Rights group holds protest for Irom Sharmila

Zahid Maqbool

Srinagar:In a show of solidarity with Manipur rights activist Irom Sharmila, a sit-in demonstration and hunger strike, organized under the banner of ‘Kashmir Reform Group', was held at the Press Enclave, here on Saturday.

According to the participants, the protest it is a "reciprocate gesture" from people of Jammu and Kashmir to Sharmila for extending her support for repealing of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Kashmir.

“We want to extend our support to the ‘Iron Lady’ Irom Sharmila, who is on fast from last ten years for revoking the AFSFA from Manipur, we want to extend our support and thankfulness to her as she has demanded same for Kashmir, the group said in a press statement.

The group also demanded immediate steps to resettle the migrated pandits in the Kashmir valley.

The protest is was organized at a time when a Delhi-based civil rights group is going to start ‘Save Sharmila Solidarity campaign.’ The journey to be flagged off by social activist Medha Patkar and Magsaysay awardee Sandeep Pandey on October 16 from Srinagar would pass through many states before reaching Manipur- its destination.

The Manipuri activist is on hunger strike for the last ten years demanding revocation of AFSPA which provides impunity to armed forces operating in disturbed areas of India.

Manipur agitators exempt life-saving drugs from blockade

IMPHAL: The Sadar Hills District-hood Demand Committee (SHDDC) and the United Naga Council (UNC) have exempted life-saving drugs from the purview the economic blockade and will allow their flow along the National Highways. The state cabinet, meanwhile, has decided to hold dialogues with both parties. In its demand that Sadar Hills in Senapati be made a full-fledged revenue district, the SHDDC has been imposing an economic blockade on NH 39 and NH 53 since July 1. An indefinite general strike is also currently on in Sadar Hills. The UNC has also imposed an indefinite total bandh on all highways, including NH 150, since Sunday morning in protest against the state government's attempt to bifurcate the 'Naga areas' to create new districts. Though the UNC has not released any statement on free flow of life-saving drugs, its caretaker informed this reporter that the same may be transported along the highways provided the transporters take prior permission from the UNC and carry all necessary documents. The mounting agitation from both sides has already triggered a commodity crisis as stock of foodstuff and fuel in the state. Responding to fervent appeals from civil, religious and humanitarian bodies including the Red Cross Society (RCS), life-saving drugs including oxygen may be ferried only by RCS ambulances and other ambulances, said an SHDDC statement. Meanwhile, the state cabinet has decided to hold dialogues with both the agitating parties. The cabinet met at the CM's office on Tuesday night and resolved to constitute a committee on 'Reorganization of Administration and Police District Boundary' to maintain law and order.

Fast: Will Anna support Irom Sharmila? North-East ignored?

Imphal, Aug 25 : Anna Hazare's indefinite fast entered ninth day on Wednesday, Aug 24 and the government along with the nation seems to have been stirred up. Crucial members of the government seem busy in persuading Anna to break his fast. The activities among the political leaders clearly show the "discriminate attitude" towards another crusader - Irom Sharmila who has been continuing her fast since last ten years in Manipur.

The "ignored crusader" - Irom, who is also well-known as "Iron lady", reportedly sent a letter to the Gandhian crusader seeking support for her cause to withdraw controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1958, from Manipur.

In her letter to Anna, Irom Sharmila reportedly ruled out an unconditional support and has spoken about the need for reciprocity from Team Anna towards her cause.

Citing the situation, many started speculating - will Anna extend his helping hands towards Irom Sharmila? Sharmila, who has been under house arrest at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College in Imphal, had her last voluntary meal on Nov 4, 2000. She started her agitation to repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, which gives the military powers such as the right to arrest suspected militants without a warrant and to shoot anyone suspected of being a rebel.

Armed Forces Special Powers Act is being implemented in the terrorism dominated states in India and the soldiers are bestowed with tremendous power to tackle the militants.

Sharmila lives in Manipur, the north east state which faces enough trouble - both from the army and the militants. Experiencing the draw-backs of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, Sharmila began her long-battle to protest the anti-terror law.

Naga students urge Manipur govt to uphold 1992 MoU

Kohima, Aug 25 : The Naga Students Federation (NSF) has urged the Manipur chief minister to honour the November 1992 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that assured that not an inch of Naga area would be bartered away under any circumstance .

