Tag: Top Stories

IMPHAL, June 5: The Self Support Group and All Manipur Positive Women Network, Imphal East, Christian Net of Positive Women Manipur Branch, has strongly condemned the killing of 4 year old Thiyam Roberoy and the bomb blast at ADC office Khuman Lampak, wherein a mother and her two daughters were injured.A press conference was held in this connection at Hatta, Imphal East district. Speaking to media persons the representatives of the organizations urged the government to produce the culprit involved in the killing of the minor boy within June 10 failing which it warned to endorse any course of action taken by the JAC formed against the killing. The groups further condemned the act of a police officer who used his service pistol to threaten protestors yesterday who were staging a protest against the killing of the minor at Ningthoukhong.At the same time, the groups while condemning the blast at the ADC office which injured three women folk of a family has urged the perpetrator to avoid similar incidents in the future.Menawhile, the Poumai Students’ Union in a press release signed by its publicity secretary has decried the bomb blast which at the ADC complex, Khuman Lampak on May 28, which had left three members of a fmily injured. The release has stated that the responsible group behind the attack should come forward and claim responsibility of the incident. The Union also condoled the injured victims and their family members while mentioning that the public should joined in to condemn the barbaric act.

Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/xuxpG-_rQlI/

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

Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/jzsRm-WNwwY/

IMPHAL, June 12: A community hall cum bazaar shed at Waikhong bazaar, which was constructed under the Manipur Development Society (MDS) with a total cost of Rs. 9 lakhs was inaugurated by the works minister K Ranjit Singh. 

The inaugural function was also attended by Heiyanglam assembly constituency MLA E. Dwijamani who is also the chairman of Manipur state pollution control board, and Dy. Speaker Th Lokeshore and MLA E. Suraj Singh.

Speaking at the function, works minister K Ranjit Singh said that the Congress led government will bring only peace and development in the state and the country.

He maintained that regular payment of state employees’ salaries is one of the main achievements of the Congress led government during its last nine years of rule.

Taking up where the Chief Minister left yesterday during a reception ceremony, the works minister further added that in order to bring an equal development in both the hill and the valley districts of the state, the SPF government is taking up a series of developmental works in the state.

Further speaking at the function, he declared that a congressman will not follow nepotism regarding developmental works in the state.

Citing the recent ban of Th Muivah from entering the state as an example he stated that the congress is not interested only in power but in the general welfare of the state and its people.

With the general elections stated to be held early next year in the state, the works minister also stated that he hoped that the general public will bring back the party which has brought development and peace in the state.

The inauguration ceremony was also attended by PWD engineers, block congress committee officials and pradhans of the area.

In the meantime works minister K. Ranjit further started the 3rd Tampha Lairembi State Level Mukna Tournament 2011 organized by the Wangoo Tampha Lairembi Mukna Association under the supervision of All Manipur Mukna Association at Wangoo this evening.

Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/Q4m8KTzpQFI/

IMPHAL, June 15: A One day state consultation on ‘An Initiative Encouraging Responsible Tourism by Engaging Stakeholders in Manipur’ will be organized jointly by Eriema Gender Empowerment & Resource Centre for People’s Concern in collaboration with Impulse, Shillong supported by UNIGIFT (UNODC) with an objective to elaborate on a responsible tourism policy that will be implemented by all states in the Northeast at the Manipur Press Club tomorrow at 10 am.

The proposed consultation programme is a part of the ongoing efforts of the Impulse, Shillong to spread awareness to the common people of the region on the negative impacts and issues on environmental degradation in terms of exploitation of women and children in the process of development of tourism sectors in the region.

As the Impulse had conducted a series of consultation under separate themes including “Talks for change for making Tourism Sustainable, Equitable and Just’ Regional Consultation on Responsible Tourism in the North Eastern States of India’, which was held on August 26 and 27 last year at Gangtok, Sikkim which was supported by UNGIFT and technical support was provided by EQUITIONS, brought forward the follow up state consultation programmes which was organized at Sikkim on Jnauray 22 this year, on January 24 at Assam, on April 19 at Nagaland and on April 29 at Meghalaya.

It could be mentioned that, until the summer of 2010, various policies including the Look East Policy have promoted tourism as holding the potential to bring development to the North Eastern region.

As a result, many of the North Eastern states have developed tourism and ecotourism policies in the last few years. While all policies speaks of the economic benefits of tourism, little is spoken on its negative impacts and issues on environmental degradation and none of these policies have clauses on responsible tourism regarding exploitation of women and children.

