Tag: Top Stories

DIMAPUR, Dec 23 (agencies): In a flare-up of December 19 stand-off between NSCN (K) and GPRN/NSCN at Padumpukhuri-Naharbari area, Dimapur, NSCN (K) reportedly launched a “surprise attack” on GPRN/NSCN (Khole-Kitovi), killing one and injuring others at Ghukiye village, some 10 kms away from Zunheboto, Thursday morning at around 6.30 a.m.

According to reports the deceased identified as Mughavi of Saghemi village was supposedly on sentry duty. Three weapons belonging to GPRN/NSCN were also taken away by NSCN (K) cadres, reports reaching here said. It was also reported that GPRN/NSCN has sent reinforcement to Suruhoto, where NSCN (K) has a camp.

GPRN/NSCN MIP sources told Nagaland Post that around eight to ten cadres from GPRN/NSCN who were deputed to clear the jungle at “makeshift camp”– proposed site for setting up its designated camp at Ghukiye village, was attacked by NSCN (K) cadres. “In the surprise attack one of our boys was killed and few injured”, MIP sources added. 

Sources also said that much damaged could have been done if the boys had retaliated. “Attacking at this hour was not a good sign, so we ordered our boys to head back to camp at Suruhoto”, GPRN/NSCN sources added.

NSCN (K) CFSB supervisor, Wangtin when contacted said the attack on GPRN/NSCN designated camp was “very unfortunate and regrettable”. Wangtin said he had appealed to the Military headquarter to restraint its cadres from any retaliatory act after the December 19 incident at Padumpukhuri-Naharbari, Dimapur.

However, he said “Khole-Kitovi’s group” should take responsibility for Thursday’s incident as it was a flare up because of their attack on Dec 19 at Dimapur against NSCN (K).

Reiterating his earlier stand Wangtin said “we are here for peace, not war” and appealed to all NSCN factions not to take December 19 incident “very seriously” as he said it would only spread violence all over Nagaland.

He further appealed all to restraint from any retaliatory actions and to maintain peace especially during the festive season.

Wangtin also confirmed that they had recovered three weapons.

Meanwhile, condemning Thursday’s firing incident, Sumi Hoho (SH), Zunheboto president, H. Hesso said that tension erupted since Wednesday evening after the presence of armed cadres in the area.

Hesso said the presence of armed cadres was harassment to public, as the cadres were not adhering to the ceasefire agreement.

The Hoho was against the setting up of any designated camps in Zunheboto, he added. SH said the body of the deceased cadre was handed later sent to his village, Saghemi.

Earlier, Sumi Hoho at a general public session held on August 9 at Zunheboto had unanimously resolved to urge responsible authority to remove/withdraw designated camps within Zunheboto district.

The Hoho had said existence of designated camps in Zunheboto “has threatened the congenial and peaceful environment”.

The resolution was made based on the declaration of Sumi inhabited areas as “peace zone” on July 15, 2008 during public rally, and subsequent unanimous reiteration and reaffirmation of the stand by the Sumi general session on July 7, 2011.

However, GPRN/NSCN sources said the designated camp area was agreed upon by government of India as both GPRN/NSCN and representatives from Government of India had visited the proposed site recently.

It maybe noted that after December 19 stand-off between NSCN (K) and GPRN/NSCN at Padumpukhuri-Naharbari, Dimapur, NSCN (K) cadres were escorted back to Suruhoto by Dimapur Police.

The stand-off occurred when some armed NSCN (K) cadres came to Dimapur to set up a ceasefire monitoring cell sub-office near Padampukhri-Naharbari area.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/one-killed-as-nscn-factions-clash/

DIMAPUR, Dec 23 (agencies): In a flare-up of December 19 stand-off between NSCN (K) and GPRN/NSCN at Padumpukhuri-Naharbari area, Dimapur, NSCN (K) reportedly launched a “surprise attack” on GPRN/NSCN (Khole-Kitovi), killing one and injuring others at Ghukiye village, some 10 kms away from Zunheboto, Thursday morning at around 6.30 a.m.

According to reports the deceased identified as Mughavi of Saghemi village was supposedly on sentry duty. Three weapons belonging to GPRN/NSCN were also taken away by NSCN (K) cadres, reports reaching here said. It was also reported that GPRN/NSCN has sent reinforcement to Suruhoto, where NSCN (K) has a camp.

