Month: February 2015

IMPHAL, February 19: Series of malpractices have been alleged while implementing 165 numbers of Minor Irrigation Schemes for three fiscal years approved by Work Advisory Board and Ministry of Water Resource, Government of India under the Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP).

In this regard, two separate complaints had been lodged with the Chief Secretary of Manipur to conduct a probe, by a social worker, S Washington of Kasom Khulen, Ukhrul district.

According to the first complaint, the Government of India Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure released an amount of Rs. 17.27 crores for completion of 165 schemes for Manipur State under AIBP. The fund was reportedly released on November 13, 2013 for the fiscal year 2013-14.

It alleged that of the approved work list of 165 scheme serious fraud was detected while implementation and in the mode payment of bills.

In some cases, there was no trace of any work execution. However the allocated amount was allegedly withdrawn.

Meanwhile, in the wake of Government initiative for taking up 99 new schemes under the same funding agency for the fiscal year of 2013-14 a serious flow was found in the work list prepared by the Minor Irrigation Department, Manipur, it claimed.

It pointed out that the department has re-included places where work was left undone during the year 2010-11, 2013-14, putting areas of places with slight changes of names and unspecific places of names etc were also found.

It may be noted that with regards to the 99 new schemes a written petition was also earlier submitted to the Chief Secretary of Manipur to recheck the list prepared by the MI department, a person from Chandel district namely, SK Joseph Lamkang. The individual identified himself as a social worker.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/social-workers-allege-malpractices-in-implementing-minor-irrigation-schemes/

IMPHAL, February 19: Various civil society organizations have strongly condemned the act of unknown gunmen who came looking for Naharolgi Thoudang editor Khoirom Loyalakpa at his residence.

In a press release, the United NGOs Mission Manipur, North East Dialogue Forum, Social Welfare and Development Centre, Women Action for Development, Social Action Development Organization, Social Development Foundation, United Tribal Development Project, Peoples` Platform Secretariat, People Action Development H-37, Life Development Organization, Centre for Social Development and Village Women Coordinating Committee have strongly condemned the incident.

`We are deeply shocked to hear the news of attacking the residence of Khoirom Loyalakpa, Editor, Naharolgi Thoudang, the Local daily newspaper on 17th February 2015 at around 10.30 am at Kontha Khabam Mayai Leikai by four armed persons while he was out of his residence,` the statement said.

`The four masked armed men asked for Loyalakpa in the presence of his 94 years old mother and 97 years old father. Every nook and corner of the residence was searched with an arrogant action by holding a gun in their hands,` it further said.

`94 years old mother of Loyalakpa was mentally shocked after the action of the four masked men, and she is still traumatized,` it said.

`We strongly condemned such act of serious human rights violation,` it said.

`We also condemned the attack on Noren Ningombam along with his cameramen Bipin Sharma, the bureau chief of “Impact TV” on 13th February 2015 at Moreh by the four personnel of 9th Assam Rifles while they were covering a mob gathered at Moreh police station to demand the release of a man arrested earlier,` it further said.

The people in Manipur already experienced the assassination of Konsam Rishikanta of Imphal Free Press and others few years ago, it said.

Attacking civilians, journalists, human rights defenders, women and children are fall under War Crime which has to be obliged by Indian State, it said.

`We urge the Government of India and Manipur to investigate the cases mentioned above by establishing an independent committee and take up legal measures to the perpetrators and punish them under the rule of law,` the statement added.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/various-civil-society-organizations-condemn-threat-on-thoudang-editor/

IMPHAL, February 19: The United Liberation Front (UNLF) has said that a Major of the outfit remained traceless after being arrested by a combined team of Indian Intelligence and Bangladesh Police.

A statement issued by the outfit`™s director in-charge, M. Sak-hen said that on February 11 around 10 pm Major Keithellakpam Chilheiba alias Nabachandra (Bangladesh citizen), was arrested by a joint team of Indian intelligence in civies and Bangladesh (black dress) Police from his Dhaka residence under Mohammadpur Police station.

