LEAD STORIES – Manipur News

Tension prevails in Manipur; Govt suspends mobile data services after reports of arson, clashes

In an effort to thwart the “design and activities of anti-national and anti-social elements and to maintain peace”, the government decided to suspend mobile data services in the state TFM Report Parts of Manipur, particularly in Churachandpur and Bishnupur districts witnessed palpable tension following a ‘Tribal Solidarity Rally’ called by All Tribal Student’s Union Manipur […]

The post Tension prevails in Manipur; Govt suspends mobile data services after reports of arson, clashes first appeared on The Frontier Manipur.

In an effort to thwart the “design and activities of anti-national and anti-social elements and to maintain peace”, the government decided to suspend mobile data services in the state

TFM Report

Parts of Manipur, particularly in Churachandpur and Bishnupur districts witnessed palpable tension following a ‘Tribal Solidarity Rally’ called by All Tribal Student’s Union Manipur (ATSUM) in all hill districts of the state. There were reports of violence and clashes between volunteers of different communities. Following the volatile situation, the government of Manipur has decided to suspend mobile data services in the state. All mobile service providers are hereby directed to ensure compliance of this order.

An order issued by Commissioner (Home), the Director General of Police, Manipur vide letter No.IC/11(163)/2008-PHQ(Pt)/01422 dated 03-05-2023 reported that, All Tribal Student’s Union Manipur (ATSUM) organized a rally in all hill districts on 03-05-2023 with total shutdown in all hill districts from 6 AM to 4 PM in protest against the demand for inclusion of Meitei/Meetei in Scheduled Tribe (ST) category. During this rally and total shutdown there are reports on incidents like fighting amongst volunteers/youths of different communities and situation is tense and volatile in the districts of Bishnupur and Churachandpur, said the order.

The government order said that some anti-social elements are using social media extensively for transmission of images, hate speech and hate video messages inciting the passions of the public. The social media has also become a handy tool for rumor mongers and is being used to incite general public which might have serious repercussions for the law and order situation in
the State of Manipur.

The state government said that there is an imminent danger of loss of life and/or damage to public/private property, and wide spread disturbances to public tranquillity and communal harmony, as a result of inflammatory material and false rumours, which are being/could be transmitted/circulated to the public through social media/messaging services on mobile services, SMS services and dongle services. In an effort to thwart the “design and activities of anti-national and anti-social elements and to maintain peace and communal harmony and to prevent any loss of life or danger to public/private property, the order said that “it has become necessary to take adequate measures to maintain law and order in public interest, by stopping the spread of disinformation and false rumours, through various social media platform such as Whatsapp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter etc. on mobile phone and SMS, for facilitating and/or mobilization of mobs of agitators and demonstrators, which can cause loss of life and/or damage to public/private property by indulging in arson/vandalism and other types of violent activities”.

Invoking powers conferred under Rule 2 of Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017, “having satisfied that the above situation is likely to cause serious disturbances to the entire peaceful co-existence of the communities and maintenance of public order”, the state government has ordered the suspension/curbing of mobile data services in the territorial jurisdiction of the State of Manipur. All Mobile Service providers have been directed to ensure compliance of this order which will be in force for the next 5(five) days. Any person found guilty for violation of aforesaid orders will be liable for legal action, said the order.

The post Tension prevails in Manipur; Govt suspends mobile data services after reports of arson, clashes first appeared on The Frontier Manipur.

Tribal Solidarity March held in Ukhrul

Organised by Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS) under the aegis of All Tribal Students Union Manipur (ATSUM), the rally kickstarted from Gandhi Chowk and wind up at Mini Secretariat Complex Ukhrul. The rally was also participated by representatives from KSO-Ukhrul. TFM Ukhrul Correspondent Tribal Solidarity March under the theme “Come Now Let Us Reason Together” was […]

The post Tribal Solidarity March held in Ukhrul first appeared on The Frontier Manipur.

TFM Ukhrul Correspondent

Tribal Solidarity March under the theme “Come Now Let Us Reason Together” was held on Wednesday at the Ukhrul District Headquarters.

Organised by Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS) under the aegis of All Tribal Students Union Manipur (ATSUM), the rally kickstarted from Gandhi Chowk and wind up at Mini Secretariat Complex Ukhrul. The rally was also participated by representatives from KSO-Ukhrul. Those who participated in the rally submitted a memorandum addressed to the President of India through the Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul.

The memorandum stated that “in the event of the demand for inclusion of Meitei/Meetei community in the ST category gaining momentum with most of the Legislators from the valley including the Hon’ble MP (Rakya Sabha) openly declaring their support without taking into account of the irrationality of the demand and sentiments of the tribal community of the State, the Tangkhul tribe Student’s Union is constrained to submit this representation as a reminder for utmost perusal and intervention as the future of the tribal communities looks bleak and uncertain.”

