
The team will meet Deputy Commissioners & Superintendent of Police of Chandel, Tamenglong and Imphal West, Home Secretary, Chief Secretary, Home Minister and the Chief Minister of the State on the 19th May, 2012 and will leave on the 20th May, 2012 after a Press Conference at the Hotel Classic at 10:00 A.M.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/100-extrajudicial-killings-reported-during-last-three-decades/

Mail News Service
Imphal, May 19 : To protest the death of Richard Loitam and O. Laaba and the attitude of Political party which remain as a silent spectator in connection with the death of students, a large students damaged BJP office and stormed other political parties offices today.
The protesters attacked BJP office and damaged doors, windows and signboard and locked the main gate. The students then stormed the office of congress office however the security personnel posted there blocked the gate.
The security personnel beat up students who tried to lock main gate. The angry protesters then pushed barricade used in road dividing. The students again closed the main gate of MPP office and proceeded towards CPI office situated at Rupmahal tank where police rounded up 20 students including students leaders.
After the incident, the general secy. of DESAM, Thoithoi while talking to press said, there is BJP govt. in Karnataka. The BJP, Manipur state unit did not the issue seriously. They didn’t pressurize the issue. The congress govt. also did not pressurize the central govt.
Various agitations will be launched if students are not released on or before tomorrow.
Meanwhile Asian Age reports that , “A day after the long awaited histopathology report of Richard Loitam, who was found dead in his hostel room, was finally handed over to the police, Loitam’s parents refuted the report which said his weak heart was the reason he died.
In one of her posts on a social networking site, Richard’s mother Dr Vidyabali Loitam, says that the histopathology report of Richard was ‘baseless’ and was only ‘covering up facts’. She said: “My son was an active football player and was in good physical condition. Moreover in his school here, he had to go through a medical check-up every six months.
There was no indication of a heart problem so far. How can it suddenly happen?” “We (parents) both are doctors and are fairly knowledgeable in medicine. If our son had shown symptoms of a problem, we would have known about it. The report calls it hereditary, but there is no significant history of heart disease in our family”, she added.
Richard’s parents are now planning to approach the Karnataka and Manipur governments for a CBI probe into the case.
The Union home ministry on Friday asked states to adopt a ‘zero tolerance’ policy against ‘racial profiling and discrimination faced by Indian citizens of Northeastern states’.
In an advisory sent to all states and UTs, the MHA has suggested stringent measures, including action against police officers if they fail to act on a complaint or any information received from a citizen hailing from the Northeast, regarding a cognizable offence.
The move follows deaths of two Northeastern students, Dana Sangma and Richard Loitam in Gurgaon and Bengaluru in April, amid allegations that they fell victim to racial bias.
The MHA has said, “Where a complaint or if any information is received from a citizen hailing from the Northeast, regarding a cognizable offence and no follow-up action is taken, then a serious view should be taken against the police officer concerned and also against the officer-in-charge of the police station.”
It says if the complainant is a member of the Scheduled Tribe, then the provisions of Section 4 of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act should be invoked. This section prescribes imprisonment between six months to one year for a public servant who is not a member of the SC or ST communities and wilfully neglects his duties under the Act.
Toll-free helplines should be made available, where services of any officer or any operator conversant with English must be provided, since it is possible that the complainants may not be able to communicate in the local languages, says the home ministry.
The letter points to reports that people originating from the North Eastern states are facing discrimination ‘as they are addressed with derogatory adjectives or face discrimination in the form of targeted attacks, assault, molestation and other atrocities’. This has caused considerable anguish and distress in the minds of the people from the North east, it says.
The home ministry says, “Quick action by the police would restore confidence not only of the victim but also of the community and send a clear message to the accused that such behaviour would not be tolerated.” It says when complaints are received from a person belonging to the North-East, particularly from women, the ‘level of sensitivity and response should be of an even higher level’.’
The states have also been asked to arrange outreach programmes , under supervision of DCPs or district SPs , in areas of northeast congregation to meet community leaders of such groups and address their concerns.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/students-attack-political-parties-offices-to-protest-killings-of-richard-laaba/

