January 13, 2015 – Page 3

PREPAK wants SIT investigation in skulls recovery case

IMPHAL, Jan 13: The eight skulls and skeletons, recovered while digging up the old Tombisana School compound for the construction of a women`™s market, are remnants of India`™s silent attempt

IMPHAL, Jan 13: The eight skulls and skeletons, recovered while digging up the old Tombisana School compound for the construction of a women`™s market, are remnants of India`™s silent attempt to wipe out the whole Manipuri society so that Indians could settle in the lands vacated by the Manipuris, proscribed outfit People`™s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak has said in a press statement.

Referring to the incident as the discovery of a mass grave maintained by India, the proscribed outfit has said that as much as the government wants to keep such incidents under wraps, today the mass grave at the old school compound has been brought under the limelight for all to see.

A proper examination of the skulls and skeletons by forensic experts will reveal the whole truth however, it would be hard for the people to hope for a proper investigation considering the manner with which the Ibobi government and the Indian government are handling the case, it said.

During the early part of 1960, AFSPA was imposed in some districts of Assam and some hill districts of Manipur and on September 8, 1980 the Act was imposed in the whole of Manipur including the valley districts, the statement continued. Since then there has been instances of more than 20 individuals have gone missing with most of them being taken away by the army, it said.

The discovery of the skulls when there are so many instances of forced disappearance has only heightened the public`™s desire to know the truth behind the skulls, it continued.

The people want the truth behind the recovered human skulls and skeletons and proper and fitting investigation along with proper examination by forensic experts, said the outfit in its statement.

It continued that the even though the government has announced its decision to hand over the investigation to the CBI, it is yet to be issued in the gazette notification. The CBI`™s involvement in any investigation need to be notified by the Indian Government according to the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act section 6, the proscribed outfit`™s statement said.

Citing several cases of forced disappearances which the CBI had taken up, the outfit investigation by the CBI cannot be trusted.

The investigation should be conducted by a Special Investigation Team headed by an IG or DIG ranked police officer based on the recommendation or findings on the case of a three member inquiry commission headed by a retd judge of the High Court or a district judge as prescribed by India`™s Commission of Inquiry Act, 1952, it said.

Tehelka scribe refuses to reveal source in sensational July 23 BT Road fake encounter case

IMPHAL, January 13: The star witness of the sensational July 23 Kwairamband Keithel fake encounter case, Teresa Rehman of the `Tahelka Magazine`, refused to reveal the identity of her sources

IMPHAL, January 13: The star witness of the sensational July 23 Kwairamband Keithel fake encounter case, Teresa Rehman of the `Tahelka Magazine`, refused to reveal the identity of her sources citing security problem besides terming it unethical.

Teresa Rehman, who filed the news reports of the July 23 incident along with a number of pictures as evidence, gave her statement before the court Chief Judicial Magistrate, Kamrup (Metro) Guwahati, D Thakuriaa on January 6 as prosecution witness number 66.

In her statement, she confirm to have filed the article `Murder in plain sight` appeared at the Tehelka Magazine (dated 8.08.09) about the murder of Sanjit by Manipur police commandos on July 23.

She said that the article was written on the basis of the reports and photographs received on her e-mail ID adding that she did not know the person who took the photographs.

Rehman revealed that she collected the information to write the articles from various sources including Rakesh Meihoubam, the legal advisor of the mother of deceased Sanjit.

According to her it was from Rakesh she came to know that the deceased Sanjit was a former member of the outlawed group.

She further revealed that she was told that Sanjit was earlier arrested by the Police and got bail and was living as free man before he was killed in the sensational fake encounter case.

`I did not visit Imphal for the preparation of my article and I had not received any video footage of the incident,` claimed Rehman.

Soon after the receipt of the photographs through her e-mail ID she reportedly forwarded the same to her then editor in chief, Tarun Tejpal. Subsequently, she received instruction from Delhi office to go ahead and prepare the article. However, she clarified that she did not tamper with the photographs.

She further maintained that she no longer has the photographs with her after forwarding the same to the Tehelka weekly magazine office, the photographs became the property of Tehelka Weekly Magazine.

`I am not ready to reveal the names of my source for fear their lives will be at risk and further it will be unethical on my part on revealed my sources`, said Rehman.

It may be recalled that Teresa Rehman was summoned to physically appear before the district and session Judge Manipur East. However, she was later granted permission on December 6 last to give her statement at a designated special court of CBI Guwahati by the concerned court following her plea to make the appearance in Guwahati citing security reason.

