| Lamyanba Pakhang men to take on Khurai Polo Club (A) today | ||
| Manipur polo | ||
Imphal, Feb. 16 : Manipur Police Sports Club (A) stormed into the semi-final of the 1st 57 Mountain Division Polo Tournament, defeating Thangmeiband Youth Polo Club by 4-1 goals at Imphal Pologround here today. In the last quarter-final match today, Thangmeiband Youth Polo could hardly put up any defence against the volley of strikes by the Manipur Police SC team in the first two chukkers. The policemen put up a formidable front right from the beginning. The Manipur Police team struck first as M. Jawan Singh scored in the first chukker. The riders then followed through with some magnificent strikes in the second chukker. The cops dominated the proceedings totally, giving their best in the second chukker, as I. Khaba Singh fetched the second goal. Teammate S. Bimol Singh chipped in with another goal to increase the tally to three. With the policemen taking over the game with controlled and precise strikes, the Thangmeiband Youth Polo Club found it tough to score. However, in the third chukker, they managed to score a solitary goal when Y. Binoy Singh rode through to bring some solace to the team. The Manipur Police Sports Club soon overrode its opponents as S. Girimohan Singh found the winning fourth goal to seal the fate of the Thangmeiband Youths by 4-1 goals en route to the semi-final today. In the semi-final, Lamyanba Pakhang Polo will take on Khurai Polo Club (A) while Manipur Police Sports Club (A) will clash with Khurai Polo Club (A) tomorrow. |
Showing posts with label manipur. Show all posts
Showing posts with label manipur. Show all posts
Cops canter into semis
Meet resolves implementation of 6th Pay in state would harm unorganized sector
IMPHAL, Feb 16 : The general discussion on the impact and aftermath of implementation of the 6th pay Commission was discussed today in a function organized by the All Manipur Man Power Upliftment Centre.
The function was attended by various resource persons from various intellectual circles of the state, including professors from the Manipur University at MDU Imphal.
The discussions centred around prospects of rise in prices of essential commodities in the state with the implementations of 6th pay commission in the state.
Remarkably, Prof. Chinglen of Manipur University who attended as resource person elaborated that, implementations 6th Pay Commission would invite serious economic crises in the state and such implemenation of 6th pay commission without considering the per capita income of the common public and farmers.
He further mentioned that, the people of the state need to consider that the state has limited resources and entire need of various aspects of development is dependent on the mercy of the Central government.
He said, without considering the per capita income of the common people and farmers of the state, implementation of 6th pay commission will lead to the establishment of a state for the high income groups, i.e. government employees only.
Many participants expressed their opinion on the matter and the meeting final unanimously resolved that the state government to initiate necessary measures to provide unemployment allowances for farmers and educated youths of the state who be directly impacted by the implementation of 6th pay Commission in the state.
The resolution also called for implementations of minimum wage for the working classes groups as implemented in other parts of the country corresponding to the implementation of the 6th Pay Commission.
It also demanded extension of another additional 50 days as working days for already implemented NREGS instead of 100 days as observed in the state. It also called for maintaining transparency in provisions of AAY/BPL cards, regular provision of PDS items, control of prices for essential items.
It also called for the government to bear the transportation charges for the materials related to the farmers, establishment of Worker’s Social Society Act 2008, for the upliftment of workers living under the unorganised sectors, creation of more posts in view of the educated unemployed, establishment of anti-corruption cell in every district, extending service period etc.
The discussion also further resolved to appeal the state government to bring an amicable solutions to avoid the existing paralyses of state administration caused due to cease works strike of AMTUC and ANGEO in the state.
The function was attended by various resource persons from various intellectual circles of the state, including professors from the Manipur University at MDU Imphal.
The discussions centred around prospects of rise in prices of essential commodities in the state with the implementations of 6th pay commission in the state.
Remarkably, Prof. Chinglen of Manipur University who attended as resource person elaborated that, implementations 6th Pay Commission would invite serious economic crises in the state and such implemenation of 6th pay commission without considering the per capita income of the common public and farmers.
He further mentioned that, the people of the state need to consider that the state has limited resources and entire need of various aspects of development is dependent on the mercy of the Central government.
