Day: August 16, 2017

THOUBAL | Aug 16

President of Lamding Educated Welfare Association (LEWA), Sorokhaibam Ojit made a narrow escape today when he was allegedly chased with a harvest knife by one Md Ayamuddin Khan (42), son of Md Amubi Khan from Sangaiyumfam Ningthou, Thoubal.

The incident happened around 1.30 pm when Ojit and his team of LEWA, Lamding Khumanthem Leikai was conducting a drive against drugs at the said area. Ojit and his team were allegedly attacked and chased by Amubi Khan, who is presently a rifleman at 3rd IRB.

 It has been alleged that Khan is involved in selling Heroine and SP Capsules. It is further reported that around 20 – 30 people visits his house daily to buy or consume heroine and SP tablets.

From Our Correspondent

UKHRUL | Aug 16

Thousands of Catholics turned up at Ukhrul headquarters to take part in the peaceful rally organised by JAC for burial of Ritah Haorei’s mortal remains at Leingangching and for the abolition of the village Constitution “one village, one denomination’’.

The rally started from Sacred Heart, Hungpung and ended at Viewland. The JAC submitted a memorandum to the chief minister of the state through the deputy commissioner of Ukhrul. The morning drizzle did not dampen the spirit of the protestors.

There was some information doing the rounds that the Tangkhul Naga Long, a civil body was against the rally. None of the representatives of TNL could be contacted to ascertain their stand on the rally.

Convenor of JAC while addressing the gathering before the rally took off remarked that necessary permission for organising peaceful rally was obtained from the district administration and TNL has no right to force and stop the proposed peaceful rally.

Coming down heavily against the village constitution of Leingangching, the JAC convenor pointed out that the said constitution violates Indian constitution, its secular spirit and fundamental rights. The controversial Article 18 of the village constitution read, “There should not be any denominational activity dividing the existing religion (i.e. Baptist Christianity)”.

 Most Rev. Dominic Lumon, Archbishop of Imphal, Manipur asserted that we are here to protest against the violation of our rights and register our grievances to the authority concerned.

The memorandum called for abolition of “One Village One Denomination” as it is inhuman and violates basic fundamental rights. It also demanded full security protection for the burial of Ritah at her home yard.

The memorandum calls for enabling the persecuted victims to return and settle in the village and also to provide compensation for rebuilding their destroyed houses and punishment to the human rights violators according to the law of the land.

The JAC also appealed for constituting a fact finding body under chief minister’s watch.

The district administration provided security to the peaceful rally.

It may be recalled that Ritah Haorei (42) wife of Yangmi Haorei passed away in August 7. The denial of the burial of her body by Leinganching because she was a Catholic led to the formation of JAC, consisting of various Catholics from various districts of Manipur says the memorandum.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 16

The court of special judge (POCSO), Imphal East remanded an SSB personnel of 23rd battalion SSB, Green Land Lalpool to judicial custody for 15 days on the charge of kidnapping, molesting and trying to sexually assault his 12-year-old niece.

The accused, Irungbam Yaima (48) son of I. Bijoy Singh of Lamlong Thoidingjam Leirak was arrested on August 11, after the victim’s father lodged a complaint to the police.

In the complaint the father stated that on the evening of August 10 the accused took her daughter from his house for medical treatment in the accused person’s scooter and on the way he started touching her thigh and told her that they were going to hold the night at a hotel.

The accused stop his scooter at a remote area in between Top Moirangkampu Awang Leikai and Sajeb Leikai and started molesting her by holding and touching her breast, according to the complaint.

It added that luckily her daughter managed to escape from the accused and met on old man of their locality and she was rescued.

During the course of police investigation and interrogation the accused person admitted that he committed the crime.

Medical examination was conducted for both the accused and the victim and accordingly the police seized two sterile plastic tubes containing urethral and vaginal swabs and two sterile plastic tubes containing urethral and penile swabs and one EDTA vial containing samples of blood. The reports are awaited.

The investigating officer (IO) submitted to the court that the from the above facts and circumstances, it came to light that the accused person had wrongfully confined, concealed with criminal intimidation and caused aggravated sexual assault to the minor victim.

The IO prayed to the court to remand the accused to judicial custody for 15 days to complete the investigation and deliver justice to the girl during his judicial remand.