It said that the Major was taken away on the pretext of having some words with the team and assured to released him within three days time. However, four days have passed since his arrest and his whereabouts is not known, it said.

The incident is absolutely against the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and International Covenant on Political and Civil Rights and is an arbitrary arrest and detention depriving natural justice, it said.

Terming the act as uncivilised on the part of the Indian intelligence, it further branded the incident as Trans-National terrorism.

It said that Major K Chilheiba, joined the UNLF`™s revolutionary movement in the year 1992 adding that he is holding the rank of Major in the Manipur Peoples`™ Army (MPA), the armed wing of UNLF.

He was arrested by individuals coming in two vehicles. He was assigned a task of the outfit in Bangladesh.

After his arrest, an eveninger in Manipur `Imphal Times` February 17 edition and Jiribam based daily Manipur Chronicle, reported about the arrest of the Major. Nevertheless, the Indian officials remained silent in the matter.

It appealed to the Human Rights bodies and civil societies of Manipur to extend their cooperation in providing legal aid and deliver justice to the arrested Major of the outfit taking into consideration the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and International Covenant on Political and Civil Rights, arbitrary arrest and detention.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/unlf-claims-its-officer-untraced-after-arrest-in-bangladesh/

IMPHAL, February 19: A State head quarter cell being set-up to take preventive measures against swine flu has directed RIMS and JNIMS authorities to keep separate isolation wards for any known case of swine flu in the State, stated Okram Ibomcha, director of the State health department. He further said that the State head quarter cell is functioning from the last one week and a helpline has been opened.

Every district should also open cells under the district surveillance officers and chief medical officers to prevent and stop the H1N1 swine flu in Manipur, he said at a press meet at the Directorate of Health, Lamphelpat.

As a part of the preventive measures taken up against swine flu, the State health directorate has instructed to keep separate isolation wards at RIMS, JNIMS and district hospitals to admit swine flu patients, said Okram Ibomcha.

The State health department has started its preparations to prevent swine flu after the neighbouring state of Nagaland has confirmed a swine flu case recently. The anti-dote Fluvir (Oseltamivir capsules IP 75 gm) is available in the State now, with a stock of 2000 strips of the anti-dote available at present, another 5000 capsules has already been ordered from the Central government.

As further precautionary measures against any detected case of the swine flu virus in the State, PPE (personal protection equipments) like mask N-95, three layer masks, goggles mask, cloths and booths are now available in the State, he said.

He said the number of people down with swine flu has reached 631 including the detected case in Nagaland till late last night. The total number of deaths from swine flu in India is 6.7 percent as per the records. The mortality rate has increased where no proper medical facilities are available in States like Madhya Pradesh, with its 25 percent death rate, but in a city like Delhi, the mortality rate is very low at around 0.4 percent only.

The H1N1 virus is dangerous for people below five years and above 65 years; pregnant women, asthma patients and people with kidney transplants are vulnerable as they are in danger of succumbing to the virus more than any other chronic diseased persons, he said.

Swine flu is just like cough fever, if the body temperature of a person drops down with fever rising above 104 degree Fahrenheit or 38 degree Celsius and he does not recover in seven days, it is advisable to admit the person at hospitals for further treatment where he can recover easily with the help of the anti-dote Fluvir (Oseltamivir capsules IP 75 gm) by staying at an isolation room, he added.

The virus can be transferred from one person to another easily through air or saliva etc, so the medical department is advising people to wash their hands properly with soaps. If anybody has to tend to a swine flu patient, he must use N-95 mask and other disposable dresses which must be set on fire after use, he said.

Visiting places affected by swine flu is not recommended and if a person must visit such places, he should do so by wearing preventive kits, he said, adding the N1 H1 virus is transmitted from pig to people but now the virus has mutated into three strains which can be transmitted from people, birds or pigs, making the virus extremely dangerous.

