Manipur News

IMPHAL, Feb 22: As a part of the preparations for the 45th Annual Sports Festival 2015 to be held during the upcoming Yaoshang Festival in the first week of March 2015, Citizens`™ Club today conducted a one day cleanliness campaign under the theme `Games are more fun in a clean environment`.

The campaign covered areas around the club at Soibam Leikai, Wangkhei Khunou, Imphal East, where the said sporting event and various other programmes will be conducted during the festival.

While interacting with the media, President of Citizens`™ Club, W Rajen Singh, Director IPR, who was leading the campaign stated that Citizens`™ Club, which is one of the oldest clubs in the state, has been organizing such sports festival annually for the last 44 years besides conducting various other social and educational programmes with a view to promote the youth of the area in the field of sports and education.

He said that a clean environment is necessary for any sporting event. And keeping that in mind, the club is organizing the cleanliness campaign under the theme `Games are more fun in a clean environment`.

He further appealed to the people of the locality to keep their surroundings neat and clean in view of the upcoming sports festival.

Today`™s cleanliness campaign which was started at 7:00 a.m, was participated by members of the four Panas of Citizens`™ Club along with the local people of the area.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/games-are-more-fun-in-a-clean-environment/

IMPHAL, February 22: The DIPR APO (Press), Th Samo, in response to the allegation made against him by the Editors`™ Guild Manipur, has in a press release clarified that the dispute between him and a member of the guild was personal and nothing more.

The release of the APO said he was acting only as per the provisions of the freedom of speech guaranteed to him by the Indian Constitution. He also said the same Constitution does not empower any journalist to barge into enter a government officer`™s room and bang the table.

He further returned the charge that pressmen are not above the law, further noting that this is so for any individual, be it Mobi or the president of whatever media organization.

He charged that he reprimanded Mobi on that day because he came inside his room and started banging his table. He however refuted there was ever a physical assault on Mobi although it was only respect the law which made him refrain.

He clarified that the incident was only a personal matter between two individuals and nothing official. Complaining about it to the government and demanding his removal from his post or boycotting anyone on the matter is going against media ethics, he charged.

Samo`™s note said Mobi should know that a government is not under any pressman threatening if Mobi tries to further tarnish his name, he will take up legal course of action. `Mobi should not try to take advantage of the post he is holding, and also should not disseminate wrong information to the newspapers`, he said.

It may be mentioned here that the Editors`™ Guild Manipur yesterday announced the boycott of the Chief Minister of Manipur, his Council of Ministers and all ruling MLAs.

According to yesterday`™s release of the Editors`™ Guild Manipur, the step was taken following the passing of the deadline of February 20 the guild set to remove Samo from his post, after a series of meeting with the Chief Minister.

The EGM has alleged that Th Syamo, APO (Press), DIPR verbally assaulted and physically threatened the president of EGM A Mobi when he visited his office along with the secretary general EGM Yumnam Rupachandra.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/apo-samo-calls-dispute-with-egm-member-personal-matter/

IMPHAL, February 22: With the speculations of forming of government in J&K in coming days through PDP-BJP collaboration, Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign (SSSC) has appealed leadership of the two parties to take AFSPA repeal demand on a serious note and on priority.

`We, at SSSC believe that though collaboration may be an effort to provide stability of political situation in J&K, the real objective of government formation, that is respecting people`s mandate can be only done though Repeal of AFSPA as a top priority,` said a release of SSSC.

`We see that joining hands of PDP and BJP was on hold due to few reasons and one of these includes AFSPA also, whereas at individual level, Repeal AFSPA can be not only beneficial for PDP but can also justify this collaboration that is being criticised by many. It is an opportunity for BJP also to respect rights of people,` it further said.

On other side, BJP state leadership in Manipur had already promised to repeal AFSPA before parliamentary election but till now, nothing such action has been taken, it said.

Now, in J&K again, PDP and BJP again show that they negotiated and now agreed to have discussion of phase wise withdrawal of AFSPA, it continued.

`We, at SSSC see that this negotiation must not be only `show off` and to pretend before people that parties care about them, instead there must be unconditioned phase withdrawal of AFSPA as a reality on ground,` it said.