The memorandum also mentioned that “the Hills, constituting more than 90% of the total geographical areas and about 41% of the total population, have been subjugated, marginalized and deprived by the State Government dominated by the majority valley community for decades. The Industrial Unit Index and Infrastructural Unit Index clearly revealed that the tribals of Manipur have been under extreme form of subjugation and domination in their own land. As such, granting of ST status to the Meitei/Meetei community, who have already enjoyed all the benefits of modern amenities, will further annihilate the minority tribal communities who will ultimately be rendered landless in their own homeland since the Meitei/Meetei community will be free to snatched the lands and grabbed the 31% reservation allocated for the tribals”.

“Moreover, the tribal communities genuinely feel that a separate political system with full autonomy will be the only way out if we are to protect the weak amd marginalized tribal community from the onslaught of the dominant Meitei/Meetei community. Therefore, in the light of the above facts and circumstances, the tribal people of the state called upon your honourable self to help prevent the inclusion of Meitei/Meetei as Scheduled Tribe in the constitution of India. The recognition of Meitei/Meetei as Scheduled Tribe will not only sound a dead knell to the constitution protection of hill tribal communities in the country. It will also be a contempt to the democratic principles of justice amd equality, the foundation on which this great country is built upon. As such, this illogical and illegitimate demand should be prevented at all cost.”, said the memorandum.

It also stated that “it is well known fact that the Meitei/Meetei community, a majority in the state of Manipur categorised as General, Scheduled Caste amd Other Backward Classes is excelling and commanding in all aspects of life. Besides government jobs, their districts are far ahead of other districts in the while Northeast India. According to the table provided, the Infrastructural Development Index of Districts of Manipur (2009), the valley districts namely Imphal West has a CDI Value of 328.96, Imphal East has 245.00, Thoubal has 189.70 and Bishnupur has 151.73. In the hill districts, Senapati has 114.00 CDI Value, Ukhrul has 83.00, Tamenglong has 73.69, Churachandpur has 73.13 and Chandel has 70.49. According to number of Registered Industrila Units, Investment and Production (2005-06), the hill districts has 27 number of Units (SIDO + Non-SIDO) whereas valley districts have 86. Investment in P&M in the hill districts amounts to Rs. 34.19 Lakh as compared to Rs. 154.61 Lakh in the valley districts. Value of production in the hill districts is recorded at Rs. 39.61 and in the valley districts at Rs. 553.65 Lakh.”

The memorandum was jointly signed by Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (Apex body of Tangkhul Student’s Organisations), Zingtun Tangkhul Katamnao Long (West), Zingsho Katamnao Long (East), Raphei Katamnao Long (North), Tangkhul Aze Katamnao Long (South) and Sagolmang Area Naga Student’s Association.

The rally was participated by Tangkhul Naga Long, Tangkhul Naga Wungnao Long, Tangkhul Shanao Long and Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long. The Tangkhul Frontal Organisations expressed their full support on the ongoing movement headed hy ATSUM and TKS.

The post Tribal Solidarity March held in Ukhrul first appeared on The Frontier Manipur.

Read more / Original news source: https://thefrontiermanipur.com/tribal-solidarity-march-held-in-ukhrul/

Understanding The Metrics of Heat Waves in South Asia

The prolonged exposure to high temperatures and wet bulb conditions can lead to high risks of heat stroke and a range of physiological impacts. 90 deaths were reported in 2022 due to extreme heat stress. By Salam Rajesh Climate change has made devastating heat wave impact early in India and Pakistan this year, with […]

The post Understanding The Metrics of Heat Waves in South Asia first appeared on The Frontier Manipur.

By Salam Rajesh

Climate change has made devastating heat wave impact early in India and Pakistan this year, with Pakistan experiencing 30 times more intensity than India, says Dr Friederike Otto of the World Weather Attribution, adding that climate change is likely to increase extreme monsoon rainfall, flooding highly vulnerable communities in Pakistan.

Dr Otto (Senior Lecturer, Grantham Institute for Climate Change and Environment & Co-Founder, World Weather Attribution) was speaking on the topic ‘Understanding Attribution Science: Human induced Climate Change and Heatwaves’ as part of the proceeding of a National Workshop on Heatwaves, Climate Change and its Impacts on Health, Economy and Energy Policies in India at Bengaluru on the 27th of last month, courtesy of Bangalore-based climate strategist group Climate Trends.

