Month: June 2014

IMPHAL, June 26: Congress MLAs who not ministers have intensified their demand for reshuffling of the State cabinet, claimed an MLA on conditions of anonymity.

The MLAs from MSCP who had recently joined the party have also joined the demand for cabinet berths, the MLA said on Thursday.

The demand is for a cabinet reshuffle before the upcoming State Assembly Session.

Further according to sources, the MLAs are awaiting a call from the Chief Minister to discuss the issue before the Assembly session.

The dissenting MLAs today met at one of their official quarters, the source added.

It is also learnt that the number of dissenting MLAs have increased from 22 to 24.

They have decided to meet the Chief Minister first and respond according to his assurances, informed the source.

The MLAs have decided to go to Delhi and pressurise the party high command if the need arise or if the meeting with the Chief Minister end unfruitful, said the source.

Further according to the source, if even the party high command fails to listen to their demands, they will take their own course of action.

Sources have said that the dissenting MLAs have said that they were not against the Chief Minister, but they want a change of governance.

They have been demanding for reshuffling of the cabinet post by excluding the Chief Minister and the deputy Chief Minister, sources added.

Further according to sources, the MLAs have expressed that the public would lose their faith in the government, if the present trends continue.

And once the party loses the public’s belief, it would be a big downfall for the party, the MLAs believed.

Congress has 47 members including five who recently merged with the party in the 60 member House.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/06/growing-dissent-among-congress-mlas-over-reshuffle-says-source/

IMPHAL, June 26: The demand for the arrest of the culprits in the SI Krishnadas killing case received a shot in the arm today with various civil organisations of the State including the United Committee Manipur and the All Manipur United Club Organisaton, All Manipur United Club Organisation, Kabui Mother Association and Zeliarong Union Imphal branch deciding to join in the movement of the JAC. Earlier, the JAC was spearheading the movement.

The civil organisations have also appealed for the arrest of all culprits and solve the case at the earliest in the interest of the people.

Addressing the media at the Manipur Press Club today, ZU-Imphal advisor R Chandra Haomei lamented the incident and said the union strongly condemned it.

The State government’s failure to arrest and produce the culprits even after five days of the murder is most unfortunate, he continued while adding that the incident could create tension between two communities as the body was found near the village of another community.

The State’s failure has led to unwanted incidents yesterday wherein police had to fire tear gas shells, he asserted.

He appealed to the police to arrest the culprits at the earliest in the interest of the communities residing together in the State.

Vice president UCM, Chandramani said such unwanted incident has been continuing in the State since some years back.

The UCM in collaboration with the other organisations have been working to prevent such incidents, he said.

It is unfortunate that the culprits are still absconding from the police, he lamented.

Further continuing the press conference, he said the police had picked up a person identified to have been seen last with the deceased.

This had created some hope for the locals and the people of the State that it would shed some light to the case, nevertheless, the police are yet to announce anything positive, he added.

The public has begun to think that the government is trying to hide something in the case, he said.

People should not point accusing fingers on anyone without knowing the whole truth in the incident, he said.

AMUCO president Y Mani cautioned the people of the State to be careful against people who try to create rifts and tension among communities.

The government should take responsibility if any untoward incident blows up due to its failure to make arrest and solve the case, he said.

KAMA, president Kakomlung Lui Kamei said the association strongly condemn the incident and appeal for the arrest of all culprits at the earliest.

KAMA will support any step taken up by the JAC regarding the crime, she said before adding however, it would be wrong to blindly assume that the people of the village from where the body was found would be behind the crime.

Another spokesperson lamented police retorting to violence to quell yesterday’s protest of the JAC by firing tear gas shells.

In case the government fail to arrest the culprits at the earliest, it would lead to more protest from the people, he said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/06/csos-assure-support-to-jac-against-si-killing/

IMPHAL, June 26: People of Bishnupur and Ningthoukhong have appealed the state government to apprehend the killer of Sub Inspector Mayengbam Krishnadas who was murdered last week at the earliest. Joining the appeal was the family of the man who has been accused of killing the SI.

A joint press conference with the family members of the accused and Bishnupur United Women Development Organisation (BUWDO) was held at Manipur Press club on late Thursday afternoon.

