Month: October 2017

IMPHAL | Oct 6

A team of district police commando, Imphal West arrested one cadre of PREPAK-VC in a search operation at Keishampat Aheibam Leikai, said a release by PRO police.

It said, the arrested cadre was identified as Sapam Tiken alias Momocha alias Siroy (30), son of (Late) Sapam Deven Singh of Keishampat Aheibam Leikai. A case has been registered at Imphal police station and investigation is going on.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | Oct 6

A memorandum of understanding was inked today by the Kuki Inpi including all civil society organizations of Kangpokpi with Bhartia Infra Project Limited, the agency responsible for construction of NH-2 between Kuki Taphou to Koubru Laikha.

The Kuki SoO UGs and the Indo-Kuki tripartite political dialogue entities under United People’s Front, one of the conglomerates of various Kukis were present in the written acknowledgment for strengthening of existing pavements on National Highway – 2.

The acknowledgement of the Kuki UGs under UPF said we shall provide full cooperation to avoid unnecessary disturbances in our areas of operation throughout the construction period and provided security and protection to all machineries and labourers.

It also requests the concerned company to begin the construction work at the earliest in the larger interest of the general populace.

Considering the sincere commitment guaranteed by the Bhartia Infra Project Limited for finer road condition which the people never experience before, the Kuki Inpi and CSOs also ensure to extend all possible help for the safety and protection of the Bhartia Infra Project Limited workers during the construction period.

The Kuki Inpi further instructed all the village chiefs more particularly towards those situated along the national highway to ensure safety and protection of the BIPL workers and render assistance in their construction activities at anytime including day or late night.

It asked all the residents of Kangpokpi district more particularly residents residing along the National Highway to extend maximum cooperation and assistant to the BIPL officials and workers and directed to take ensuring their safety and protection as well as maintaining cordial environment with them as an mandatory duties and responsibility in the interest of all.

However, the Kuki Inpi on behalf of all CSOs cautioned that anyone defying the directives of the Kuki Inpi and CSOs and found indulging in creating unnecessary disturbances to the construction workers shall be sternly dealt with and the concerned person(s) shall take sole responsible for any action taken by the Kuki Inpi and CSOs.

A BIPL official assured that the company will not compromise on quality and assured to provide the best road condition which no company had earlier presented.

However, the BIPL official said that it will instantly leave the site in case of disturbances from any section and shift to a safe site where there will be no disturbances.

He also said that the BIPL will work as per Engineering Procurement Construction [EPC] mode which is a popular model being adopted globally in many projects like road construction, roof-top solar projects, etc. while adding that highway in India projects are being implemented through EPC model.

The MoU inked between the BIPL and Kuki Inpi including all CSOs said that both the party agreed to work hand in hand over the construction of National Highway -2, Mao-Imphal section from Km.263.00 – 287.00 (Kuki Taphou – Koubru Laikha) on EPC Mode in Manipur.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 6

The 49 battalion and 54 battalion BSF under the aegis of sector head quarters BSF counterinsurgency (Ops) Koirengei, Imphal, Manipur is organizing second “BSF martyrs half marathon” on October 22.

Speaking to media persons at the battalion head quarter 49 BSF, Koirengei, H. Subhol Singh, commandant (Ops) sector headquarters BSF CI (Ops), said the marathon is organized to commemorate the valiant deeds and supreme sacrifices made by brave soldiers of BSF from Manipur, who had attained martyrdom by sacrificing their precious lives while maintaining unity, integrity and sovereignty of the nation as well as fighting against anti-national elements/militants, naxals on active duty.

He said male students of any school of Manipur in the age group 12 to 16 years are eligible to participate in the half marathon of 10 kms run which will be organised at Impal city.

Informing that there will be handsome cash for winners, he said all the students as per eligible criteria are invited to participate in BSF martyrs’ half marathon to honour BSF martyrs from Manipur and their families.

The commandant appealed to the people of Manipur to extend their co-operation particularly the parents by encouraging their wards to participate in the marathon.

He further observed that the marathon will not only encourage the sporting spirits in the state but also help honour the martyrs and families of the BSF men.

The 10-km-run will start from Khuman Lampak main stadium and pass through North AOC (along NH-2), Khongnang Ani Karak, Chingmeirong and finishing point is at the BSF campus Koirengei.

Entry forms will be available at 49 battaltion BSF, Koirengei, 54 battalion BSF Loktak, STC BSF Churachandpur, BSFP Posts in high court complex/capital and administrative block of director, youth affairs and sports, Khuman Lampak from October 7 onwards and the last date of form submission is October 17 at 49 BSF Koirengei.

From Our Correspondent

THOUBAL | Oct 6

For the 5th general panchayat election to be conducted by Manipur State Election Commission tomorrow, Thoubal district is all prepared to make the election peaceful and fair.  

There will be only female polling personnel conducting election at five polling stations duties which will be a distinctive feature of the election for Thoubal district.