The NSF issued a copy of representation addressed to Mr O Ibobo Singh by NSF vice-president Sinhilo Thong, Speaker RS Jollyson and general secretary N Ejanthung Ngullie. It referred to the ongoing demand for the creation of Sadar Hills District in Manipur and said the organisation would resort to its own course of action if the memorandum was not honoured.

The NSF reminded the Manipur government of the Memorandum of Understanding signed on November 10, 1992 between the NSF and the Government of Manipur, then represented by the Deputy Chief Minister-acting Chief Minister of Manipur and the Chief Secretary.

The NSF asked the Manipur government to sincerely implement the charter points executed in 1992, keeping in mind the interests and rights of the Nagas in that state in the backdrop of the ongoing demand for creation of Sadar Hills District .

Manipur Assembly starts with tributes to deceased members

Imphal, Aug 24 : The eleventh session of the ninth Manipur Assembly began here today amid tight security.


Members of the House paid obituary reference to three former members of the House, Moirangthem Meghachandra, Thangjolal and Elangbam Suraj.


Suraj was a member of the ninth assembly and was killed in a tragic road accident recently in New Delhi.

Chief Minister, O Ibobi Singh said Elangbam Suraj was a young dynamic leader who was well educated and excelled in various fields.

Leader of the Opposition, Radhabinod Koijam also remembered the works of the three former members.

The House was adjourned after taking up the obituary reference.

Manipur CM to tour European countries

Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh accompanied by a team of state government officials will tour European countries from September 7 to 11 next. Official sources said he will visit Luxembourg, Belgium, Spain and France. Officials, however, did not reveal the details of the tour. Sources said the tour may be linked with taking up developmental works and see the works taken up in the European countries.

BJP up in arms against corruption in Imphal

IMPHAL: Joining the nationwide protest against corruption and storing of black money in foreign banks, members of BJP's Manipur unit staged a demonstration at their Imphal head office on Thursday.

"Our agitation is part of a four-day nationwide agitation against corruption and black money stored in foreign banks," said the party's secretary (media affairs) Laimayum Basanta Sharma.

He added that the party would continue to take up different modes of protests like street meetings, demonstrations and would whip up support against corruption rampant across the country and Manipur in particular.

The BJP's stir comes barely 12 days after the party's national general secretary, Tapir Gao, sought an apology from Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for the police action on yoga guru Baba Ramdev's supporters on Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi.

"Though we don't have any legislator in the sixty-member Manipur assembly, our national leaders have taken up all critical issues of the state in Parliament from time to time for redressal," said Sharma. Ruing the Centre's decision to defer the Parliament session, he added that the decision was taken after rejecting BJP leaders' demand to hold a special session to discuss the crux issues on various aspects, including corruption.

On the other hand, the lone representative of the saffron party in the Imphal Municipal Council (IMC), Yumlembam Ratikanta, carried out a cleanliness drive at a sericulture office complex in the Sangaipat area of Imphal East. "This is the first social work taken up by me after being elected as councilor in the IMC. We will play the perfect role of opposition for the welfare of people," he said.

AFSPA for another year in Manipur

Iboyaima Laithangbam

The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, has been extended for another year in Manipur with effect from Wednesday, after the State was declared disturbed.

The Cabinet recently recommended to the Union government that the AFSPA be extended.

The AFSPA was first imposed in Manipur in December 1980 as foreign-trained insurgents had become uncontrollable. Since then, it has been periodically extended. Under the Act, the Army has been deployed to “assist the civil administration.”

Following mass agitations for repeal, the Manipur government lifted the AFSPA from seven Assembly segments from August 12, 2004.

The government hoped that this gesture would elicit a positive response from the insurgents. However, in August 2006 they lobbed grenades at the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKON) temple in Imphal, killing six persons.