GPRN/NSCN MIP sources told Nagaland Post that around eight to ten cadres from GPRN/NSCN who were deputed to clear the jungle at “makeshift camp”– proposed site for setting up its designated camp at Ghukiye village, was attacked by NSCN (K) cadres. “In the surprise attack one of our boys was killed and few injured”, MIP sources added. 

Sources also said that much damaged could have been done if the boys had retaliated. “Attacking at this hour was not a good sign, so we ordered our boys to head back to camp at Suruhoto”, GPRN/NSCN sources added.

NSCN (K) CFSB supervisor, Wangtin when contacted said the attack on GPRN/NSCN designated camp was “very unfortunate and regrettable”. Wangtin said he had appealed to the Military headquarter to restraint its cadres from any retaliatory act after the December 19 incident at Padumpukhuri-Naharbari, Dimapur.

However, he said “Khole-Kitovi’s group” should take responsibility for Thursday’s incident as it was a flare up because of their attack on Dec 19 at Dimapur against NSCN (K).

Reiterating his earlier stand Wangtin said “we are here for peace, not war” and appealed to all NSCN factions not to take December 19 incident “very seriously” as he said it would only spread violence all over Nagaland.

He further appealed all to restraint from any retaliatory actions and to maintain peace especially during the festive season.

Wangtin also confirmed that they had recovered three weapons.

Meanwhile, condemning Thursday’s firing incident, Sumi Hoho (SH), Zunheboto president, H. Hesso said that tension erupted since Wednesday evening after the presence of armed cadres in the area.

Hesso said the presence of armed cadres was harassment to public, as the cadres were not adhering to the ceasefire agreement.

The Hoho was against the setting up of any designated camps in Zunheboto, he added. SH said the body of the deceased cadre was handed later sent to his village, Saghemi.

Earlier, Sumi Hoho at a general public session held on August 9 at Zunheboto had unanimously resolved to urge responsible authority to remove/withdraw designated camps within Zunheboto district.

The Hoho had said existence of designated camps in Zunheboto “has threatened the congenial and peaceful environment”.

The resolution was made based on the declaration of Sumi inhabited areas as “peace zone” on July 15, 2008 during public rally, and subsequent unanimous reiteration and reaffirmation of the stand by the Sumi general session on July 7, 2011.

However, GPRN/NSCN sources said the designated camp area was agreed upon by government of India as both GPRN/NSCN and representatives from Government of India had visited the proposed site recently.

It maybe noted that after December 19 stand-off between NSCN (K) and GPRN/NSCN at Padumpukhuri-Naharbari, Dimapur, NSCN (K) cadres were escorted back to Suruhoto by Dimapur Police.

The stand-off occurred when some armed NSCN (K) cadres came to Dimapur to set up a ceasefire monitoring cell sub-office near Padampukhri-Naharbari area.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/one-killed-as-nscn-factions-clash/

IMPHAL, December 23: The Zeliangrong Union ( Assam, Manipur and Nagaland) in a statement by its general secretary K Poushinlung clarified regarding the construction of the SenapatiOklong road under the PMGSY.

It states that, a consultative meeting of ZU( AMN) and the neighbouring villages of Makuilongdi was held on October 25 last at Liangmei Colony Makuilongdi village, Senapati.

Further, the meeting had resolved that priority must be given to the work site of the Oklong road which is awarded to one contractor ShHungyo and the said funds must be properly utilised within the given sixteen km distance.

After the decision, the controversial issue between the ZU(AMN) vice president and R.H.E. James Zeme was resolved. It states that if the concerned authorities of the work agency do not fulfil the construction norms of the PMGSY properly, then the ZSU(AMN) will take up necessary action against the agency, it said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/zu-clarification/

IMPHAL, December 23: The Zeliangrong Union ( Assam, Manipur and Nagaland) in a statement by its general secretary K Poushinlung clarified regarding the construction of the SenapatiOklong road under the PMGSY.

It states that, a consultative meeting of ZU( AMN) and the neighbouring villages of Makuilongdi was held on October 25 last at Liangmei Colony Makuilongdi village, Senapati.

Further, the meeting had resolved that priority must be given to the work site of the Oklong road which is awarded to one contractor ShHungyo and the said funds must be properly utilised within the given sixteen km distance.