In the meantime, the state consultation meeting tomorrow will discuss on how various stakeholders such as tour operators, hostellers, NGOs, law enforcing bodies, government departments such as labour, education, forest and environment, social welfare and tourism can play a role to carry forward in implementing a responsible tourism policy and making it workable.

On the other hand it is learnt from the organizing committee that the main objective for organizing such state consultative meeting is to elaborate a responsible tourism policy that will be implemented by each state in the Northeast, adapt and incorporate the Indian government Code of Conduct for safe and honourable tourism in every tourism policy and lobbying for it to be signed by every stakeholder and to elaborate, implement and monitor a training plan on human trafficking for tourism industry professionals.

Tour operators, hotel personnel, drivers, guides etc, will be trained to be able to react quickly if suspicion arises in certain situations. They will be able to transmit information on human trafficking to domestic and international tourists, who will be in a better position to make better choice, the source added.

Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/0fwvoHezR-4/

IMPHAL, June 17: The United Committee Manipur and the All Manipur Clubs Organization are set for their separate observation of the June 18 incident wherein 18 martyrs had laid down their lives during the agitation in June, 2001 in protest against the extension of the ceasefire between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) without territorial limit.

The two apex bodies will be observing the day at separate locations. While UCM will be observing the day at Kekrupat under the theme the Great June Uprising, AMUCO will be observing it at Thangmeiband Atheletic Union ground as the Unity Day as in the past years.

A floral tribute to the Matyrdom of the 18 located at Kekhrupat will marked the opening of the both the observation tomorrow and is likely to be attended by ministers, MLAs, state officials and people from all corners of the state.

Meanwhile, the state government is also all set and prepared to prevent any untoward eventuality during the June 18 observation of the United Committee Manipur and the All Manipur United Clubs Organization tomorrow.

State forces and central para military forces of CRPF including its Mahila Bn have already been deployed at identified vulnerable points in and around the Greater Imphal area starting from this evening.

The state police after in consideration of a peaceful observation tomorrow, a new traffic regulation have been made for greater Imphal areas which will enforce from the early morning tomorrow.

An official notification issued by the Superintendent of Police Imphal West district has imposed temporary parking arrangements and changes to ensure smooth traffic regulation during the observation of the June 18 Uprising.

The statement mentioned has specified separate location for parking of normal vehicles and vehicles carrying people to attend the June 18 function.

It said that vehicles coming from Thoubal side shall be diverted from Singjamei Bazar towards Kongba road and Wangkhei side via Singjamei Bridge and park at Palace compound.

The vehicles coming from Mayang Imphal side shall be diverted at Khagempalli crossing and Kwakeithel Bazar toward Lamphel Bus parking via Tera Bazaar, Naoremthong. Uripok Canteen Leirak and Lamphel Sanakheithel for parking. On their return journey- the vehicles shall follow the same route, it said.

The vehicles coming from Tiddim side shall he diverted towards Lamphel Bus parking from Kwakeithel via Tera Bazaar, Naoremthong , Uripok Canteen Leirak and Lamphei Sanakeithel. On their return journey the vehicles shall follow the same route.

The vehicles coming from Sagolband road shall be parked at Moirang Leirak Machin Bus parking. The vehicles coming from Uripok Kangchup road shall be parked near JAS petrol Pump, Uripok.

The vehicles coming from Sekmai and DM road shall be diverted at Khongnang Ani

Karak, towards Inter state Bus Terminus. Vehicles coming from Pangei side shall park infront of Lamlong girl high School, vehicles coming from Ukhrul and Sawombung side shall be parked at Northern side of Lamlong, vehicles coming from Tinsid road shall parked at Northern side of Tinsid road at Lamlong bazaar and vehicles coming from Yairipok and Andro sides shall be parked at Andro parking.

While specifying allocation of parking of vehicles carrying participants of June 18 observation, it said that Peoples coming to Kekrupat shall be allowed only from Minuthong and Khuman Lampak side and no one shall be allow to come to Kekrupat via Keisampat-Sanjenthong.

The vehicles coming from Thoubal side carrying people to attend the function shall be diverted at Singjamei bazaar via Singjamei bridge towards Kongba road, Wangkhei & towards New Checkon road.

The vehicles coming from Mayang Imphal side will proceed to Stadium complex via Keishampat – Kwakeithel Bazaar – Tera Bazar – Naoremthong- Uripok Canteen Leirak-Lamphei Sanakeithel – Watham Leirak – Lilashing Khongnangkhong – Khongnang Ani Karak and enter Stadium complex at the Northern central gate and park at the area around the main stadium.