People of J&K are suffering from serious human rights violations, AFSPA has recorded as one of worst acts of India and even many proved cases of fake and cold blooded killings, rapes and impunity counted under AFSPA have come before media, civil society, state and judiciary. But till now, the act is surviving. All the efforts of raising demands to its repeal have been failed till now before the rigidity of state, it said.

SSSC has appealed to these parties to start their day with repeal of AFSPA. It has also appealed to people of J&K and leaders and civil society activists of state to come forward to pressurise these political leaders.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/repealing-afspa-must-be-on-priority-of-pdpbjp-collaboration-sssc/

KANGPOKPI, Feb 22: The Joint Action Committee on Kadangband killing today resolved to suspend the ongoing economic blockade with immediate effect but cautioned the Government that an extreme agitation could be resumed at any time and place depending on the sincerity and integrity of the magisterial inquiry report.

The decision to suspend the ongoing stir of the JAC came after the joint meeting of the Joint Action Committee with various Kuki civil bodies at Imphal today.

Thangminlen Haokip, convener of the JAC said at the meeting, considering the advice of the Kuki Inpi Manipur, the apex Kuki body, the JAC has resolved to suspend the ongoing economic blockade with immediate effect.

Blaming the state Government`™s indifference and lack of interests for the whole gamut of agitation the JAC convener said that if the government had the sense to show some concern considering the sentiments of the agitators this five day economic blockade may not have been initiated in the first place.

He continued that during the blockade no untoward incident occurred as all the truckers or transporters have respected their cautions vis-à-vis the prevailing tensions while articulating hope that transporters as well as the general public will continue to comprehend the wrongdoings of the ARs and continue to support their cause in the fight against AR`™s atrocities in future too.

The Convener also claimed that during the blockade the JAC has taken utmost care to provide an atmosphere conducive enough for the students to appear their exams without any problem while ensuring disturbance-free conditions for the students from day one.

`Our resolve to launch the economic stir is just a tip of an iceberg`, maintained Thangminlen Haokip before cautioning that if the government continues to be indifference to our sentiments in future we will resort to other extreme measures and agitate in a language they can understand, the cost of which will be heavy.

The apex body of the Kuki people in Manipur, the Kuki Inpi, Manipur had earlier appealed the JAC against the killing at Kandangthabi to suspend the economic blockade it launched, expressing concern over the five-day economic blockade imposed by its subordinating Kuki civil bodies in a press release.

The press release issued by Kuki Inpi general secretary Khaimang Chongloi said students are going through a fear psychosis during the ongoing exams which does not augur well.

Regarding the Kadangband killing incident, Kuki Inpi, Manipur has held a discussion with the concerned District Magistrate on February 19 at its office about the magisterial inquiry. The DM informed that the magisterial inquiry has been constituted progressively while also apprising about the nature and framework of the inquiry commission to the Kuki Inpi leaders, it said.

The DM assured the leaders of complete impartiality and transparency in the inquiry while also expressing his resolve to finish the inquiry, and to present a report within the stipulated two months given to him by the government, it said.

Considering the difficulties faced by candidates of HSLC & HSSCL exams and the assurance of the District Magistrate to speed up the inquiry for its early culmination within the stipulated time, the Kuki Inpi is of the opinion that it is prudent to appeal to the JAC to suspend the economic blockade for the time being.

The Kuki Inpi, Manipur would reiterate that the Kadangband killing issue does not involve a particular group or tribe but it is an issue which is central to all the Kuki people. The excesses of the AR have already crossed all limits. If AR chooses to continue its reign of terror on the people of Manipur, a mass uprising against the AR is not ruled out in the near future, it said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/jac-suspends-stir-says-extreme-agitation-can-resume-any-time/

IMPHAL, Feb 22 (NNN): Nearly 300 Imphal-bound loaded trucks are stranded on the two main national highways (NH-2 and NH-37) on the last day of the five-day economic blockade on national highways.

The economic blockade imposed by the joint action committee formed in connection with January 28 Kadangband shoot out incident that killed two persons including a senior functionary of KNF by troops of Assam Rifles is due to end by Sunday midnight.

