Tag: Top Stories

IMPHAL, Jan 27: The 63rd Republic celebration was observed yesterday with traditional fervor through out the state with Governor Gurcharan Jagat taking the salute at the main parade at Kangla.

All together 62 contingents took part in the march past which was without the usual competition section owing to curbs related to the ensuing assembly elections. India became a full republic on this day with the adoption of its own Constitution after centuries of British rule.

Faumei Gonglin, commandant of 5th IRB led this year’s parade as the commander while honorary Captain HC Hamsumang led the servicemen. The guard of honour was performed by contingents from the 7th IRB and 1st Manipur Rifles during which the tri-colour was hoisted.

During the observation, the Governor presented the Correction Service medals to Athokpam Ibotombi, chief head warden, Ningombam Hemanta, assistant jailor and Thangjam Nabakumar, warden, all of Central Jail, Sajiwa.

Gallantary Award for meritorious service was handed to fireman Surchandra Singh Khaidem and police medal for gallantary to S Ibotombi, sub-inspector and Ajay Prakash, rifleman.

President’s police medal for distinguished service was awarded to Koijam Radhashyam Singh, Churachandpur SP.

Tableaux were showcased by Manireda, IFCD, NRHM, Power, MAHUD, Town Planning, Rural Development, Education (schools), SSA, horticulture, IT, Election Commission of India and Manipur State Rural Road Development Agency.

Cultural troupes of Amuyaima Sangikant Dance Academy, Wangbal in Thoubal district, All Manipur Arts and State Committee, Lalit Sanget Natya Mandir, Nongpok Takhel, Sanchali Haobam Marak Art and Culture Dramatic Union, Meitei Sanaleipak Sana Kangla Yek Taret, Kuki Dance Troupe, Churachandpur, Makni Cultural Dance Troupe, Sardar Hills etc.

The band unit of All Manipur Band Party Association (B), 2nd MR Junior High School, 7th MR School (boys and girls), Massi Youth Centre and ICDS 1 and 2 provided the beat and tempo for the march.

Republic Day parade was also organized in all the district headquarters and Jiribam and Kangpokpi despite the extra duties on the district administration from duties for January 28 assembly elections. 22 contingents participated at the parade in Ukhrul, 20 in Chandel, 25 in Churachanpur and 20 in Tamenglong. The deputy commissioners took the salute at the district level observations while ADCs performed the same role at Jiribam and Kangpokpi.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/rday-celebrated-amidst-boycott-call/

IMPHAL, Jan 27: Manipur Pradesh Trinamool Congress president Kim Gangte on Thursday made it clear that the party has not forged any pre-poll alliance with Naga People’s Front (NPF) and condemned Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) for the charges leveled against it in this regard.

“Congress has lost its strength and is therefore afraid of possible defeat in the coming Manipur polls, leading the party to blame on other political parties which are in fray,” Manipur Pradesh Trinamool Congress president Kim Gangte alleged while speaking to the media here. Kim was clarifying to reporters at a press meet over allegation made by the Congress party that Trinamool has formed a pre-poll alliance with NPF.

Hitting back on MPCC president Gaikhangam and the State chief minister, Kim flanked by her party’s observer Sourav, stated that the same statement made by the two leaders regarding formation of pre-poll alliance between Trinamool and NPF was totally unfounded and baseless.

“Trinamool condemns such allegation,” the State Trinamool president said.

She said reports are receiving everyday about kidnappings, melees and beatings of Trinamool supporters by NPF supporters in hill constituencies and wondered how the party can make alliance with such party.

Ahead of the coming polls, Trinamool had already announced the party would contest on its own and it was made public too, Kim insisted.

Trinamool election observer, Sourav said a formal complaint would be launched to both Chief Election Commissioner (CEO) and Election Commission of India (ECI) soon against the allegation made by MPCC against the party. 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/state-trinamool-chief-denies-poll-understanding-with-npf/

IMPHAL, Jan 23: Six militants, including two NSCN (IM) cadres, were arrested by security forces in separate incidents during the last 48 hours.