Meanwhile, the cross examination of witness of the case was also held today before the district and session Judge Manipur East.

Advocate Rakesh Singh Meihoubam, the legal advisor of Sanjit`™s mother appeared before the court as prosecution (no.67).

In his statement, the advocate revealed that he did not know Teresa Rehman before the BT road incident.

He came to know with Rehman through Babloo Loitongbam, a fellow activist, who told him that Rehman wanted to talk to her over phone.

Meihoubam further revealed that he talked to Rehman twice after the death of Sanjit wherein she inquired about the status of Sanjit before his death.

Accordingly, he mentioned that Sanjit was earlier arrested by Manipur police and was later released on bail but clarified that he was not the counsel in the criminal case involving the deceased.

He was approached by the deceased mother for filing a writ petition before the then Guwahati high court only after her son was killed.

Subsequently, Meihoubam claimed that he filed the petition after receiving the copy of the magazine from Rehman who sent him a copy following his request.

GOC 3 Corps in State on two-day visit

IMPHAL, Jan 13: The Lt Gen Bipin Rawat, GOC 3 Corps, has arrived in the state on a 2 day visit to HQ IGAR (South) from January 13 to 14.

According to a release of the PRO, IGAR (s) the GOC 3 Corps was briefed on the prevailing security situation in the State by Major General Rajeev Chopra, IG AR (South).

Lt Gen Bipin Rawat reviewed the operational preparedness of the formations during his visit and also conveyed his whole hearted support to the various developmental projects in the State in coordination with the civil administration and the local populace and felicitated Assam Rifles Archery Team for their outstanding performance in the All India Police Archery Championship 2014 held at Guwahati from January 5 to 9. The Team also won Gold medals in all the three team events i.e. Indian Round, Compound &

Recurve Division. Rfn M Sunder Singh won two Gold Medals & Rfn Bijendranath Singh won a Gold Medal in Indian Round, Rfn Sh Netrajit Singh & Rfn G Robert Sharma each won a Gold Medal in Compound Division and Rfn Th Sanatomba Singh bagged a Gold Medal in Recurve Division, itsaid.

Meanwhile, it said Lt Gen Bipin Rawat, has donated two Solar Street lamps to Chingningkok Village, four computer sets to Andro village and utility items i.e. 3 solar street lamp, an LED TV, 8 plastic Chairs, 2 plastic tables and 6 mosquito net to RUSA (Rural Service Agency), district Imphal East in a ceremony organised by 30 & 40 Assam of 9 Sector AR under the aegis of HQ IGAR (South) at Mantripukhri garrison on January 13.

According to a release of the PRO, General Officer lauded the support of people of Manipur to the Assam Rifles in restoring the normalcy in the area and said that the provisioning of items will go a long way in uplifting the living standard and will facilitate effective and constructive use of time.

In another endeavour, the 40 Assam Rifles of 9 Sector AR has organised a medical camp at Andro as part of Operation Sadbhavana on January 12.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/goc-3-corps-in-state-on-twoday-visit/

Misappropriation of over Rs 43 lakhs slur cast on ADC, Chandel

By DNbir IMPHAL, January 13: Over Rs. 43 lakhs sanctioned under the 13th Finance Commission has been allegedly misappropriated by the Autonomous District Council, Chandel in the name of developmental

By DNbir

IMPHAL, January 13: Over Rs. 43 lakhs sanctioned under the 13th Finance Commission has been allegedly misappropriated by the Autonomous District Council, Chandel in the name of developmental work in the district.

Of the total amount misappropriated Rs. 18,59,669 was meant for the construction of community hall at Aimol Chingnunghut and Rs. 25,00,000 for the construction of playground with gallery at Galngam Lentol at Moreh.

The total sum amounting to Rs. 43,59,669 was enchased on May 12, 2014 at the SBI Chandel district from the account number 11831653089 with cheque number 266708.

Surprisingly, it is learnt that the said two projects have already been completed and implemented after release of necessary funds under the Backward Region Grant Fund (BRGF) Ministry of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj in the year 2007-08 and 2009-2011 respectively.

At the time the total cost of the project was estimated to be Rs. 24,00,000 of which the construction of the community hall cost Rs. 8,00,000 and while the construction of playground with gallery at Galngam Lentol cost Rs. 16,00,000.

Meanwhile, the High Court of Manipur has issued a directive to the Ministry of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj to check alleged misappropriation.

