HC status quo on council chairman recruitment

IMPHAL: Gauhati High Court has maintained a status quo on the controversial appointment of Sanjenbam Geeta Devi as in-charge chairperson of Council of Higher Secondary Education Manipur (COHSEM).

The order implies that Geeta will be holding her earlier post of additional director of Manipur education department (schools) as she is yet to take charge as the council's chairman, said advocate Y Nirmolchand, who appeared on her behalf.

Geeta filed the writ petition challenging Friday's government order appointing her as the council's chairperson. Among other reasons, she, in her petition, said she did not fulfill the requisite qualifications to hold such a post, the lawyer said. In her petition, Geeta contended that such an order was made in contrary to the provisions under sub-section II of Section 12 of the Manipur Higher Secondary Education Act, Nirmolchand added.

The Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur (Desam) has detected the flaw and the government's "wrong" policy in appointing the petitioner to such post, he said. Having heard both parties, Justice UB Saha, in his Imphal bench sitting on Monday maintained the status quo. The court also issued notices to the state respondents commissioner, secretary and director of schools education to give their replies on the writ filed by her within four weeks.

The respondents were also asked to reply within a week as to why the operation of the government's order appointing Geeta as the council's chairman should not be stayed as prayed by her or "why such further or other orders as to this court may deem fit and proper should not be passed." Desam, while opposing Geeta's appointment, has demanded the government to revoke the order. The All Manipur College Teachers' Association (AMCTA) demanded the authorities to review such order.

According to the standing norms, a person who holds the post as director in schools or higher education can be appointed as the council chairman, said Desam's education secretary A Thoithoi on Sunday.

Boy abducted, Rs 1 lakh demanded

Imphal, April 30: MISCREANTS abducted a 7-year old boy from his own home at Lilong Hoareibi Turel Ahanbi under Lilong police station this morning at around 7.30 am and demanded a ransom of Rs 1 lakh.

One of the abductors was a known face, said the family member who informed about the abduction of the boy named Md Abdur Rajak son of Md Hesamuddin of Lilong Haoreibi Turel Ahanbi.

The boy was abducted by the two miscreants taking advantage of absent of his mother who was away to a neighbouring house.

The boy went out of the home with the two miscreants on foot.

The family also claimed that the two abductors were Md Saphao (38) and Md Habibur of Kwakta Khuman Awang Leikai and after taking away the boy, they contacted to the father of the boy Md Hesamuddin on Mobile no.9862626418 which the family came to know that their child has been kidnapped.

His father is animal skin trader and move to Moreh and other places frequently for his business and the abducted child was the youngest one of the four siblings.

The abductors today at 2 pm contacted to the father claiming that the boy is now in their custody and demanded Rs 1 lakh for the safe release of the boy.

They also asked to contact through the mobile number 9856757099 .

They communicate with the above number first but later they also contacted from mobile no.9615520865 and 98564228873, the family claimed.

NEC team inspected project sites in Ukhrul

Imphal, April 29: Officials of the North Eastern Council (NEC) led by its secretary Tuesday visited Ukhrul district of Manipur today and inspected projects taken up at various places taken up in the district with the funding from International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) with North Eastern Council (NEC) as nodal implementing agency.

The team after inspection of various project sites taken up in the hills areas of Senapati and Ukhrul districts of the state will head to Nagaland.

The team is scheduled to reach Kohima tomorrow evening after visiting various project sites in Senapati.

The team led by the secretary UK Sangma and planning advisor, PS Thanckhiew arrived yesterday at Imphal for three day visit in the state to review the status of the projects taken up by with the funding from IFAD.

Various agriculture related projects are implementing in the hill districts of the state, mostly in Senapati, Tamenglong and Ukhrul districts.

Manipur government is welcoming the visiting officials of the NEC by delaring as state guest.

The team visited IFAD project sites at Nungou and Mahadev as well as road improvement works in Ukhrul district taken up by the NEC today.

Project manager of IFAD and officials of the BRTF/BRO accompanied the team.

They will inspect the project sites of the IFAD located at Maram Khullen village, Mao Potato Farm M/s Exotic Fruits (passion fruit processing plant) at Mao in Senapati district.

IFAD-NEC cooperation was on a way successful note with the North Eastern Region Community Resource Management Project (NERCORMP) excelling as a very important project both at national and international levels, having strong replicable strength to the extend.

It is considered as a robust and replicable developmental model in the north eastern region.

However, IFAD assistance gradually approaching to the end as IFAD has no longer associated with the NEC.

The ministry of DoNER (Department of North East Region) have been engaging with the world bank for sometimes to launch the NERLP (North Eastern Region Livelihood Project), originally proposed to be built on the approach and strength of the NERCRMP.

The project covered 862 villages, reaching out to 39161 families living in some of the most inaccessible hill districts of the North East.

It reaches to the remotest of all villages in the districts where government organizations and other developmental agencies have little or no developmental initiatives.

