KPF joins anti Commandos chorus, warns

Imphal, July 22: Demanding review of the Cabinet decision to deploy Police Commandos and IRB personnel in the hill districts, Kuki People's Forum (KPF) has warned of taking recourse to various intense agitation against the Government if the decision is not reviewed.

Addressing a press conference at the office of KPF at Sahumphai village in Chandel district today, its chairman Yangkhopao Haokip categorically stated that the Government should be responsible for any eventuality in this regard.

Asserting that the decision to deploy Police Commandos and IRB personnel in the hill districts, in addition to the existing police stations at all the district headquarters and camps of other security forces is unreasonable, the chairman said it smacks of a hidden agenda.

While the Government did not listen to the demand to provide security forces to protect the life and properties of the people at the height of the insurgency movement in the hill districts, why should it think of deploying Police Commandos and IRB personnel when there is peace following the signing of Suspension of Operation ?, he questioned.

People in the hill districts would never accept deployment of Police Commandos and IRB personnel and sacrifice themselves to suffer in their hands not to mention of the hard earned peace, the chairman said, adding that instead of trying to disturb peace in the hills, the Government should pay attention to implementation of 6th Schedule and Autonomous District Council for the development of the hill districts which would be welcomed by all.

The advisors of KPF Ngamkhang Mate and Ngamkholet Haokip who were also present during the press conference observed that there is no report of any violent incidents in the hill districts of Manipur.

So the decision of the State Cabinet on deployment of Police Commandos and IRB personnel in the hill districts is unacceptable.

Failure of reviewing the Cabinet decision would only invite the wrath of the people in the hill districts and it would have serious impact in the Manipur society, they said, while announcing that KPF would extend full support to the 48-hour total bandh in the hill districts being called jointly by UNC, ANSAM, NWUM and NPMHR.

Army act stays, but a thought for Irom

Manipur organisations opposed to forces’ presence - Special facilities for Sharmila, says Ibobi

Imphal, July 20: Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh today ruled out withdrawal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act from the state. He, however, said his government was giving special attention to Irom Sharmila, who has been on a fast-unto-death since November 2000 demanding repeal of the act. “The state government has provided special facilities, including medical care and security, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital to save Irom Sharmila’s life,” Ibobi Singh told the Assembly even as the Opposition warned that Manipur would go up in flames if she died. The human rights crusader went on hungerstrike after 10 civilians died in a firing by Assam Rifles personnel at Malom in Imphal West in November 2000. She has been in jail since and is surviving on nasal feeding. Sharmila’s issue came up for discussion in the Assembly during Question Hour when leader of the Opposition Radhabinod Koijam asked the government to save her life by persuading her to call off the fast. Ibobi Singh told the House, “I have met her repeatedly and requested her to end the hungerstrike and work with the government for restoring peace in the state. She rejected the requests. I have even tried to persuade her through her relatives. But she refused to budge from her stand.” After the state government withdrew the act from Imphal Municipal limit in August 2004, Ibobi Singh met Sharmila in judicial custody and requested her to end her fast. He told her that this was the beginning and if the situation improved the act could be withdrawn from other areas, too. The chief minister told the House that given the prevailing situation, the Centre would never allow the state government to lift the act. It had already rejected two decisions taken by the Nagaland cabinet to withdraw the act from that state, he added. Ibobi Singh said more than 30 militants groups were operating in Manipur’s hills and valley with the Kangleipak Communist Party alone having 10 factions. The government’s decision not to withdraw the act comes at a time when women activists are holding relay fast every day at Porompat near the hospital in Imphal East where Sharmila is lodged. They began the relay hungerstrike on December 10 last year under the banner of Save Sharmila Campaign. Ibobi Singh decided not to respond to Koijam’s demand for constitution of a group or committee to find a way to persuade Sharmila to end her hungerstrike.

30 UG groups, 10 KCP factions : CM

Imphal, July 20 2009: There are more than 30 militants groups in Manipur including 10 KCP factions, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh informed the Assembly today in response to a question raised by MLA Morung Makunga during the question hour.

The Chief Minister said that United National Liberation Front (UNLF), People's Liberation Army (PLA), Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL), People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), United People's Party of Kangleipak (UPPK), Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), Kangleipak Communist PartyMilitary Council (KCP-MC) and People's United Liberation Front (PULF) are among the major UG groups while the hill-based groups include NSCN (IM), NSCN (K), Kuki National Organisation (KNO), an umbrella Organisation of 11 groups; United People's Front (UPF), another umbrella organisation of 8 groups, Naga National Council (NCC) and Manipur Naga Revolutionary Front (MNRF), the Chief Minister said.

He further informed the House that there are 10 KCP factions.

These are KCP (Noyon), KCP-MC Lanheiba Meitei, KCP-MC Lanjaba Meitei, KCP Lamphel, KCP City Meitei, KCP Kokkai, KCP Nando, KCP KK Nganba, KCP-MC Ningamba and KCP-MC Lallumba.

Over and above these, there are small outfits like the hill-based United Naga People's Council (UNPC), Komrem People's Army (KRPA), Kuki Revolutionary Front (KRF) and Sinlung People's Liberation Army (Sinlung Tiger Force) and the valley-based Kangleipak People's Liberation Army (KPLA-PULF Azad), he added.

To a supplementary question, the Chief Minister said Suspension of Operation (SoO) has been signed with Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United Peoples' Front (UPF).

The organisations under KNO are Kuki National Front (Military Council), Kuki National Front (Zogam), United Socialist Revolutionary Army (Old Kuki), United Komrem Revolutionary Army (UKRA), Zomi Reunification Front (ZRF), Zou Defence Volunteer (ZDV-KNO), Hmar National Army (HNA), Kuki Revolutionary Army (Unification), Kuki Liberation Army (KLA-KNO) and Kuki National Army (KNA) while the organisations under UPF include Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA), Kuki National Front (KNF), United Kuki Liberation Front (UKLF), Kuki Liberation Army (KLA-UPF), Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA), Kuki National Front (S), Hmar Peoples' Conference/ Democratic (HPC-D) and Zou Defence Volunteers (ZDV-UPF).