The vehicle coming from f Tidim side shall get diverted from Kwakeithel Bazar toward Main Stadium via Kwakeithel Bazar-Tera Bazar-Naoremthong- Uripok Canteen Leirak-Lamphel Sanakeithel-Watham Leirak – Lilashing Khongnangkhong-Khongnang Ani Karak and enter Stadium complex at Northern Central Gate and park at the area around the main stadium.

The vehicles coming from New Cachhar road will proceed to Stadium complex via Tera Bazar – Naoremthong – Uripok Canteen Leirak – Lamphel Sanakeithel – Watham Leirak Lilashing Khongnangkhong – Khongnang Ani Karak and enter Stadium complex at the Northern Central Gate and park at the area around the main stadium.

Vehicles coming from Uripok – Kangchup Road will proceed to Stadium complex via Uripok Canteen Leirak – Lamphel Sanakeithel – Watham Leirak – Lilashing Khongnangkhong – Khongnang Ani Karak and enter Stadium complex at the Northern Central Gate and park at the area around the main stadium.

It further stated that vehicles coming from Sekmai side and D.M. road side shall enter Stadium complex via Dingku Road and drop the passengers at Central Plaza and then come out at Dingku Road via Pandol Road and park at the Central Bus terminus.

The vehicles coming from Pangei side shall be diverted at Lamlong Bazar towards Minuthong via Telipati and after dropping the passengers will park in the area, available near Hafiz Hatta Road.

The vehicles coming from Ukhrul and Sawombung side will proceed towards Minuthong via Lamlong Bazar. After dropping the Passengers at Minuthong they shall proceed towards Lamlong via Checkon crossing and Ayangpalli Road and park at Lamlong Bazar along Ukhrul Road.

Vehicles coming from Tinsid road shall be diverted from Lamlong Bazar towards Minuthong where the passengers will be dropped. From there, they will- proceed to Lamlong via Checkon crossing and Ayangpalli Road and park along Timid Road, it said.

The vehicles coming from Yairipok and Andro sides will proceed to Minuthong where the passengers will be dropped from there, they will proceed and park near Hafiz Hatta.

The vehicles for the 18 victims shall be allowed to go across Khoyathong LIC crossing towards North AOC and park front Cinema.

It stated that Earmarked vehicles of UCM to come to Kekrupat via Khongnang Ani Karak and Earmarked vehicles of AMUCO will be allowed to come to THAU ground via Khoyanthong.

Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/rZ4AKGKbN_Q/

IMPHAL, June 29: Security forces have apprehended four individuals along with banned wild life products in separation search operation conducted yesterday, informed a statement of the PRO IGAR (S).  

In the first incident troops of 31 Assam Rifles along with lady police apprehended three women along with banned wild life products from a Bolero vehicles with registration No. 04A 3113 while conducting an operation in the general area of Khudengthabi on June 28.

The arrested women were identified as one Kikim Haokip, 42, w/o Robat Haokip of Checkon, Imphal, Ruth Liangmei, 35, d/o John Liangmei of Lanka, Senapati and LK Hokep, 39,w/o Hamang of Songluna, Motbung.

It further said that 12 kgs of Pangolin Shells, two mobile hand set and Indian currency 4040 were recovered from them.

They were later handed over to the customs office, Moreh, it added.

It said in another incident, troops of 29 Assam Rifles along with lady police have arrested another individual along with banned wild life items while conducting an operation in the general area of Sita Track yesterday.

The individual is identified as one Panewat, 33, w/o Yangam of Moreh. 1800 number of Pangollin shells, one mobile phone and Indian currency 505 were recovered from the person who along with the recovered items has been handed over to the chief conservator, Forest department, Imphal, it further adds.

Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/i8ypcXSx8WY/

From John K Kaping
UKHRUL, July 2: The people of Ukhrul town showed signs of joy when the road development works of the town were transferred to General Road Engineering Force (GREF) from the state public works department.

The PWD has failed to develop the roads of Ukhrul town for quite a long time thereby causing much inconvenience to the people.

After taking over the responsibility of developing the roads of Ukhrul town, the GREF could show good progress in the work.

The present condition of the dilapidated road has caused immense hardship and inconvenience to the people of all walks of life. The remains of the dug-out earth piled up on either side of the made it difficult for people to walk on the road especially during monsoon season.

The vehicles of all types plying on this one-way-traffic road always get jammed because of the slippery mud and narrow passage.

However, the GREF has been working to improve the condition of this deplorable road by using all its manpower and machineries. The people of Ukhrul town are indeed happy with the work progress of the GREF and they hope that their woes for having bad roads will soon be over.

Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/zc6C5A9fvNM/

IMPHAL, August 21: The Democratic Students Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) has alleged the Principal of Ananda Singh Higher Secondary School, K. Sumati, of misusing school fund amounting to over 14 Lakhs rupees.

Speaking to media persons in this regards at the DESAM office Keishampat, the secretary general of the student’s body, M. Angamba, informed that on receiving reports of some irregularities in the balance of school funds the student’s body conducted an independent investigation.

He informed that altogether 530 students of class eleven standard as their admission fee deposited money at the school account in the Imphal Urban Co-operative bank which amounted to 10,12,250 lakhs rupees. Similarly altogether 506 students of class XII standards deposited their fees, amounting to 8,70,225 Lakhs rupees, at the SBI secretariat branch.

However the student’s body during their course of investigation found out that only 4,00,635 Lakhs rupees in the balance in the account of the Imphal Urban co-operative bank while only 11,000 rupees was found in the balance of SBI account. Leaving a sum of rupees 14,70,840 Lakhs traceless.

The secretary general further informed that the principal, who is also DDO in charge of the school, is going to receive National teacher award for this year. However posing on the basis of recommendation of the K. Sumati, he further informed that the DESAM will sought for information on the basis of recommendation of the alleged erring teacher.

He further informed that a number of irregularities in using schools funds have arisen in many instances with the authority handling the charge of DDO to the principal concerned of their respective schools.

While appealing the authority concerned to look into the matter, demanded disciplinary action, in the form of termination from service, if found guilty. Besides he informed that DESAM will continue with its drive against such corruption.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/08/principal-alleged-with-school-fund-misuse/

DIMAPUR, Aug 24: The high level meet of the Naga political groups (NSCN/GPRN, NNC/FGN, GPRN/NSCN) met today for the third time in the presence of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation to explore practical and constructive ways towards a shared Naga future.

A statement of Naga Reconciliation Forum said that in the series of meeting which began on August 20 and followed up on August 22, the groups have forgiven each other and have reconciled based on the historical and political rights.

They have expressed their preparedness to understand each other. In today’s meeting the High Level Meet focused on finding ways to take the reconciliation process forward. Earlier in the morning the General Secretary of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council, Rev. Dr. Anjo Keikung led the morning devotion. Rev. Anjo shared about the love of Christ and he emphasized on how the uniqueness of Naga Political and Historical rights and the uniqueness of Naga Christianity need to compliment each other, the statement added.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/08/reconciled-naga-rebel-leaders-meet-for-third-time/

NEW DELHI, Sept 8 (IANS): Congress president Sonia Gandhi returned home Thursday after undergoing surgery for an undisclosed ailment in the US but it wasn`t clear when she will resume her public life.

The 64-year-old flew into the capital at 3 a.m., said party general secretary Janardan Dwivedi. `Her health condition is fine,` Dwivedi said.

Gandhi went to the US in early August. The nature of her ailment was never disclosed.

Congress leaders said they were not sure when she will return to active politics. `She will take the advice of doctors,` one of them said.

Congress sources feel she would be forced to rest — at least for a while.

The Congress did not hold its customary media briefing Thursday.

Although Gandhi had named a four-member panel including her son and general secretary Rahul Gandhi to oversee the country`s oldest party when she was away, the Congress felt her absence during the Anna Hazare fast.

Besides Rahul Gandhi, she had named Dwivedi, Defence Minister A.K. Antony and her political aide Ahmed Patel to take charge of the Congress.

Barring Rahul Gandhi, who was in regular touch with her mother, the other three remained mostly low key when Hazare`s campaign against corruption led to nationwide protests, forcing the government to bend.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/09/sonia-back-in-delhi-after-surgery/

BANGALORE, September 22 (agencies): India`s youngest-ever captain Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi lost his battle with a lung infection and passed away at a Delhi hospital today evening. Pataudi, who captained India in 40 of his 46 Tests is survived by his wife, yesteryear acting superstar Sharmila Tagore and three children, including film stars Saif and Soha Ali Khan.

“His condition has deteriorated since Wednesday and he is unable to maintain his oxygen level in spite of maximum treatment. He continues to remain in the ICU (intensive care unit),” news agency IANS quoted Neeraj Jain, senior consultant and chairman of pulmonolgy (chest medicine) at Sir Gangaram Hospital in central Delhi, as saying earlier today.

The 70-year-old Pataudi was admitted to the hospital in August with acute lung infection. The condition does not allow normal passage of oxygen to both the lungs. The patient breathes out more carbon dioxide during infection.

“This disease….had been static since the last three months. It worsened very acutely over the last four weeks,” Jain told IANS adding a possible lung transplant was discussed.”