It has been designed in such a way so as to reach-out to the poorest of the poor, and has been able to successfully deliver results, official said.

The project has organized the beneficiary families into 3168 self help groups and 1020 natural resource management groups (NaRMGs) .

Swine fever: V&AH on alert mode in Moreh

Imphal, April 29 : With the contagious 'Swine Fever' disease posing great danger of spreading to other parts of the world from its place of origin Mexico, the State Government has cranked up its machinery to prevent disastrous consequences.

With the first 'swine fever' outbreak reported in Mexico where the disease has so far claimed 103 lives and infected over 1000 people including 40 in the neighbouring United States, case experts had been cautioning that the densely populated Asia would be the disease hot-spot in case the disease spreads to any of the oriental country.

Consequently the State's Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department has swung into action for preventing import of live pigs and pork meat through the Indo-myanmar border in Moreh town.

Talking to the Sangai Express today regarding preventive measures taken up by the V&AH Department, its Director Dr Thingbaijam Jiban said owing to Moreh being the corridor to the East Asian countries emphasis is on checking import of pigs through the border town.

he, however, assuaged that not a single case of the disease has been reported from anywhere in the State so far.

As further preventive measures department officials and personnel would be directed to maintain vigil in border areas such as Kamjong and Poi in Ukhrul district, and Behiang in Churachandpur district which also share border with the neighbouring Myanmar, he said while calling upon the police and general public to cooperate in the pre-emptive exercise.

Conceding that Central authorities have not yet issued preventive steps on the relatively new disease, the Director nevertheless asserted that on behalf of the State Government the V&AH Department would initiate all possible measures to ensure 'swine fever' do not spread here.

It is worth noting here that a census report published in 2003 had put the swine population in the State to about 4 lakhs.

Elucidating on the swine fever, Dr K Gopal who is the Department's Nodal Officer on bird flu (avian influenza) said the recently discovered disease (swine fever) is caused by the H1N1 virus type through the mutation of flu that infects swine, human as well as avian population.

On measures against infection from the swine fever, Dr Gopal suggested thorough washing of hands with soaps after attending to the livestock kept in pig pens or contacting domesticated pigs.

The best way to check spread of the disease is to isolate the infected individual, if any, and seek immediate medical attention, he added and strongly recommended use of protective apparatus to avoid contact of animal (pig) rearers to the nose, eye or mouth.

Another source in the V&AH Dept disclosed that inspite of preventive measures by the Dept to prevent Food and Mouth disease which was reported in a few place of manipur in Nov last year, smuggling of cows and buffaloes were reported from the border areas of Chandel district thereby exposing the people to risk.

Further revealing that random checks of cattle population in Chandel district suspected to have been smuggled in in defiance of the Department's instruction had shown signs of the food and mouth disease, the source desired that alarm on possible disease outbreak raised by the Department needs to be responded in the positive manner by all concerned.

Occupancy Day observed

Imphal, April 28 : THE FOURTH Occupancy Day, to remember and commemorate the British occupancy of Manipur on April 27, 1891 was observed today with a function at Gandhi Memorial Hall, Imphal under the aegis of Occupancy Day Observance Committee.

The event was attended by Keishamthong MLA, L Ibomcha as the President while the Guests of Honour were the Deputy Director of Veterinary Department Dr S Saroj, the Principal of Standard Robert English Higher Secondary School Ph Landhoni and editor of 'Nongpok Thong' L Mangisana.

A paper prepared by Rose Mangshi Haokip on Kuki War of Independence was read out on the occasion.

A talk was delivered by Kabui Brahma Sabha President Lungpuijel Kabui on Kabui Naga Culture and Dr M Kirti has presented a talk on British War in Manipur, 1891 .

As a part of the function, a book written by L Mangisana entitled, 'Haokha-Lokkha' has also been released.

A drama, based on the British War in Manipur, was also presented during the observance programme.

KNF (S) clarifies

Imphal, April 28 :  Kuki National Front (S) today clarified that they had no hand in threatening Singngat PS SI, TT Zula and claimed that there is no one in the name of John Rocco within their organization.

A statement issued by Isack Kuki, secretary Info. and Pub. said the claimed made by one John Rocco, commander Singngat area No 1 was fictitious as they don't even have a division there and warns the concern party or individuals to surrender to them within ten days.

Polling over, but election drama continues

Imphal, April 28 : Despite both the phases of the 15th Lok Sabha elections having had come to an end in Manipur, there just seem to be no end to the election drama in the State with the Left Front, the BJP and the Manipur People's Party (MPP) alleging the Congress of having manipulated, used proxy and impersonation in the second phase voting in the Inner Manipur Parliamentary constituency on April 22 .

Interestingly, this 'storm' comes after reports of a 'historic' and 'peaceful' polling in the Inner Manipur constituency with no re-polling called.