The fund required for payment of allowance to the armed cadres of the outfits which are signatories of SoO and for construction of their designated camps is to be arranged by the State Government first and the same would be afterward refunded by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, the Chief Minister disclosed, while assuring to see that identity cards have been issued to all the cadres.

UNC Called For Shutdown In Manipur’s Districts

Senapati (Manipur): A 48-hour shutdown against the Central
Government’’s decision to deploy additional forces has crippled life in five hill districts of Manipur.

The shutdown called by the United Naga Council (UNC) is supported by some tribal organisations.

In Senapati district, life came to a grinding halt as shops and other establishments closed in compliance with the shutdown call.

Vehicles remained off the roads and busy market areas wore a deserted look.

Last month, the Manipur Government deployed around 700 India Reserve Battalion (IRB) personnel and 300 police commandos in some districts of the state to help the local police combat rebels and maintain law and order.

Many residents feel that the presence of security forces would result in clashes with militants in the region.

Hills bandh continues peacefully

Imphal, July 21 : Normal life in hill districts of Manipur severely affected Monday on the first day of the 48-hour bandh imposed jointly by the Naga frontal organizations demanding review to the cabinet decision of the Secular Progressive Front (SPF) government to deploy Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) and Manipur police commandos in the hill districts.

Four inter-state passenger buses arriving this morning at Mao gate stranded owing to the bandh apart from more than 60 goods carrying trucks which have been stranded there since the commencement of the infinite blockade imposed by the All Tribal Students' Union, Manipur five day back from midnight of July 15 .

Reports received from four hill districts, Tamenglong, Senapati, Ukhrul and Chandel said bandh was total in the districts.

Entire streets in the district headquarters wore deserted look as all kinds of vehicles were off the road.

However, bandh has less impact in Churachandpur district.

Shops and other business establishments, government offices, private undertakings remained closed.

However, schools remained open.

The bandh exempted media, electricity, PHED, medical, fire-fighters and security forces.

No inter-district buses leave or arrived in the districts headquarters for the day.

No untoward incidents reported so far during the strike hour which commenced from last midnight and due to end by Tuesday midnight (July 21) .

The 48-hour bandh in hill areas of Manipur was jointly sponsored by the United Naga Council (UNC), All Naga Students' Association, Manipur(ANSAM), Naga Women Union, Manipur (NWUM), and the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) demanding review to the cabinet decision taken on May 19 to deploy IRB and Manipur police commandos in the hill districts of Manipur.

The bodies are alleging that the government move to deploy intended to terrorize the peace loving hill people.

They also lamented the government of ignoring the assertion of the Naga people against 'state militarization policy' in memoranda submitted to the governor and chief minister of Manipur as well as New Delhi.

Our district correspondents said that the bandh got support from various district level bodies in Ukhrul, Tamenglong, Chandel and Senapati districts.

The Zeliangrong Baudi, Tamenglong Zone announced support to the 48 hour bandh by imposing another 48 hour total bandh in Tamenglong district.

Our Tamenglong correspondent informed that total bandh was observing in the district on the first day of the 48-hour bandh stating that all institutions of both government and private are remaining closed.

Shops and business centres also remained closed for the day apart from remaining all kinds of vehicles off the road.

Our Chandel Correspondent adds: Normal life comes to a standstill in Chandel district as the 48-hour bandh called by several apex Nagas' bodies in the hill districts comes into effect.

All shops and institutions in the district downed their shutters and people resorted to remain indoor today.

No vehicle was seen plying on the roads.

However, there was no bandh-related violent incident today.

The bandh will continue till tomorrow.

In Ukhrul district also the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) jointly with other district based civil organizations endorsed the United Naga Council (UNC) sponsored bandh.

Normal life reported totally paralyzed in the district too.

Imphal witnesses unusual Sunday

Imphal, July 20: Though it is a Sunday today, an off day for various establishments both the Government and the non-governmental, it has been witnessed that maximum number of people had thronged the market areas to do their daily marketings.

This was so because, after several days of bandhs and agitations in one form or the other, today was not just another Sunday.

A respite for the denizens of Imphal, the prolonged bandh of 72 hours has just ended last night called by a student organisation.

Unusually, the roads leading to the main Imphal market were too busy today, though being a Sunday, the traffic police had tough tasks doing their job.

The busy markets in Imphal remind of an eve of any major festival.

Meanwhile, in Manipur this July is predominantly a month of agitations both in the hills and the valley districts.

The Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur (DESAM)'s sponsored 72-hour Manipur bandh just ended last midnight demanding the release of the student leaders detained under National Security Act (NSA) in connection with the murder of a Manipur University scholar while the All Tribal Students' Union, Manipur (ATSUM) indefinite economic blockade is still going over the reservation issue.

The Indigenous Democratic Front (IDF) had also called a 12-hour hill districts bandh on Friday demanding the holding of elections to the Autonomous District Council (ADC) in the five hill districts of Churachandpur, Chandel, Ukhrul, Senapati and Tamenglong.

From Monday onwards, the Naga frontal organisations' sponsored 48-hour bandh begins in protest against the Manipur cabinet decision of deploying Manipur police commandos and Indian Reserve Batallion (IRB) in the five hill districts of Manipur.

The United Naga Council (UNC), the All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM), Naga Women Union, Manipur (NWUM), Naga Peoples' Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) sponsored by various Naga tribe based group have announced to call the 48-hour bandh starting from 5 am of Monday (July 20) .

Indigenous Democratic Front (IDF) and ATSUM have pledged to intensify their agitations in the end of July while DESAM has threatened to take up drastic form of protest any time if the Government fails to address their respective demands.

‘Bangladesh opposition misleading public on Indian project’

DHAKA - Bangladesh’s main opposition is “misleading” the people on the proposed Indian dam at Tipaimukh with data and information that is “flawed”, said the head of the parliamentary team that will visit the project site in Manipur late this month.

Joining the battle on behalf of the government, Abdur Razzak, a freedom fighter and former water resources minister, hit out at the opposition leader and former prime minister Khaleda Zia for campaigning against the project on the basis of information that was “incorrect, imaginary and motivated”, Star Online reported.