BUWDO has flayed the state government for arresting an innocent man instead of arresting the culprits and laying all the blame to the suspect who was picked up on June 24 by Lamphel PS to control a mob. It has also stated that the people of Bishnupur and Ningthoukom along with various CSOs of the state will start agitations against the state government and the police department.

The suspect who was picked up by the Lamphel Police Station from Sangaiprou was Khundrakpam Krishnanda, 49, of Ningthoukhong Kha Leikai, ward 21.

“The suspected person is innocent and couldn’t be connected to any brutal crimes and the suspect made by the police needs to be clarified. People should be arrested only after the completion of proper investigations,” the general secretary of BUWDO stated, adding that the people of the state have witnessed that many innocent people were made guilty.

The wife of Khundrakpam Krishnanda, Khundrakpam (o) Chanchan, 43 urged for the quick release of her husband because he can’t be involved in such crimes and lashed out at the ineptitude of the police which picked up someone innocent

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/06/bishunupur-citizens-rally-behind-arrested-suspect/

IMPHAl, June 26: The Thadou Students’ Association (TSA) has condemned the apathy of Commandant of 7th IRB, Chaba Lukho towards victims of an accident involving his convoy.

Condemning the callousness of the IRB CO, the TSA has also threatened to call a 24-hour bandh along National Highway 2 and Tiddim Road on June 28.

TSA general secretary Thangminlen Haokip narrated in a press meet that the incident occurred on June 16 at around 11.30 am Chaba Lakho’s convoy hit a Maruti Alto carrying six members of a family while coming towards Imphal from Khongampat.

The accident left the six persons inside the Alto bearing registration number, ML05F-2825 injured, he said.

He further said that all the victims are the family members of S Lunkhojang Hejang Haokip.

He continued that when the incident had occurred volunteers of TSA rushed to the spot and saw the injured persons lying inside the vehicle without any first aid for more than 40 minutes and the CO showed no concern for the injured or moral obligation towards them.

The victims were taken to RIMS but unfortunately the hospital had ceased work that particular day. So, they were taken to Raj Medicity at North AOC for going through various diagnostic processes like CT scan, X-ray and others but due to the unavailability of the seats, the patients were again taken to Christian Hospital in Dewlahland.

He alleged that the father of the victims had a BP (Blood pressure) stroke after learning about the incident and is presently undergoing treatment in RIMS hospital, adding that the incident occurred more than a week before but still there was no show of concern and response to the victims’ family.

Appealing the concern authority to bring amicable solutions about the matter before 27th June, he warns of imposing a 24 hours bandh from 3 am of 28 June along the Dimapur to Moreh National Highway and Churchandpur to Imphal road if the government fails to do so. He further appealed all the social organisation and individuals, vehicles unions and owners to extend their cooperation and support regarding the matter to bring justice to the victims.

Meanwhile, the Aimol Students’ Union, Manipur (ASUM) has condemned the high handedness of Chaoba Lukho CO of 7th IRB for damaging the Alto car and injuring its occupants on the way between Khonghampat and Koirengei on June 16. Stating that the CO is obliged to help the victims of the accident, the union will be compelled to agitate if there is no positive response from the said CO, said a release.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/06/miffed-with-irb-cos-apathy-student-body-warns-24-hour-bandh/

IMPHAL, June 26: Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi told Congress workers that most works are easier said than done. Urging the workers to maintain party discipline and respect for the senior leaders, he said any matter relating to the party should be understood well before passing comments.

O Ibobi was speaking at the reception function of congress MPs of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, Th Meinya, Thangso Baite and Abdul Salam respectively. The function was organised by Block Congress Committee of 60 Assembly Constituencies of the state. He said party workers needed orientation of proper conduct in the party.

Ibobi said that equal development of block means overall development of the state. He advised the workers to have thorough knowledge of the developmental works that are being taken up.

It is our responsibility to fulfill what we have promised in the Lok Sabha election, that will be the strength of the party in the future, the CHief Minister said.

The CM was apparently annoyed when the convener of block level Congress presidents of Manipur, one Nandalal Angomcha raked up in his speech all the shortcomings in the Manipur Congress Bhavan.

