Month: December 2015

IMPHAL, December 2: Certain war relics believed to have been used in World War II were excavated from the construction site of Slope Land Public School, Salt Village near Khongjom in Thoubal District today.

The excavated war relics believed to be used by Allied Forces, consisted several rounds of 303 ammunition, an unexploded hand grenade, a shovel and two rifle bayonets.

Later, N. Babulin, principal of Slopeland Public School handed over the war relics to World War 2 Memorial Foundation Manipur through the foundation`s president Letmang Haokip for preservation and exhibition at the foundation`s Museum located near Pallel.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/12/war-relics-excavated-from-school-construction-site/

IMPHAL, December 2: The High Court of Manipur acting on a PIL case, has asked the concerned authority to give concrete reasons on why the Lok Ayukta Act is not implemented in the State till date given that the same Act has already been implemented in other States.

The judgement was passed by a Double Bench of the High Court comprising Chief Justice LK Mohapatra and Justice N Kotishwar today.

This was informed by senior advocate Khaidem Mani who is the counsel of the PIL case during a press meet held at the office building of All Manipur Bar Association at Uripok Cheirap Court this evening.

He claimed that the court also questioned the concerned authority whether it is true that posts of a Chairperson and two Members needed to implement the act effectively have not filled up so far and if it is true then the concerned authority should submit detailed reports to the court within eight weeks starting from today.

Advocate Mani said that the number of the PIL case is 49 of 2014 and was filed by advocate Yengkokpam Priyokumar.

The petitioner had submitted written statement to the Governor of the State and concerned Union Ministries urging to implement the Lok Ayukta Act in the State as in other States. Later, he filed a PIL in the High Court of Manipur, he said.

According to advocate Mani, the Lok Pal or Lok Ayukta Bill before it became an act was implemented from January 6, 2014 in most of the States. The State government had announced that the act has been implemented in the State from October 3 of the same year.

However, a competent Chairperson and two Members who are much needed to effectively implement the act have not been appointed so far.

He envisaged that people of the State will be benefitted from the implementation of the Lok Ayukta Act.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/12/hc-asks-reasons-on-nonimplementation-of-lok-ayukta-act-in-state/

IMPHAL, December 2: Victims of the Armed Forces Special Power Act 1958 and others who have lost relatives today shared their testimonies during a discussion on AFSPA.

The discussion was held on AFSPA and its impact on the people of Manipur with special focus on women and children in Manipur at the Manipur Voluntary Health Association (MVHA), Ningthem Pukhri Mapal.

It was organised jointly by the District Women Committee, Imphal East – UNMM, Conflict Widow Forum, Domestic Violence Survivor’s Forum and Kshetri Chanam Leikai Women Development Association as part of Women Action for Development’s 16 days of activism against Gender based violence.

Several widows of the armed conflict and other victims participated and shared their testimonials and called for the AFSPA to be repealed.

One of the widows who had lost her husband in the armed conflict said she would happily sacrifice her life if it could repeal the AFSPA.

Damdei Christian College lecturer Priyadarshini Gangte noted AFSPA has only given a negative impact on the society.

It is also important to impart lessons on human rights from the grass root level in the schools so that whatever the students become in their later life, they can atleast respect human rights, she recommended.

The lecturer also advocated refined recruitment of the Armed Security Forces personnel and to conduct training sessions on basic human rights of a person on a regular basis.

Gangte also called for the need to strengthen the State Women Commission to redress the grievances of the widows.

Clinical psychologist Khwairakpam Ramakanta noted the behaviour of fear psychosis among the general populace on seeing the security forces is very common in the State.

He said the AFSPA gives maximum power to the armed Security Forces and in return maximum grievances to the innocent public.

Memories of being a witness of extra judicial killings, atrocities of the Security Forces linger on the mind-set of the victims of conflict leading to depression, he said.

The psychologist also noted that sharing of their testimonials at the community level will help the victims minimise their fear.

He further called upon the people for a collective movement to demand repeal of the AFSPA, 1958.

WAD secretary M Sobita said Indian forces in the State of Manipur are using the Act as an instrument of war. This Act is a licence to kill and rape, she alleged.

Sobita maintained under the cover of the Act, the Indian forces have killed many innocent civilians since many years.