Troops of 5 AR apprehended an active NSCN (IM) cadre from Senapati market on the intervening night of January 12 and 13. The cadre revealed during interrogation that he was operating in the area with plans of disrupting the January 28 assembly elections, a press statement from PIB, Defence Wing stated. A .32mm pistol and live rounds of ammunition were recovered from him.

Another NSCN (IM) cadre, belonging to the civil wing,  SS Raja Peyu CH Chimpu form Waichong village was arrested during an extortion bid by 10 DOGRA in an area under the jurisdiction of Imphal west police.

Another team of 10 DOGA apprehended two ZO cadres from Leimakhong during another extortion attempt, this time at Leimakhong Bazar. They were identified as s/s assistant director Satsei of Harouthel and Lamneijang Vaiphei Lilanwaiphei. The duo has reportedly been handed over to Sekmai police station.

In another case of an extortion bid by militants in a locality falling under Sekmai police station, 43 AR nabbed a KNF (P) cadre, Letkholun Kipgen from Santipur and recovered four extortion slip from him. He has been handed over to the police.

Troops of 27 AR apprehended a PLA cadre, identified as Maibam Elomba Meitei alias Chalamba, 21, son of M Plando Meitei of Awang Sekmai at Kairak yesterday, said a press statement from IG AR (South). He had been handed over to Kakching police station. 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/six-ultras-held/

IMPHAL, Jan 23(NNN):  Militant outfit Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) on Monday said the outfit is in no way involved in electioneering matter of India or Manipur and blamed the state police chief for attempting to tarnish its image.

Sharply reacting to the news report published on 22 January in one of the local dailies of the state wherein the GOC 57 Mountain Division, Major General Benoy Poonem was said to have requested by DGP Y Baral to open some extra army posts in the areas where ZUF operates in order to refrain the outfit from indulging in subversive activities in the coming general elections, ZUF in a statement made available to Newmai News Network on Monday said that the state police chief was attempting to tarnish its image by making false statement against it.

In the news report, the DGP also indicated that ZUF might try to interfere in the election process and even engage in activities like extortion, kidnapping of candidates and supporters and attacks on security forces might carry out by the militant group.

The outfit has been working to defend the people and guard them against those people who are trying to clutch power and that the militant front was formed to protect the people and their land to finding justice against all forms of discrimination, ZUF added.

It said ZUF is not against India, the Kukis, the Nagas or Manipuris, but it is struggling for bringing peace in the region. 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/zuf-reacts-to-police-chief/

IMPHAL, Jan 23 (NNN):  Thousands of Manipur government employees are unlikely to co-operate with the Congress-led Secular Progressive Front (SPF) in the coming January 28 polls as four employees` organizations have started a campaign by distribution of leaflets which says, “No 6th pay in toto, no vote for anti-employees Government.”

The four Government employee organizations which include JAC of AMTUC and AMGEO, MSSA, COTA and Manipur State Pensioners’ Union (MSPU) distributed leaflets exposing indifferent attitude of the state government over their long pending demands, including the Central 6th pay recommendation which it has failed to fulfill though the employees were time again assured by it in many occasions.

The leaflet, which was also distributed among various government offices, including the Manipur secretariat, says, ‘No equal treatment to all employees, no more SPF government.’

All the government employees should participate in the general elections and they also have the onus of carrying out their responsibility for the election process, but no chief minister of any State of India was ever elected for third term (except CPI-M leader, late Jyoti Basu), it says, adding that in Tamil Nadu, Jayalalitha-headed government was rooted out and set up a new government-led by Karunanidhi for its ill-treatment meted out against the Government employees. The Jayalalitha government came back to power only after it learnt the lesson.

The leaflet also says once boasted for being the government of the poor, the CPI-M government headed by Budhadev Bhattacharjee in West Bengal, which ruled the State for 40-long years, was ultimately dragged down from power for the reason that many were killed in its efforts to give away farmers’ land to Tata company.