Dr Otto’s observation reflects closely to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO)’s warning of a likely spike in temperatures globally this summer, as prelude to the projected El Nino event this year. The year 2015-2016 was recorded as the hottest year in recent history, and this was primarily driven by an El Nino event according to reports. 1500 deaths were reported in the coastal plains of Odisha during 2015 from the intense heat wave that year.

In March, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had predicted normal monsoon this year but forewarned that an El Nino event can affect the monsoon. Forecasting a 75 percent chance of El Nino in India, the IMD said it could weaken the southwest monsoon and may lead to severe heat waves and droughts in the country – a forewarning that could wreak havoc with the agricultural system in the country, and with a possible backlash on the rural economy.

The forecast for the year has disturbing news for the country wherein compound events of heat waves, cyclones and floods can overlap one another and can cause extensive damages to crops and properties, asserts scientist Dr Roxy Mathew Koll of the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune. Dr Koll was speaking on the subject ‘The dominance of Climate Change on global circulations and its impact on heatwaves and marine heatwaves’.

Bangalore-based climate strategist group Climate Trends stated that “By February-April 2023, most models indicate the return of ENSO-neutral, with a probability of 82%. What is more concerning is the arrival of the dreaded phenomena of El Nino. Climate models are predicting potential return to El Niño by May-July, which coincides with summer monsoon that spans from June to September”.

“During a La Niña, the tropical Pacific soaks up heat like a sponge and builds up the warm water volume. This is the warm water that spills across from the western Pacific to the eastern Pacific during an El Niño. Three consecutive years of La Niña means that the warm water volume is fully loaded and it is likely that the system is ready to give birth to an El Niño. Will it be a strong El Niño like the one during 2015-16? We may get some indications in spring itself,” explains Dr Raghu Murtugudde, Visiting Professor, Earth System Scientist at IITB (Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay) and Emeritus Professor at University of Maryland.

“As for the monsoon itself, if an El Niño state does emerge by summer, then we are more than likely to see a deficit monsoon. A transition from a La Niña winter (which we are in now) to a summer El Niño state tends to produce the largest deficit in the monsoon – of the order of 15%. This implies that the pre-monsoon and monsoon circulations tend to be weaker”. Dr Raghu was speaking on the thematic topic ‘Understanding the variation in weather patterns and the need for early warning systems’.

Kunal Satyarthi (Joint Secretary, National Disaster Management Agency) speaking on the topic ‘The hurdles in building adaptive capacity: A status check on planning and implementation of heat action plans’, stressed on the triple risks of climate hazard, vulnerability and exposure that can cause extensive damage and loss across the different sectors, with the marginalized sections of society more likely to be impacted by the risks involved.

Dr Luke Parsons (Postdoctoral Associate, Duke University) speaking on the subjective matter, ‘Rising wet-bulb temperatures and labour impact’, stressed that as per the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) model, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 7243) emphasizes that during temperatures reaching above 26 degree Celsius workers are advised to take half hour rest from their heavy work duty.

In case of temperatures reaching above 32-33 degree Celsius the ISO recommends all heavy works should stop. The WBGT model is used in military, occupational health, and athletic events, Dr Luke explains while stating that the model includes temperature, humidity, wind speed, and sun exposure.

The average highest Wet Bulb Globe Temperature for South Asia during 2002 to 2021 was experienced in the north-western parts and the northern plains of India, Pakistan and in Bangladesh, observed Dr Luke, with temperatures reaching 34 degree Celsius and above.

Calculating on the WBGT model, an estimation of the productivity loss across the world reveals a massive global total loss of around 220 billion hours per year, says Dr Luke. Calculating the estimate total labour hours lost per year for different countries, India loses 101 hours per year – almost equivalent to the loss of around 23 million jobs.

Following India is China with 21 hours, Bangladesh with 14, Pakistan with 13, Indonesia with 10, Sudan and Viet Nam with 7, Nigeria and Thailand with 6, and Philippines with 5 hours of labour lost per year respectively.

On this footnote, Climate Trends noted that, “While 2022 set a record with 200 heatwave days in India with some of the hottest months since 1901 and impacting nearly 70% of the country, spring went missing in 2023 as well. February this year was declared the hottest in the last 123 years, the first ever since 1901. March saw heatwave in isolated pockets but April began on a hotter note, with mercury rising every day. State-run India Meteorological Department (IMD) already predicted an increased probability of heatwaves during April and May”.

This comes with a fair indication that unless Heat Action Plans for every States are formulated well in time, things may go from bad to worse. “In a country like India, which is densely populated, the extreme heat hits the poor the hardest who are working as urban or rural labour without access to cooling. The prolonged exposure to high temperatures and wet bulb conditions can lead to high risks of heat stroke and a range of physiological impacts. 90 deaths were reported in 2022 due to extreme heat stress”, forewarns Climate Trends experts.