The second phase polling saw about 70 percent of the 8.2 lakh voters in the Inner Manipur casting their votes to decide and seal the fate of one of the seven candidates.

Manipur has two seats in the Parliament , one each for the Outer (Hill area) and Inner (Valley area).

And reports termed it a peaceful election with no re-polling called or violence reported.

However, the Communist Party of India (CPI), Manipur, the BJP and the MPP alleged the Congress of foul play during the elections with proxy, booth capturing and impersonation.

The Left Front and the MPP is currently on strike demanding re-polling in 16 (sixteen) polling stations in Thoubal and Andro Assembly Constituencies (A/Cs).

As per reports, the BJP on April 23, a day after the elections alleged Bijoy Koijam, Congress member of legislative assembly (MLA) from Thongju Assembly Constituency along with his security escort manhandled its worker on the day of the election and demanded necessary action under section 134 (b) of the Representation of Peoples' Act, 1951, Section 307 and 34 IPC.

On the other hand, the MLA retaliated asserting the BJP worker, identified as Gyaneshwor, had tried to booth capture the Sarda L.P.School polling station.

The MPP also alleged the security status of Andro polling stations was changed in the eleventh hour to facilitate rigging in favour of the Congress.

Reports had it, Th.

Chaoba, the MPP candidate, addressing the media alleged the deployment of the Central police forces at 7-Andro A/Cwas withdrawn at the last minute and replaced by the unarmed Village Defence Force (VDF) volunteers to ensure rigging at the polling stations.

The party also demanded re-polling.

This was interestingly countered by the Director General of Police (DGP), Y.Joykumar Singh, clarifying no last minute changes were made in any security deployment.

However, this clarification did not seem to go well with the Oppositions who further demanded re-polling in sixteen polling stations.

Joining the allegations against the Congress, Dr.

.MNara, candidate of the CPI, Manipur for the Inner Manipur constituency Friday demanded re-polling in sixteen polling stations of the Inner Manipur Parliamentary constituency alleging the Congress has committed widespread proxy voting by overpowering the polling personnel.

According to reports, addressing a press conference at the CPI office, Irawat Bhavan in Imphal on April 24, Dr.

Nara alleged Ningombam Brojen, the brother-in-law of O.Lhandoni, w/o chief minister Ibobi Singh had proxy and cast votes at the Thoubal Assembly Constituency, the Constituency of the Chief Minister, polling station Nos.31/20, 21, and 22 many a times and that Congress workers captured the booths.

And amidst strong demands for re-polling in certain polling stations, reports had it the State polling authorities are in no position to conduct re-polling till there was a concrete proof of proxy voting.

Meanwhile, leaders of the MPP left for New Delhi to meet the Election Commission of India (ECI) and demand re-polling.

It may be reminded here that the MPP had also lodged a complaint with the ECI on the allegations against the Congress and demanded re-polling.

And with just over two weeks left for the overall counting and results on May 16, only time could perhaps tell the outcome of the situation and the political fiasco of the elections in Manipur.

NREGA implementation Onus on Govt, NGOs, says CJI

GUWAHATI, April 27 – Chief Justice of India Justice KG Balakrishnan today said that onus is on the Government, administration, volunteers and the non-government organisations (NGOs) to effectively implement the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), 2005 in the North-east, which would go a long way in improving the condition of the rural population in the region. “If these forces work sincerely to ensure proper implementation of the Act, it would give a new boost to the rural employment scenario of the region,” he stated.

Justice Balakrishnan also stated that proper implementation of NREGA in States like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala are showing good results and there is no reason why the same cannot be replicated in other parts of the country, including the NE.

Balakrishnan was speaking during the inaugural session of a workshop on ‘Reporting of Court Proceeding by Media and Administration of Justice’ and an interactive programme on ‘Implementation of National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme’ here at the Administrative Staff College, Khanapara.

“There are still some minor problems cropping up like delayed payment of wages which need to be sorted out but the good thing is that the women population of the country are availing the benefits of the scheme, which strives to ensure employed to rural unemployment youths for at least 100 days,” he pointed out.

Dwelling on the issue of media reporting on court proceedings, the senior justice urged the mediapersons to be responsible, fair and accurate while reporting on legal affairs.

“The mediapersons do enjoy special rights but they at the same time need to draw a line while dealing with sub judice and confidential matters,” he stressed, adding that the media, especially the visual media, by resorting to ‘sensationalisation’, at times knowingly and unknowingly, deprives the accused of a fair trial.

“There are also chances of the judges, especially those with comparatively lesser experience, getting influenced by the media reports, which would not be right. Media should work with the judiciary to protect rights of both the victim and the accused,” the Chief Justice of India opined.

“The Press Council of India also has a role to play in this regard and the media in the present scenario must work to empower the rural people,” he added.

