It’s light at the end of the tunnel for Manipur tribals

IMPHAL: Tribals, young and old, in the remote villages of Old Lemta, Dunong and Makuinong in Manipur’s Tamenglong district bordering Nagaland have never seen electric light. Only the lucky few who visited Imphal or other towns in the country had seen this wonder.
However, thanks to the Manipur Renewable Energy Development Agency, a government undertaking, now the tribals have solar electricity. Solar lighting panels were installed at the personal initiative of N. Awangbow, MLA representing the remote and neglected villages.
C. Kadijaiwi, chieftain of Old Lemta, said it would take not less than half a century for the Electricity Department to power the villages. There are no modern amenities available to the villagers and electricity is still a pipe dream.
C. Hungamkhambou, chieftain of Dunong, said students had no light to study at night. A litre of kerosene costs Rs. 40 or more in the district. As poor villagers cannot afford to keep lamps, they have dinner before nightfall and go to bed soon after.
N. Wikambou, a pastor at Makuinong, said the villagers’ dream had now come true and they were grateful to officials and Mr. Awangbow.
As the sky is always clear in this mountainous area, there will be no dearth of solar power.
But, in the capital Imphal, the Electricity Department supplies power only for a few hours every day. In sharp contrast, there is round-the-clock power supply in the neighbouring Nagaland.
The Manipur government has been obtaining power from the NHPC-run Loktak Hydro Electric Project and the national grid.
However, the Power Department has been unable to clear outstanding bills, running to crores. It has been reported that government departments, ministers and high officials owe power bills amounting to over Rs. 15 crore. .
There are many villages which have electric posts and transmission lines, but no electricity. Now, the happy tribals of Tamenglong district feel that all remote villages should be provided solar lighting, which will illuminate their homes every night, rather than power connections.

West Bengal police rescue 25 Manipur children

Iboyaima Laithangbam

IMPHAL: The West Bengal police on Thursday rescued 25 children from Manipur and arrested three persons, who allegedly had lured them with the promise of school admission at Tadepalligudem in Andhra Pradesh.

The children, who had been starving since June 15, were fed by the police and lodged in a children’s home.

On a tip-off, a police team led by Deputy Commissioner Javed Salim intercepted them at the Howrah railway station.

‘No documents’ The police said A. Athiko, A. Loli and Daniel Mao, all from Senapati district in Manipur, who claimed they were pastors, could not produce any document in support of their claim that they were taking the children for admitting them to good schools.

The children are from Kaibi village in the same district.

In the past, several teenage girls were rescued even as they were being taken to some southern States.

Several other girls had been taken to foreign countries.

At least three of them escaped from their exploiters. They said they were forced to drudge like slaves without any payment.

Naga Hoho irked by NC Hills and Intangki

Dimapur, June 20 : The Naga Hoho met today in Kohima and discussed issues related to what the hoho called “intrusion” into Intangki National Park as well as the “killing of Zeme Nagas” in the North Cachar C Hills. The matter of “reconciliation process” among what it called the “Naga political groups” was also discussed.
A note from the Naga Hoho today said the meeting seriously viewed the “serial killing” of Nagas and razing of their houses under the guise of ‘Dimasaland’ during the past few months. While not mentioning the deaths of Dimasa people, the hoho however termed the bloodshed as an “absolute infringement and denial of basic fundamental rights of every individual which is intolerable in this contemporary world”.
The Naga Hoho denounced the escalation of violence and carnage perpetuated by the DHD Militants on “June 16, 2009” and the resultant killings of fifteen Nagas. It is a violation of basic human rights which deserves the highest condemnation from all walks of life, the Naga Hoho stated.
The Naga organization also questioned the credibility of the Assam Government as well as the Indian security forces as to why the situation could not be brought under control for such a long period in spite of heavy deployment of security forces. “…Naga Hoho shall formulate strategies towards organizing a protest rally in Nagaland in association with the people of Dimasas in a search for peaceful co-existence and brotherhood,” it added.

