 MANIPEX 2001
Imphal, September 01 2011:
MANIPEX-2011, Philatelic Exhibition cum Workshop was organised by Department of Posts, India, Manipur Postal Division at Imphal Head Post office here today. Editor of Imphal Free Press Pradip Phanjoubam, Reader in Physics Dr P Rajmani Singh and Director of Postal Services, Manipur Division K Kevichusa, IPS were among other dignitaries who were present during the inaugural function of the exhibition.
State scholarships
Imphal, September 01 2011:
On the recommendation of the State Competitive Schoalrship Examination Committee, 25 students of class V and 25 other students of Class VIII have been declared to have been selected for the State Competitive Scholarships, 2011 . The results may be seen on the notice board of Directorate of Education (S), Govt of Manipur, Lamphelpat or through the website http://manipureducation.gov.in, according to a notification issued by Director of Education (S) W Rajen Singh.
Loaded truck set ablaze
Imphal, September 01 2011:
A loaded truck was set ablaze by suspected highway blockade supporters at Kambiron on NH 37 at around 9.30 pm of August 28. A late report informed that the truck (JK02-AH 6399) carrying tiles and paper left Imphal for Jiribam on August 27. The truck was moving along with a large number of trucks in a convoy but it broke down on the way and got stranded at Kambiron. As the truck was stranded at Kambiron, some unidentified persons came to the spot and set the truck afire. The truck belonged to
one Charanjit. Meanwhile, oil tankers, LPG carriers and empty which left Imphal on August 31 with security escorts reached Jiribam today.
Cultural meet
Jiribam, September 01 2011:
The Zeliangrong Students' Union, Barak Valley organised a cultural meet for the Zeliangrong students of Jiribam and adjoining areas under the theme 'Reviving the glorious past' at Tribal Community Hall, here today. Items like folklores, folk songs and cultural dances of the Zeliangrong community were performed by students at the festival.
The festival was participated by around 200 Zeliangrong students from Jiribam, other places of Tamenglong district and Cachar district of Assam, reports
our correspondent.
KKYNL opposes SHDDC's demand
Imphal, September 01 2011:
With regard to the ongoing indefinite agitation spearheaded by the SHDDC for creation of Sadar Hills district allegedly at the expense of indigenous Naga homestead, the Kharao Khaorui Yairum Naga Long, KKYNL ( Sagolmang Area Naga Long) has expressed strong resentment and objection against the SHDDC's demand. According to a press release issued by KKYNL, it is a civil organisation of the Nagas living in the border areas between Senapati and Ukhrul districts. It further endorsed the stand adopted by the UNC with regard to the demand for creation for Sadar Hills district.
AR refutes charges
Imphal, September 01 2011:
43 AR rebutted the charges levelled on them in an news item published on September 1 edition in local dalies, under the headline "Seven women injured in blockade related altercation near Motbung" . A press release issued by PIB (DW) stated that all the allegations made in the news item are completely false and misleading and an attempt to defamed the AR. The two personnel never assaulted any one neither molested any women. It further stated that no AR troops/officers nor their weapons were captured by bandh supporters nor any pig was ever offered as a fine by the AR troops.
3 vehicle lifters held
Imphal, September 01 2011:
The Anti Thief Squad of the City Police Station today nabbed three vehicle lifters along with the vehicles they had lifted. The three vehicle lifters identified as Md Minajuddin (25) of Lilong Haoreibi Mayai Leikai, Md Rahid @ Boboy @ Lala of Lilong Haoreibi Chandrakhong and Md Ildrish of Lilong Haoreibi Makha Leikai. A Honda Activa (MN04R/9417) and two Honda Dio scooters were recovered from the three of them.
 I am trying to revisit AFSPA : P Chidambaram New Delhi, September 01 2011:
A fresh attempt is being made to build consensus within the Government to amend the controversial Armed Forces Special (Powers) Act (AFSPA), Home Minister P Chidambaram indicated today. "I am trying to revisit AFSPA but as you know one needs to build a consensus within the Government before amendments can be brought before Parliament," Chidambaram said while replying to questions after presenting the monthly report for his Ministry. "We are trying. You know we have tried in the past," he said during the press interaction on being asked whether AFSPA could be repealed in Manipur and Jammu and Kashmir. He said in J and K there was a consensus within the Central Government that if the state withdraws the Disturbed Areas Act, AFSPA will automatically go.
