Tag: Uncatogorized

Sharmila disappointed by lack of public support

IMPHAL, September 5: Anti AFSPA crusader Irom Chanu Sharmila has been remanded to judicial custody by the JMIC, Imphal East today. Sharmila will be produced before the same court again

IMPHAL, September 5: Anti AFSPA crusader Irom Chanu Sharmila has been remanded to judicial custody by the JMIC, Imphal East today.

Sharmila will be produced before the same court again on September 19.

The concerned court offered to grant her bail on PR bond of Rs 10,000, however Sharmila declined unless it was unconditional release.

Further speaking to some media persons, after the court proceedings Sharmila expressed her disappointment over the lack of support from the people despite her repeated call for mass support.

“With the recent court judgement in her favour and the warm welcome I was accorded with at the Ima market, I genuinely felt very positive about the people’s sentiment towards the cause. Now I am back to where I had begun from and I feel very disappointed and lost as all those attention from the public has been reduced to just a show,” said a sentimental Sharmila.

In response to a query regarding her re-arrest on the pretext of her health status, Sharmila questioned “What kind of human rights are we getting here, if they have failed to understand the hardship of being nose-fed for 14 years though I have not tasted even a single drop of water during the period.”

It may be noted that Sharmila was freed on August 20, following a judgement of a Session Court.

Soon after her released from the JNIMS hospital security ward, an emotive Sharmila’s first word to the media was “I need mass support from my people.”

However, she was re-arrested under IPC 309 attempting to suicide on August 22 despite the session court acquitting her of the same section.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/sharmila-disappointed-by-lack-of-public-support/

Outsider swindles Manipur local Muslims

IMPHAL, Aug 31: The identity of a man who swindled Rs 35 lakhs out of people of the Muslim community in the State has been determined. According to documents recovered

IMPHAL, Aug 31: The identity of a man who swindled Rs 35 lakhs out of people of the Muslim community in the State has been determined.

According to documents recovered from the man’s rented room in Mantripukhri for the past one and a half years under the assumed identity of Irfan Ahmed before absconding, he is identified as Ahmed Merchant, son of Khalid Haneed Ahmed from 291Badri Building, 1st / 3rd floor Nagdevi Street, Mumbai.

He has been absconding since August 28, said a man claiming to be a victim.

In a press meet at the head office of Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System today in Nongmeibung, Hussain Ahmed, one of the victims who got swindled said the con- artist assuming the identity of Irfan Ahmed lived in Manipur for about one and half years.

A PAN card bearing the registration no ACYPA6768K and an election card bearing card no IYVI754431 was found from his rented room, Hussain said adding that the con-artist had fraudulently collected Rs 35, 00,000 from Muslims in the name of constructing Mosques and educational institutions in the State and had assure to lend them crores of rupees from ‘PAN Muslim’.

The con artist is reported to have even paid around Rs 85,000 to a mason for the initial stages of a Masjid construction.

The con-artist collected money from people of the Muslim community from Hatta Golapati, Yairipok, Kwakta and Keirang urging them to invest and promising handsome returns, Hussain said.

The con-artist even convinced some people that he was extremely influential and was on back slapping terms with the DGP and deputy CM of the State and could help them get transfers and postings of their choice and even get them promoted, he added.

He left two child labourers: a five year old girl and a 10 year old boy in his rented room. The underage labourers were handed over to officials of Childline.

Lamenting the actions of the man who cheated people in the name of religion, JCILPS co convenor BK Moiramcha stated that the people of Manipur must be alert from such migrants adding that the implementation of ILP system would have avoided such cases.

He said that migrants with fake IDs come to the State and disturbed the harmonious environment in the State.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/outsider-swindles-manipur-local-muslims/

NPF, State unit ask State to initiate judicial inquiry in Ukhrul shooting incident

IMPHAL, August 30: A team of the Naga People’s Front, State unit led by president Awangbou Newmai apprised the State Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam

IMPHAL, August 30: A team of the Naga People’s Front, State unit led by president Awangbou Newmai apprised the State Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam who also holds the Home portfolio on the present Ukhrul situation.

The NPF team includes MLA Dikho, party co-ordinator Alexander Pou, MLA Samuel Risom.

The meeting at the Chief Minister’s office was also attended by minister Phungzathang Tonsing.