The seminars were also attended by Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court Justice J Chelameswar, Justice GN Ray, chairman, Press Council of India, Justice Ranjan Gogoi, judge, Gauhati High Court, besides several noted personalities.

Manipur Rock festival

Imphal, April 27 : To promote rock musicians and to play rock music without fear or regrets to bring development in the state, the Global Organisation Nurturing Society’s Obsolute Norms (GONSON) is organising the Manipur Rock Festival for the first time in the state of Manipur.

GONSON’s president Alvina talking to the media at a press conference held today noted that rock music had a big role in upgrading our entertaining arts. We should show our own Manipuri music at the international level although in the past we were captives of our own society who suppressed rock music in Manipur.

GONSON considers that the Manipur Rock Festival is not meant for a rock contest, but is meant to show the talent, personality and connectivity with the global world of our culture and traditions. She believes that such kind of contests can also promotes the youths for improving their confidence and good morality, if the event is organised in a proper manner.

Sangai carcass found in Keibul

IMPHAL: A few days after an army operation against Prepak rebels at Loktak lake and some parts of Keibul Lamjao national park, forest officials in Manipur have found the carcasses of a Kharsa (hog deer) and a Brow Antlered deer, locally known as Sangai.

Keibul, which covers an area of 20 sq km in Manipur's Bishnupur district, is home to the Sangai. Officials who found the skeletal remains of the two animals said they might have been killed by poachers a few months ago.

They ruled out the possibility collateral damage from the army operation. "We don't think the recent operation hurt any animal here. The Sangai or other animals aren't know to visit the spot where the gunbattles took place," an official said.

Last Monday, the ten-day counter-insurgency operation, codenamed Operation Summer Storm' involving troops of 57 Mountain Division and police commandos, was called off. The army claimed to have killed 12 Prepak rebels and destroyed five of their camps in the operation. Forest officials along with environmentalists and wildlife lovers have been combing the park since Tuesday to find out if any animals were killed in the operation.

The remains of the two animals will be studied at the State Zoological Garden to determine the cause of death.

CPI demands repolling in 16 Inner Manipur booths

SOBHAPATI SAMOM

IMPHAL, April 25 – The CPI has urged the Election Commission of India to recommend repolling in 16 polling booths in Inner Manipur parliamentary constituency which went to polls on April 22 last.

Dr Moirangthem Nara, CPI candidate in the Inner Manipur parliamentary seat conveyed this while addressing a hurriedly called press conference at Irabot Bhavan here on Friday afternoon.

Meanwhile, demanding immediate repoll, a hurriedly called Left Coordination Committee meeting at Irabot Bhavan on Friday decided to hold a sit-in demonstration against the malpractice by Congress workers in the recently concluded polling in Inner Manipur parliamantary constituency, at Keishampat Junction on Saturday.

“National Secretary A B Bardhan also asked us to pursue the Chief Electoral Officer’s office here”, he told reporters. The CPI State Council has been demanding re-polling in 11 polling booths under Andro Assembly constituency, one in Khundrakpam AC both in Imphal East district, 3 in Thoubal AC under Thoubal district and one at Patsoi AC in Imphal West district.

“Free and Fair poll was not allowed in three polling booths in Thoubal Assembly seat due to malpractices by Manipur CM’s relative-led Congress workers”, Dr Nara alleged. Thoubal AC is Chief Minister O Ibobi’s home constituency.

Laishram Sotinkumar, Election Agent of CPI candidate has submitted separate complaints to the Chief Election Commissioner through CEO Manipur in this regard.

An official of State Election department claimed that there is no official report of re-polling in the Inner Manipur parliamentary constituency in the State.

Dr Nara also alleged that one State employee N Brojan, husband of younger sister of Ibobi’s MLA wife Landhoni conducted proxy voting at three polling booths at Ningombam Girls’ LP school under Thoubal AC. Similarly, Congress workers committed widespread proxy voting in 11 polling booths in Andro AC too, he alleged.

The Communist leader also questioned the hidden agenda of the Congress-led Ministry for issuing a government order to replace Central Paramilitary forces personnel with the State forces like Manipur Rifles, Indian Reserve Battalion and Village Defence Force at polling booths in Thoubal just two days ahead of polling in Inner Parliamentary seat.

