Tag: Top Stories

IMPHAL Feb 26: COTA urges the state government to consider the rightful demand of the teachers at the earliest. The recent outburst of the Chief Minister O Ibobi alleging financial mishaps in the state if the demand of COTA is met is highly improbable , and the stance of the teachers should not be presented in the wrong light , a press release of COTA states.

The release further states that the cabinet should put up the matter on the table and further reflect on the pay structure received by the teaching fraternity in other states.

The college teachers also condemned the statement of Manipur chief minister O Ibobi Singh who said yesterday that the demand of the teachers couldn`™t be met.

It is worth noting that government teachers of Manipur under the aegis of Council of Teachers Association (COTA) have intensified their ongoing fast until death stir with 200 more teachers volunteering to break into a striking mode, more waiting in the anvil to join their colleagues at the face of stark reality following total apathy by the government to their demand for the implementation of central 6th revised pay commission recommendation in toto.

Teachers under COTA have been resorting to fast until death stir as a last option since January 19 at the campus premises of Johnstone Higher Secondary School and later shifted to Churachand Higher secondary School demanding implementation of the 6th pay commission recommendation in toto. As of today, 195 teachers have been arrested by the police and lodged in jail on charges of attempting to commit suicide.

It has been demanding the implementation of 6th pay recommendation since 2009 via various forms of agitation and negotiation. Early in 2010, the government and the striking teachers had reached an agreement with the government buckling under pressure and agreeing to adopt and accept the implementation of the recommendation of six pay commission.

But since their demand has been falling on deaf ears of the government, COTA has pledged to intensify its stir with member teachers volunteering in huge numbers .

At least 195 teachers who were on fast until death stir have since been arrested .

In their attempt to step up the agitation, 200 teachers ,180 from Imphal East zone II and 20 from Chandel district freshly joined the stir Beginning Tuesday last, the teachers are going into an overdrive with the ongoing fast until death stir in a group of 200 teachers. Earlier on, the teachers sat at the fast in a group of 20 so as not to disrupt the academic atmosphere of schools.

The teachers`™ body also alleged that despite three rounds of negotiation and constant pressure, the government is still unwilling to produce a white paper on the non-plan budget of teachers and education, hiding as it is within a non-transparent and unaccountable veil.

Federation of All Colleges Teachers`™ Association Manipur (FACTAM) has also been demanding UGC pay bands by going on a mass casual leave on February 18 and 19. Since yesterday, the college teachers have also resorted to sit in protest and have given February 28 as the deadline for the government to meet their demand failing which FACTAM will launch different forms of agitation.

This move of FACTAM will effectively paralyze around 28 colleges, bringing the academic atmosphere of the students to a complete halt.

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IMPHAL, Feb 26: Desperate and frustrated students have today warned of not appearing in their coming board and council exams in case the agitating teachers and the state government bring an amicable solution to the ongoing agitation of the teachers which have left the students with no teachers to teach them for nearly two months now.

Students of government run schools under the umbrella of the All Manipur Government High and Higher Secondary School Students Coordinating Committee, Manipur while reiterating its demand in a memorandum have submitted it to the Chief Minister today evening, demanding an amicable solution to the ongoing impasse and setting February 28 as deadline, failing which, the student have warned of not appearing in their upcoming class X and XII examinations.

At the same time, the student body maintained that the concerned authority should be held responsible incase the students suffer more due to the ongoing impasse.

Over hundreds of representatives of the All Manipur Government High and Higher Secondary School Students Coordinating Committee, Manipur bearing placards and banners which read `We want study` `COTA and Govt. should bring an amicable solution at the soonest` `We want normal classes` `Students are the pillars of Nation` etc. after gathering at Ram Lal Paul Higher Secondary School proceeded towards the Chief Minister`™s official residence to submit a memorandum. However the students were stopped by the police at Babupara.