“The possibility of lung transplant was discussed very early as soon as his condition worsened. But he was not a suitable candidate for it,” he added.

Pataudi, who became India captain at the age of 21, only a few months after losing the sight in his right eye following an accident, scored 2793 runs including six centuries in 46 Tests at an average of 34.91. And, it was under his leadership that India won their first overseas Test against New Zealand in 1967.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/09/former-india-captain-mak-pataudi-passes-away/

IMPHAL April 24: National spokesperson of the Bharatiya Janata Party and also a Rajya Sabha MP Prakash Javadekar has today left no harsh words unsaid in describing the Congress led UPA government before referring the Manipur cabinet ministers as members of a new militant outfit.
Javedkar who is on a three day visit to the state arrived this afternoon and held a press conference at the main office of the BJP Manipur unit.
Addressing mediapersons at the press conference, the spokesperson stated that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has been regarded as an economist and a clean politician earlier. However the PM has failed miserably to check inflation and the rampant corruption taking place in every nook and corner of the nation and has lost his reputation on both counts.
He also stated that even though the Prime Minister has repeatedly made the promise to curb price rise in the country during the last 24 months, the prices seem to be only going up instead of going down, which is a resounding failure on the part of the UPA government.
He voiced that Manipur is particularly affected by inflation evidently, as a litre of Kerosene costs at 100 Rupees. Inflation for the nation rose at 10 % and GDP at 9.5%, which shows that development, is eaten away by inflation.“ Of recent, the nation has witnessed the 2G ,CWG scams and many other ‘G’s’ may be happening, the PM is presiding the worst government the country has ever seen”, he said.
Also taking digs at the SPF government, Javedkar said that the rampant corruption which occurs in the state deserve recognition in the Guinness Book of World Records as “the most corrupted state”, for which the scam of the primary teachers and police recruitment recently bears testimony.
He maintained that law and order in the state have broken down completely and also voiced his amazement that a cabinet minister shot the advocate general and the matter ended quietly. A minister’s son shot a person in cold blood, if this is the state of affairs then the militants may regard the cabinet ministers of O Ibobi as members of a new militant outfit operating under the title ‘The Cabinet’,. The BJP demands an inquiry and high level intervention into the incident, he said.
Further, Javedekar confidently announced that the congress will lose in the recently concluded Assam elections, hence marking their downfall in the North East political scenario. The BJP will contest all seats for the upcoming IMC elections to address the lack of power, drinking water, deplorable road conditions, ineffective PDS distribution etc in the state which also points out the overall collapse of the present government.
Conclusively, the MP decried the ambush on MLA Wungnaoshang by the NSCN (IM) and stated that the NIA should initiate an inquiry into the matter. The incident shows that NSCN (IM) ceasefire issue needs to be addressed and the matter will be taken up at Parliament in the upcoming monsoon session, he concluded. 

Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/nm3h-sIUewk/

New Delhi, May 10 (agencies): A self-styled commander-in-chief of banned Manipuri outfit Kangleipak Communist Party (MC) was arrested from Bangalore by a Delhi Police team, police said today.Nangthanbam Anand alias Malengamba (36) was apprehended from Bangalore on May five following investigations into the seizure of 200 kg ephedirine worth Rs two crore from an alleged KCP (MC) militant on April one.Anand was allegedly involved in the throwing of bombs into Imphal Raj Bhavan in 2008.“Napolean who was arrested on April 1 told us that he was working with one Robindro. Investigations revealed that Robindro is a trade partner of Malengamba, whom we learnt was operating from Karnataka,” Arun Kampani, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell), said.A laptop, seven mobile phones, pen drives, internet broadband connection and documents, threat e-mails and extortion letters related to KCP (MC) have been recovered. The accused was brought to Delhi and is in police custody till May 13.After the arrest of Napolean, Delhi Police had claimed that the militants from the north-eastern region have started indulging in drug trade to cough up money for their activities besides extorting money from government officials and contractors.Anand studied upto Class IV and was unemployed. In 2002, he was arrested in a criminal case and thus met with one Thockchom Nando, who motivated him to join his outfit KCP (Tabungba) Group.“The outfit was involved in extortion and killing innocent people. Subsequently in 2009, Nando met him in the jail again and directed him to raise another faction in the name of KCP (Malengamba). He was also nominated as Commander-in-Chief of the outfit.“He extended threats to various political leaders, government officials and MNC executives in order to get protection money. When police in Manipur built up pressure on him, he along with his wife Salima Soibam and son Jemson shifted to Goa. After staying there for a short span of time, he shifted to Bangalore about seven months ago,” Kampani said.Anand allegedly used to get directions from Nando from Central Jail in Sajiwa from his mobile phone. Nando used to recruit cadre from jail and give the detainee’s contact number to Anand.

Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/dRK-tWnPjks/

By: Chitra AhanthemEver thought of doing a simple head counting of school going children stuffed in Omni Vans? It doesn’t take too much to see school vans packed to capacity going about their business: they are fast becoming a familiar sight in Imphal. Toddlers get ferried in them for play school or kindergarten class, no matter if they are too small to be sitting in a vehicle unattended by adults. To their credit though, some pre schools do have a policy of having adult supervision while ferrying small toddlers back and fro. Most school buses do not have adult supervision and it is often family members who have to monitor their safety while crossing roads or boarding or alighting from the bus.It is disquieting that parents and those in authority related to the education department and road and transport (including traffic police) seem to be totally unaware of how much their children are in the face of danger and how rules are not being followed. Some parents may well feel uneasy about seeing their children all cramped inside an Omni van but are often cautious about pursuing the matter pro actively with school authorities, fearing fee hikes or even the possibility of school authorities asking them to drop their children themselves. Most parents today caught up in the rush and demands of their career often do not have the time to drop their children off to their schools while many do not have a four wheeler that is necessitated by the rainy spells in the state. This then means that parents are the first victims to fall prey to the school van service. The second victim(s) that is directly affected are the children.A school van carrying children sitting in comfort and safety is a sight that is no longer being seen. Rather, it is all too common to see three or even four children sitting in the front seat. I see this sight everyday since my soon to be 6 year old son also sits in the front seat with three other boys of the same size. A total head count gave me 21 children in his school van. The issue here is not just the van that my son travels in, but the fact that the flouting of basic safety standards is being seen as an accepted norm. A front passenger seat should have minimum two kids with the safety belt on or an adult in it. It certainly should not be seating four hyper-active kids! More kids also means that for children studying in a relatively distant place, it would take more time for them to get to school and then back home again. The vans would collect them very early on and drop them off late resulting in more exhaustion, lack of playtime and disrupting eating cycles.The control of school van associations over the passenger service of school children merits a careful study. Things were not the same about ten years back. The unionization of van services is definitely good for their business but it should not be given the position of calling the shots over the safety of children. After all, school van service also falls under a consumer service and any violation of rules must be reprimanded. School authorities must also take pro active action and be firm about balancing van fee and van seat allocation. The Government can also step in by looking into the Manipur Motor Vehicle Act and going through its fine print. If there is no mention of any regulation for school vans and buses, it is time that proper rules are laid down.Some serious reading on the subject of school van and bus services led me to various state laws that have laid down the total number of children that can be carried and other safety norms. Also, the Supreme Court issued certain guidelines following a tragic incident in 1997 when a school van carrying 28 children fell into the Yamuna river. The Apex Court had made it mandatory to equip vehicles carrying schoolchildren with first aid boxes, fire extinguishers, grills on windows, school bag tray under the seat and provision for water. Of these items, none is visible in school vans or buses in Manipur: not the first aid box, not the drinking water though the school bag tray is substituted by the luggage rack on top of the vehicles. But then, the luggage racks are there not to ensure children sit in comfort; without having to carry their heavy school bags but, are a means for their commercial pursuits! More children would fit in without their bags in the way. More children = more money coming in.End-point:This is not to call for a total clamp down on school vans. Those running them need their bread and butter too. But there must not be any compromise on the safety of school going children. There definitely needs to be a system for how much load (inclusive of children and their school bags) school vans and buses can carry. Government agencies need to take a more pro-active role but it is definitely the parents who have to take a stand for their children. Given the number of vehicles on the streets, the blatant flouting of driving norms and rules and massive traffic jams on the roads and streets of Imphal, fatal accidents involving school vans and buses is something that is just waiting to happen. Must we wait for such a spectacle to react?

Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/nKKGVgBeanw/

IMPHAL, May 24: `Setting up of Guwahati Campus of the prestigious Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, Deemed University, to cater to the North Eastern Region is one of the most positive development in education sector in the Region` in the recent past , said B.K. Handique, union Minister of DoNER at New Delhi. `It is heartening to learn that without waiting for physical infrastructure to come up, TISS has already chalked out a programme to begin two Masters Programmes from July-August, 2011 and 5 years integrated Masters Programme on Social Sciences from June, 2012,` he added.