"You know that in Kashmir, we have asked the state government to review the application of Disturbed Areas Act and if that act is reviewed, then automatically if the DA does not apply to areas in Kashmir, the AFSPA is not applied to that area in Kashmir. "So we took that route in Kashmir. In Manipur, the demand is that AFSPA should be repealed. There is a Jeevan Reddy committee report. We have discussed this a couple of times. "As I said, there is no consensus yet and I am trying to build consensus..I have not succeeded so far. There is a statement of the Prime Minister (Manmohan Singh) that we will replace the AFSPA with a more humane act. So we are trying," he said. The army has conveyed its apprehensions to the Defence Ministry that replacement of AFSPA or any dilution could hamper its operational capabilities to effectively deal with militancy and insurgency. "On the first route (in JK) there is a consensus at the Centre. Now at the operational level, the JK govt would have to, in the Unified Command, agree to review the application of Disturbed Areas Act. "If they are able to lift the DAA from, say five places, then AFSPA would not apply to those five places. So that is something which they have to do and I am in touch with the Chief Minister (Omar Abdullah)," Chidambaram said, adding Omar has to "weigh the pros and cons and then decide when to do it, where to do it. That is for them" . Omar's government in the state has already constituted a Committee earlier this year to review the DAA. The Committee comprises Director General of Police, Home Secretary and Corps Commander of 15 Corps (for Kashmir) and Corps Commander of 16-Corps (for Jammu) . The Committee has met twice so far and is expected to meet again next month. The AFSPA gives the Army the powers to detain and, if the situation warrants, eliminate suspected terrorists when they are fighting insurgents without the fear of prosecution. The Act is only in force in some areas in Kashmir and insurgency-affected states in the north east. The Second Administrative Reforms Committee had suggested to the government replacing of the Act with an amended law which gives the Centre the right to deploy the Army or para-military forces in situations involving national security. SHDDC walks out of meet with CM Imphal, September 01 2011:
The stale-mate over the Sadar Hills district status demand and the ongoing blockade and general strike on the National Highways continues with representatives of Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee staging a walk out from a meeting with the Chief Minister today morning. Apart from three executive members of the SHDDC, the three MLAs from Sadar Hills, two former MLAs from Sadar Hills, the vice chairman of Sadar Hills Autonomous District Council were present in the meeting with the Chief Minister.
Accusing the Chief Minister of falling back on the 'delaying tactics' ploy by bargaining for time, SHDDC in a statement said that its representatives staged a walk out from the meeting, when the Chief Minister started harping on creation of Sadar Hills and boundary adjustment/reorganisation. This is contrary to the demand of the people of Sadar Hills which is inauguration of Sadar Hills as a full fledged district as envisaged in the Manipur (Hills Areas) Autonomous District Council Act, 1971, and passed by the Parliament of India, it said. Taking pot shots at the Chief Minister, the Committee questioned whether Ibobi is trying to create a new Sadar Hills or trying to implement the Act of Parliament. Sadar Hills has very well defined boundaries administered under 24 Autonomous District Council Constituencies and three sub-divisions, said the SHDDC and asked whether there were any objections to these boundaries at any point of time. Asserting that there have been no objections, SHDDC asked why the objections have been raised now. The talk broke down close on the heels of the decision to continue with the agitation on the highways.
Decision on Sadar Hills stir soon Imphal, September 01 2011:
A decision on the ongoing agitation for granting district status to Sadar Hills would be adopted after a consultation between SHDDC leaders and Sadar Hills people within the next three days. Addressing a joint press meet of SHDDC and UCM at Kangpokpi today, SHDDC president Ngamkhohao Haokip appreciated the UCM's initiative to come all the way to Kangpokpi to discuss the Sadar Hills issue. Saying that the SHDDC has studied the resolutions adopted at the UCM sponsored leaders' meet, Ngamkhohao reiterated that the issue of upgrading Sadar Hills to a full fledged district is for all and not for any particular community. Welcoming the support extended by UCM, which is the first from among civil organisations, Ngamkhohao said that they would consider the resolutions adopted at the leaders' meet. An open and thorough discussion would also be held to remove all misunderstandings so as to bring peace in Manipur.
He said that a decision would be adopted with regard to the ongoing agitation in consultation with Sadar Hills people within the next three days. UCM president Y Dilipkumar said that the leaders meet adopted a resolution which stated that the high level committee constituted by the Government for re-organisation of districts should include representatives of civil societies and publish its report for public review within two months. "The UCM feels that the Sadar Hills district demand is justified and that the Government ought to fulfil it", Dilipkumar stated. The UCM functionaries also visited Haokam Kipgen (44) who has been on hunger strike in support of the Sadar Hills district demand. They also visited another team of hunger strikers at Sapermaina. Saying that the matter would be put off once again if the election code of conduct comes into force, the UCM leaders maintained that the Government should reveal the progress made by the re-organisation committee in the next two months. The joint press meet was also attended by Universal Mothers' Organisation president N Sorojini and Kuki Mother's Union president Rose Mangshi. DPC results for Primary teachers Controversy not likely to go away Imphal, September 01 2011:
The declaration of the controversy marred DPC results for recruitment of Primary Teachers is likely to be even more murkier this time as no proper verification for various categories have not been made, according to a reliable source in the State Education Department. The source disclosed that although efforts are being made for declaration of the DPC results within the next couple of days, no proper verification of the categories of the candidates have been done so far. In the absence of proper verification, OBC candidates would be deprived of their actual posts. It would also led to a situation where the genuine OBC candidates find inclusion in the General category and the fake candidates get the posts reserved for OBC, the source explained. At the time of submitting their application forms for the DPC, the candidates have categorised themselves as either OBC, SC or ST. But the forms have not been maintained separately. As a consequence, some of the forms submitted under OBC category and the certificates attached to testify the claim have even lost. There is also no arrangement for summoning the candidates concerned physically for necessary verification although the results of the DPC is schedule to be declared within the next couple of days, the source disclosed. Moreover, even though only those OBC certificates which were submitted along the forms are to be considered valid, there is strong submission that some new OBC certificates may have been produced, the source informed. So, if no proper verification of the various categories have not been carried out before declaration of the DPC results, the issue may got tangled up in yet another round of controversy if some of the candidates knock at the door of law court, the source cautioned.