Later four representatives of the student body was allowed to submit the memorandum at the office of the Chief Minister on failing to meet the chief minister who was said to be absent from his bungalow at the time.

While speaking to media persons, the co-convener of the students`™ apex body, M. Sanjoy, revealed that the motive of the students was to meet the Chief Minister, to request him to end the impasse at the earliest as it has adversely affected all government schools as their classes have remained defunct for sometime now. However he added that no amicable solution seems to be in sight as of the moment.

He further expressed his disappointment that the students were unable to meet the Chief Minister despite the gravity of the issue, however he added, that the students will certainly not appear in their exams in case the two parties fail to end the dead lock by February 28.

In the meantime, referring to the ongoing impasse, MLA, N. Mangi, chairman MANIDCO, said that teachers should be committed while discharging their duties adding it is obvious that the demands of the teachers will be fulfilled sooner or later. However some of the teachers must retrospect how far they are committed and sincere while performing their duties, he added.
The students at the same time need to have discipline, manner and to be hardworking. Students who are lacking such quality cannot be called students, the MLA added.

The MLA also appealed the Government to intervene into the prolonged impasse between COTA and the government in the interest of the students`™ communities.

The MLA was speaking during the 40th State Conference of All India Students`™ Federation, Manipur State Council, held at Standard College, Kongba, Imphal, today.

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IMPHAL, Feb 26: An excavation team from the DM College of Science Imphal discovered early stone-age rock shelter at Kathong Moutain Range near Phuikon Haosabee in Sajik Tampak under Chandel District on February 21 this month.

According to a release, the newly discovered early stone-age rock shelter is 12.5ft wide at the mouth, 7.2 ft in Height and having 16 ft depth inside. The cave will be one of the oldest Rock shelter of earlier Paleolithic period. The excavation is now in progress and so far the team has discovered more than 50 stone tools of different culture. The excavation is likely to be concluded by February 28 this month, the release added.

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IMPHAL, Feb 26: Considering the problems arising out of the shortages of the MCS, MPS, MFS, MSS, SDC and EO in the administrations of the districts of the state, state cabinet in the recent meeting has approved the requisition of MPSC for direct recruitment to MCS, MPS, MFS, MSS, SDC and EO after reviewing the decision of the cabinet during the cabinet meeting held on July, 15 last year for the requisition of 180 posts for MCS, MPS, MFS, MSS, SDC and EO.

According to a highly placed official source, the earlier cabinet meeting held on July, 15 last year had decided for the direct recruitment of 19 MCS, 65 MPS, 37 MFS, 25 MSS, 31 and 3 EOs.

The source said the recent state cabinet held under chairmanship of the Chief Minister, O Ibobi Singh at his official chamber has worked out and confirmed the numbers of officers to be recruited in consultation with the concerned departments. Regarding the direct appointment of post of MCS, the mumber which are to be appointed as re-affirmed to 19.

Regarding MPS, DGP, Manipur Y Joykumar during the meeting has expressed reservation that taking in 65 MPC-II officers by direct recruitment in a particular year would be create serious cadres management problems and has suggested for recruiting only 25 MPS-II officers by direct recruitment.

Further, regarding, MFS, it has been ascertained that the correct number of vacancies for direct recruitment in MFS-III will be 23 (not 37). Regarding SDCs, the Revenue Department has been consulted. They have now informed vide their letter dated July, 22 last year that there are 43 vacancies (as against 31 informed verbally earlier) for direct recruitment.

Considering all official documentation placed before the recent cabinet meeting state cabinet has approved for the amendment of the earlier decision and approved to conduct fresh requisition to the MPSC for the recruitment of 138 officers which includes 19 MCS-II, 25 MPS-II, 23 MFS-III, 23 MSS-V, 25 SDCs and 43 Election Officers (EOs) through the Manipur Civil Service Combined Competitive Examination, the source added.