The test for the H1N1 virus is conducted after taking throat swabs of people suspected to be infected with swine flu. The swab will then be sent to Labs at Delhi and Patna. In Manipur, we have a private clinic at RIMS road known as Padma Medicare which in collaboration with SRL, a private Medicare, has its own facilities for testing, he said.

In this regard, the health directorate has taken up an emergency consultation programme at office after which the State Surveillance Officer, Dr Kh Shusilkumar Mangang IDSP (Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme) spoke on the need for initiating preventive and precautionary measures against swine flu to CMOs, Medical Superintendents, DSO (district Surveillance Officers), IDCPs of every districts today at around 1.30 pm.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/in-preparation-for-swine-flu-rims-and-jnims-instructed-to-keep-isolation-wards/

IMPHAL, February 19: The Keithel Semgat Sagatpa Lup and Nupi Keithel Singpham Amadi Saktam Kanba Lup jointly staged a sit-in-protest today here at Khwairamband Bazar condemning the bomb blast at the most crowded place Masjid Road.

Speaking to media persons, Thingujam Rani, secretary, Nupi Keithel Singpham amadi Saktam Kanba Lup stated that they strongly condemned the serial bomb blasts that are happening in Manipur.

She further said that a state like Manipur has not much economic resources and Khwairamband Bazar is one place where thousands of women earn their livelihood.

`How are the people going to survive in a situation where there are frequent bomb blasts,` said the unhappy protester.

However, she lauded the police for acting quickly with courage which saved many lives.

`If the police personnel did not take the steps on time then many would have lost their live during the bomb blast as it took place during the rush hour at around 4 pm,` she added.

Poanam Ibenu Devi, secretary, Nupi Keithel Semgat Sagatpa Lup strongly urged the outfit responsible for the bomb blast not to repeat such acts in future.

She further stated that `Ima market is not a war zone. In fact it is a place where the poor earn their livelihood. Let the people of the state live and not die meaninglessly.`

The Nupi Keithel Semgat Sagat Lup and Nupi Keithel Singpham amadi Saktem Kanba Lup strongly appealed the government to look into the matter to prevent such violence in the state.

The three Ima markets and all the surrounding shops remained closed for the day to protest against the bomb blast.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/women-vendors-condemn-bomb-blast-at-khwairamband-bazar/

IMPHAL, February 19: National projects implemented in the State are reputed to be put into effect most swiftly in the entire country, stated Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh in his speech as a chief guest today at the IBSD Campus in Takyelpat.

The Chief Minister was speaking at the inaugural function of the first National Bio-resources and Sustainable Development Summit held at the Institute of Bio-resources and Sustainable Development (IBSD.

Talking about the State government`™s support to the national projects, he said that the expansion of airports and the new railway links require large tracts of land. He said the State government is carrying out land acquisitions so as not to delay the projects. He said the State will receive 90 percent of the benefits from the ongoing national projects in Manipur.

He has been the Vice-president of the IBDS from the last 13 years and will not deviate from any developmental issue of the institute, he said, adding the area of land of the institute is still not sufficient for effective functioning of the institute.

He further called for co-operation from the people living around the institute and asked the encroachers to evacuate at the earliest from the land allotted to the Manipur Renewable Energy Development Agency (MANIREDA), and the Central Institute of Plastic Engineering and Technology (CIPET) located adjacently to the IBDS institute. He said that if the encroachers fail to evacuate from the said land then the Government would have no other option than to use force.

Coffee cups and bamboo souvenirs with messages of saving the Sangai and Siroi Lily were also released by the dignitaries at the inaugural function.

IBSD Imphal director Professor Dinabandhu Sahoo in his keynote speech said that the institute`™s staff and its students have extended their help in making the institute complex clean. He said the institute is still in need of expanding its premises and some of the area is being borrowed for that purpose.