(The writer looks at environmental stories through the journalistic lens. He can be reached at salamrajesh@rediffmail.com)

The post Understanding The Metrics of Heat Waves in South Asia first appeared on The Frontier Manipur.

Suspended NIA SP, Inspector extorted huge money by threatening to implicate in false cases in Manipur: FIR

Dy, SP (Admin) NIA, HQ, New Delhi Sudhanshu Shekhar Shukla lodged a complaint with Central Bureau of Investigation for further investigation as NIA enquiry has revealed the possibility of threatening other people/witnesses and extorting a huge amount of money from them TFM Report NIA SP Sh Vishal Garg, who was suspended for bribery in Manipur, […]

The post Suspended NIA SP, Inspector extorted huge money by threatening to implicate in false cases in Manipur: FIR first appeared on The Frontier Manipur.

TFM Report

NIA SP Sh Vishal Garg, who was suspended for bribery in Manipur, had extorted Rs 60 lakh from three persons between May and August 2022, when he was posted in NIA Imphal, by threatening them for falsely implicating them in terror funding cases.

The Dy SP(Admin) NIA also named NIA inspector Imphal Rajib Khan as accused in his complaint to K Siva Subramani, IPS, SP CBI. AC-II, New Delhi. Following the complaint, the CBI registered an FIR, a copy of which is with The Frontier Manipur, against Sh Vishal Garg, the then SP NIA, Imphal, and Md Rajib Khan, Inspector NIA Imphal, on April 26, 2023.

READ FIR COPY HERE: NIA NIA FIR FIR

They were booked under IPC Section 120-B (criminal conspiracy) and 388 (extortion) and sections 7 and 7a of the Prevention of Corruption Act. They were suspected of Criminal Conspiracy, Obtaining undue advantage, Extortion by threat of accusation of an offence, taking undue advantage to influence public servants by corrupt or illegal means or by exercise of personal influence (Other).

NIA internal enquiry findings

In his complaint, Shukla stated that Information was received from sources that Sh Vishal Garg, the then SP, NIA Branch Office, Imphal, along with Rajib Khan, Inspector, NIA Imphal, was collecting huge amounts of money from residents of the State of Manipur through cut-outs, by threatening them for falsely implicating in NIA Cases After receiving the said information, an internal enquiry was conducted against Sh. Vishal Garg, and Md Rajib Khan.

Shukla said enquiry has revealed that NIA had registered a case vide RC No 08/22/NIA/DLI dated 09.03.2022 with the allegation that the active cadres of terrorist organizations, including but not limited to Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), United Liberation Front (UNLF) and People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), all proscribed under UAPA are raising funds in the State of Manipur, in furtherance of their terror activities. The said case was assigned to Sh Tushar Bishat, Inspector/Chief Investigating Officer, NIA Imphal for investigation,

The enquiry further revealed that Sh Vishal Garg, being SP, NIA Imphal Branch was the Head of the Branch and the First Supervisory Officer in NIA RC No. 08/22/NIA/DLI. On the directions of Sh Vashal Garg, Md. Rajib Khan was assisting in the investigation of the said case, he added.

Shukla further said the enquiry has revealed a clear modus operandi of the accused officers wherein certain businessmen/professionals were called for examination, mostly without legal notices. They were threatened with false implications in the NIA case, in the presence of Sh Vishal Garg,. Thereafter, Md Rajib Khan, Inspector would offer help to them in lieu of money. The amount to be paid would be negotiated and payment, in cash, would be received by Md Rajib Khan and thereafter, the matter would be closed.

The enquiry has revealed that using the above modus operandi, Md. Rajib Khan had collected Rs 10 lakh (cash) from Sh Inaocha Takhellambam @Naoba S/o Late Thambalngou, Rs 20 lakh (cash) from Sh N Momon Singh S/o Late Moirangningthou and Rs 30 lakh (cash) from Sh Laishram Hemanta Singh S/o Laishram Modhumangol Singh, all residents of Imphal, during the period from May to August 2022, at the instance of Sh Vishal Garg, he added.

As enquiry has also revealed the possibility of threatening other people/witnesses and extorting huge amounts of money from them, this aspect needs to be also investigated, said the Dy SP(Admin) NIA in his complaint to the CBI.

Urging the CBI to take up needful action, Sukla said the internal enquiry has revealed the indulgence of Sh. Vishal Garg and Md Rajib Khan in corruption and criminal practices.

The CBI SP directed Inspector (AC-II Delhi) Ravi Shankar Kumar to take over the investigation.

