December 11, 2013 – Page 2

KIM urges UNC

Kuki Inpi Manipur KIM has appealed to United Naga Council UNC to exempt the delegates of the 20th general assembly from the purview of 48 hour general strike announced by the Naga body Source The Sangai Express

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BJP, AAP prefer fresh polls Deadlock continues over Govt formation in Delhi

Three days after the announcement of Assembly Elections results, there seems to be no possibility of formation of a new government in Delhi, as both Bharatiya Janata Party BJP and Aam Aadmi Party AAP have failed to get the numbers and opted for re …

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Rights Day observed at Moreh

Participants of the International Human Rights Day observance at Trade Centre, Moreh yesterday have unanimously pledged to carry on the struggle until people of the North East are ensured their rights Source The Sangai Express

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Rape convicts Tarun, William get 15 years jail term

Convicted of raping a class XII TG Higher Secondary School girl last year, the court of Sessions Judge Imphal East today sentenced singer actor Thongam Tarun s o Th Jayanta of Thangmeiband Sinam Leikai and commando personnel Yumnam William s o L Y Deben of Khagempali Pankha to 15 years imprisonment, amid strong protest outside the Cheirap court premises in Uripok with atleast four of the protestors reportedly injured Source The Sangai Express

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Three suspected KNF N cadres slain in shoot out

Three suspected KNF Nehlun KNF N militants were killed in a reported gun fight with a combined security force at Bongbal Kholen in Senapati district this morning Source The Sangai Express

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Two suspected Manipuri UGs held in Bihar

Bihar Police today arrested two suspected Manipuri militants from a bus stand here, which led to the seizure of grenades from their hideouts in their home state Source The Sangai Express Press Trust of India

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Arrangement for Assembly session

As safety precautionary measures and to ensure smooth functioning of the ensuing 6th session of the 10th Legislative Assembly slated for commencement from Dec 18 in the new Assembly Hall, Chingmeirong, several arrangements have been made Source The …

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Flying squirrel at raffle draw PFA expresses concern, appeals

Expressing concern over the report that a flying squirrel was put up for a raffle draw, the People for Animal PFA Thoubal today said that putting flying squirrel as a prize for lucky draw at Ukhrul, that too in front of Forest office, is one of the w…

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Kom Union states basis of formation

Seeking to clarify the basis on which the Kom Union, Manipur KUM was formed in 2004 at the Imphal Press Club, incumbent President of KUM said following the balkanization of Komrem, the Kom tribe formed their own union in the name and style of Kom Uni…

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Barak Cultural Festival held amid razzmatazz

The Barak Cultural Festival 2013 was celebrated with pomp and gaiety today at Senapati district headquarters with the theme ‘Oneness’ under the aegis of Naga People’s Organisation NPO Senapati Source The Sangai Express

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Absence of CDPO may stall staff’s salary

Irrespective of the social welfare department releasing six months honorarium and salaries for Aganwadi workers and departmental staff early this month, absence of CDPO for the Sangaikot project block , is likely to stall the much anticipated money in…

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Picnic at Sekmai river banned

Even as locals of Sekmai today set a truck on fire for quarrying sand from Sekmai river bank, Sekmai Protection Committee SPC , an umbrella body of 11 local clubs, have announced a ban on organising picnics at Sekmai river banks Source The Sangai E…

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Block level Congess meet

Tamei Block Congress Committee conducted a block level meeting to discuss satisfaction dissatisfaction of the people of the Constituency regarding different flagship programmes of the UPA Government at the official quarter of Tamei AC MLA Z Kikhonbou t…

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The political uncertainty and fate of Naga political issue!

The outcome of the assembly elections in five states—Rajasthan, MP, Delhi, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram—was something frightening. The BJP has got absolute majorities in three States while in Delhi it has faced short of 4 to form the Government. In Mizoram, the Congress retained. Delhi was not only the stronghold of the Congress but also the face of the country. Delhi’s three-time powerful Congress Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit finally became the victim of the strong anti-Congress wave that had swept across the country.

However, the outcome of Delhi Assembly election has thrown uncertain political future as the single largest BJP is not prepared to stake claim to form the next Government. It has already declared that it preferred to sit in Opposition. The AAP, which decimated the Congress came second with 28 seats, said it would neither lend support to any party nor willing to seek support from any. It also said to sit in Opposition. The scenario in Delhi is increasingly clear that it may be placed under President’s Rule.