Soon after Nandalal Angomcha completed his speech, deputy CM Gaikhangam who is also the president of Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee lamented that it was not the right place and time to express the shortcomings of the Bhawan, or whatever it may be in the face of everyone, that too in the presence of the media.

Chief Minister O Ibobi too expressed unhappiness that such a function was used for highlighting ones anguish. Ibobi stated that Manipur Bhavan is the best in the whole of North East among the Congress Bhavans. He then said the party is trying to develop further the Congress Bhavan .

The CHief Minister and the deputy Chief Minister advised Nandalal Angomcha not to repeat such act in the future.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/06/we-have-to-fulfill-our-promises-o-ibobi/

IMPHAL, June 26: The People For Animal, Thoubal has said that it will send a report on the adverse effect of the construction of a diversion bridge at Mahabali forest soon to the Union Cabinet Minister for Women & Child Development Maneka Gandhi who is also the chairperson of the PFA.

A press statement of the PFA, Thoubal has said that the cutting of trees and excavation of soil from the Mongba hanba forest/ Mahabali forest for the construction of a diversion bridge has displaced around 10 monkeys from the forest.

It said that the displaced monkeys are invading Imphal, which is a shocking phenomenon.

“This shows that the monkeys are frightened and feeling homeless due to the cutting and excavating work.”

While stating that the PFA helpline has been receiving several calls from people about witnessing monkeys inside the city since early yesterday, it said “Joint actions are being taken up by the state Zoological staff and PFA to handle the situation.”

It said a Kid day care centre at Sagolband area had to close the centre yesterday to avoid any unwanted conflict with the monkeys.

People in the locality have been staying behind closed doors during the night.

The Zoo staff have even set up a trap in the locality for the monkeys, it said.

It has further said that the construction of the diversion bridge inside the forest will only create irritation to the monkeys with the noise and pollution from the vehicles.

“The huge machines used in construction will drive them wild. Then more monkeys will leave the grove and invade the city.”

Calling upon the public not to panic, it said the PFA and the Zoo staff are trying to control the displaced animals.

It also added that the PFA was informed that some of the monkeys were headed towards Takyel side today.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/06/pfa-to-report-mahabali-forest-disturbance-to-meneka-gandhi/

IMPHAL, June 26: “The defeat of NPF is attributed to the wrong policy decision taken by UNC and NPF leadership and not due to the contest of other Naga candidates,” said Mani Charenamei, independent candidate for the Manipur Outer Constituency of the 16th Lok Sabha Election in a statement made available to IFP through our Churachandpur correspondent.

He was referring to the defeat of the NPF in the recent election which was won by INC candidate Thangsho Baite, while responding to UNC’s social boycott call against him..

The statement said, “This time NPF could muster more than 2,70,000 Naga votes and it was defeated, next time they may be able to muster all the Naga votes but they should remember that it’s opponent will come out even stronger than before to defeat them as long as they refuse to understand the dynamics of a highly polarised tribal politics prevalent in the state of Manipur. In fact, if I had contested from NPF party I would have faced the same fate.”

The UNC had earlier while announcing the boycott said that it takes serious exception to the “anti-Naga activities of Mani Charenamei.”

It had said that the candidate had in a public statement questioned the legitimacy of the AA demand of the Nagas in Manipur which gave very negative reflection to the world.

In his clarification, Mani Charenamei has said that the UNC’s resolution of May 28, 2014 boycotting him contains misleading information and malicious aforethoughts to ruin his political career by levelling unfounded and baseless accusations against him for the defeat of the NPF candidate in the 16th Lok Sabha election, 2014.

He said he had consulted several Naga leaders including NPF, Manipur president and UNC executives before forally and publicly declaring his stand to contest the election as an independent candidate.

“The social boycott call announced only against me while sparing other prominent Naga candidates by the UNC is a bias decision and is aimed at tarnishing my image.”

While stating that the poor performance of NPF in Nungba, Tamenglong and Tamei constituencies compared to other Naga districts was not his doing, he said, “The NPF and it’s volunteers have also levelled baseless and unfounded allegations against me that I have been paid a lot of money to contest against the NPF candidate by the Chief Minister and deputy Chief Minister of Manipur.”