Meghen should be brought back says BJP Manipur unit

IMPHAL, Dec 3 : The Bharatiya Janata Party Manipur Pradesh in a statement issued by its president S Ibohal Singh stated that RK Meghen should be brought back to Manipur and tried fairly in law court.
The BJP statement said that after two months concealment of the arrest of RK Meghen alias Sanayaima Singh, chairman of UNLF, a prominent underground organisation of Manipur now it is clearly understood that he was arrested in Bihar on the basis of the statement issued by the DGP, Manipur which was published in all the local newspaper & electronic media on December 2.
Now the drama of uncertainly and undemocratic way of Meghen arrest has gone and ended the harassment given to civil organisations, political parties and family members although there was serious dissatisfaction on the role played by Union Home Ministry, the BJP Manipur president claimed.
It also questioned next type of harassments and suppression of facts will be meted out to the unfortunate underground leader in the name of taking follow up legal procedures is to be observed closely as the Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India had already played dishonest role on his arrest without giving information of his arrest for a long period of over two months to the people of Manipur which is deadly against the existing practice of the law of the land. This is a serious matter of deceive in brought day light, Ibohal alleged.
While appreciating the statement of DGP, Manipur he also urged the Manipur police to find out the FIR case number of the arrest of RK Meghen, name of the police station and number of days of his police remand and concerned court of the Bihar State to serve the purpose of public information since DGP is officially informed by the office of the National Investigation Agency in the public interest.
It further asserted that in the past one or two years, the public have heard stories of the arrest of some leaders of underground organisations. Rajakhwa, a leader and his associates of ULFA, NDF Chairman Niranjoy, one leader of Dema Halam of Assam and James Kuki, a leader of NSCN (IM) who were arrested in Bangladesh and Kathmandu were brought back to their respective states and now in their respective states Jail. Similarly RK Meghen should be brought back to Manipur and he should be fairly tried by the law of the land, the BJP Manipur unit urged adding any application of third degree method should be avoided.
The Chief Minister of Manipur should also take initiative as was done by the Chief Ministers of Assam and Nagaland in dealing with the problems of the arrest of underground leaders of their respective states similar to the arrest of RK Meghen the statement added.
If there was no exposition by the vice-chairman of the UNLF, Sudhir Bhonsmik of BBC and Tahelka of the arrest of RK Meghen and subsequent movement and pressure by civil organisations including the AMSU, non-Congress political parties and National and International Human Rights forums, RK Meghen could be a missing person forever, it maintained.

Militancy poses hindrance in tourism development in state: Governor Sangai Festival concludes

Imphal, November 30 2010: The 10 days Manipur Sangai festival 2010 which got under way from November 21 with the objective of showcasing the best of the state — its rich art, culture, sport, adventure tourism, natural beauty and food – concluded today.

The state government has been organising the tourism festival for the past four years as an annual feature but even the organizers claimed this one as the biggest so far, it failed to attract crowds as in previous years.

Last year, traffic police at the Palace gate entrance to the venue of the festival had a hard time controlling the thronging crowd on the last day but, it was not so this year.

Governor Gurbachan Jagat and Chief Minister O Ibobi at the closing ceremony of Manipur Sangai festival.

The concluding function was held this evening with state Governor Gurbachan Jagat as chief guest.

The Chief Minister presided over the function in which state tourism minister, TN Haokip, MLAs T Mangibabu and I Hemochandra, chief secretary DS Poonia and tourism comisisoner, KK Chhetry attended as guests of honor.

Addressing the closing ceremony, Governor, Gurbachan Jagat expressed concern over the present law and order situation asserting that it has posed a hindrance to the development of tourism in the state.

He said, "With a view to improving the state's economy, tourism should be developed in the state and, for which all sections of people should work without any bias and prejudice." He also added that a positive attitude of appreciating the beauty and good work of fellow people should be inculcated by all.

The Governor hoped the Manipur Sangai Festival will motivate al people to work for development of tourism to make the state rich and economically independent.

Exploring the aspect of development of tourism in the state, Gurbachan Jagat said that Manipur has a rich heritage in the field of art and culture which is acclaimed the world over citing the Raas Leela dance form and the pung cholom.

The indigenous games of Polo, Yubi Lakpi, Mukna, Kang, etc., make the people of the state very athletic and enthusiastic of sports.

"This is why Manipur although a very small state in area has produced high-quality world class athletes like Mary Kom, Dinku, Suranjoy, Kunjarani, etc.," he said.

Chief Minister, O Ibobi who presided the closing ceremony asserted that acknowledging the importance of tourism for the development of the state, his government is taking up various infrastructure development works.

He said, Loktak lake, the only fresh water lake in the northeastern region of the country, has potential for attracting tourists, and that the state government has drafted a mega tourism project which has been submitted to the Union ministry of tourism for funding the project.

State tourism minister, TN Haokip, MLA T Mangibabu, MLA I Hemochandra, state chief secretary DS Poonia nd tourism commissioner KK Chhetry attended the closing function as guests of honour.