Manipur eye more medals

34th National games

A player in action during the 1st National Lawn Bowls Championship held in Guwahati in December 2008. File picture Imphal, April 18 : Manipur will be eyeing some additional medals for its kitty from two more disciplines — lawn bowls and squash — in the 34th National Games at Jharkhand scheduled to be held in June this year. Talking to The Telegraph, the secretary of the Manipur Olympic Association, L. Manglem Singh, said, “We have received verbal approval from the respective federations of lawn bowls and squash that we can field our players. Though the disciplines are not very popular in the state, we do have players in lawn bowls and squash and hope to obtain some medals in these events as well. We are anticipating a written approval at any moment,” he said. “Apart from these two events, Manipur will field players in 24 disciplines at the National Games in Jharkhand. The non-residential training has already started from April 5. The state contingent will have a strength of 617, including officials,” the MOA secretary said. The events in which Manipur have already confirmed participation include archery, athletics, aquatics, boxing, cycling, canoeing and kayaking, equestrian, fencing, football, gymnastics, handball, judo, kho-kho, netball, rowing, shooting, wushu, wrestling, weightlifting, sepak takraw, karate, rugby, taekwondo and triathlon. “We are very hopeful that we will perform well in the Jharkhand”, Singh said. Declining to comment on the expected medal haul, Manglem said, “We will try to do better than the last edition of the National Games held in Guwahati”. “We have also charted out our officials for the Games with N. Shyamnanda Singh, IPS officer as chef-de-mission while A. Jiten, N. Phoni and S. Joy Singh will be deputy chefs-de-mission. Apart from it, we have three team doctors, L. Birendra Singh, S. Arunkumar Singh and A.K. Joy Singh,” the MOA secretary further added.

General Elections 2009 - Manipur

Manipur

Poll Date: 16th April - 23rd April

Total Constituencies: 2

Manipur literally means “A jeweled land”. Located in the slopes of the south flowing Sub-Himalayan ranges and surrounded by 7 blue ranges of hills it is a part of Northern-eastern India. It is blessed with enchanting greenery and scenic beauty. It is also the birthplace of the game of Polo. After the independence of India, Manipur became a part of Indian union on October 15th, 1949.
          
Constituencies & their Candidates

Inner Manipur
W Nipamacha Singh	BJP
Dr Nara Singh	CPI
Outer Manipur
D. Loli Adanee	BJP
L B Sona	NCP

Campaign for Phase 1 in North-East ends

Guwahati, Apr 15 : Coinciding with the celebration of Rongali Bihu, Assam’s spring festival, campaigning for the first phase of polling — scheduled for April 16 for 10 Lok Sabha seats in six north-eastern States of Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Mizoram — came to an end on Tuesday.
The campaigning for the remaining 11 seats of Assam which will go to the polls in the second phase on April 23 also slowed down as candidates and political party workers took a break to welcome the new year.

In Assam, 27,40,728 voters will decide the fate of 37 candidates for the three constituencies — Silchar, Karimganj (SC) and Autonomus District (ST) that are going to the polls in the first phase. Prominent among those in the fray include Union Minister for Heavy Industries Santosh Mohan Deb, Assam United Democratic Front president and perfume magnate Badruddin Ajmal, the former Union Minister Kabindra Purakaystaha (BJP) — all three vying for the Silchar seat — and the former Union Minister, Biren Singh Engti, who is seeking another term from the Autonomous District (ST) constituency.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made in 3,056 polling stations of the three constituencies. Two choppers have been kept ready to tackle any eventuality in the two hill districts of North Cachar Hills District and Karbi Anglong in the wake of a spurt in extremist violence.

In Arunachal Pradesh, 7,32,505 electors will exercise their franchise in 2,057 polling stations to decide the fate of eight candidates for the two Lok Sabha seats — Arunachal West and Arunachal East.

A 30-member team of polling personnel was flown in advance on April 10 to Vijaynagar under Arunchal East constituency for conducting polling in three stations in the remote and inaccessible administrative circle along the India-Myanmar border, which has no road, no electricity and no phone and is reached by air.

Polling will also be held for the two Lok Sabha seats of Meghalaya — Shillong and Tura — in the first phase. Altogether 12,77,739 voters will decide the fate of 11 candidates. For the lone Lok Sabha seat in Nagaland, there are three contestants. Altogether 13,21,878 voters will exercise their franchise in 1,790 stations while for the lone Lok Sabha seat in Mizoram, which too is going tZo the polls on April 16. A total of 62,93,84 electors will decide the fate of four contestants. Polling will also be held in the first phase for the Outer Manipur constituency, where 90,94,34 electors exercise their franchise.

BJP will cancel Setu Samudram project: Rajnath

New Delhi, Apr 14 : The BJP has said it will cancel the Setu Samudram Shipping Channel Project taken up by the Congress-led UPA at the Centre, if it is voted back to power.

Addressing an election meeting at Bhadrak in Orissa on Tuesday, BJP president Rajnath Singh said they would drop the project if party-led NDA returns to power.

"We are committed to protect the country’s heritage, including the Ram Setu," he said.The project had sparked a controversy following possible destruction of Ram Setu during laying of the channel.

Holding the Congress "responsible" for price rise of essential commodities, Singh said the poor had become poorer under the UPA rule.Attacking former ally BJD, the saffron leader said it had played the role of a "traitor" by unilaterally breaking the 11-year-old alliance.

"BJD will face the fate of JD(S) in Karnataka," he added.

"People betray us. We (BJP) never betray anyone," he said, adding the regional party would suffer defeat in the ensuing Lok Sabha and assembly polls for its "act of betrayal."