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/06/mani-charenamei-replies-to-unc-boycott-call/

IMPHAL, June 26: The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illelcit Trafficking was widely observed in the State today.

The Social Welfare department in collaboration with the FINGODAP-Manipur Chapter had organised the day at the Kangsang, Khuman Lampak under the theme “Make health your New High in life not drugs.”

During the function, the Social Welfare minister Ak Mirabai had assured a State Drug policy to fight drug abuse in the State.

There are around 20 NGOs dealing with the issue in the State, she said.

She further appealed to the organisation to help fight the issue and make the State a drug free society while assuring all possible help from her department in this regard.

The department alone cannot eradicate drug abuse and need to fight together with the public under a proper policy, she added.

Use of drugs by woman which is prevalent these days is unfortunate, the minister lamented before adding that only observing the day will not help in rooting out the ill.

Around 60 students from different schools attended the function and many took part in the State level ex-tempo speech competition, she said.

Meanwhile, according to a DIPR press release, the day was also observed at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound, Imphal organised by the All Manipur Anti Drug Association (AMADA).

The function was attended by deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam as chief guest while Heingang MLA N Biren and Naoriya Pakhanglakpa MLA RK Anand, attended as presidium members.

President, AMADA Mayai Loisang M Padamini Leima, SP Narcotics

Control Bureau, Imphal KV Robinson Gangte and Ph Gunachandra Sharma, president, MSSLC were also present as guests of honour, it said.

Addressing at the function Gaikhangam appreciated AMADA and other civil organizations in the state for their role in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

He termed their movement as very encouraging, it said.

According to the statement, the deputy Chief Minister also appealed to the people not to take up law in their own hands while fighting against such social evils and to refrain from any form of mob justice.

He stated that it is high time that people should do away with the culture of mob justice.

He further asked the people to rise together to eliminate all kinds of social evils, it said.

Earlier in the morning, the deputy Chief Minister had flagged off a rally in connection with the observance from Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen. The rally was participated by volunteers of AMADA along with members of several other civil organizations of the state including students and meira paibis, it said.

A Sumang Khumhei 11 Mangluraba Lalli was also presented in the afternoon in connection with the observation at the Iboyaima Sumang Leela Shanglen.

Meanwhile, the Coalition against Drugs and Alcohol has stated that it has organised International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking at Lamsang Bazaar Community hall under the theme ‘Make health your new high in life, not drugs’ on June 26 at 11.30 am.

The program was attended by Adv. Ngangbam Nongyai, Former Member of Manipur Human Rights Commission, Ningthoujam Doren, President (in

Charge), Ksh. (o) Rashi. President of Nupi Khunai Lamsang, Irungbam Birjit, President of Progressive Youth Association, Lamsang Bazaar and Koijam Modhu, Social Worker were chief guest, president and guest of honours respectively. Students of Praja High School Lamsang also attended the program.

During the program, the Chief Guest stated that it is necessary to promote drugs policy to fight the rising drug problems in the State.

Also, Guest of Honour, Modhu also stated that it is necessary for parents to be aware of the problems caused by drugs.

President of the program further expressed that drugs must be stop in order and support is needed from the society in order to build a better future said a release of the Secretary of Information and Publicity, CADA.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/06/social-welfare-minister-assures-state-drug-policy/

IMPHAL, June 26: The Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association warmly received Scott Furrsedonn-Wood, Deputy High Commissioner to Eastern India, British High Commission at Manipuri Pony Breeding Farm (Veterinary Fodder Farm), at Lamphelpat today.

Speaking to the media, Scott said that he and his friends came to attend the commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of ‘Battle of Imphal’ and this was his first visit to Manipur.

He also said that the game of Polo belongs to history of the Manipur, and a gift of the state to the world.

Scott said he love to see the game and also want to learn more about the Manipuri Pony.

He congratulated the association for their effort towards the welfare of the Pony and also their endevour of augmenting the game.

The association presented a picture of Polo pioneers of Manipur, with a Kangjei, a ball and a tie of Khamen Chatpa to Scott.

On the sidelines of his visit, Scott will discuss on the commemoration of 150th year of Manipuri Sagolkangjei, along with the 8th Manipur Polo International.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/06/british-dy-high-commissioner-to-attend-battle-of-imphal/