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IMPHAL, Feb 24: One suspected KCP (MC) was today arrested with bullet injury in his left belly after an encounter with Imphal East Police commandos this evening at around 2:40 pm at Kundrakpam under Heingang police station.
The injured suspected cadre is identified as one Nongthongbam Premadanda Singh, 35, s/o N. Khelendro of Nongthongbam Leikai Sambrei.
According to a police source, acting on specific information of some militants outfits being present in the general area of Khundrakpam this evening, a team of Imphal east police commandos rushed in to the area and found two persons moving in a suspicious way in a two wheeler. The source further maintained that the youth instead of co-operating with the police, fired upon them when asked to stop for verification.
However on police retaliation one identified as N. Premananda was hit in his belly however the other managed to escape from the scene.
In the meantime the injure victim recently hospitalize to JNIMS porompat is under treatment added.
And further may mentioned that as part to search the escaped persons the CDOs conducted an search operation in the area however there is no report of arrest till the filing of this news.
In another incident a combined team of Thoubal District Police Commandos and 42 AR have arrested a cadre of the proscribe KCP MC while conducting frisking and checking duty in the general area of Heikakpokpi yesterday around 6:30 p.m.
A statement of the Senior SP Thoubal District Police, Clay Khongsai said that the individual is identified as one Thongam Sohadev alias Sodin Singh, 32, s/o Th. Ibomcha Singh of Umathel Awang Leikai, at present staying at Papan Village of Chandel district.
It said, on questioning the individual disclosed that he is an active member of the KCP MC. One 9mm pistol with one magazine and two live ammunitions were recovered from the possession of the individual.