Vishal Garg was shifted from Manipur just three months ago in January this year. His successor took over the charge on January 28, 2023. This is the second time that Garg was placed under suspension on charges of corruption. In 2019, Garg, along with two other NIA officials, was placed under suspension for allegedly demanding Rs 2 crore from a Delhi-based businessman for not naming him in a terrorism funding case involving Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed.

The post Suspended NIA SP, Inspector extorted huge money by threatening to implicate in false cases in Manipur: FIR first appeared on The Frontier Manipur.

Violence rages in Churachandpur; CM forced to cancel visit; Situation under control now, says CM

Normal life was disrupted in the district due to the 8-hour total shutdown called by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF). Biren said that stern action will be taken against the perpetrators who destroyed public property. TFM Report Churachandpur has been on the boil with a civil society organisation imposing an eight-hour total shutdown in […]

The post Violence rages in Churachandpur; CM forced to cancel visit; Situation under control now, says CM first appeared on The Frontier Manipur.

TFM Report

Churachandpur has been on the boil with a civil society organisation imposing an eight-hour total shutdown in protest against the accumulative land and forest survey carried out by the state government ahead of chief minister N Biren Singh’s scheduled visit to the district on Friday. On Saturday, the chief minister said that the situation is under control now and normalcy has been restored in Churachandpur.

The district witnessed a violent protest since Thursday night forcing the chief minister to cancel his visit after shutdown supporters clashed with the police near the venue, where the chief minister was to address a public meeting.

Normal life was disrupted in the district due to the 8-hour total shutdown called by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF).

Despite the shutdown call, state machinery put in place preparations for the chief minister’s visit on Friday by deploying a large contingent of state and paramilitary forces. The chief minister was to bring new equipment for the open gym that was destroyed by a mob the previous night.

A significant number of people including government officials were preparing to roll out the red carpet for the Chief Minister at PT sports complex when a large number of shutdown supporters tried to storm the venue. Police resorted to firing tear gas to disperse the mob and in retaliation, the agitators pelted stones. At least one policeman was injured in the attack and two protestors were arrested. Considering the volatile situation, authorities had to cancel the event.

In response to the shutdown call, protestors came out in the streets and burned tyres to block roads.

All business establishments and educational institutions remained closed. Public transportation stopped plying, during the shutdown period.

The Lamka town, which is the district headquarter of Churachandpur district wore a deserted look. Heavy security deployment to prevent any untoward incidents.

The Forum had also announced non-cooperation with any government programme in the districts. The ITLF also expressed discontentment towards the government for demolishing three churches in Imphal recently.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister N Biren Singh said that stern action will be taken against the perpetrators who destroyed public property. “No one can hamper any kind of developmental work, those who are involved in such anti-development and anti-social activities will not spare. It is the BJP government’s commitment,” said Biren.

He further said his planned visit to Churachandpur was cancelled at the request of the local MLA, LM Khaute citing the tense situation in the district. He was invited by the MLA to inaugurate the gym.

“The event was not organised by the government but to mark the one-year anniversary of the local MLA Khaute. The MLA invited me for the open gym inauguration”, said Biren.

It may be noted that a mob destroyed the gym and also burned chairs kept at the venue of the public rally late Thursday night.

Following this, the district authority shut down internet services in Churachandpur and its neigbouring district Pherzawl for five days. The district authority also clamped section 144 of CrPC to curb violence in Lamka town.

The mobile internet shutdown affected many people as a medium of exchange is made through the internet in many areas, particularly in the town.

However, the scenario is changing with nearly 30 per cent having broadband connection and many people are using Wi Fi.

A Curfew under section 144 of CrPC was cramped at New Lamka area of Churachandpur

The miscreants also set ablaze chairs, sound systems, banners, etc at Sadbhavna Mandap ,New Lamka where preparations for the thanksgiving programme on the 1st anniversary of the MLA of Churachandpur AC Mr LM Khaute were on.

Meanwhile, the MLA of Churachandpur AC Mr LM Khaute addressed a press conference in the afternoon at his residence saying that as a mark of respect to the people’s genuine displeasure against the government. He said he had asked the CM not to come as the situation doesn’t permit and announced the cancellation of his Thanksgiving programme.

He appealed to the people to maintain peace and expressed his trust in the peace-loving people of his constituency that normalcy will prevail.

Meanwhile, the Information and Publicity dept. of ITLF said that the total shutdown imposed by them between 8 am to 4 pm was a success and thanked the General public and the CSOs for their cooperation. The shutdown already served its purpose, it added.

The post Violence rages in Churachandpur; CM forced to cancel visit; Situation under control now, says CM first appeared on The Frontier Manipur.