Evict all Intangki grabbers: NSF

Dimapur, June 19 (MExN): The Naga Students’ Federation has demanded from the state government eviction of all encroachers from Intangki National Park “irrespective of tribes.” In a brief statement today, the NSF reaffirmed resolution to stand against all odds to protect and preserve the state’s natural resources. “There has been many cases of some individual, groups or agencies who offer themselves for exploration of our resources in the name of development” the NSF stated. Nagaland has very few wildlife sanctuaries and Intangki Reserved Forest being one but unfortunately, the NSF lamented, “all these years, it has become another form of battlefield for the Nagas which is disheartening point.” Every right-thinking citizen should stand to express voice against forceful occupation of lands within reserved forest areas, the NSF said while reminding that the culture of willful encroachment is against the wishes of the people. Appreciating the Government of Nagaland for issuing directives to all encroachers to refrain from encroachment, the NSF urged the state to evict all the illegal villagers irrespective of tribes inhabiting the protected area.

Tipaimukh Dam : State lobbies Delhi

Imphal, June 20: The State Government has written to the Ministry of Power to exercise its influence over Mizoram Government for giving forest clearance so that the construction work of the proposed 1500 megawatt capacity Multipurpose Power Project may be started soon.

According to an official source, although the Union Ministry of Forest and Environment has given the environmental clearance for the project, commencement of construction work has been delayed as the Mizoram Government has not given the forest clearance.

Consequently, the State Government has written to the Ministry of Power to exert influence on Mizoram Government in this regard.

The Ministry of Power is likely to do the needful in this regard very soon, the source conveyed, adding that as of now no construction work could be started.

As to the report that an official team from Bangladesh would be visiting Mizoram in connection with the project, the source maintained that it is not in the knowlege of the State Government.

It may be noted here the Ministry has already agreed on taking up the project as a joint venture with Manipur contributing only 5 percent of the project cost.

The Action Committee Against Tipaimukh Dam has been opposing the proposed dam in Manipur.

Rickshaws on the receiving end of changing times in Manipur

Imphal, June 15 : With the changing times manual labour has been replaced by mechanical labour leaving little room for the likes of rickshaw pullers who earn for their survival in and around imphal town.

The easy availability of three-wheeler auto-rickshaws providing transportation at a cheaper rate is one of the major reasons commuters avoid ordinary cycle rickshaws, mainly in Imphal town at present.

Speaking to IFP, a 40-year old rickshaw puller identified as Samurailakpam Baingou Sharma mentioned that he had been earning his livelihood since the last 15 years as a rickshaw puller.

He said the people in Imphal town chose to travel by rickshaws earlier for short distances and the public depended day and night on rickshaws and as a result the rickshaw pullers could earn enough in a day’s labour because of unlimited passengers. But this has changed suddenly in the last three years with the introduction of three wheeler deisel autos in every part of the state providing comfortable services in less time.

Mention may be made that many musteroll and work charge employees of government departments due to irregular salaries are supplementing their earning by pulling rickshaws.

There is record of 30,000 rickshaws giving their services in the state and out of this around 12,000 rickshaw pullers are toiling in Imphal town.

In fact, the ever increasing rickshaw population in Greater Imphal is also already causing traffic jams in city streets every day. The efforts of the All Manipur Rickshaw Drivers and Pullers Association to streamline the services of rickshaws in Greater Imphal has solved the problem to some extent but it is not enough.

The common public, mainly in Imphal town, are concerned over the unlimited issuance of rickshaw licences to the pullers by the Imphal Municipal Council creating unwanted traffic jams. The Imphal municipality has already issued registration numbers to 7,227 rickshaw till today, which the higher authorities need to check, the common public feel.

Chin/Kuki/Zo Political Prisoner Died In Burma's Jail

14 June, 2009: Salai Hla Moe, a member of National League for Democracy (NLD) based in Matupi Township, Chin State, died last month of 'blood disease' due to harsh condition and lack of medical treatment in Burma’s Myingyan prison.

 

The 48-year-old Chin political prisoner was said to have suffered from water-related disease for more than two years in prison and died after treatment from an outside hospital had been denied.

A family relative said that Salai Hla Moe was treated only in the prison clinic and when his condition was getting worse, he was not allowed to receive treatment from an outside hospital, according to Democratic Voice of Burma.