Mail News Service
Imphal, May 17 : I Hemochandra, Minister , Public Health and Engineering (PHED) today inspected water supply plants , sewerage projects with a team of officials.
Hemochandra inspectied Porompat water supply which has a capacity of 3 MGD . The machineries are old and need immediate upgradation. Hemochandra assured to push for upgradation of the plant and make it effective and service worthy. The second largest plant the Singda provides about 4 MGD however it is not fully functional.
He then inspected the sewerage sit at Lamphel. It is nearing completion and once completed the human excreta from the areas covered in Phase I will be processed. In some countries the processed water is mixed with normal water at the ratio of 40 : 60 and supplied to the masses. Chief Engineer H Sunil said in India it will not be supplied for religious beliefs and other reasons. Hemochandra had a close look of the site which will be completed by March 2013. A team of French experts will be coming around October this year to finalise the project.
Laying of pipes will be carried out to the residential areas and it will become functional soon. The CE said five pumps will be operating at different places and power supply is a much during peak of human normal chores.
The site will be safe as the boundary will be protected from water during rainy season. After the project is initiated other areas will be covered.
The team visited Singda and Kanchup water plants. Water level was quite low at Singda and Hemochandra assured to discuss the issues involving other departments with his Cabinet colleagues. Mr. Hemochandra said the Irrigation and Flood control department looks after the river system and forest department has to look after the surrounding areas. The catchment areas should be protected and tree plantation works should be initiated he said. He assured to discuss the matter with Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh so that the works can be taken up jointly with other departments.
H Sunil, CE of the department said the city areas require 101 MLD and the department is able to supply only about 70 MLD (million litre daily).
In the entire country there is no rainfall for about six months and water storage and conservation should be given attention, Mr Sunil said. If the surrounding areas of the water plants were not protected and forestation works taken up water supply cannot works cannot be done properly.
Mr Hemochandra said he will continue to inspect all the water plants in the state and will try to improve water supply throughout the state. A major project has been proposed to make people get safe drinking water and it is awaiting approval from the central government. The state is lucky as there are so many rivers in the state which originate from the state and if the water from the rivers were used properly there would be water crisis he added.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/hemochandra-tours-water-plants-sewerage-project-site-concerted-effort-to-be-made-to-improve-water-supply/

Mail News Service
Imphal, May 15 : The five day long Science Meet, 2012 which began on May 11, 2012 concluded with a function held at Iboyaima Sumang Leela Shanglen, Hapta Kangjeibung, Irnphal today with Chief Minister Shri O. Ibobi Singh and RD & PR Minister Shri Francis Ngajokpa as the Chief Guest and the President respectively.
Speaking at the function, the Chief Minister said that Science has become an integral part of human life. No longer can science be confined to a few seriously devoted scientists and technologists, he said. “We are living in the age of science & technology and most of our activities are controlled and fashioned by science right from the cradle to the grave. Science has therefore been recognised as driving force behind the human progress,” the Chief Minister said.
The Chief Minister further said that organising science meet every year in the state will be a measure of supporting innovation system and a broader based educational base. Initiatives of MASTEC to promote science awareness are good for all the communities, general mass and students in particular. He further said that scientific capability is what determines our ability to overcome the challenges which lie ahead. We have been facing new challenges like scarcity of resources, diseases and food security etc. In all these areas, our success will depend critically on the quality of our institutions of science and technology, he added.
“There is no escaping the truth that the nations of the world have to move to a low greenhouse gas emissions and energy efficient development path. All over the world, countries are chalking out strategies to achieve greater energy efficiency and a shift to renewable sources of energy. We must not lag behind in these areas. We must plan to be among the leaders in the development of science and technology. As far as energy is concerned, clean energy sources need to be harnessed much more than what we do today,” the Chief Minister further said.
The Chief Minister said, “MASTEC should have a strong outward orientation for creating a platform for science popularisation, technology transfer and to encourage innovators in the State, It may require stepping up alliances that will expose the young students of the State in other parts of India and abroad and enhance their competitiveness. The time has come to give a new boost to science and technology in the State and MASTEC has to take the lead role.”
The Chief Guest and the President also distributed prizes and awards to winners of competition in different disciplines of the Science Meet during the function.
Organized jointly by Manipur Science & Technology Council (MASTEC), Imphal, STFM, MAPS, MACA and GENIM, the closing function was also attended by Shri LP Gonmei, Principal Secy (Sc & Tech); Director, MASTEC; teachers and students of various schools.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/science-driving-force-behind-human-progress-cm/

