Strike hits healthcare

Imphal, Dec 28 : Healthcare services were affected in Manipur today after employees of the health and family welfare departments joined the ceasework launched by government workers’ unions to demand implementation of the recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission.

All the government hospitals in the nine districts, including the Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital in Imphal East, closed their outpatient departments since morning. However, emergency services and medical care of indoor patients continued. The strike also affected the functioning of nearly 200 primary health centres across the state.

An action committee of three workers unions of the health and family welfare departments said the health employees would resume work on December 30 after keeping the outpatient departments closed for three consecutive days.

“If the government still remains indifferent, we may again resume the ceasework,” R.K. Basumani, the secretary of the Medical Department Employees’ Association, said.

The government employees had launched a phase-by-phase agitation under the Joint Administrative Council, the apex body of employees’ unions of government departments, on November 6. They launched the indefinite ceasework on November 27.

The strike paralysed the functioning of many departments, but employees in the essential services sector had not joined it till today.

“We do not want to join the ceasework, but the government’s indifference forced us to join it,” said Basumani.

The decision to join the agitation was taken by the Joint Committee of Medical Department Employees’ Association, the Family Welfare Department Employees’ Association and the Manipur Health Services Officers’ Association.

W. Inaocha Singh, the secretary of the employees’ apex body, said the workers of power and water supply departments would join the ceasework soon.

Assam Rifles motorcycle rally reaches Imphal

IMPHAL, Dec 28 : On the occasion of its golden jubilee on January 1, 2009 the 14th Assam Rifles has organised a motorcycle rally to enhance the goodwill and image of the Assam Rifles and to spread the message of peace and harmony in all the insurgency infested states of the north east.

The rally team led by Capt RA Raju was flagged off by Manik Sarkar, chief minister of Tripura at Kanchanapur on December 19 and the rally reached HQ IGAR (South) at Mantripukhri in Imphal on December 26.

It was flagged off from 39 Assam Rifles in Imphal on December 27 for Kohima by Salam Joy Singh, MLA from Wangoi.

Speaking on the occasion Salam Joy Singh said, "We may belong to different regions, cultures and religions but we are one and first of all Indians. We all should come together to bring peace and prosperity in our country and especially in Manipur."

The MLA also presented a sum of Rs. 10,000 to the rally team and wished them success in their mission. The rally will be covering cities like Agartala, Aizawl, Silchar, Imphal, Kohima, Dimapur, Guwahati and Shillong before terminating at Kanchanpur on January 4.

The eight CBZ motorcycles which are part of the rally have been sponsored by the Hero Honda Motors and the fuel for the rally has been sponsored by the IOC. The rally will be covering a distanceof 2100 kms within a span of 16 days.

Relay hunger strike enters 18th day

IMPHAL, Dec 28 : The relay hunger strike organized by the Sharmila Kanba Lup at the Porompat PDA Complex entered its 18th day today. It was the turn of about 160 women belonging to the Kongpal Khongman Meira Paibi and the Meiyang Langjing Semgat Sagat Lup who turned up in solidarity with the hunger strike being undertaken by Sharmila Irom calling for repealing the Armed Forces Special Powers Act.

Addressing the Meira Paibi women today, Shinghajit Irom, Sharmila`s elder brother said that Act was inhuman and violated the rights and dignity of people.

"The Act which was imposed under the ruse of arresting the issue of insurgency in the region has only resulted in suppressing the freedom of the people," he said.

He further added that the call of the public to repeal the Act is an expression of their rightful claim and appealed for more public support to the cause.

Speaking at the gathering today, Khoirom Loyalakpa, Editor of the local daily Naharolgi Thoudang said that politicians in the state do not want the Act to go.

"Those who are benefiting from the Act would not want it to go. It is the impunity given by the Act that makes them free to do anything they like," he said.

He added further that terrorist acts in the state are committed by security forces and said that unity of the people was required to have the Act repealed.

Number of UGC schemes under XIth plan period

IMPHAL, Dec 28 : A one-day workshop on "Availing of UGC assistance during XIth plan" organized by the Government College Principals` Council and sponsored by the directorate of university and higher education was held at the State Guest House today.

Giving the keynote address, N Ibomcha, principal of the SK Women`s College said that the UGC has launched a number of schemes for developing programs during the XIth plan period starting from April 2009.

P Sharatchandra, IAS, and principal secretary, government of Manipur in his speech suggested to start innovative courses at the under graduate level in the field of hi-tech or emerging areas which have national and global importance.

"The objective of the XIth Plan period is that teaching and research can also be taken up under the category of interdisciplinary innovative and emerging areas. Special focus can be developed by teachers in Manipur regarding new methods of study," he said.

Addressing the workshop, RK Chaoba Singh, additional director of university and higher education said that any shortcomings can be reported to the deputy secretary, UGC north east regional office, Guwahati regarding facilities that are to be provided under the UGC schemes.

SC Roy who spoke in the technical session said that colleges in Manipur and in some parts of the north eastern region do not have a proper engineering department. He also said that proposals for renovating colleges can be considered when the set up of the institution in terms of its laboratory facilities, library etc. are well developed.