Salai Hla Moe's family learned of his tragic death only weeks after a cousin brother from Pekoku town visited the prison in the end of last month. It is claimed that the authorities did not want to inform the family immediately.

Sa Lawng, an India-based Chin from Matupi Township, was quoted as saying: "At the moment, Salai Hla Moe's wife is suffering from mental illness and is not living at home, but wandering on the streets. There is no future hope for their family as there is no one to look after their children." 

A report A glimpse To Political Prisoners and Prison Conditions in Burma by Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma) published in March 2001 said: "The health condition in prisons is terrible as there is not enough medicine, medical doctors or timely treatment. The prisoners' health deteriorates as a result of torture, improper food and inappropriate accommodation.” 

"There are some deaths, as the extremely sick prisoners have to wait for the approval of prison authorities and MI for medical treatment. The prisons have become distributing centres of communicable diseases, such as AIDS, because one needle is used on many political prisoners when they feel sick or are vaccinated," added the report. 

An active member of NLD in Chin State's Matupi Township, Salai Hla Moe, who was in charge of security for Aung San Suu Kyi during her trip to the region in 2003, was arrested along with Matupi NLD Secretary Salai Aung Thang and Youth leader Salai Pa Thang by the military authorities soon after Burma's pro-democracy leader left. The arrested members were sentenced to 11 years in prison. 

Salai Hla Moe, a Chin Christian, passed away while he was serving nearly seven years of his 11-year sentence. It is claimed that the prison authorities did not allow Salai Hla Moe’s family members to see his body and to perform a Christian funeral service. 

This week, the Burma Campaign UK called on the UN to make securing the release of all Burma’s political prisoners, who are being kept in appalling prison conditions and being denied access to healthcare, an urgent priority before democracy leaders die in Burma’s jails. 

Family members and relatives of those held in remote prisons are forced to travel for days to visit the prisoners, and only allowed to meet for a matter of minutes. 

In military-ruled Burma, there are more than 2,000 political prisoners who have been arrested just for peacefully calling for democracy and freedom in the country. Sources said that over 20 of 43 major prisons currently house political prisoners in Burma. 

Van Biak Thang
Chinland Guardian
http://www.chinlandguardian.com/index.php/Home/460

Manipur’s Tragedy: Delhi’s Dilemma

By Lt. Col. L. Lokendra Singh (Retd)

Self styled Lt.Col Hopson Ningsen of NSCN(IM), was taken into custody of CBI on May 28,2009 as the prime accussed for the gruesome triple murder of Dr. Thingnam Kishan Singh, SDO of Kasom Khullen Sub-division of Ukhrul District, along with his driver Aribam Rajen Sharma and a mandal Yumnam Token Singh.Supreme court in its directives lays down that Death Sentence is to be given only in the rarest of rare cases. Will bludgeoning to death an Officer of Manipur Civil Services alongwith his two staff fall within the ambit of this Supreme Court directive?