Mail News Service NNN
Imphal, May 11 : Chief Minister Shri O. Ibobi Singh and Rural Development & Panchayati Raj Minister Shri Francis Ngajokpa were today accorded warm reception at Don Bosco School, Chingmeirong, Imphal. The reception function was organised by Organising Committee of 49-Tadubi Assembly Constituency.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Minister said that Shri Ngajokpa has been entrusted with extremely important portfolio, RD & PR, believing that as a seasoned leader, he would fulfil the hopes and aspirations of the rural population.
The Chief Minister further said that the state government would give priority to basic necessities of people like power and connectivity besides giving importance to health and education sectors in the hill districts. Power sub-stations at Tamei and IT Road areas will be made functional soon. Shortages of infrastructure facilities in the hospitals, SDO/BDO offices and educational institutions would be looked into, he added.
The Chief Minister further said that necessary police outposts will be set up at the needed areas and banking facilities will be given by opening bank branches in the hills. Public health sub-centres would be upgraded to health centres to deliver better service, he added. He also said that the state government is considering enhancing cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh given to those who got through the UPSC prelims to 2 lakhs to motivate more students of the State to work hard and appear for the UPSC exams.
O Ibobi Singh who praised Francis Ngajokpa and said the latter is much qualified for the cabinet berth. “It was actually the All India Congress Committee (AICC) chief who had chosen Francis to be a minister,” said chief minister O Ibobi Singh.Francis Ngajokpa is the minister in charge of RD &PR in the newly formed Congress government in Manipur.
Mentioning about the developmental work in Senapati district, Ibobi Singh said that the 5o bedded hospital at the district headquarter is almost complete. “We are waiting for the equipments of the hospital,” said the chief minister.
The chief minister then stated that about 151 Primary Health Sub-Centres (PHSC) will be upgraded in the hill districts of Manipur. He added that two doctors will be posted in each of the centres.
Francis Ngajokpa has termed Senapati district as mini-Manipur or mini-India because of the district’s diverse features. Francis, a representative from Tadubi said Senapati district is the only one in Manipur where all the communities of Manipur confine and said that the government attention is all there in the district.
Except for Churachandpur ADC chief, all the chairmen of the Autonomous District Councils attended the occasion. Some villagers from Senapati district were said to have started since 2 am from their villages to join the event.
Archbishop of Imphal Rev Dominic Lumon also attended the programme.
Francis Ngajokpa, in his speech gave credit to God and the people of Tadubi constituency for his election in the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly Election 2012 and assured that he would do his best to fulfil the wishes and aspirations of the people.
The Chief Minister and the RD & PR Minister were also felicitated with various special gifts by all communities of Tadubi A/C- Thangal, Paomei, Kuki, Mao, Zeliangrong, Maram, Nepali communities etc.MLA Smt. 0. Landhoni Devi, ADC Chairmen, ADC Members Village Chiefs of Tadubi A/C, His Grace Most Rev. Dominic Lumon, Archbishop of Imphal, Students and people of Senapati District were also present on the occasion.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/basic-amenities-to-be-extended-to-people-of-hill-areas-cm/

A one day political discussion on regionalism organized by MPP was held today at MPP office complex. S. Umananda singh president in-charge MPP presided over the function. Prof. Ksh Bimola Devi M.U. , O. Joy ex- MLA, Dr. Dhanabir Laishram noted social activist and Dr. L. Chandramani former deputy Chief minister spoke on various topics as resource persons. M. Maniton Mangang president youth front MPP gave the key note address.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/conference-on-regionalism/