“The question lies before us is that whether we should share or not in the formation or re-election of SPF government in the coming State Assembly elections,” the leaflet added.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/unions-urge-employees-to-vote-against-spf-govt/

From Kaimuanthang
CHURACHANDPUR, Jan 23: How to improve the abysmal living conditions in the region was the main focus of every speaker during the office and information centre inauguration of T Hankhanpau at Sangngaikot and B Kaljang villages today.

T Hangkhanopau, sitting MLA and a candidate for the All India Trinamool Congress , in Singngat AC, during his speeches, urged electorates from the areas to take shelters under the symbol of tress leaves (the symbol of the  party) and then take a giant steps for peace change and development .

He urged the gatherings not to support his rival parties which he claimed are beset with corruption charges and scams and responsible for record numbers of killings in the state.

Ngaineikim, an independent candidate from the constituency, announced that she has chosen to support Hangkhanpau as she found him to be the most worthy candidate in the fray.

Thangkhomang, district president of the AITC, stated the Kuki chiefs’ rights over their land are not disturbed even by the British as they dared to challenge and fight against them. However, the present government has been trying to usurp the rights of the chiefs by mean of various acts and provisions, urging the voters not to vote for the Congress.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/election-contestants-vow-to-uplift-living-standard-of-people/

IMPHAL, Jan 23: A district level meeting on security arrangement for the upcoming state assembly polls for Churachandpur district was held today at the office chamber of DC/DEO, Churachandpur. The meeting was attended by SP Churachandpur and officials of paramilitary forces.

Training programmes on use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were held today at Kangpokpi ADC office complex and Ukhrul Mini Secretariat Complex.

The polling personnel of Thoubal district are informed to report to their respective Returning Officers at 10:30 am on January 24 for final round of poll rehearsals.

A street play on sensitization of voters was shown today in various places of Chandel district under the initiative of State Voters’ Educational and Electoral Participation.

The third round of training of polling personnel for Bishnupur district has begun today at three venues.

The second round of training of polling personnel of Senapati district has started at Little Angels School, Senapati.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/election-corner/

CHURACHANDPUR, January 22: In an election-related violence, a woman identified as Goungaihching, 43, wife of Khuptinlian of Gouchinkhup Veng, New Lamka was reportedly beaten black and blue at about 6.30 pm yesterday by a supporter of the Congress (I) candidate of Churachandpur assembly constituency.

The victim, a daily wage earner, has reportedly been supporting the Trinamool Congress candidate of the same constituency.

The Congress (I) supporter identified as Zenchingthang Tonsing physically assaulted her complaining that she was not supporting the party’s candidate, said eye witnesses.

According to them, he hit her with the wooden arm of a bench on the left side of her face after which she temporarily lost sight of her left eye. She was rushed to the district hospital for administration of first aid.

Much to the relief of near and dear ones her conditions have improved and she have been discharged from the hospital.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/trinamool-supporter-hurt/

From Kaimuanthang
LAMKA, January 19: The lone independent candidate in 58-Churachandpur assembly constituency Chintuahlian Guite has promised to reduce unemployment problems in the state by paying greater stress on private enterprises and various types of small industries like plants for manufacturing of medicines raw material of which are locally available.

He was speaking at a program to release his election manifesto at Saulim Resturant today.

An MBA post graduate from UK, Chintuahlian mooted the promotion of internet marketing in partnership with big multinational companies as well as adequate emphasis on making the local people more self reliant.

Heavy fluctuation in prices and artificially created scarcity of commodities, even during economic blockades should be controlled, he said. He also laid bare his plans to improve water and power supply in the district.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/chintuahlian-to-fight-unemployment/

From John K. kaping
UKHRUL, Jan. 17: The Manipur State Congress Party (MSCP) inaugurated its party office at Phungreitang, Ukhrul today with former minister Vivek  Raj as the chief guest. Aleng Shimrah will be contesting from Ukhrul constituency in the forthcoming assembly elections under the party flag.

The office was inaugurated at the site of the Union Baptist Church after the flag hoisting ceremony at Shimrah’s residence.

