Manipur News

IMPHAL, June 10: Decrying government inaction in the case of continued looting at the shops located in the heart of Imphal city and demanding to adequate security today, shopkeepers and owners in the Paona Bazaar area staged a protest by pulling down shutters today. 

The protest of the Paona bazaar shopkeepers and owners was staged following another incident of theft at the high security bazar area.

‘Mobile planet’ belonging to one Y Surjit of Uripok dealing in mobile phone handset was found looted this morning and following the incident all shops shut down shutters to mark a protest.

Speaking to media person he said that he found his shop looted by unknown persons this early morning at around 6:30 after he was informed by his  friends which is located under the city police station in heart of the Imphal city.

He further said that the looters had carried away various company phone including high rate and low which Nokia, Samsung, LG Max and others, cost round about 9.65 lakhs. And further said that it is very unfortunate to say that how such thing is happen inside the present of tight security management in heart of Imphal city. And appealed the concerned authority to tighten up security measurement in the heart of Imphal city in the interest of business persons.

In the meantime it may be mentioned that yesterday two electronic enterprises ‘Sunrise and Chongtham Brothers’ located in Paona bazaar under the city police was also found looted.

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Leader Writer: Sukham Nanda
The State Vigilance Commission, Manipur was set up with an objectives to ensure partial and clean administrations in every departments of the state. Its scope however extend to matters within the executive jurisdiction of the State Government, investigation and enquiries into corruption and misconduct of public servants as laid in the Resolution for setting up the Vigilance Commission.

The responsibility of Vigilance rests primarily on the department concerned. It is for the heads of the department to identify corrupt element in their organizations and deal with them firmly, besides to assist the head of departments to identify corrupt element, a Vigilance unit each headed by an ex-Officio Vigilance officer at the Secretariat and Head of department level had set up in every Government office with the recommendation of the State Vigilance Commission to ensure that employee maintains utmost honesty and integrity and to identify corrupt elements in the department, to keep a watch on the activities of the employees suspected of corruption, malpractice or misconduct and also to initiate prompt action and persue all cases, where there are reasonable ground for suspicion or where corrupt, malpractice or misconduct exists.

In fact, the role of the Commission undertakes general check and supervision over all vigilance and anti-corruption works in the state. It causes investigation to be made into any act of the public servant involving corruption, lack of integrity, misdemeanour, misconduct or malpractice. On receipt of the investigation report and after examination, the Commission advises the disciplinary authorities about the type of proceedings, if any, to be initiated. In the cases where the Commissioner, Departmental Enquiries is appointed as Inquiry Officer by the state government, the report are submitted to the Village Commissioner. The Commission also advises the government whenever and wherever necessary about improvement in procedures and practices.

No error has seen in framing the rules regulations of the commission and commission on the other hand taken up multiple numbers of cases as it has been witnessed during this last few years that some improvement in response of the Administrative Department to reference from the Commission and departments have to play a more effective role in starting departmental enquiries on the recommendations of the commission, and in ensuring that the departmental enquiries are completed deditiously and guilty officials need to be punished promptly.

Officially or unofficially it has known that the normal functioning of the state Vigilance Commission in terms of case hearing involving high ranking officers of the department were quite oftenly interfere in the forms of directions / commands from the external elements and even from the ministers and MLA, which causes delaying in the disposal of the case or kept the case pending for more than four five years.

Even though there is State Vigilance department to investigate the cases related to the corruptions and malpractices etc. in very government departments of the state and the Commission is there to conduct enquires of the reported cases but the increasing trends of corruptions, malpractices, lack of integrity and misconducts in various major government departments are still witnessed. This shows that no practice prevalent for surprise check on offices, on works undertaken except by the Audit and it is felt that the government should introduce an effective system of annual inspection to detect long pending cases, as also to find out malpractices, exercise or non-exercise of power for improper or corrupt purposes etc.so that the importance of the existence of state Vigilance department and constitution of the state Vigilance Commission could be achieved in the state.

Thus it is very much require to strengthen the powers and functions of state Vigilance Department by deputing adequate manpower and letting the state Vigilance Commission to conduct its enquiries independently by preventing back-door interferences from the outside elements so that the objective of maintaining partial and clean administrations in every government departments could be restored to some extend in future to come.