The AAP that fought on the “pro-people” and “anti-corruption” poll plank feels that it will be suicidal to form Government in Delhi by taking support either from the BJP or the Congress. But the fact is if the PR is imposed in Delhi and holding of fresh election announced, the BJP may increase its tally from the present 32 to nearly 40, while AAP may hang around the same strength they have now. Because it is an anti-Congress wave that has been sweeping across and not the anti-BJP wave. Yet, it is far more honorable for the AAP to face fresh election as it will enhance its political credibility in the eyes of the country.

The outcome of these assembly elections will definitely have major impact on the upcoming Lok Sabha elections due early next year. This country has witnessed the activities of the Congress-led UPA Government led by Dr Singh at the Center for the last one decade. The common men across the length and breadth of the country are not fully convinced by his leadership, though he is generally considered as “Clean.” But he seemed lacking political will and courage on many occasions and not decisive. That affected his image considerably and became most unpopular Prime Minister of the country.

Scandals after scandals involving high profile and powerful Ministers in his Government had damaged his political standing and the very so-called “Clean tag” has lost its relevance along the way. Some of his Ministers landed in jails over the years.

The price rise issue is also one of the main factors to the Congress electoral debacle this time but at the same time, the rise of vociferous Narendra Modi as a national leader and making him the Prime Ministerial candidate of the main Opposition BJP also became spoilsports to the Congress in many parts of the country.

Today’s youth are more well-informed, educated, well-versed and they are not interested to live any more on the hollowness and rhetoric of politicians. They have clearly seen the weakness of their Prime Minister on many issues.

On the other hand, they have seen the kind of leadership in Modi who knows how to keep today’s youth close-knitted with his political strategies, visions and plans for the future of the country. Besides, they see in Modi that he can take the country forward. At the same time, the Western countries as well as many powerful countries started appreciating his performances as Chief Minister in Gujarat. This man is thoroughly prepared for the game and most of the Congress veterans in the country are seen finding difficulties to face him. All these factors have given political edge to him.

Modi even knows the importance of the northeastern region and its people who have also been victims of a weak leadership of the country. They would also like to see someone who can really take care of their wellbeing. One should also realize that youth of the region are equally concerned for their future. In many areas, the region is far behind than many parts of the country. We are completing 66 years of Independence and living in 21^st Century. They also want to enjoy like others.

When such a very unpredictable political scenario fast emerges, what do we think of the ongoing political dialogues between the leaders of the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India? It has been 16 years since the signing of the ceasefire agreement between them and more than 60 rounds of political talks have already been held and both sides have really narrowed down their differences over the years. They could manage to remove political glitches. This is, without doubt, a big achievement on their parts.

Out of the 16 years of peace process, the present Congress-led UPA Government has been dealing with the Naga underground leaders for the last almost 10 years. Dr Singh used to say that the solution to the protracted Naga issue would be arrived at during his tenure. It is, certainly, a welcome gesture. But in reality, it is easier said than done for the fact that the nature of the process is political and when political stability is not there, no political talks can be safely held whatever the case may be. And the political instability in the Congress-led UPA increases while their allies are heaping all the blames of the present political crises on the weak leadership meaning the Prime Minister of the country.

Yet, one should keep in mind that the present UPA Government is a coalition one and the majority Congress alone cannot take any political decision as such on the Naga issue without the consent of their allies. Besides, the issue needs debating on the floor of the Parliament while seeking opinions of the respective Chief Ministers of the region. Because of this complicated process, a strong political will with a stable Government at the Center is the need of the hour.

On the other hand, present Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has been running the affairs of the State since 2003 after defeating the powerful Congress regime of Dr SC Jamir. It has been now almost 11 years that he has been at the helms of affairs of the State as the peace process between the Naga underground leaders and the Government of India completes 16 years. But he kept saying that they were not a party to talks and acting only as “facilitator” to the process. Rio also used to say that talks were going in the right direction but not being able to share any stages of the talks. Many also described Prime Minister Dr Singh as “sincere” to the Naga issue. Yet none of them had courage to say the “Timeframe” of the settlement to the issue. Everyone is still kept in the dark of the issue even after 16 years of the process. This vague style of development is also largely responsible to destroying the “confidence” of the masses.