Speaking to media persons following the evening’s meeting with the State Chief Minister, Samuel Risom said the NPF delegate had apprise the State heads of the Ukhrul situation and measures needed to restore normalcy at the earliest.

The press meet was held at the MLA’s quarter at Lamphel.

He said, the NPF delegates had told the Chief Minister and his team that the situation could have been avoided had the government listened seriously to the voice of the people which was conveyed earlier by the NPF.

Party MLAs had forwarded that the situation will be out of control if the government continue to ignore the wishes and sentiments of the public, he said.

He said the public have been kept in ransom for too long and the situation in Ukhrul is not their fault.

“The situation was created by the government by imposing 144 CrPC with ulterior motive in the name of maintaining law and order,” he said.

The NPF leader continued that there was no law and order problem in Ukhrul town, when the State forces were sent in the pretext of protecting peoples’ lives.

Meanwhile, the NPF leaders also strongly condemned the action of the State police who allegedly resorted to firing upon innocent public who were rallying.

“We have asked the government to immediately lift the imposition of 144 CrPC from Ukhrul town and conduct immediate judicial inquiry and punish the police personnel and officers who resorted to the inhuman action upon the innocent civilians,” he asserted.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/08/npf-state-unit-ask-state-to-initiate-judicial-inquiry-in-ukhrul-shooting-incident/

State to have nearly six lakh bank accounts soon: Ibobi

IMPHAL, August 28: As a national level mission, ‘Pradhanmantri Jan-Dhan Yojana’ was launched in the State today at Hotel Classic by the State Chief Minister, O Ibobi. The country wide

IMPHAL, August 28: As a national level mission, ‘Pradhanmantri Jan-Dhan Yojana’ was launched in the State today at Hotel Classic by the State Chief Minister, O Ibobi. The country wide mission which was announced by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech will be carried out at the district level too.

Addressing the function, the CM said that the primary objective of the scheme is to provide universal access to basic banking facilities for all households across the country through a bank branch or fixed point Business Correspondents called Bank Mitra within a reasonable distance.

He elaborated that this new scheme is indeed laudable as it will cover all households, both urban and rural, with at least one Basic Bank Account along with Ru-Pay Debit card facility having inbuilt “Accident Insurance” Cover of Rs. 1 lakh. Ru-Pay is poised to become India’s own unique domestic card network owned by National Payments Corporation of India.

Further an overdraft facility up to Rs. 5000 will also be provided to Aadhar enabled accounts after satisfactory operation of the account for six months. The Mission also envisages expansion of Direct Benefit Transfer under various Government Schemes through bank accounts to the beneficiaries, the Chief Minister said.

The scheme, by aiming to take financial literacy to the village level and seeking to provide micro-insurance to the people will also become a vehicle for financial institutions to become active partners in inclusive growth and nation-building, he said.

He stated that “in Manipur, we are looking forward to opening of a large number of bank accounts through the 9 Mega-camps taking place in all the nine districts of Manipur. The accounts would be opened by both public and private sector banks. As per the Census 2011, the total number of households in Manipur is 5, 91,107 and all these households are expected to be covered by this scheme and the biggest benefit of this scheme will be the access for all formal credit avenues.”

The CM continued that so far, the unbanked population has been dependent on informal channels of credit and often fell prey to greedy moneylenders. The CD ratio in the State is poor, hovering around 43 percent as against the national average of more than 75 percent Financial Inclusion will not be complete without taking smaller States along and improving the CD Ratio and banking penetration ratio in rural areas.

He opined that it will provide a platform for inculcating the habit to save money. This is critical as the absence of savings often makes them vulnerable.

It may be mentioned that in Manipur, e-payment in the government sector has been introduced since 2011, whereby all government payments including payment of salaries and all beneficiary related schemes have been made mandatory through e-payment except for a small number of identified payments.

He highlighted that the state has the highest concentration of unbanked blocks in the country. Most of the interior villages in the state are deprived of banking and financial services and the position of our state on the scale of Financial Inclusion is perhaps the lowest.

The bank branch to population ratio is very poor in Manipur. This low banking outreach in Manipur is a matter of great concern for the state government and needs immediate redressal. With a population of 27.22 lakhs, the total number of bank branches and ATMs in Manipur is 158 and 199 respectively which is extremely low and in rural the penetration of banks is very poor and has been a major issue for the government, the CM added.