Abducted Manipur PCCF rescued

IMPHAL, Dec 2 – Manipur Principal Chief Conservator of Forest who was abducted by some unknown Kuki militants has been rescued today.

S Singsit, PCCF was abducted from his mother-in-law’s house at Keithelmanbi area under Kangpokpi police station around 8.30 pm last night, police sources said.

He was then taken along with his brother-in-law towards Senapati district in a Maruti car but before reaching Kangpokpi police station his brother-in-law was released and he was shifted to a motorbike, the sources said.

But in an accident the official sustained injury and was evacuated to a government health centre at Senapati, where suspected Naga rebels rescued the official and sent him home, the source added.

However, the reason behind the abduction could not be established.

Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh while addressing a World AIDS Day function here today informed the gathering about the rescue.

Meanwhile, the section officer of Fisheries department Ved prakash who kidnapped by suspected militants reportedly escaped from a place in Lourembam area under Nambol police station in Bishnupur district around 9 am yesterday, reports said.

He was kidnapped from his office in Lamphel area on November 26 at gun point.

79.32 % Villages in Manipur Under Rural Electrification Program

In Manipur, five hill districts have the highest number of electrified villages namely, Chandel, Ukhrul, Senapati and Tamenglong district in the top four positions, according to the latest data.
Even though the state was experiencing shortfall in power supply, electricity department had been able to cover 79.32 percent of the total villages across the state. An official source said that the department had electrified 2002 villages till March of this current year under rural electrification programme.
In Manipur, rural electrification programmes like, Prime Minister’s Package under Non-lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR), Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY), Restructured Accelerated Power Development and Reform Programme (R-APDRP), State Rural Electrification and others had been implemented with the target of achieving cent percent result. Meanwhile, Manipur Renewal Energy Development Agency (MANIREDA) under the Manipur Science and Technology Department was supporting electrification programme for the remote areas with non-conventional energy sources, like solar, wind, biomass and others.
The source further disclosed that the demand of power had always surpassed the supply, adding that against the actual 170 Megawatt of power required, only 110 were met.
Another factor in the shortfall of power supply was transmission and distribution system, the source said. It may be mentioned that Manipur purchase 489.594 MU of energy from the Central Sector Power Agencies at a cost of Rs 107.64 crores and 44.786 MU of energy was received from the Loktak Project free of cost.
But the outstanding due payable to the Central Sector Agencies for purchased of power as on March 31 was Rs 19.5848 crores including Rs 17.2632 crore with the Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. (PGCIL) and Rs 2.3216 crore with Assam State Electricity Board (ASEB).

Governor inaugurates JNIMS in Imphal

Imphal, Aug 17 : Manipur Governor Gurbhachan Jagat today inaugurated the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) at Porompat, Imphal East. The JNIMS will impart both Under-Graduate and Post-Graduate education to medical students and deliver high-quality healthcare services to the patients. Speaking on the occasion, the Governor appealed to the government to start planning from now so that attractive packages could be offered to the Graduate and Post-Graduate students of the institute.

The JNIMS would also be functioning as a hospital with advanced systems of diagnosis and treatment and the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Imphal, would also offer consultancy services through its faculty.

''Even after the passage of more than 60 years of the Independence, we have not been able to provide quality healthcare services to all of our citizens, especially the rural poor,'' Mr Jagat said.

''We have some systems in place, but we do not have willing doctors to go and serve in the difficult areas,'' he said and appealed to the government to provide a scheme of incentives to the doctors willing to serve in these areas.

Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, state Health Minister Ph Parijat and others attended the function.

Manipur is a mini-India; Ibobi calls for harmony

Imphal | Aug 16 : "Manipur is a mini-India. Various tribes and communities have co-existed peacefully for a long, long time. The campaign by some elements against the non-Manipuris (people from mainland India) in the state is very unfortunate," rued chief minister O.Ibobi Singh while delivering the Independence Day speech at First Manipur Rifles Ground in Imphal this morning. The chief minister was pointing to the Revolutionary Peoples Front (RPF)'s campaign against the non-Manipuris in the state.
O.Ibobi Singh said that such mindset of communalism should not be harboured by anybody in the state.
The chief minister then emphasized the need to have strong relationship and unity between the hills and the valley people. He said that unless the people of the hills and the valley join hands together, there cannot be encouraging future. Ibobi said that it was time for both the people of the valley and the hills to understand together.
On the Autonomous District Council (ADC) impasse, O. Ibobi Singh said assured that all the needed powers and facilities will be given to the ADCs. "We will give powers which will not be less than those Autonomous District Councils in the rest of the North Eastern states," assured the Manipur chief minister in his Independence Day speech. Ibobi said that the committee formed headed by the state chief secretary is studying minutely on the matter in order to give teeth to the ADCs.
On the issue of census operation overlapping issue, the chief minister said that the committee under the chairmanship of the chief secretary whose members include the Principal Secretary (Hills), the Commissioners of Revenue and Home departments are examining the matter and the reports are almost ready. The chief minister also touched on various areas with regard to developmental fronts in the state in his speech.