KKL rubbishes UNC, KIM positions on ST demand by Meeteis

KKL asserted that it would be wrong on the part of both the Nagas and the Kukis to consider the Meetei community as their common enemy TFM Desk Reacting sharply to the objections raised by the United Naga Council (UNC) and the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) on the Manipur High Court’s directive to the Government […]

The post KKL rubbishes UNC, KIM positions on ST demand by Meeteis first appeared on The Frontier Manipur.

KKL asserted that it would be wrong on the part of both the Nagas and the Kukis to consider the Meetei community as their common enemy

TFM Desk

Reacting sharply to the objections raised by the United Naga Council (UNC) and the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) on the Manipur High Court’s directive to the Government of Manipur to send its recommendations for the inclusion of the Meetei Community in the Scheduled List of the Tribes of India to the Government of India authorities, the Kangleipak Kanba Lup (KKL) stated that it was placing certain facts on record.

KKL, an oragnaisation said that the Meeteis are demanding the inclusion of the Meetei in the Scheduled list of Tribes under the Constitution of India is not aimed at grabbing jobs either from the Naga or Kuki communities of Manipur but to safeguard their “little bit of land now confined to less that 2000 square kilometers out of the 20,000 square kilometers of the entire State”. “They need not fear about grabbing their job reservation quotas currently enforced in Manipur which will remain status quo. And if any job opportunity should arise it will be on an All India basis where the Meities will be competeing with other advanced tribes of India like the Bheels for instance. The UNC and KIM have no birth right to deny any other scheduled tribes of India that job opportunity should be denied to them”, said the KKL statement issued by its secretary Ngamkheingakpa Luwang.

KKL pointed out that both the Naga and Kuki Communities of Manipur are at liberty to condemn the Manipur High Court for giving the directive to the Manipur Government to that effect and that they may also condemn the Governments of Manipur as well as India if it goes through or “even takes up arms against the Centre for the making classification forming a Joint Kuki-Naga Front”.

“To the UNC we would like to reiterate that the Manipuri Language being classified as scheduled language of the Country under the Eight Schedule has nothing to do with the classification of the Meeteis as a scheduled tribe of India. Anyway Manipuri language is not confined to the Meeteis only but serves as a Ligua Franca amongst all the tribal communities of Manipur, be it between the Nagas and the Kukis but amongst their various sub-tribes also”, pointed out KKL.

The organisation said that it should be borne in mind as to what is happening in neighbouring Assam. The Assamese Language has been in the Eight Schedule of the Constitution since its adoption in 1950. But recently both the Assam Government as well as the Centre have agreed on the demand of the inclusion of the Ahom Tais, a community amongst the Assamese speaking population of Assam. Also the inclusion of the Ahom Tais as a Scheduled Tribe of India is on the agenda of the talks between the Arbinda Rajkhoha led United Liberation Front of Ahom (ULFA), said KKL,

“Coming to the UNC, we would like to remind our Naga brethrens to remember the words of the venerable Ava Koser Thiungaleng Muivah that only the Nagas and the Meeteis are the indigenous peoples of Manipur. So what is the idea of joining hands with the Kukis to block the way for the survival of the Meeteis under the Indian Constitution.You seemed to have bury the hatchet of the Naga-Kuki conflict between 1992 -1994 where over 1000 were killed on both sides and thousands rendered homeless and hundreds of houses were burnt. The Meetei seems to be the common enemy of both the former warring sides”, pointed out KKL

The Meetei organisation also reminded the Tangkhul “brethrens” of the folklore that the Tangkhuls considers the Meeteis as their younger brother and that on the day of the Coronation the Meetei King adorns the dress of a Tangkhul and no Meetei wedding is complete without a Tangkhul Lerum fee or cloth. And no Meetei Laiharaoba is complete without the appearance of the Tangkhul saba and is a sine quo non. And there is still the living custom of the Meetei King, titular or otherwise visiting Hundung Village in Ukhrul to meet his elder brother the Chief of Hundung Village, called Parihanba. “And thus why should the elder brother object to the younger brother getting protection of his land and culture as a scheduled tribe of India”, asks KKL.

To the question of Meeteis being more advanced than the other tribal communities of Manipur, KKL said it had nothing to do with genealogy but it is because of the Mode of Production. The Meeteis followed settled agriculture so that they have more time to concentrate on arts, culture and literature while the many other tribal communities hitherto used to follow slash and burn agriculture before switching to poppy plantation by some of them which will make them all become rich, said KKL .