After the decision, the controversial issue between the ZU(AMN) vice president and R.H.E. James Zeme was resolved. It states that if the concerned authorities of the work agency do not fulfil the construction norms of the PMGSY properly, then the ZSU(AMN) will take up necessary action against the agency, it said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/zu-clarification/

IMPHAL, December 21: A UG cadre suspected to be involved in the killing of PHED Irilbung chowkidar Soram Ibomcha and his son was killed by a combined team of Imphal east and west commandos during an encounter today at 12:30am at Naran Konjil, Imphal west, informed a police source.

A reliable police source has identified the suspected KCP (MTF) Kesho Meitei cadre as Laishram Ranbir alias Isen, 44, s/o (l) L Ibobi of Uchiwa.

The police source further informed that on getting reliable information about the presence of UG cadres in the surrounding area of Naran Konjil, the combined team of police commandos conducted a search operation in the area.

During the search operation, the suspected militants fired towards the commando team and in retaliatory firing, the said militant cadre was killed while his other accomplices managed to escape from the area in the cover of the darkness, further added the source.

Police further recovered one 9mm pistol with two live ammunitions and three empty cases from his possession, the source added.

Meanwhile, in contrary to the police version, family members of the dead victim have identified L Ranbir as an innocent person.

Family members while talking to media persons further identified Ranbir as working under the Mayang Imphal MLA. He is also a member of the Mayang Imphal Congress Committee and is survived by his wife, one son and one daughter, they further informed.

In connection with the incident, locals of Uchiwa today formed a JAC against the Assasination of Laishram Ranbir alias Isen and further submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister demanding proper arrangement for the bereaved family and punishing the involved security personnel in the killing of L Ranbir.

Locals of the area have further decried the killing and took out a procession from their locality to submit a memorandum to the Chief Minister which was stopped by police at Mayang Imphal bazaar area. 

The memorandum was later submitted by a few representatives of the JAC and the local MLA to the Chief Minister this evening.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/family-contradicts-police-version-of-encounter-victim-being-ug-cadre/

IMPHAL, Dec 21 (NNN): The United Naga Council (UNC) and the Naga People`s Front (NPF) in separate statements have expressed their grief over the demise of Manipur additional DGP Peter Ngahanyui (IPS) this morning.

The NPF said death of Peter Ngahanyui was a great loss for the society. Terming him as an upright police officer, NPF said Peter was a gentleman who was liked by people.

Meanwhile, the UNC said Peter was one of the patriotic Naga officer who was also victimised for his straight forwardness and selfless service by the Government of Manipur.

“In his death, Nagas have lost a fearless, selfless and dedicated police officer and the vacuum thus created by him would be irreparable. Nagas people will never forget those valuable contributions that he had rendered during his life time.

The UNC shares the grieve and the sorrow of the bereave family members. It also prays for the departed soul to rest in peace in the heavenly abode,” the UNC stated.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/unc-npf-express-condolences-on-demise-of-addl-dgp-peter-ngahanyui/

IMPHAL, Dec 21: The AMCO (All Manipur Christian Organisation) has expressed its deepest concern over the gruesome killing of the care taker of PHED, Soram Ibomcha and his son Yaipu by an armed group in connection with monetary demand.

A press release of the organization has informed that such practice of abduction and killing of innocent people must be condemned by one and all. It is a crime against God and the people.

It has further mentioned that AMCO has been trying to eradicate injustice and corruption and cultivate love and concern among the people of Manipur. While SHDDC and the UNC imposed prolonged economic blockade and counter blockade, the AMCO members went to meet them and had prayer with them and earnestly requested them to relax the blockade on humanitarian ground. In the previous years too when the NSF of Ngaland banned vehicles bearing Manipur regd numbers to enter Nagaland, the AMCO went to Kohima several times and requested them to lift the ban, it added.

As the Christmas celebration is approaching many of our Manipuri students and workers who stay outside the state are coming home and we are sure they will be stranded on the way. At the same time many poor families of the hill and valley are coming for Christmas shopping during these coming days. The AMCO therefore fervently request the KCP (MC) to withdraw the general strike Dec.21 – 24 in public interest, it added.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/all-manipur-christian-organisation-appeal/

IMPHAL, December 21: The Maoist Communist Party, Manipur in a press release has stated that there is a need for social reformation in Manipur as the people of the state from teachers to elected representatives have all become thieves.