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From Kaimuanthang
Lamka, Jun 10 : The Zomi Council, ZC, an apex body of nine tribes inaugurated its administrative office at Siam Mansion building located at Nehru Marg in churachandpur today in a simple but very impressive function held from 11 :am

The office was inaugurated by LB Sona President of the Zomi Council and was dedicated to God by Pastor Lamkhanpau soonafter

The occassion have been attended by frontal organisation leaders like the ZHRF , ZYA , ZEPADA , ZMA , ZSF , ZOYCA as well as the the nine tribes under its ambit who all gave a short speeches over the present tribal condition in the state giving ways
to improve their lot

Representative from the ZRO Calvin H during his speech said it is good to understand and tolerate each others viewpoint as none of the tribes will be able to survive alone

Pointing out the importance of working in tandem he said the focus of attention should be on their future political goals /status and not the name they are being called

The Tedim Chin Union president while adrressing the occassion suggested having been live in a democratic country where the people are free to elicit their point of view true leaders should not use the public as they like and instead make themselve as the tools of the masses thereby not devoiding benefits to them

The inauguration of administrative office have been term by one and all as the culmination of their long cherish wishes and expectation was expressed that it be a hub for idea evolution for their development and progress as they march ahead.

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IMPHAL, June 9: A five member representatives of the World Bank Group have arrived in the state capital this morning to assess feasibility of the technical implications to sanction fund in the form of loan to Manipur government meant for improvement of power sector.
According to an official source, the state government while considering the difficulties towards the development aspects to both public and private sectors in terms of development caused by accumulating irregularities of proper power supply in the state, the state government had decided to sought financial assistance from the World Bank in terms of Loan which will be invested for the improvement of power supply in the state.
The visit is in respond the official approach made by Manipur government.
The five membered team of the World Bank group is led by two senior energy specialists Rohit Mutal and Mukul Matindra of the Worl Bank Group. The other members are Kavita Saraswati, senior engineer, Survi Goyal and Mudit Naraian,  operation analysts.
They arrived at the state capital today and attended series of meeting at the conference hall of Old Secretariat Imphal which started from 11 am under the chair of state chief secretary DS Poonia.
The official source further mentioned that the visiting team of the World Bank attended the introductory meeting this morning at 11.am and later analyzed official documentations tabled by the state concerned departments through state government seeking additional monetary assistance from the World Bank for the improvement of the power supply in the state.
The meeting was also attended by head of departments of Power, Planning and Finance.
The joint official meeting was resumed at 3pm this afternoon and reviewed the official presentation of the state government along with the visiting official representatives of World Bank Group and officials of power department on the operational and financial health of power sector, key challenges facing the sector and the department.
It is reported that the high level meeting today also discussed on the current institutional capacity and state power department in technical procurement/ contacting Planning, finance/account, environment, social and personal areas, schemes propose to covered under the project and works already done as well as implementation of RGGVSY and R/APBRP and their linkage with proposed schemes during the late hours this evening and concluded at 6.45 pm.
The source also mentioned that the visiting official representatives of World Bank Group will continue to attend the joint meeting with the Commissioner finance VK Dewangan and Special Secy. Planning Sajjad Hassan tomorrow morning at 10 am at Old Secretariat Imphal and will be followed by D-briefing meeting with the Principal Secy. LP Golmei at the same venue at 11 am and the visiting official representatives will leave Imphal for Delhi at 5 pm after collecting all source of needful documentations and comments made by the series of official level meeting to initiate needful proceedings to allow the state government to get loans from the World bank which meant for the improvement of power supply in the state, the official source added.

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IMPHAL June 9:  Due to present conflict situations, mental illness has been on the rise in the state and the matter need to be discussed in length.
This was disclosed by Dr. Abdul Bary of the Manipur State Mental Health Authority today at one day awareness campaign on mental health held at Kamong Meisnam Leikai which was organized by the Nupi Agang Yaipha Lup under the sponsorship of the Manipur State Mental Health Authority (MSMHA).
Dr. Abdul Bary was one of the resource person at the campaign.
He further said that various mental problems were found by the doctors in the state. Among them depression illness and panic or disorder are some of the main mental disease. Such illness of depression are mostly created by the lost of property, divorce etc.
Person with mental illness needed treatment as earliest as possible because this illness sometimes led to committing suicide due to high depression.
He further said that depression illness, panic and disorder illness were created in the state mostly due to conflict issue and family matter as well from friend’s circles.
He further mentioned that to give awareness on mental health, the state government had launch this campaign from 2008 and still gives awareness to villages.
He also appealed the villager of Kamong to consult medical practitioner and give immediate treatment whenever any villager are found having mental disorder.
M Shakhi Devi, vice president of the All Manipur Nupi Marup, who attended as chief guest also disclosed that prevailing conflict situation in the state is one main factor for developing mental disorder.
She further appeal the Manipur State Mental Health Authority to organise more awareness campaign like the one organised today at Kamong.
During the awareness campaign, Kh. Imoba Singh resource person MSMHA, Kamong GP Pradhan A. Kunjamala and Working Women Forum Manipur Y Indramani Devi also attended.