Citing a survey conducted by SNC Lavalin International, Northwest Hydrolic Consultant Ltd and four others consultant firms about the impact of the proposed Tipaimukh dam over Barak river, Razzak said, “The dam would rather put positive impact on Bangladesh,” web site of The Daily Star quoted him as saying.

These studies were being deliberately concealed from the public by Zia and her colleagues, he alleged.

The information about the proposed Tipaimukh dam that the BNP gave Saturday at a seminar was flawed, Abdur Razzak said.

Razzak will lead a 10-member team that will visit New Delhi and be briefed by Water Resources Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal before proceeding to the site of the proposed dam in Manipur in India’s northeastern region.

Razzak spoke to media a day after Zia and her arch rival, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, spoke at different forums on the subject.

The team with lawmakers, water resource experts and officials is scheduled to leave here July 29.

Zia has so far withheld nominating two law makers of her party and insisted that the team include “neutral” experts.

Her party has in the meantime joined protests by a section of environmentalists and NGOs who say the dam, if built by India, will have deleterious impact on Bangladesh’s environment.

India proposes to construct the dam, 200 km upstream of Bangladesh border on river Barak to generate electricity for the energy-starved and underdeveloped northeastern region.

Barak flows into Bangladesh as two rivers, Surma and Kushiara before merging into Meghna river system.

Bandh called in Churachandpur

Churachandpur, July 19: The Zomi Students Federation, ZSF, has called a 24-hour bandh on the 20th of this month to intensify its ongoing agitation against the failure of the SPF led government to give a positive response on the questions posed by the Churachandpur based student bodies earlier regarding the handing over of Guite road to the BRO and the statement of works minister Ranjit Singh.

According to sources, a Cabinet resolution was adopted on the 2nd of September for handing over the construction of Guite road to the BRO.

In this matter the chief minister O Ibobi Singh had written to Lt Gen KS Rao, director general of the BRO requesting construction of Guite Road in the interest of the public through DO No. 2/2/2006, sources from the ZSF added.

In compliance with the request on February 26, 2009, RK Gupta, director of planning, BRO has intimated the CS of the state about approval to take over the construction from Singngat-Sinzawl-Dialkhai which is a stretch of 177 km under the GS funding, according to the sources.

On the issue of K Ranjit’s statement too, the ZSF and joint students bodies of the district are not able to digest the stoic silence maintained by him and much more so of the House which is in session, and has taken it as contempt of the tribals in the state, the ZSF said in a release adding it is unable to understand the government’s attempt to deploy additional commandos and the IRB personnel which it termed as sending "government sponsored contarct killers."

Tangkhul organization for 48 hours bandh

Imphal | July 19  : The frontal Tangkhul organisations in Ukhrul district under the aegis of Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) have decided to fully endorse the United Naga Council (UNC) sponsored 48-hour bandh starting from July 20. The UNC and other Naga frontal organisations have announced to call the 48-hour bandh from Monday in protest against the Manipur cabinet decision to deploy police commandos and Indian Reserve Batallion (IRB) personnel in the hill districts of Manipur.
The TNL said today that Tangkhul social and students' organisations are all set to impose the total bandh. "We are all here for the effectiveness of the bandh," a spokesman of TNL said today. The United Naga Council (UNC), All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM), Naga Women Union, Manipur (NWUM) and the Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) had arrived at the decision to pursue its resolute stand to democratically protest the state cabinet decision to deploy IRB and Manipur police commandos in the hill districts in a joint meeting on July 13.
This series of bandhs in Manipur imposed both by the hills and valley districts have been going on one after the other or even in collision on different issues. The Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur (DESAM)'s 120-hour bandh has been curtailed to 72-hour which ends on Saturday midnight. The Indigenous Democratic Front (IDF) had just succesfully imposed 12-hour hill districts bandh on Friday demanding the early holding of elections to the Autonomous District Council (ADC). The indefinite economic blockade of All Tribal Students Union, Manipur (ATSUM) is going on which had begun since midnight of July 15. Meanwhile, the IDF has announced to start its indefinite economic blockade from the last week of July.

Rubber plantation suggested to replace jhoom

Imphal, July 19: MLA Morung Makunga has proposed large scale rubber plantation to replace jhoom cultivation as a means of afforestation as well as augmenting income of villagers in the hill districts.

Putting forth a demand seeking assent of the House in this regard in the assembly session yesterday, Morung Makunga claimed that rubber plantation can generate around Rs 7000 to 8000 in a day from one hectare.

Asserting that plantation policy was more important than forest protection policy, Morung Makunga said that truck loads of timber are being exported outside the State after felling trees extensively without permission from Forest Department.

The Government could not check this illegal practice nor the Forest Department could levy any tax on the same practice, he observed.

But this form of illegal lumbering has become one major factor for dwindling forest cover in the State.

Calling upon the House to devise an effective policy to check such environmentally disastrous form of lumbering as well as to pursue afforestation programme vigorously, Morung Makunga suggested co-opting MLAs while organising awareness programmes about the importance of forest at village level.

Taking part in the discussion, MLA Ng Bijoy called upon the ruling bench to provide necessary infrastructure to enable district level cooperative societies to function at optimum level so that cooperative movement becomes a success in the State.

He also drew attention of the House towards disposing bio-medical wastes properly by using incinerator.

Bijoy asked whether tree saplings planted under Green Imphal City programme have grown.

He suggested proper disposal of solid wastes coming from hotels and to rear earthworms for production of compost manure.

Dr I Ibohalbi observed that excavation of sand and quarrying activities on river banks causes massive deposition of sediment in Loktak Lake at the time of floods thereby depleting depth of the lake.

He urged upon the Government to establish a strong Loktak Protection Force at the earliest to ward off any interference in the activities of Loktak Development Authority towards conserving Loktak.

Observing that several areas in the hill districts are yet to enjoy the benefit of electricity despite the claim of electrification in hill districts, Dr Khasim Ruivah called for identification of villages which are yet to be electrified so that these villages can be provided electricity from non-conventional energy sources.