Suspects are not guilty until it is proven, but under AFSPA, the security forces can shoot to kill anyone on the mere ground of suspicion which is not only a disregard of the basic human rights, but it hugely affects the entire family of the victim, Sobita elaborated.

She said Irom Chanu Sharmila has been protesting and demanding the repeal of the AFSPA, 1958 in the wake of the Malom Massacre.

Although Sharmila has been on a fast for more than 15 years now against the Act, the government continues to remain silent even as people are getting killed every now and then under the Act, she claimed.

Those widowed by the arm conflict have been neglected by the government, she said citing that widow benefit schemes are available to only a few.

She said PDS items and rehabilitation programmes for widows have not reached the larger populace.

Later at the end of the discussion, the participants raised slogans demanding repeal of AFSPA-1958 and release of Sharmila, among others.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/12/victims-of-armed-conflict-raise-demand-for-afspa-repeal/

IMPHAL, December 2: Janata Dal (United) Manipur will fight the early 2016 Municipal elections in the State along with the Congress, said its president Moirangthem Tombi hinting to an alliance between the two parties in the State.

This has come considering the recent massive victory of the Grand Alliance in the recent Bihar election, asserted Tombi today speaking at a press conference held at the party’s office at Babupara.

He said State leaders of the two parties had deliberated on certain issues including the agenda and strategy for the upcoming elections.

The leaders also resolve to join hands for the January 11 Municipality and Nagar Panchayat election, he said.

This comes in the wake of the recent bye-poll in two Assembly Constituencies, both of which the Congress lost to the BJP.

People will witness a wave of political change during the upcoming local body elections, he said.

The alliance will also be a turning point for the JD(U) in the State, he said while announcing that intending candidates may apply for party ticket from the its office before December 20.

The JD (U), he said will field maximum number of candidates in the election.

Tombi said he along with Lien Gangte general secretary of JD (U) Manipur will visit Bihar from December 12 to 15 and invite leaders of the Grand Alliance to attend election campaigning in the State.

Tombi appealed to the people to elect their good leaders responsibly.

Lien Gangte said in order to bring good governance in the State, we need to start from the grass root level and elect good leaders.

People play an important role in bringing change to the society, he said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/12/jd-u-manipur-hints-at-alliance-with-cong-for-local-body-elections/

IMPHAL, December 2: Hill Villages shall not be brought under the proposed Sugnu SDC Circle, said Chandel (ST) AC MLA ST Nunghlung Victor in a press release today.

The MLA said in his statement that as published by the media recently, the State cabinet has approved the creation of Sugnu SDC Circle under Waikhong Sub-Division in Thoubal District.

He said although the proposed SDC Office will be helpful to the people of 11 villages including some hill villages such as Mahou (Tera), Toupokpi and Tonsen Khullen, the decision was not referred to the Hill Areas Committee.

Continuing that it has been repeatedly reminded that land matters in so far as related to Hills areas are within the purview of HAC, by virtue of Article 371 C and subsequent order, 1972, it said however, as always, the State government has again made a ploy decision to include hill villages under the proposed Sugnu SDC Circle of Thoubal district, which is unacceptable.

People may consider such decision as arbitrary, it said.

It said the government shall never forget that Manipur consists of hills and plains, and they are governed under separate Acts.

Hill areas are governed by the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council Act, 1971, and valley areas are covered by the Manipur Land Reforms and Land Revenue Act, 1960, it said.

Their areas of operation have been clearly demarcated by the Article 371 C, and cannot be infringed upon each other.

He said it is unconstitutional and illegal, and cannot be accepted by hill people. Inclusion of Hill Villages to the proposed SDC Circle of plain areas or any part of the Hill districts shall be considered invasion of rights and land of hill people in violation of constitutional provisions, parliamentary legislation and State legislations, he said.

It is another ploy of the State government to “annex the hill areas for the advantages of plains”, because, there are no other reasons why the hill villages that govern by separate Acts has to be brought into the plains, he said.

State Cabinet is incompetent to take decision on land matters of hills without referring the matter to the HAC, he said before adding that he has no objection against the decision of the cabinet for creation of Sugnu SDC Circle.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/12/chandel-mla-claims-sugnu-sdc-circle-a-ploy-to-annexe-hill-villages/

CHURACHANDPUR, December 2: SoO signatory groups UPF and the KNO in a joint appeal have said that the outfits are hurt by the fact that a tribal community has been forced to declare certain things against their wish.