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IMPHAL, Feb 24: The invitation of Indian government to the revolutionary groups for holding peace talks is not about sovereignty of Manipur but it is for consolidating integrity of India at the cost of Manipur`™s sovereignty, stated the president of proscribed RPF, Irengbam Chaoren, in a message given to the people of Manipur on the occasion of its Independence Demand Day.
The message of the RPF president said, `The observance of February 25, the foundation day of the Revolutionary People`™s Front (RPF), as Independence Demand Day together with our beloved people, would go a long way in exposing the harsh reality of colonial exploitation being endured by our people and the wretched life we are leading, and this would also successfully narrate the very character and goal of the ongoing armed movement. The Day is a very important day for the party because it is an occasion to re-evaluate the past activities of the party and rectify our own mistakes so as to consolidate and carry forward the revolutionary movement. It is also an opportunity for the party to re-dedicate ourselves to the cause of the people. On the occasion of this highly significant day, I would like to highlight certain points in the backdrop of the changes happening in Manipur and across the world, and their impacts on our people.`
`The last few years were very perilous period for revolutionary organisations of Manipur and the entire region. During this period, many revolutionary leaders and dedicated members were either arrested or killed. Some other revolutionary cadres surrendered to the enemy. In addition, activities of pseudo revolutionaries caused serious impacts on the revolutionary movement, and they were used by the enemy against the revolutionary movement, thereby seriously disturbing the relationship between the people and revolutionary organisations. All these factors proved severe impediments to the revolutionary movement. Yet, despite all these impediments, the revolutionary movement has taken firm roots as a result of the sheer determination and relentless struggle of the revolutionary groups of Manipur`, it said.
The message further said, `RPF firmly believes that the colonial rule of India can be overthrown only through armed struggle. We did not arrive at this resolution because we are war-mongers or we cannot find another means. We are fully aware that the strength of the colonial rule lies in its multitude of armed forces equipped with the most sophisticated weapons. To defeat the Indian armed forces is the fundamental task of the revolutionary movement. Then, it is only logical to take up arms in order to engage the Indian armed forces successfully. In fact, the armed movement is the only plausible way to regain the sovereignty of Manipur. Revolutionary groups which have full faith in the armed campaign will ultimately take the movement to its intended stage and carry forward the same campaign to the highest level one day or another. At that point of time, India would not have the resources or wits to keep the revolutionary movement away from international glare. Under such circumstances, India would be compelled to seek ways and means to resolve the conflict in front of the international community. That would be the first and final encounter for resolving the Indo-Manipur conflict.`
`Away from this route, the recent initiative of the Government of India for dialogue and oft-repeated preaching for peace is only a part of their deceptive strategy aimed at suppressing the revolutionary movement. Their invitation to the revolutionary groups for dialogue is not about sovereignty of the nation (Manipur). Rather, it is for consolidating integrity of India at the cost of Manipur`™s sovereignty. Putting faith in such invitation or going forward for dialogue as a new policy of the liberation movement would be tantamount to sealing off our own routes. We, all are witness to many revolutionary groups of the region which have been trapped by India`™s dialogue process. Shrewd and well versed in such matters they may be but many of the revolutionary groups have been caught in damp squib with no ways to turn back from the illusionary dialogue process. For all these reasons, RPF would like to appeal once again to all revolutionary groups who are on the path to initiating dialogue with India to retract their steps and re-focus on strengthening the revolutionary movement and fight the Indian regime collectively`, the message of RPF stated.
`Since the day Manipur was annexed by India, our people have been living a wretched life, without any dignity or security. The daily happenings of killings, violence, atrocities, illegal detention, random killings with superficial allegations, forced disappearance of arrested persons etc are all the fruits of being a colony of India. On the other side, prolonged mass movements undertaken through years have reaffirmed the fact that our people are a beleaguered, repressed lot. All these movements and events are clear testimony that there have been conflicts and incompatibility between India and Manipur from the very beginning. It`™s time all of us join hands and wage mass movements in order to uproot the Indian colonial rule from Manipur, which is the root cause of the existing conflict, to herald a new age of prosperity and peace`, it said.
`The so called administration that we see today in Manipur is nothing but Indian colonial rule. It would be out of place to say that our people living under the colonial rule are free people. Holding elections and electing representatives for ruling Manipur under a semblance of democracy is a cunning way of imposing Indian democracy in Manipur. It cannot be a valid ground to claim Manipur is a part of India by coercing people to observe national voters`™ day in Manipur like the Indians did. To build up our strength so that we can determine our own political future is a justified and inescapable responsibility for all of us. It is our duty to liberate Manipur and her people who are now living under the dark shadow of Indian democracy`, the message mentioned.
`At present, Indian armed forces are using all kinds of baits under different stratagems to pull our people in their line. In the name of promoting healthy relationship with the public, the Indian armed forces have been engaging themselves in different activities ranging from distribution of television sets to clubs/local organisations to sponsoring excursion tours for students and women organisations. Such activities are all hogwash and we need to be very watchful of such activities. Some self-centred people are openly supporting such activities of the Indian armed forces and they are cooperating with the alien forces, unmindful of its merits and demerits. Here we should not miss the fact such activities of the Indian armed forces which are apparently benevolent and charitable are a ploy to cover up the inhuman excesses committed by them against our own people. Putting faith in their activities and accepting them as our friends, and joining them in their activities for some benefits would not bring anything positive for the society except creating hatred and animosity amongst ourselves. For all these possible consequences, RPF would like to appeal to all our compatriots to stay away from the Indian armed forces and their activities`.
`Community/ethnicity based movements and their diverse demands guided by parochial outlooks being witnessed in Manipur are all the handiwork of imperialist India`™s decades old conspiracy. Community/ethnicity based movements have resulted in divisions and conflicts of different degrees and types pulling the different communities apart from each other. Now, the situation has come to such a pass that Manipur as a whole has been caught in a serious turmoil and this situation is causing a serious drawback to the liberation movement of Manipur`.
`On one side, different organisations have been negotiating with the Government of India just to secure their communal aspirations. What is questionable at this moment is, whether some short term benefits doled out by India can guarantee welfare and dignified life to any community for posterity. Viewed from this perspective, as many SoO may be signed and as many rounds of negotiation may be held, it is hard to expect any long term benefit for any community from such engagements with the colonial rulers. Rather, such engagements are only abetting India to continue their colonial rule over all indigenous people of Manipur. At such a crucial period, it is imperative for all of us to remove the wedges being driven by India`™s colonial rule cloaked in democracy, and unite together for a unified Manipur`.
`Over the years, Manipur has become a land whose resources cannot meet its requirements. It has become a land with plenty of shortages. What is more worrying is the inability of Manipur to develop its resource bases according to increasing demands which has necessitated import of all essential goods from beyond the borders of Manipur. Though it is a historical fact that Manipur was self-sustaining on its own resources, it is now a harsh reality that Manipur has degenerated to such a sorry state that many people cannot think about Manipur`™s survival without assistance from beyond its borders in almost all sectors. With whatever developments works, whether be it in the fields of education, or health care or transport infrastructure, evolving into profit making business solely for the executing agencies, and coupled with the abnormal inflation rate, the impoverished peasants and daily wage earners are facing untold miseries`.
`On the other hand, wealthy Mayang businessmen, capitalising on the existing situation, have been scheming to monopolise of all our economic activities with a motive to take control of all our sources of livelihood. Not only that, they have been bringing hordes and hordes of their men to fully control the labour market of Manipur. Against such a grim scenario, the puppet rulers of Manipur and their cohorts have been safeguarding the non-Manipuris in exchange for their personal aggrandisement. In the name of law and order, the puppet Government and their agents have been utilising all their resources to safeguard the non-Manipuris with a view to receive some blessings from their masters sitting at New Delhi. This has only encouraged non-Manipuris to expand their settlement in Manipur. This has opened a route for non-Manipuris to intensify their influx into Manipur. For the sake of our future generations, we must take up necessary actions collectively and persuade the existing non-Manipuris to leave Manipur, along with prohibiting new influx`, the message mentioned.
`Last but not the least, I would like to admit that we have to face for some more time the woes and difficulties resulting from the revolutionary movement or arising as a by-product from the movement. These difficulties and plight would be ameliorated by itself as the revolutionary movement progresses and ultimately all these troubles would disappear. However, as it would be impossible to take the revolutionary movement forward without people`™s support and cooperation, all the revolutionary groups and the people need to work together by way of extending full support to each other and rectifying mistakes together on the path to victory. RPF respects and duly notes the people`™s wishes and aspirations as well as the proposals put forward by different organisations for building up collective strength. RPF will take due responsibility towards fulfilling these aspirations and proposals`, the president`™s message averred.