Opposition leader Radhabinod Koijam and RK Anand also took part in the discussion.

Responding to the discussion, Cooperation Minister Y Erabot claimed that efforts were on divide Cooperation Department into eleven segments in order to streamline the functioning of the department.

Numerous seminars were organised to implement Self Employment Generation Programme (SEGP) to create awareness among the beneficiaries on successful implementation of the programme, Erabot said.

A total of loan amount of around Rs 150 crores have been given to 9492 beneficiaries through the Manipur State Cooperative Bank.

Following release of Rs 1688.08 lakhs by the Union Government, loans taken by farmers up to the amount of Rs 20,000 between March 31 1997 and February 28, 2008 have been waived off, Erabot informed the House.

Forest and Environment Minister Thoudam Debendra said that the Government took up bamboo plantation in several areas of Chandel, Tamenglong, Jiribam and Churachandpur where bamboo groves were destroyed by bamboo flowering.

Debendra said that the Government has been planning to take up rubber plantation in Churachandpur and Jiribam with funding from the NEC.

Efforts were on to check raising level of river beds and Loktak bed by planting tree saplings in catchment areas.

A wetland protection committee would be constituted soon to identify and demarcate wetlands for protection, said the Forest and Environment Minister.

Science and Technology Minister Phungzathang Tonsing said that plans were afoot to extend electricity facility to remote villages which were yet to be electrified within 18 months.

For this, the Government of India has assured the required amount.

Saying that 83 integrated rural electrification programmes have been implemented.

However, the same programme has been put on halt since 2006-07, Phungzathang said.

After due deliberation, the House passed three demands amounting to around Rs 75.74 crores.

The three demands passed by the House were Demand No 16 for Cooperating 9 (of amount Rs 12,76,14,000), Demand No 19 for Environment and Forest (Rs 50,79,95,000) and Demand No 46 for Science and Technology and Information Technology (Rs 12,18,54,000) .

While discussing these demands, opposition members Dr Ng Bijoy, Dr I Ibohalbi and RK Anand raised cut motions.

Manipur in the grips of bandhs, blockades

By Satyajit Usham

A series of general strikes, bandhs and economic blockades being imposed by various social organisations have left the people of the Northeastern state of Manipur high and dry for the last three days.

NORMAL LIFE in the Northeastern state of Manipur remained affected for the third consecutive day due to the 120-hour general strike and the indefinite economic blockade called by two separate student organisations over different demands since July 15 midnight.

Democratic Students’ Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) has imposed the 120-hour state wide bandh demanding release of the student leaders arrested and detained under National Security Act in the aftermath of murder of Prof Md Islamuddin, the Proctor of Manipur University. The All Tribal Students’ Union, Manipur (ATSUM) went ahead with the indefinite economic blockade in connection with its demands to amend the Manipur Reservation of Vacancies in Post and Services (For SC and ST) Act, 2007 and select suitable site for setting up the proposed campus of Indira Gandhi National Tribal University among others.

Though DESAM has announced shortening of the general strike to 72 hours in the interest of the upcoming compartmentary examinations of CBSE and Manipur Board, ATSUM has threatened to take recourse to more intense agitations if the state government fails a positive response to its demand.

Even as another 12-hour general strike called by the Indigenous Democratic Front (IDF), which is demanding early election to the Autonomous District Councils crippled normal activities in the hill districts from 6 am to 6 pm, Naga frontal organisations including United Naga Council (UNC); All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM), Naga Women Union, Manipur (NWUM) and Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) have jointly resolved to call a 48-hour total bandh with effect from 5 am of July 20, to oppose the State Cabinet decision of deploying IRB personnel and Police Commandos in the hill districts.

With exception to some stray incidents of targeting autorickshaw drivers by suspected bandh, supporters in some areas of Greater Imphal area, there is no report of any untoward incidents. However, with prolonged bandh and blockade that has cut off the transportation line between this land-locked state with other parts of the country from where most of the essential commodities are brought in, prices of goods in markets has soared up leaving the people, who are already reeling under the impact of long dry spell and crop failure, high and dry literally.

20 buses damaged during strike in Manipur

Iboyaima Laithangbam
IMPHAL: Over 20 buses were damaged and four auto rickshaws torched by groups of youths on the second day of the 120-hour general strike that began on Thursday midnight in Manipur.
The strike was called to demand the release of five students detained under the National Security Act in connection with the killing of Professor Mohammad Islamuddin of the Manipur University on May 25.
Reports said over 20 buses plying on National Highway 39 that connects Manipur with the rest of the country were intercepted near Kangpokpi and damaged.
Police could not confirm whether the miscreants were supporters of the strike or tribal students enforcing an indefinite economic blockade along the two national highways demanding an upward revision of the reservation in admissions and appointments. Kangpopki is a tribal area.
Stranded Over 100 vehicles coming here from Assam or leaving Assam for Manipur and Meghalaya were stranded at Mao on the highway.
In the past, buses and other vehicles that did not carry commercial items were allowed to ply during economic blockade.
Chief Minister Okram Ibobi announced in the Assembly on Thursday that there was no question of revising the quota for tribals.
Police reports said over 150 vehicles were stranded along NH 53, which connects Manipur with Assam through Jiribam.
Vegetables scarce All shops remained closed in other valley districts too due to the strike. Potatoes, onions, lentils and vegetables were scarce in the markets. They were sold in the black market in certain areas at exorbitant prices.
Though educational institutions functioned, the attendance was thin.