The State Government is making constant efforts to establish more bank branches in the interior areas. You all are aware that to enable coverage of all the block headquarters with banking facility, the state government is constructing integrated complexes in 27 un-banked Block head-quarters under “Tribal Areas Inclusive Growth Project”, wherein the block level administrative offices, police outposts and banks will function in one complex.

Further, the CM said that the 399 Common Service Centers (CSCs) which have been set up under the National e-Governance to provide for delivery of e-services to the rural and remote location scan becomes an effective vehicle to deliver financial services to rural Manipur.

There is a need to associate other stake-holders like BSNL in making the roadmap for Financial Inclusion a workable one as telecom connectivity is an issue that needs to be specially tackled.

As part of the launching ceremony a live telecast of the address of Prime Minister from New Delhi and film based on Financial Inclusion was showcase. Passbook also distributed to customers for accounts under PMJDY.

In the function, Chief Secretary PC Lawmkunga; General Manager SBI Corporate Center, PK Verma and Principal Secretary, Finance, Barun Mitra also attended.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/08/state-to-have-nearly-six-lakh-bank-accounts-soon-ibobi/

AIR Imphal News

   

 

 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/08/air-imphal-news/

Irom Sharmila is a victim, not an offender – SSSC

IMPHAL, August 22: Several organisations have condemned the re-arrest of irom Chanu Sharmila today. In a press statement, the Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign, SSSC has condemned the re-arrest. It said

IMPHAL, August 22: Several organisations have condemned the re-arrest of irom Chanu Sharmila today.

In a press statement, the Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign, SSSC has condemned the re-arrest.

It said the arrest is shameful and undemocratic, continuing that both the State and the Union governments have not made a single attempt to open talks with her.

The government cannot suppress her thoughts, ideology, it said before questioning why the government is bent on arresting her on the claim of attempting suicide, while Sharmila has refuted the claim repeatedly.

It continued that Sharmila is a victim, not a law offender and added that AFSPA is the culprit. And in a democracy, it is shameful that the victim is being imprisoned instead of the culprit, it added.

The statement maintained that AFSPA must be repealed immediately and further demanded that the case of ‘attempt to suicide’ must be removed.

Until the demands are fulfilled, the struggle and demonstration will continue, it said.

Meanwhile, the Amnesty International India in a seperate statement has said that Sharmila’s arrest is a farcical exercise and a setback for human rights in India.

Kadambari Gladding, campaigner with Amnesty International India, who is in Imphal to follow the events, said, “For the past two days, Irom Sharmila had been visited by well-wishers and activists to share her joy in being released and expressing solidarity with her struggle against the AFSPA. Today, when the police arrived to take her away, a group of Manipuri mothers surrounded her to show their solidarity. But Sharmila was dragged away by the police in her frail state.”

Speaking to Amnesty International India after her release Irom Sharmila had said, “I feel gratitude for all the support, but my gratitude cannot be complete until AFSPA is repealed,” said the statement.

“Instead of engaging with the important issues Irom Sharmila is raising, the Manipur government has disappointingly returned to its old ways of muffling dissent. The absurd move to re-arrest Irom Sharmila for ‘attempted suicide’ shows utter disdain for her constitutional rights,” said Shailesh Rai, programmes director at Amnesty International India, added the statement.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/08/irom-sharmila-is-a-victim-not-an-offender-sssc/

In Mood of Development

Chief Minister O Ibobi’s inauguration spree of some of the important public infrastructures in two different districts on a single day neatly captures the development mood that his government has