Jiri meet urges for power supply

Jiribam, Dec 28 : A joint public meeting attended by different social organisations and student bodies of Jiribam has resolved to urge upon the authority concerned to restore electricity supply to the area at the earliest.

The public meeting held at the office of the All Jiribam United Clubs' Association (AJUCA) was attended by representatives of Jiri Development Organisation (JDO), AJUCA, MSF, DESAM and MSF.

A memorandum demanding immediate restoration electricity supply to Jiribam sub-divisional town has been sent to the authority concerned.

Notably, Jiri town has been without electricity since December 25 .

The joint also urged upon the State Government to station sufficient employees at the power station of Kadamtala, Jiribam.

Another resolution of the meeting was the demand to inaugurate the 20 KV power station of Jiri within 10 days.

It also appealed to all sections of the society to co-operate in the smooth functioning of Electricity Department at Jiribam.

New Delhi tells Islamabad to take firm action against terrorists operating from its soil

New Delhi, Dec 28 : India has informed Pakistan that it is not engaged in a troop build-up along the border, and sought firm action against terrorist camps and militant groups operating from Pakistani soil. New Delhi also told Islamabad that it has no plans for a military action, but wanted a combination of "executive action and judicial processes" against terrorist elements like the Lashker-e-Toiba and its frontal organisation the Jamaat-ud-Dawa, which are linked to the Mumbai attacks.

The Indian High Commissioner Mr Satyabrata Pal conveyed this to Pakistan's Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir during their meeting in Islamabad. He also conveyed the message that "words and commitments" are not adequate in the wake of the Mumbai terror attacks, which were "just a symptom of the larger problem" of terrorists operating from Pakistani soil.

Manipur artisans to provide live demonstration at expo

The Crafts and Social Development Organization (CSDO), Imphal, Manipur is organizing a Manipur Handicrafts Expo beginning from December 26 to January 04. This expo is being organised under the patronage of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), under the Ministry of Textiles.

Manipur has a rich handicraft tradition going back by centuries. Handicraft products like terracotta, potteries, cane and bamboo items and artistic and attractive textiles amongst many other items made by the rural artisans will be on display.

Craftsmen will be at hand, who will provide live demonstration in making the different handicraft products.

IRB Personel Shot Dead In Imphal

Imphal, Dec 27 : A personnel of  India  Reserve  Battalion (IRB) who was on leave has been shot dead by unidentified gunmen at his village in   Imphal  East district of Manipur, police said today.

S. Surjit Sharma who was a jawan of 4th IRB was gunned down by the gunmen at Leisangkhong area in the district last evening, the police said. The incident occurred while Sharma was purchasing medicines for his children, the police said.

Hundreds of villagers, including women, who came from Leisangkhong today launched a sit-in protest at capital complex here today in protest against the killing of Sharma, the police said.

The body has been sent to Regional Institute of Medical Science and Hospital here for post mortem. Over 430 persons were so far killed in militancy-related crimes in Manipur this year.

Riots break out in Imphal jail

Imphal, Dec 27 : Another jail riot broke out on Thursday morning at the Sajiwa Central Jail in Imphal East following the confrontation of inmates of the jail to prevent shifting of hard core underground inmates to the Tihar jail in Delhi.

According to police sources, the incident took place at about 6:00 am on Thursday when inmates confronted the police personnel who were trying to transfer four hard core underground inmates to the Tihar jail. The riot broke out when the inmates tried to stop the police personnel, added the source.

The police source also informed that the inmates used stones, sticks and even pelted stones at the security forces who resorted to tear gases and baton charges.

However, the situation was neutralized at about 8:30 am by the used of additional forces, informed the source. Apart from some minor injuries, no critical injuries were however reported.

ZCF Delhi celebrates Christmas

The Zomi Christian Fellowship, Delhi celebrates Christmas at it maximum gaiety.  A large number of fellowship members turn out on this auspicious celebration. Worship service was started by 11AM in the morning. Local Committee member Mr. T. Zamlunmang precided the worship service. It was opened with a Scripture reading and prayer by Ladies Department Chairperson Mrs. Esther Vungneiching. Christmas special numbers were presented by Mr. Joseph and the Youth department and it was followed by a Christmas sermon from Rev. G. K. Samte.


Rev. G. K. Samte, in his sermon he preached about the joy which was borned from the birth of Jesus from the Bible Luke 2: 10.

It was followed by a get together (Lengkhawm), Family song competitions, Sunday School Children’s Bible recitations and a dinner.
By 6:00PM, Evening Worship Service was lead by Mr. Nang Lian Kham and a sermon was delivered by the Pastor.

ZCF CHRISTMAS LENGKHAWM

SANTA VISITS THE CHILDREN

Famine dampens Christmas festive mood in Churachandpur

By S Singlianmang Guite

CCpur, Dec 27 : On Christmas eve a crowd usually swarm the dusty corri- dors of this second largest township in the State but this chilling winter evening is ostensibly different.

The crowd and the ample smile on their faces that reminds vendors of the brisk deals they had in this time of the year is lacking.