The joint statement was signed by convenor Calvin H and co-convenor TS Haokip.

It said it is unfortunate to learn that, on November 20 a stone was erected at Aimol Satu, Chandel district stating that the Aimol is of the Naga tribe.

This, the joint appeal stated, was reportedly carried out under the pressure from certain armed group further adding “In this regard, the Kuki National Organization (KNO) and United People’s Front (UPF) would like to state that there is no better time than today where we should strive for tribal unity.

The Aimol tribe of Manipur is relatively a small community, their distinct existence, historical and ethnical rooms deserve to be appreciated by all in accordance with the international human rights philosophy.

“As we are aware the government of India and NSCN (IM) had signed a framework agreement and the KNO and UPF have also entered a very critical stage in the peace process. This political development is welcomed step collectively taken by the government and the concerned group for political survival of the tribal.”

We therefore fervently appeal to all concerned to desist from taking steps that can hurt the sentiments of other people and upset the peace process” the joint appeal stated.

Both the KNO and UPF will like to maintain cordial and mutual respect and peaceful co- existence will all community of Manipur, particularly with the other hill tribes of the State, it said.

Further it is our humble appeal to other armed groups to discontinue their adversarial activities toward the Aimol people in the interest of the larger tribal unity, it said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/12/kuki-outfits-react-to-aimol-stone-erection-incident/

IMPHAL, November 2: A 16-year old girl has alleged she was raped and abandoned by a 20 year old boy known to one of her friends on November 22.

The shocking incident was revealed during a fact finding programme conducted by Women Action for Development and a team of media persons as part of the organisation’s 16-days of activism.

The girl Nidhi (name changed) said on November 20, around 8pm her friend Suman (name changed) who was temporarily staying at their home called her out.

She said she was forcibly taken on a boat by her friend, her boyfriend and another friend (accused) of the boyfriend to someplace known to the accused and stayed for the night there.

Her friend wanted to elope with her boyfriend, she said.

Amu (name changed) the boyfriend’s friend raped her next morning, even as her friend and the boyfriend held her, she alleged.

Afterward when she confronted the three, they took her to Amu’s village in Kakching area with the assurance of telling his elders about them eloping, but the elders rejected her, she continued. Then she found Amu had left her alone and ran away, she said.

Depressed by the incidents, she jumped into a pond and tried to kill herself but was saved by some passers-by, she added.

Meanwhile, it is learnt that a case has been registered with the Bishnupur Women Police Station and a forensic test has been conducted to confirm rape at the RIMS.

The concerned OC of the WPS said the accused is still absconding.

She said it is found that the accused was an adopted son and that his adopted parents have already disowned him.

The OC told this reporter that all possible means are being utilised to find the accused at the earliest.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/12/minor-allegedly-raped-and-abandoned/

KANGPOKPI, December 1: Deputy Commissioner, Senapati Jacintha Lazarus while inaugurating administrative office building of Kuki Students’ Organization, Sadar Hills emphasized the importance of peace and harmony among every community in the society and urged to recoil from violence.

The Administrative office building in the heart of Kangpokpi town was constructed in commemoration of Late Paolenlal Chongloi and Late Paosat Kipgen, who were allegedly killed in mob violence at Nongbrang in 2009.

Speaking as chief guest, the lady Deputy Commissioner continued that the administrative office building of KSO Sadar Hills standing in the heart of the town is an apt memorial kind of thing for everyone to ensure that we shun violence in the society.

She suggested the student body to develop the memorial administrative building as an information centre for the student community in the area while assuring to help them in such preparation in the interest of the student community.

The inaugural function of the KSO Sadar Hills administrative office building was attended by Seikhomang Khongsai, president, Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills and Paotinthang Lupheng, president, KSO GHQ as guest of honour and president respectively.

Jacintha Lazarus inaugurated the building after unveiling the inaugural stone while KSO GHQ President Paotinthang Lupheng administered hoisting of KSO flag in the top floor of the building in the presence of DC Senapati, Addl. DC Kangpokpi DK. Thangboi and other dignitaries, social leaders and church leaders.