Catering service for visitors to Keibul Imphal, September 01 2011:
For the convenience of tourists coming to Keibul Lamjao National Park, two women Self Help Groups (SHGs) have started catering service offering a variety of indigenous Manipuri dishes. The two women SHGs have started the venture with the help of the Park authority. The two SHGs, namely Sangai Canteen Association and Keinya Bazar Kitchen, have been formed by a group of local women who earlier used to depend on the Park for sustenance through fishing, fire wood collection and plucking vegetables. Along with formation of their SHGs, these womenfolk have been providing service not only to the visitors but also ensuring a steady income for themselves. Apart from rice and other Manipuri dishes in the normal menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner, visitors can also have the pleasure of relishing any other dishes of their choice from these two SHGs, provided the order/ booking is placed in advance. Talking to The Sangai Express, president of Sangai Canteen Association Ningthoujam Ongbi Renubala Leima informed that 10 of them have formed the SHG and started its service with the help of the Park authority. The income generated depends on the season, since the number of visitors coming to the Park is seasonal. But on an average, each of the members in the SHG can earn Rs 1500 a month, Renubala disclosed. Range Officer of the Park Kh Hitler explained that the Park authority took up the initiative with an eye on ensuring an alternative source of income for the local womenfolk, who used to depend on the Park earlier. Interested visitors may contact the two SHGs through the Forest Office, Park and Sanctuary section at Sanjenthong, he informed, while appealing to the public for support to the initiative and the two SHGs.In addition to local boats made of wood, fibre boats have been deployed for conducted tour inside the Park and T-shirt and souvenirs with logo of Sangai have been made available to the visitors, he added.
Jiri district demand : Hawkish stand on card Imphal, September 01 2011:
With consensus eluding the october 30 talks between a team of Jiribam District Demand Committee (JDDC) and Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, the former in pursuit of its demand is all set to intensify the agitation, which was suspended to facilitate a negotiated settlement. Contrary to the Committee's proposal that a definite stand of the SPF Government on the district demand issue be announced within 15 days, the CM reportedly informed the Committee members that decision, if any, on the issue would be processed based on report supposed to be tabled by the Committee on Re-organisation of Administrative and Police District Boundaries (CRA & PDB) to the Government within three months at the latest, thereby stalling the said talks. Speaking to The Sangai Express, JDDC convenor M Maipaksana said in response to the Government's invitation for talks on the issue, the Committee suspended its agitation plan but is compelled to re-launch the same as there is no sign of the State Government honouring its demand especially with the Chief Minister insisting on first studying report of CRA & PDB before any action is initiated.
The convenor also disclosed that even though the talks failed, intimation has been received from the Chief Minister that another joint meeting be held between the Government and the Committee after finalising the date with the Jiribam AC representative Th Debendra, who is also the Revenue and Law & Legislative Affairs Minister in the SPF Government. Inspite of the CM's missive the Committee is of the view that neither the proposed meeting with Th Debendra will yield the desired result nor is the Government likely to honour its demand, Maipaksana opined adding that no further talks with the Government will endorsed. With the JDDC not expecting any positive response from the Government and thus resolving to re-launch the suspended agitation in an more intense manner, members of the Committee currently in the State capital have been consulting leaders of various civil society organisations, including student bodies to seek their support in the movement. Highlighting that in pursuit of the demand various form of agitation, including mass sit-in-protests, bandhs, blockades and rallies were undertaken in the past to which the Government had conceded that the demand is genuine, Maipaksana said failure to translate the assurances into action compelled the Committee to launch the agitation more vigorously. He further confided that as most of the civil society organisations and student bodies have their head offices in Imphal JDDC members are meeting representatives/members of these organisations for success of the agitation. The convenor also mentioned that on completion of the ongoing mobilisation a meeting of the JDDC would be convened after which the agitation plan will be made public. alleging that the State Government ignores any issue brought to its notice until the demand is followed by intense agitation, he regretted that the common public will be exposed to severe inconveniences as the JDDC will be left with no other alternative than to pursuit its demand in an intense manner. It may mentioned that the JDDC withdrew its initial plan to enforce blockade of the Imphal-Jiribam section of NH-53 (renamed NH-37) from August 14 onward in response to the Chief Minister's invitation for a meeting subsequently followed by a joint meeting between a Committee team with the Works Minister K Ranjit and State Planning Board Deputy Chairman Bijoy Koijam. The chief factor cited by the Committee for its demand relates to administrative inconveniences due to distant location of Jiribam, currently a sub-division of Imphal East district, from its district headquarters entailing travel by road for over 230 kilometres along the poorly maintained NH-53 and cost factor in reaching the headquarters by air, the nearest location being Kumbigram in Silchar. Lou to add State folk music to repertoire Imphal, September 01 2011:
For rock and roll icon Lou Majaw music is a way of life and he sees good music coming out from the heart of the performer, and with this deep conviction, he has embarked on a new multi-pronged music mission in strife-torn Manipur. Lou, who has been celebrating Bob Dylan's birth anniversary every year since 1972, will study Manipuri folk music, share his sea of music talents with the people to combat HIV/Aids and drug menace through music. The sixty-four-year-legendary singer, song writer and composer from Shillong will perform at Gandhi Memorial hall popularly known as GM Hall or 'Town Hall' in the heart of Imphal on September 7 after about four decades. "On September 5, I'll perform at Churachandpur district headquarters and on September 7 at GM Hall Imphal," Lou said minutes after he landed at Imphal airport on Thursday afternoon. At GM Hall Lou will perform along with Friends.