Many thousands of party workers gathered at the jam-packed open site. Khamung Mashungva, the chief agent of Shimray, conducted the programme in the presence of Revd. Somi Kasomwoshi, pastor UTBC. During the function a key-note address was delivered detailing the political background of the candidate.

The function ended with special words of thanks by T.Zingkhai, one of the older workers of the candidate, and benediction prayer was graced by Revd. Ngachonmi, pastor, Viewland Baptist Church.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/mscp-opens-office-in-ukhrul/

IMPHAL, Jan 17: The Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), Manipur today released a “Chargesheet” titled dark Decade at the party office at Nityaipat Chuthek, Imphal. The chargesheet was released by BJP National spokesperson Prakash Javedkar in the presence of the North East Election Zonal representative Chandrasekhar Rao and President of the Mahila Morcha Samiti, Smriti Irani.

Addressing media persons today, BJP National spokesperson Prakash Javedkar said that the 10 years rule by the Secular Progressive Front (SPF) in Manipur has caused a number of harassment to the people of the state instead of giving peace, harmony and prosperity.

The charge-sheet further details the failure of the SPF government on various fronts and listed 15 point highlighting the break down of the law and order situation in the state that includes incidences of bomb blasts and killings.

“ Instead of arriving at a solution on the problem of insurgency, the Government allowed the situation to drift further and Manipur witnessed the number of underground groups increasing from 9 to over 40,” said the charge-sheet.

It further flagged off various scams saying that the SPF government could easily find a place in the Guiness book of world records for corruption. The charge-sheet also made a note of the incidences of bandhs and blockades in the states, saying that both the Central and State Congress government are responsible for the hardships faced by the people of Manipur. It also charged that the “O.Ibobi Singh Government sponsored black marketing has increased prices in Manipur phenomenally. Petrol at Rs.180/- Deisel at Rs.90, LPG at Rs 1500/- and Kerosene at Rs 100/- is the special Ibobi effect.”

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/bjp-chargesheets-spf-government/

IMPHAL, Jan 17: The daily incidents of political intimidation on Congress candidates and party workers shows no let down with 5 bombs being recovered from different locations today. A hand grenade was recovered from the residence of Moirangthgem (O) Inakhunbi w/o Jiten. Inakhunbi is Chairperson of Kakching Municipal Council and is said to be an active worker for the INC candidate for Kakching constituency and sitting MLA Y. Surchandra.

The bomb, detected by family members was taken away safely by a team of Kakching police.

Another bomb was recovered from the residence of Takhellambam Koshi(67), aid to be a Congress worker from Ngaikhong Khullen bazaar in Bishnupur district. The bomb was found within his residential complex this morning by family members and was taken away by Bishnupur police.

A hand grenade was also found at the residence of Chingkham Tomba (63) of Bishnupur Ward no 3 in the early morning hours today. He is also said to be a congress worker.

In yet another incident, a hand grenade was found in the courtyard of Moirangthem Borajaoba from Lamlai Makha Leikai, who is said to be a congress worker. A hand written note with a caution not to get involved in the forthcoming election was found near the grenade.Another grenade was also found opposite to the Manipur University gate this morning. The Singjamei police took away the grenade.

Two persons identified as Thoi and Lamkhai said to be party workers of DD Thaisi, INC candidate and sitting MLA for Karong AC (Senapati) have been reportedly kidnapped by unidentified armed persons yesterday evening from Karong.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/5-bombs-found-2-kidnapped/

Newmai News Network
DIMAPUR/IMPHAL, Jan 17: Normal activities in Nagaland commercial hub Dimapur and the state capital Kohima, as well as Naga-dominated areas in Manipur were affected due to the 12-hour bandh called by the NSCN-IM in protest against the move by New Delhi that prevented its chairman Isak Chisi Swu and general secretary Th. Muivah from visiting Zunheboto in Nagaland Saturday last.

Talking to Newmai News Network this evening, convenor of the NSCN-IM Steering Committee, V.S Atem said the bandh ended at 6 pm on Tuesday in `Nagalim`.