A report said that around 230 Imphal-found loaded trucks were stranded at Henbung taxation check post of Senapati district on NH-2. Some of the trucks were stranding there for the last few days while most of them arrived today from Dimapur side.

Another report said that at least 41 loaded trucks coming from Jiribam side where stranding at Leingangpokpi area on the stretch of NH-37 awaiting security escorts.

All the stranded trucks most of them ferrying essential commodities are likely to proceed toward Imphal after this midnight with the end of the blockade.

In the meantime, a highly reliable source said that the Tribal Blind Association Chandel district has decided to resume its indefinite bandh in Chandel district which also covers Imphal-moreh section of NH-102 from tomorrow (Monday) morning at 6 am.

The bandh imposed by the body was suspended yesterday (Saturday) after the circle MLA gave assurance to air its demands to the chief minister while convincing to arrange a meeting between the chief minister and representatives of the agitating body.

The Tribal Blind Association Chandel decided to resume the bandh reportedly after the MLA withdrew his assurance today.

A meeting of the body held this afternoon has decided to resume the indefinite bandh from tomorrow, the source added.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/over-300-loaded-truck-stranded-on-highways/

IMPHAL, February 22: Over Rs. 64 lakhs worth of cements belonging to the Manipur Tribal Development Corporation, (MTDC) Lamphelpat, has been allegedly misappropriated by a transportation agency namely I.S.S Transport Agency Nongmeibung, Imphal.

Even as a case was lodged by the Managing Directors MTDC, on January 14, 2015 to the superintendent of police Imphal West district against the proprietor of the transportation agency, Irom Shamarjit and his employees, no visible action is taken so far.

According to an official document acquired by IFP, the Manipur Tribal Development Corporation, Lamphelpat, (MTDC) Imphal ordered for 2500 Metric ton of cement from the M/S Meghalaya Cement Limited, Lohia house, MG Road, Fancy Bazar, Guwahati-781001 (vide the order No. 199/J/TDC-05/2010 (Pt-4)/ dated July 27, 2010).

After proper tender process (vide the work order No. 199/J/TDC-05/2015 (Pt-5) dated July 27, 2010), the corporation awarded the contract in favour of the I.S.S Transport Agency, Nongmeibung Checkon, Bazar, Imphal for the work of `Transportation of cement (PPC) conforming to ISI from Meghalaya cement Limited to MTDC godown, Lamphelpat, Imphal i/c loading, unloading and stacking`.

Having completed necessary formalities or processes for the contract and the agreement (No.1/TDC/Agt. 2010 dated July 30, 2010) was entered for the said work.

While the estimated cost for the said contract work Rs. 1,25,00,000 and the tender amount is Rs. 1,25,00,000, the work scheduled was scheduled to start from July 27, 2010 and to be completed on or before September 10, 2010.

As per the request of I.S.S Transport Agency, the time for completion for the said work was extended up to March 11, 2011. The full payment for the said purchase of 2500 MT of cement was made by the corporation to Meghalaya Cement Limited vide cheque No. 550160 dated July 27, 2010.

Till the May 27, 2010, the said agency transported only 580.70 MT of cement to the corporation. Accordingly, the MTDC Managing Director sent a letter dated May 27, 2011 (bearing No. 119/J/TDC-05/2010 (pt-5)) to the said agency requesting for transportation of the remaining or balance quantity of cement within 2 weeks.

Till December 7, 2011, the said Agency transported by the said Agency to the corporation became 677.02 M.T. To this, the corporation sent another letter (No. 119/J/TDC-05/2010 (pt-5) dated December 7, 2011) for the transportation of remaining quantity of cement of the corporation.

In response, the agency submitted a letter on July 12, 2013 to the corporation stating that the revised rate of transportation has been fixed at Rs 4000 per metric ton and the balance quantity of cement will be transported at the revised rate, it said.

Subsequently, the corporation sent another letter (No. 119/J/TDC-05 /2011 (pt-5)/1 dated July 15, 2013) to the said agency requesting for transporting the remaining quantity of 1286.30 MT of cement at the revised negotiated rate at an early date.

The corporation further delivered the letter No. letter No. 119/J/TDC-05 /2011 (pt-5) dated December 4, 2013 to the agency thereby requesting to complete the delivery of the remaining cement at an early date.