"I still feel excitement I had when I was with the 'Blood and Thunder' and 'The Great Society' and performed at GM Hall in the early 70s and it is for this why I have chosen to perform at GM Hall after about forty years. I really love GM hall, which was also the best performing venue for yesteryears rock bands of Manipur," he said. He along with key members of Churachandpur's popular rock band 'Friends' will interact with budding poets , song writers, musicians and singers on the growing trend of rock and blues in the region, Lou said. "We will spread awareness on HIV/Aids and drug users through music in Churachandpur. Manipur as all know, is one of the six states of the nation, having high HIV/Aids prevalence. We have to combat the epidemic's spread," he said while expressing his gratitude to the Manipur Aids Control Society (Macs) for sponsoring his Manipur journey trip. Friends' lead artist Ricky Chakchuak, who is promoting music to young people inlcluding inmates of various drug rehabilitation centres in Churachandpur under the sponsorship of 'MTV Staying Alive Foundation', said Lou's new mission in the tribal-dominated district will definitely bear fruit. On his love of Manipur folk music, Lou said he was mesmerized by a powerful performance made by a Manipur performer, Bhagirat in Shillong early this year. " I saw the music and his song coming out from his heart and I really love to study the components of Manipuri folk music. During my Manipur stint I'll study this excellent music and see if I can instill its components in my new songs," he said. In both Churachandpur and Imphal concerts, Lou will perform Dylan and Bob Marley's best songs as well as his selective self-composed numbers. " I love Dylan's powerful lyrics. Unlike the past events, we will organize Dylan's 71'st birthday on May 24 next year in a fabulous and meaningful manner in five acres of land near Shillong," Lou said. Guitarist Bode Paonam, who is also a key functionary of a popular event management group 'Chumthang Event' , expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Lou for his love to perform in Imphal after a long time. SHDDC refutes CM meet report Imphal, September 01 2011:
Reacting to a report published in this paper, Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee (SHDDC) has clarified that it did not meet the Chief Minister nor send any of its representative for the purpose on the evening of August 31 . The report was published on the basis of an input provided by a Cabinet Minister. The report had also stated that the general secretary of SHDDC, Tonghen Kipgen did not attend the meeting with the Chief Minister. The Chief Minister as well as the newspaper owe a clarification to the people of Sadar hills, general secretary of SHDDC Tonghen Kipgen said in a statement. It is highly regrettable that the Government is once again trying to mislead the people with false propaganda and statements instead of listening to the demand of the Sadar Hills people. SHDDC is always clear in its stand towards fulfilment of the demand for upgradation of Sadar Hills to a full-fledged district, Tonghen Kipgen said.
Students pulled up from movie hall Imphal, September 01 2011:
In all 28 students have reportedly been rounded up by volunteers of Kangleipak Students' Association (KSA) from Pratap Talkies cinema hall for watching movie during school/college hours and in uniforms of their respective institutions. speaking to newspersons at its Sega Road head office today, KSA vice president Thangjam Premananda said those pulled up from the cinema hall include nine students of Zenith Academy, five HRD Academy students, three each studying at Brilliance School and Johnstone Hr Sec School, Biramangol College, Budhachandra College and Manipur Public School accounting for two each while one each were from Temple of Learning and Digambar Jain School.
While informing that all 28 are class IX or XII standard students and had either skipped class to watch the movie or sneaked into the cinema hall while shopping for the forthcoming Teachers' Day celebration, Premananda urged school/college authorities to refrain from levying excessive monetary donation from the students for the celebration. Executive member of Film Forum Manipur namely M Eepu said drive against students watching movies during school/college hours had been jointly carried out by members of the Forum and KSA.