I think this is ridiculous. Something is wrong somewhere. One should not run politics like this at the cost of finding a political solution. If you cannot push the process further, tell to the people that we cannot. It appears that no responsibilities are there with the leaders. Sometimes, they talked big things even to the extent of international politics. They seemed to have suffered from “I-know-everything syndrome.”

Now, in all probability nothing is going to happen to the Naga issue during Dr Singh’s tenure as Prime Minister of this great nation. We have to keep our fingers crossed till such time when new guards take over to run the country.

URF expels cadre involved in robbery case

IMPHAL, December 11: The United Revolutionary Front (URF) a conglomerate of KCP several KCP factions, have expel its cadre who was involved in a robbery case in Senjam Chirang. Informing this during a press conference held at its temporary camp … Continue reading →

IMPHAL, December 11: The United Revolutionary Front (URF) a conglomerate of KCP several KCP factions, have expel its cadre who was involved in a robbery case in Senjam Chirang.

Informing this during a press conference held at its temporary camp of Loitang Khunou Spinning Mill, URF Chairman, Lanheiba Meitei, divulged that following the incident cadres of the URF resorted to fasting as a mark of protest demanding the expulsion of the erroneous cadres who was arrested for robbing a lead battery of a tata truck at Senjam Chirang yesterday.

With other cadres strongly condemning the act, leaders of URF decided to expel the said cadres identified as Phuritsabam Sonex alias Newton, 29, son of Ph Manglem Singh of Uripok Bachaspati Leikai.

He said that the URF have constituted a team to investigate into the matter to find out whether any other cadres were involved in the robbery and punished them befittingly.

Sonex was shifted to Langol for his misconduct countless time but he was taken back following the request of his mother. He deserted from the camp without giving any information to the concerned camp commander, said Lanheiba.

Meanwhile, Lanheiba claimed that there are forces at play trying to derail the Tripartite Peace pact signed with the Central and State Government. No cases registered against them were cancelled and the Chairman himself has to attend NIA court twice in a month, he said.

He also claimed that no TA/DA has been felicitated to the cadres including the top leaders of the URF and everything ranging from fooding and others has to be managed by the minimal stipend.

Stating that the state Government have completely ignored the URF in every aspect since they entered into the Peace Pact, Lanheiba warned that they will take up arms and go back to jungle if the Peace process is derailed.

Chingheingaba Meitei, Chief Central Finance, Secretary Home Affairs, Ruhini, Assistant Publicity Secretary Poinu Luwang, Camp adjutant, Washington, Deputy Secretary Law and Justice, Camp 2IC, commander of 105 Battalion, Camp Commander-Khagemba.

Freight truck waylaid, torched

IMPHAL, Dec 11: A freight truck carrying stone boulders was waylaid and torched by a mob this morning at Sekmai quarry road Sekmai Police station. Sources said that the incident took place around 9 am when the trucks was coming … Continue reading →

IMPHAL, Dec 11: A freight truck carrying stone boulders was waylaid and torched by a mob this morning at Sekmai quarry road Sekmai Police station.

Sources said that the incident took place around 9 am when the trucks was coming out from a quarry. A mob stopped the truck and asked the driver and occupants of the the Tata truck (bearing MN01-5108) and torched it.

The cabin and engine section of the torch was damaged by the fire but the timely interventions of the police prevented the fire from further damaging the truck.

The driver of the truck identified as Khwairakpam Chandramani, 38, son of Kh Achou of Awang Sekmai Mayai Leikai.

Police have registered a case in connection with the incident.

It may be mentioned that the Sekmai Protection Committee and Advance Women Society Sekmai, has imposed restriction against lifting of Sands and Stones from any of Sekmai area since June 1, last.

Deeper Introspection

MPCC chief Gaikhangam has implied that the Congress Party in north-eastern states will not be affected by the rout the party suffered at the recent Assembly elections. In fact, another Congress leader hailing from the south, chief minister of Kerala, Ooman Chandy echoed the same views. Does that mean that the need for deeper introspection within the party as felt by leading voice of the party Sonia Gandhi will not be applicable in the regions? Definitely, it should be.