Chief Minister O Ibobi’s inauguration spree of some of the important public infrastructures in two different districts on a single day neatly captures the development mood that his government has been drumming up in the State for quite some time. Taking out time from the hectic Assembly Session, the CM has made a statement by reaching out to the two districts of Churachandpur and Bishnupur on a single day, that his government is concern about development. It definitely takes us down the memory lane of another inauguration spree that took place in 2011. This was when the United Progressive Alliance was in its second term of power in Delhi. The then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi came to Imphal in December 2011 to inaugurate the City Convention Center, the State Assembly Complex and the Manipur Film Development Corporation auditorium, all hurriedly on a single day. And of course, the Inter State Bus Terminus near Khuman Lampak, was also inaugurated on the same day by the same visitors. A remote control device was used while inaugurating it, showcasing the State’s technological progress. Ever since, this ISBT has been in the public limelight, capturing front page spaces with photographs of its premises dotted with human excreta. The City Convention Center after almost three years of its inauguration bears no sign of completion even today, except for its well decorated façade standing tall and forlornly. MFDC auditorium which is just across the City Convention has a different picture. The auditorium is equipped with one of the best setups with digital surround sound, hi-tech projector and other modern gadgets. Truly, this is one of the public structures we are proud of. However, this costly infrastructure has been running with inadequate staff. There is need for inducting more workforces for the infrastructure to thrive. The same is true for the newborn Chandrakirti Auditorium at the Palace Compound. It is learned that paucity of fund has been one of the chief reasons for not recruiting adequate staffs. Registered that the financial climate may not be favorable on the Government’s part for recruiting staff, as evident with the current ban on recruitment; but our contestation is that the purpose for building such infrastructures is hardly served unless there are enough people to look after them. Agreed, the present government must be given credit for such infrastructural achievements of public worth. But what is appalling is leaving the structures alone to its own fate. Before embarking upon such costly projects, the government must also take into cognizance of the simple fact that an infrastructure needs maintenance for it to survive. The same logic applies to any infrastructure whether it is new or old. The CM while inaugurating the newly constructed block of the Churachandpur District hospital assured that his government would set up a Hills Medical College in the district. The announcement is certainly welcome. We have been maintaining in this column that health care facilities should be upgraded and expanded to each and every district of the State, rather than concentrating in the Imphal areas. What is unhinging is that without enough manpower, physical infrastructure alone cannot look after the patients. The Senapati District hospital even after inauguration of its new building is not fully functional because of lack of staff. If this kind of development represents the real mood of development, then it is a retarded development.

Leader Writer: Senate Kh.

 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/07/in-mood-of-development/

Delhi has become a graveyard for NE people, says MLA

IMPHAL, July 22: The killing of a Manipuri lad at south Delhi yesterday is not the first incident of harassment of people from the North East in Delhi. The national

IMPHAL, July 22: The killing of a Manipuri lad at south Delhi yesterday is not the first incident of harassment of people from the North East in Delhi. The national capital has become a graveyard for the North East India.

This was observed Langthabal MLA Karam Shyam Singh of Lok Jana Shakti Party taking advantage of the zero hour at the end of the first business of the House, today.

The government and the members of the House should not remain silent on the killing of Saloni of Senapati district, but move to Delhi tomorrow itself and stage dharnas, to register condemnation, he said.

“We should not beg to live, living is a right entitled to us by democracy,” he said.

The man killed in south Delhi yesterday has been identified as Salouni Paomei of Karong, Senapati district, deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, who also holds the Home portfolio replied to the MLA’s statement adding that the reply was in the public interest, even though it is not mandatory to reply to issues raised during zero hour.

He said Salouni was returning with two other friends in an Auto three-wheeler to his room in Kotla Mubarakpur, when five persons coming in a car attacked them yelling “Maro Maro.”

He died in the assault, while, his two other companions managed to flee from the scene, Gaikhangam said.

Three of the five assailants have been arrested by the local police and registered a case under FIR no 610/2014 u/s 302/34 IPC, he said.

Gaikhangam also said that top officials of the Union Minister of State (Home) and the police are investigating the scene and as such there is no need as of the moment, for any minister of MLA from the State to rush to the place.

However, if the need for a visit rises, it will be done, he added.

Meanwhile, as Opposition leader Dr I Ibohalbi stood up to place his observation before the House, the Speaker held him back ruling that the zero hour has ended.

However, the MLA overruled the Speaker’s ruling and appealed for a minute as the issue was of public importance and an emergency.

After the Speaker granted him to speak, he urged that the Manipur government take the same steps as the Arunachal Pradesh government did while dealing with the death of one of its own student at the national capital recently.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/07/delhi-has-become-a-graveyard-for-ne-people-says-mla/

Manipur Students Shine in Science Olympiads Awards 2013-14

“WORLD’S LARGEST INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIAD AWARDS” 7 Students from Maniur got various State Ranks. Imphal, 4th July 2014: Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) recently organized its International Award ceremony to felicitate International winning students, teachers

“WORLD’S LARGEST INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIAD AWARDS”