Desperation and frustration clear in Congress: BJP

The BJP has said "desperation and frustration" in the Congress ahead of the Lok Sabha polls was "clearly reflected" in its constant attack on party’s prime ministerial candidate L K Advani.

"This is (statements of Congress leaders) a clear reflection of their desperation and frustration for failing to answer about their five years of misgovernance," BJP spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad said at a party briefing in New Delhi on Tuesday.

He was referring to the statements of Congress President Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, AICC General Secretary Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, raising questions about the leadership qualities of Advani.

Gender trial in male bastion

KHELEN THOKCHOM

Key candidate - L. Kshetrani Devi

She sits in a roadside tea stall near her house discussing her election strategy with anybody who walks in for a bit of refreshment and cares to lend a ear. Meet Loitongbam Kshetrani Devi, the lone woman candidate in the Inner Manipur Parliamentary constituency of Manipur, who believes that campaigning should begin at home. Women candidates in the Outer Manipur constituency are common. Kim Gangte even won the Outer seat on a CPI ticket. But in the Inner constituency, women rarely join the fight. In fact, Kshetrani Devi is the third woman so far to be fielded from the Inner constituency. Contesting on a Rastriya Bahujan Congress Party ticket, Kshetrani Devi has numerous barriers to break before she can even begin counting her chances of a win. First, the Rastriya Bahujan Congress Party is only taking baby steps in Manipur — it debuted in the state on March 25 this year and Kshetrani Devi is its president. Second, Manipur is still to wake up to the “possibility” that women can be as able political leaders as men. Though Manipuri women lead movements against injustice and social evils like alcoholism and drug abuse, they rarely join politics. “They (women) are active in collective space like campaigns against social evils and the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, but not so on an individual level because of the patriarchal society. If one wants to contest an election, she will have to come out of the family, which is not an easy task in Manipuri society. It is precisely because of this reason that very few come out to contest elections. And those who have dared, could not make much of an impact,” said M.C. Arun, a social scientist. Kshetrani Devi, 50, has been courageous enough to take the “patriarchal tradition” head on and see for herself how far she can overcome the hurdle. The only sister among three siblings, Kshetrani Devi hails from Bijoygovinda Akham Leikai in Imphal West. Daughter of L. Tomba Singh, a businessman, and Muktarei Devi, a Nata Sankirtana artiste for All India Radio, Kshetrani Devi has a master’s degree in mathematics from Meerut University. She joined the Manipur People’s Party, the oldest regional party in the state, in 1995. As her political career progressed, she moved to the Manipur State Congress Party, then to the Manipur National Conference and went on to become the secretary of Manipur unit of RJD. Though she will be contesting the Lok Sabha election for the first time, elections are not an entirely new ball game for her. She contested twice in the Imphal Municipal Council elections, in 1995 and 2000, but without success. So how did she graduate from councillor aspirant to a Lok Sabha candidate? “Recently, I was in Delhi for some official work (I run an NGO). While I was in Delhi, Rashtriya Bahujan Congress Party president Bharat Singh sent journalist Ved Prakash with the offer that I could be a candidate of the party. The party was looking for woman candidates in the Northeast. I thought it over and decided to go ahead. This is how I am here today,” Kshetrani Devi said. Her NGO, called Lairenjam Leikai Women’s Welfare Association, deals in weaving and knitting. With women’s empowerment, unemployment and the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act as her pet issues, Kshetrani Devi wants to take one step at a time. She knows her shortcomings, but hopes women voters support her. “The main problem is women are not politically aware in this state. It is because of this reason that not many women candidates are emerging for elections. My joining the fray is part of the effort to create political awareness among women,” she said. But the voters are not impressed with her efforts yet. “She will be an also-ran candidate,” said one of the neighbours.

‘NPF promising the moon and stars’

Congress MLAs, K L Chishi and S I Jamir, along with Independent MLA Hollohon and Congress party workers at a rally held for the Lok Sabha election at Kuhuboto town on April 13. (Morung Photo)