KKL asserted that it would be wrong on the part of both the Nagas and the Kukis to consider the Meetei community as their common enemy or “else will be constrained to oppose every move or demand made by any tribal group either Naga or Kuki”

The post KKL rubbishes UNC, KIM positions on ST demand by Meeteis first appeared on The Frontier Manipur.

Loktak Lake: Ministry asks LDA to submit revised plan addressing all issues

So far, an amount of Rs 16.86 crore has been released by this Ministry to the Government of Manipur which includes an amount of Rs 428 lakh released during the year 2018-19. No proposal was received from the State from FY 2019-20 to 2022-23. TFM Report An amount of Rs 16.86 crore had been released […]

The post Loktak Lake: Ministry asks LDA to submit revised plan addressing all issues first appeared on The Frontier Manipur.

TFM Report

An amount of Rs 16.86 crore had been released by the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change to the Government of Manipur which includes an amount of Rs 428 lakh released during the year 2018-19. Further, the Integrated Management Plan (IMP) prepared by LDA has been examined by IIT Roorkee and certain suggestions have been given. The Ministry has asked the LDA to submit a revised plan addressing all issues related to conservation of Loktak Lake for endorsement of the Ministry for its implementation.

According to a reliable source, Bhupender Yadav, the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change while talking about three major issues on Loktak Lake Ecosystem and suggested measures for delisting from Montreux Record is reported to have stated that the Loktak Lake is an integral part of the culture and ecology of Manipur. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been very clear that India is land where nature is worshipped and therefore our scared natural resources will be protected and preserved at all costs. So, the government remains committed to developing Loktak Lake as one of the most enchanting and magnificent lakes of the world with community engagement and collective efforts.

According to sources, he said that the the Loktak Lake was included in the Montreux Record in 1993 as a result of ecological problems such as deforestation in catchment area, siltation, infestation of water hyacinth and paragrass and pollution.

The three major issues resulting in listing of Loktak Lake in Montreux Records are:

Changes in water regimes which have triggered phumdi proliferation, water quality deterioration, loss of migratory fish and degradation of KLNP habitat
Pollution from upstream areas which led to water quality degradation and accelerated phumdi proliferation
Conversion of natural phumdi into fish farms which reduced the capacity of Loktak to moderate and buffer water regimes

The Government of Manipur has been advised to submit an action plan to mitigate these issues along with a timeline for removal of Loktak Lake from the Montreux Records. The Ramsar Information Sheet (RIS) of Loktak Lake is to be updated on priority basis by compiler / Loktak Development Authority (LDA), for which they have been duly advised by the Ministry.

On what are the measures taken up to control eutrophication and control of discharge of waste water from urban into the Loktak Lake, the minister said that his department has been providing financial assistance for this wetland since 1988-89 to the Government of Manipur for undertaking conservation activities like survey & demarcation, catchment area treatment, fisheries development, removal of phumdis, constructing water harvesting structures, small scale engineering works, creation of education and awareness etc.

The Loktak Development Authority, Department of Forests, Govt. of Manipur is the implementing agency. So far, an amount of Rs 16.86 crore has been released by this Ministry to the Government of Manipur which includes an amount of Rs 428 lakh released during the year 2018-19. Further, the Integrated Management Plan (IMP) prepared by LDA has been examined by IIT Roorkee and certain suggestions have been given. The Ministry has asked the LDA to submit a revised plan addressing all issues related to conservation of Loktak Lake for endorsement of the Ministry for its implementation.

On measures for upliftment of livelihood or alternative livelihoods of the wetland people, Bhupender Yadav informed that as per the information provided by Government of Manipur, LDA has been taking up certain livelihood development activities for local communities who are dependent on Loktak Lake. The government, giving shape to Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji’s vision of conserving our Amrit Dharohar, also intends to enhance livelihood opportunities of the local communities through developing eco-tourism infrastructure in and around the lake and need-based capacity building of local communities.

The integrated Management Plan prepared by the LDA envisages activities on ‘Sustainable Resource Development and Livelihoods’ that includes:

Community Managed Fisheries Strategy for Loktak aligned with FAO code of conduct of Responsible Fisheries
Enhancement of fish seed production
Development of harvest, post-harvest and marketing infrastructure
Community livelihoods (micro enterprises) programme
Development of Wetland linked Cultural heritage sites to promote tourism for diversification and value addition of existing fisheries based livelihoods
Eco guide training for local communities

When asked if there is any judicious water allocation policy for biodiversity service, for fishers, for agriculture, for hydropower etc at Loktak, the minister informed that MoEF&CC has already taken up the issue of Ithai Barrage operation with the Ministry of Power and NHPC. After due deliberation, NHPC has agreed to lower the water level of Ithai barrage gradually to the drawdown level in the forthcoming winter season starting from November 2023 to rejuvenate KLNP habitat as per the technical report of 2011. With lowering of water levels in winters, the park habitat will improve along with improved circulation and flushing in the wetland.