Doctor Kishan along with five members of his staff, while coming out after attending a meeting in the DC’s office on Feb 13,2009 were abducted by NSCN(IM). For the next three days, their whereabouts were not known. The DC went off on a day’s casual leave, the SP feigned ignorance of the abduction and the Government of Manipur did practically nothing to trace out its missing sub-divisional officer and his five sub-ordinate staff. In the wee hours of Feb 17, 2009, the dead bodies of Dr.Kishan, his driver Rajen and mandal Token were found in the vicinity of Taphou Kuki village of Senapati district, bludgeoned to death. A bloodstained stone and a spade were found nearby. The whereabouts of the remaining three staff were still unknown.
News of the gruesome murder spread like wildfire, there was hue and cry from every nook and corner, people from all walks of life came out on the streets to protest. Huge protest rallies were held in Kasom Khullen Sub-division as also in the entire Ukhrul District. Cutting across ethnic lines and in a rare historic show of solidarity in an extremely fractured society of Manipur on the ethnic lines of Meitei, Naga and Kuki, people of all the hill districts of Manipur joined in in the protest against the gruesome killing of the three Meiteis. Fearing total breakdown in law and order, state government clamped curfew in greater Imphal area.
After four days of uncertainty, the missing three staff extension officer RS Ramsing, village level worker R Ramthing and peon Kapang Khui surfaced at Toloi in Ukhrul District unharmed. People rejoiced on their safe return. Later, however their complicity became suspect and it’s still a mystery till date. It is still not clear why were Dr.Kishan’s driver and mandal bludgeoned to death while the other three staff who were abducted together allowed to go scot free? Was it a manifestation of animosity NSCN(IM) harbours against Meiteis? The other three being Nagas they were allowed to go scot free?
Mounting public pressure including pressure from their tribal people of Ukhrul District assumed such magnitude that NSCN(IM) who had initially disclaimed any complicity with the gruesome murder owned up to the crime and admitted that persons involved namely self styled Lt.Col Hopson Ningsen, Ukhrul town commander Apho Sibo and self styled Major Ashang were in their custody and would be tried as per the outfit’s law.
An officer of the state bureaucracy along with his two staff had been brutally murdered. It was the basic responsibility of the state government - their employer, to go all out to find and book the culprits. Nay! Ibobi Singh led SPF government did nothing of the sort. Afraid of the unprecedented public outcry as also not wanting to take any responsibility on the issue, on Feb.19, 2009 two days after the murder incident, the case was handed over to CBI. And the SPF Government breathed a sigh of relief.
Question is, why was Dr. Kishan bludgeoned to death? What crime did he commit against the NSCN(IM) to deserve this brutal end? Dr.Kishan demonstrated a rare sense of integrity and courage as a civil officer. Unlike most other Government officials who have been unquestioningly obeying the dictates of NSCN(IM) in Ukhrul district of Manipur, he decided to swim against the tide and stubbornly opposed to the siphoning off of public fund into the coffer’s of the outfit. Dr.Kishan passionately believed that people’s development fund must go to the people. Sure enough NSCN(IM) was not pleased with Dr.Kishan’s resolve not to allow people’s development funds from being squandered by the militants and they decided to teach the young idealist officer a lesson. After four days of captivity and torture, Dr. Kishan paid with his life for his uprightness and idealism.
Dr. Kishan moved about unescorted like any other civilian. If the idea was to kill him, he could have been easily way laid anywhere, anytime, singled out and shot dead in line with the modus operandi of NSCN(IM).It’s a mystery as to why the outfit took the trouble of removing number plates from the Government allotted Gypsy vehicle, pushed it down the hill side, move Dr.Kishan and his staff from village to village across Ukhrul District for four days and four nights and then finally take him to the adjoining district of Senapati and bludgeon him to death near a Kuki village. Gun totting militants normally use their weapons. Why this aberration? Was there a message intended in all this? Further, was it also intended to foment communal trouble between Meiteis and Kukis? If so, then, what a naïve and unprofessional plot!
Dr.Kishan was no ordinary government official. In many ways, he was a symbol of the young and resurgent Manipur that is trying to come out of the clutches of the endless violence the state is besieged with. A topper in English literature both at undergraduate and graduate level from Jamia Milia Islamia University, did his M.Phil from Delhi University. He started his teaching career at Delhi’s Shyam Lal College. But his urge to serve his own state of Manipur, made him give up that job and join D.M. College at Imphal. From there, he moved to Manipur University as a lecturer. Then he took the Manipur Civil Service Examination and joined the Administration. He had founded “Centre for Alternative Discourse” a research foundation and was editor “Alternative Perspectives” a scholarly journal which has created a niche for itself among the intellectual circle. Each issue of this perspective journal would carry an incisive essay by Dr.Kishan and topics ranged from critiquing India’s Look East Policy to the economics of underdevelopment. He was one of those few who could successfully get out of the groove of localized thinking and relate his vision to happenings not only in this region but also in the wider world. In his death Manipur has lost an intellectual and an able young administrator who dared to do what he considered to be right. A tragedy of unfathomable depth!
Interestingly Hopson Ningsen has assumed such importance that on being produced before CJM Ukhrul on May 29,2009 for being remanded into the custody of CBI, he was not taken to the court, rather the court was taken to him that too within the precincts of Imphal airport for security reasons. Whose security against whom? Possibly for personal safety of the prime accused from being lynched by the public. Only the other day on May 25 people had observed the 119th death anniversary of legendary Pukhrambam Kajao who was hanged by the British for killing Mr. Grimwood, the then Political Agent of Manipur in 1891 with a spear in a public gathering. One cannot rule out such a fate is not awaiting Hopson Ningsen if he is not closely protected (Z Plus?). CBI is questioning the prime accused in the safe zone of Delhi away from the reach of ordinary Manipuri. Do we then conclude that his trial will also be held in Delhi?
Now that the main accused of the crime Hopson Ningsen is in the custody of CBI, are we on the justice track? If so,to what extent? NSCN(IM) has been enjoying a cease fire agreement with the centre for a decade now. A number of peace talks have been held and no apparent headway has been made so far, the stumbling block being NSCN(IM)’s demand for breaking up of the North East and creating Greater Nagaland at the cost of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh. Meanwhile Government of India continues its policy of appeasement towards the militant outfit. Although the cease fire agreement is to be restricted within the geographical boundary of Nagaland, it has been informally extended to Manipur and the Army turns a blind eye to NSCN(IM)’s freedom of operation. The heinous crime of the triple murder of Dr.Kishan and his staff is a glaring outcome of this freedom. Further the NSCN(IM)’s unhindered extortion in terms of crores a month from Imphal bound commercial vehicles along NH-39, the only practicable lifeline of Manipur has made the cost of living in Imphal higher than “A Class” cities of the country. In short, the Government of India has practically let loose the NSCN(IM) on the hapless people of Manipur and given the outfit the liberty to extort at will and to kill at will.
Having said this, what if CBI is to come down heavily on Hopson Ningsen and his ilks, makes a watertight case against them and death sentence is on the way? Won’t it have a direct bearing on Government of India’s policy of appeasement towards the militant outfit? What if the outfit takes offence to Government of India’s interference in day to day mundane activity of extortion and killing and it decides to abrogate the cease fire agreement and start the bush war all over again? Delhi is definitely in an unenviable position, a dilemma of catastrophic dimensions. Only time will tell whether or not justice will be done in its true spirit to the heinous crime of bludgeoning to death Dr. Kishan, SDO and his two staff. Or will it only be justice smacked with politics?