We have to grant it to Gaikhangam that the just finished elections were held in the northern areas of the country, which is considered as the strong hold of the BJP. It is relatively weak in the south and north-eastern regions and emulating the same performance here during the Parliament elections will be hard. But all the same, the results have thrown up facts that forebode dim prospects for the Congress at the next Parliamentary elections. First of all, when BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi was hitting the right notes with the voters, the heir-apparent of the Congress leadership, Rahul Gandhi failed to make an impression in discussing the issues that were crucial to voters. Also, there were clear indications that the voters are fed up with the policies of the UPA government and the struggling economy. We have to keep in mind that the opinions are a nation-wide observation and not restricted to north India alone. Also, despite the reservation over his close association with hard-core Hindu groups, Narendra Modi has been regarded as an efficient administrator, pro-business and one of the best man to bet for on increasing the development and quality of governance in India. There is a huge section of people who firmly believes that a political change which will be strong enough to alter the high inflation and tight monetary policies of the UPA and bring investments in could happen if the BJP and Modi prevail at the next Parliamentary elections. Immediately after the announcement of election results, the share market and rupee responded positively and both soar higher.

The Manipur Congress chief and his colleagues in other north-eastern states will need to be wary of history and how hard it is to prevent the wind of change blowing in the mainland from entering the region. Moreover, the regional Congress leaders cannot be confused on the fact that the BJP is not their only adversary and be bewared by the success of poll debutant Aam Admi Party that pushed the party to the third rung in Delhi. The Congress party has risen from the ashes again and again. But, now is definitely not the time for the state unit of the Congress for letting complacency to creep in. Sonia message for deeper introspection is indeed a well-timed call with a bearing on every Congress workers in the country. Because, if there was a message that connects the poll verdicts in four out of the five states is the sense of estrangement from the UPA government felt by the voters and their growing anger with the Congress.

Youth training programme

IMPHAL, December11: Infrastructure Learning and Financial Services Limited (IL and FS) today held the graduation day ceremony of the Rural BPL (Below Poverty Line) youths trained in placement Skill Development Training Program (AAJEEVIKA) Under ministry of Rural Development, Government of … Continue reading →

Konthoujam Tombi Singh, adhaksya Imphal East attended as the chief guest, Maibam Premjit Singh, state coordinator IF and FS as president and Priyadarshini Laishram, assistant commandant Manipur Police Training School, Pangei as the guest of honour.

Addressing the function, Priyadarshini said that people are not aware of the programs which are provided by the IL and FS to the people.

She said the people need to understand the benefits of the skill development institutes.

BPL families face lot of problems in the state but these companies provide a lot of facilities to such families, she said.

The programme has the main objective of uplifting the people mainly BPL, she said.

convicted for murder attempt

IMPHAL, Dec 11: A 29 year old man was today convicted by the District and Session Court Manipur West for attempting to murder his cousin brother on November 14, 2009 at Churachanpur district. According to court official the case was … Continue reading →

IMPHAL, Dec 11: A 29 year old man was today convicted by the District and Session Court Manipur West for attempting to murder his cousin brother on November 14, 2009 at Churachanpur district.

According to court official the case was taken up against the accused identified as Thangthianuam Kuki, 29, son of Chingmang Kuki of Misao Nhahvom Village Churachanpur in the court of District and Session Court Manipur West under FIR number 60(11)2009 under Churachanpur Police Station under section 307 Indian Penal Code after the complaint was filed by the elder brother of the victim with the Churachanpur police.

`Developmental programs successfully implemented in Tamei`

IMPHAL, December 11: A block meeting of the Congress Committee for Tamei constituency was held today at the official quarter of local MLA Z Kikhonbou Newmai, at Lamphal. Addressing media persons on the sideline of the meeting, Kikhonbou Newmai said … Continue reading →

IMPHAL, December 11: A block meeting of the Congress Committee for Tamei constituency was held today at the official quarter of local MLA Z Kikhonbou Newmai, at Lamphal.

Addressing media persons on the sideline of the meeting, Kikhonbou Newmai said that the developmental programme of Tamei areas mainly health, PDS and others under the flagship programme under central government have been successfully implemented.

He said the meeting was held to discuss the schemes provided to the people is enough.

Barak and Makhi bridges in Tamei are almost completed and the construction of police stations, banks, BDO offices and staff quarters in Tousem and Tamei blocks are also underway in full speed, he said.

Works on 11 packages out of the 18 provided to the area under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana will be started from January next year, the local MLA said.

He continued that junior high schools of the block have been upgraded to high schools while the primary schools into upper primary school, while 20 villages have been provided electricity while the process is on to electrify 15 more villages, he said.