Triple bandh brings Manipur to a standstill

Imphal | July 17 : Over 12 people were injured in the Manipur valley and as many as ten passenger buses and two trucks were damaged by bandh and blockade supporters in the hill districts of Manipur today. Normal life was badly affected today in all the districts, both hills and the valley of Manipur due to the “triple effect” of the bandh and the economic blockade called by Democratic Students’ Alliance of Manipur (DESAM), Indigenous Democratic Front (IDF) and All Tribal Students’ Union, Manipur (ATSUM) respectively on different issues. In the first case, at least eight people were injured in two separate incidents owing to violence perpetuated by supporters of the general strike called by DESAM.
According to police sources, two auto rickshaws were set ablaze by some miscreants in Yairipok Changamdabi, Thoubal district on July 16. Another Auto-rickshaw was set ablaze on Friday at Pourabi, Imphal East district injuring six people. In the incident at Pourabi, 7 kilometers away from Lamlai police station, one passenger auto (MN01R2889) was set ablaze by the strike supporters while the auto was carrying a patient to the hospital.
Bandh supporters set ablaze yet another auto rickshaw on Friday at 2:30 pm in Nambol Sabal Leikai, Bishenpur district. All the markets in Bishenpur district were closed due to the general strike while all passenger vehicles were off the road. However a few private vehicles were seen plying on the road. The general strike also disrupted normal life in the greater Imphal area. Almost all shops were closed as also inter district and inter state buses were off the road. Traffic was thin in the streets of Imphal where only vehicles of security personnel and some private vehicles were seen plying in and around greater Imphal area. Traffic police were seen at some traffic points in the forenoon but not in the afternoon.
Senior superintendent of police (SSP), Imphal West, L. Kailun had appealed to the public that the general strike called by DESAM was illegal and unreasonable. He had informed that the security measurement had been tightened and therefore all business establishments, offices can be opened just as on normal days. However, despite all the efforts from the government to disregard the general strike, most of the shops remained closed while attendance in government offices and educational institutions were less than normal.
The United Tata Magic Vehicle Owners Association has appealed for the bandh called by DESAM to be called off. They stated that their vehicles were purchased through financial loans and the strike had disrupted their day to day earning making it hard for them to pay back the loans in time. DESAM had called 120-hour general strike from July 15 demanding the release of the five students detained under National Security Act in connection to the killing of Prof. Islamuddin, proctor, Manipur University (MU) on May 25.
However, the 120-hour strike called by DESAM has been shortened till the midnight of July 18 keeping in view the inconveniences faced by the students and the public, a press statement issued by DESAM said.
On the other hand, the bandh called by the Indigenous Democratic Front (IDF) was successful in all the five hill districts of Manipur. All the shops and other business establishments were closed with little to no traffic seen on the roads. All the educational institutions and offices were also affected. The Indigenous Democratic Front (IDF) had called a 12- hour general strike in all the five districts of Manipur on July 17 from 6.a.m protesting against the failure of Government of Manipur to hold Autonomous District Council (ADC) elections in the hill districts of Manipur to enhance grass root democracy.
Meanwhile, the All Tribal Students’ Union, Manipur (ATSUM) had also called an indefinite economic blockade since midnight of July 15. A total of about 68 passenger buses were reportedly stranded in the National Highways 39 and 53 as a result of the economic blockade. Only those commuters were allowed who had to visit hospitals. A total of about ten passenger buses and two trucks were reportedly damaged at Kangpokpi, Senapati district by the IDF and ATSUM supporters.
It is worth noting that ATSUM had announced to call indefinite economic blockade as the hopes of the tribal people of Manipur had been raised only to be squashed repeatedly and the assembly promised to pass some affirmative legislations for the tribals however no legislations are in sight even after ten days of assembly sitting, stated the ATSUM.
The students’ body alleged that despite reminding the chief minister twice by the registrar of the Indira Gandhi National Tribal University to propose a suitable site and set a “date for the visit of committee of academicians and experts headed by the vice chancellor” the government had not even responded to the letters.
The tribal students also demanded the Manipur Reservation of Vacancies in Post and Service (for SC and ST) Act 2007’ to be amended with the points suggested by the ATSUM and make it operational. ATSUM demands also included the proper specification of tribal reservation quota and therefore non-specification must be declared null and void and re advertised (such as the advertisement by the MSSRDA/DRDA and Manipur Legislative Assembly). ATSUM further stated that specified numbers of tribal reserved posts in all the employment advertisements whether they are for contract, tenure, adhoc or part-time in the state of Manipur which received funds from the state or the centre government directly or indirectly.

Recruitment rally affected by bandh

IMPHAL, July 18 : The third day of the Army recruitment rally held in Senapati saw a mixed response with only about 1,100 youth participating in it. July 16 was earmarked for candidates hailing from Imphal east and west districts.

Although the bandh and blockade called by various student organisations like DESAM in Imphal and ATSUM in hill districts from mid-night July 15 had little effect on the move of the passenger buses and taxis on NH-39, probably some prospective candidates chose to remain home.

On July 17 the rally was open to youth of Churachandpur and Chandel districts.

Commandos,VDF now guard jails

Two Addl SPs, jail staffs transferred; four suspended

Imphal, July 11 2009: The State Home Department has replaced all the wardens of the two jails located at Old Lambulane, Imphal and Sajiwa with Manipur Police commandos and Village Defence Forc (VDF) from today.

According to a reliable official source, 30 personnel of both Police commandos and VDF have been assigned duty at each of the two central jails.The move has been taken up to prevent frequent quarrels among the inmates, maladministration, and to prevent UTPs from issuing extortion demands to government employees and others through mobile phone.

Under the new government initiative, the employees of the two jails have been transferred to various places.

Accordingly, the Additional SP of Imphal Central Jail, Phanitphang has been transferred to Chandel District Jail while the Additional SP of Sajiwa Central Jail has been transferred to Churachandpur District Jail.

Besides, several Jailors and staff of the two jails have been transferred to different places, the source said.

At the same time, four jail staffs have been placed under suspension on charge of availing mobile phone inside the jail and complying with the underground elements in issuing threats.

Though the identities of the four suspended jail staffs could not be established immediately, they include one Jailor, two Head Warders, and one warder, a reliable source disclosed.

A discussion on Demand for Grants is due on July 15 on the floor of the ongoing Manipur Assembly relating to demand No 7 (Police), Demand No 24 (Vigilance), Demand No 31 (Fire Protection and Control), Demand No 32 (Jails) and Demand No 33 (Home Guard).

The government is said to have initiated the move in order to defend itself and counter against the charge to be hurled by the opposition members on the day of the discussion on matter relating to the killing of Y Krishnadas and the involvement of some UTPs in the killing.