Famine has taken its toll on the community. Everything seems set for the perfect celebration � armed groups that usually blot the festivity is now under Suspension of Opera- tion with the government, NREGS is there to shell out the extra bugs required for merriment, late night Christmas carols begins to re-appear, Musical Concerts were organized since October, Assam Rifles and the SoO group have treated the people with a vibrant and trouble-free musical night, mobile manufacturer Nokia has brought its mobile band in town; but everything fails to adopt the mood of this fun loving community. �Our tickets were usually sold-off from the last part of November in other years, but this year the rush began only yesterday and even that was unfit to called a sold-off,� Chingboi, a travel ticket dealer for the interior areas who had been in the profession for the last ten years said.

Thangkhosat of Tuila village in Henglep sub-division visits the town today, but unlike other years they were to procure rice that should sustain them for one week.

�I could only afford money for the rice, and I can�t go shopping, but I still consider myself lucky,� he said. Many of their villagers could only stock rice for two days.

�Our paddy this year was unusually healthy but rats have gobbled them up before we could reap it,� Ngaikonieng also from Tuila said. When asked, a woman who manned the ticket counter for Tipaimukh Road unassumingly said, �Bang dang ziek ahi dia! - What else!� The Mautam devastation has visibly taken its toll, crowds that swarmed the township corridors were decline al least in two fold and many vendors have felt the thinning away of their customers. Remi, proprietor of �Jingle Bell� � a dealer in stationery items said, �look for yourself; how can I said this is good,� when enquired if her business was affected.

A makeshift vendor in New Bazar, Pari claimed that she sold more than Rs.10,000 worth of good for two consecutive weeks in the last two years at this season sold Rs.3000 yesterday - the highest this year.

Ready made retailer JP Selection and foreign good dealers too felt the impact. Khailet Haokip, who just returned from Henglep after delivering a truck load of rice at the sub-divisional hqtrs visibly felt the pained within the interior populace.

�The villagers played aloud Christmas songs though a PA system in the morning, it is very enchanting but the fun ends there, they have nothing to feed themselves,� he said.

People from far flung villages came to the sub-divisional hqtrs to purchase rice with whatever money they had, but there was no rice.

The truck load we brought along was sold off in no time. �I can�t truly express their suffering, I just feel pity,� he recounted of his encounter with the hungry popu-lace.

�The road leading to Henglep is pathetic, it is merely 35 kms from here but we travel one whole day.

SPOs demand authorities to clarify on their future

IMPHAL, Dec 25 : The controversial SPO issue is once again rearing to boil over if a public complaint by one of the SPOs, Elangbam Bigyananda who spoke to the media at the Manipur Press Club today is anything to go by.

Bigyananda said he is one of the 300 SPOs recruited on July 19, as part of the state government`s move to arm civilians to resist coercive pressures by various militant groups in the wake of indiscriminate firing at Heirok during a Yaoshang Thabal Chongba this year which left three dead and another blind.

He said initially the training for the newly recruited SPOs which began on July 19 at the Manipur Police Training School, MPTS, Pangei was to be for one month, but the Manipur DGP who had come to the MPTS on a visit declared the duration of the training would be extended to three months.
He said six months later, there is still no information if the training was to conclude and the SPOs given posting and duty. He said the SPOs are also not provided enough winter clothing and as they are not given permits to visit home, have been managing with whatever little they brought along when they were first recruited. This was not too bad during warmer seasons, but now that winter is here, it is proving to be a torture for those undergoing training, he said. They have been having to resort to sharing blankets between four or five persons, he lamented. He called upon the authorities to look into the matter with the warning that failing this would compel the SPOs to decide on what to do all on their own. Further he said the SPOs were recruited for the protection of Heirok, but because of inordinate delays in the completion of the construction of barracks for them, the training period too have been reciprocally extended. This has introduced an uncertainty amongst the new recruits about the direction of the future they are heading for. They are also worried if their duties would go beyond providing security for Heirok alone or whether they would be made to do the same duty as other state forces, he added. He said the SPOs have already made several representations explaining and demanding an answer as to their worries to several relevant authorities, including the chief minister, MPTS director, SP Thoubal, SP Imphal East but no response have been forthcoming. He said the SPOs will wait till December 30 for an answer from the authorities on the matter after which they will decided on their own course of action. He said the state government`s total apathy to their fate is extremely unfortunate as they have incurred the wrath of militant organisations in deciding to accept the government`s SPO plan. Stating some of the instances of the hardship not only them but the entire Heirok area had to suffer, he said villagers of Heirok have now been forbidden by various militants from doing commerce outside their village; no students from the village is allowed to pursue studies outside the village in other parts of the state; no passenger buses have been allowed to ply to or from Heirok. And now, the government is leaving those who decided to take a plunge against terrorism in the lurch, he said.

Manipur Givernor Send His Christmas greetings

Imphal, Dec 23 : Governor of Manipur Gurbachan Jagat has greeted the people of Manipur, specially the Christian brethren, on the occasion of Christmas.

In a message of greetings, Governor stated that the message of Lord Jesus Christ of love, mercy, forgiveness, compassion, benevolence and sacrifice has become more important at the present situation when the atmosphere of society is marred by bickerings, bitterness and social tensions.

