Month: December 2017

IMPHAL | Dec 9

Centre for Research and Advocacy, Manipur (CRAM) has urged the government of India and the state government to respect and promote the human rights of all indigenous peoples of Manipur as guided by the provision of the UDHR.  

A release said CRAM is making the appeal on the occasion of the 69th anniversary of the adoption of the UN declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) on December 10. CRAM would like to express their concern with the continued imposition of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, AFSPA, 1958, that derogates non derogable rights, like the ‘Right to Life’, ‘Right to Justice Remedy’, etc, it said. CRAM also expressed their concern regarding the singing up of MoUs to commence mining operations in Manipur on December 2 at the sidelines of North East Business Summit in Imphal without any details of the MoUs to the people, the release further said.

As recommended by various UN Human Rights bodies, the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958, should be repealed, it continued. The full implementation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the UN declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples 2007 is critical to advance indigenous peoples rights and their self-determined rights over the land and resources, it added.  

By the Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 9

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) formed against the acid attack on M. Menaka, today threatened to launch series of agitation if the authority concerned fails to fulfil their demands within seven days.

Speaking to media persons at Manipur press club, convener of the JAC, Naorem Mahendra, urged the government to take serious initiatives by delivering justice at the earliest citing the gravity of the crime.

It is the responsibility of all the stake holders to bring out an ultimate solution so that such brutal incident, which is the first of its kind in the state, may not recur, he added.

Maintaining that the incident was equivalent to an attempted murder, the JAC convener further demanded the authority award severest form of punishment to the accused involved in the crime.

The convener also further demanded the authority to extend financial assistance to the victim, who is a mother of two children, until she fully recovers.

He warned to take up series of agitation with the help of civil society organizations, if the government fails to convert the demands into action within seven days.

Mahendra further appealed to all the civil organisations of Manipur to extend their supports in the course of step taken up by the JAC.

Menaka was allegedly attacked on the night November 29, by Md. Shahdad alias Tomba, using acid.

In connection with the incident three including Md. Shahdad were arrested by the police.

The Joint action committee formed against the incident today organised sit-in protest demonstration at citizen club today strongly condemning the incident at Citizens club, Imphal.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 9

Principal of Lilong Haoreibi College, Lilong Ushoipokpi, Thoubal district, Md. Sahidur Rahman has clarified in a press meet held today at Manipur Press Club that the allegation made by student’s union of the college is baseless.

He stated that four college secretaries have already been expelled from the union for faking his signature and withdrawing Rs. 5 lakhs from the college fund. They also tried to withdraw Rs. 1 crore of MOBC scholarship by making fake signature without the consent of college authority, he added.

He also said that there is video proof of the culprits making fake signature of him and anyone can see the clip in the principal’s office.

‘Neither I have misused any college fund nor taken any extra fees at the time of verification of the scholarship form’, said Sahidur.

The principal strongly condemned the false allegation against him without proper evidence and stated that it is true that there is college fund at UBI Thoubal branch but the college also has its fund at other banks.

The college has two clerical staff and during the time of admission, other staffs were assigned to collect money in order to make the payment of fees easier, he added.

The college authority found that 130 students were given admission through fake signature of the principal.

The principal has released an order to expel the secretaries of the student union under article 16 (A), and they were identified as, general secretary, Md. Sabir Ahamed, magazine secretery, Md. Mutaveer Ahamed, finance secretary, Md. Sulpha, debate and extension secretary Md. Nurul Hassan and social and culture secretary, Kh. Asif Khan.

They have no power to use letter head, identity card and office seal, and an FIR has been filed against the students for further investigation, said Sahidur.

IMPHAL | Dec 9

Education, Labour and Employment minister, Thokchom Radheshyam has addressed that improvement of relationship between the doctors and patients is highly required for a better progressive functioning in the health sector.

The minister was speaking at the inauguration of the 33rd All Manipur Medical Conference (AMAMECON 2017), organised by the Indian Medical Association Manipur State Branch (IMA-MSB) at IMA Hall, Lamphelpat under the theme ‘Depression – Let’s Talk’.

Radheshyam said that every doctor hopes to fulfil the needs and requirements of the patients but at times things go out of hand. However, patients always feel that the sickness and worries will be cured once they reach doctor. They have high expectations on doctors, he added.

