Day: August 27, 2017

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 27

The Manipur Commission for Protection for Child Rights (MCPCR) has today sent a reminder to the deputy general of Keystone Infra Private limited for opening an alternative to Tinseed roads Khurai failing which it warned of legal action.

A three member of the commission earlier visited two schools namely Mega Manipur School, Yaralpat Tinseed Road and Shihu Nistha Niketan, Moirangkampu Shajab, Imphal East, which have been badly affected by the flood and recurrent landslides on July 13 and as result both the schools have been closed down in several occasions.

Mega Manipur School was closed down for a long time since there were a series of landslides, which blocked and made vehicular movement impossible on the Yaralpat Tinseed road. The school is just adjacent to Chingkhei Ching, where the pipe laying works for water supply of Mapithel Dam is presently being carried out.

Similarly, Shishu Niketan School, which also uses the Tinseed faced a grim road communication problems, due to shrinking of a 100 metre long roads portion leading to the school. As the collapsed road was caved in 15 feet deep vehicular movements along the road became impossible which resulted in the closure of the school since July 10.

Subsequent upon the finding during its visit the commission submitted its recommendation to the chief secretary of Manipur including the Key Stone Company to immediately reopen an existing approach road called “Yaral Konjitl”, to be used as an alternative road, in order to evade possible land and mud slide accidents at Chingkei Ching road areas.

However, the commissioned pointed that the construction company has not been taken up any positive action.

It said the non-compliance made the condition of the road extremely unsafe for school going children and general public as there is high risk of health hazards and possible accidents.

It further pointed out that during dry season the road is often clouded with dust and muddy during rainy season.

The commission reminding the authority concerned to comply with its (MCPCR) recommendation to avoid any legal action in the interest of the school children and the public.

Newmai News Network

SENAPATI |Aug 27

“Nagas have been suppressed and ill-treated for a long time by others. But these suppressions have made us stronger”, said UNC president, Gaidon Kamei speaking at the observation of the 69th Anniversary of Naga Martyrs’ Day at Mao Gate in Senapati district today.

 The UNC president urged the Nagas to remain united.

The programme was organised by Mao Council under the aegis of the (UNC) to honour Asiisii Hepuni of Punanamei, Mahriili Lohrii and Modo Kholi, both of Kalinamei who were shot dead on the spot and Daikho Hesho of Chowainamai Khullen and Obow Adani of Punanamei who were grieviously wounded and later succumbed to bullet injuries from the indiscriminate firings of the Assam Rifles and Manipur police force on August 27, 1948.

According to an earlier paper prepared by the UNC, the observation is in respectful memory and honour of those who suffered and made the ultimate sacrifice for the integration of all Nagas over sixty six years ago during the “No-Tax campaign”.

 Being a landmark in the history of political movement of the Nagas in Manipur in particular and all Nagas in general, the observation of “Martyrs’ Day” was taken up by the UNC with the Mao Council as the local organising committee since 27th August 2005, the UNC paper added.

 The UNC paper also stated that to the dismay of the Nagas, against their wishes to live together with their brethren of the Naga Hills of the then Assam, the government of India decided to grant a Legislative Assembly in Manipur. At this juncture, F. F. Pearson, President, Manipur State Darbar hurriedly constituted the Manipur State Constitution and the Manipur State Hill Peoples (Administration) Regulation Drafting Committee to work out an interim administrative arrangement for Manipur before the lapse of the British Paramountcy.

 “A. Daiho and Mr. Tiankham, representatives of hill tribes in the Committee pointed out that the draft constitution should incorporate the following clause – “the principle of equality and freedom as applied to all without distinction of caste, creed and race shall include the right of any section of hill people to secede at the end of five years period should the condition within the constitution not be satisfactory”, it read.

Both of them made it clear that if the clause was not incorporated they would not be party to the constitution. When the draft Constitution was submitted to the Maharaja of Manipur on May 15, 1947, F. F. Pearson, Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee, drew the particular and personal attention of the Maharaja to the dissension of the representatives of the hill tribes,” it added.