According to an emailed statement of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, when government of Assam, at the initiative of Tarun Gogoi, Chief Minister of Assam, proposed to the ministry of DoNER for allotting funds under NLCPR towards the infrastructure cost of the institute at Guwahati, B.K. Handique, Minister of DoNER readily agreed and approved, in principle, to release Rs.81 crore towards the project. Assam Government has already identified the land required for the above purpose, it stated.

Five years integrated Masters Programme on Social Sciences will have 120 students per year. Thus, there would be 600 students in five years. This programme is scheduled to start from June, 2012. During 4th and 5th year of the Course, there will be specialization in inter- disciplinary areas like Human Resource Management, Social Enterprises, Public Health Counselling, Education, Social Work and Sustainable Mountain Development. In addition to above programmes, TISS is also finalizing to take up several Certificate and Diploma Programmes from August, 2011, it added.

`Meanwhile, the University Grants Commission has already approved the proposed setting up of Guwahati campus by TISS` said the Minister of DoNER. He also said that out of the 220 total seats, (120 for Under Graduation and 100 for Post Graduate) per year, 2/3rd of the seats will be reserved for students from the NE States. Thus, it makes 146 seats available for the students from the Region i.e. 80 for Under Graduation and 66 for Post Graduation, the Minister said.

B.K. Handique has also stated that he would like TISS to start Campus in other States of North Eastern Region in phases over a period of time so that the required skills for the North Eastern students can be imparted over the development of the region, it maintained.

Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/4Ar9I7rH3-I/

IMPHAL, May 31: The Maring Land Women Development Society has today informed that a complaint has been lodged against senior minister, Y. Irabot, with the Manipur State Commission for Women, for allegedly assaulting at least three women of the Maring Lane area and subsequent firing on the night of May 28 at Maring Lane Imphal East district, under Porompat Police station.

A press conference was held in this connection at the Manipur Press Club today, wherein chairwoman Shangnu, Maring Lane Development Society questioned the motive of the minister resorting to firing several rounds in the air creating fear and havoc in the locality.

She further questioned the right of the minister for the alleged assault meted out to the women folk adding it informed that the incident has been placed before the women`™s commission to deliver justice to the innocent women.

The alleged women victims also took part in the press conference.

The victims were identified as one R. Sangkhambi, 28, w/o R. Korung of Phunal Maring, Uleidar, 30, w/o U. Mopham of Phunal Maring both presently staying at Maring Lane and KB. Shanti, 32, w/o KB. Kothang of Maring Lane.

It may be recalled that a firing incident took place late night of May 28 around 11 pm involving Minister Y. Irabot and Okram Henry, nephew of Chief Minister, O. Ibobi following an alleged abused of a tenant identified as Khambi,15, d/o S. Korung by her landlady identified as Lucy, landing her to the hospital.

Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/9EVwPWnkqBc/

The rains have halted for a while. It will be back soon in bigger monsoon torrents if all goes as per normal seasonal cycle. But this break can be made used of meaningfully by the government. The least it could do is to fill up the potholes on the roads as well as repair weak spots before the rains return. Now that weather forecasts technology has advanced so much, it can actually plan out its work schedule much better than it could 10 years ago. Investing in renovation works now will save the government a lot more money in the near future, for the potholes and weak spot, if left unattended, would virtually trigger total or at least much more substantial damages of the roads during the monsoon. One wonders why this thought does not occur to the government on its own without anybody having to remind it. Local MLAs which are the eyes and ears, as well as guardians of the constituencies they represent, should have brought up the matter before the government for necessary action. Or is it a case of there being no such system of feedback in the establishment. If there isn`™t any, it is time for the government to introduced one. Let the government also realise that it would not only be saving expenses in the long run, but also doing a great service to the people it is supposed to serve.

We wonder why the government gives so little attention to maintenance of infrastructure. If it were to give the matter of maintenance a fraction of the attention that it gives to laying foundation stones or inaugurating new public infrastructures, so much would have been set right. The enthusiasm for the latter is such that our leaders would even agree to lay foundation stones or inaugurate structures ranging from public toilets to community halls where they would make fiery public speeches with an air of self assumed grandeur of imagined epic proportion. Perhaps as a tactics, a tradition should be introduced where our leaders are encouraged to cut the ribbons even in cases of public infrastructure renovation works and allowed to make speeches. This hopefully will encourage them to think of repair works more seriously and with far greater interest.
Jokes aside, this is a matter of concern, and indeed a big lacuna in the attitude of the government. Nothing, absolutely nothing, can keep in good shape without routine repair renovations. Roads are no exceptions. So why does the government not keep aside a separate budget for this purpose. We would even suggest a different government department with the responsibility of ensuring repair works are executed promptly, catching signs of damages early and fixing them before they get extensive. Let us remind the government once again that such a policy would save it considerably amount of money and quality time rather than put more pressure on its exchequer. It does not have to be recruiting fresh employees. It is just a matter of introducing a new structure to division of work responsibilities in its engineering departments. What seems to be also missing is a system of accountability. If a certain stretch of road or for that matter any government infrastructure is in a bad condition or have not been built as per specifications and standard, there should be somebody to answer. As for this latter proposition, in all likelihood the system already exists. The question is, if this is so, why are damaged roads left unrepaired for months until the damages become so extensive that the public are left with no choice than to resort to public agitation?