UPF condemns killings

IMPHAL, June 14 : The United People’s Front, UPF, an apex body of the Kuki underground group now in the suspension of operation, SoO, agreement with the government, has strongly condemned the frequent attacks and killings of non-Manipuris in Manipur.

In a press release the UPF said as Indian citizens the non Manipuris must be protected wherever they in India. It said this being the case killing of non Manipri labour, rickwhaw and handcart pullers would not bring about any political solution.

It said such acts show imperfect or immature revolutionary struggle, adding if the attackers are real revolutionaries, they would not have perpetrated such barbaric acts upon the poor daily wage earners.

UKLF releases worker

Imphal, June 14 : UKLF, a signatory of the trilateral suspension of operations (SoO) signed among State Government, Central Government and Kuki underground groups, released a person after taking ransom of Rs 45,000 .

Sanasam Sunil (36) s/o Thonglen of Wangoo Ahallup Awang Leikai, head mason involved in the construction of culvert under Khuga Project of IFC Department was picked up by four unknown persons identified themselves as UKLF cadres from his work site at Borayangbi Thoubal Leikai on June 10 at around 2 pm.

The outfit later demanded a ransom of Rs 1 lakh and a Nokia mobile handset to the contractor, Md Ashok (42) of Thoubal Moijing, presently residing at Borayangbi.

According to information received from the family of the contractor, the ransom amount was negotiated at Rs 45,000 and the outfit released the worker today at around 5:30 pm.

Manipur policy mooted for arts and culture

Imphal, June 14 : “The state government needs to implement various policy programme for the development of art and culture in the state,” said director, JN Manipur Dance Academy, Dilip Mayengbam during the felicitation programme for award winning youths in the 14th National Youth Festival held on Saturday at the JN Manipur Dance Academy in Imphal.

The programme was organized by the All Manipur Art and Culture Students’ Union (AMACSU).