He said he has a dream of promoting brand Manipur and added that the State of Manipur has unique gifts like the Ema Market which is a one-of-its-kind in the world, Siroi Lily, Sangai and Loktak Lake which are real wonders in their own rights but they need to be made widely known. The State is lacking in promoting these unique gifts, he stressed.

He said that the people of the State need to project the unique assets of the land to the rest of the world and they could help in improving the State`™s economy through tourism. He said the State has a lot of potential to be a tourist destination.

Sahoo said there are a few Bio-resources and Sustainable Development Institute in the country. He lauded the support of the State government in making the IBSD come to this level and also added that the State`™s CM has assured him to lift the institution to the upmost level.

He also announced that during his tenure as the director of IBSD, Imphal, he will put Manipur on the global map.

The chief guest of the inaugural function, O Ibobi also inaugurated a theme park at the IBSD complex. The inaugural function was also attended by Works & Transport minister Dr Kh Ratankumar Singh as the guest of honour.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/state-will-receive-90-percent-of-the-benefits-from-national-projects-says-cm-ibobi/

IMPHAL, Feb 19: A combined team of District Police Commando Bishnupur and 12 Bihar Regiment on February 16 conducted search operation at Nambol Bazar area and arrested an active member of PREPAK (PRO), a Police release said.

The arrested person has been identified as Keishnam Binodkumar Meitei alias Bimol alias Imo alias Nongdamba, 31, son of K Rajendro Meitei of Keibi Heikak Mapal Awang Leikai.

On follow up action, another active member of PREPAK (PRO) identified as Okram Sanatomba Meitei alias Peba alias Nganba, 23, son of O Ibomcha Meitei of Keibi Heikak Mapal Awang Leikai was also arrested, it further said. A case has been registered at Nambol Police Station and investigation is going on, it said.

Further, a team of District Police Commando Imphal West arrested an active member of KCP organisation during search operation at Kwakeithel Akham Leikai area on February 17, it said.

The arrested person has been identified as Khomdram Birjit Singh alias Momo alias Ibungo, 33, son of Kh Biramangol Singh of Kwakeithel Akham Leikai. Incriminating articles were seized from his possession, the release said.

On follow up action launched by District Police CDO, Imphal West and Women Police, another active member of KCP identified as Soibam (0) Rita Devi, 46, wife of (L) S Joychandra Singh of Haobam Marak lrom Leikai was arrested from her residence, it said.

Incriminating articles were seized from her possession, it said and added that a case has been registered at Lamphel Police Station and investigation is going on.

Furthermore, District Police Commando Imphal West arrested an active member of UNLF during search operation at Naoremthong Laishram Leirak on February 18, the Police release said. The arrested person has been identified as Laishram Langlenkhomba alias Dayal alias Eyamba, 49, son of L Biramangol Singh of Naoremthong Laishram Leirak.

Investigation revealed that he alongwith two associates had hurled grenades at some restaurants on Tiddim road and Uripok Laikhulembi, it said and added that a case has been registered at Lamphel Police Station and investigation is going on.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/police-arrest-ug-cadres-during-search-operations-in-various-places/

IMPHAL, February 19: The students`™ union of Modern College has decided to close down the college if the government fails to bring amicable solution with the agitating All Manipur College Teachers Association (AMCTA) before February 25.

Chanam Amujao Meitei, finance secretary of Modern College students`™ union, informed this while speaking at the press conference held today at the College.

He further said that the college was suppose to start its classes by February 2 but as the government fail to fulfil the demands made by AMCTA the classes were closed down indefinitely.

Colleges which are under AMCTA are on cease work strike indefinitely, students are missing many classes, he said.

He also pointed out that the syllabus and courses which they are studying need to be changed at par with the national standard so that they do not lag behind.

The infrastructures of the college are in worst condition as compared to the other colleges and there is still lack of teachers in various subjects such as Philosophy, History, Education, Geography and Political Science in the college, he said.