He said, without considering the per capita income of the common people and farmers of the state, implementation of 6th pay commission will lead to the establishment of a state for the high income groups, i.e. government employees only.
Many participants expressed their opinion on the matter and the meeting final unanimously resolved that the state government to initiate necessary measures to provide unemployment allowances for farmers and educated youths of the state who be directly impacted by the implementation of 6th pay Commission in the state.
The resolution also called for implementations of minimum wage for the working classes groups as implemented in other parts of the country corresponding to the implementation of the 6th Pay Commission.
It also demanded extension of another additional 50 days as working days for already implemented NREGS instead of 100 days as observed in the state. It also called for maintaining transparency in provisions of AAY/BPL cards, regular provision of PDS items, control of prices for essential items.
It also called for the government to bear the transportation charges for the materials related to the farmers, establishment of Worker’s Social Society Act 2008, for the upliftment of workers living under the unorganised sectors, creation of more posts in view of the educated unemployed, establishment of anti-corruption cell in every district, extending service period etc.
The discussion also further resolved to appeal the state government to bring an amicable solutions to avoid the existing paralyses of state administration caused due to cease works strike of AMTUC and ANGEO in the state.
Manipur champions in national Vovinam meet
New Delhi, Feb 8 Manipur emerged winners in the national Vovinam championship held at Nanded, Maharashtra.
Around 550 participant from 18 states competed in the first national championship of the little-known Vietnamese martial art sport that concluded Saturday.
Manipur were the overall championship winners scoring 81 points with 13 gold, 12 silver and 18 bronze medals. Maharashtra came second with 63 points winning eight gold, 10 silver and 19 bronze medals. Madhya Pradesh finished third bagging nine gold, four silver and four bronze medals, the Vovinam Association of India said in a statement.
Around 550 participant from 18 states competed in the first national championship of the little-known Vietnamese martial art sport that concluded Saturday.
Manipur were the overall championship winners scoring 81 points with 13 gold, 12 silver and 18 bronze medals. Maharashtra came second with 63 points winning eight gold, 10 silver and 19 bronze medals. Madhya Pradesh finished third bagging nine gold, four silver and four bronze medals, the Vovinam Association of India said in a statement.
CBI to probe Manipur encounter case; SIT formed
New Delhi, Jan 18 The CBI will probe the alleged fake encounter of a Manipuri boy by the state police after the Guwahati High court ordered the case to be investigated by an "independent agency."
The agency has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by a Joint Director, to conduct the probe.
Chungkham Sanjit Singh was killed on July 23 last year and a leading social organisation of the state Apunba Lup (AL) alleged the encounter was "fake", leading to wide protests across the state.
"The case has been registered under section 302 (punishment for murder), 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the IPC and other sections of the Arms act on January 16 at Imphal against unknown persons of Manipur police," a CBI spokesperson said.
The CBI will also investigate the death of an "unknown lady" in the same incident.
The agency has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by a Joint Director, to conduct the probe.
Chungkham Sanjit Singh was killed on July 23 last year and a leading social organisation of the state Apunba Lup (AL) alleged the encounter was "fake", leading to wide protests across the state.
"The case has been registered under section 302 (punishment for murder), 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the IPC and other sections of the Arms act on January 16 at Imphal against unknown persons of Manipur police," a CBI spokesperson said.
The CBI will also investigate the death of an "unknown lady" in the same incident.
Security to be deployed at interior Manipur village
Imphal: A police outpost would be opened soon at Thayong Khunou in Manipur's Imphal East district after the former chief of the village L Riyamkhup was killed by suspected Kuki militants, official sources said here today.
The decision to set up a security post was taken by the state government after a delegation of the village leaders called on chief minister O Ibobi Singh yesterday, sources said.
The state government would also give employment to the next kin of Riyamkhup, who was a government school assistant teacher and a leader of Kom community in the area, they said.
Sources said steps had also been taken to prevent any communal clashes particularly between Kuki and Kom communities in the area.
Riyamkhup was shot dead on Wednesday night near his house in the village allegedly by Kuki militants.
Komrem Union Manipur president L Karong had yesterday said that they respect other communities in the state and bigger communities should not impose diktat on them.
The decision to set up a security post was taken by the state government after a delegation of the village leaders called on chief minister O Ibobi Singh yesterday, sources said.