"While celebrating His birth, besides paying our obeisance to the outstanding apostle of peace, we should re-dedicate ourselves to the ideals, principles and eternal values espoused by Him.

Let His principles and messages guide mankind to build a prosperous society and a peaceful world," Governor's message stated.

He wished the people of Manipur a Merry Chirstmas and prayed to God for peace, harmony and prosperity for Manipur and her people.

Hueiyen News Service

Rice agents decry over delay

Imphal, Dec 23 : Decrying the failure of FCI Imphal Divisional Manager to release PDS rice for the month of November to all the agents of Assembly constituencies under Imphal West district even as December is closing, MLAs' representatives of 14 Assembly constituencies of Imphal West district has sought immediate attention of the authority concerned.

A press release signed by the 14 representatives informed that they deposited required amount for lifting the PDS rice in time at FCI Imphal.

Even as the PDS rice for the month of November has not been released yet, the agents have been made to deposit necessary amount for PDS rice of the month of December.

The State Government issued release order for the month of December at FCI Dimapur which is delaying transport of rice to FCI Imphal.

As a result, the agents are being unable to lift rice in time.

Saying that the total quantity of rice due to Imphal West district is about 150 truck loads, the representatives lamented that not a single truck load has arrived at FCI Imphal godown till date.

As such, the representatives are not in a position to distribute PDS rice for the month of November to people even up to first week of January, they said while urging upon the Government to take up necessary actions against the transport contractors concerned.

They also appealed to the State Government to deposit the requisite amount for PDS rice of the month of January at FCI Imphal in time so that the allotted quota does not get lapsed.

Over Rs 12 lakhs sales at seven day Khadi Mela

Imphal, Dec 23 : The Seven-day long Khadi Mela held at Gandhi Memorial Hall, Imphal organized by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) concluded today with a sale-proceed of more than Rs.12 lakhs.

The concluding function held today was attended by former MLAs N Nimai, Padmashri Lingjalien Gangte and secretary Khadi Production Sales Co-operative Society, Sagloband, Th Thambal as chief guest president and guest of honour respectively.

Speaking on as chief guest, Nimai said that the main objective of the khadi and village industries is to encourage self employment by making self earning ways by selling its produces to the masses.

The mela gave an advantage of selling the khadi products to the people.

He further said that even though, it could not produced in mass scale, the khadi products have quality and are in great demand by the people.

The problems of having no selling place of these products have been solved at least to some extend by the organization of such fair.

Nimai also suggested the government to make a policy and take up special programme to promote this home based industries in the state.

He also expressed concern the khadi board having no building of its own.

Secretary Khadi Production Sales Co-operative Society, Sagloband, Th Thambal, the guest honour of the function while presenting a report of the fair said that in the seven-day long fair around 30 beneficiaries took part and they sold around Rs.12 lakhs out of targeted sale proceed of Rs.10 lakhs.

In the function today, participation certificates were also distributed to the 29 stall owners.

Special awards were also handed over to some selected stalls.

The award for "Good Time Keeper" goes to Rungchan Ken and Bamboo Cluster, Chandel, Premier Rural Welfare Organisation, Naharup, Ken Beautiful, Thangmeiband and Khadi and Village Industries Development, Heirok while Good Exhibition Award goes to District Integrated Development Association, Churachandpur and Raj Group, Koirengei.

Prizes of the essay competition held during the fair were also distributed to the students who secured first, second and third positions.

The concluding part of the function was marked by a fashion show at the Gandhi Memorial Hall.

Hueiyen News Service

Heirok SPOs to follow Sharmila

Imphal, Dec 22 : The special police officers (SPOs) recruited for protection of Heirok in Thoubal district of Manipur may follow in the footsteps of human rights crusader Irom Sharmila instead of guarding the village with arms.

Sharmila has been on a fast unto death since November 2000 demanding lifting of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958.

For the second consecutive day today, 300 SPO trainees continued their protest against the state government’s indecision on their future by refusing to attend training classes at the Manipur Police Training School.

“We are contemplating a hunger strike if the government fails to respond to our demand for a clear policy on our future. We will wait for some more days. If no response comes, we will go on a hunger strike,” an SPO said on condition of anonymity.

The SPOs launched their agitation yesterday. They held a sit-in at the training ground.

They remained confined to their respective barracks at the training school located at Pangei in Imphal East district.

“First we were told that the training is for one month. On completion of the training, we were again told that the training will last for three more months. Now it has been six months and we do not know when it will be over and we will go back to our village,” the SPO said.

The revolt came after they submitted a memorandum to the government seeking a clear policy on their future. “We are not receiving any response from the government. We are disillusioned and our morale is down as our future is uncertain. We may follow in the footsteps of Sharmila to seek justice,” the SPO said.

The SPOs also complained that they were not provided woollen clothes and blankets. “We have to arrange these for ourselves. This is winter and how can we do without sweaters? The government is indifferent to our plight,” a trainee said.

The SPOs are also planning to approach the Union home ministry if the government remained indifferent.

“We want to go back to our village and perform our duties as village guards. But the government has not taken any step for construction of barracks for the SPOs at Heirok,” another SPO said.