The release signed by Nonglen Meitei, secretary publicity and propaganda has stated that there is a total moral degradation in Manipur.

Corruption has totally degraded the society and it is high time that the people should wake up before it’s too late.

It has further expressed that elected representatives and intellectuals of Manipur are concerned with only looting the general public, it added.

The party through the release has further informed that the party has decided to act against all those looting the general public.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/manipur-needs-a-total-social-reformation-mcp/

IMPHAL, Dec 21: Ngamkhohao Haokip president and Tonghen Kipgen general secretary of the Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee have tendered their resignation from their respective posts.

A statement signed by the two has stated that they have tendered their resignation on moral grounds as they have failed to achieve a full fledged Sadar Hills district under their leadership.

It has stated that public movement demanding a separate Sadar Hills district had taken place this year. It has further added, “All sections of the Sadar Hills people were consulted until the last moment that culminated to the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Manipur. As per Ihe MoU, Sadar Hills shall be inaugurated as a full-fledged Autonomous District at the earliest after submission of CRA & PDB report. The people of Sadar Hills are now waiting for the moment”.

However, in spite of the large-scale participation of all section of Sadar Hills people and civil organisations, districthood could not be achieved as expected. The 2011 movement unto Sadar Hills districthood has also caused untold miseries and suffering to not only the people of Sadar Hills but also the whole population of Manipur for which we regretted, the release added.

“We, the undersigned, deeply felt regretted for not achieving the aspiration of the people under our leadership and thereby owe moral responsibility and therefore in the larger interest of people of Sadar Hills we hereby tendered our resignation from the posts of President and General Secretary respectively with immediate effect” the release added.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/shddc-president-and-gen-secretary-tender-their-resignation/

IMPHAL, Dec 21: The people of Tamei sub-division in particular and the Tamenglong district in general are happy for implementation of various developmental programmes in backward areas of Tamei sub-division, Tamenglong district by the Manipur state government.

A press release of the Tamei Sub-Divisional Development Organization has stated that it is unfortunate to learn that the DRDA, Tamenglong has issued work orders for implementation of Backward Region Grant Fund (BRGF) 2011-12 violating all the guidelines of the BRGF scheme.

It has further stated that the guidelines say that the said scheme is to be implemented by the District Planning and Implementation Committee (DPC) who are appointed/nominated by the Govt.

As per the guidelines, before implementation of any part of BRGF scheme a DPC meeting is to be held by inviting all the DPC members. The beneficiary committee is also to be form through the concerned BDOs.

However, the DRDA Tamenglong violating all the above cited facts has issued work order in respect of Tamei and Tousem blocks in connivance with unscrupulous money mongers for their own benefit.

It has further added that the DPC meeting has not been held till date and the VDCs/BCs were not form through the concerned BDOs, the selection of beneficiary is not done in DRDA Office but it was done in a secrete place in Imphal, it further charged.

Therefore, the Tamei Sub-Division Development Organisation urged the concerned authority to immediately cancel the work order and book the culprits involved in swindling away of public money for their own benefits, the release added.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/tsddo-alleges-violation-of-grgf-scheme-guidelines-by-drda/

IMPHAL, December 20: The Naga People’s Organization has showed concern over the continuing gun-battles between various Naga armed outfits in Manipur and Nagaland.

In a press release, the organization has appealed for tranquility and peace to reign over the land during this festive and holy month for every Christians. The recent outbreak of shoot-out at Khoupam valley and Dimapur town is disturbing to the peaceful existence especially during these festive months, it added.

The factional fighting between the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) and NSCN-IM killing one IM cadre is vigorously condemnable at the backdrop of sincere appeals made by Naga civil bodies and Nagas general public since many months. Moreover, the gun battle between cadres of NSCN Khaplang and the GPRN/NSCN (Khehoi) at Naharbari village in Dimapur, Nagaland on December 19 has seriously affected the public’s cry for communal harmony. Such disregard and insult of public appeals for peace and reconciliation among the Naga factions is unacceptable, the release added.