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IMPHAL, Feb 23: The person who was arrested by security forces from Sawombung gate is a deserter and he is not related to the UNLF, stated senior publicity officer of the proscribed UNLF Ksh Yoiheiba in a press statement.
The statement further stated that the arrested person Khomdram Tamnganba, alias Sushil, son of Itomcha of Tensubam Leirak Brahmapur Bheigyabati Leikai is a deserter who failed to report to the unit after taking leave on medical ground. He has also reported joined a faction of KCP very recently.
The other arrested person Phanjoubam Winnerjit, son of Shyam of Bheigyabati Leikai is also not related to the outfit, the statement added.

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IMPHAL Feb 22: A sit-in-protest demonstration was observed today by the college teachers demanding 6th revised UGC pay scale.
A press release by FECTAM stated that the state government should acknowledge the stand of the teachers and give their rightful demands. The release further states that other employees have not only got the revised pay but DA along with arrears have been paid out, only  the teachers have been sidelined , the release states.This is a discrimination to the teaching community of the state and is tantamount to ignoring bringing about a quality system of education in the state.
The teachers demanding the rightful have resorted to stronger means of agitation and in both the hill and valley areas have carried out the sit in protest without disturbing the educational atmosphere. However, the teachers are geared for the cease work strike scheduled to begin on February 28, the release added.