RTI is a steering which leads govt off corruption :Ibobi

Imphal, Dec 22 : Manipur Chief Minister Okarm Ibobi today said that Right to Information Act, 2005 is like the steering of a vehicle moving on the roads, it steers a government off corruption and makes it transparent and accountable.

The Chief Minister was speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural function of a seminar on the theme "Role of Legislators in the implementation of Right to Information Act" held at the state Legislative Assembly Complex here under the aegis of Former Presiding Officers' Forum, Manipur.

O Ibobi further said that the real objective of the Act is to make a democratic form of government transparent and accountable by eradicating corruption.

The trouble is that though people have appreciated the RTI Act so much, little is known about it to the people.

He said, the seminar organised by the Former Presiding Officers' Forum would provide an opportunity for the legislators who are the representatives of the people to know more about the Act so that they would be able to go in the right way.

If the Forum could spread better awareness about the Act through media to the people, it's hoped that the (present) government would have more transparency and accountability.

"With this Act, let's make our society a society full of transparency and accountability without corruption," Chief Minister O Ibobi said.

Delivering valedictory speech, Manipur Assembly Speaker Dr S Budhichandra, who presided over the inaugural function, opined that in making a democratic set up more perfect, Right to Information was very important.

It was questionable whether the rules and regulations of the Act were properly functional, Dr Budhichandra said and added, nobody should misuse the Act and it should be used properly for the betterment of the society.

President of the Former Presiding Officers' Forum, W Angou pointed outin his introductory speech of the seminar that inorder to facilitate transparency and accountability in a government and to eradicate the evils of corruption, all citizens must know the policies and programmes of the government and their objectives fully, The RTI Act provides that opportunity, he said.

Angou further pointed out that making good use of the provisions of the RTI Act, the NGOs and civil society organisations could make the poor and weak sections of the people of the state avail of the benefits of the various social welfare schemes and development programmes.

He expressed concern that the legislators of the state and the Centre, who themselves were the makers of law, haven't paid special attention to disseminating wide-spread awareness among the people to fulfill the objective of the Act.

Former Speakers of Manipur Legislative Assembly, Y Yaima and W Angou chaired the seminar.

Many ministers, MLAs, ex-MP, ex-MLAs and other experts took part in the seminar and discussed various issues relating to the RIT Act.

Hueiyen News Service

'Pay NREGS wages through VAs, not banks'

Churachandpur, Dec 22 : In view of its perceived urgency arising out of the need to clear school fees for securing children's results before Christmas and the monetary requirement of the festival and New Year celebrations, Kuki Inpi, Manipur requested the Director, NREGA to pay the daily wages of NREGS workers in Churachandpur district through VAs and not through the banks as required by the Government.

'Apart from the Lamka Block, the other six blocks of the district do not have any post office with saving facilities, only the banks has such facilities,' wrote Holkholun Lhungdim, President KIM in his letter address to the Director.

As majority of the wage earners are poor, urgent payment of wages of the remaining 25 days would help them in clearing their children's fees for the declaration of the end term results.

The memo added that most of the villagers do not have accounts in nationalized banks, and as there is need for most villagers to travel two to three days to reach the district headquarters, the wages must be released through the Village Authorities.

The Sangai Express

Security beefed-up at Sekmai, Senapati

Imphal, Dec 21 : Commuters faced severe inconveniences as suspected bandh supporters pelted stones at vehicles, particularly passenger carriers at Sekmai area today forcing security force personnel to fire tear gas and rubber bullet to control the situation.

On the otherhand, with the Naga people's Organisation (NPO) observing bandh at Senapati district where suspected bandh supporters targeted a passenger bus yesterday security measures have been tightened to thwart violent attempts.

On the second day of the indefinite bandh call being enforced by the JAC formed against the killing of one Maharabam Rajen of Sekmai Khunou Mathak Leikai protestors set ablaze tyres and other inflammable items at various points of the National Highway 39 stretch to prevent plying of vehicles.

With the bandh supporters barricading the vital route Sekmai police station personnel and Imphal West district commandos had a torrid time in dispersing the agitators and clearing the road of debris.

In the wake of gunning down of M Rajen at his own courtyard on December 13 night the JAC was formed and a memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister demanding that the State authorities nail and punish the assailants.

According to sources, with the intention of discouraging transporters from plying past Sekmai areas the bandh supporters splashed motor lubricants from early morning at various pockets including at Sekmai Bazar, Koujengleima, Pangaltabi, Nongthongband and Kanglatongbi areas besides setting afire tyres and wastes.

As preventive measures, the security teams also stopped several passenger carriers coming towards Imphal as well as those heading out of the State capital and escorted the passengers across the bandh enforced section on foot.

Inspite of the security steps bandh supporters rushed out of their hiding places and pelted stones thereby inflicting damage to windshields of some vehicles that drove close to the affected zone.

Strong vigil is being maintained by personnel of Sekmai police station and women police.

There is no report of any injury.

At senapati district, where the bandh is being enforced to demand removal of the Deputy Commissioner, the district police have reportedly taken appropriate steps to apprehend those involved in the attack of the passenger bus which was coming from Dimapur side.