Calling for immediate cease-fire and halt of all provocative activities between different Naga groups, the NPO also shares the grief of family members and condoles the sad demise of lieutenant Daikho Peter of Kalinamai village who was killed in the factional fight on December 18 in Khoupum valley. “Shedding the blood by his own brother has no joy or victory for any Nagas but pains the spirit of Nagas Unity and oneness”. The development has seriously jeopardized the otherwise much appreciated and joyful reconciliation process of all the Naga revolutionary groups, the statement added. The NPO again appealed for sanity and peace to return during this season of forgiveness and celebration of brotherhood.

Meanwhile, the Naga People’s Organization (NPO) has also appealed to the KCP calling the 36hrs general strike to suspend the said bandh during this festive season especially for Christians. With common people especially from the hill districts heavily depending on the capital city of Imphal for shopping and other purposes, imposing such bandh will affect such yearly activities. Understanding the religious and festive season of the public, the NPO appeals for relaxation of bandh to the people of the state, the release added.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/npo-calls-for-end-to-naga-factional-fights-suspension-of-kcp-faction-bandh/

IMPHAL, December 20: In protest against the murder of S Ibomcha and his son Geetchandra alias Yaiphu, different women bodies of Irilbung today organized sit-in-protest today at separate places and demanded the government to punish the responsible individuals or group at the earliest.

The sit-in protests were held at Bamon Kamphu Mayai Leikai, Irilbung Panthoibi Keithel and Bamon Kampu Irom Leirak.

Meanwhile, the 24 hour general strike imposed by locals of Irilbung and the JAC formed against the brutal killing of the father and the son has affected normal life in state.

Main market areas in Imphal and surrounding areas remain closed and deserted,

Most passenger vehicles also remained off from the roads. Inter-state and inter-district transportation were also greatly affected by the general strike.

Attendance at most government departments of all districts remained almost nil. Business establishments were also greatly affected.

However, there have been no reports of any major untoward incident during the strike which will end this midnight.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/24-hour-bandh-partially-affects-normal-life-in-state/

IMPHAL, December 20: The Manipuri Diaspora Association, Delhi, an organization of Manipuris settled in Delhi and its surrounding areas, in association with the Manipur Christian  Fellowship, Delhi  celebrated the “Happy Chritsmas,2011” on December 18 in a grand fashion at Dwarka.

A statement of the association has stated that Dr. Thokchom Meinya, MP (LS) graced the grand occasion as the chief guest.   Pastor, R.S. Theodre from Manipur Christian Fellowship, Delhi was the guest of honour and K.D.Singh, IPS (rtd), R.K.Brajachand, president, MDA, N.G.Peni, VP, MDA, Col(rtd) R.K.P. Singh also adorned the auspicious function on the dias. The function was also attended by various other special invitees and dignitaries, the statement added.

While speaking on the occasion, chief guest Dr. Thokchom Meinya, expressed his happiness regarding the efforts made by the Manipuri Diaspora Association, Delhi to celebrate such a significant occasion in the national capital to bolster the bond of love and unity among the various communities residing in the state of Manipur. He further emphasized that present and future generations of our society should draw lessons from our ancestors the art of living together among all people of both hills and plains like the members of a single family and must respect each other so that people of the region can co-exist peacefully and harmoniously, the statement added.

He also recalled the matrimonial alliances made among different communities of Manipur in the past as a witness to the bonhomie among us from time immemorial.  The Manipur Christian Fellowship members presented a series of Christmas songs much to the applause of the invitees and participants. The function concluded with a cake cutting followed by a grand dinner, the statement added.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/younger-generations-should-learn-to-live-together-th-meinya-asserts-at-xmass-celebration/

IMPHAL, Dec 20: The Calling Attention motion which was raised by MLA N Mangi of Kumbi a/c drawing the attention of the State MAHUD minister on the need of the upgradation of Kumbi Nagar panchayat to the level of Municipal council was withdrawn by the mover himself following an official information that the state cabinet during a meeting this morning had approved the upgradation of the nagar panchayat into a municipal council.

Meanwhile before the withdrawal of the motion, the MLA had elaborated that the Kumbi nagar panchayat already has the required manpower and infrastructure to be upgraded to a Municipal council.

He further expressed his concern over the leaving out of the nagar panchayat when the state government had upgraded seven nagar panchayats to the level of municipal councils during a recent cabinet meeting.

