Month: June 2015

IMPHAL, June 1: Deposition of two prosecution witnesses in the case of arrest of United National Liberation Front (UNLF)`™s supremo RK Meghen alias Sanayaima along with several leaders of the outlawed outfit was taken before the court of National Investigation Agency (NIA) in Guwahati today.

Sources said the deposition of the two prosecution witnesses including an official of Government of Manipur was taken based on the charge sheets framed by NIA against the under trial leaders of the outfit.

The prosecution witnesses are identified as K Radhakumar Singh, Secretary (Revenue/Art & Culture), Government of Manipur and Rakeshkumar Jain, a Chartered Accountant based in Imphal.

K Radhakumar Singh gave statements before the court in connection with the detain of some underground activists arrested by security forces under National Security Act (NSA), when he was holding District Magistrate, Imphal West District.

During the disposition of the prosecution witnesses, RK Meghen and several other leaders of the outfit were also produced before the court.

Mention may be made here that deposition of the prosecution witnesses of the case which was scheduled to be held on May 18 and 19 last was deferred due to leave taken by Presiding Officer of the court.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/statements-of-prosecution-witnesses-in-meghens-arrest-case-taken/

CHANDEL, June 1: Barring few incidence of booth capturing in the form of spilling ink, tearing of ballot papers, candidates charged of indulging in malpractices among themselves and allegation of threats to electors and agents in some segments, Polling held in about 116 polling stations of Chandel district Council Constituency today was by and large peaceful.

The total turnout of the voters is expected to go even higher than 90 percent.

An information received from the district election control room has hinted at repolls in 8 polling stations of which 6 were from Machi sub division whereas Chandel and Chakpikarong sub divisions has got 1 each.

While answering a query on some other polling stations claimed for repoll by candidates, the officer added that the state election commission would decide on the matter based on the report to be compile from the concerned stations in questioned.

Polling in and around the district headquarters area started from 7:30 in the morning wherein large numbers of voters including man and women were seen waiting in queue.

In what may be called a poll related violent among the party workers and candidates, vice president of NPF Chandel division Ps Mono Anal was beaten black at 41/16Kanankhu polling station at around 1:00 pm.

Briefing media Ps Mono said that while he was going to 41/16 Kanankhu polling station, he was suddenly assaulted physically by workers of an Independent candidate Ts Willingson.

Meanwhile, four contesting candidates namely Ps Ngamnung (NPF) , Sr Ngamhlung, (BJP), HT. Kilaching, (IND) and Hulang David, (IND) had submitted a petition for repoll in the said polling station to the Returning Officer.

A letter made available to media had accused the Independent candidate Ts Willingson of indulging in unlawful activity in form of casting proxy votes and assaulting NPF Vice president and other workers. It strongly condemned and had sought for repoll.

Chief Agent of BJP candidate of 9/Purum, Jairesh has levelled allegation against NPF workers of 9/Purum of threatening BJP agent and of proxy vote. A letter of complained has been lodged with the returning officer, the agent informed.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/poll-predominately-peaceful-in-chandel/

IMPHAL, June 1: A sit in protest was today staged at the waiting shed of Thoubal Athokpam against huge monetary demands served to several shops of Thoubal Athokpam Bazar and individuals of Athokpam Awang Leikai by some miscreants through hand-written notes in the name of KCP and than setting on fire a Santro Car parked inside a house for not meeting the demand.

The sit in protest was held from 1pm to 3pm. Protestors were seen holding placards reading `We want peace`, `Clarify on the setting of fire of Tomba`™s car`, `Stop making monetary demands to shops owners of Athokpam Bazar.`

One of the protestors said the womenfolk disapprove such huge monetary demands placed not only to the small businesses of Athokpam bazaar but even to individual families.

While demanding that the concern individuals should cancel the monetary demands, she further appealed to all concerned to look into the issue.served

It may be mentioned that in the name of KCP, hand written demand notes amounting to Rs 5 lakhs to Rs 21 lakhs were served to several individuals and the miscreants had late last night around 11 set on fire Athokpam Tomba`™s Santro Car which was parked inside his garage at his residence just opposite to the Thoubal DC gate.