Six lay down arms before BSF DG Imphal, September 01 2011:
Along with laying down their arms, six cadres belonging to three different proscribed outfits surrendered before Special DG of Border Security Force (East) VN Rai, IPS today. The six cadres who laid down their arms during a surrender ceremony held at the Tactical headquarters of 116 BSF located near Loktak Project have been identified as S/S Sgt Maj Lian Khosiam alias Siamboi of Churachandpur district, S/S Sgt Propolin alias Papao of Churachandpur district, S/S Sgt Maj N Gul Khochin alias Ngamsei of Churachandpur district and S/S Pvt Soubam Somen alias Ningaidaba of Heinoilok, Imphal West district, all from UNLF; S/S Sgt Digai alias David of Tamenglong, from NSCN (K) and S/S L/Cpl Laishram Akang Singh alias Abungcha of Tumukhong Awang Leikai, Imphal East district, from KYKL.
They laid down in all one 303 Rifles, one point 303 Rifle magazine, three 9 mm pistols, three 9 mm magazines, two Chinese hand grenades, one Radio set and 15 assorted ammunition before the Special DG, BSF during the surrender ceremony. Welcoming the surrenderees, Special DG BSF (East) VN Rai, IPS assured the families of the surrenderees that BSF would arrange all benefits to them as per the policy laid down by the Government of Manipur and Government of India. He also announced that in all 16 militants belonging to different groups have so far surrendered to various BSF battalions located in different parts of the North East States. IG, Frontier Headquarters of BSF JC Pandey, Additional SP of Bishnupur District Police Isak Shah and other officials were also present during the surrender ceremony. Responding to a question on the situation of militancy in Manipur after BSF battalions have been set up during an interaction with mediapersons after the surrender ceremony, VN Rai observed that people have started reposing their trust on BSF tremendously after BSF battalions have come up in different parts of Manipur. Side by side, the problem of militancy has come down. Book released Imphal, September 01 2011:
A book titled "Freedom from India : A History of Manipur Nationalism (1947-2000), authored by Malem Ningthouja and Spectrum Publications was held on August 30 at the University of Delhi. The book release function was attended by teaching staff and students of Delhi University, representatives of civil societies and left democratic parties, Manipuri students staying in Delhi and several others. Speaking at the function, Prof Bhagat Oinam of JNU noted that the book reflected the commitment of an activist cum scholar. The book had taken strong ideological position and raised crucial debates on issued related to the Manipur national movement. Kavita Krishan of CC CPI (ML) Liberation said that the book brought into light the history of freedom movement that had been covered up. According to comrade Vijay Singh of the Revolutionary Democracy, the debate that was raised by the book had to be discussed and deeply analysed intensively in widespread scale. According to the author, despite contradiction/conflict among co-existing people/communities in Manipur over the national question, it was a fact that there had been continuous Manipur freedom movement as a result of continuous colonial rule since the British colonial period, conveyed a press release issued by the Campaign for Peace and Democracy (Manipur) .
DBS protests monetary demand Imphal, September 01 2011:
Decrying the monetary demand served in name of the proscribed PREPAK (Progressive), students of Don Bosco School, Chingmeirong took out a protest rally in and around Sangakpham Bazar area today. Some people who identified themselves as members of the proscribed PREPAK (Progressive) reportedly served a demand note of Rs 2 lakh on the headmaster of the school. The students took out the rally in protest against the monetary demand. In this connection, headmaster of the school, Indibushan informed that around one and half months back, two unknown youths came looking for him at the school while he was not present in his office room. A week after that, two women came to the school and asked for his telephone number. Here again, he could not meet the women. Around a week back, two unknown youths again came to the school looking for him but he could not meet them. However, in the latest visit, a demand note of Rs 2 lakhs was left at his house giving September 2 as the deadline for meeting the demand, Indibushan informed, adding that he is just a headmaster of Don Bosco School and does not have any involvement in the financial matters of running the school. The financial matters are dealt with by the school management body. Meanwhile, a hand grenade was found lying inside the office complex of Zonal Education Officer at Porompat, close to the district headquarters of Imphal East at around 5.30 pm today. The unexploded hand grenade was picked up by the explosive experts of the State Police and later detonated safely at a nearby area. The reason for planting the bomb is not known.
Irom Sharmila sets record straight Imphal, September 01 2011:
Asserting that she deeply reveres Anna Hazare, Irom Sharmila has today expressed shock over the manner in which she has been misquoted by NDTV which reported that she had described Hazare's movement as 'artificial' . Quoting a communication from her, Just Peace Foundation today said that Sharmila was referring to the act of political leaders and business barons as 'artificial' who orchestrated the whole show for hardly a fortnight. JPF said that her handwritten statement is with them and interested people may check them.
Anomalies in GAD Imphal, September 01 2011:
Serious anomalies and inconsistency have been detected in General Administrative Department (GAD) with the goods it procured not matching with the names of goods entered in the stock register. This was detected in the course of investigation conducted by Vigilance Commission into the supply and supply order issued by GAD Under Secretary to M/S Monalisa, Paona Bazar for furniture and refrigerators in April this year. The supply order was quite obscure in the sense that it mentioned furniture and refrigerators only without giving details. As demanded by GAD, the firm did supply the demanded items. However, it has been learnt that the particular firm has been approved for supply of furniture and nothing else. Moreover, the items procured by GA did not match the names of items entered by the department's LDA in their stock register. Taking serious note of these anomalies and manipulations, the Vigilance Commission has recommended that the particular firm should be blacklisted for supplying items for which it has not been approved as well as to initiate a departmental enquiry against two officials who were involved in issuing the fallacious supply order.