 In spite of the democratic demand for consolidation of contiguous Naga areas under one administrative unit and the explicit opposition to the Manipur State Draft Constitution by the tribe representatives, the General Election under the Manipur State Constitution Act 1947 was held in June 1948. The Nagas boycotted the election.

 It may be recalled the “No Tax Camoaign” was launched when Maharaj Kumar Priyobrata Singh was the chief minister of Manipur. The Nagas in Manipur refused to pay the annual House Tax to the Government of Manipur and under the aegis of the Naga National League (NNL) submitted their annual house tax to Charles Pawsey, D.C. of Naga Hills of Assam at Kohima, the UNC paper mentioned.

Meanwhile, several organisations including the All Naga Students’ Association Manipur (ANSAM), Naga People’s Organisation (NPO) and several other organisations attended today’s programme.

A tribute note from ANSAM said, “We also pay respect to and all the victims of brutalities of the day”. It further said that the Nagas’ movement is stronger because of their sacrifices. “We urge all to give their best efforts for Naga unity as unity is the only weapon for us to win peace,” the ANSAM message added.

Naga Women Union (NWU) in its message said, “It is a privilege for all of us to work in their footsteps on this day. We also remember their families. We thank you to share their life and you are in our prayers.”

Students reaffirm pledge to safeguard peoples’ rights

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 27

A mass rally was taken out today from Pishum Chingamacha till D.M. College campus as a part of observing the 52nd Hunger Marchers Day (Chaklam Khongchat Numit) organised by All Manipur Students Union.

Floral tributes were paid to the martyrs who had sacrificed their live fighting against the artificial famine created by the then government during August 1965 at Students martyrs’ complex, Pishum and the flag of the student body was hoisted.

Speaking at the main function at D.M. College multipurpose hall as chief guest, former AMSU president, Ningthoujam Brojendro said that the unfortunate incident had given birth to AMSU which is an independent student organisation and one of the oldest organisations in the Northeast.

The basic ideology of AMSU is to safeguard the rights of the people and to stand firm against any attempt to violate these rights.

“From the past the government had tried to keep the students body under its control. But the former dedicated leaders of AMSU have been fruitful in maintaining its autonomy. And AMSU as a student body will forever remain independent”, he said. 

The former president lamented that in recent times there has been sharp divide between the students’ organisations functioning in the state. “Diverse viewpoints and ideas on the basis of ideology is a different matter. But what is unfortunate is the divide growing out of petty politics”, he added.   

Brojendro said that development cannot be brought in a society does not know its history first so he asked the youths to master the knowledge of the history of the state.

Brojendro continued that knowing of the state’s history will also increase patriotism among the youths of the state. We must also keep in our minds that the merging of Manipur into the Indian Union was carried out under ‘forced agreement’, he maintained.

President of the function, AMSU president Manjit Sarangthem said that the state’s social and political condition is becoming worse day by day. Earlier Manipur did not depend on others state or country for food but presently most of the food products are imported from outside the states, he added.

Manjit continued that people getting panic for scarcity of food and fuel during highway blockades is an example of rising sense of dependency.  

During the British colonial period the people of hills and valley had a very cordial relationship. After merger to India it seems the relation is not as good like the past and it is happening due to some external force, he added.

The president said, “Our society should be built by ourselves and not by others” and he asked all the people of the state to be united to make a strong society.

 The function was attended by AMSU former president, A. Manisana and AMSU former general secretary, Chungsat Khongsai as guest of honour. It may be recalled that on this day four students namely, Nilkamal, L. Chaobal, Oinam Naba Kumar and N. Promodini Devi died in police action.

Jiri News Network

JIRIBAM | Aug 27

The All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU), district committee, Jiribam today observed the 52nd Hunger Marches day popularly known as ‘Chaklam Khongchat’, remembering the August 27, 1965 mass movement and protest against artificial famine in the state.

The day’s observation began since early morning with hymns in the name of the four martyrs who lost their lives during the movement.

A rally was carried out holding the palanquin with photographs of Nilkamal, L. Chaobal, Oinam Naba Kumar and N. Promodini Devi who died in 1965 movement of Manipur. The rally moved though Jiribam bazaar and then proceeded toward NH-37 and from I. B. Leikai point the rally twisted and backed to the same Jiribam Higher Secondary school campus.