The directive was issued on December 19, 2014 by a double bench comprising of Justice N Kotishwar and Justice Kh Nobin Singh, following a PIL (no.28 of 2014) filed with the Court.

Senior Advocate N Ibotombi, appeared on behalf of the counsel while Th Ibohal Singh advocate general appeared as a State respondents and S Rupachandra, ASG for respondent number 1 Ministry of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj.

In the PIL, the petitioner sought certain directions to be issued to the respondents regarding the alleged misappropriations of fund sanctioned under the 13th Finance Commission for the development of the hill areas, more particularly with reference to Chandel district and also for a direction to investigation the alleged misappropriation.

The petitioner pointed out that despite the completion of the project, the autonomous district council Chandel in its 75th executive committee meeting held on May 8, 2014 again proposed for construction of the said two projects and sought the intervention of the court in the matter.

Subsequently, the court observed that the petitioner would be at liberty to approach respondent No.1 (Ministry of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj) by submitting a detail representation highlighting his grievances with supporting documents. At the same time, the respondents shall consider the same and take appropriate action as it may deem fit in accordance with the law.

While counsel appearing on behalf of the petitioner agreed to submit the representation within three weeks, the court directed the respondent (no.1) to consider the representation within three months.

Frogs in the Well

One of Manipur`™s most problematic issues awaiting a resolution is a general mindset entrapped in the pre-modern time frame, when the rest of the world have moved into the postmodern

One of Manipur`™s most problematic issues awaiting a resolution is a general mindset entrapped in the pre-modern time frame, when the rest of the world have moved into the postmodern era. In a way, this is a mindset of most of the entire ethnic world, a global constituency which some scholars have provocatively termed the Fourth World. It is in a way the direct outcome of geographical destiny that political and social formation amongst the human race should have become so unequal after the last Ice Age about 12,000 years ago. The end of this Pleistocene Epoch is generally taken by historical anthropologists to be the flag-off point for the development of modern civilizations. But the fact remains, while many societies are already in advanced and sophisticated economies, political systems, art, literature and aesthetics etc. many others who come under the broad category of the Fourth World, are still on the edge of the Pleistocene epoch, with even settled agriculture still an alien occupation, subsisting on primitive economies constituting of hunting and gathering food. The paradox is, these communities live in two different time frames. In evolutionary time they are midway between the Ice Age and modern civilization, but in chronological time, they live side by side with postmodern societies. There are some very interesting theories on why this has happened, and many lay language articulations of these theories have as a matter of fact become hugely successful bestsellers, anthropologist Jared Diamond`™s Guns, Germs and Steel, being just one of them. The term postmodern, we know is a very wide concept, with greatly varying nuances in its manifestations in art, literature, philosophy and most prominently, architecture, but the connotation implied here would be closer to its manifestation in literature `“ a continuity of the reconciliation process of the modernist`™s dilemma in discovering that there may be nothing intrinsic about values. That is to say, values may not have resulted from preordination by divinity, but man-made, so that the meaning of life becomes not God given but man-made too. Despairing questions such as these made them lament the loss of belief and faith that the past eras so richly possessed. The postmodernist undoubtedly inherited all the despairing thoughts, but not the lament, thus in a way coming to terms with a harsh vision of life.

The philosophy and anthropology is merely incidental to the intent of this editorial. We are here interested in the real problems faced by those who missed the bus of this model of rectilinear progression of societies. The fact is, the Fourth World awoke late, and within this world itself, not everybody woke up at the same time, leaving the them at varying stages of social and economy formation, and this in turn created its own mesh of mutually entangled problems. Those of us in Manipur should have no great difficulty in understanding this. We see some very fundamental problems of irreconcilability in even very basic issues such as territory. Why do for instance, the Naga, the Meitei and the Kuki, to take just three of the major groups in the state, see so differently on the question of territory and its possession? It is not an accurate comparison, but the difference in vision is almost what is expected between the settled agriculturist, the shift cultivator, the hunter gatherer, the pastoralist etc. The fact also is, all of these visions are far, very far away from the modern paradigms that determine territory. In their closed world, the differences between them may be perceived as great, but from the distance of the truly modern world, all of their visions are extremely circumspect, just as the mathematical axiom informs us: any two points is equidistant from infinity. We are more than ever convinced today that peace in the Fourth World can come about only if its denizens make the supreme effort to rise above their world and come to terms with the modern.