He continued that an act of kindness is a necessity to convince and console someone who is in need of care. Today’s conference is an opportunity to introspect and analyse various issues of patients and doctors and to overcome it for better functioning in the future, he added.

The minister further expressed his gratefulness on Manipur being in third position in the ranking of ‘Best Health Sector’ in a November edition of India Today magazine. The credit goes to the doctors and all those involved in the medical service, he added.

Describing the tremendous contribution of IMA, chairman of MANIDCO and MANITRON, Dr. Y. Radheshyam said that health is much more important than wealth and without good health there can be no progress, development and prosperity. He continued that depression is a major mental problem affecting the mood and function of an individual hampering the work progress, productivity and harmony of the family and the society. The conference will help in addressing the problem by looking ways and means of a cure, he added.

In the inaugural function, Dr. G. Sharat Sharma was felicitated and it was also attended by president of IMA-MSB, Dr. Kh. Sulochana Devi, chairman of Reception Committee, Dr. Brogen Singh Akoijam, along with other medical professionals and students.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | Dec 9

In a shocking incident, today an expectant mother was allegedly denied delivery at CHC, district hospital, Kangpokpi, over incomplete documents.

Lhingjoujam Lotzem (20), wife of Kamminlal Lotzem, a resident of Laikha was rushed to the district hospital, Kangpokpi, for a delivery case at around 11 pm. But she was allegedly denied service by the nurse on duty after the documents they had brought was reported to be incomplete.

They were also informed that an Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) had not accompanied along and that the pregnant mother had failed to undergo proper check-up during her pregnancy. Hence, such case cannot be accepted for delivery in the said hospital.

The sister-in-law of the expectant mother, Nengkhohoi admitted their ignorance and appealed for an appointment with a doctor, but she was denied.

Later, one of the doctors on duty examined the patient and gave an injection but still denied admission over the abovementioned factors.

The patient party having no alternate means halted the night at the hospital verandah till morning without any medical care on the part of the medical staffs and left in the morning with much disappointment.

The expectant mother reportedly delivered a baby at her sister’s residence while looking for alternative hospitals.

Speaking to media persons this afternoon at Kangpokpi, Nengkhohoi mentioned that as they stayed in the hospital verandah with the pregnant mother resting on the bench, they were hoping to get some hospitality and concern from the doctors and nurses, but none came to even inquire on them.

The family is worried about the child who has been born under such circumstance, and if any unfortunate incident befalls the child, the district hospital medical staff, particularly the doctors and nurses on duty will be held responsible, she added.

It was also reported that the nurse on duty is allegedly a substitute for another permanent nurse of the hospital and apparently many critical delivery cases as cited at CHC, Kangpokpi, had been referred to other hospitals. Mobile court was organised today at Jiribam district.

IMPHAL | Dec

Team of Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), a statutory body of ministry of Women and Child Development, government of India today called on Social Welfare and Cooperation minister Nemcha Kipgen at her office chamber at New Secretariat, Imphal to discuss on how to effectively promote legal adoption in Manipur.

The visiting team of CARA included its chairman, M. Ramchandra Reddy, OSD to chairman, Dr. Gundlapally Sreenu, members of its adoption committee, R.K. Pramodini and Annie Mangsatabam, amongst others who were part of the meeting.

Appreciating the visiting team for highlighting various concerns and issues to look into child adoption in Manipur, minister Nemcha Kipgen said that she deeply felt connected when it comes for the welfare of the children. She continued that children should be given much care and assured that whatever can be done from the side of state government, will be executed without much delay.

She also urged the team to initiate for the opening of the concern offices in the seven newly created districts so that children from every nook and corner will not be deprived of their basic rights.

The minister further assured that all the concern stakeholders like District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) and Child Welfare Committee (CWC) will soon be placed at the same office venue.

Nemcha stated that she felt privileged to interact with the team and also lauded Union cabinet minister for Women and Child Development, Maneka Gandhi, for initiating the progressive meeting for the welfare of the children of the state.

It may be mentioned that CARA is designated as the central authority to deal with inter-country adoptions in accordance with the provisions of the Hague Convention on Inter-country Adoption, 1993, ratified by government of India in 2003. It primarily deals with adoption of orphan, abandoned and surrendered children through its associated or recognised adoption agencies.