Imphal deserted on I-Day

Imphal, August 16 (NNN): Amid boycott called by the various underground organisations in Manipur, Independence Day was celebrated in Manipur in many parts. As of every year the empty streets in the state capital Imphal greeted the Independence Day in Imphal this morning. No shops and other activities were carried out due to the bandh and boycott called by various militant groups in Manipur. Amid this situation, the main function was celebrated at First Manipur Rifles Ground in Imphal with chief minister O.Ibobi Singh hoisting the Tricolour this morning.
Inspite of the militant groups under the umbrella organisation of the Manipur Peoples Liberation Front (MPLF) boycotting the celebrations of the Independence Day celebrations in Manipur while the KYKL has called 12 hours Manipur bandh on the day against the celebrations of the Independence Day, a sizeable number of general public, ministers, MLAs, top bureaucrats of the state, military officials and others participated in the Independence Day celebration at the First Manipur Rifles Ground. Meanwhile, the bandh in Manipur particularly in the valley districts was almost total with the streets looking deserted. No shops were seen opened. Children and few people were seen loitering in the streets. In general, it was a quiet Imphal today.

First academic session of NIT Manipur commences

IMPHAL, Aug 13 : The first academic session of the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Manipur, was officially inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Manipur, O. Ibobi Singh today at the Takyelpat Government polytechnic.

The session was officially declared open by the Chief Minister after cutting ribbons of the temporary buildings which included hostels, class rooms, of NIT located inside the Government Polytechnic campus.

Out of the 6 NIT allocated to the North Eastern Region the NIT Manipur is the first one to begin its sessions.

While delivering his speech during the inaugural function Chief Minsiter, O. Ibobi, assured that besides the existing facilities like computer science and engineering (CSC), Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) and Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) more course will be upgraded and also ensure adequate infrastructures and equipment and asserted that no stone will be left un-turn to push the NIT Manipur to the level of IIT.

While clarifying over the delayed in starting the construction work of the institute, the Chief Minister pointed out that the trouble was with the acquisition of land however the process of acquisition for the 313 acres at the Lamphelpat is over. A sum of Rupees 30 crores has been earmarked for fencing and compensation of lands, he said adding if necessary the Government is planning to acquire about 200 acres more.

Chief Minister Ibobi while stating that all necessary construction work is being taken by the PDA, asserted that the Government is targeting to complete the construction of the permanent NIT within 3 to 4 years. He further contended that the temporary construction is being constructed under the funding of the state Government. Allotting NIT to Manipur is a fortunate thing for the students and the youths and appealed the people to extend their full co-operation in realizing the dreams of the Government for its citizen.

Education and Transport Minister, L. Jayenta Kumar in his speech lauded the Prime Minister of India for granting the NIT to Manipur. He appealed the people not to cause any kind of disturbances to the gift of the state especially the student’s community.

In his key note address Prof. PK. Bose, Director, NIT, he stated that the state Government has provided all help and support for starting of NIT, Manipur. According to him during the short period necessary construction of infrastructure at the temporary campus was successfully done by Manipur Development society (MDS) and at the same time PWD, Power Department and PHED, has given all their supports.

He said that the NIT Manipur will not confine with the engineering courses but also include Management courses and applied sciences in future. In this session only 61 students against 90 were admitted in which 7 are girls and 54 are boys out of which 20 boys are from outside the state of Manipur adding the session was started from 2nd August this year.

Thongju MLA and Deputy Chairman Planning Board, Bijoy Koijam, opposition leader Radhabinod Koijam, VC MU, Prof. C. Amuba, also attended as the guest of the function.