The protestors showed the media persons around 10 demand notes written by the same handwriting in both Manipuri and Meitei Mayek.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/thoubal-locals-protest-against-monetary-demand/

LAMKA, June 1: Casting for votes for the Autonomous District Council election came to an end at 4:30pm today, even as several reports of booth capturing and votes being cast yesterday are doing the round.

Reports claimed of booth capturing at several places including Leimatak, Tuibuang, Sangaikot in Churachandpur.

Sources have also claimed that votes were cast in advance last night at Turning, Sangaikot, Saiboh in 21- Sangaikot District Council Constituency although there is not any concrete proof at the moment.

Meanwhile Congress candidate Tongkhakai Baite from Sangaikot District Council Constituency said he has filed a complaint with the district election officer seeking re-poll at atleast eight polling stations of Sangaikot citing that his agents were not allowed inside the stations and that independent candidate P Lianzo and his volunteers had already casted proxy votes last night.

It may also be mentioned that other than the few stray incidents of allegations, voting for the Sangaikot DCC constituency, there were no other reports of untoward incidents as security forces including State police personnel and the Army stood guard in the constituency.

Meanwhile, more than 300 voters from Moirang Maitak expressed their grievances to the DC charging that the presiding officer at their polling station seem to have some ulterior motive and had denied them to cast their votes on the excuse that the ballot papers were finished and they were running out of print.

They further demanded corrective measures from the DC against the official.

At 14-Tuibuang District Council Constituency, independent candidate Paukholal Haokip called a press conference at his residence in the evening alleging that supporters of Congress candidate Ngamhau Touthing had tried to capture polling booths and even managed to do so in some case like at Bizang and Hangaxol.

He further alleged that his wife was also assaulted by Congress workers at a polling booth in Hmar Veng. Her wife had gone there to inquire about reports that the Congress workers had captured the booth, he claimed demanding re-poll.

Paukholal Haokip also claimed that the Congress workers have taken away his wife`™s handbag which contains ATM cards, some cash and other items.

BJP candidate from Leimatak DCC, Hemminthang Haokip also alleged that supporters of the Congress candidate Demang Haokip tried to capture more than nine polling booths by threatening the voters. He further demanded re-poll in several polling stations.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/reports-of-booth-capturing-voting-a-day-ahead-main-highlights-in-ccpur/

IMPHAL, June 1: Delivering a deep blow to the NSCN faction led by SS Khaplang, the Zeliangrong region of the outfit has said that it has merged with the NSCN-Reformation, a breakaway group of the Khaplang led faction.

Announcing the merger to media persons somewhere in Tamenglong district, Kd Gangmei, secretary information and publicity secretary of the former NSCN-K Zeliangrong region, said that they will now be known as NSCN-Reformation Zeliangrong region.

Claiming that the decision was `People`™s mandate`, Gangmei added that several rounds of meeting were held between the top leaders of the outfit and the Naga people.

Gangmei further said that it was to bring a social reformation in the Naga region adding that reconciliation was also the need of the hour.

`There must be peace in our region without peace there cannot be any solution`, said Gangmei.

Moreover, the Naga people no longer endorse any form of violence in their region, he said.

By taking the decision the NSCN-(R) Zeliangrong region does not intend to create atmosphere of animosity with other groups operating in the NE region especially with the NSCN-K, Gangmei explained.

Nevertheless, Gangmei informed that the outfit`™s operational system will remain unchanged in their region.

It may be noted that the NSCN-Reformation came into existence on April 6 formed by Y Wangtin Naga and P Tikhak.

Wangtin, was supervisor of the Cease-fire Supervisory Board (CFSB) and Tikhak, a senior functionary of the NSCN (K) and were expelled by SS Khaplang following a misunderstanding over the recent abrogation of ceasefire with the Government of India.

Wangting and Tikhak, allegedly refused to discontinue with the ceasefire with the GOI despite Khaplang`™s advice to abrogate from the ceasefire.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/nscnk-zeliangrong-region-merges-with-reformation-faction/

IMPHAL June 1: Voter turnout in the Ukhrul Autonomous District Council election is expected to reach 85 percent.

However, unlike the intimidating atmosphere of the last ADC election in 2010, the election process was comparatively peaceful and cordial barring a few untoward incidents at some polling stations.