Later during the formal observation, a large number of people including students offered floral tributes to the portraits of the four martyred students.

As part of the observation, a programme was held at the auditorium of Jiribam Higher Secondary school.

The programme was attended by former president of AMSU Jiri Branch, L. Projit Singh as chief guest, president of Jiribam AMSU, district committee, Yurembam Sanjiv Singh as functional president and the guests of honour were former president of AMSU, district committee, L. Romen Singh, president of Jiri Development Organisation, Mutum Hemanta Mangang, president of JIMPAL, H. Mema Devi and chairman of Borobekra Sub Division Organisation, P. Jiten Singh.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 27

A one day consultation on “Criminal Justice System in Manipur and AFSPA, 1958” was held today at Classic Hotel, Imphal.

The programme was jointly organised by North East Dialogue Forum, Youth Forum for Protection of Human Rights and People for Human Rights and Climate Change.

Speaking as resource person, advocate Ahanthem Romen highlighted that ample provisions are provided in Indian constitution to safeguard the rights of the women. “Under the said provisions, any slight attempt to breach these rights of women can be severely deal with”, he said. 

The former police officer continued that investigation process of any crime scene in the state is mostly done without any forensic expertise and it is very informal. Such action leads to more unnecessary consumption of time in the investigation process, he added.

Romen suggested that keeping a reward for fast and good investigation will be helpful in making the police to concentrate in their investigation. 

LMS Law College, guest lecturer, Sapam Dilip speaking as resource person said that the judgment of the Supreme Court regarding the fake encounter cases gives a new hope for justice.

He appealed to the Meira Paibees and other civil bodies to give maximum cooperation to the special investigating team of the fake encounter cases so that justice can be done to those who have been killed on false charges.

A good administrator of a democratic country has to run the country by the rule of law but not ‘to be ruled by law’, he added. 

Leihaothabam Saratchandra, political analyst, U. Nobokishore, secretary of United NGOs Mission Manipur and Meihoubam Rakesh, state unit director Human Rights Law Network also spoke on the occasion as resource persons.

IMPHAL | Aug 27

There will be no power supply in the area fed by Assembly-1 feeder from Imphal Power House on August 28 from 10 am to 2 pm as the feeder is planned to shut down for a preventive maintenance, said a release by DGM, IED-1, MSPDCL.

It further said the area fed by Ghari feeder from Sangaiporou sub-station will also have no power supply on the same day from 11 am to 3 pm as the feeder is planned to shut down for HT pole shifting and line stringing at Kwakeithel Laishram Leikai.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 27

A team of Manipur state disaster management authority (SDMA) led by its vice chairman Adim Pamei today inspected devastation caused by flash flood on Saturday in Senapati district.

The SDMA vice chairman was accompanied by deputy commissioner Senapati, SDO Tadubi and other officials.

The team inspected villages affected by the flood including the Compassionate Children Ministries (CCM) a children home at Kathiko Karong, wherein 120 children were displaced as a result of the flood. The 120 children of the CCM are currently taking refuge at the Unique Girls hostel.

It is learnt that under the initiative of the DC, SP and civil organisations of the districts, immediate relief material was provided to the children of the CMM.

It has been informed that besides the boarding for children there are quarters of the teaching and non-teaching staffs bringing the total number of the CMM family to 140.

However, almost all the properties including infrastructures within the campus were totally ravaged by the flood and leaving behind nothing to salvage from.

Athem Muivah, DC Senapati said that altogether 35 bags of rice have been distributed for the flood affected areas besides other basic essential items.

He further informed that the state bank of Senapati also extended help by providing essential items and Rs. 35 thousands in cash for the flood victims.

The team also inspected other areas in the Senapati district headquarters including Viewland, Yapao colony where houses were destroyed by mud brought down by the torrential rain.

Moreover, sensitive areas where there could be possible landslide or mudslide was inspected within the district headquarter.

Adim Pamei, speaking on the sidelines of the inspection said that an initial report have been communicated by the concerned district administration.