IMPHAL | Aug 16

Hundreds of people turned up on the joint Hill Leaders’ day and Meeyamgi Numit to air their grievances to the chief minister N. Biren Singh at the CM’s Secretariat here today.

The chief minister attended to as many as about 350 complaints and personally met nearly 1500 people from 9 am to 2:30 pm.

On the sideline of the programme, N. Biren told the media that due to the recent flash floods and his urgent engagements inside and outside the country, he could not meet the public on August 10 and 15 last which were the actual dates of Hill Leader’s Day and Meeyamgi Numit respectively. So, a joint Hill Leaders’ day and Meeyamgi Numit was hosted today, he added.

He said, “Today, I have received complaints on not taking proper action in some cases by the departments concerned despite my directives given in the earlier Hill Leaders’ Day and Meeyamgi Numit.”

He contended that that it gave him intense pain when he came to know about the condition of widows, differently-abled and poor people of the State. The government would introduce new welfare schemes at the earliest so that poor and needy people could be benefited, he added.

Health department officials had been deputed at the CM’s Secretariat for the day to attend to the people, who seek medical assistance, reimbursement and health care in government medical facilities, he added.

The chief minister said that with the successful completion of 100 days’ programme, the government is set to announce the list of tasks, which are to be accomplished during the first year of the Government in power.

In a week or so, special meetings would be convened for each and every department so that the departments could identify the thrust areas and set a target under the one year action plan, he asserted.

Replying to a query about the Special Investigation Teams’ (SITs) report on the mass recruitment drive conducted by the previous government, the N. Biren said that after a thorough screening, an official order would be issued soon to make available the investigation reports in the public domain.

After a grievance cell had been opened at the CM’s Secretariat, the number of complaints on corruption charges by government officials had started coming down when compared with the previous Meeyamgi Numit, the chief minister informed.

Biren said that he felt so sad when he was informed about the sufferings faced by the victims whose houses had been torched in a violence which occurred in Nungei some time back.

The government will build new houses for these people within a week, he said while adding that the government will also provide assistance under the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund and housing schemes under PMAY etc. He also directed the DCs concerned to resolve the issue and rehabilitate the affected people as soon as possible.

Seeking people’s support and co-operation from the people, the chief minister said that that the government needs some time to resolve all the issues and problems faced by the people of the State.

He further said that best efforts are being invested by the government to fulfil people’s hopes and aspirations.  Thus, the government needs people’s love and support, he added

IMPHAL| Aug 16

Calling the ‘home coming ceremony’ on August 14 as a new surrender drama, the proscribed umbrella organisation, CorCoM has alleged the whole ‘drama’ was a publicity stunt to demoralise the people, said a statement signed by Ksh. Yoiheiba, media coordinator of the group.

The whole exercise is part of the colonial government’s propaganda to deceive the public and to project the revolutionary movement in a poor light.

Those who surrendered in the recent ‘Home coming ceremony’ are the incompetent ones, who were not qualified to be a revolutionary, having failed to follow the principle of the organisation and most of them are runaways who had deserted the group after committing disdainful acts, said the release.   

What makes the occasion all the more interesting, is that those who were staying as runaways since the last 14/15 years and have been working under the Indian army for committing anti- social activities like terrorising the public, kidnap and torture, and acted many roles in repeated surrender dramas, had been randomly gathered and presented to the public in a fresh avatar, said a release.

Sapam Mohon alias Iboyaima from Tentha Khunoi who was presented as a major of UNLF, is not a major but a 2nd lieutenant, it said adding he worked for the party’s department of organisation for some time and became a deserter who started working with the Indian army as a representative of KCP (City Metei), and been involved in committing anti-social activities.  

Longjam Jiten alias Manglem from Yairipok Kekru who is presented as a captain, worked as sergeant major in 2006 but became a ‘lap dog’ of the Indian army after deserting the party, it further said adding he became a representative of URF and was made to commit extortions and kidnapping.

Brigadier Jame alias Uttam, is also a deserter of RPF/PLA who left the organisation becoming incompetent and unable to maintain discipline and codes of the organisation, it further said.

Those who took part in the surrender drama are given their final part by the Indian Army after using them, it further continued. CorCoM lamented that the organisation could not keep these fugitives away from the public and prevent the damages they had caused; it said adding the organisation is prepared to give them punishments anytime.