Diligent State fish farmers honoured fittingly

Imphal, July 10 2009: Along with honouring dedicated fish farmers, the Directorate of Fisheries, Government of Manipur, today organised Fish Farmers' Day, 2009 at the Imphal West District Fisheries Office at Lamphelpat here.

Fisheries Minister Md Alauddin Khan and MLA Mairembam Prithiviraj attended the function as chief guest and president respectively.

Pengba farmer Surchandra being feted

The main highlight of the function included honouring the winners of the Fish Fair cum Fish Crop Competition organised by the Directorate in 2008 with presentation of consolation prizes and inauguration of a Pawn Hatchery at the complex of District Fisheries Office.

Soibam Dhanabir Singh of Ningombam who produced 11,359 kg of fishes, Paonam Nilamani Singh of Hiyanglam Makha Leikai who produced 7,632 kg and Livestock Rearing, Fish Farm and Loktak Lake Development Co-operative Society, Thanga which produced 4,160 kg of fishes were respectively honoured with the first, second and third prize.

The prizes consist of cash reward of Rs 15,000, Rs 19,000 and Rs 7,000 respectively.

Soibam Surchandra Singh who participated in the competition producing 1,400 kg Pengba was also awarded Rs 2000 .

Recipients of the consolation prizes of Rs 1000 each include Joint Selungkhong Pisciculture Co-operative Society, Oinam; S Dhaballo Singh of Nongmaikhong; T Randhoni Devi of Sagang; Neikhai of Molsang; Oinam Gambhir Singh of Chingmei; Aphao Bhochung of Tolloi village, Ningthoujam Ibohal Singh of Laphupat Tera; Mutumyangbi Turel Ahanbi Dairy cum Pisciculture Co-operative Society; Ch Thungpao Aimol Kumbirei Village; M Khupreni Mao of Ningthoupham; Konuma Ngayok Marup, Komlathabi; P Razanglung of Tamenglong Headquarters; P Achun; Heramot Sorokhaibam of Yumnam Khunou; Kh Swami Meetei of Mayang Imphal; S Dhamesh Singh of Laphupat Tera; S Sopa of Unapal village, Tongbram Hoinu Singh of Keirenphabi and Kabri of Paomata Village.

Speaking as chief guest of the function, Minister Md Alauddin Khan pointed out that inspite of vast potential, Manipur has not been able to produce adequate quantity of fishes as there is no budget allocation for the purpose on one hand and failure of adopting scientific method of rearing fishes among the fish farmers.

The Minister also said that with inauguration of the Pawn Hatchery today, efforts should be made to ensure production of adequate quantity of Prawn by this year's Ningol Chakkouba.

Apart from releasing book titled 'Anouba Ngagok Pathap Neinarol' published by the Fisheries Department, two District Fisheries Officers who contributed their mite in enhancing the production of fishes both in the hills and the valley were also felicitated with cash reward of Rs 5000 each at the occasion.

The two Fisheries Officers thus honoured as Chief Executive Officer of Imphal E Sulochana Devi and District Fisheries Officer of Churachandpur CK Gangte.

Agitation in hill areas from July 10

Imphal, July 8 : Spearheading the demand for decentralization of power to the hill districts of Manipur and for holding early elections of the autonomous district councils to enhance grass root democracy in the state, the Indigenous Democratic Front (IDF) has warned the state government that the organization will start mass-based agitation throughout Manipur from July 10 to put pressure on the government for speedy response.

IDF spokesperson, H.Mangjinkhup informed NNN today that representatives of IDF of all the hill districts in Manipur met today at Chingmeirong district council hall, Imphal West, to discuss the line of agitation to be taken up to press the state government for holding early elections of the district councils, which has not been held for the last 20 years or so.

The IDF said that its move is purely to evolve a democratic system of self governance based on indigenous democracy which best benefits the indigenous people of Manipur.

According to the resolutions taken at the meeting today, the agitation will be launched from July 10 in the form of wearing black badges and putting up black flags and banners by members and supporters of IDF all over Manipur, stated the IDF spokesperson.

If the state government fails to respond appropriately, stronger form of agitation, the nature of which the spokesperson did not want to disclose at the moment, would follow, the spokesperson warned.

It is pertinent to note that few days ago, after having had a hectic and extensive campaign in the five hill districts of Manipur to have a grass root level democracy and for evolving a system of self-governance purely based on tribal indigenous form of democracy, the Indigenous Democratic Front (IDF) apprised chief minister of Manipur O.Ibobi Singh to hold elections to the Autonomous District Council (ADC) in the Manipur hills.

The districts of Churachandpur, Chandel, Ukhrul, Senapati and Tamenglong comprised of the hill districts of Manipur.

The IDF was founded sometimes back by the prominent social workers and former tribal students' leaders of Manipur.

Former law student and ex-vice president of All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM) Ngachonmi Chamroy is the president of IDF while former apex students' organisations' leaders such as Ningthaodai Golmei , T.Robert , H.Mangchinkhup, Paul Chothe and Sony Zimik are the vice-presidium of the Front and P.Khamkhanthuam is the general secretary.

In that missive to the chief minister of Manipur intimated in the form of dispatching a representation and was also made available to Newmai News Network, the IDF stated in it that the Front had "successfully interacted with the tribal populace of the five hill districts in its whirl-wind campaign trail where it had held brain storming sessions in every district headquarters.

"From the interactions we are now convinced beyond a shadow of doubt that the tribal people in Manipur want early elections to the Autonomous District Councils (ADC) and also that, taking into account the acute shortage of teachers under Autonomous District Councils and the felt need of quality education, it is appealed that immediate appointment of teachers under ADC be made in the greater interest of the public," was the intimated message of the Indigenous Democratic Front to the chief minister of Manipur.

The IDF missive to the chief minister also stated, " And whereas, the tribal people in Manipur desire early elections to the ADCs, the IDF therefore, requests your government to bring forth a concrete decision in this regard in the ensuing Manipur state legislative assembly scheduled to be held from July 3, 2009" .