However, despite the repeated reminders and notices of the corporation, the agency yet again failed to transport the remaining quantity of cement to the corporation.

The corporation again delivered the letter (No. 119/J/TDC-05 /2011 (pt-5) dated June 2, 2014) to the agency to respond within seven days from the receipt of the letter failing which the corporation will be compelled to proceed necessary legal action against the said agency. The letter was received by the agency on June 10, 2014. The corporation again delivered a letter No. 119/J/TDC-05 /2011 (pt-5) dated July 3, 2014 to the agency informing the agency to contact the Managing Director immediately and expedite the delivery of the balance quantity of cement failing which necessary action shall be initiated without further notice.

Even though the said intimations and notices were given, the agency still failed to respond and deliver or transport the remaining quantity of cement to the corporation.

It is learnt that recently, the corporation enquired regarding the delivery of cement from the Meghalaya Cement Limited, Lohia House, MG Road, Fancy Bazar Guwahati-781001 only to find that the said agency had already lifted the whole quantity of 2500 MT of cement on April 26, 2011.

Accordingly, the corporation sent another notice (vide letter No. 119/J/TDC-05 /2011 (pt-5) dated September 8, 2014) to the said agency thereby informing the true facts and enclosing a xeroxed copy of statement showing date of delivery, invoice number etc. and further informing that non-delivery of the balance quantity for such a long period is very serious offence and tantamount to misappropriation of building materials belonging to the MTDC.

In the meantime, the MDTC notified the agency that the it has contemplated necessary legal action against the said agency while further directing the agency for delivery of the balance quantity of cement immediately within 30 days from the date of issue of the said letter in case the agency desires to avoid undesirable consequence.

However, the agency did not submit any official reply to the said reminders and notice of the corporation. Interestingly, they have delivered 585 bags of cement on September 15, 2014 and 340 bags on November 11, 2014.

Given the circumstances, the corporation therefore decided to observe the progress of delivery till the month of December 2014 before taking any legal action against the agency. The position of the cement so far delivered as on November 17, 2014 is said to be 1291.95 MT and thereafter no further consignment was received by the corporation till date. As such 1208.05 MT of cement (2500 MT-1291.95) remained undelivered by the agency.

Even though a long time in terms of years had been elapsed after the expiry of the period of contract work or work order, the agency or its proprietor still fail to deliver the remaining cement to the corporation and without informing the corporation the whereabouts of the already lifted cement from Meghalaya Cement Limited.

The MTDC further charge that the agency intentionally converted the said 1208.05 MT of cement belonging to the corporation to the use of the proprietor of the said agency deceptively and fraudulently, thereby causing huge loss to the corporation, Government and public to the tune of Rs. 64,44,342.72.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/transporter-absconds-with-rs-64-lakh-worth-undelivered-cement-belonging-to-mtdc/

KANGPOKPI, Feb 22: Concerning the ban/boycott and lottery system for admission to Missionary or Catholic schools in the state by Manipur Maoist and some valley based student body the All Tribal Students`™ Union Manipur (ATSUM) expressed dissatisfaction over the incident today.

The ATSUM President Emboi Serto said that ATSUM felt the disturbance including ban/boycott of missionary/catholic educational institutions in the state and the introduction lottery system for admission to the schools was iniquitous and unsound.

The ATSUM president said missionary or catholic schools are run peacefully and therefore the charges on them are uncalled for.

The ATSUM also strongly condemned the prohibition of learning and teaching moral education in the missionary/catholic schools while maintaining that moral education is not learnt and taught only to Christian but every community as a whole.

`If learning or teaching moral education is not acceptable to other religious community let only those communities who accepted it get admitted in the missionary/catholic school`, pointed out Emboi while querying that, `Is the controversy over the missionary/catholic schools in the state the intention to discriminate and distress the Christian community in the state?` it asked

Meanwhile, ATSUM invite a healthy debate on the issue of Catholic/Missionary schools in state so as to avoid misunderstanding and solve the problem once and for all and appeal the Manipur Maoist and other student bodies who are interested to contact the ATSUM office for the debate.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/atsum-expresses-dissatisfaction-over-disturbance-to-catholic-schools-in-the-state/