A one-minute condolence was also observed by the congregate as a tribute to the departed of souls of Paolenlal Chongloi and Paokhosat alias paosat Kipgen while Rev. J. Lunkim invoked blessing prayer for the student body as well as the bereaved family members.

Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills President, Seikhomang Khongsai lauded the tireless efforts of KSO Sadar Hills executive members and other contributors for the succesful construction of the building while KSO GHQ President said it is a historic day for the student body since KSO Sadar Hills has a proper and concrete building as its administrative office.

Narrating the background of the infamous Nongbrang killing where the two executive of KSO Shillong Late Paolenlal Chongloi and Paokhosat Kipgen were allegedly killed in mob violence, KSO Sadar Hills General Secretary, Lamcha Chongloi said that it was during the time of year when Christians all over the world prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace and a home coming season for people to come home and celebrate Christmas together with their families and love ones that the infamous Nongbrang killing incident took place.

He continued that on that fateful day of December 22 in 2009 Paokhosat alias Paosat Kipgen, son of Lhungkhojang Kipgen of Bongbal Khullen, Sadar Hills and Paolenlal Chongloi, son of Chongkhothang Chongloi of Keithelmanbi, Military Colony, Sadar Hills came all the way from Shillong where pursued their studies to spend Christmas together with their families after a hiatus of 2/3 years.

Unfortunately, on the way to Bongbal Khullen, a mob of Nongbrang villagers waylaid and inhumanely bludgeoned them to death, Lamcha added.

Paolenlal Chongloi was a promising M.Com. student of NEHU and the Secretary, Social & Culture of KSO Shillong while Paokhosat alias Paosat Kipgen was the Secretary, Games & Sports, KSO Shillong who had just finished his graduation and was also selected as Sub-Inspector (SI) under CPO, Lamcha Chongloi narrated.

He further said that the Kuki students all over the country were filled with grief and sorrow on learning the death of their two young leaders since it was the first of its kind in the history of KSO that its leaders have died while in office.

“The two young prospective leaders had innumerable contribution for the Kuki students”, said Lamcha Chongloi before adding that it was a great lost for the Kuki student community in particular and others in general.

As such, we dedicated this office complex to the memory of our departed two young leaders so that we may continue to remember them not only in our hearts but through this structure to show the world that violence is the greatest enemy for the student community and emphasize the need to shun violence.

Meanwhile, KSO Sadar Hills President, Thangminlen Kipgen pointed out that KSO GHQ donated Rs. 5 lacs, IFC Minister Ngamthang Haokip Rs.4 lacs, MP Fund Rs. 3.6 lacs, MLA Nemcha Kipgen Rs. 2 lacs, Haokholal Hangshing, Chairman ADC Sadar Hills-Rs.60,000/- and Kpi and Saitu chiefs donates Rs.1.8 lacs for the successful construction of the building and expressed heartfelt gratitude to all the donors for their generous contribution towards the student community while paying homage to the departed two leaders.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/12/dc-senapati-urges-communities-to-maintain-peace-harmony/

IMPHAL, December 1: Thirty percent seats have been reserved for women in the Municipal Council and Nagar panchayat election covering 23 Valley Assembly segments which is slated for January 11, 2016, according to the Manipur Gazette for the election.

Altogether there are 18 municipalities (election for councillors) and eight Nagar Panchayats. The municipal councils are Thoubal MC, Kakching MC, Lilong MC, Mayang Imphal MC, Nambol MC, Moirang MC, Ningthoukhong MC, Bishnupur MC, Kakching Khunou MC, Yairipok MC, Kumbi MC, Wangoi MC, Kwakta MC, Wangjing Lamding MC, Shikhong Sekmai MC, Jiribam MC, Sugunu MC and Lamlai MC and the Nagar Panchayat are Samurou NP, Thongkhong Laxmi Bazar NP, Lilong Imphal West NP, Andro NP, Lamshang NP, Oinam NP, Sekmai NP and Heirok NP.

632 ward member will also be elected.

Meanwhile, BJP Manipur Pradesh general secretary Moirangthem Asnikumar has told IFP that the party had convened a State Election Committee meeting at the party office today and thoroughly discussed the party’s strategy for the upcoming election.