According to reliable sources, Kuki militants had forcefully cast votes around 2pm in three polling stations namely Molam, Zalengbung and Molnom.

It is also said that at Molam, the public broke the ballot boxes and found around 90 percent of the votes cast in favour of a single candidate.

Meanwhile, it is also learnt that at Zalengbung and Molnom candidates of several parties collectively complaint to the polling stations before their departure from the stations.

At 44/58 Lunghar (A) and (B) under Khamasom DCC, some candidates and their supporters alleged impersonation and proxy voting in favour of an independent candidate and that their polling agents were also not allowed to enter the polling station. The same matter was also reported to the DC, Ukhrul. Sources also said that houses were dismantled and three individuals including a Village Authority member were thrashed.

The village authority member is said to be admitted at the Ukhrul District Hospital.

Voting in the village polling station was also delayed due to the incident, sources claimed.

Former MLA T Bishwajit who came as a BJP election observer had later filed a written complaint with the Ukhrul DC.

Reports also said that complaints have been lodged against supporters of Independent candidate Ngatangmi Ningshen for trying to capture polling booths at Patbung and Khambi polling stations.

While Congress agent Ng Shangreiphou told media persons that he was kept under house arrest for the last two days by miscreants.

At Tuinem/ Teinem polling station all agents except of NPF walked out and lodge a complaint to the Ukhrul DC against proxy voting. Similar complaints of NPF dominance and proxy were also voiced at Somdal and Jessami polling stations.

At Sanakeithel, locals denied media persons access to the polling stations.

However, all the ten polling stations in Ukhrul town witnessed undisturbed polling.

According to the Ukhrul Deputy Commissioner, Owing to the topography and distance from the head quarter, the polling officers with their respective final reports are yet to arrive in the district headquarter, hence repoll list is yet to be finalized.

It might be worth noting that United Naga Council has not interfered in the present ADCE despite reiterating its previous position of severing ties with the State government thus boycotting the ADCE and demanding `Alternative Arrangement`™.

Polling in three booths under 3-Chingai Ukhrul DCC namely Nungbi Khullen, Kalhang Khullen and Razai Khullen concluded peacefully with no reports of any untoward incident.

The turnout of voters in the polling stations was above average. In Nungbi Khullen having 972 eligible voters, more than 600 cast their vote before noon for candidates including two independents, one each from Congress, BJP and NPF.

As for Kalhang Khullen having 544 eligible voters, a total of 330 electorates came out to vote for candidates including two independents, one each from Congress, BJP and NPF.

In Razai Khullen having 277 electorates, 262 voters turned up to exercise their franchise till 1.30 pm to seal the fate of four candidates each from Congress, NPF and BJP and independent.

After no one turned up to cast vote in the polling station, the ballot box was sealed in the presence of polling officials.

For the other two booths, the polling process continued till 4 pm.

Meanwhile, an unofficial source also informed about a shoot-out between 20th Assam Rifles and a valley based group somewhere between Wanglee and Asang Khullen this afternoon.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/stray-incidents-of-violence-mar-otherwise-peaceful-poll-in-ukhrul/

IMPHAL, June 1: Peace Rally Committee, a committee formed by Meitei Christian Leaders will be organizing a peace rally on June 6 to denounce the burning down of church buildings, obstructions to construction works of churches, pastors`™ houses and threatening to Meitei Christians and stoning during worship in the churches and houses.

Announcing this during a press meet at Manipur Press Club here today, Chairman of Peace Rally Committee Rev. Dr L Iboyaima Singh informed that the rally will start from Presbyterian House, War Cemetery Road opposite DM College and will end with a prayer at Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound.

He said that the rally will not be a protest against any communities but it will be like a prayer walk where positive and constructive slogans like `We trust the God`™, `We stand for Peace and Unity`™, `We are Peace Loving People`™, `Church is a place of Worship`™, `Please Stop Burning the Churches`™, `Please Allow Church Construction`™, `Please lift up banning of church construction works`™, `God founded church, let us honour God`™, `Save the church to see life and future`™, `Church has the solution`™, `Manipur shall be saved`™, `Please stop mob injustice against churches`™ etc will be chanted.