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IMPHAL, June 9, 2011: The National AIDS Control Programme is in the process of designing the fourth phase of the programme, which is expected to be launched in April 2012. In response to this, 500 civil society organizations and community groups from across the country have decided to come together and conduct five regional consultations to shape a blue print and design for the programme.
In order to facilitate participation consultations will be held in different regions over the coming week. The first consultations which began in Guwahati today for the North East region will be followed by consultations in Delhi for North India, Pune for West India, Kolkata for East India and Bangalore for South India. The Guwahati consultation was attended by 110 participants from eight states including Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Tripura and Assam. The regional consultations will feed into the NACP IV design, especially areas that communities and civil society want incorporated and made integral to the programme.
Commenting on this unique and unprecedented response, Dr. Sundarraman, a social activist involved for the last 30 years on the issue said, “We are not here just to dot the “I’s” and “T’s” of a programme document outlined by officials of NACO.”  Therefore, participants, many of whom have the vast experience of the community and hitherto difficult-to-reach populations, will deliberate on, “what worked for them in the present programme and why and what did not work” and how did we go about fixing it”.
During today’s deliberation, there was general discontentment about the lack of sharing by NACO of the planning process and proposed design of NACP IV. Many of the participants felt that their key role in the present phase of the programme has been completely ignored and their participation sidelined. The common demand of 100 delegates from civil society at the Guwahati consultation was let the fourth phase of the National AIDS Control Programme be a “people’s programme”.
Tomorrow, June 10,  over 95 participants from various line departments such as the Women and Child, health, law, education, DIPR, RNTCP and the AIDS Control Program such SACS, DPACU from the state level government agencies, from across eights North East states, are expected to make their recommendations for the design of the fourth phase program. Five members of the civil society will participate in the regional consultation and provide recommendations emerging from the ongoing community interactions.
 In light of this, the civil society consultation has emerged as a vibrant forum and an opportunity for the communities and civil society to put forward its experiences and expectations from the NACP IV. In one voice the message from all the participants is that a sense of urgency must be made a part of the planning and that the spirit of partnership witnessed in phase 3 must be strengthened to ensure that as the fourth phase program rolls out.
Dr. S.I. Ahmed, Director, AIDS Prevention Society, stated, “We need to ensure that the State AIDS Control Societies, health departments are made more accountable. Inter- sectorial collaborations are important but without ownership at the district level it’s a distant reality. More importantly, we are not seeing any systematic efforts to strengthen community ownership”.  
Bulee, a peer educator with the NGO Lamjingshai, Meghalaya, spoke of how, “Community mobilization is difficult particularly in Meghalaya, which has a matrilineal social setup because stigma and discrimination is high. The larger community, unlike in other states , is yet to acknowledge the existence of the community. Mental health has not been addressed at all. Most of the community members take to drugs due to frustration (lack of recognition). Let’s address mental health issues be addressed before we talk about behavioral change” she added.
Jahir Ulla Ali, Team Leader, Bhorakha Group, Guwahati, pointed out that, “ICTCs do not have MSM counselors who clearly understand the psycho-social issues of the community. Guwahati has only one MSM DIC. Stigma and discrimination is also preventing community members from accessing treatment in general hospitals and other clinics. Mobilization is also difficult due to a lack of MSM specific services.
Mary, a FSW from Manipur opined that, “NACP-IV should go beyond providing basic STI treatment and take into consideration the treatment of other related complications. A number of FSWs are homeless, having been driven out of their homes by their families and are taking shelter in bus stops, market sheds and other public space which is making them even more vulnerable”. Earlier, while speaking on behalf of community groups of the seven states in the North East, Raj Kumar Raju opined that, “If the rich experience of the community is not taken seriously and a comprehensive programmes are not worked out for an array of drug users, including under-served groups like female drug users, during the next phase of programme it would be difficult to halt the epidemic let along reverse it.”  
Taking this forward, Luke Samson, from the NGO Sharan, emphasized that the time has come for community groups most affected by HIV to go beyond providing advice and recommendations and start shaping the operational scope of the programme. He made it clear that while some interventions such as the Needle Syringe Exchange Programme (NSEP) have to be consistently implemented for regular drug users; other more complex interventions such as Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) required a tremendous amount of designing and planning, especially in the programmes run in community settings.  He added that, “Without a human rights framework any health intervention that is seeking to address such marginal communities cannot work.”
Shashi, SASO, Manipur spoke of how, “IDUs, PLHAs and other communities are suffering in the North East. However, the NACO’s planning process did not even invite a large organization like SASO which is working with the community to the working group consultations”.
A key recommendation that emerged from the civil society representatives was that the fourth phase must be more accommodating and flexible to the ground level situations.
Bazo, Director, Kekhrie Foundation, Nagaland, felt that, “The key focus should be on women and children. We need a response to the stigma and discrimination that people are facing on the ground. PLHAS must be involved as a distinct entity rather than as part of the program delivery.”
Pratishta Chettri, Drishti, Sikkim, West District, narrated the difficulties of implementing programmes for vulnerable populations like FSWs in Sikkim and how it was difficult to overcome the stigma faced by the populations. “They are not able to come out. How do we reach out to them and give services?” She also felt that strategies like the PPP model could not be adopted in the context of Sikkim since very few private providers were willing to come forward.
Bhiku Brahmanand, Secretary, Arunachal Pali Vidya Peet, Lohit, Chowkham spoke of the necessity of ensuring that the skill building process reached out to the more isolated areas of North East.