The students union of the Modern college strongly appealed the concerned authority to look into the matter seriously to improve the infrastructure and to fill up the vacant teacher posts.

Meanwhile, a press release of the Modern College Teachers`™ Association (MCTA) has said that under the banner of the All Manipur College Teachers`™ Association (AMCTA), the association has been launching cease work strike since February 18.

The cease work strike will be continued till the teachers`™ legitimate demands are fulfilled.

The Association regrets the inconveniences faced by the students of the College, it added.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/students-urge-govt-to-fulfil-amctas-demands/

IMPHAL, February 18: The Business Advisory Committee has fixed the duration of the tenth session of the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly for seven days from February 25 to March 3, a source said.

The BAC meeting was held at the Speaker`™s chamber from 1 pm at the Manipur Assembly Secretariat building today. The meeting was chaired by Manipur Legislative Assembly speaker, Th Lokeshwar, as the chairman and the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, several Ministers and MLAs were present at the meeting.

Sources revealed that on the first day, the Governor of Manipur will address the house followed by a motion of thanks to the Governor`™s Address; obituary references (if any); presentation of BAC report; presentation of supplementary demands for grants, 2013-14; presentation of budget estimates, 2014; motion for vote on accounts, 2014 and introduction of Government Bill (s), if any.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/business-advisory-committee-approves-sevenday-financial-year-session-for-201314/

IMPHAL, February 18: The government`™s proposed draft bill for the implementation of ILP in the State is different from the draft bill submitted by the all political party committee drawn up after analysing the issue for five months.

This was stated by BJP spokesperson RK Shivachandra at a press meet held at the office of BJP Manipur Pradesh in Nityaipat Chuthek today. He further stated that the possibility of the indigenous people being outnumbered by the unchecked influx of non-locals in the State is a burning issue. Various groups of people have demanded the implementation or enactment of an act like ILP to control the influx and safe the indigenous people.

A committee constituted by various political parties of Manipur had submitted its report after seeking suggestions from academicians, politicians, legal experts etc and after analysing those suggestions for five months, recommended the implementation of ILP in the State.

The committee, which had submitted its draft recommendations to the State government, has gone through the newly drafted recommendation as proposed by the State government in its new draft bill. Unfortunately, the latest draft bill for the ILP is markedly different from the previous draft bill prepared by the all political parties committee, said RK Shivachandra.

On February 16, the State government has invited the committee members to discuss the draft bill, which has mostly drawn from the Sikkim tenant model without including any provisions similar to ILP. The previous draft bill of ILP included some recommendations of checking whether people migrating to the State are bonafide citizens of India, the constitution of a separate directorate of labour to check labours from other States etc, said Shivachandra.

He further mentioned that the BJP has heard a reported sanction of funds for upgrading the DM College to a deemed University in the near future. But unfortunately, it has also heard that the Chief Minister and the Education Minister are planning to hold the portfolios of the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor of the proposed deemed University, he added.

If the report is true, the BJP would strongly object the government`™s decision and would ask it to withdraw from its stance, he said, adding that as per the norms, Chancellors needs to be from an academic background, or should be Governors of a State.

BJP general secretary (Adminsitration) M Asnikumar said the Union government recently on February 13 in an office memorandum has notified to the Ministry of Finance Plan, Finance-II Division ordering the initiation of direct benefits transfers (DBT) to check the flow of Union government allotted funds for various schemes.

He said the Central government will make sure that all 34 central schemes directly reach the bona fide beneficiaries. It also included that the Modi government wants to distribute cash through electronic transfers to the personal accounts of its citizens. Regarding the implementation, concerned Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has directed and instructed nationalised banks to open their branches in every nook and corner of the country.

The steps taken by the NDA government is to enable direct cash transfers under various government schemes and programmes to individuals, leveraging the gains in the Adhaar Project, financial inclusion and other initiatives of the government with the objective of accurately targeting the intended beneficiaries and enhancing efficiency, transparency and accountability. As a result, few schemes like scholarship, pensions and other benefits were taken up in selected districts of higher Adhaar enrolment, he said.