Leader Writer: Pradip Phanjoubam

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/frogs-in-the-well/

Saving Loktak Lake and Siroy Lily from extinction is priority, ISBD director

IMPHAL, January 13: The first National Bio-Resources and Sustainable Development Summit will be held at the Institute of Bio-Resources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Takyelpat. This was announced by IBSD director Prof Dinabandhu Sahoo at a press briefing today at his office chamber. He also informed that large number of dignitaries have made confirmations about participating in the summit.

The major topics that will be discussed are the role of microbial resources in fermentation, bio-fertilizers, bio-pesticides, bioactive metabolites, the role of algae in food, feed, fodder, pharmaceuticals, bio-fuels and rural development, the role of animal resources such as insect, fish and avian fauna for food and other uses, the role of plant resources for medicinal, aromatic, agricultural and horticulture development, biodiversity conservation and management, and the role of various stakeholders in sustainable development.

Prof Sahoo said the inclusion of the North East Region in the list of mega-biodiversity hotspots of the world provided a fillip to the researchers, resource planners, environmental enthusiasts and the local think-tanks about stopping the depletion of biodiversity in the region and finding scientific ways of sustainable uses of bio-resources.

During his time as the director, he said, he wanted to save Siroi Lilly as a first priority and then the Loktak Lake as both are facing threats of extinction. He added that he also wanted to improve the productivity of black rice and orchids for importing these products in big markets.

`People are quite aware that the Loktak Lake faces a big threat but are not doing anything. It needs to be protected for improving its deteriorating condition. The Loktak Lake has been blessed with ample bio-resources which can be utilised in various arenas. It must be protected because it is the pride of the state and the country, and also because many people are depending on it for earning their livelihood,` he said, adding, `actions to protect Loktak Lake will be soon taken up.`

He highlighted that many natural resources are available in Manipur but people are not able to harness such natural bounty. Various projects can be taken up generating a lot of employment opportunities, he said, adding that the aim of IBSD is to make Manipur a role model for other states.

Managing Director of Aqu-Agri Processing Pvt Ltd, Abhiram Seth said that IBSD have lots of qualified experts from whom the people of the State can acquire knowledge and take advantage, adding that the land is quite fertile that can grow various crops but the agricultural lands remain uncultivated for long which is of grave concern as people here do only one-time cultivation in a year.

He further said that when he visited the marketplace at Imphal, he was quite shock to know that the prices of vegetables here are as high as vegetable prices in Delhi where nothing is grown.

The State has the capability to produce many crops and vegetables but only a few cultivates vegetables, he said, adding that the people must produce lots of vegetable and crops to improve their economy.

Killer woman held

IMPHAL, Jan 12: Potsangbam Seilendhino Devi, 60, wife of late P Hem Singh of Vidyanagar the accused in the death of Yumnam Ongbi Indrani Devi, was remanded to police custody

IMPHAL, Jan 12: Potsangbam Seilendhino Devi, 60, wife of late P Hem Singh of Vidyanagar the accused in the death of Yumnam Ongbi Indrani Devi, was remanded to police custody till January 15.

Seilendhino was produced before the JMIC Jiribam yesterday.

It may be recalled that on January 9 Yumnam Ongbi Indrani Devi, 38, wife of Y Babahal Singh was killed when she was kicked by Seilendhino (neighbour) on her stomach.

The deceased is said to be nine months pregnant.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/killer-woman-held/

AMWJU to issue I-cards for members

IMPHAL, January 12: The All Manipur Working Journalists`™ Union (AMWJU) has notified that I-Card with hologram will be issued to its members from January 16 onwards. According to a release

IMPHAL, January 12: The All Manipur Working Journalists`™ Union (AMWJU) has notified that I-Card with hologram will be issued to its members from January 16 onwards.

According to a release of AMWJU, members who have not yet submitted their complete bio-data, photo and blood group are requested to submit before January 20 to the Manipur Press Club.

Stickers with hologram for vehicles will also be issued for the members, however, the members must submit their vehicle registration number, name of the journalist, Xerox copy of the I-card issued by the editor or DIPR on or before January 20, it said.

The union has stated that the step is taken up as several individuals have been found using Press stickers on their vehicles.

It further stated that the union in collaboration with Manipur Police will soon start rounding up of vehicles without AMWJU`™s hologram Press written on their vehicles, it said.

On the other hand, the union has also appealed for raise is salaries of journalists in the State.

In reply to a writ petition, the Supreme Court had issued an order (Civil No. 246 of 2011) in February 7, 2014, stating that the wages of journalists should be given according to the recommendation of the Majithia Wage Board.