Ibobi cautioned on ‘impending’ drought

Imphal, July 7: The impending drought and the government’s “failure” to tackle the situation rocked Manipur Assembly today.

Cutting across party lines, members cautioned the Okram Ibobi Singh government that the state would face famine next year unless the government took effective steps in the next two weeks. In fact, the issue was raised by ruling member N. Mangi Singh of the CPI, a partner in the Secular Progressive Front ministry.

Fear of crop failure and imminent famine next year is rising in the state especially as the Centre is yet to accept the state government’s declaration of drought in Manipur.

The relief and disaster management department had declared Manipur a drought-hit state on June 25 and sent an SOS to the Centre for immediate aid. But the Centre is yet to respond to the appeal, agriculture minister N. Loken Singh told the Assembly today.

The minister also said his department had purchased 300 pump sets to lift water from rivers and lakes and had made the river lift irrigation scheme fully functional to meet the farmers’ demand.

The Ibobi Singh cabinet had cleared a Rs 5.91-crore action plan on June 20 for irrigating 3.5 lakh hectares of paddy field in both the hills and the valley. This included buying of pump sets, growing of paddy nursery, construction of temporary dams and supply of water through river lift irrigation system.

“Each of the 60 Assembly constituencies will have five to six pump sets in the next few days. The government hopes to face the drought effectively if all the MLAs, farmers and NGOs co-operate with the government,” Loken Singh said.

The members said the measures taken by the government were not enough and the chief minister should co-ordinate all the departments and take measures on a war-footing.

“If the farmers do not start planting by July 20, Manipur will face famine next year. The chief minister should lead the fight,” Mangi Singh said.

Opposition leader Okram Joy Singh said the pump sets distributed by the government to the farmers were not enough. The officials are sitting in their chambers when they should all be out in the fields, he said.

“They are not taking serious note of the impending disaster,” he added.

Khasim Ruivah, an Independent MLA from Ukhrul district, alleged that the government was focusing only on the valley and neglecting the farmers in the hills.

“The hills, too, are dry and the farmers have not been able to start paddy cultivation. The government should do something immediately for the hills as well,” he said.

Double win for Singh, Baruah

North East Carom

Chief conservator of forests R.D.S. Tanwar hands over the singles trophy to Barsha Baruah at Abita Indoor Stadium in Guwahati on Monday. Picture by Eastern Projections Guwahati, July 7: M. Madhop Singh of Manipur and Barsha Baruah of Assam claimed double crowns in the 9th North East Carom Championship that concluded at the Abita Indoor Stadium here last evening. Singh won the men’s singles and team event titles while Baruah bagged the women’s singles and team event crowns. Singh defeated L. Rakesh Singh, also from Manipur, 16-0, 8-14, 10-3 for the singles title and topped the tally in the rankings for the region. He was also part of the Manipur side that won the team title defeating hosts Assam 3-0 in the finals. Madhop Singh defeated Ajit Das 12-6, 13-10, Rakesh Singh defeated Madhav Saha 0-14, 11-7, 7-3 and W. Netrajit Singh and G. Subhash Sarma got the better of Assam tandem Sital Kumar Roy and Nayan Goswami 11-7, 7-5. On the women’s board, Baruah overcame Devjani Tamuly, also from Assam, 2-14, 9-7, 13-0 for the singles crown and topped the regional rankings. She was also part of the Assam team that beat Meghalaya for the title. In the team event finals, Tamuly defeated V. Khongsheli 15-3, 13-9, Sharmila Bora tamed H. Begum 9-1, 11-3 and Barsha Baruah and Himakshi Baidya got the better of L. Kharmujai and M. Mukhim 11-17, 12-0, 11-0. S. Gautam of Manipur won the junior boys’ title defeating Nekib Ahmed of Assam 5-7, 11-8, 12-0. S. Binita Devi of Manipur clinched the junior girls’ crown defeating Assam girl Himakshi Baidya 14-3, 8-4.

Minister's comments irks CCpur body

Churachandpur, July 5 : Dejected over the statement made on the floor of the House yesterday by Works Minister K Ranjit regarding the status of Guite Road, Churachandpur District Students' Union (CDSU) today expressed surprise by terming the statement as 'irresponsible'.

The union took strong exception to 'the irresponsible statement made by the Works Minister K Ranjit on the floor of the Assembly for allegedly pretending to being unaware of the handing over of Guite Road to BRO which had already been discussed and approved by the Cabinet at CM's chamber on September 2, 2006 at 4 pm with Chief Minister himself in the chair,' said a statement issued by the union.

It also attached a copy of the said Cabinet proceedings that testify Th Debendra, Phungzathang Tonsing, Parijat Singh, Govindas Konthoujam, W Leima Devi and Allauddin Khan as (former) Ministers present and Chief Minister O Ibobi appending his signature.

Officers present as shown in the memo were Jarnail Singh and P Bharat Singh.

The proceedings further showed that the Cabinet discussed Manipur State Commission for OBCs Act, 2006 in its first agenda and the proposal for handing over Churachandpur-Singngat-Sinzawl-Tuivai road to BRO in its second (un-notified) agenda.

The decision then reads, 'discussed and approved to hand over the construction of Churachandpur-Singngat-Sinzawl-Tuivai road to the BRO'.

CDSU in its statement also mentioned of the Ministry of Defence, GOI in impressing the BRO/BRDB which already accepted to take over four roads in the State including Guite Road under GS funding.

Clearly peeved over the Minister's alleged statement, CDSU demanded clarification within three days and threatened to initiate social boycott of the Minister concerned if their demand is not fulfilled within the stipulated time.

It may be noted here that since 2006, the local populace here has been consistently demanding that Guite Road be handed over to the BRO, and the alleged statement of works Minister K Ranjit claiming that no Cabinet decision had ever been adopted in this regard has infuriated many.

Front pages of local dailies today were filled with the Minister's statement in response to a query from Thanlon MLA V Hangkhanlian, and the reservation raise by student leaders.

Imphal west has highest number of job seekers

Imphal, July 5 : In the records of the state employment exchange at Lamphelpat in Imphal West, the district has recorded the highest number of job seekers among the nine districts of Manipur i.e 2,15,001 job seekers among whom 1,49,561 are male and 65,440 female.