The director revealed that even though there were many enthusiastic and qualified youths in the filed of art and culture, due to the lack of opportunity for jobs youths today had become uninterested in the field which could lead to a major set back in the field and added that if the government could come up with a policy of employing a teacher in the field in every school the problem could be solved.

While speaking as the president of the function the director of the Huyen Lallong Manipur Thang-ta Cultural Association, Irilbung, Gourakishore Sharma, revealed that art and culture had brought name and fame for Manipur and it could also help build a relationship between various communities. However, due to the government’s apathy the arts and culture of the state were in a neglected condition, he added.

Asian Boxing Championships

Suranjoy ends India's 15-year gold drought in Asian boxing
Zhuhai (China), June 14 : Manipur's Suranjoy Singh gave India its first Asian Championship gold in 15 years while Thokchom Nanao Singh and Jai Bhagwan settled for silver medals as the country's boxers rounded off a 27-year-best performance in the elite event here today.
India ended their campaign with a gold, two silver and four bronze medals, which went to Jitender Kumar (54kg) Vijender Singh (75kg), Dinesh Kumar (81kg) and Paramjit Samota (+91kg). The team was placed third in the overall standings behind hosts China and Uzbekistan.
The performance this time is a marked improvement from 1982 championships held in Seoul where the country's boxers notched up two gold, an equal number of silver and a bronze medal.
The last gold medal for India in the Asian Championship came in the 1994 edition in Tehran where Rajkumar Sangwan finished on top in the super heavy weight category.
And today, it was a fly weight (51kg) boxer who broke the 15-year jinx. Suranjoy, a junior World Championship bronze medallist in 2004, beat Li Chao of China 9-8 in a thrilling encounter.
"It was certainly not one of my best performances because my opponent came very close to upstaging me but I am thrilled to win India's first gold medal here in 15 years," an elated Suranjoy said.
Another Manipuri, Nanao (48 kgs) settled for a silver losing 8-9 in a cliffhanger finaL to Pongprayoon Keaw of Thailand.
Nanao was leading after winning the first round 3-2 and was tied 6-6 at the end of the second round. He was leading 8-7 in the third round with less than ninety seconds from the finish but the Thai boxer came back strong to win 9-8.

Case of kidnap and killing of contractor Krishnadas Police nab one woman

Imphal, June 14 : A team of Imphal West district police commando led by OC, Th Krishnatombi succeeded in entrapping a woman who had collected the package of Rs 25 lakh from the wife of the slain contractor, Yengkhom Krishnadas as ransom for his safe release from the clutch of his kidnappers.

Seram Ongbi Ashalata (39), wife of Seram Ramchandra of Sayang Road Konthoujam Leikai, was arrested yesterday.

She is said to have been running a rice hotel under the name of "Junction Hotel" at Keishampat Ahei-bam Leikai (Churachandpur Bus Parking) since last few years.

Mother of slain Krishnadas cries her heart out during a protest

Imphal Police Station has registered an FIR No.188 (6) 09 against her under IPC Section 364/364 A, 457/34,25 (1-B).She was produced in the court of Judicial Magistrate First Class, Imphal Dr Shantibala and was remanded in police custody till June 19.A police officer who requested anonymity informed this newspaper that a group of four women including Bimola, wife of the slain contractor, had handed over the amount of Rs 25 lakh to one Seram (O) Ashalata.

The amount was handed over to the woman at a place near 'EMA' Church located at Tera Keithel around 5pm on June 11.The accused woman has also admitted that she received the money.

She revealed that she was accompanied by a four-year-old child, the daughter of a distant relative of her husband, Ramchandra, while going to receive the ransom amount.

The police source further claimed to have established that the child was a daughter of one, Ibochou of Sayang Konthoujam Leikai.

Ashalata is said to have revealed that the huge amount which she bundled inside a shopping bag was handed over two men who came on a Nova Scooter.

However, the source refused to divulge as to which underground groups the two men belong.

The police interrogation is going on and all out efforts have been made to net all involved persons in the incident.

Meanwhile, a source said that, based on the information provided by the relatives of Krishnadas on the description of the woman who received the ransom amount and the child she accompanied, the OC of Imphal West police commando Krishnatombi sought the help of the locals near EMA Church at Tera Keithel.