The state government would also give employment to the next kin of Riyamkhup, who was a government school assistant teacher and a leader of Kom community in the area, they said.
Sources said steps had also been taken to prevent any communal clashes particularly between Kuki and Kom communities in the area.
Riyamkhup was shot dead on Wednesday night near his house in the village allegedly by Kuki militants.
Komrem Union Manipur president L Karong had yesterday said that they respect other communities in the state and bigger communities should not impose diktat on them.
Two kidnapped engineers yet to be traced in Manipur
Imphal: Security personnel combed different parts of Imphal East district to trace the two kidnapped engineers of Manipur power department as several organizations today appealed to the abductors not to extort money from government departments and release the duo unharmed.
A police team, supported by other security personnel, searched Khurai, Kongpal and other places in Imphal East district in past few days following report that the kidnapped officials were being kept somewhere in the district, a senior police official said.
The newly-formed United People's Party of Kangleipak (UPPK) earlier claimed responsibility for the abduction of Executive engineer TH Tomalchan and section officer of the department L Mangi, who were taken away at gun-point from near their houses at Kongpal and Khurai area in Imphal East on November 6 and demanded a payment of Rs. 15 crore by the department for their safe release.
While various social organisations called upon the ultras to ensure safe release of the officials and not to indulge in extortion from government departments, a power department official confirmed attempts were being made to rescue the officials "by using various means."
A police team, supported by other security personnel, searched Khurai, Kongpal and other places in Imphal East district in past few days following report that the kidnapped officials were being kept somewhere in the district, a senior police official said.
The newly-formed United People's Party of Kangleipak (UPPK) earlier claimed responsibility for the abduction of Executive engineer TH Tomalchan and section officer of the department L Mangi, who were taken away at gun-point from near their houses at Kongpal and Khurai area in Imphal East on November 6 and demanded a payment of Rs. 15 crore by the department for their safe release.
While various social organisations called upon the ultras to ensure safe release of the officials and not to indulge in extortion from government departments, a power department official confirmed attempts were being made to rescue the officials "by using various means."
HIV among high risk groups falling in Manipur
IMPHAL, Sept 27 – HIV/AIDS prevalence rate among the high-risk groups like Intravenous Drug Users (IDU), Men having sex with Men (MSM) and Female Sex Workers (FSW) has come down in Manipur during the last one decade.
Officials of the Manipur State AIDS Control Society (MSACS) claimed this during a State-level workshop on HIV/AIDS for media persons here recently.
Dr Kh Pramodkumar, Project Director (Technical) said, the prevalence rate among IDUs has been reduced from 70 per cent to 17.9 per cent in the last one decade. Likewise, such trend is also seen in other high risk groups, he cliamed.
However, HIV/AIDS being a very complex epidemic on it’s dynamics, infection rate among the pregnant mothers is comparatively increasing in Manipur Hills though it has decreased in the Valley districts, he said.
But the prevailing infection rate among the FSWs and MSMs are not encouraging as the prevalence rate among these groups is slowly rising in Churachandpur and Imphal West districts.
According to MSACS’s latest sentinel surveillance reports, Manipur with as many as 25,655 HIV positive cases, has become the second Indian State having very high HIV prevalence among female sex workers (12.9 per cent) after Maharashtra (17.91 per cent). In 2006, the prevalence rate was just 11.6 per cent. Similarly, the prevalence rate of MSM in 2006 was only 12.4 per cent but it reached 16.4 per cent in the following year.
Project Director Pradeep Kumar Jha of MSACS said getting HIV/AIDS does not mean it is the end of life. He also sought support from the media while covering 80 per cent of the State’s population under National AIDS Control Programme III which is being implemented in the region.
In this new programme, National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) is trying to focus more on the district level activities than the State by instituting district AIDS control units.
Such district units were formed in Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland as the epidemic continues unabated in these States. But some NGO leaders and media persons demanded immediate review of the 13 year-old State AIDS policy to accommodate the present requirements.
MSACS officials confirmed the receipt of a recommendation by a review committee.
Officials of the Manipur State AIDS Control Society (MSACS) claimed this during a State-level workshop on HIV/AIDS for media persons here recently.