He said the party has started issuing party forms for intending candidates from today which can be collected from the party office.

Last date for submission of filled-up form will be 4pm of December 7, he said.

He continued, today’s meeting started at 9am and lasted for three hours.

He further said that during the meeting it was unanimously resolved to handover the responsibility to prepare a blue print for the upcoming municipal election to the State BJP president Th Chaoba.

It was also decided to field candidates in 316 seats in the election, he said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/12/30-percent-seats-reserved-for-women-for-january-16-local-bodies-election/

CHURACHANDPUR, December 1: The Churachandpur District AIDS Prevention and Control Committee and the Churachandpur District Legal Service Authority organised a district level 28th World AIDS Day observation today at the Conference Hall of the district CMO under the theme “Getting to Zero”.

Although the attended by the DC and the chairman of the DAPCC, Churachandpur Lunminthang Haokip, the DC couldn’t make it due to some emergency in Imphal.

The function was attended by one of the DC’s staff Alfred J Khaute (MCS) along with CMO and deputy chairman of the committee Dr Thangchinkhup Guite, Dr Lamkhanpau and his colleagues from legal service and others including District Supply Officer, District Social Welfare Officer and representatives of NGOs.

The observation, which is an annual event, was a low key affair this time due to the present situation in the district.

Khaute talked about supporting the people living with AIDS and said the theme “Getting to Zero” can be achieved only with a collective effort from the government, NGO and the public.

Delivering the key note address, Dr Guite talked about the steps taken up in the district and compared the statistics of the district with others available from the World Health Organisation.

He further elaborated on the significance of the three zeroes namely Zero Infection, zero Fatality and Zero Discrimination.

He said out of more than 80 thousand tested in the district since the later part of 2009, only 3780 have been tested positive in the district till date.

He said according to statistics available from the WHO, since 2009 three has been a 35 percent drop in HIV detection and there are approximately 34 million people living with AIDS.

He said we are thankful to the district administration for complying with the request which resulted in the provision of job cards, MGNREGS to 127 PLWHIV coupled with 356 PLWHIV being provided their needs by the District Supply department, while 32 widow living with HIV are given widow pension by the DSW.

He continued that the merit scholarship of seven students and educational supports to 24 others to PLWAIDS and their families were also granted by the New Life ministry.

SAHLOM which is spearheading the fight against HIV/AIDS also elaborated on how to safeguard the baby of parents living with HIV/AIDS.

The co-sponsor of the event, DLSA led by CJM T Lamkhanpau and his team also talked about the legal aspect which a PLWHIV should be aware of.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/12/ccpur-observes-world-aids-day/

IMPHAL, December 1: Discussion on the pros and cons of the recent agreement between NSCN-IM and GOI was held today in connection with the observance of 1st Foundation Day of the Committee of Civil Societies Kangleipak (CCSK) at the Manipur Press Club.

President of CCSK, Arjun Tenheiba said that people and CSOs of the State are suspicious that Manipur might be disintegrated into several States due to the recent agreement signed between NSCN-IM and GOI.

He opined that if such situation arises then Manipur has every reason to part from India and to retain her lost sovereignty.

Arjun stated that the interlocutor RN Ravi during his visits in the State has always declined to disclose the details about the agreement, but hinted on giving more importance to Nagas residing in Manipur.

The CCSK president said that they will stand firmly on their six points of memorandum which was submitted to RN Ravi during his first visit.

Director of Public Prosecution, Ng Tejkumar said that there is a need to unite all the people living in Manipur and participate in any function or observation which is being organized by either side to erase the widening gap.

He observed that it was high time to rebuild the emotional integrity among hills and valley which gradually has been drawn into oblivion due to misconception and misunderstanding.

Former Minister, RV Mingthing appealed the people to once again work on a holistic approach to reunite the hills and valley.

He further said that without hills or valley Manipur cannot be strong adding that there is a need to give cooperation and supports to each other cause to strengthen the society.

Several CSOs, NGOs leaders while speaking during the event expressed their concern on the frame work agreement signed between NSCN-IM and GOI, stating that it could destroy the emotional and territorial integrity of Manipur.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/12/csos-emphasise-on-need-to-rebuild-emotional-integrity-for-unity-in-state/