IMPHAL | Dec 9

The proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party KCP (MC – Progressive) said upon the arrival of International Human Rights day on December 10, the organisation sends blessings to the oppressed people of the state, to regain the power to reclaim their human rights.

A release signed by chairman Chingkhei said the people of Kangleipak had been turned into victims of human rights abuse even since the state fell into the clutches of colonial master India.  On December 10, 1948, it was declared by the United Nations General Assembly that every human being has the right to life, right to live in an independent society and economy, it said.  

The day is being observed by all as the international Human Rights Day, it continued.

In case of Manipur, its people are still suffering from human rights abuses still being inflicted by the colonial master, India, it alleged. The colonial India, even if she pretends to have love for the WESEA region, is still scheming for the complete obliteration of the indigenous people of WESEA, the release alleged. Moreover, the rights given by Indian constitution are like poison in the region, it added.   

The draconian law AFSPA, 1985 act allows the colonial forces to kill anybody on suspicion, it further said adding now they aim for making the WESEA region into a shield for India in case the country faces an attack from its neighbouring countries. The puppet government constantly puts a wedge in the relationship between hilly and valley people and turn them into enemies, the release alleged. The valley people are being seduced by festivals while the hilly people are being cajoled by packages.

Artificial festivals belonging to outsiders and non locals, which do not connect with the people, are being held countless times and have enchained the life of the people, it said.

Even if the people complain about the pathetic conditions of the roads, the puppet government has turned deaf ears, turning them into graveyards, it alleged. To subdue the production of local crops, rice has been distributed by the government cheaply on the price of Rs. 3 only, it added. 

To save oneself from the onslaught of the puppet government to obliterate the different communities of the state, one must know his rights as the only means of survival, it said. One’s rights must be decided by one’s language and script, faith, culture and traditions left by the ancestors, it said adding all should trace the origins of Kangleipak society and break the chains of the colonial India, to create a society safeguarded by one’s own human rights.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 9

Inspector general of police (administration), S. Ibomcha said that stern action will be taken against the supporters of the indefinite total shutdown called by police constable candidate of 2013 batch.

Briefing media persons today at his office chamber at Manipur police head quarter, Babupara, Imphal Ibomcha said that during the earlier meeting with the constable candidates, the chief minister has not given any assurance of declaring the result by December 9.

As there is a case pending in the High Court regarding the recruitment, the government cannot give any comment regarding the DPC, he added.

As per the High Court order the enquiry commission of the case headed by retired justice, M. Binoy which also includes IGP, Clay Khongsai, additional director Education S, Lathe Kom, Nadakumar  of RMSA and ST/DGCR Amir Lal, has to submit an  enquiry report on January 22, continued the IGP.

Ibomcha appealed to all the people of the state not to support the bandh called by the constable candidate and asked the government officials to attend their works.

He informed that notice has been served to the concerned SPs of all the districts informing them to take stern action against the protester.

It is pertinent to note that the All Manipur DPC completed candidate of police constable, male batch 2013 has imposed an indefinite shutdown from mid-night of December 10 following the alleged failure from the part of the government to declare the recruitment result by December 5.

On the other hand, showing their solidarity, the All Manipur DPC Completed Candidate Recruitment of Police Constable Male 2016, in a press release informed to give their full support the total shutdown in Bishnupur district.

From Our Correspondent

THOUBAL | Dec 9

At the public meeting organised by Heirok Block Congress Committee under the supervision of Manipur Pradesh Committee at Umang Laikon under Heirok part I, former chief minister, Okram Ibobi Singh said the public is still suspicious of the secrecy behind the framework agreement.

He said the agitations of the congress will continue as long as the contents of the framework agreement are not disclosed to the public.  The agitations are not being organised against any political party, or against the militant group NSCN- (IM), he stated. It is not for making political gains of the party or against the framework agreement itself which seeks to bring an everlasting resolution to the Naga issue, he added.

What the congress party has been demanding is that the terms on which the government of India and NSCN – (IM) have agreed upon, that has been included in the framework agreement be disclosed to the public, and not to keep it as a secret, he maintained. 