The wage must be fully paid along with the arrear from March 2014 in 4 installments, it said.

An order by the Supreme Court has stated that the revised wage must be paid from April 2014. The union has appealed to provide the accurate wage for the journalists, it said.

The Union has also condoled the death of retired Chief Justice RK Manisana of Gauhati High Court. It prayed that for the soul for its heavenly abode and also share the grief of the bereaved family members, it said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/amwju-to-issue-icards-for-members/

MUGA complains on Bank Mitra`s conduct

IMPHAL, Jan 12: Some `Bank Mitra`™ working under Manipur Rural Bank, Kumbi Branch are charging Rs 50 each from the public while opening zero balance account as a part of

IMPHAL, Jan 12: Some `Bank Mitra`™ working under Manipur Rural Bank, Kumbi Branch are charging Rs 50 each from the public while opening zero balance account as a part of the first phase of Jan Dhan Yojana, said MUGA in a press release.

The Mass United Green Association (MUGA) has appealed the concerned authority of Manipur Rural Bank to look into the matter as soon as possible.

MUGA in its press statement further said that while applying for the bank pass book for Direct Benefit Transfer of LPG (DBTL) scheme some Bank Mitra takes Rs 300 from the public under Moirang Khunou Gram Panchayat but in the pass book only Rs 100 is entered.

Some Bank Mitra of United Bank of India, Moirang Branch have also made the Jan Dhan Yojana meaningless by opening bank account but not providing the bank pass book intentionally for using it as a means to pocket extra money, it charged.

`Are the people who cannot afford to pay this extra money not supposed to open bank account? Who is training the Bank Mitra? Are they taught to siphon off public money?`

`Who should we blame for this fault of opening bank account but not able to provide bank pass book?` MUGA questions.

If the concern banks do not take any action regarding the matter, the complaint will be sent to the Prime Minister as well as Reserved bank of India, it added.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/muga-complains-on-bank-mitras-conduct/

Bomb attack at Lilong AR post continues

IMPHAL, Jan 12: A powerful IED bomb was found planted near the gate of 40 Assam Rifles D company post on NH-102 (Imphal-Moreh road) at near Lilong Police Station this

IMPHAL, Jan 12: A powerful IED bomb was found planted near the gate of 40 Assam Rifles D company post on NH-102 (Imphal-Moreh road) at near Lilong Police Station this morning.

The news came close on the heels of two unknown youths on a motorcycle attacking the post by lobbing a hand grenade last night.

Three children came across the said bomb early this morning at around 6. Security forces block the highway and secure the area as soon as they came to know of the bomb being planted there.

Thoubal SP K Radhashyam also came and inspected the site.

Bomb experts successfully neutralized the bomb at around 9:30 am.

According to bomb experts, it was a very powerful remote control IED, there were batteries, steel bolts and highly explosive RDX. It weighted around 4 to 5 kilogram.

Later the bomb was safely exploded at the firing range at Thoubal Khunou at around 10:30 am.

Meanwhile, normal traffic along the Imphal-Moreh stretch of the National Highway 2 was disrupted for few hours today following report of IED being planted along the route.

Reports said that following report of IED in between Saibon and Thamnapokpi a team of Pallel police closed down the road and conducted an extensive search. Later the reports turned out to be hoax.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/bomb-attack-at-lilong-ar-post-continues/

State govt is doomed like Kabui Keioiba, says State BJP chief

IMPHAL, January 12: A fate similar to the one which befell Kabui Keioiba in the popular folktale will befall the State government led by Okram Ibobi when Union ministers start

IMPHAL, January 12: A fate similar to the one which befell Kabui Keioiba in the popular folktale will befall the State government led by Okram Ibobi when Union ministers start paying fortnightly visit to NE under instructions of the Prime Minister, said State BJP chief Thounoujam Chaoba.

In his speech at the National Youth Day observation today at the BJP office, Chaoba said the financial condition in the state is getting worst as funds meant for developmental schemes are all siphoned off. The new NDA government is demanding utilisation certificates which the State government is unable to submit, he added.

`Developmental works are found only on paper and used for directing developmental funds to the pockets of some influential ministers. Spot verifications will start as soon as Union Ministers begin their visits to the NE every 15 days. The financial condition in the state will only worsen because without any audit reports of a project the NDA government will not sanction more funds`, the State BJP chief said.