Nothing seems to be urgent in the eyes of the government. The only things that perk it up are the periodic mock epics and tantrums from various warring civil society bodies which are supposed to be challenges to the territorial integrity of the state. The war drums and war cabinet meetings recently over the opening of a party office of the Naga Peoples`™ Front, a Nagaland state political party, at Senapati headquarters by the Nagaland chief minister, Neiphiu Rio, is just the latest example. It may be recalled, all the clamours in the end proved to be nothing more than what the great bard William Shakespeare said in those immortal lines: `a story told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.` Instead of wasting its energy on such frivolous matters, we wish it would give more priority to keeping public utilities in good shape. For all one knows, such a shift in priorities would in the end prove to be the solution to episodes such as that of the Senapati fiasco.

Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/ko73jmKn06s/

IMPHAL June 4: Superintending engineer of the Public Health and Engineering Department (PHED), Th Lokeswor in charge of the urban division announced in a press meet held today at the Manipur Press Club, that the sewerage project presently underway will be completed within December 2012.The SE said that the department has been doing its best to complete the works under a stipulated time and with a concern of the public’s welfare.“ The project is taken up in the interest of the public, whatever excavations done to fit the pipelines have been carefully monitored and done so as not to cause public inconvenience, the department is assessing the implemented works on a daily basis and we request the public to bear with us for some more time”, he said.Detailing mediapersons regarding the sewerage project, he further said that the project officially started in 2003, but due to unavoidable circumstances, the implementation started from 2006 onwards. The laying of primary lines around Imphal city has been completed at least upto 85 percent while around 60 percent of laying of secondary pipelines is complete, he further added. He also stated that the French government has mainly provided the machinery and the technical know how for the sewerage project.“The French engineers come annually to check the progress of the works and provides technical assistance, every part of the project is monitored by them, the implementation is done under their supervision and there is no question of the project being carried out against the engineering norms “. He added that the cost of the project is revised at a total of Rs. 217.6 crores and the project will further be extended to other towns of the state as Churachandpur, Bidhnupur, Moirang and Loktak.“This project is the first in the North East and the works will extend to other districts in the near future, the contractors and the PHED has to be co ordinated, the law and order situation in the state sometimes causes a delay to the ongoing works, the target for completion though set on 2012 March cannot be met, but even though with the slight delay, the project will be completed within December 2012, the Chief Minister has also intimated his interest in the completion of the project at the earliest”, he said.The SE also announced that the works taken up at the RIMS road by the department had been completed on March 28, and the current ongoing construction along the road is the matter of either the PWD or MAHUD.The sewerage project is implemented to carry out treatment of waste disposal for the urban areas of the state and so as to further dispose off the waste material without incurring any health hazards to the public in the process.

Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/4xvKro0OhKo/

IMPHAL June 5: The Havildar and CRTO DPC faced candidates Association, 2008 in a press conference held at Majorkhul community hall today stated that if the results of the DPC are not announced by the state government before June 8, then the association will launch a statewide general strike beginning from June 9 from 5 in the morning till June 10 evening for a total of 36 hours.Addressing mediapersons during the conference, convenor of the association K Rajesh stated that on July 26, 2008, NPTS conducted a recruitment rally of havildars/CRTO and the viva voice was held on April 26, 2010 however till date, the results have not been announced by the state government. The association also submitted a memorandum on March 1, 2011 and the issue was raised in the Manipur Assembly by MLA Rk Anand, and the Chief Minister had also replied to the query saying that the results will be announced soon.He further added that the delay of the government has caused untold sufferings to the appeared candidates and further questioned why the results have not been announced as of yet and what complications are faced by the responsible department.He said that without announcing the results, new drivers for the police/ MR/ IRB /VDF and women police have been announced and training has been already conducted, he stated that the issue has been neglected by the state authorities. The DPC faced candidates have immensely suffered due to the delay in the declaring the results and as such appealed the government to announce the results before the set deadline of the association.

Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/TcKA14pG9pA/

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

Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/kKM_1HzPn4w/