He informed that altogether 22 houses were severely damaged by mudslides and storm in Chakamai, 8 houses in Viewland, several others in Makhan village etc. besides leaving behind trial of destruction of crops and other properties.

Adim asserted that the situation of Senapati will be briefed to the chief minister, who is the chairman of the SDMA, so that necessary action can be taken to help the flood affected people.

He further informed about the prevailing situation of the National Highway 2 which has been cut off due to landslides occurring in many places.

IMPHAL | Aug 27

The proscribed umbrella organisation, CorCom of different outfits operating in the state is all set to pay revolutionary homage to “Athouba,” Haipou Jadonang on his 86th death anniversary that falls on August 29.

Our forefathers have protected our sovereignty, culture and traditions from the hands of foreign invaders and passed down a way of living our lives independently, said a release signed by media co-ordinator, Ksh. Yoiheiba.

One such forefather who maintained such traditions with pride and gave his life earnestly, without fear for the sake of freedom was Haipou Jadonang, who was born in Zeilangrong community, it said.

After the defeat of Manipur in the Anglo – Manipur War, 1891, the British Raj started implementing its “Divide and Rule” policy by creating a demarcation of Hill and Valley between the people, it further said. Many patriots were sentenced to death and many exiled, it added.

During this horrendous, conflicting era of colonial rule, Haipou Jadonang was born in 1905 in Manipur (Kangleipak) at Kambiron village, Tamenglong district to his parents Thiudai Malangmei and Tabonliu, it continued.  

Upon seeing the oppressions of the British Empire and schemes of Christian missionaries to obliterate the culture and traditions of Zeliangrong community, Jadonang started the war for freedom, it further said.  The British Empire soon felt the influence of Jadonang spreading like wild fire amongst other communities, and arrested him on February 19, 1931 at Cachar, it continued. He was hung to death on August 29, 1931, it added.

Even though the colonial rule of British Empire was over, Manipur have fallen again into the colonial rule of India, it further said adding the unity of hilly and valley people are on the verge of collapsing completely under the oppressive regime of India.

On the 86th death anniversary of Haipou Jadonang, CorCom prays to Tingkao Ragwang to let the people realize that unity is the only possible means to save this endangered community from the colonial rule of India, it added.

By A Staff Reporters

IMPHAL | Aug 27

Cyber Crime Unit, Imphal West today arrested one fraudulent person who was accused of offering job appointment to others by acting as chief minister’s PRO. A sum of Rs. 95,000 was recovered at the time of arrest.

The person was identified as Nameirakpam Abung Singh (36), son of (Late) N. Bihari Singh of Ningthoukhong Mayai Leikai, Ward No. 9, Bishnupur district.

According to police sources, Abung admitted to have taken Rs. 75,000 and Rs. 8 lakhs from two different women in the month of July by promising them to offer jobs in JNIMS. He had offered job appointments to many other persons in various posts at different departments of state government through phone calls from mobile number 8258843617. He was arrested from his residence today at 1:10 pm by a team of Cyber Crime Unit, Imphal West led by SI K. Abhijeet Singh and a team of Narcotic Cell, Imphal West.

IMPHAL | Aug 27

For the first time Manipur film artists will present special live performance on September 9 at Iboyaima Shumang Lila Shanglen as a part of fund drive for Cine Actors’ Guild Manipur in connection with the celebration of its 12th foundation day.

Speaking to media persons, the guild’s president, T. Lokendro said that the actors’ body was formed for the welfare and development mostly for Manipur cinema, to make cultural ethos reflect in Manipuri film and to encourage members to participate in social activities.

As the guild has no source of income, fund drive has become one of the priorities for many activities of the guild, he added.

IMPHAL | Aug 27

For the first time Manipur film artists will present special live performance on September 9 at Iboyaima Shumang Lila Shanglen as a part of fund drive for Cine Actors’ Guild Manipur in connection with the celebration of its 12th foundation day.

Speaking to media persons, the guild’s president, T. Lokendro said that the actors’ body was formed for the welfare and development mostly for Manipur cinema, to make cultural ethos reflect in Manipuri film and to encourage members to participate in social activities.

As the guild has no source of income, fund drive has become one of the priorities for many activities of the guild, he added.