He said the Central government likes transparency in development works and if the State government has committed mistakes or has indulged in corrupt practices, it would be in trouble. The visits are especially arranged for the NE because PM Modi is aware that all the states depend on the Centre for funds. Means to rectify such tradition and finding an alternative means instead of perpetuating the dependent culture which breeds corruption will be the focus of Union Ministers during their fortnightly visits, he added.

The State BJP chief said the ideology of Prime Minister Modi and his government is development for all the people of India by following the ideas of prominent persons like Swami Vivekananda, still an icon for Indian youths, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, imitating their lifestyles and living with discipline. The PM is against corruption, favouritism and nepotism, he added.

Now many intellectuals are following the ideology of Narendra Modi and have even started joining the BJP during the mass enrolment drive, Chaoba said, adding that none of the Indian Prime Ministers has considered the NE region a part of India`™s past history.

Narendra Modi delivered his opinion on the people of NE region and Manipur, and about its youths being overwhelmed by drug abuse, he said. Modi wants to inspire youths of Northeast India by emphasising their role in construction of a glorious future, he added.

He said from today onwards, youths must work sincerely to bring a bright future from this auspicious occasion on National Youth day.

BJP Manipur Pradesh general secretary M Asnikumar said PM Modi has changed the political landscape of the country in the last Lok Sabha polls. It was a historic win with an absolute majority in the Lok Sabha enabled by the support of Indian youths. Youths handed him a mandate with the victory, so leaders of the NDA government are emphasising on youths, he added.

The Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha is taking a vital role in the enrolment drives conducted across the state. Aribam Victoria Sharma of Thangmeiband has been selected as the state level membership drive publicity and propaganda in-charge while Bikramjit Kongkham of Nagamapal Soram Leirak was selected as the state level membership drive social media-in-charge today, he said.

BJYM president O Malesh said youths are the pillars of a nation and without youths no development can be brought in a society or a country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is giving full encouragement to the Manipuri youth by earmarking Rs 100 crores for the establishment of a National Sports University in Manipur, he added.

A blood donation camp is being organised by the BJYM in connection with the National Youth Day observation on the birth day of Swami Vivekananda. He further said that about 30 BJYM volunteers are donating their blood to the JNIMS Hospital today.

Meanwhile, the State BJP chief opened the complaint box placed at the gate of the BJP office in Nityaipat Chuthek to the public today. During the occasion, he told media persons that the complaint box is for those people who can`t openly complaint against corruption cases in the state. They can now raise complaints against corruption which will be delivered to the Central leaders who will then take necessary actions.

The complaint box will be opened after three days and the complaints will be assessed and then send to the Central government. However, the complaints should contain relevant documents and can be about any discrepancies in developmental projects, PDS items distribution etc, he added.

In another development, the BJP Manipur Pradesh has announced the names of members and their designations in its reconstituted State Vision Document Committee.

The committee will function under the chairmanship of Dr RK Ranjan Singh with Prof N Joykumar Singh as the co-chairman, M Asnikumar as the convenor, PA Theko as co-convenor and former minister Haokholet Kipgen), S Premananda Sharma and RK (O) Pramodini Devi as members.

The State Vision Document Committee of the BJP will draft documents related with development activities of connectivity and other social Infrastructure, water bodies and land resources, population and human resources, economy of state, agriculture and allied sectors etc.

Ring road affected residents call against re-alignment of route at Khabam

IMPHAL, January 12: The Imphal Ring Road Affected People Association, Khabam Lamkhai has submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister urging against the revision of the already aligned route for

IMPHAL, January 12: The Imphal Ring Road Affected People Association, Khabam Lamkhai has submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister urging against the revision of the already aligned route for the Khabam Lamkhai stretch of the proposed Imphal Ring Road, association spokesperson Yenkokpam Priyokumar told media persons today during a press meet at the Manipur Press Club.

Citing that any re-alignment of the route would affect more residents, Priyokumar said in case the government fails to listen to the demand of the people, the association will take up various agitations including taking help of legal means.

He said the previously aligned route starts from the Khabam Lamkhai turning point on the National Highway 39 and continues for 300 metres east of the NH along the IVR into Khabam Village.

He said according to the official map prepared and published so far, the schedule area of the ring road runs on the northern side of the said IVR and is intervened by a canal from Khabam Lamkhai turning point towards the east.

However, it is learnt that the previous earmarked area is to be dropped and a new aligned route starting from the highway on the existing IVR has been prepared by the concerned authority he said.