The Ministry has directed the preparation of a digitized list of beneficiaries for all departments of the State. The list will be populated with Adhaar numbers by June 30. E-transfer of funds will start in all schemes not later than April, 2015 and the deadline for this task would be April 30, stated Asnikumar.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/bjp-laments-that-state-govts-draft-bill-on-ilp-is-markedly-different-from-bill-recommended-by-all-political-party-committee/

IMPHAL, Feb 18: The banned Maoist Communist Party Manipur has in a press statement said the Catholic schools in Manipur are still spreading Christianity in the name of moral education defying its earlier direction issued in 2012 to make schools in Manipur secular.

Little Flower School, St Joseph School, Nirmalabas School, Catholic School and St Jyoti School are still teaching a subject called `Moral Education`™ which only teaches moral education based on Christianity only, it said.

It is a right step to provide moral education however the moral education given at these five school is based only on one specific religion i.e. Christianity, it maintained.

Building churches in the school compound and spreading religion still continues defying the direction, it said.

This step is a challenge to the indigenous people of this land and a wrong meaning of the word secularism, it said.

Maoist while giving a deadline to stop teaching this particular subject before February 20 has also announced a 12 hours general strike on February 22, Sunday, from 6 am till 6 pm, in four valley districts of the State, if the school continues to teach the said subject and speared religion.

The said general strike will be effective in Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal and Lamangdong, it said.

The general strike has been called on Sunday considering the ongoing class X and XII examinations. Electricity, media, medical and ritual functions are exempted from the preview of the general strike, it said.

Further, if it still continues, Maoist will lock down the said schools from February 23, it warned.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/maoist-call-general-strike/

KANGPOKPI, February 18: For the first time in Sadar Hills, 25 impersonators have been sent to Police custody in the course of inspection of examination centres in Sadar Hills led by Deputy Commissioner, Senapati, Jacintha Lazarus.

The Deputy Commissioner, today personally inspected the COHSEM examination centres in Kangpokpi, Keithelmanbi and Motbung to prevent using unfair means during examination within the area.

The lady IAS officer`™s mission of `Swachh Pariksha` clean examination, found 25 impersonators at Presidency College, Motbung Centre and directly sent them to police custody of Gamnom-Sapormeina Police station.

The DC said it is very unfortunate that such uncalled for manners have been repeated again in these examination centres today, adding that during her last visit on the first day of the examination she had personally intervened and expelled individuals cheating and warned others not to indulge in such acts.

The officer-in-charge of the examination Dr T Gangte, Principal, PCM lodged an FIR at the Gamnom-Sapormeina Police Station stating that 25 persons impersonated and surrendered themselves before the Council Flying Squad in the Class-XII examination at Motbung Private Centre Presidency College, Motbung while furnishing the names and roll numbers of the candidates urging the Police to find out the exact identity of the impersonators for befitting action.

The names and roll numbers of those candidates as furnished by the OC, Motbung Private Centre are Bimala Devi-14040(Sc); G. Melody-14049 (Sc); Kamala Thapa-14055(Sc); S. Stella-14097(Sc); Seilenmang Sitlhou-14201(Sc); Suraj Bumbel-14205(Sc); Chinhoisiem Hangshing-14042(Sc); AB. Kengamliu-3552(Arts); Angela Lalmounkim Pachuau-3553(Arts); Hatneilhing Haokip-3566(Arts); Kimhoineng Singsit-3581(Arts); Kimneichong Doungel-3582(Arts); Kumari Sarla Devi-3584(Arts); Leivon Rosema Kom-3587(Arts); Leivon Ruthi Kom-3588(Arts); Lhaineimoi Lhouvum-3589(Arts); Lhaineilam Kipgen-3590(Arts); Neichingthem Haokip-3599(Arts); Neitinthem Kipgen-3600(Arts); Nemneiching Kipgen-3602(Arts); Nemneichong Kipgen-3603(Arts); Nenghoilhing Kipgen-3608(Arts); Nengneilam-3611(Arts); Kamlensang-3647(Arts) and Seitinchon Kipgen-3701(Arts).