The locals, who came to know the situation and were pitied by the incident, had provided clues which help the police later in the arrest of Ashalata.

At the same time, the indefinite general strike called by the JAC against the brutal killing of Yengkhom Krishnadas has thrown normal life out of gear in Kakching.

Report of some vehicles being destroyed has been received while thousands of people staged a sit in protest at Kakching Bazar today.

However, the strike was reported to have less impact in Imphal and other districts of the state.

Vehicles, including passenger buses were seen plying on the road as normal day.

Shops at Khawairamband bazaar were opened as usual business.

The strike is also reportedly not effective in Thoubal district barring Kakching and its surrounding areas.

In the meantime, the JAC against the brutal killing of Yengkhom Krishnadas has appealed to the Chief Minister of the state to book the culprits involved in the murder of Y Krishnadas as soon as possible and give appropriate punishment.

It also stated that the JAC will not claim the dead body until the demands are met.

It further informed that a general meeting of the JAC comprising representatives from all the Civil Organisations of the state will be held at Kakching at 10.30 am on June 14 to discuss on the issue and to chart out further course of agitation.

The statement further urged the state government to act promptly in booking the culprits as soon as possible and punish them in public.

Three migrant workers killed in Manipur

Imphal, June 14 , Three migrant workers were killed and as many injured in an attack by militants in Manipur, police said Friday.

A group of heavily armed militants attacked the daily wage earners late Thursday outside the Agriculture University complex on the outskirts of capital Imphal.

“Three militants armed with sophisticated weapons entered a makeshift tent outside the University complex and asked all the non-Manipuri workers to come out. Six of them came out and the militants shot them from close range,” police spokesperson J. Singh said.

Three of them died on the spot and the remaining managed to escape, although all of them sustained bullet injuries.

“The victims, all of them from outside Manipur, were engaged by local contractors for construction work in the university campus,” the official said.

The condition of at least two of the injured was stated to be critical.

The immediate provocation for the attack was not known but of late there has been an attack on either Hindi speakers or workers from outside Manipur. At least 20 of them have been killed since February in separate incidents in the state.

There are some 19-odd militant groups active in Manipur, bordering Myanmar, with demands ranging from secession to greater autonomy.

Glorious homecoming for new IAS Armstrong Pame

From Daniel Kamei

TAMENGLONG, June 7 : In a rare reception programme, the newly appointed IAS, AZ Armstrong Pame, belonging to the Zeme sub-tribe of Zeliangrong today received a warm welcome at a function organized by Zeme Naga Council (Manipur) this afternoon at Haipou Jaduuanang Park, Tamenglong district HQ, around half a kilometer away from his residence. This was his first visit home after his appointment in IAS.

A young AZ Armstrong Pame, 25, was welcomed with slogans and songs while he marched home. Hundreds of Zemes including public leaders and well wishers of Armstrong attended the reception programme.

Addressing the public gathering at the park, AZ Armstrong Pame said that reading knowledge is full but the practical cannot be successful without public support and good advice. “If God who gives life permits me, I will be working in the secretariat in Manipur state or on Indian level. I will be able to work only with people’s cooperation and good advice,” he said.

Recalling his professor’s advice Armstrong said, “Armstrong you are the brightest student among your batch. Do not think of working only for your tribe or Nagas but shine and work for India too.”

In the meantime, while interacting with IFP Armstrong said that being from a poor background he knew and understood the problems faced by remote hilly people. He said he would like to focus with sincerity on full implementation of government funds and schemes available for the poor people with full cooperation from the public.

Education is very important and he would focus on development of child and youth empowerment through giving worthy education. He would also like to change the law and order situation in Manipur, he said.

“I would like my people to live securely wherever they like. This can be achieved only through public support,” he said.

For the youth he would like to provide employment opportunities, he added.

Regarding the high corruption in Manipur, he said he would like to erase it from the state. “Government alone cannot remove corruption but need the people,” he said.

To remove the practice of corruption we have to choose public servants and social workers down to the level of village authority.

They all have to be a man and women of integrity, he said.