7 Students from Maniur got various State Ranks.

Imphal, 4th July 2014: Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) recently organized its International Award ceremony to felicitate International winning students, teachers and principals of Olympiad exams for the Academic year 2013-14. The British Council and BBC Knowledge are associated with SOF for the Olympiads since its inception.

science olympiad

Seven students of Imphal made their parents proud by garnering State Ranks in the Olympiad Awards held recently in Delhi. Two students got State rank 1, these are Patel Lairenjam from Class 6th of Little Flower School and Saikhom Amarjit Singh from Class 8th of Tiny Tots’ Unique School, in International Mathematics Olympiad and National Science Olympiad, respectively. The student who got state Rank 2 is- Asish Naorem From Class 12th of Comet School, in International English Olympiad. Following with State Rank 3 are Geetapriya khwairakpam from Class 8th of The Frobel English School and Ningthoujam Rakesh Singh from Class 12th of International English Olympiad; Laishram Yangba from Class 1st of The Antartic English School and Ahanthem vivek Singh from Class 11th of Herbert School, in International Mathematics Olympiad

The function started with the lighting of the lamp at The Chinmaya Mission Auditorium in Delhi by the Chief GuestJustice Mr. Dipak Misra, Judge Supreme Court of India. Guests of Honor Prof. YS Rajan, Chairman NIT Manipur, Mr. Richard Everett– Director Education, British Council India and Mrs. Suprama Misra also recorded their presence. The winners & guests later sought blessings of Acharaya Chinmaya Mission, Swami Nikhilananda Saraswati.

 

The function started with the lighting of the lamp at The Chinmaya Mission Auditorium in Delhi by the Chief GuestJustice Mr. Dipak Misra, Judge Supreme Court of India. Guests of Honor Prof. Y S Rajan, Chairman NIT Manipur, Mr. Richard Everett, Director Education, British Council India and Mrs. Suprama Misra also recorded their presence. The winners & guests later sought blessings of Acharaya Chinmaya Mission, Swami Nikhilananda Saraswati.

 

Mr. Mahabir Singh, Founder & Executive Director, SOF shared that over 27000 schools from 1360 cities across India and 16 countries participated in the Olympiad exams during 2013-14 and millions of students appeared in the Olympiads.

 

The awardees included:

 

  1. 47 International Rank One holders and they were awarded Rs 50,000, a gold medal, certificate and gifts worth Rs 1000/ each.

 

  1. 47 International Rank Two holders who won Rs 25000/ a silver medal, certificate and gifts worth Rs 1000/ each and

 

  1. 47 International Rank Three holders won Rs 10000/ a bronze medal, certificate and gifts worth Rs 1000/ each.

 

  1. The top 10 principals and top 40 teachers, whose students put up an excellent performance at international level, were also felicitated with cash awards, mementos & citations.

 

  1. About 24000 students from 3350 schools have been awarded for achieving top state level ranks. Close to 4,60,000 students have been awarded “Medals of Excellence”, for achieving top ranks in their respective schools.

 

About Science Olympiad Foundation

 

SOF aims to identify, motivate and reward talent and performance – at the International level, State level and also School level. It attempts to develop a spirit of competitiveness among students and to prepare them to face competition beyond their school level. Each participating student’s performance is analyzed and a school, city, state and international rank awarded, to enable the student know her/his level of preparedness and readiness to face competition. Each student’s performance analysis report including areas of strengths and weaknesses are also provided. SOF conducts four Olympiad exams including: National Cyber Olympiad (NCO); National Science Olympiad (NSO); International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) and International English Olympiad (IEO).

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/07/manipur-students-shine-in-science-olympiads-awards-2013-14/

The tragedy of school vans

By Chitra Ahanthem The strangest thing about life and situations in Manipur is that the more things change, the more they remain constant. The recent news of the tragic accident