`All is done for the welfare of the student community and the society as a whole`, lamented the IAS officer, adding that when examination is clean everything will automatically comes in order in the district.

She also stressed the important roles of the concerned schools and colleges as well as the civil society organizations for clean examination in the district.

Meanwhile, Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills, Kuki Students`™ Organization Sadar Hills and TSA (GHQ) expressed their appreciation to the lady Deputy Commissioner for her praiseworthy initiative to improve the examination comportment in the district and lauded for her significant efforts in bringing clean examination.

The civil bodies who accompanied the lady officers urged her to continue the excellent effort on her part and assured cooperation and support on their part to bring clean examination in the district.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/25-impersonators-at-sadar-hills-exam-centres-sent-to-police-custody/

IMPHAL, February 18: Editors`™ Guild, Manipur has lifted the boycott on Assam Rifles news following assurances from Brigadier Rajeev Chhiber.

A statement of Editors`™ Guild said that its representatives had a meeting with 26 Assam Rifles Commander Brigadier Rajeev Chhiber regarding the reported assault on Impact TV bureau chief Noren Ningombam by CO of 9 Assam Rifles at Moreh.

At the meeting Brigadier Rajeev Chhiber gave his assurance that similar incident will not happen in the future, it said.

He informed that an internal inquiry has also been initiated to find out the truth regarding the incident and it will be completed soon, it said.

At the same time, the AR commander while proposing better relation between the force and the media, assured to give special concessions to media persons on duty while crossing all its check points, it continued.

Editors`™ Guild has also urged the AR personnel to discharge their duties while keeping in mind the freedom of speech and expression provided by the Indian Constitution according to which the media functions, it said.

The Brigadier further expressed his desire to conduct media sensitisation for AR personnel with the help of Editors`™ Guild, it said.

He said that he respects the role of media and that he will do his best to sort out the problems faced by media persons and appealed to lift the boycott. Following this appeal, the ban on AR news was lifted, the statement of the guild added.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/editors-guild-lifts-boycott-on-ar-news/

IMPHAL, February 18: Members of the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System have today expressed their dissatisfaction over some points in the draft recommendations made by the State government for the implementation of ILP system in the State during a press meet held at its office in Nongmeibung.

Convenor of the JCILP, Ibotombi Khuman said a copy of the recommendations was shown to the committee members today during a meeting with the CM, the State`™s Cabinet ministers and the all political party committee on ILP at the Chief Minister`™s office.

He further said that the term `non local`™ was altered to `visitors`™ in the recommendation, the term `non-indigenous` people was altered into `visitors` which members felt will affect the State`™s indigenous people in the future.

They further expressed their inclination to keep the term unchanged as `non-indigenous` people. According to the draft recommendations proposed by JCILPS, a mandatory pass or permit must be issued to all the non-indigenous people who come to Manipur.

Expressing their concern, the members said that to avoid the unchecked influx it would be better to introduce a visitor cell under the DC office to issue the registration, pass or permit to people from outside the State. They further added the government needs to enact a law denying land ownership to the migrants.

The JCILP committee members also expressed the need for setting up of a full-fledged Labour department. He said that the Labour department which the State Government claims to exist is not functional.

The JCILPS Convenor said the members of the civil body have not seen the draft bill in its entirety, as only a copy with five major recommendations was shown to them. However, the members expressed that they are expecting to meet the State government committee members before February 25 to review the proposed draft bill before presenting it in the assembly session.