While affirming that tight security measures have been taken up to thwart any attempt of disrupting normal traffic flow throughout the district, the SP (Senapati) Nishit Kumar Ujjwal conveyed that apart from escorting passenger and goods carriers past vulnerable pockets along the National Highway 39 stretch all the police stations in the district have been put on high alert.

"A manhunt has been launched to nab those who attacked the passenger bus," added the SP.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner Nidhi Kesharwani rejected the NPO's allegation of misappropriating funds meant for infrastructure development in the hill areas among other accusations.

"I'm doing my duty under the prescribed guidelines and all developmental funds are being utilised smoothly without any hurdles," the lady officer said while welcoming all concerned to visit villages and inquire the 'realities we are doing'.

My office is also open for any inquiry, she added.

The Sangai Express

Satellite Towns in Imphal is New Agenda

Imphal, Dec 21 : State Chief Minister, O Ibobi has said that with a view to alleviating the traffic congestion and mounting garbages in Imphal city, the government was considering with the planning department the feasibility of developing satellite towns in different parts of Greater Imphal.

Chief Minister Ibobi, who was the chief guest at the inaugural function of the two-day seminar on the theme "Imphal City today and tomorrow" organised by Workers' Union, Manipur (WUM) at the State Guest House at Sanjenthong here, said that after the completion of the construction of Capital Project and High Court Complex at Chingmeirong, the government was mulling over construction of some multi-storeyed parking buildings in order to mitigate the problem of parking space.

Construction of an inter-state bus terminus was also being considered, the Chief Minister said.

He said, the Imphal Municipal Council (IMC) has not looked into the multi-storeyed buildings being constructed in different parts of the city in violation of law.

If the buildings collapse causing heavy casualties, the government would be blamed.

He further said that if the IMC has no power to take up works to keep the city neat and clean, it must inform the government by submitting proposals.

It wouldn't be fair for the government to pay special attention to the IMC while neglecting the other municipal councils.

When privatisation of cleaning the garbages of the city was mooted, the IMC raised objection, the Chief Minister said.

When construction of the three market complexes is completed, the women vendors who have licence will be allowed to occupy their places.

After they have been given their places, the authority would try to give space to those women who are now sitting on the roadside selling vegetables, he said.

Saying that it was quite fortunate that the WUM was making efforts to keep the city neat and clean, Chief Minister Ibobi appealed that all should contribute to making the Imphal city, which is the appearance of Manipur, neat and clean and make it a city without garbage and diseases.

Chairman of Manipur Pollution Control Board, E Dwijamani who was guest of honour at the function said, if we must not touch the environment, we have to be cave-men.

If we do not want to remain as cave-men, then we have to take up various developmental works.

And we must try to control the environmental pollution that comes out of the development projects, he said.

MLA T Mangibabu who was also guest of honour said the various problems that we are facing in Imphal city are results of lack of systematic development of the city.

In developing the city, all need to understand and cooperate, he said.

Chairperson of IMC, RK Ranisana, who attended the function as guest of honour, opined that the works being taken up by various department of the government made Imphal city dirty.

Due to lack of funds, the IMC couldn't operate properly.

Member of Manipur Human Rights Commission, RK Rajendra said setting up an ecological task force in Manipur was badly needed.

The president of WUM, Ningthouja Chonminthang presided over the function.

In the technical session, prof N Mohendra, department of economics, MU was the chair person.

Former Chief Engineer of PWD, E Binoykumar presented paper on "Development of road connectivity in Imphal city", SP, CMTW Imphal P Dhanakumar presented a paper on "Role of police in the growth of Imphal city", Joint Director, MAHUD W Bhaktaraj read out a paper on "Urban migration in Imphal city with special reference to inter-state migrant labour" and Deputy Director Transport, B K Sharma spoke on "Traffick control, transport and parking system in Imphal city".

Hueiyen News Service

With boom in sale charcoal traders ‘shine’ through soot

By Addie Chiphang

Women engaging in charcoal trade to earn their livelihoods

Imphal, Dec 20 : With the advent of chilly winter season, the household demand of Charcoal has been on the rise giving a good reason to many poor women who are engaged in the business of selling Charcoal to smile.

Regardless of the snooty black Charcoal powder sticking on their faces and cloths, the Charcoal sellers in various pockets of Imphal have no qualm or complaint as the sale has picked up.

In a State like Manipur where erratic power supply has been a norm rather than an exception, Charcoal has been the main source of heat during winter season.

The indigenous method of making Charcoal by digging up trenches and filling them up with logs of wood to set on fire and then covering the dugouts to smother the blazing flame is a hard task indeed, but it has been the source of livelihood for many people in the hill areas of the State where the scope of employment is abysmally limited.

With her face besmeared all over with the black powder, 38 year old Akim of Churachandpur district who has been selling Charcoal at New Checkon for the last 8 years, said with a broad smile that she is not worried about the dirtiness of her cloths when people are queuing up in front of her shop to buy Charcoal.

Mother of three children, two girls and one boy all of them studying in a reputed private school in Imphal, Akim said now is the peak season and she could earn around Rs 1200 to Rs 1500 from selling Charcoal on an average every day.