He further expressed his happiness over the approval of upgrading the nagar panchayat into a municipal council by the state cabinet this morning.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/mla-withdraws-motion-after-cabinet-approval-of-kumbi-to-municipal-council/

Newmai News Network
IMPHAL, Dec 19: The KNO/KRA (Kuki Revolutionary Army ) on Monday claimed it shot and injured a man late last night for allegedly involving in extortions from public using names of various militant organizations and warned him that he will be awarded capital punishment if he does not surrender before the group within 24 hours.

Kamlim Khongsai of Gallom village in Senapati district was shot at by cadres of KRA around 10:30 pm at Khongsai village in Imphal East district.

A gang led by Khongsai involved in many cases of extortions from various government departments using names of various militant groups, particularly Kuki Revolutionary Army, its publicity secretary T. Simte told Newmai News Network over telephone from an undisclosed location on Monday.

Simte also said Khongsai continued his anti social activities and did not heed to the party despite warning before he was shot and wounded by KRA.

Giving a stern warning, Simte said KRA will kill them if Khongsai and his gang involves in further extortion and refuses to surrender before the party within 24 hours.

He also maintained that KRA has been working for the good of the society so it would not tolerate any anti-social elements.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/knokra-claims-shooting-of-individual-involved-in-impersonating-militant-outfits/

IMPHAL December 19: A team of Imphal east commandos arrested two KCP (Kokai) cadres from Kiyamgei Palahanbi area yesterday at about 9.45 pm. The arrested duo are identified as Ningombam Inao Singh, 34, s/o (l) N Naba of Bashikhong Kongba Irong and Ningthoujam Sunil Singh, 43, s/o (l) N Tamphajao Singh of Bashikhong Kongba Irong .

A release of the Imphal east police has stated that one 9mm pistol with live ammunition was recovered from the possession of N Inao Singh and on verification he disclosed that he joined the KCP (Kokai) organization in 2008 through one Hemanta of Bashikhong Kongba Irong. Accused N Sunil Singh also disclosed on joining the organization in September, 2001. They both disclosed of being involved in extortion of money from general public, government offices, private firms, businessmen etc and also in transportation of arms and ammunition from one place to another, the release stated.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/arrested-kcp-cadres-turn-out-to-be-arms-transporters-police/

KOHIMA, Dec 16 (NEPS): For the first time, “National Muaythai Convention 2012” will be held at Imphal from February 5 – 7, 2012. The historic “Convention” called “Imphal National Muaythai Convention 2012” under the theme “One World One Muaythai” is being organized and sponsored by the Muaythai Federation of India (MFI).
Many IFMA (International Federation of Muaythai Amateur) qualified Technical Leaders, Senior International Muaythai Players, Internationally trained Muaythai Instructors are among others who will impart various classes during the “Imphal National Muaythai Convention 2012.”

During the “Convention,” there will also be various programs—Muyathai histories, Indian Muaythai role in the world, IFMA stage in the world, Development of Muaythai in India, Streamlining of Muaythai activities in India, Sponsorships. Many more activities of indigenous Manipuri sports will also be shown and entertained during the “Convention.”
There will be “Award Ceremony” for the participants and past International Muaythai Players and also declaration of historic positions of founders of Muaythai in India.
On the occasion, there will also be a program of releasing of Muaythai Journal—“World Sports News”—sponsored by the Muaythai Federation of India.
President of Muaythai Federation of India Oken Jeet Sandham will supervise and monitor the entire “Imphal National Muaythai Convention 2012.”

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/%E2%80%9Cimphal-national-muaythai-convention-2012%E2%80%9D/

NEW DELHI, Dec 14 (agencies): The NSCN (Isak-Muivah) may have missed the Christmas gift of a hammered out solution but Naga rebel leader Thuingaleng Muivah today did not rule out relief in the New Year.

The NSCN general secretary, along with chairman Isak Chishi Swu and their aides, called on Union home minister P. Chidambaram this afternoon.

This is a pre-Christmas meeting before Swu and Muivah leave for Nagaland to spend time for at least a few weeks and hold meetings with tribal organisations.

They leave for Dimapur and onward to the NSCN’s Camp Hebron on December 17.

Speaking to The Telegraph after the meeting, Muivah conceded that there have indeed been some “confusion” in the recent past but added it has been “thrashed out”.

“Misunderstandings have been thrashed out. There is better understanding, that is all I can say,” he said after the 42-minute meeting in North Block. But he ruled out any “Christmas gift”.