IGNTU students decry apathy Imphal, September 01 2011:
Aggrieved over lack of necessary infrastructure, failure of complying with academic calendar and alleged irregularities in appointment of teachers, students of India Gandhi National Tribal University, Regional Campus, Manipur have undertaken a black badge protest from today. Talking to mediapersons in this connection at the temporary campus of the University located within Adim Jati complex, Chingmeirong, general secretary of the students' union of the University Lun Haokip pointed out that the second semester examination of MA (Political Science) M Phil and MSW is yet to be conducted although the examinations were earlier scheduled to be conducted on June 25 . The student leader informed that a representation has already been submitted to the Vice Chancellor of the University pressing the demand for conducting the pending examinations within September 31 so that the classes for third semester could be started and declaration of the results of first batch MPhil at the earliest. However, there has been no positive response so far. In addition to this, necessary infrastructure have not been developed in the University at all. There is not even a copier for the students, he lamented, adding that the assurance given by Vice Chancellor C Dee to provide Rs 15,000 to each of the students pursuing MSW towards meeting their expenses for field work and one laptop to each research scholar has not been implemented. It may be noted here that the MSW course has been opened in the University for the first time in Manipur.Lun Haokip further pointed out that the existing OSD in the University has not yet been included in the Selection Board (for recruitment of teachers) as well as in the Executive Council. The officer has been given the discretionary power of sanctioning fund upto Rs 15,000 only. All these inherent defects in the existing system has even affected in the recruitment process of the teachers. The foundation day of the University falls on September 9 . But the students have decided not to participate in the celebration until all their demands are met. Joint secretary of the Students' Union Henry Golmei informed that after the ongoing black badge protest, they would resort to sit-in-protest and rally, and if necessary they would even call general strike to press their demands. The Regional Campus of the Indira Gandhi National Tribal University has been set up after ATSUM and MUTSU exerted pressure on the State Government following discrepancies over the reserved seats for tribals in Manipur University after its conversion into a Central University, Golmei recalled.
Army rebuttal on 'face-off fiasco with bandh backers' Imphal, September 01 2011:
With regard to the news report in some dailies including this paper in the September 1 issue under the headline 'AR men in face-off fiasco with bandh backers', the PIB (DW) in a statement has strongly refuted all the allegations. Clarifying that no crackdown was carried out by AR troops, the statement also denied the charge of beating up and molesting women bandh supporters as had been reported. Further clarifying that no AR officer was detained by the bandh supporters and that two AR personnel mentioned in the report were not moving on motorcycle but were walking on foot when they were stopped by women bandh supporters, the PIB (DW) affirmed that 43 AR shares very cordial relations with the local people.
Govt, SHDDC talks end in failure Imphal, September 01 2011:
Delegates of SHDDC led by vice-presidents Thangkam Lupheng and Gokul Sharma today called on CM, O Ibobi early today in a last ditch effort to break the impasse. But the meeting ended in a disappointing note for both parties. SHDDC representatives walked out of the meeting claiming that the CM was playing 'delaying tactics' by bargaining for time, said a press release of the SHDDC signed by president Ngamkhohao Haokip and general secretary Tonghen Kipgen. The press release demanded inauguration of Sadar Hills as envisaged in the Manipur (Hills Areas) Autonomous District Council Act,1971 passed by the Indian Parliament. The SHDDC in its statement asked whether the CM is trying to create a new Sadar Hills or trying to implement the Act of Parliament. "Again, Sadar Hills has very well-defined boundaries administered under 24 Autonomous District Council Constituencies and three Sub-Divisions. Was there ever any objection to these boundaries at any point of time? Definitely no. Then why now?" questioned the release. The press release further states that it is highly regrettable to note that the government is once again trying to mislead the people with propaganda and wrong statements instead of listening to the demand of the Sadar Hills people. The SHDDC is always clear in its stand towards fulfillment of the demand for upgradation of Sadar Hills into a full fledged District. The delegates of the demand committee included the three MLAs of Sadar Hills, two former MLAs and vice chairman of Sadar Hills ADC. General secretary, SHDDC, Tonghen Kipgen admitted that the talks today eluded a solution. "The CM persuaded the visiting delegates to stop the agitation and give the government three-month times to address the issue," he said. He said by asking three months time the election code of conduct will be enforced and the issue would be conveniently shelved.
Further, the SHDDC strongly condemned the conduct of Maj Ashish Dubey, Post Commander, 34 AR, A-Coy posted at Kangpokpi for their actions yesterday in relation to the general strike and economic blockade enforced by the SHDDC. The SHDDC strongly demands the immediate suspension of two AR officers, Maj Bhavish and Maj Ashish Dubey and the jawans involved and court-martial proceedings initiated against them under the laws of the Indian Army. Meanwhile, UCM has requested the demand committee to either relax or call off the agitation in the interest of the general public. The leaders of UCM today met leaders of SHDDC, the former appealing the latter to relax or call off the ongoing agitation for the interest of the general public of Manipur. UCM president Y Dilipkumar told the media that the SHDDC demand is genuine and justified and the decision of the state government to institute a district reorganizing committee is unwarranted and wrong with the three months deadline for the submission of its report suspicious.