It urged the public not to be dismayed by the act of defamation carried out by the colonial government and acknowledged that such occasion is actually beneficial to CorCoM as it helps them in a way to delimitates the traitors, it added.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 16

State home department has failed to take up any initiative on the recommendation made by the State Vigilance Commission (SVC) for removal of six women sub-inspectors (SI) for submitting fake OBC certificates and sports certificates while joining their services.

According to source, SVC during August 2012 recommended for termination of Ronita Meisnam for alleged use of false OBC certificate during the recruitment of women SI of police department during 2010.

Similarly the commission during December 2013 recommended the home department to take up necessary steps against five women SIs of police department identified as Chanuleima Pangeijam, Th. Rosie Devi, Aruna Laishram, N. Memtu Devi and Rajana Begum for submitting fake sport certificates by the time of joining their service during 2013, according to source.

The source said that the issue is important now as there is apprehension that the DPC for the promotion to women police inspectors will not be a fair or transparent.

With the advent of the new government people are looking forward for transparency and efficiency of administration and DPC procedure but who will transparency be there if no action has been taken up against the wrong doers, added the source.

The source further said that setting aside of the recommendation of the SVC by the competent authority will amount to underestimate the prestigious SVC department established by the state government to check corruptions and irregularities of different department.

TAMENGLONG | Aug 16

The Barak bridge between Tousem sub-division and Tamenglong at Namtiram was collapsed at 8 am today. The bridge was the only lifeline for the people of Tousem area.

The locals of Tousem have appraised the authority concerned to take up immediate action for its restoration.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 16

The 13th To Excel Right to Life was observed today by Manipur Students’ Federation (MSF) to pay tribute to the departed soul of Pebam Chittaranjan Mangang (21st Centuary gi Athouba).

Floral tributes were paidto the statue of Chittaranjan at Bishnupur in the morning and a mass silent rally was taken out from Takhellambam Leikai till THAU ground, Thangmeiband.

Speaking to the gathering at THAU ground, Senior Citizen for Society, general secretary, L. Sadananda said that men like Chittaranjan who made supreme sacrifice for the right to life is born once in a century and he is the only one in the state who had made such sacrifice for the people’s rights. 

He said that implementing of AFSPA, 1958 which is an anti-democratic act in the state of a country which has the largest democracy, is very unfortunate.

Though the former Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh assured to replace the act with another act with human face and the Administrative Reform Committee of India submitted recommendation to remove AFSPA from the state, no single initiative has been taken till now, added Sadananda.

The general secretary said that announcing “disturbed area” is the main reason for implementing AFSPA in the state. It is in the hand of the state government to remove AFSPA by removing the disturbed area status and taking up the matter with the central government.

“As the new chief minister has assured to examine removing AFSPA from the state, let us hope for the best to bring back the right to life in the state,” added Sadananda.

The guest of honour, Working Committee of Apunba Lup, Manipur, coordinator Phulindro Konsam said that any kind of development is meaningless if there is no right to life.

And unless the draconian AFSPA, 1958 is removed from the state, the people cannot enjoy the right to life, which is the most important fundamental right, he added.

Phulindro said that youths and students across the world have been taking a big role in fighting for human rights and Chittaranjan is one of the student leaders, who made a supreme sacrifice fighting for the rights of the people at his young age.

His sacrifice gave a message to the people across the state that “it is better to die than to live without getting our rights,” he continued.

The delay in delivering justice in the B.T. Road fake encounter case clearly shows that the people of the state is subdued by the central government of the largest democratic country, added the coordinator.

MSF, president, N. Muktangamba said that MSF will take the AFSPA issue to the state government, central government and even to the United Nations. For this MSF needs cooperation of the public, he added.

The function was attended by advocate, Khaidem Mani as guest of honour.

A blood donation camp was held at THAU ground in connection with the day.

State observes 71st I-Day admits boycott 

IMPHAL | Aug 16

As in other parts of the country, the 71st Independence Day was celebrated in the State as well. The State level celebration was held at 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles ground with chief minister N. Biren Singh as the chief guest.

The observation was held under tight security as different underground outfits have boycotted the Independence Day. Educational institutes, government offices and commercial places wore a deserted look while a few commuters were seen on the road.