Dr Kh Pramodkumar, Project Director (Technical) said, the prevalence rate among IDUs has been reduced from 70 per cent to 17.9 per cent in the last one decade. Likewise, such trend is also seen in other high risk groups, he cliamed.
However, HIV/AIDS being a very complex epidemic on it’s dynamics, infection rate among the pregnant mothers is comparatively increasing in Manipur Hills though it has decreased in the Valley districts, he said.
But the prevailing infection rate among the FSWs and MSMs are not encouraging as the prevalence rate among these groups is slowly rising in Churachandpur and Imphal West districts.
According to MSACS’s latest sentinel surveillance reports, Manipur with as many as 25,655 HIV positive cases, has become the second Indian State having very high HIV prevalence among female sex workers (12.9 per cent) after Maharashtra (17.91 per cent). In 2006, the prevalence rate was just 11.6 per cent. Similarly, the prevalence rate of MSM in 2006 was only 12.4 per cent but it reached 16.4 per cent in the following year.
Project Director Pradeep Kumar Jha of MSACS said getting HIV/AIDS does not mean it is the end of life. He also sought support from the media while covering 80 per cent of the State’s population under National AIDS Control Programme III which is being implemented in the region.
In this new programme, National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) is trying to focus more on the district level activities than the State by instituting district AIDS control units.
Such district units were formed in Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland as the epidemic continues unabated in these States. But some NGO leaders and media persons demanded immediate review of the 13 year-old State AIDS policy to accommodate the present requirements.
MSACS officials confirmed the receipt of a recommendation by a review committee.
Manipur girl molested in Delhi
IMPHAL, Sep 23 : A girl from Manipur was reportedly molested after being beaten up by her neighbours at Munirka, New Delhi last night. According to information received from North East Support Centre and Helpline, the incident occurred at around 11.30 pm when the girl turned off the light in the veranda before going to bed. A lady living downstairs told the girl to keep the light on. Thereafter an argument broke out between them. The girl alleged that the lady’s son came out and beat her up severely and then molested her.
She sustained injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment and later on lodged a compliant report with the local police.
The elder sister of the victim informed the North East Support Centre and Helpline that the lady along with her husband, son and daughter also threatened to chase out all the Manipuris from Munirka.
Meanwhile, spokesperson of the North East Support Centre and Helpline Madhuchandra has spoken to Station House Officer (SHO) of Vasant Kunj Police Station Palbinder to look into the matter.
The police officer also informed the North East Support Centre and Helpline that the second party has lodged a counter complaint of alleged rape attempt by the younger brother of the victim.
This is not the first time that girls from the North East have been assaulted and molested in Delhi.
A number of girls from Manipur have been molested and assaulted by their landlords at the capity city.
She sustained injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment and later on lodged a compliant report with the local police.
The elder sister of the victim informed the North East Support Centre and Helpline that the lady along with her husband, son and daughter also threatened to chase out all the Manipuris from Munirka.
Meanwhile, spokesperson of the North East Support Centre and Helpline Madhuchandra has spoken to Station House Officer (SHO) of Vasant Kunj Police Station Palbinder to look into the matter.
The police officer also informed the North East Support Centre and Helpline that the second party has lodged a counter complaint of alleged rape attempt by the younger brother of the victim.
This is not the first time that girls from the North East have been assaulted and molested in Delhi.
A number of girls from Manipur have been molested and assaulted by their landlords at the capity city.
Manipur hampered in fight against HIV/AIDS
Imphal, September 23 : Manipur has 25,655 HIV Positives reported till date since the year 1986 while number of deaths is 625 and the number of AIDS cases is 4363 in Manipur. Some seven ART centers including one private center in Churachandpur district (south Manipur) where 16000 people living with HIV have registered and more than 5000 are undergoing ART treatment, stated the project director, Manipur AIDS Control Society (MACS), IAS Pradeep Kumar Jha.
He was speaking at the “One-day state level media workshop on HIV/AIDS” on Tuesday at MACS conference hall. Informing that Manipur is one of the six highest HIV/AIDS prevalence states in India, the project director of MACS said that though manpower is very low in MACS the state government is working with the assistance of more than 90 NGOs to control the spread of HIV in Manipur.