On the timeframe for any steps taken to protect Loktak from inflow of waste (brought down by river/streams flowing) into Loktak, Bhupender Yadav said that as informed by the State Government of Manipur, commissioning of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) and implementation of activities as envisaged in the Integrated Management Plan will substantially reduce loading of pollutants into the lake. The State Government has also commissioned the construction of STPs at Nambul with the financial assistance of Rs 100 crore provided under the NRCP scheme by NRCD for the effective functioning of existing waste management infrastructure. It will be commissioned by June 2023 to capture and treat waste from Imphal City and Nambul River and take care of the discharge of untreated sewage into Loktak.

On the long term plan to protect the lake from encroachment (when govt removing private farms along Mayang Imphal-Toubul road & lake), the minister Bhupender Yadav said that MoEF&CC has suggested the Government of Manipur to immediately submit an action plan along with a timeline and a map with clear demarcation of the wetland boundary following guidelines provided by MoEF&CC and as per provisions laid by the Ramsar Secretariat for removal of Loktak Lake from Montreux Record. The Ramsar Information Sheet (RIS) of Loktak is to be updated on priority basis by the LDA.

He also said that Loktak Lake in Manipur was designated as Ramsar site on 23.03.1990 under Ramsar Convention and being a Ramsar site, the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 are applicable to the lake. A brief document of the lake has already been prepared. RIS itself is a kind of brief document.

On what is the responsibility of National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (NHPC) towards Rehabilitation and Resettlement of displaced communities affected by the Loktak hydroelectric power project since 1983?

Bhupender Yadav said that Loktak Hydroelectric Project was implemented before the EIA notification 1994 and 2006. Therefore, Environment Clearance of the Project was not applicable for the construction of the project. Works on the project commenced in 1971. The project was commissioned in year 1983.

NHPC has informed that for construction of Loktak project 217.09 ha of private land altogether had been purchased from landowners of 11 villages at different sites of the project. Full compensation was paid to land owners before land possession. Hence, Rehabilitation and Resettlement was not applicable at that time.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change has been providing financial assistance for this wetland since 1988-89 to the Government of Manipur for undertaking conservation activities like survey & demarcation, catchment area treatment, fisheries development, removal of Phumdis, constructing water harvesting structures, small scale engineering works, creation of education & awareness etc. Loktak Development Authority, Department of Forests, Govt. of Manipur is the implementing agency. So far, an amount of Rs 16.86 crore has been released by this Ministry to the Government of Manipur which includes an amount of Rs 428 lakh released during the year 2018-19. No proposal was received from the State from FY 2019-20 to 2022-23.

However, an Integrated Management Plan (IMP) of Loktak Lake was received in the Ministry for endorsement. The plan envisages to put in place Manipur River Basin scale actions, such as conserving catchment to control silt, abating pollution generated from upstream cities, demarcating wetland boundaries, managing water regimes and supporting livelihoods diversification of wetland dependent communities. IMP includes core and non-core activities in the lake area and its zone of influence (catchment, command areas, etc.). The IMP was appraised through IIT-Roorkee and observations given by IIT-R had been sent to the Govt. Of Manipur for revision of the IMP. The revised proposal is yet to be received by the Ministry. The MoEF&CC will consider the proposal on priority as per the cost sharing formula between the Central and State Government and the funding norms of NPCA.

On plans to accommodate the fishing community in lake management plan, the minister said the State Government of Manipur has informed that community Managed Fisheries Strategy for Loktak aligned with FAO code of conduct of Responsible Fisheries will be formulated involving local fishing communities.

Fishing in Loktak Lake has been carried out since time immemorial. The fishermen are an integral part of the Loktak ecosystem. The state government is working to promote healthy capture fisheries, which ensures that ecosystem processes such as migration pathways, water quality and phumdi distribution are not adversely affected.

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change had earlier stated that any effort towards the effective management of Loktek Lake, which is a designated Ramsar site, shall be in line with the norms of Ramsar Convention as well as Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017.

Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ashini Kumar Choubey said this while answering questions related to Loktak Lake raised by Janata Dal (United) Member of Parliament Anil Hegde on the floor of Rajya Sabha on April 6.

On that day, he also said that as per the information provided by Government of Manipur, approval from Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance for the proposed ‘Sustainable Loktak Lake Ecosystem Restoration, Eco Tourism and Livelihood Improvement’ project has not been received so far.

The post Loktak Lake: Ministry asks LDA to submit revised plan addressing all issues first appeared on The Frontier Manipur.