Further, they must be faithful and trustworthy and able to think beyond self sufficiency. In order to remove corruption, he would also deal with various organizations that work for the betterment of the society, he said.

To the school children he said he would like to advise to dare to dream. He said, “No great thing on earth has ever been achieved without taking risk. I risked my career after my graduation by giving myself fully not less than 100 percent.” According to Armstrong it is not the wealth of parents position which helps you but your own labour in life. “You have to create for your own life, and put your trust in God,” he said.

In an interaction, Armstrong’s old principal, DP Panmei said that Armstrong was very clever from his childhood days and he even got double promotion in a year.

In the meantime, the Zeme Naga Council (Manipur) has thanked all the supporters of Armstrong. D Apung, president of the council, said that Armstrong was an example for the young generation.

Tourist homes reduced to a gravy train

Imphal, June 3 : The State Tourism Department has been incurring a loss of Rs 48,46,700 as tourist homes have been occupied by security forces for CI Ops and any effort to draw the attention of the Home Ministry and the authorities of Army and Assam Rifles to pay up the due amount of rental charges for occupying the tourist homes has come to naught.

According to sources from the State Tourism Department, a sum of Rs 9,38,900 is due for payment for occupying four double bed rooms, one kitchen and dining hall of the Moirang Tourist Home by the security forces since July 1995 .

However the amount has not been paid till today.

Similarly, a due amount of Rs 9,77,800 incurred for occupying four double bed rooms of Phubala Tourist Home since November 1995 and Rs 10,43,600 for occupying Khongjom Tourist Home since June 1994 have not been paid, sources said, adding that the unpaid amount for occupying the tourist homes at Moreh, Churachandpur and Sendra have also added upto Rs 10,68,600, Rs 6,62,400 and Rs 1,55,400 respectively.

Over and above losing its income due to occupation of these tourist homes by the security forces, the Department has been discouraged from setting up new tourist homes, sources said.

While pointing out that the tourists homes have been set up in the first place for the conveniences of the visiting tourists with an eye on developing tourism activities in the State, sources lamented that after the occupation of these tourist homes, the security forces have put restrictions on the entry not just of the visiting tourists but also the officials of the Department.

In such a situation, the efforts being made by the Government of Manipur to tap the potential of tourism in the State would be wasted, sources observed.

Security forces not paying up the rental charges have been highlighted earlier.

Three Myanmar nationals arrested in Manipur

Imphal, Jun 3 : Three Myanmar nationals have been arrested by Assam Rifles personnel for not having valid travel documents in Manipur's Chandel district bordering the neighbouring country, official sources said on Tuesday.

Sources said the security personnel during a normal checking of vehicles at Tengnoupal area in Chandel district on Sunday last found three Myanmar nationals travelling in a vehicle without valid documents.

The foreigners were identified as Aung Tin Tin (28), M D Amin (18) and Mojibur Rehaman (20), sources said adding that a sum of Rs. 8600 Indian currency was also recovered from them.

The three have been handed over to the police station of border town of Moreh.

Sources said security personnel had also nabbed two Myanmar nationals early last week from the same area for not having valid travel documents.

AR hand over community hall

Imphal, June 2 : Under the Military Civic Action 3 (NH) Battalion Assam Rifles of 57 Mountain Division constructed a community hall for ex-servicemen association of Churachandpur at Kawnpui village, Churachandpur district.

This is the first Community Hall which has been built for ex-servicemen in Churachandpur district.

The basic aim of this Community Hall is to provide a place where the ex-servicemen can come together for any welfare, social and cultural activities/function.

Besides local ex-servicemen, those living in remote areas of Churachandpur district as also ex-servicemen transiting through Churachandpur would be able to utilize this facility.

The cost of the project is rupees 2.9 lakhs and has taken 12 months for completion.

Assam Rifles in addition to construction of the building has given Computer, Printer, Cutlery, Plastic Chairs and Tables.

This kind of step taken by "Friends of the Hill People" has been appreciated by all ex-servicemen of the district.

This Community Hall is a gift from Security Forces to their brothers who have retired from the forces.

Ex-servicemen of Churachandpur district have expressed their gratitude to their brothers in arms for bringing development in the area.