He further said the signing up of an agreement between two sides means that the two parties have agreed on certain terms. If both the parties do not agree with each other on specific terms, then there would be no signing up of the agreement, he said. The terms which has been agreed upon, are disclosed to the public and not kept in a secret manner, he said adding this is the practice conducted all over the world.

However, the agreement that was signed up on August 3, 2015 between the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and general secretary of NSCN – (IM), Th. Muivah and its contents have not been disclosed to the public and kept under secrecy in the past two years, he added.

If the contents of the agreement bring a permanent and peaceful solution to the issues of the Nagas, then it would be for the betterment of all and the congress party will support it, he said. However, if the agreement does something opposite, that may bring harm to other communities while trying to please another, and has the possibility of affecting the territorial integrity of Manipur, then congress party will face them, he assured.

Ibobi further said during president Ramnath Kovin’s visit at the state to attend Sangai Festival, a copy of the memorandum was handed over to the president, demanding disclosure of the contents of the framework agreement.

The president responded by saying “This is a political issue” and made no further reply, he continued. But we came to know that the president went to Nagaland afterwards and said to the public that the issue of Naga people will be resolved soon, he added.              

On the other hand, during the meeting that took place at Kolkatta between the chief ministers of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, and home minister, Rajnath, an assurance was given that the resolution of Naga issue will not affect the territorial integrity of the neighbouring states. However, when he gave the comment at Nagaland that “their demands will be given,” Ibobi said.

Such act of speaking something at Imphal and saying another at Nagaland, which is a double standard treatment of BJP leaders, is causing the people of Manipur to lose their sleep, he added.     

Speeches were given by T. Mangibabu, Kumari Tilotama and former representative of Hierok assembly constituency, former minister M. Okendro. The meeting was attended by thousands who arrived from several areas of Hierok.

IMPHAL | Dec 9

Chief minister, N. Biren Singh said that there is a strong need to dig out more inner potential and talents in the field of sports of the state and explore it to the world. This was stated by the CM at the closing function of the 11th Jadonang Memorial Football Tournament 2017 held at THAU Sports Complex, Thangmeiband, Imphal West.

Speaking as chief guest of the function, N. Biren said that sports helps in building real human relations and there is no religion, caste or creed in sports. Sports have a great value in promoting peace in the world, he added.

The CM also said that the government is trying its level best to complete the ongoing construction of various sports complex in the hill districts of the State. Under the recent initiative taken up by the government of India, playgrounds would be developed in each and every village to encourage sports in the country, he added.

Stating that football is becoming popular these days, N. Biren urged the organising committee to organise the tournament at larger scale to reach national level so that the tournament would have maximum exposure in the country.

Mentioning the demand made by the Zeliangrong Union for the construction of Sports Complex, he suggested the union to look for a suitable site for the construction of the complex, for which government would extend every possible help. The CM also said that the government would have a concrete discussion with the locals of the Thangmeiband area for the development of THAU ground such as construction of roofing, pavilion, artificial turf playing surface and others.

Biren stated that the Kabuis inhabited in the valley areas of the state where sports is very active. Earlier, large number of players belonging to Zeliangrong community represented in various clubs during different tournaments of the state. However such representation has been decreasing since many years, and the reason might be non-availability of playgrounds to play, he added.

On the occasion, N. Biren extended monetary assistance of Rs. 50,000 to the organising committee of the tournament.

Addressing his presidential address, MLA Gaikhangam appealed the organising committee to think of expanding the tournament at the scale of national level and it should not be confined only to Zeliangrong community of the state. He further said that Haiphou Jadonang was born in Zeliangrong community but he represents as a symbol of patriotism of human kind.

The function was also attended by former chief minister, Radhabinod Koijam, MLA Tamenglong AC, Samuel Jendai, former minister, Dr. Kh. Loken Singh, former MLA, Janghemlung Panmei, vice-president of BJP, Jyotin Waikhom, president of Zeliangrong Football Association, Gaipuijai Golmei, president of Zeliangrong Union, Amu Kamei.

The final match of the tournament was played between Langthabal Chingthak Rongmei Club (LCRC) and Keishamthong Kabui Football Club (KKFC). The tournament is being organised by Zeliangrong Football Association.