By Chitra Ahanthem

The strangest thing about life and situations in Manipur is that the more things change, the more they remain constant. The recent news of the tragic accident that left an eight year old school student dead and others injured reminded me that as a mother to a young school going child, the issue of the safety of school children as they are ferried in their school vans is constant cause of worry. An earlier Footnotes written way back in 2011 had pointed out how even toddlers are being packed inside vehicles for play school or kindergarten class, no matter if they are too small to be sitting in a vehicle unattended by adults. Most school buses do not have adult supervision and it is often family members who have to monitor their safety while crossing roads or boarding or alighting from the bus. That earlier piece had expressed my disquiet and dismay over how parents and those in authority related to the education department and road and transport (including traffic police) seem to be totally unaware of how much their children are in the face of danger and how rules are not being followed. Some parents may well feel uneasy about seeing their children all cramped inside an Omni van but are often cautious about pursuing the matter pro actively with school authorities, fearing fee hikes or even the possibility of school authorities asking them to drop their children themselves. Most parents today caught up in the rush and demands of their career often do not have the time to drop their children off to their schools while many do not have a four wheeler that is necessitated by the rainy spells in the state. This then means that parents are the first victims to fall prey to the school van service. The second victim(s) that is directly affected are the children. It is all too common to see three or even four children sitting in the front seat, which I am sure is a common sight. At one point of time, I did a headcount of the number of children in my son’s earlier school van and found that there were a total of 21 excluding
the van driver! Such a number flouts basic safety standards as the front passenger seat should have minimum of two kids with the safety belt on or an adult in it. It certainly should not be seating four hyper-active kids! More kids also means that for children studying in a relatively distant place, it would take more time for them to get to school and then back home again.

On May 23 last year, 14 school going children ended up getting admitted to the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences after a fainting spell inside their school van. 3 more children were seated in the front of the van and the fainting spell was more likely caused by suffocation due to crowding and the lack of air circulation. When talks veered towards limiting the number of children in school vans raised its head, van driver associations took affront and went on an emotional trip with ‘how will we feed ourselves?’ backed up by aggressive voices on stopping their services etc. No one thought of calling their bluff pointing out that the lives of young children cannot be compromised in the name of giving a means for earning money. The control of school van associations over the passenger service of school children merits a careful study. Things were not the same about ten years back. The unionization of van services is definitely good for their business but it should not be given the position of calling the shots over the safety of children. After all, school van service also falls under a consumer service and any violation of rules must be reprimanded. School authorities must also take pro active action and be firm about balancing van fee and van seat allocation. The Government can also step in by looking into the Manipur Motor Vehicle Act and going through its fine print. If there is no mention of any regulation for school vans and buses, it is time that proper rules are laid down.

Some serious reading on the subject of school van and bus services led me to various state laws that have laid down the total number of children that can be carried and other safety norms. Also, the Supreme Court issued certain guidelines following a tragic incident in 1997 when a school van carrying 28 children fell into the Yamuna river. The Apex Court had made it mandatory to equip vehicles carrying schoolchildren with first aid boxes, fire extinguishers, grills on windows, school bag tray under the seat and provision for water. Of these items, none is visible in school vans or buses in Manipur: not the first aid box, not the drinking water though the school bag tray is substituted by the luggage rack on top of the vehicles. But then, the luggage racks are there not to ensure children sit in comfort without having to carry their heavy school bags but are a means for their commercial pursuits! More children would fit in without their bags in the way. More children = more money coming in.

End-point:
The manner in which school authorities wash off their hands when it comes to putting a ceiling on the number of children per van or school bus by saying that it is the van/bus association that has the final say in the matter smacks of total indifference and negligence. Such associations should not be given the position or the carte blanche of calling the shots over the safety of children for School transport services also falls under a consumer service and any violation of rules must be reprimanded. Apart from the intervention from the Apex Court mentioned earlier, various state laws are in place limiting the number of children in school buses and vans. It definitely is time the concerned authority in Manipur stepped in to ensure that tragedies involving school children take place.

 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/07/the-tragedy-of-school-vans/

Fire tenders for Imphal East

The devastating incident of a gas cylinder bursting into a blazing fire injuring people and destroying properties in one of the most congested neighbourhood in the heart of the city

The devastating incident of a gas cylinder bursting into a blazing fire injuring people and destroying properties in one of the most congested neighbourhood in the heart of the city at Majorkhul has flung open the door to many a debates. The devastating fire had roared on for more than a few hours before it could be controlled, subdued by the fire tenders from the Fire Service headquarter with help arriving from other neighbouring districts. Many have pointed fingers against the fire department’s failure to identify the urgency to respond to the emergency and arriving late for the devastating consequences of the fire. Voices of dissent after such calamities like the June 24 inferno are but expected. However, what is perhaps less immediately striking and more interesting in the present scenario is the Chief Minister and the other heads of the State acknowledging the lack of manpower in the State fire department just before leaving the scene of devastation as was reported in most local dailies. Does this mean that the State heads were unaware of the lack of manpower in one of the most crucial and important department as the Fire Service until devastation struck? Or was it lack of communication between the Fire Service and the government, or did the latter’s authorities failed to inform the government of the lack of manpower? Whatever the reason was, a fire broke out in the middle of the city barely a kilometre away from the Manipur Fire Service headquarter and roared on for three hours, devastating homes and families in its wake. Someone needs to provide answers. The government owes an answer to its public.