The new re-align route will affect many homes and other structures including pucca building, whereas the previous route affected only two-three buildings he said.

He has also mentioned that the existing IVR of Khabam lamkhai to Khabam Village has been already earmarked and the list of affected pattadars published for expansion of the IVR in view of the ongoing development work of the Marjing Polo complex, Heingang.

Priyokumar said both sides of the IVR had already been marked for expansion which the locals had welcomed as a good initiative for development and as such several residents had already started constructing their houses well inside their patta lands.

Any new alignment for the ring road on the existing IVR will only affect this newly constructed houses also and as such the government is appealed to continue with the previous aligned route for the ring road, he said.

Joint survey of Imp-Mandalay bus route begins

IMPHAL, Jan 12: A joint team of the Myanmar and Indian officials left Imphal today on a survey tour of the proposed route for the Imphal-Mandalay International Bus Service. Myanmar

IMPHAL, Jan 12: A joint team of the Myanmar and Indian officials left Imphal today on a survey tour of the proposed route for the Imphal-Mandalay International Bus Service.

Myanmar delegate also arrived in Imphal yesterday.

The team started around 7:30am today from the Classic Hotel where the delegates of both countries were staying after their separate arrival in Imphal yesterday.

The Myanmar team including 10 officials is being led by DG Rail Transport, Myanmar U San Aung and include superintending engineers, Sagaing Region, Public Works Ministry of Construction U Than Toe Aung, U Kyaw Kyaw, U Aung Soe, U Kyaw Thu Zaw.

The Indian team is being led by under-secretary Ministry of External Affairs Mini Kumam includes two superintending engineers Prasad and W Blah Ministry of Road Transport and Highway, superintending engineer, PWD Road and Bridge division Kh Temba and deputy director Transport BK Sharma.

The joint team will assess all the requirements for the international bus service from Imphal to Mandalay.

It is also learnt that the Indian team will submit a report following the survey to the Centre.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/joint-survey-of-impmandalay-bus-route-begins/

Three including driver and handyman of truck abducted from NH-2

KANGPOKPI, January 12: Three persons including the driver and the handyman of a Tata truck plying along National Highway-2 have been feared abducted by unknown miscreants yesterday night at round

KANGPOKPI, January 12: Three persons including the driver and the handyman of a Tata truck plying along National Highway-2 have been feared abducted by unknown miscreants yesterday night at round 9 pm.

The driver of the Tata truck bearing Registration No.NL01L-4485, L. Ibochaoba Singh, 25, and his brother L Tondonba Singh, 17, the handyman of the vehicle, of Kanto Santipur and their friend Romen, 21, from Khurkhul village were abducted along the National Highway 2 between Keithelmanbi and Kalapahar in the Sadar Hills area while they were heading towards Kangpokpi the night before.

According to sources, the vehicle belongs to one Anil Pandey of Kangpokpi Ward No 7.

Before their abduction, the trio had arrived from Imphal at Kanto Santipur to visit the ailing father of the driver and handyman.

From there they were heading towards Kangpokpi for Dimapur and had made an entry at the Saparmeina Police Station at around 8 pm, it said, adding that L Ibochaoba Singh had replaced his ailing father L Kesho Singh as the driver of the vehicle after the latter took ill for quite some time.

Surprisingly, no monetary demands have been made to the vehicle owner or the family members of the abducted trio nor any communication has been made so far by the abductors.

A case has been registered at the Kangpokpi Police Station while efforts are on to nab the unknown abductors, a police source said.

In the meantime, civil bodies of Kangpokpi including Kangpokpi Town Committee, Kangpokpi Women Welfare Organization and Kangpokpi Youth Union have jointly condemned the incident, stating that such `uncultured activities` are not welcome in the peaceful environment of the area.

The civil bodies have also jointly appealed against the abductors to release the abducted trio without any preconditions on humanitarian ground in consideration of the hardships faced by the family members of the abducted trio at the earliest.