All business establishments in Dimapur were seen shut down during the bandh hours. In Kohima, the impact of the bandh was severe too with no shops seen opened. However, both private and public vehicles were seen plying as usual in the two towns.

In Senapati district headquarter, shops were closed since morning. Reports received from there said except a few vegetable vendors more or less all commercial places did not operate. Similar reports were also received from the district headquarters of Ukhrul, Tamenglong and Chandel.

It is worth noting that on January 14, Thuingaleng Muivah and Isak Chisi Swu were on their way to Zunheboto from their camp in Hebron along with a large entourage consisting of about 70 vehicles but were stopped by a waiting Assam Rifles team led by a brigadier at Bade village at around 9:30 am. Bade village is located about 20 kilometres from NSCN-IM`s Hebron camp.

The Assam Rifles personnel asked Muivah and Swu not to go ahead with their visit to Zunheboto without obtaining permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs. At around 3 pm the MHA had reportedly allowed Muivah and Isak Swu to visit Zunheboto but laid certain conditions.

One of the conditions was that Muivah and Swu should travel without weapons. The second condition was that their personal security guards shall not carry weapons even if they were concealed. The third condition was that the number of vehicles shall not exceed twenty and the NSCN-IM leaders will not hold any public meeting or press conference.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/nscnim-observes-bandh-against-restrictions-on-leaders-movement/

From Kaimuanthang
LAMKA, Jan 17: The two personnel of 39 AR, a havildar and a constable, who were killed in yersterday’s ambush at Zokhonuam located at about 20 kms along the international border with Myanmar from Singngat have been identified today after the bodies were taken to the district hospital mortuary.  The personnel have been identified as havildar Rajendra, 46, a resident of Bareilley district in Uttar Pradesh and constable Lakhinath Deori ,32,  from Arunachal Pradesh.

The body of Rajendra Pradesh will be flown to his native place later today while Deori has been taken to his native place by road.

In another incident, a labour of the 80 RCC BRTF, Mangal Munda , 27, son of Ramsoi Munda died after he fell down into a deep gorge at about 7.30 pm yesterday. His body has been taken to the district hospital today for post mortem.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/slain-ar-men-identified/

NEW DELHI,  January 17: A day after beginning talks on the boundary question, India and China on Tuesday agreed to set up a working mechanism on border management to deal with important border affairs related to maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border.

The working mechanism, mooted by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, was finalised at the conclusion of the 15th meeting of the Special Representatives (SR) on the boundary question — National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon and Chinese State Councillor Dai Bingguo here.

The agreement to establish the “Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs’’ was signed by India`s Ambassador to China S. Jaishankar and China`s Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin.

It will “undertake other tasks that are mutually agreed upon by the two sides but will not discuss resolution of the Boundary Question or affect the Special Representatives Mechanism,’’ according to the text of the agreement released by the External Affairs Ministry.

The working mechanism will “study ways and means to conduct and strengthen exchanges and cooperation between military personnel and establishments of the two sides in the border areas.’’

The working mechanism “will explore the possibility of cooperation in the border areas that are agreed upon by the two sides.”

It will be headed by a joint secretary-level officer from the Ministry of External Affairs and a Director General-level officer from the Chinese Foreign Ministry and will comprise diplomatic and military officials of the two sides.

“The Working Mechanism will address issues and situations that may arise in the border areas that affect the maintenance of peace and tranquillity and will work actively towards maintaining the friendly atmosphere between the two countries,” says the text of the agreement.

The working mechanism will hold consultations once or twice every year alternately in India and China. Emergency consultations, if required, may be convened after mutual agreement.

Chinese State Councillor Dai Binggou said on Monday that Sino-Indian ties have made “substantial progress” and “can work miracles” together. He observed that the two sides have “scaled much height” and “produced some results” on the framework of settlement of the boundary issue.

The two sides expressed their belief in respecting and abiding by the Line of Actual Control, pending a resolution of the boundary question. They noted that strengthening peace and tranquillity in the India-China border areas was “very significant” for enhancing mutual trust and security between the two countries, for resolving the boundary question at an early date and for building the India-China strategic and cooperative partnership for peace and prosperity.