Mob storms police station in Manipur

Angry over the death of a man accused of militant at police custody, mob stormed Moirang police station of Bishnupur district on Thursday.
The mob also lodged complaint with the Imphal Chief Minister led by local MLA.
A 26-year old youth named Naorem Modhu was apprehended by a combined force of Bishnupur district police commandos and troops of 12 Maratha Li and handed over to Moirang police station.
The combined force handed over the youth along with one of his cousin Noarem Beighyachandra alleging them to be activists of KYKL.
Controversy over the death of the youth surfaced when police said that the combined forces handed over dead body of one of them in which the forces reportedly contradicted by saying that he was handed over alive.
Meanwhile, villagers in large number rose up against the custodian death of one of the youths and stormed the Moirang Police Station today, said local report adding that the mob was put under control with additional police personnel of Bishnupur district police headquarters before they could enter inside the campus of police station.
Further, the MLA along with the SP of the district assured that appropriate action would be taken after investigation.

Patriots' day to be observed in Manipur

Imphal, Aug 12 : Patriots' day would be observed in Manipur tomorrow to pay tribute to those who were hanged by the Britishers after the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891.

One August 13, 1891, Prince Koireng, General Thangal were hanged to death at Pheidabung and the day is observed as the Patriots' day every year.

Three others hanged for waging war against the colonial British empire were Niranjan Subedar (8 June 1891), Kajao Singh, Jamandar (May 25, 1891) and Chirai Naga of Mayangkhang (October 13, 1891).

Starting from early morning, the observations would be done at different places before culminating at BT park where a memorial had been constructed.

Congress MLA beats up Manipur government official

Imphal, Aug 3 : A Congress MLA beat up a Manipur government official for refusing to hand over some equipment to electrify parts of his Assembly constituency, resulting in protest by employees of the electricity department.

The police said Congress MLA K Meghachandra thrashed the superintending engineer of the electricity department, S Joy Kumar, on Monday when he refused to part with any equipment without permission of the chief engineer who was away at the time.

The employees of the department lodged a strong protest with power minister Phungzathang Tonsing who in turn lodged a complaint with Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh asking for the MLA to tender an apology.

They also held a sit-in protest on Tuesday demanding legal action against the legislator.

Manipur eves annexe National Youth Championship

GUWAHATI: Manipur dominated the proceedings to clinch the sixth National Youth Women's Boxing Championships with three gold medals.

Manipur totalled 28 points. Hosts Assam got the runners-up trophy with two gold medals and 25 points, while Punjab finished third with a gold and 19 Points.

Sarjubala Devi (48kg) of Manipur was adjudged the 'Best Boxer' while Anita Kahar (51kg) of Assam was declared the 'Best Loser'.

Sarjubala Devi defeated Mizoram's 9-2 in the finals. The other two gold medals for Manipur came from Sony Chanu (57kg) and Memthoi Devi (69kg).

Manipur boxers bag best team title

GUWAHATI, July 26 – Manipur won three gold medals and clinched the best team title scoring 28 points in the 6th Youth Women National Boxing Championship which concluded at the Tarun Ram Phookan Indoor Stadium here today.

Assam was declared second best team with 25 points while Punjab came third with 19 points.

Sarjubala Devi, who got the best boxer award, won the first gold medal for Manipur defeating Rebecca of Mizoram 9-2 in the final of the 48 kg weight group. Sony Chanu added one more gold to Manipur’s coffer with a 2-0 point victory against Punjab girl Priyanka. E Memthoi clinched the third gold for Manipur thrashing Heena Tokak of Delhi by 6-2 points.

For Assam, Fwilao Basumatary won the first gold medal downing Manipur girl Lakia Soyiban 6-1 in the 54 kg category. The second gold for Assam came through Anjali Muchahary who defeated Muklesh Kumar of Haryana by 7-2 points in the 60 kg group final.

It was a disappointing day for Anita Kahar as the agile Assam girl went down to Sonia of Haryana 5-8. Another Assam girl Minu Basumatary was also beaten in the final by her Punjab opponent Monika Soun 1-3 in a tough contest. Anita, however was adjudged most promising boxer of the meet.

Other gold medal winners were Princy of Kerala who beat Namrata of Madhya Pradesh 3-2 in the 75 kg group and Jagmeet Kaur of Uttarakhand who defeated Aman Deep of Punjab 8-1 in the 81 kg category. In the last match of the day, Nidhi of Haryana knocked out Tanuja Joshi of Uttarakhand in the third round.

Meanwhile, rain water leaked into the interior of the stadium due to a damaged roof which caused severe inconvenience to the players and the spectators.