JCILPS Co-convenor Komdram Ratan said the population of non-locals in the State which stands at 10, 38,615 according to the 2011 census have grown to one-third of the total population. He added that the number of non locals was only 961 in 1951 as recorded in an article written by Sanamacha Priyobrata.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/jcips-dissatisfied-with-draft-recommendation-of-state-govt-on-ilp/

KANGPOKPI, Feb 18: The Joint Action Committee on Kadangband killing five days economic blockade in all national highways of the state has been peacefully effective along National Highways 2 today.

More than 20 loaded trucks have been stranded at Kangpokpi Police gate while some loaded vehicles were also reportedly stranded at Mao gate and Senapati as well as in Taxation, Hengbung.

A reliable source from the JAC said that a meeting with the Kuki civil bodies has been conveyed this evening at Imphal to sort out further course of action and to intensify the blockade.

There is no report of any untoward incident till filing of this report.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/jac-economic-blockade-effective-along-nh2/

IMPHAL, February 18: At least seven individuals including four police personnel and three civilians were injured when an IED exploded today at Masjid road Imphal.

Reports said that the explosion took place around 4.40 pm during the rush hour.

Following the report of a bomb planted at the extreme west corner of the Luxmi Bazaar (Ima Market), and also the entrance point (Northern) of Masjid road, near the area occupied by beetle leaves dealers, a team of city police rushed to the area.

The team reportedly detected an IED (fixed to a mortar shell) inside a polythene bag, however rather than waiting for bomb expert to arrive at the site, the police team tried to retrieve the bomb and disposed it off at the nearby Nambul river.

Unfortunately, the bomb exploded injuring seven individuals.

The injured were immediately rushed to Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS).

Of the injured the identity of the four police personnel have been identified as one ASI Yumnam Sunil, 30, son of Y Shelung of Nambol Ishok, constable Salam Dineswor, 35, son of Salam Goura Kishore of Iroisemba Mamang Leikai Khongdram Leikai and constable Md Taj-uddin, son of Ali of Uchiwa Heibongmakhong and constable, Rajesh.

It is learnt that the condition of Salam Dineswor is critical. He is said to be the one who reportedly tried to retrieve the bomb from the crowded place.

The injured civilians have been identified as one K Pakpi, 50, wife of Dwijamani of Khurai Puthiba, Khundrakpam Homeswari, 45, wife of Ashok of Kwakeithel Thokchom Leikai and Yambem Norkey, 30, son of Surendrakumar of Sagolband Meino Leirak,

Yokey`™s left ear is reportedly deafened by the sound of the blast.

As per Norkey`™s account, Dineshwor retrieved the bomb while warning the people of the presence of the bomb and to get away from the area. However, his intention to throw the bomb into the river proved futile as the bomb went off.

Soon after the blast, top police officials including ADGP LM Khuate, IG Clay Khongsai, SP Imphal West etc rushed at the blast site and a team of bomb expert also swept the site carefully.

It is pertinent to note that just above the blast site a CCTV camera is installed.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, today visited the injured at the RIMS hospital accompanied by Education Minister M Oken, PHED Minister I Hemochandra, DGP, ADGP Manipur.

Speaking to media persons, the Chief Minister strongly condemned the incident terming it as an act of cowards, inflicting injuries to innocent civilians who are daily bread earner.

Questioning the objective of planting bombs at populated areas which jeopardise innocent lives, he maintained that violence will not serve any purpose. Besides, he reiterated that the individuals or groups responsible for the crime should come to the negotiating table to resolve any differences.

The Chief Minister also lauded the selfless act of the policeman who exposed himself to dangers while trying to retrieve the bomb from the populated area.

Chief Minister Okram Ibobi ruled out any security lapses while responding to queries of the media persons adding that he explained that it would be harassment rather than protecting civilians if every individuals coming at the market place were to be frisked.

At the same time, in his response to non-functioning of the CCTV camera installed in Imphal area, the Chief Minister assured that his Government is making all effort to fix the problem at the earliest, besides extending the installation in some more cameras at strategic part of the greater Imphal areas.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/seven-including-four-cops-injured-in-ied-blast-at-masjid-road/