While establishing the working mechanism, the two sides aimed for timely communication of information on the border situation, for appropriately handling border incidents and for earnestly undertaking other cooperation activities in the India-China border areas.

During the two-day talks, the Special Representatives also agreed to prepare a joint record on the progress made so far in the talks between them on the boundary question.

The SR mechanism was set up in 2003 following the visit of then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to China with Mr. Dai and the then National Security Adviser Brajesh Mishra as the SRs.

“Making a positive appraisal of the current state of bilateral relations, the SRs noted the importance of regular high-level exchanges and strengthened cooperation across different areas between the two countries,’’ an External Affairs Ministry statement said here.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/india-china-set-up-working-mechanism-on-borders/

IMPHAL, Jan 17: To sensitize media persons of the state ahead of the general election, a daylong workshop of media person on “Systematic Voter’s Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) for CEO and Journalists” was held at Manipur Press Club today. The workshop was jointly organized by Chief Electoral Officer, Manipur and All Manipur working Journalists Union (AMWJU).

The workshop was participated by PC Lawmkunga, CEO Manipur, additional secretary SVEEP , A Tombikanta Singh, senior journalist Irengbam Arun, Rupachandra Yumnam and president of All Manipur Working Journalists Union, A Mobi Singh.

 Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Electoral Officer mentioned that the Election Expenditure Monitoring Mechanism implemented by the Election Commission is very effective in the state and revealed that political candidates and workers are very careful in spending money as compared to previous elections. The workshop was attended by around 150 media persons including field reporters and managers of media firms of the state.

The Chief Electoral Officer says that following the strict ECI’s guideline the state have not witnessed the usual mega election campaigns and large meetings. He further reiterates that any candidates who exceed an expenditure of Rs . 8 lacs will be disqualified.

The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Manipur further said that strict monitoring has been continuing for a smooth and peaceful election. He stated that the CEO office has spread eyes and ears through different observers which include general observers ranking of an IAS, IRS and police observer from a rank of DIG numbering to 39 individuals.

Irengbam Arun stated that the norms of the ECI have been properly observed by the CEO and the state has seen an unique system of polls and that this change is groundbreaking, he mentioned that the playing field has been levelled and each aspiring candidate has been given equal opportunity.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/unwarranted-expenditures-by-candidates-controlled-says-ceo/

IMPHAL, January 17:Manipur even though known for its rich contribution in sports too has parallel contributions in the field of Arts and Culture. A Manipuri lad who is appearing for his metric exams came back home after winning the ‘First Best’ title in repertory section at an international competition “Global Cultural Olympiad 2011” held at Victoria theatre at Hua-Hin in Thailand, December 27 last. The competition that includes dance, drama and music categories was organized by the ABSS’S Global Council of Art and Culture , Thailand. Soraisam Leninjit born to Soraisam Joychandra and Radhapyari of Sagolband Lukram Leirak is the third child . He has two elder sisters and a younger brother. His parents has been tendering to the needs and aspirations of their talented child and guiding him along the right direction.“I felt very content on him receiving such an award. We always supported him from the beginning and encourage him to choose any profession,whether it may be medical career or singing. Let the almighty lead him to the right direction”, Radhapyari said. Leninjit completed his Visharat during his tender years when he was studying in thesixth grade. He has decided to complete his doctorate in music and at the same time moving forward to complete his general education. The boy who sings better than his fellow junior international competitors of about 30 in the classical vocal competition has bagged the best of the best glory for the nation making the state proud. There was not only Hindustani Classical but also classical songs of various countries in the competition held at Thailand . He had bagged gold medals both in Hindustan Classical Vocal and Modern Vocal Solo in December, 2010 which was held at Ravindra Bhavan of Vardhman in Bengal.