Meantime the chief minister hoisted the national tricolour amid playing of national anthem by various band contingents.

Speaking at the occasion, N. Biren observed that people need to march forward together with an objective to achieve progress and development of the State by forgetting all the differences and past mistakes.

He urged all concerned to resolve the issues through talks if they have any dissatisfaction with the initiatives being taken up by the present government.

Celebration of the country’s Independence Day and paying homage to the martyrs and freedom fighters, who gifted freedom to the current generation, would be meaningful and bear fruit only when people concentrate on accomplishing their tasks and objectives with a strong sense of patriotism by forgetting all the differences.

He also appealed to the public to put in collective effort to make Manipur a peaceful and strong State having egalitarian development.

Though Manipur had also achieved many milestones of development being a part of the vast and strong India in the past 70 years, the State still needs to work hard to enhance the State’s economy and improve connectivity infrastructures, communication and conditions of children and women etc., he said.

Mentioning the achievements of the newly formed BJP-led coalition government, the chief minister said that the government had successfully resolved UNC’s economic blockade and the stir of JAC Against Anti-Tribal Bills within a short period of time.

He also said the government has a firm commitment to bring equal development in all parts of the State to regain emotional integrity between hill and valley.

Admitting that the current financial health of the State is not that good, the chief minister informed the gathering that the State government had started taking up necessary measures to maintain financial prudence and improve resource mobilisation.

Effective implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) is an important step towards this end, he added.

Earlier, he took salute from 43 march-past contingents of BSF, CRPF, Assam Police, civil police, India Reserve Battalion, Manipur Fire Service, Home Guards and VDF personnel, NCC Cadets, Government Department employees and college and school students.

Commandant of 3rd IRB, Thokchom Vikramjit Singh, was the parade commander.

Eleven band platoons of different security forces, Home Guards and Sainik School also took part in the march past.

The chief minister later decorated two police officers with President’s Police Medal for distinguished service and presented Police Medal for meritorious service to 20 personnel.

Recipients of the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service were: A Ghanashyam Sharma, (Dy. SP of Imphal West) and jemadar Bisham Dev Thakur of MPTC, Pangei while the recipients of Police Medal for Meritorious Service were H. Gyaneshwar, (Dy. CO of 7th MR), inspector T Sanatomba Singh (CID SB), inspector Kh. Shashi Kumar Singh (CID SB), inspector O. Jibonchandra Singh (CID Security), inspector Palmei Shantikumar Kabui (CID Security), inspector A.S Masongam Shimray (Senapti), subedar T.S Chamna Anal (8th Bn. Manipur Rifles), inspector Th. Nilamani Singh (Noney district), sub-inspector S. Guni Singh (CID SB), sub-inspector Kh. Debananda (CID SB), jemadar Th. Bharatchandra Singh (1st IRB), assistant sub-inspector N. Dilip Singh (CID SB), assistant sub-inspector O. Achoubi Devi (CID SB), Havildar Y. Manglemjao Singh (MPTC), Havildar Lunkhosei Haokip (2nd MR), Havildar R.K Sarat (2nd MR), Havildar Md. Rahimuddin (2nd MR), head constable L. Khamba Singh (Imphal West), rifleman Mangjathang Haokip (MPTC) and rifleman Kh. Babudhon (MPTC).

The chief minister also presented Police Trophy for community service and Police Trophy for anti-drug campaign for the first time from this year at the function.

The award included a trophy, a cash reward of Rs. 20,000 and a chief minister’s commendation certificate.

Ministers, MLAs, top civil, police and military officers, government employees and general public also took part in the celebration.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 16

A public meeting organised by the National Sports University Haraothel Protection Committee (NSUHPC) today demanded that the government should carry out social impact assessment from the respective villagers if the government wants to take up a project or scheme.

The public meeting held at Haraothel ground.

The meeting was attended by representatives from 26 civil society organisations (CSOs) of the state.

After a long deliberations among the various CSOs, working chairman of NSUHPC, Irengbam Ranjan Singh said the meeting resolved not to compromise those who try to obstruct building National Sports University at Haraothel.

The land for construction of the university has been donated by the people of Senjam Khunou, Senjam Chirang and Koutruk.