6 UG cadres surrender to BSF Imphal, September 01 2011:
At least six UG cadres from three different underground outfits surrendered along with weapons in a function in Imphal today. Four cadres of United National Liberation Front (UNLF) and one each of National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) Khaplang and Kangleipak Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL-O) laid down their arms to Special DG, BSF (East), VN Rai, IG HQ, BSF M&C, JC Panday, ASP, Bishenpur, Issak Shaha at a function at Tac Headquarter of 166 Battalion BSF Loktak project in Bishenpur district. The four UNLF surrenderees have been identified as "sergeant major" Lian Khosiam aka Siamboi, "sergeant major" Promolin aka Papao, "sergeant major" Ngulkhochon aka Ngamsei from Churachandpur district and Private Soubam Somen aka Ningaidaba from Heinoubok Imphal West, "sergeant" Digai aka David of Tamenglong of the NSCN-K and "lieutenant captain" Laishram Akang Singh aka Abuncha of Tumukhong Awang Leikai in Imphal East of the KYKL also surrendered. They handed over a .303 rifle with three live rounds and a magazine, three 9mm pistols along with three magazines and twelve live rounds, two Chinese hand grenades and a radio set. Speaking at the surrender function, DG BSF, VN Rai lauded and welcomed the youths for their courage to rejoin the mainstream society and assured their families of respectable rehabilitation as per the policy laid down by the Central and
state government.
Lack of publicity and marketing makes Hathei unknown to outside world Imphal, September 01 2011:
Hathei, one of the best varieties of chillies in the world found in Sirarakhong in Ukhrul district has long been forgotten and not grown. Despite its uniqueness, lack of publicity and marketing has made it unknown to the outside world. Hathei is unique in its taste as well as its looks. Besides its uniqueness in its looks and flavour it is believed and claimed by the villagers of Sirarakhong that this particular variety of chilli though can be planted in other parts rather than Sirarakhong, its yield capacity will decrease. Apart from this, the size, shape and the taste are quite singular. This is mainly because Hathei is only suited to the climatic conditions of Sirarakhong. Hence it is believed to be God's gift to the villagers of Sirarakhong.
Speaking to this reporter, Ashimwon, a villager of Sirarakhong, said that Hathei is a high yielding variety of chilli. In an average a Hathei plant produces 170 to 180 numbers of chillies in a year. Every year the village produces more than 1500 kgs of chillies but due to lack of proper marketing the products are sold to adjacent villages, Ukhrul and Imphal. It is also exported to Nagaland and Shillong but in less quantity since the transportation system is very poor in the region. And at the same time the publicity level of this unique variety of chilli is very poor. So very few people know about the uniqueness of this variety of chilli. He further said that in spite of all these drawbacks one thing is very clear that once a person tastes this chilli, he or she never forgets its indescribable flavour and the taste is remembered forever. Another farmer talking to this reporter said that if one takes keen interest in the cultivation of this particular variety of chilli, it can be very profitable. Moreover the entire village can maintain livelihoods by engaging themselves in cultivating Hathei, if only proper markets are introduced and full publicity is given. If the transportation problem is solved, a market will emerge. It may be noted that the Sirarakhong Shanalong, a women's society, working to introduce market facilities and to popularize this chilli has been celebrating Hathei Phanit (chilli festival) every year since 2010 . Student drowns after campus gang chases him Chennai, September 01 2011:
In a horrifying incident of campus violence, a student of an arts college in Chennai was chased into the Adyar river, pelted with stones as he tried to get back to the riverbank, and left to drown by a group of fellow students. His body was recovered from the Adyar on Tuesday. Classmates said the gang chased 21-year-old K Thanikaivel into the river. The police have registered a case of "suspicious death" but have made no arrests so far. Thanikaivel's classmates, said he was chased by a group after a quarrel over an anti-corruption protest in which he refused to participate. Some 20 students chased him. When he failed to turn up until Monday evening, his friends informed the family and they lodged a complaint at Saidapet police station. On Tuesday morning, they found his body in the river. The body was sent to Government hospital in Royapettah for postmortem. "We will get the autopsy report on Wednesday. We are waiting for the doctor's report to continue our investigation," said Adyar deputy commissioner of police K A Senthilvelan. Police said there were no external injuries on the body. Two groups of students quarreled inside the college on Monday. "One group overpowered the other. They then targeted Thanikaivel as he was the leader, and chased him into the river," said Prakash, quoting eyewitnesses. "When Thanikaivel fainted, the students returned to the college leaving him in the river," said Prakash. Kannappan, who is a retired head constable, has lodged a complaint with the Saidapet police demanding a probe.