Looking East Imbibing West

Imphal roads have become truly dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists. Each day there are some road mishaps somewhere. Yet, everybody seems to think these are the natural prices to be

Imphal roads have become truly dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists. Each day there are some road mishaps somewhere. Yet, everybody seems to think these are the natural prices to be paid for urbanisation. Nothing can be further from the truth. There are so many cities in this world where with several hundred times more motor vehicles but posing little danger to either pedestrians or cyclists. This would be as a rule true of most cities in the developed world, and in the most disciplined countries of South East Asia. Perhaps it is an inheritance from the Buddhist culture, but only seldom do people try to jump traffic queues or traffic light in SE Asian cities. This is so even in rural area. On a rural road in Thailand once, this writer had an amazing experience of a traffic jam on one side of the road, while the other side meant for traffic in the opposite direction remained free and with very few vehicles plying it. No vehicle from the jammed side of the road crossed into the other side to beat the jam even there was no divider in the middle of the road to physically prevent cross over. The only divider was the normal traffic white broken line drawn on the road. A European travelling in the same vehicle with this writer, waiting together in the jammed side of the road, was equally amazed. To the observation nobody in India would have had the patience or decency to wait like this, he said even in Europe, this would not happen. Compare this with the traffic in an Indian city like Patna.

Why Patna, look at Imphal traffic. It is in a total chaos. The funny thing is, there is so much enthusiastic chatter of a Look East Policy, or Act East Policy, and the tone is never short of eager expectation. Right now, an official level talk for opening a bus service between Imphal and Mandalay is underway. If there is so much affinity for the East, as so many are screaming from the rooftops, why is the place not trying to imbibe those qualities which distinguishes the SE Asia from the rest of the world. If in the past the place has been picking up anything from the SE East, it is those avoidable qualities such as drugs. One is reminded of a description in Orhan Pamuk`™s `Black Book`, of a scene that is at the same time poignantly tragic in predicament but comic by its immediate situation. Manipur`™s nostalgia for the SE Asia then is akin to someone looking longingly towards the east from a ship headed west.

Literary flourishes aside, Manipur needs to get its acts together. Let its people know disregard of traffic etiquette is generally looked down upon as uncouth in the civilised world. There are no admirers for the driving skills of breaking traffic queues to squeeze ahead of the car in front. Instead, let the traffic here emulate those of the best disciplined in the world. Let the Act East Policy begin with this change of attitude to traffic. In the meantime, it is also for the government to create the right kind of infrastructures to ensure this discipline can be easily kept. It is atrocious that none of the roads in Imphal have a pedestrian pavement, or cycle track. This would mean either the traffic authorities do not expect anybody to come out on foot or cycle. Or else they want pedestrians and cyclists share and negotiate the roads with the ever increasing number of motor vehicles, very often with very unruly drivers behind the wheels. No wonder then road accidents are on the rise, and the government must shoulder much of the responsibility for this.

Leader Writer: Pradip Phanjoubam

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/looking-east-imbibing-west/

Legendary Bob Khathing remembered on 25th death anniversary

IMPHAL, January 12: Maj. Ralengnao `Bob`™ Khathing was remembered fondly during a simple ceremony at his home Valley View, Mantripukhri today on his 25th death anniversary. The ceremony organised by

IMPHAL, January 12: Maj. Ralengnao `Bob`™ Khathing was remembered fondly during a simple ceremony at his home Valley View, Mantripukhri today on his 25th death anniversary.

The ceremony organised by family members was attended by deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, Manipur Assembly deputy Speaker MK Preshow Simray, former Chief Ministers Radhabinod Koijam and Rishang Keishing, IGAR (S) Major General Rajeev Chopra, IAS (retd) RK Nimai Singh, eminent writer Prof Gangmumei Kamei.

Rich floral tributes were offered to his tombstone.

Speaking on the occasion, Major General Rajeev Chopra said major Bob Khathing was a young commissioned officer of 19th Hyderabad Regiment (which later became the Kumaon Regiment) during the World War II and was deployed to Victor or `V`™ force ops as local captain, Manipur sector.

Bob Khathing was later awarded with the Member of the British Empire (MBE) and the Military Cross for his gallantry, he said.

Major Bob Khakhing was also conferred the Padmashri in 1957.

Deputy Chief Minister said Major Bob Khathing is a source of inspiration.

He is a true patriot of the State and a legendary symbol of the State in the country, Gaikhangam observed.

He said he was no personal acquaintance of the late Bob Khathing, however, during his childhood he did recognise Bob`™s signature from his (Bob Khathing) school register.

Gaikhangam said Bob Khathing attended the Khanginlung Higher Secondary School at Gaidimjang Khoupum which was established by Gaikhangam`™s father Khangsinlung.

The younger generation of the State is unaware of Major Bob Khathing`™s patriotism and sacrifices and the government need to observe the day on a much larger scale to ensure that the people are aware of the legend.

Five meritorious students were also felicitated as part of the observation.