Dimapur | April 14 : The Congress today brought up the inter-district boundary issue between Kohima and Dimapur in its Lok Sabha election rally at Kuhuboto town. Congress MLA and former Chief Minister of Nagaland, K L Chishi said that the NPF government is clearly discriminating some tribes among the Nagas. Displaying to the public a copy of the inter-district map containing the demarcated boundary between Kohima and Dimapur which was approved by the general administration branch of the home department, and sent to the NPF government in October, 2003, Chishi questioned why it had not been approved by the government till now. Pointing out that he had raised the same question during the assembly session this year, Chishi said that the Chief Minister had replied by saying the Zeliangs have not approved the map. However, Chishi claimed that the demarcation was approved by the Zeliang Baudi in 2003. The Congress MLA also attacked the NPF for being careless on losing the Nagaland-Assam border map which, he said, clearly demarcates western Sumi villages from neighbouring Assam, under which Niuland area also falls.
Congress brings up border issueChishi rubbished the NPF party’s commitment to establish a deputy commissioner’s headquarter in Niuland which, he claimed, was made by the NPF earlier. He questioned how that would be possible when Niuland was a part of Dimapur district, and condemned the act of promising such unattainable things to the public. “NPF is promising the moon and the stars,” Chishi said. He told the people to get a reality check and spelled out the government’s failure to pay salaries to its employees and misappropriation of central allocated funds for development. Chishi also commented on the EAC headquarters’ inauguration spree made by the DAN government. The MLA said that he was surprised to find recently that only a foundation stone has been laid at a new EAC headquarter under Kiphire district and that there are no officials or any infrastructure.
On the Congress MP candidate, Chishi pointed out that if Asungba Sangtam is elected to the parliament, “he will be visible,” he declared. Congress MLA, S I Jamir, who also attended the rally said that the amount of deficit the present government has incurred is likely to take the state into a “financial emergency”. Both the leaders urged people to exercise their voting rights wisely and assured the Congress would continue to work for the people of Nagaland.
Giving prime importance to the Naga political issue, senior politician and Independent MLA, Hollohon, at the rally also said that it is a Naga problem and should be discussed within the parameters of Nagaland. He said the government shouldn’t be run with tribal politics and it should be serious about the Naga issue. “Many lives have been lost in the quest for a solution and Nagas should stop playing with the Naga political issue,” Hollohon said. The rally was attended by the district unit workers, state level Congress workers, mahila unit, GBs and the public from in and around Kuhoboto town.

Explosives found near Manipur police headquarters

Imphal, April 14 : Two improvised explosive devices were recently found near Indira Park opposite to the Imphal west district police headquarters.

Just a day after bomb squad disposed off the devices yet another IED with a cell phones attached to it as remote control was found at Kangla Park.

A team of the State police bomb disposal squad defused and got rid of the bomb and averted a major tragedy.

KCP (MC) Lanheiba, a militant outfit, has claimed responsibility for planting the IEDs.

Security has been beefed up in the state since then and police have been on a high alert.

"We have been physically searching each and every locality in order to prevent the planting of IEDs and bombs particularly in crowded places," said L. Kailun, IPS, Sr. S.P., Imphal West.

After the discovery of bombs in the city and frequent outbreak of violence in the State, people, particularly womenfolk came out to protest against such incidents.

"We want to live in peace in our state and so we are sitting for this protest so that such incidents do not happen again in future. We want to live in peace and harmony," said a resident woman in Imphal.

"Bombs are thrown and grenade attacks frequently take place in the state. Such attacks are not going to bring about any solution. Instead, in such incidents, innocent people are hurt. So it is our appeal that they should stop doing such things as ultimately it’s the people who are its victims," said L. Shuniti, another Imphal resident.

Militant activities in the state have really disrupted the normal life of the people of Manipur. They now want an end to violence, which they have been facing for a long time now.

Suspected militant gunned down in Manipur

Bishenpur (Manipur), Apr 13: Security forces shot down a suspected militant in Manipur's Bishenpur District last night.

A rebel training camp of the People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak, Manipur (PREPAK), near Loktak lake, was destroyed in the fire fight, an army spokesperson said.

"An operation was launched last night that is night of April 11 and April 12. In the wee hours of the morning, there was an exchange of fire and a PREPAK camp which was there in the location, was destroyed," said Colonel Rajeshishra, Indian army spokesperson.

"The underground elements, without offering much resistance, have run away. In the exchange of fire, one underground element, possibly a PREPAK cadre, was killed and one weapon that is an AK-47 rifle was recovered from his possession," added Colonel Mishra.

Authorities have put the insurgency-hit Manipur on alert ahead of upcoming general elections, which are scheduled to take place on April 16 and 23.

As the elections are nearing, the militants are trying to create a fear psychosis amongst political leaders and workers.

Manipur Fest 2009 opens

IMPHAL, April 13 – Manipur Tourism Festival 2009 and ‘Best of Asia’ Expo have been formally opened here today. The festival will conclude on April 21.

Additional Chief Secretary DS Poonia (Home and Planning), Government of India and Major General A K Choudhary, Inspector General of Assam Rifles (South) were the chief guest and guest of honour at the opening session.

Kh Krishnan Singh, Managing Director of the event management group Nest Advertising, said that around 150 stalls including four from Thailand, one each from Pakistan and Veitnam are taking part in the festival.

Cong creating problems everywhere, says Prof. Gangmumei

Churachandpur, Apr 12 : BJP candidate for the 15th Lok Sabha election Loli Adanee inaugurated his information office at Rengkai road this afternoon.