Explaining about her business, Akim disclosed that the Charcoal being sold in her shop have been prepared and brought from jungles of Churachandpur district at a cost of Rs 20,000 per trip and she gets around Rs 20 to 25 per bag as profit.

On arrival at Imphal, she sells at Rs 250 per bag of 100 kgs and Rs 200 for 50 kg bag. For those who could not afford to purchase bagful of Charcoal, Akim has solution and she offers Charcoal at the rate of Rs 40 per tin.

To a question, she said although there is no authorised tax on bringing the Charcoal to Imphal, one has to shell out anywhere between Rs 50 to Rs 100 at Forest Gate or to the traffic police and commandos.

Fiftytwo year old Kombirei, who hails from Kongba of Imphal East district said she has been in this profession for over 2 years now. After her husband left her for another woman, Kombirei, a mother of two children, used to operate a Pan Dukan, but the meagre income could not even ensure two square meal a day for her children.

Having no other option, she took up Charcoal selling in an open area at Checkon and the trade proved to be profitable. While informing that with a small investment, she could earn a profit of around Rs 450 to Rs 600 every day from her Charcoal business, Kombirei said she is no more concerned about whether her children would sleep the night on empty stomach or their teachers would send them back from school for not paying the fee.

Bina Devi, a young widow in her mid-twenties, who too has been in the business of Charcoal selling for one and half years now, said that after the untimely demise of her husband she became the sole bread earner of the family and faced great difficulties in keeping the kitchen fire burning and ensuring education of her three young children.

But today with an income of Rs 500 to Rs 800 she could earn from her business of selling Charcoal after deduction of the invested amount on the wholesaler, she can easily manage the family, Bina said.

The Sangai Express

Agitations, bridge collapse corner Manipur

IMPHAL, Dec 19 : Inspite of the agitating Naga People’s Organisation (NPO) announcing exemption of certain type of vehicles from the purview of its ongoing agitation, bandhs along the National Highways, impending threat of enforcing similar form of protest and collapse of a bridge on the Imphal-Jiribam route are likely to cause great hardships to the people.

The indefinite bandh called along the Imphal-Dimapur Road since 6 pm today by the JAC against killing of Maharabam Rajen seriously affected movement of goods carriers along this route today.

Since early morning, a large number of womenfolk from Sekmai area came out to enforce the bandh along with burning tyres, scattering broken glass shards and placing boulders to prevent movement of vehicular traffic on the road.

Bandh supports also targeted vehicles coming along in defiance of the bandh call forcing the police to lathi-charge and fire tear gas canisters. Afterwards, the vehicles were escorted by the police.

JAC president Angom Shanti Devi has stated that the bandh would continue until an agreement has been brought about with the Government. Vehicles coming in defiance of the bandh should themselves bear the respo-nsibility for the destruction caused, she added.

On the other hand, inspite of presence of police escort, suspected supporters of the NPO-sponsored bandh pelted stones on an Imphal bound passenger bus (MN-01/1653) of the Royal Rajdhani Travels coming from Dimapur at around 8 am today.

Though none of the passenger suffered any injuries in the attack, the wind shields of the bus have been destroyed. NPO has called the indefinite bandh along the National Highway 39 demanding transfer of Deputy Commission of Senapati district Nidhi Kesherwani (IAS).

The NPO said it would exempt students studying outside the State and coming for holidays and Christmas festival, sportspersons particularly for the preparation of National Games and various State level functions outside the State and inter-State bus services from the purview of the agitation with effect from midnight of December 18.

NPO said that cutting off of Senapati district from the rest of the State is a continual process of the reaffir- mation taken with the tribal presidents on June 24.

Saying that the ongoing agitation is a follow-up action and strategy that has been planned by the executive committee of NPO, the organisation said it would continue with the agitation till the DC moves herself out voluntarily or is transferred by the State Government.

Meanwhile, All Manipur Road Transport Drivers’ and Motor Workers Union urged the State Government to bring a solution with the bandh supporters to ensure smooth celebration of the ensuing Christmas festival and Drivers’ Day which is to be observed on January 14, next.

The union also informed that traffic flow along NH-53 is on complete halt as a cement loaded truck is stuck on a bailey bridge at Shanti Khunou. The union urged the concerned authority to take up actions immediately to restore the normal movements of vehicles. The weight of the loaded vehicles had also resulted in collapse/damage to a portion of the bridge.

on the otherhand, peeved with the failure of the State Government to give their due positions even after completion of training, the Joint Action Committee of Trained Special Police Officers have decided to launch strike from December 20.

A press release issued by the JAC asserted that the State Government has let down and demoralised SPOs by not assigning their specific positions even after six months of training although they were reportedly told earlier that their training course was for only one month.

Informing that they have been training in using different weapons like 303 rifles, Canada rifles, SLR, Sten carbine, AK 47, AK 56 , INSAS, LMG, two inch mortar, 9 mm pistol, bayonet fighting, grenade etc, the JAC decried the act of confining them to the training centre on the pretext of incomplete barracks.

In case the Government remains indifferent to their woes even after the strike, the SPOs may find a way out on their own, the JAC cautioned.