Almost all street lamps in Imphal city inoperative Imphal, September 01 2011:
Almost all street lamps of Imphal city has been inoperative for more than a year now leaving the entire city to a blackened out scenario as soon as dusk falls. Thangal bazar, the business hub of the state, is totally blacked out once night falls. The street lamps which were installed by the concerned department have been inoperative for the last one year and more. Almost all the street lamps have become rusted, bulbs are missing, frames about to break or posts about to fall, all due to the negligence on the part of the concerned department. A non local shopkeeper in Thangal bazar told Hueiyen Lanpao that the street lamps in the city began to show signs of being defunct a year back. Today almost all street lamps are totally out of order. Shops and residential apartments in this part of the city are closed as soon as night falls owing to insufficient power supply, the inoperative street lamps as well as the prevailing law and order situation in the state. As soon as the shops are closed the whole area is blacked out and people stay indoors. There is no problem when the government inflicts load shedding schedule to domestic lines, but this should not be in the case of street lamps. The street lamps should be given uninterrupted power supply throughout the night. This will not only make the city more beautiful but also avoid unwanted robberies from happening. Accusing the Electricity Department for the inoperative street lamps in the city, an official of the MAHUD, on condition of anonymity, told Hueiyen Lanpao that MAHUD pays electric bills for the street lamps in Imphal city, including those in Thangal bazar to the Electricity Department. Since there is no meter installed for these street lamps the bills are paid monthly or yearly on a lump sum basis. Taxes amounting to crores of rupees were paid recently in the month of March to the Electricity Department. As the taxes are paid without fail it is the duty of the Electricity Department to maintain the street lamps. "If they, who are the implementing agency, don't do maintenance work then it would not be an exaggeration to say that they are not doing their duty", he said. An engineer who is in charge of Electrical Division I & II of the Electricity Department clarifying all accusations, told this reporter that there are more than 1000 street lamps installed in Thangal bazar, Paona bazar and other important areas of Imphal city. These street lamps are occasionally checked and repaired, mostly during VIPs' visits. There may be some street lamps which have been inoperative in Khwairamband area. But almost all street lamps are repaired wherever necessary. There are also plans for replacing the existing street lamps in Thangal bazar and Paona bazar by LED bulbs. The system is not only beautiful but also emits more light. There is also a specific provision to light the LED bulbs even in the absence of electricity by using solar power. Because of the processing of this plan of the government, the department has not been repairing some inoperative street lamps in these areas, he added.
High Court asks Govt stand on NHs Imphal, September 01 2011:
The Guwahati High Court Imphal Bench directed the State Government to place the initiatives taken up by the Government to deal the ongoing agitations on the two NHs by the SHDDC since August 1 last. A double bench comprising of Justice T Vaiphei and Justice Mutum Binoykumar asked the State Government's initiatives on the two taional highways.
The Court order was announced today in response to a PIL filed by social activist RK Joysana. The PIL filed through Advocate, M Hemchandra aired the grievances encountered byt the general public of the State due to the indefinite blockade on the highways. The HC ordered the State Government to present by September 5, the steps taken up by the State Government to deal with the agitations. The Union Home Secretary, State Chief Secretary, DGP, Secretary Union Road Transport & Highways, IGP( LO), IGP (Intilegence), CO of the BRO, SHDC president and SHDC are the parties of the respondents.
 NEROCA beat SSU in State league Imphal, September 01 2011:
An injury time goal by Th Vandona off a defence splitting pass from N Sushil ensured maximum point for NEROCA, Sangakpham in its third match of the 6th Manipur State League football tournament played today at Khuman Lampak Main stadium. The all important goal by Vandona helped NEROCA cruise past SSU, Singjamei by a solitary goal and was the Sangakpham side's second victory in the competition after its 3-1 win over YWC in the campaign opener and 1-0 defeat to TRAU. On the otherhand, SSU remain winless in the league competition having drawn both its previous matches � 2-2 against AIM and 1-1 against USA. In the opening match of the Imphal East Senior Women's football league tournament played at the same venue earlier in the afternoon, Okram Chuthek side NYThC defied ESU, Wangkhei to emerge 3-2 winners. T Nungshitombi (54th), Ksh Ngoubi (62nd) and S Tejibala (78th) scored the NYThC goals while Mandakini netted the ESU goals in the 58th and 74th minutes.
Inter-college football Imphal, September 01 2011:
N Birahari College, Khundrak-pam defeated Kh Manipur College, Kakching 3-2 in the opening match of the A Pratap Singh Memorial Inter College Football tourna-ment at Khundrakpam today. W Narendra (5th, 59th) and Khem Bahadur (21st) scored for the hosts with Y Anilkumar scoring the Kha Manipur goals in the 51st and 55th minutes. In all teams from 14 colleges are participating in the knock-out tournament organised under the aegis of Manipur University. Bishnupur: LFC, Ngaikhong Khunou and Moirang Part-II Youth Association split points after a 1-1 draw in today's match of the 9th N Balananda Memorial Division II (Bishnupur) football league tournament being held at Mini Stadium, Bishnupur. D Dishilung's 44th min-ute goal for LFC was neutralised by M John in the 60th minute.
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