Polling personnel assigned at several locations under the district set off towards their assigned polling stations from Thoubal DC complex this morning.

Deputy commissioner, L. Nabakishwar appealed the public to cast their votes by their own choices and not under the influence of others.   

Out of 310 polling stations under the district, the five polling stations where only female personnel have been assigned are 6/13/3- Khangabok Higher Secondary School, 6/13/6 – KM Blooming School, 6/13/7 – Khangabok Sorok Wangma Primary School, 6/13/8 – New Ideal Club Khangabok and 6/21/1 Wangbal Junior High School.

For the peaceful and smooth conduct of the election, a control room was set for providing information to the public as well as to prevent unwanted incidents. Its number is 03848-222663.

IMPHAL | Oct 6

Maoist Communist Party said that the preparation to start the week-long mega protest in order to save the indigenous people from November 11 to 18 is in full swing. 

Khurai Ahongpung and Mongba Hanba sites will be given back to the people as a part of the week long mega protest, said a release signed by coordinator, standing committee, Kyonghan Mangang.

The organisation does not get involved in matters related to faith, it said. However, the decisions taken by the organisation are against domination, it added. The mentioned sites have been kept under domination by non-locals for generations, it continued adding the decision was made against it.

The agitations will begin from 6 pm of November 11 in which all the streets, lanes and roadways will be blocked by the public, it continued. If the government does not take up any step to save the indigenous people by the midnight of November 16, then the public will storm the chief minister office, Manipur legislative Assembly, governor office and Manipur police head quarter on the early morning of November 17 and achieve its goal of saving the indigenous people, it said.  

The party has appealed to the people from Khurai area and those who are willing to save Mongba hanba site to be prepared for the mega protest, it further said.

On the other hand, the party welcomes the statement by United NGO Mission Manipur that they are not against the movement, it said. However, the claim made by the convenors of UNMM that the party has not tried to contact any of them is a blatant lie at the face of Manipuris, it said.

The organisation had tried multiple times to contact the leader of UNMM, U. Nobokeshor on his mobile that ends with the digits, 2626, it said adding several efforts were also made to contact the leader of Women Action for Development.

Therefore, it would be wiser for Nobikeshor and WAD to accept their mistakes to UNMM and the people of Manipur within the given time, it said. Unnecessary provocations are not desired by the party, it said adding if they do not stop speaking lies and continue denying their mistakes, the organisation will not take responsibility for the outcome.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 6

The All Manipur Student’s Union (AMSU) today shutdown the director’s room and museum of the Tribal Research Institute (TRI), Imphal.

Speaking to media persons AMSU vice-president, Laishram Peter said that the N. Pikeshwor got selected in the MPSC examination for the deputy director of TRI and has also completed the police verification and medical fitness test.

But tribal affairs and hills, commissioner, T. Panmei did not give the appointment order to Pikeshwor, instead he is trying to appoint his relative, one Gaikhamsin Riamei who did not even appear in the said examination, he added.

Moreover, the commissioner has created two posts (administrative officer and research officer) and has given them to two individuals who are very close to him, he added.

The vice-president said regarding the appointment of TRI deputy director, AMSU has already asked and given ultimatum till October 5 to review the appointment of the post and issuance of the appointment letter to Pikeshwor. However, till now the department has not taken any step, he charged.

Such action of the commissioner is against the public and also to tarnish the image of the present government, which is “truly working” for the welfare of the public, added Peter.

He said director’s room and museum will be closed until the department reviews the appointment of deputy director and issuance of appointment letter to the eligible candidate, announced the vice-president.

IMPGHAL | Oct 6

The president of Aimol Tribe Union, Manipur (ATUM), S. Munthuireng denied the false propaganda created in local newspapers and media houses by one self-proclaimed president named RT. Akhel Aimol about the present scenario of Aimol villages and Pallel areas of Tengnoupal district.

A release said, there have not been any sort of alleged criminal activities like, demands, extortion or ransom upon the villagers of the areas. The claim by RT. Akhel about Aimol villagers being employed in NSCM (IM) is totally baseless. The propaganda is just to put the lives of innocent Aimol villagers at risk, it added.

Aimol community has its own union office at Aimol Tampak with complete staff and election commission. The person, R. T. Akhel was elected as vice-president of Kuki Inpi, Manipur (KIM) on May 17 and he has no relation with Aimol community, said the release.

From Our Correspondent

THOUBAL | Oct 6

A vehicle was burnt down yesterday after an altercation occurred amongst the workers of two candidates, prior to the 5th general panchayat election to be held tomorrow. 

According to police sources, the incident took place at Salungfam Mamang Leikai, Soibam Leirak under Heirok Police Station.

Around 10: 50 pm yesterday, some workers of the candidate Kangabam Bobby from Aripat, who is a candidate for Lourembam zilla parishad, came by a Bolero at Salungam village campaigning for the election.   

They were stopped by the workers of Sapam Manihar, a candidate from Salungfam for the reason campaigning must not be carried out at the wrong time. An altercation took place between the two parties which led an angry mob to burn down the vehicle in which the workers of Bobby came by.