Kangla protester joins Sharmila cause

Ibobi slammed for apathy to cause

Meira paibis at the relay hunger strike at Porompat in Imphal East on Thursday. Picture by Eastern Projections Imphal, Dec 19 : A woman who was part of the naked protest in front of Kangla fort four years back today joined the relay hunger strike in support of Irom Sharmila’s demand to repeal the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act. Th. Ramani Devi, a meira paibi leader, slammed the Okram Ibobi Singh government for its “indifference” to Sharmila’s cause and warned that people’s power would force the government to act. “Is Irom Sharmila a guinea pig? Is she being kept confined at the hospital to allow doctors to conduct medical tests?” Ramani Devi asked. She joined the relay hunger strike being held daily near the gate of Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital, where Sharmila has been kept for the past eight years. Sharmila began her hunger strike in November 2000 demanding a repeal of the “black law”. Ramani Devi, a leader of the All Manipur Women Social Reformation and Development Samaj, was one of the dozen elderly women who had stripped in front of the Assam Rifles headquarters atKangla fort in 2004. Custodial killing of a young girl, Thangjam Manorama Devi, by troops of the Assam Rifles in Imphal East had incensed the women. The unprecedented protest forced the Union government to not only withdraw the Assam Rifles from Kangla fort, but also constituted Jeevan Reddy commission to review the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act. The report is now lying with the government. Along with Ramani Devi, around 200 meira paibi activists took part in the relay hunger strike, which began on December 10, International Human Rights Day. The Save Sharmila Campaign, a body comprising meira paibi groups, is launching the relay hunger strike. “We have decided not to remain silent as Sharmila has been continuing her hunger strike for the cause of the people. We believe she is being kept at the hospital to experiment how long a person can survive under these conditions. We will see that Sharmila returns back to her normal life and the government removes the act,” Ramani Devi said. Another meira paibi leader, Huidrom Kanabala, added that all measures at their resources would be used to see that Sharmila resumed normal life after achieving her goal (the repeal of the act). Leaders of the Save Sharmila Campaign said if there was no response from the government to the relay hunger strike, they would intensify the agitation.

Kaina:A Sacred Place in Manipur

It is one of the sacred places in Manipur. The approximate distance from the capita Imphal is approximately 29 km towards, Yairipok in Thoubal District. It is written in the history of Manipur that King Bhagyachandra of Princly State Kangleipak, now commonly known as Manipur, received an epiphany to explore the place and carve a statue of Lord Govindaji from a Jackfruit tree (Theibong in Manipuri).

Since then, the place called Kaina, where Bhagyachandra carve the statue of Lord Govindaji is considered a sacred place. Devotees of Govinda paid pilgrimage to this place every year.

Impact of industrialisation policy on state discussed

Imphal, Dec 19 : A three-day workshop on decreasing settlement areas in the state due to the industrialisation policies of the Indian government was organised by the Citizens Concern for Dam and Development (CCDD) at Khuman Lampak youth hostel in Imphal today.

While giving the introductary speech the secretary of CCDD, Jiten Yumnam mentioned that the state government in the name of developmental activities had befooled the people as they were trying to implement any major project without taking the consent of the people.

He further said that the state government had failed to take any public comment and assessment before the state government and NEEPCO launched the programme for construction of the Tipaimukh dam, and despite serious concerns shown by the people affected by the Loktak project the state government and the NHPC had failed to compensate for the paddy fields destroyed by the Loktak project till today.

Joseph H Hmar, a social activist and a student leader, while giving his views said that the issue of Tipaimukh dam was causing a conflict situation as the proposed project was a serious threat to the indigenous lands which the tribal people depended on for protecting their identity. The tribal populace of the affected areas are not in a position to sacrifice their identity for the sake of Tipaimukh dam, he added.

He also mentioned that it had become a challenging factor for those tribal people to fight against the forced displacement for the cause of constructing a dam, and the existing government had failed to understand this.

On the first day of the workshop organised by the CCDD today, discussions were held on the topic of `Understanding development dynamics in Manipur` in which the problems facing the affected families of displacement and dislocation by the develpoment process in the state.

The workshop will also discuss the problems emerging out of the ongoing projects like the Loktak project, Tipaimukh dam, Khuga dam, Mapithel dam, airport expansion, Capitol project, industrial growth centre and other projects being undertaken in the state.

Two killed, four injured in Manipur clashes

Imphal, Dec 19 : Two persons have been killed and four others injured in a clash between militants and civilians in an interior Manipur village of Bishenpur district, official sources said on Thursday.

Trouble began whem Kuki militants entered Kwakta village, about 45 km from here, last evening and attempted to kidnap a Muslim girl.

When the villagers raised an alarm and chased the militants, the militants fired at the people injuring two villagers, the sources said.

The irate villagers chased the Kuki militants and killed a militant and a Kuki villager of neighbouring village where the villagers thought that the militants had taken shelter, the sources said.

The militants who were nearby started firing at the villagers injuring two civilians who chased them, the sources said.

Heavy police and security forces were deployed in the area to prevent any communal clashes.

The motive behind the attempt to kidnap the Muslim girl by militants was not immediately known.

Sinlung News

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