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IMPHAL Feb 21: To ensure free movement of traffic, the Directorate of Transport has laid down new traffic rules. A press release by deputy director of Transport A Shivadas states that with immediate effect ,all heavy vehicles coming from Imphal East will not be allowed to proceed towards Imphal west via Minuthong and Sanjenthong.
 Heavy vehicles coming from Thoubal will be diverted from Singjamei towards Singjamei New Bridge and those proceeding towards northern side of NH 39 will be diverted towards Pishumthong from the Traffic point, however buses shall be allowed to proceed towards Keisampat traffic point and move towards Mayai Lambi.
Trucks from Mayang Imphal will be diverted at Khagempalli crossing to Kwakeithel bazaar towards Lamphel bus parking via Tera Bazar, Naoremthong, Uripok, RIMS and the same route will have to be followed on return and the buses coming from Mayang Imphal shall be diverted towards Tiddim road from Keishampat Traffic point.
Further, buses coming from Tiddim road shall be diverted from Kwakeithel bazaar towards Khagempalli crossing via Mayai Lambi and to Keisampat for parking. Trucks coming from Tiddim side will be diverted from Kwakeithel bazar towards Khagempalli crossing and move towards Singjamei Traffic point via Pishumthong.
Buses coming from Sagolband road will park at Moirang leirak machin and trucks coming from NH 53 will be diverted from Tera Lukram Leirak either towards Naoremthong ,Uripok or Tiddim road.
All buses coming from Uripok Kangchup road will have to park at JAS petrol pump at Uripok, whereas trucks coming from UK road shall be diverted towards Uripok canteen road, the release states.
Trucks coming from Sekmai and DM road will be diverted at Khongnang Ani Karak towards Lamlong bridge or Minuthong or Singjamei bridge via Wangkhei Kongba and Nandeibam Leikai road. Buses will be diverted at Khongnang ani karak towards the Capitol project and park at Khuyathong. The directive also ceased movement of all vehicular traffic along wahengbam Laikai Road, Nagamapal road from Khuyathong turning to Kasturi bridge is temporary suspended. All vehicles except two whellers are not allowed from the entry point towards Moirang Leirak or Babuthoing.
Private vehicles are allowed to exit towards Sagolband road from Wahengbam Leikai traffic junction.
Parking for commercial vehicles initially parked along Wahengbam road stretch has been temporary suspended and shifted along Nagamapal road and UK road and will move towards Mahrani bridge towards UK road.
Further, commercial vehicles coming from Indo Burma road shall be diverted at GPO Traffic junction towards Sanjenthong to the parking place via Checkon and Minuthong. Autos parked at the front of IMC buildings will move towards LIC junction and cross Minuthong, Checkon and Sanjenthong. The order was issued in consultation with the traffic police, the release stated.

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Original Source: The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL Feb 21: Director of Human Rights Law Network , Meihoubam Rakesh has expressed regret for issuing distorted and false press releases regarding payment of financial assistance under Indira Awaj Yojana in Thoubal District.

The director tenders apology for causing inconvenience to district authorities of Thoubal district due to publication of the said press release which was duly carried as a news item on the February 19 issues of major news publications. Rakesh further clarified that the distorted facts was inadvertently included in the press release of HRLN due to bonafide mistake while reporting the incident of an IAY beneficiary ,namely Potsangbam Sobita Devi of Wangjing Tekcha Leikai of Thouabl District.

The Director further clarified that the DC , and the Executive Director , DRDA of Thoubal are not related to the said incident as reported by HRLN. Also, Executive Director DRDA Thoubal is not the DC of Thoubal as reported. The Executive Director did not summon P Sobita on February 17 and no compensation was awarded by the Executive Director DRDA to Sobita.The payment was however done at the office of the Block Development Officer ,Thoubal.

Update (February 22): This  is related to the news  DC compensates IAY scam victim

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