The occasion was attended among others by RV Mingthing, ex-minister, Selkai Hrangchal, ex-minister, Prof Gangmumei Kamei, ex-minister, Samuel Jendai, ex-minister, Athuan Abonmai, Ringo Dilbung and Ramthing Hungyo.

There was a good turn out of supporters from the district in today’s inaugural function.

During his speech, Prof Gangmumei Kamei said the Congress was creating problems wherever they ruled in the north east and even in so many other parts of the country.

While castigating the party, he said that it claimed to be a secular party despite the fact that the party stalwarts selected candidates for the run up to the Lok Sabha election on party lines and caste consideration questioning how this party could be called secular.

He said they would never preserve secularism while highlighting the steps taken up so far by the BJP during their rule among which the inception of Look East Policy, at least 10 percent deduction of funds for the north east from the total budget of the 86 departments of the country are worth mentioning.

During his speech Loli Adanee has said that he was hungry for justice and he would put in his best efforts to serve all the needy people.

“I am a BJP Christian,” he said while maintaining that he has been given befitting supported by one and all and has the chances to be voted to power.

He said on being elected he would construct an Outer Manipur Ring Road covering all the hill areas so as to create an alternative route for passing over bandhs at certain areas of the state.

He further said that he would take steps to rectify all anomalies in the functioning of the district council as it was not effective in the present conditions.

He further said he would work for the final and peaceful settlement of the SoO groups apart from taking measures to provide relief to the people afftected by Mautam.

Highlighting certain other steps which he planned to take up, he urged the people to give him a chance at least once so as to prove himself.

Later, he was presented with a traditional shawl by three village elders.

Father, daughter shot dead by armed men

Imphal, Apr 12 : An elderly man and his daughter were shot dead by unidentified armed persons yesterday at Uyumpok Mamang Leikai under Lamlai police station.

The incident took place yesterday night around 11 pm and the deceased were identified as Laishram Ibomcha, 70, of Uyumpok Mamang Leikai and his daughter Laishram Ibechaobi, 26.

According to sources, during the night two persons came and took out Ibomcha and beat him up badly. When his daughter tried to stop the two unidentified armed persons from assaulting her father, the miscreants shot dead both the father and daughter.

Meanwhile, two suspected militants were shot down in an encounter with the Imphal east police commandos today at Chingnungkok under Lamlai police station.

The incident took place this morning around 11 am and the two persons were identified as Ningombam Open alias Leingakpa, 29, son of N Tomba of Ningomthong Kitna Panung and Soibam Narjit, 28, son of S Babudhon of Langmeidong. One carbine, one pistol with four live rounds and one hand grenade were recovered along with the dead bodies.

CEO directives

Imphal, April 12: Acting on report of the NSCN (IM) intimidating voters, Chief Electoral Officer has directed the DGP for taking up necessary measures in this regard even as the Deputy Commissioner of Churachandpur has been entrusted to conduct an inquiry into the recent election campaign of PDA candidate Mani Charenamei held at Churachandpur.

Disclosing this to The Sangai Express, a reliable source informed that taking serious note of the report, CEO today directed the DGP for taking up necessary measures in connection with the allegation of NSCN (IM) threatening the voters.

Moreover, based on the media report of the election campaign of PDA candidate Mani Charenamei held at Churachandpur on April 8, the office of the CEO today entrusted the Deputy Commissioner of the district to conduct an inquiry on the matter.

Along with directing the conduct of the inquiry, the CEO has sought not only the video recording of the said election campaign but also a report in this connection from the election observer of Churachandpur district.

On the other hand, the Election Commission of India has given instruction today that apart Prime Minister, no Chief Minister or other political leaders should be allowed to use the Government helicopters or the aircrafts of public sector undertaking in the election campaign.

The instruction of the Election Commissioner, however, noted that there is no problem in using he private aircrafts/helicopters in the election campaign.

The instruction of the Election Commission has come about in the backdrop of reports of using Government helicopters by some of the Chief Ministers.

Furthermore, the Election Commission directed that SPs of the districts concerned should be responsible for replacing the vehicles of the security personnel on election duty in case of breakdown or filling the fuel in case of requirement.

General strike called in Manipur on April 13

Imphal, Apr 11 : A 14-hour general strike has been called by a local committee on April 13 next to press the Manipur government to book those responsible for killings of Sub-Divisional-Officer (SDO) Th Kishan and his two staff in in February last.

In a statement here last evening, the Joint Action Committee (JAC), formed by local residents, said the committee would also impose a 'public curfew' in the state on the night of April 17 to press their demand.

Stating that the authorities had not taken any concrete step to arrest the culprits, the JAC said they would also organise a public rally throughout Imphal town on April 18 to draw the attention of the public to the failure of the government.

It said they would also burn the effigy of NSCN-IM leader Th Muivah throughout the state on April 18 to show that NSCN-IM was a terrorist organisation as its members were responsible for killings of Kishang and his two staff members, A Rajen and Y Token.