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AIZAWL, June 9(NNN): The 60th North Eastern Council (NEC) meeting is slated to be held on June 16 and 17 in Delhi which is to be attended among others, the chief ministers, governors and chief secretaries of all the North Eastern States including Sikkim.
An official source in the Mizoram government said various topic for over all development of North East including power scenario, education, science and technology, railways, air connectivity, innovation for the North Eastern region, transport and communication in the States, agriculture, sports etc. will be touched upon.
The source said special presentations will be made by Ministry of Power on the Action Plan prepared for the NE region based on the Vision NER 2020 and discussion thereon. Presentation will also be made on Draft Master Plan prepared by the NEC on Tourism in the North Eastern Region as per the NER Vision 2020 (prepared by M/s Tata Consultancy Services Ltd., engaged by NEC) and discussion thereon.  The meeting will dwell on the State Government of Mizoram on the Report prepared on Education Sector in the State. Sam Pitroda, Advisor to Prime Minister and Chairman, National Innovation Council will also present on the Innovation for the North Eastern Region. Mission Director, Mission on Geo Spatial Applications, Ministry of Science and Technology will present on “GIS mapping of social infrastructure in Nagaland and Manipur using 3D terrain models”. Ministry of Railways will also present on the Action Plan prepared for North Eastern Region on the basis of NER Vision 2020 and discussion thereon.
The source then said presentation of awards to the winners of the recently constituted North Eastern Council Chairman’s Sports Award for Excellence will be held. Gold Medalist in the recently held International events such as Common Wealth and Asian Games are being given Rs. 10.00 lakhs for Gold Medal, Rs. 5.00 lakhs for Silver and Rs. 3.00 lakhs for Bronze each.
As a body for planning and execution for over all development of the North East States, the meet is to chaired by Union Minister of DoNER and Chairman, NEC, B.K Handique. Almost all the Hon’ble Governors, Chief Ministers, Chief Secretaries and senior officers have confirmed their participation in the Plenary so far. The August House will dwell on various development activities already undertaken and future course of action to be embarked upon.
It may be mentioned here that NEC has taken giant stride for development of N.E States in area such as Transport and Communication, Power Generation, Industrial Development, Agriculture and Horticulture, Science and Technology, Irrigation, Health Sector, Promotion of Sports, Education, Vocational Trainings for unemployed Youth of North East States. Financial supports to the meritorial students taking up different technical courses etc. Master Plan for Tourism of North East is under preparation.
To uplift and support the meritorious under privileged students of the North East 23 students, (3 each from the seven states and 2 from Sikkim) are being sponsored from this year at the Assam Riffle Public School Laitkor, Shillong. Under the able supervision of the Hon’ble Minister, Dr. T. Ao Football Tournament aptly named after the legendary barefoot Indian Team Captain from the North East was set up. Tournaments will be held in all the North East States on rotation and huge amount of cash prize are also provided.