The record of the unemployed government job seekers reached 6,43,652 till May, said a report of the exchange. Out of 6,43,652 job seekers in the state, 4,65,955 are male and 1,77,697 female.

The Imphal west district recorded 2,15,001 job seekers out of which 1,49,561 are male and 65,440 female whereas in Thoubal district the total number of job seekers was 95,960 persons out of which 75,945 are male and 20,015 female.

The Imphal east district recorded 91,439 out of whom 65,361 are male and 26,078 female. In Thoubal district the total number of job seekers was 95,960 out of which 75,945 are male and 20,015 female. In Bishnupur district the total number of job seekers was 57,751, out of whom 42,647 are male and 15,202 female. In Churachandpur district the total job seekers were 58,619 out of which 44,135 are male and 14,484 are female. In Ukhrul district the total number of job seekers was 26,350, out of whom 18,392 are male and 7,958 female. In Senapati district the total job seekers were 48,095, out of whom 34,935 are male and 13,160 are female. In Tamenglong district the number of job seekers was 19,372 out of whom 14,759 are male and 4,613 female, whereas in Chandel district the job seekers number was 23,518, out of whom 16,222 are male and 7,296 are female.

The special employment exchange for the handicapped also recorded 2,241 job seekers in the state and for the record 1,527 of them are male and 714 female.

The University Employment Information and Gaurdian Bureau, Canchipur also recorded 5,306 job seekers in total, out of which 2,569 are male and 2737 female.

It may be mentioned that in the month of April 2009 the record of the government job seekers under the employment exchange at Lamphelpat was 6,42,698.

Dengue fear rings alarm bell at Moreh, Manipur

IMPHAL, Jun 30: Even as Taothong area in Imphal West District has been grappling with outbreak of Malaria over the past few days, fresh report of many people suffering from Dengue like symptom in border town of Moreh has come in. According to sources from State Health Services, many people have been admitted to Moreh Hospital with symptoms of Dengue like fever.
Though the cases have not yet been confirmed as Dengue, it has also come to light that there is no facility either at the Hospitals under the State Government or at RIMS for laboratory testing in this regard, sources said, adding that a team of doctors from the State Health Services would be going to Moreh in the second week of July to find out the origin of the disease.

It is said for Manipur testing of Dengue, Malaria, Japanese Encephalitis and other such vector borne diseases are conducted at Vector Control and Research Centre, Puducherry.

It may be recalled here that the first cases of Dengue in Manipur had been detected at the border town of Moreh in 2007.

Meanwhile, Taothong area in Imphal West has been grappling with outbreak of Malaria with 18 cases confirmed from testing of around 400 suspected cases over the last few days.

Continuing the control effort, an official team of State Vector Borne Control Society has also collected some more blood samples from the affected area today.

However, fogging which was to be conducted today has been deferred due to inclement weather and it would be carried out tomorrow, according to information received by the press.

Manipur kids return home

Imphal, June 30: The 25 children who were rescued from Howrah station on June 17 were brought back to Manipur today.

L. Salony, a member of Senapati Child Welfare Committee said a Howrah court handed over three children to their parents. The remaining 22 were handed over to Salony.

The children, all of whom are from Senapati, were brought to Imphal today by flight and then taken to their district by bus. “They are safe now. We have informed their parents,” Salony said.

Senapati SP Nishit K. Ujwal said an inquiry found that the parents had willingly handed over the children to the pastors.

Non local traders sit-in-protest against killing of migrant workers

Protestors at the sit-in dharna at Chandel on Tuesday, June 30. (Morung Photo)

Chandel, June 30 (MExN): With the escalating incidences of killing of migrant workers in Manipur in the recent past, the non local business community in Manipur today in a ‘first of its kind’ collectively registered its protest against the indiscriminate killing.
About 100 non-local businessmen from various trades today took part in the peaceful sit-in protest in the new market area of the district headquarters Chandel from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Traders also closed down shops as a sign of protest and traffic was paralyzed but no untoward incident was reported during the dharna, the organizing committee of the sit in protest informed.
Poster and placards condemning the senseless killing and appeals to stop the killing of non local workers were displayed at the sit-in-protest. The protesters also called the authority in concern to bring justice by punishing the perpetrators of the crime.

Memorandum to the PM

In this regard a memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister of India was also submitted by the traders to the Deputy Commissioner, Chandel, Devesh Deval.
A copy of the memorandum will also be placed before the Governor and the Chief Minister of Manipur. The traders in the memorandum addressed to the prime minister lamented the fact that despite heavy deployment of armed forces in the state of Manipur the killings of non-local laborers/traders by un-identified gunmen have continued unabated. The worst affected of these senseless killings are women and children, the memorandum noted.
The memorandum appealed the prime minister and his government to deliver “fair justice to all people of the country irrespective of cast, creed or color.” It demanded the protection and security for all non local workers in the state capital of Manipur. It further demanded that the perpetrators be brought to justice while also stating that equal compensation to all the victims be made.
The joint memorandum was signed by the Chandel Naga Peoples Organization, Naga Students Union, Chandel, Chairman Small Town Committee, Chandel, Non-local Traders Union, Chandel, Naga Women Union Chandel and the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights.

Migrant labourers demand security in Manipur

Imphal, Jul l : Migrant labourers of Bihar and West Bengal held a protest rally against the series of killings of labourers by militant groups in Manipur.


Over 400 migrant labourers from various part of the state participated in the demonstration organised by the state unit of All India Trade Union Congress.

Convenor of the protest rally, Joginder Gupta, asked the state government to provide protection to the migrant labourers in the wake of increasing attacks and killings.

A majority of the migrant labourers are living in relief camps in capital Imphal.

Migrant labourers from Bihar and West Bengal have started to move out of Manipur after six migrant labourers from Bihar were killed at a construction site in the Manipur University campus on 11th of this month.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had demanded security for migrant labourers in Manipur after this incident and also asked Bihar’s Chief Secretary to co-ordinate the safe return of the migrants.