The damage is already done, and we have learnt a lesson. With the Chief Minister and his deputy already acknowledging the lack of manpower in the department, which perhaps is the first acknowledgement of responsibility for the incident, it is understood as well as expected that the government would work on it at the earliest. Now what is also expected of the State is a clear cut vision to annihilate any inadequacy which could provide room for similar devastations. And the sooner it gets done, the better it will facilitate in reinforcing and restoring the public’s trust in the State. The government has already made the assurances, but at the same time it has a notorious reputation of failing to turn assurances into actions. What the people could expect is assurance accompanied by action that the State is ready for any such eventuality. When a gas explosion barely a kilometre away from the headquarter of the State Fire Service could be so disastrous, it is anybody’s guess as to what could be the consequence, if any such eventuality were to happen on the eastern side of the Imphal River. Now, Imphal East has no fire service of its own, and ever since Sanjenthong has been closed down to give way to a newer version, connectivity between the two twin districts of Imphal East and Imphal West has been utterly chaotic. In such a scenario the best option could be installation of a few fire tenders in the district. The government is already under much criticism as it is, therefore proceeding along the people’s line of expectation on the present issue could help it garner a brownie point or two.

Leader Writer: Wangkheimayum Bhupendra Singh

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/06/fire-tenders-for-imphal-east/

Unsated locals dig up road against govt negligence

IMPHAL, June 19: Decrying government negligence to the prolonged deplorable road condition of the Lamlong to Khundrakpham road, residents including womenfolk led by the local clubs and meira paibi came

IMPHAL, June 19: Decrying government negligence to the prolonged deplorable road condition of the Lamlong to Khundrakpham road, residents including womenfolk led by the local clubs and meira paibi came out and blocked the road since this early morning. The locals lamented that the State Public Works Department has failed to repair the road for long. Locals also used an excavator to dug portions of the blacktopping at three places along the road. This early morning, a large crowd of locals came out along the road starting from Khurai Lamlong Bridge upto Salanthong and placed huge logs and other objects upon the road diverting traffic along other alternative routes. The locals said they have submitted several requests and memoranda to the department for repairing of the road, but to no avail. Around noon, the locals also used an excavator to dig out the black topping and dig large holes across the road at Khurai Lamlong, Khurai Lai Puthiba and Khurai Heikru Makhong. A meira paibi leader lamented that the deplorable condition of the road has caused much inconveniences to not just the locals but to all commuters of the road. Several have been injured in road accidents and some have even lost their lives, she said. The locals have submitted several representations and memorandums to the concerned authorities including local MLA Ng Bijoy and ward members, however, there has been no response from the MLA as well as the concerned authorities, she said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/06/66166/

Another MoU signatory KCP Nongdrenkhomba accused of killing cadre

IMPHAL, May 30: A woman has today accused KCP Nongdrenkhomba Group chairman Nongdrenkhomba of killing her son, who is a former PLA member and then became a cadre of the

IMPHAL, May 30: A woman has today accused KCP Nongdrenkhomba Group chairman Nongdrenkhomba of killing her son, who is a former PLA member and then became a cadre of the peace signatory outfit KCP Nongdrenkhomba Group.

Speaking to media persons at the Manipur Press Club today, in the presence of her local neighbours, Laiprakpam Memcha said her son L Gophen alias Roshan son of (L) Biren of Lagthabal Phuramakhong Chingya was killed by Nongdrenkhomba on January 4, 2014 and was buried the next day at the Mission Compound Mata Village.

Following the arrest of a cadre of the outfit, the body was recovered by the police on May 17, she continued.

She said her son was a former PLA member and was arrested by the police commandos some five years back from North AOC.

He stayed in the Sajiwa Central Jail for some years during which he was befriended by Nongdrenkhomba, who asked him to join his party, she said.

Gophen joined the KCP Nongdrenkhomba group and signed the MoU with the government last year, she continued.