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IMPHAL, May 9: A combined team of Bishnupur police commando and 4/8 Gurkha Rifles arrested four hardcore cadres of the proscribe PREPAK (HOME) including BPR district commander-in-charge during search operation conducted at Bishnupur area on June 8 at around 2pm.
The arrested cadres were identified as Ngangom Somorjit alias Abung alias Malem, 30 s/o Ng. Bira of Langpok Maning Leikai, Trongbam Moupa alias Joy 31 s/o (L) T. Ibohal of Utlou Makha Leikai, Chanambam Yaiskul Singh, 55 s/o (L) Ch. Gouramani of yumnam Khunou Mamang Leikai and Kshetrimayum (O) Tombi Devi, 28 w/o (L) Ksh.  Munal of Phaogak Ikhai.
An official release said Malem and Yaiskul were involved in placing hand grenade at the residence of Angousana, Pradhan of Keinou Gram Panchayat and extorted rupees 50 thousands. The duo also involved in extortion of  one lakh sixty thousands rupees from one Basanta Singh, Pradhan,. Sanjenbam Gram Panchayat.
Police recovered two Chinese hand grenade, three mobile hand sets with four sim cards from Tombi Devi.
On further verification, Tombi Devi disclosed that she replaced one Chinese hand grenade near the residence of Ranjit Singh, Pradhan of Nachou Gram Panchayat in connection with monetary demands relating to NREGA fund under the direction of Malem.
On other hand Malem and Moupa were arrested earlier as cadres of KCP(City Meitei) and Yiskul was also arrested earlier in c/w fraudulent withdrawal of relief fund from D.C office of Bishnupur.
In the meantime, troops of the 35 Assam riffles arrested four UNLF cadres from Old Aishi village of Chandel district during search operations.
Arrested cadres of UNLF were identified as Bobby Meitei, 21 of Salamang Leikai, Lamphel, Ranjeet Singh 27 of Kongphal Porompat, Bocha Meitei of 21 of Moreh and Sanjay Singh, 25 of Yairipok.
One Daggers and Myanmar currency of 100 kyats were recovered from the possessions of arrested cadres.
In yet another arrest, troops of 23 Assam rifles of 10 sector under HQ IGAR (s) launched operation in general area of  Nongdam in Ukhrul district and apprehended one cadres of KYKL on June 8.
The apprehended cadres was identified as one Keisham Binod Kumar alias Inoa Singh s/o K. Rajendro of Keibi Mapal Awang Leikai.

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IMPHAL, June 9: The arrested UNLF chairmen RK Meghen, who is in the custody of NIA, has called for stopping all form of extortions in the name of revolution.
The UNLF leader also appeal revolutionaries to give more emphasis on improving work culture rather than engaging in extortions so that peoples could regain faith in revolutionary movement.
The UNLF chairmen made the appeal through mediaperson while he was produced before the special NIA Court in Guwahati today.
Reacting to the recent statement made by Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh during a function held at Ukhrul district on the matter of holding election to determine whether people supported revolutionary movement or not,  the arrested UNLF leader said outfit’s desire for holding ‘Plebiscite’ and Manipur CM’s observation of holding election to determine fate of the revolutinary movement in Manipur have the same meaning.
While accepting the concept of determining people’s choice on the issue, the UNLF chairmen maintained that the outfit will honour and abide by the people’s mandate provided such Vote is held under the supervision of the United Nations and the people are free not terrorised or threatened.
As long as people remained in tragic state due to heavy deployment of security forces in Manipur, such a Vote would never be free and fair, the UNLF leader asserted.
To a query relating to governance of a revolutionary group fighting for regaining freedom of the people, the UNLF chairmen expressed that the outfit believe in democracy.
Based on culture, tradition and geographical similarities of the hill and valley dwellers in Manipur, the UNLF has been working towards bringing equal economic development of the society  so that it is not dependable to others, Meghen said and expressed hope that revolutionary movement could move forward if people have faith in such a governance.
If the people of Manipur want alternative form of governance other than the India’s capitalist system of governance, a collective effort is needed right from the grass root level, Meghen maintained and called for bringing unity of all the revolutionary groups operating in Manipur.
The UNLF chairmen also called upon revolutionaries who have taken to the wrong path for mere monetary gains to return to the mainstream and work for betterment of the society.
The UNLF chairmen also stressed the need for forming a proactive democratic movement  to challenge undemocratic means of force being utilized by the government to suppress people who are looking for a means to end India-Manipur conflict.
While lauding role played by media in Manipur in every aspect of life, the UNLF chairmen said press-media should be given free hand and no disturbance should be given to them in executing their duty.
RK Meghen was produced before the NIA court this afternoon along with outfit’s organisation secretary and other arrested cadres of the outfit. They would be produced in the same court on June 23 again.

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