Speaking about the achievement of MACS, he said that in the last ten years the spread of HIV through injecting drug users (IDUs) have come down by 17.4%, which is considered to be a big achievement in Manipur considered to be a transit point of drugs smuggled into India from the ‘golden triangle’. The state will open four more new ART centers for which permission has already been granted by National AIDS Control organization (NACO), to enable HIV/AIDS patients to get ART treatment without having to travel long distances, said Pradeep Kumar Jha.
He disclosed that MACS is going to sponsor the “C. C. Meet” which is the biggest football tournament in Manipur, so that MACS can campaign for awareness of HIV/AIDS throughout the state. The brand ambassador of MACS, Pradeep Kumar Singh, ex-senior Mr. Manipur who is a HIV-infected person is getting a stipend of Rs 6000 per month from MACS, he added.
The media guidelines of the Press Council of India for reporting on HIV/AIDS will be translated into the local vernacular and distributed to all the local daily newspaper of the state as soon as possible for the benefit of journalists at various levels, stated the project director of MACS. The Imphal correspondent of Times of India, K. Sarojkumar Sharma spoke on “Issues and challenges faced by media in reporting issues on HIV/AIDS” and highlighted the fact that one of the main challenges faced by the local media in reporting issues on HIV/AIDS is financial constraint as a result of which the quality of reporting is wanting. Most of the local newspapers also do not have reporters for health care issues though they have reporters for other fields, he added.
The editor of local vernacular newspaper “Ireibak” Irengbam Arun Singh said that All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU) will try to keep a reporter for reporting health care issues in future and urged MACS to distribute the media guidelines of PCI for reporting on HIV/AIDS as soon as possible. He also urged MACS to hold another workshop to discuss translation of the media guidelines of PCI and added that MACS should check, monitor and update their awareness program and its impact from time to time.
He was speaking at the “One-day state level media workshop on HIV/AIDS” on Tuesday at MACS conference hall. Informing that Manipur is one of the six highest HIV/AIDS prevalence states in India, the project director of MACS said that though manpower is very low in MACS the state government is working with the assistance of more than 90 NGOs to control the spread of HIV in Manipur.
Speaking about the achievement of MACS, he said that in the last ten years the spread of HIV through injecting drug users (IDUs) have come down by 17.4%, which is considered to be a big achievement in Manipur considered to be a transit point of drugs smuggled into India from the ‘golden triangle’. The state will open four more new ART centers for which permission has already been granted by National AIDS Control organization (NACO), to enable HIV/AIDS patients to get ART treatment without having to travel long distances, said Pradeep Kumar Jha.
He disclosed that MACS is going to sponsor the “C. C. Meet” which is the biggest football tournament in Manipur, so that MACS can campaign for awareness of HIV/AIDS throughout the state. The brand ambassador of MACS, Pradeep Kumar Singh, ex-senior Mr. Manipur who is a HIV-infected person is getting a stipend of Rs 6000 per month from MACS, he added.
The media guidelines of the Press Council of India for reporting on HIV/AIDS will be translated into the local vernacular and distributed to all the local daily newspaper of the state as soon as possible for the benefit of journalists at various levels, stated the project director of MACS. The Imphal correspondent of Times of India, K. Sarojkumar Sharma spoke on “Issues and challenges faced by media in reporting issues on HIV/AIDS” and highlighted the fact that one of the main challenges faced by the local media in reporting issues on HIV/AIDS is financial constraint as a result of which the quality of reporting is wanting. Most of the local newspapers also do not have reporters for health care issues though they have reporters for other fields, he added.
The editor of local vernacular newspaper “Ireibak” Irengbam Arun Singh said that All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU) will try to keep a reporter for reporting health care issues in future and urged MACS to distribute the media guidelines of PCI for reporting on HIV/AIDS as soon as possible. He also urged MACS to hold another workshop to discuss translation of the media guidelines of PCI and added that MACS should check, monitor and update their awareness program and its impact from time to time.
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. |
UNC Called For Shutdown In Manipur’s Districts
Senapati (Manipur): A 48-hour shutdown against the CentralGovernment’’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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Double win for Singh, Baruah
| North East Carom | ||
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. |
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.
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)