About the possibility of an interim solution in the New Year, he said: “There can be expectation, though it is difficult to say.”

He, however, refused to reveal the nature of the solution.

Interlocutor for Naga talks, R.S. Pandey, who also attended the meeting, said: “There is nothing to announce yet.”

Following reports on the “special status” which suggested special rights for Nagas in states where there was Naga population, there were protests in Manipur valley which perceives threat to its territorial integrity.

Prime Minister Singh assured Manipur during his December 3 visit to Imphal that the state’s territorial integrity would be protected.

That, in turn, peeved the NSCN (I-M) which seems to have thought that its proposal of “shared autonomy” has again fallen flat.

It was to clarify some of these road blocks that Isak and Muivah had proposed to meet Singh who was occupied in the winter session of Parliament. Hence, the meeting with Chidambaram.

Emerging from the meeting, the Naga leaders appeared contented. The concept of shared autonomy was presented by the NSCN (I-M) at the meeting of reconciliation at Chiangmai in Thailand in November. This was, however, not accepted by the other groups like National Naga Council and NSCN (Khole-Kitovi) which participated in the negotiation sponsored by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation.

Sources in the ministry of home affairs iterated that any proposal that affected a particular state cannot be taken forward unless the state in question is taken into confidence.

Therefore, in case of a solution to the Naga problem, Assam and Manipur need to be consulted before the Centre signs on the dotted line.

Delhi, on the other hand, continues to tread on a tightrope as it needs to balance the aspirations of communities living together in Manipur.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/muivah-hints-at-2012-relief-from-centre/

NEW DELHI, Dec 14 (agencies): Concerned over the recent 100-day economic blockade in Manipur, the Union Home Ministry has sought urgent strengthening of a highway which could be used as an alternative route to the State in case a similar strike takes place in future.

Minister for Development of North Eastern Region Paban Singh Ghatowar said Union Home Ministry has asked for urgent strengthening of NH-37 between Imphal and Badarpur in Assam to blunt capabilities of militant groups to stop supply of essential commodities to Manipur.

“It has been informed by the Ministry of Home Affairs that NH 2 is prone to frequent bandhs and economic blockades. Therefore, urgent strengthening of NH 37 between Imphal and Badarpur, as an alternative Highway has become essential,” he told Lok Sabha, replying to a question.

The United Naga Council had lifted its 100-day economic blockade of the national highways on November 28.

The blockade had caused severe hardships to people of the State and resulted in skyrocketing prices of essential commodities as the supply chain was blocked.

The UNC had launched the blockade on August 21 to protest against signing of an agreement between Manipur Government and Sadar Hills District Demand Committee (SHDDC) under which the government agreed to grant Kuki-majority Sadar Hills in Naga majority Senapati district the status of a full-fledged revenue district.

About transport infrastructure projects in the region, Ghatowar said the government was working on several projects to upgrade road, rail and aerial connectivity to the region.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/centre-seeks-alternate-highway-to-manipur/

NEW DELHI, Dec 14 (agencies): Concerned over the recent 100-day economic blockade in Manipur, the Union Home Ministry has sought urgent strengthening of a highway which could be used as an alternative route to the State in case a similar strike takes place in future.

Minister for Development of North Eastern Region Paban Singh Ghatowar said Union Home Ministry has asked for urgent strengthening of NH-37 between Imphal and Badarpur in Assam to blunt capabilities of militant groups to stop supply of essential commodities to Manipur.

“It has been informed by the Ministry of Home Affairs that NH 2 is prone to frequent bandhs and economic blockades. Therefore, urgent strengthening of NH 37 between Imphal and Badarpur, as an alternative Highway has become essential,” he told Lok Sabha, replying to a question.

The United Naga Council had lifted its 100-day economic blockade of the national highways on November 28.

The blockade had caused severe hardships to people of the State and resulted in skyrocketing prices of essential commodities as the supply chain was blocked.

The UNC had launched the blockade on August 21 to protest against signing of an agreement between Manipur Government and Sadar Hills District Demand Committee (SHDDC) under which the government agreed to grant Kuki-majority Sadar Hills in Naga majority Senapati district the status of a full-fledged revenue district.

About transport infrastructure projects in the region, Ghatowar said the government was working on several projects to upgrade road, rail and aerial connectivity to the region.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/centre-seeks-alternate-highway-to-manipur/