After signing the MoU, Gophen stayed along with the other cadres of KCP Nongdrenkhomba at their designated camp at 46 Assam Rifles, Churachandpur, she said.

Further recounting her son’s story, Laiprakpam Memcha said last year in December, her son had come home with a 20 day out-pass and after his return to the designated camp, the family lost contact with him.

On May 2, an unknown person came and after identifying himself as a cadre of the PREPAK came to her family and informed that his son had been killed and buried by the KCP Nongdrenkhomba himself.

He further told the family to go search for Gophen at Churachanpur, she said.

The same day a team of the Imphal West cdo had enquired about Ghopen’s whereabouts in the locality, following which the family filed a missing complaint to the Kakwa Police Station, she said.

During the first week of May again, another unknown person made a call from an unknown number and informed that Gophen has been killed by Nongdrenkhomba and buried at Churachandpur, Memcha continued.

Her son’s skeletal remains were recovered by the police on May 17, after a cadre of the outfit was arrested, she further continued.

A cadre identified as Thoi, who was arrested by an Imphal West Cdo team from Patsoi during interrogation had revealed that Gophen’s body was buried at Mission compound mata Village, CCpur, she said.

The family went to Churachandpur on May 17, but was told that the identity of the body is yet to be identified and need to be sent to the forensic experts for confirmation, she continued.

The family conducted Gophen’s last rites with a dummy, she lamented before urging the government to take proper action against culprits.

The locals also threatened to launch intensive forms of agitations if in case the government fail to take proper action in a week’s time.

 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/05/another-mou-signatory-kcp-nongdrenkhomba-accused-of-killing-cadre/

I will urge the Prime Minister to repeal AFSPA, says Sharmila

IMPHAL, May 27: “I will try to meet the Prime Minister of the country and highlight the problems faced by the people after the imposition of the AFSPA. I will

IMPHAL, May 27: “I will try to meet the Prime Minister of the country and highlight the problems faced by the people after the imposition of the AFSPA. I will also urge the Prime Minister to repeal the Act”. This was said by Irom Sharmila to the media, minutes before her departure to Delhi today morning at Imphal airport.

Irom Sharmila Chanu Photo: IFP

Irom Sharmila Chanu
Photo: IFP

 

She also added that to get the demand or to fulfill her struggle there is a need for unite support of the people.

She left this morning by an Indigo Flight as she will be produced at Patiala House Court, New Delhi on May 28. One doctor, a nurse, one police personnel from the jail and one IO is accompanying Sharmila to Delhi.

It may be recalled that Sharmila had missed similar summons twice with the state failing to send her citing shortages of fund. A case was registered against Sharmila for staging a protest fast at Jantar Mantar in 2006, demanding repeal of AFSPA.

The case registered against Sharmila by the police concerned is FIR No.222/06 under IPC section 309.

 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/05/i-will-urge-the-prime-minister-to-repeal-afspa-says-sharmila/

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72-hour bandh in poll-bound Mizoram – Indian ExpressAggregated NorthEast News – Published on May 3, 2014 by KanglaOnlineLok Sabha election 2014: Over 60% voter turnout in Mizoram – OneindiaAggregated NorthEast News – Published on May 3, 2014 by KanglaO…

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/05/test/

KanglaOnline 2014-03-25 14:51:24

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Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/03/62192/

KanglaOnline 2014-03-25 14:51:23

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BIMPHAL MPr 24:ATesganriaggpokpi,bAelsUkhrul,aDstiictspVllstgesComopirateon COminier, iYAUDVC had basner rhr aCOgress iarti oll iog tatieron ptietute of&nnterntion of tiernate lr Tanriaggpokpi,bhooRi ycllitesCtateon id biernooaleon lr Tierntateon is ahth n Iiernjreisdctson lr Tiernlte suad n soesi strgempnc

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/03/62190/

KanglaOnline 2014-03-25 14:51:23

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Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/03/62191/

KanglaOnline 2014-03-25 14:51:23

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BIMPHAL MPr 24:ATesganipur aS tieKarla Akderi, Wmphal.os trganizeog tXganipur aSTtieKAt aEilsition ,20013under the ab io of the PLsig Khrla Akderi, Wew vDelhiat the ranipur aS tieKAt aGllsrr ,vDeartiedtstr TAt &mpa; Clture PanacesCommlund

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Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/03/62189/