The Indian Constitution guarantees the right to choose any religion. Many Meiteis chose to follow Christian religion due to believe in Lord Jesus. It should not be seen as taking advantage or breaking Meitei customary law. Meitei Christians should not be looked down by other communities, the chairman of the committee said.

He continued that Meitei Christians have been performing various activities towards peace in the state and preaching students to follow right path of life.

General secretary Rev. K Premjit Singh who was present during the meet lamented that Meitei Christian community has been facing various problem in the state, which is very unfortunate.

He claimed that Imphal West Meitei Christian Church at Patsoi Lamkhai situated around 200 meter from Patsoi Commando Unit was burnt down by some unknown persons on May 13 last at around 10.30 pm. Also the construction work of VCI Church at Kongpal Naoroibam Leikai was banned by locals.

Even pastor of the church was threatened through phone call to stop the construction work, he said.

Stating that Meitei Christians are peace loving people who pray for peace and harmony in the state, he said that around 50 organizations and 400 churches have assured that they will extend help in organizing the rally.

He also appealed to the people to give support and cooperation to the peace rally.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/peace-rally-to-denounce-atrocities-against-meitei-christian-community/

Imphal, June 1: Voter turnout for the Autonomous District Council election in the five hill districts and Sadar Hills is stated to be around 75-80 percent, according to official sources.

The State Election Commission has also rescheduled polling in six polling stations.

In an official notification, the State Election Commission said polling at these polling stations has been rescheduled for June 4, as polling personnel failed to reach their polling stations in time for the June 1 election.

The official notice also identified the polling stations are 4/5-Nungsai LP School, 4/6-Santing Government LP School, 4/7- Santing Chongchin LP School, 4/8 Saiching LP School, 4/9-Lailong (S) LP School and 4/12-Kawnpi Mission School of Churachandpur district.

Sources also said that re-poll could be conducted in atleast 42 polling stations where there were reports of violence interrupting the poll process.

Voting was peaceful in all districts until noon today, however, the election process was marred by violent incidents reported widely from all districts in the later part of the day.
Interruptions to the voting process including incidents of destroying ballot boxes, tension among supporters of candidates, booth capture, gun-shooting, impersonation and proxy voting, etc were reported from all districts.

However, reports suggest high voter turnout in all districts other than in Tamenglong.

Reports suggest that at the end of the voting process, the voting percentage reached 65 percent in Sadar Hills, 75 percent in Churachandpur, 90 percent in Chandel, 80 percent in Ukhrul, 75 percent in Senapati and 40 percent in Tamenglong. However official confirmation on the poll percentage is awaited.

Several violent incidents were also reported from several polling stations across the six ADCs.

At 11/5 Taloulong polling station, around 1:15pm, supporters of both the Congress and BJP candidates fired shots in the air following a heated argument over interference in the poll process.

At Kangpokpi DCC, at 6/2 and 6/3 Kalapahar Junior High School, miscreants destroyed ballot boxes in front of the polling personnel. At the same time there were also scuffles between the police guarding the stations and supporters of some candidates.

In Chandel district, KNA and UMLA cadres allegedly captured booths at 1-Khoibu Segment including 1/5 Bongli, ½ Khoibu and 1/1 Tollen polling stations.

However, villagers of the area attacked the UG cadres and stormed the polling stations and ballot papers were destroyed in the process.

Reports also said that re-poll is likely in eight polling stations out of 172 in Sadar Hills- 17/2 Maojang, 19/4 Ankhumbung, 19/5 Thangal Sarung, 19/7 Youngba Langkhong, 20/5 H Champhai, 23/6 Terakhong and 6/2 Kalapahar.

In Senapati district, re-poll is likely in eight polling stations out of 186 polling station namely 2/5 Liyai Khullen (D), 9/9 Makuilongdi, 12/4 Lairouching (A), 12/5 Lairouching (B), 19/1, 19/2, 19/3 Lakhamai, 19/6 Sirong.

In Tamenglong, re-poll is likely in three polling stations out of 165 – 23/4 Kambirong, 19/6 Zoujangtek and 13/5 Tamenglong.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/adc-poll-witnesses-high-voter-turnout-amidst-violent-interruptions/