A case has been filled by Heirok PS regarding the incident.

Next round of talk on Nov. 10, Imphal venue proposed

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 6

The fourth round of tripartite talks on district creation issue was held today at DRDA hall Senapati district headquarters between the government of India, government of Manipur and United Naga Council (UNC).

During the talk the UNC raised their objection to the constitution of boundary commission by the state Government. The state Government representatives agreed to place the objection raised by UNC, before the state government for further consideration.

The boundary commission was constituted in June following objections raised by the UNC.

It was also agreed that the previous proceedings will be upheld by the party concerned.

Today’s talks was chaired by Satyendra Garg, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India while the state Government was represented by agriculture, veterinary and animal husbandry minister, V. Hangkhanlian, tribals and hill areas development and fisheries minister N. Kayisii and education and Labour minister Thokchom Radheshyam Singh, Additional Chief Secretary, Dr. J.Suresh Babu and Commissioner (Works), K. Radhakumar. The 11-member UNC side was led by its President Gaidon Kamei.

The next round of tripartite talk will be held on November 10.

Additional chief secretary, Dr. J. Suresh Babu, Commissioner (Works), K. Radhakumar and joint secretary (NE), MHA, Government of India were the official representatives of the Government.

UNC was represented by its president Gaidon Kamei, general secretary, UNC, S. Milan, President, All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur and President, Naga Women’s Union, Asha Wungnam.

Leaders from various civil organizations of Nagas were also present in today’s Tripartite Talk.

In a related development Indrakumar Soibam, secretary general of Siva Sena state unit, said that the tripartite talk is suspicious and seems to have a hidden agenda.

“UNC has clear agenda that there is no rollback of their stand on newly created districts. UNC has links with NSCN-IM and it knows about the framework agreement. Even the central government knows. Then what is the use of state government participating in this talk,” he asked.

The next talk should be held only between the state and the central government, he reiterated.

Meanwhile, Pherzawl District Development Committee (PDDC) has said that the creation of seven new districts in Manipur is a milestone in the history of Manipur and the people of Pherzawl district appreciate the government for the creation and steps to develop it.

A statement issued by its chairman, H.K. Joute said that PDDC which was formed to spearhead the demand for the development of Pherzawl district fully understands the sentiments and emotions behind the stand of the United Naga Council (UNC) on the seven new districts.

It said that PDDC is well aware of the issues concerning the current stand of UNC with regard to apparently “haywired” political structure and environment structure in the state.

“However, in spite of understanding fully the issues and concerns of the Naga peoples of Manipur as voiced by its apex body, we ask the UNC to tune in to the sentiments and aspirations of the people of the newly formed Pherzawl district”, it added.

It further said, “While there is no question that the UNC is genuinely concerned about the welfare and protection of tribal rights, it is also to be understood that consensus needs to be taken from all tribal communities. As often happens, while intentions may be good, outcomes necessarily are, especially when all stakeholders’ aspirations and views are not in tandem.”

“Whilst many of the newly formed districts may surprise many, the people of Pherzawl district on the other hand have been strongly demanding a district and as such came as no surprise. It is in fact the crux of our aspirations and as such, we have no cause for complaints for better or for worse”, it added.

It further appealed to all dry and sundry to desist from including Pherzawl district in their demands for rollback.   

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 6

Tamenglong and Longmai Districts Citizens’ Welfare Forum has called a bandh on October 11 from 6am to 6pm along the national highway-37 (Imphal-Jiribam road) and halt to all national projects working along the highway.

Speaking to media persons today at Manipur Press Club, Imphal the forum’s president, Rangam Thoitak said that the Tamenglong Autonomous District Council (ADC) is currently in defunct.

He said a memorandum was submitted to the chief minister N. Biren on September 24 and the forum’s ultimatum yesterday.

But till today the government has not taken up any action so the forum has decided to call 12 hour bandh on the national highway-37, added the president.

Thoitak said the delay in making a full fledged ADC has caused immense sufferings to the public indirectly or directly.

He added since the local-self government is not there the public cannot approach any of their representatives for their problem.

There is the issue of fuel adulteration, shortage of LPG in Tamei area as benefits of PMUY schemes are not made available to the people of Tamei and frequent accidents on national highway-37 are taking place, continued Thoitak.

Mentioning yesterday’s accident that took place between Khongsang and Rengpang that cazused injuries to two persons, the president said that the forum extends its full support to the Nungba Area Joint Committee to book the culprits at the earliest and rectify the negligence of the highway task force.

He asked “who will receive the chief minister when he visits Tamenglong if there is no local self governance in Tamenglong?”

The forum warned of shutting down of all government offices beginning from district administration if the government still fails to redress the exigency of the burning public issue.

Longpi village chairman, Kailal Gangte who attended the press meet appealed to the government to hand over the NFSA agent of Longpi area to the Longpi Area Chiefs’ Association.