“Sometimes I  find it hard to concentrate with my studies along with singing. There was this time when I had to appear for thepre metric exam and at the same time rehearse my songs, I remember it was  very hard . I wanted to complete my master’s degree in singing as well as complete my education. I believe that there is nothing impossible trust in the almighty”,Leninjit said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/state-boy-bags-global-cultural-olympiad-title/

Newmai News Network
IMPHAL, Jan 17: All Manipur Tribal Union (AMTU) today urged upon the tribal populace in the state to elect those candidates who can strengthen the Hill Area Committee (HAC) at the ensuing assembly elections, describing the committee as the sole institute which can constitutionally protect the interest of the tribals.
It accused the state government of attempting to reduce the tribals into victims under feudal policies. For example, the reserved forests in Chandel district were declared in the year 1939 when the British colonial regime forcibly made the declaration under Indian Forest Act, 1927 without the consent of the tribal chiefs, AMTU general secretary Romeo Bungdon stated while adding that the Manipur Forest Rules, 1971 further broadened the classification of the forests in Manipur into three categories- reserve forest, protected forest and unclassified or open forest.

Another controversial policy of the state is to transfer the power vested for recognition of a village in the hill areas from hills department to revenue department, most probably by overruling the HAC, he said.

The union warned that the government, under its ambiguous policies, could introduce more policies and regulations in the tribal areas undermining their aspirations. It asserted that land grabbing and displacement of villages have already begun which is a gruesome violation of Article 371  of the Indian Constitution.

The union appealed to the tribal people to focus on electing leaders capable of strengthening the HAC. It further urged hill-based political parties and political leaders to adopt such survival politics for retrieval strategies by cutting across party lines, maintaining that it could ultimately eradicate foreseeable threats.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/amtu-urges-tribal-voters-to-elect-those-who-can-strengthen-hac/

IMPHAL, Jan 16: The manifesto of the Manipur State, Janata Dal (United) wasreleased today at its Manipur office at Paona Bazaar by the JD (U) North EastGeneral Secretary Arunkumar Srivastav in a simple function.

The function was attended by M. Tombi President JD (U) and General Secretary JD (U), LianGangte.

The 18 point manifesto includes safeguarding the state’sterritorial integrity; repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers’ Act; to takeup steps for eradicating poverty from the state; to develop a strong healthcare system, promote Art and Culture and sports and to develop road andcommunication systems. The manifesto also mentioned that the party would striveto erase corruption from the state.

Lian Gangte, JD (U) General secretary said on the occasion todaythat its party candidates are yet to be given security cover, thereby leadingto difficulties. He also added that party candidates for the assembly electionsare facing various threats leading to a feeling of fear in conducting electioncampaigns. Lian Gangte further appealed for adequate security cover for thecandidates of the JD (U).

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/jdu-releases-18point-poll-manifesto/

IMPHAL, Jan 16: Two security personnel were killed and two others wounded when suspected militants ambushed a patrol of the Assam Rifles near Jhoukhonom village in Churachandpur district on the Myanmar border this morning.

According the police the militants snatched away one weapon from the soldiers after the attack.

The incident happened when troops of 39th Assam Rifles on patrol came under attack from heavily armed militants near border pillar No. 46 close to Jhoukhom village under Singhat police station.

There was a gunbattle thereatter which lasted for half-an-hour, police said.

In the exchange of fire, two AR jawans were killed and two others wounded.

The attackers took away one AK rifle after killing two AR soldiers.

Details are still awaited.

Meanwhile, a press release from the Co-ordination Committee (CorCom) of KCP, KYKL, PREPAK, PREPAK (Pro), RPF, UNLF and UPPK has said that three constituent members of CorCom: PREPAK (Pro), RPF and UNLF were behind the ambush of the security personnel of the 39th Assam Rifles near Gihingtam Khunou under Singhat sub division in Churachandpur district.

The statement signed by H. Poirei, Media Co 0rdinator CorCom said that a combined team of MPA, PLA and Red Army (PREPAK (Pro) ambushed a foot patrol of 39 AR following causing death and injury to the Assam Rifles.

The statement further said that two weapons along with some equipment and other important items have been rounded up.

No casualties were sustained on the side of CorCom and those who took part in teh attack have returned safely to base, the  release said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/corcom-ambushes-ar-patrol-two-weapons-taken-away/