Jiri Bandh Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 07:
The 36 hours Jiribam bandh called by the All Jiribam Auto-Rickshaw Owners and Drivers' Association against the arrest of auto-rickshaw driver K Tomba and subsequent hand-over to police with the false allegation of being a UG cadre has come into effect from 5 pm today, informed our correspondent.
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 06:
Informing that the people of Lilong gave a hot chase to a gang led by Md Amu alias Amu Gunda (60) following their attempt to extort money from people in certain areas of Lilong yesterday night, chairman of the proscribed PULF Umar Farooque has hailed the people for their bold reaction. A statement issued by PULF publicity secretary Belal Khan further informed that even as the gang members wielding small arms and automatic rifles managed to flee away, the people vandalised two two wheelers and a Maruti car and other household articles kept at Amu Gunda's home. Though Amu Gunda has been warned to surrender to PULF some three months back for his involvement in many cases of extortion in the name of the outfit, the individual is still refusing the heed the warning, disclosed Belal. While appealing to the people not to give refuge to alleged looter Amu Gunda, the outfit reiterated its warning that Amu Gunda and his accomplices would be awarded capital punishment if they fail to give in to the party within five days. Moreover, any individual found providing refuge to Amu Gunda and his accomplices would be given the same punishment, Belal added.
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 06:
The Tangkhul Students' Union, Imphal (TKLI) has strongly condemned the dastardly murder of Muheni Martin and Hrinii Hubert. While conveying deep concern over the increasing rate of crimes against innocent children in Manipur, the TKLI, in a press release, called for cooperation among the people and for help to the Core Committee in bringing justice in the gruesome murder case. It also condemned the authority concerned for its inaction during the intervening period of more than 100 days before the skeletal remains of the kids were discovered. It also castigated the failure of security forces to book the criminals engaged in the heartless crime whereas they can shoot down many innocent persons on mere suspicion. The TKLI also shared the pain and sorrow of the two bereaved families while praying that the departed souls may rest in peace at the Heavenly abode. Muheni Martin and Hrinii Hubert kidnapped for ransom by unidentified persons was found as skeletal remains. The murder of the innocent kids have shocked the entire State.
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 06:
The 35th All Manipur Shumang Leela Festival, 2007 has begun from today at Th Iboyaima Shumang Leela Sanglen at Palace Compound. Art & Culture Minister Ph Parijat and noted theatre personality H Kanhailal attended the inaugural function of the festival as chief guest and president respectively. Artistes who won awards in the last edition of the festival were felicitated at the occasion. In all 28 Shumang Leela groups including 17 female groups and 11 male groups would be taking part in the festival this time which would go on till April 29. Speaking at the inaugural function, Parijat described Shumang Leela is a performing art form which served as a powerful communication medium with the people so much so that the mistakes of the Government can be corrected through this medium. In his presidential address, theatre personality Kanhailal said Shumang Leela can established close relationship with the people. Director of Art and Culture L Sorojini who graced the function as guest of honour also spoke at the occasion. The play Nungshibagee Khudol of Sanaleipak Nachom Artistes� Association was performed on the first day of the inaugural function of the festival.
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 06:
While acknowledging the gesture of including it in the scheme for construction of Kutcha toilet under SGRY 2006-07, Chandel Naga People's Organisation has categorically stated that it is not in a position to accept it as it is not in tune to the expectation of the organisation. In a statement, CNPO president Ng Gilbert asserted that Kutcha toilet is not what the organisation requires as it may not be durable and what the organisation requires is a Pucca toilet that would serve the purpose for a longer period of time. Therefore CNPO has decided not to accept the amount sanctioned and the same may be utilised by the authority in helping some other deserving Below Poverty Line beneficiaries of the district, the president added.
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 06:
To develop adventure activities and build leadership qualities among the youths of Manipur, the 56th Adventure Course for children sponsored by the Red Shield Division started at Manipur Mountaineering and Trekking Institution at Lamdan from today. The adventure camp is being attended by 52 children including 19 girls. The camp was inaugurated by the CO of 15 JKLI. MMTA has thanked the GOC of 57 Mountain Division for sponsoring the camp.
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 06:
Troops of 13 Assam Rifles seized 250 kgs of unprocessed ganja found packed in 8 bags from Tungou Khunou yesterday at about 5 pm, said the AR PRO in a statement. The ganja was handed over to Ukhrul police station today.
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 06:
An open recruitment of Assam Rifles will be held at Pallel, Chandel from April 9 to April 13, informed PIB (DW) release.
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 06:
Protesting against the alleged accounting of monetary demand with teachers wages, school teachers under the All Manipur Elementary School Teachers' Association Zone II staged a wakat meepham at the Porompat ZEO office today. The protesters maintained that they continue their agitation until their plight is effectively addressed by the authority concerned. On the other hand, Deputy Commissioner of Imphal East has imposed restriction in the area under Section 144 of CrPC prohibiting assembly of more than two persons.
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 06:
A public meeting organised jointly by residents of seven residential areas of Uripok unanimously resolved to appeal to the armed KRA to withdraw its 'death penalty' served against one G Gopal Sharma on humanity ground. The localities (Leikais) include Singjubung Leirak Khwai Nagamapal Paonam Leikai, Khwai Brahmapur Nagamapal, Uripok Tourangbam Leikai, Uripok Sorbon Thingel, Khwai Lalambung Makhong, Nityainanda Leirak and RIMS Road.
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 06:
In connection with the news report published today concerning the alleged incident of gold earrings snatched from a three and half year old daughter of Phanjoubam Sanjit of Bishnupur Ward No 6, the family members clarified to the press that the gold ear rings were not snatched but lost. The lost earrings have also been recovered, they informed.
Bandh/dharna protest youths' slaying Source: The Sangai Express Imphal, April 07: The dawn to dusk bandh called to protest the killing of three persons by Imphal West Police Commandos at Kwakeithel Heinoukhongnembi yesterday concluded peacefully with no report of bandh-related incident from any part of the State. It, however, crippled normal life as most market places and business establishment remained shut and transporters stayed off the road. The bandh was total along the Tiddim line with many bandh supporters erecting road blockade and staging sit-in-protest demonstration demanding punish- ment of the guilty Police commandos.
Defence Minister bares heart on rights abuse Source: The Sangai Express Imphal, April 07:
Union Minister of State for Defence MM Pallam Raju has stated that the Army has been maintaining its �zero tolerance policy� to avoid any collateral damage while conducting its operations. "On the other hand, there should be no human rights violations while discharging their duties," the Minister said in an exclusive chat with The Sangai Express at the office premises of 25 Battalion BRTF at Lamphelpat this evening. On being asked about frequent and number of allegations that there are rampant violation of human rights by personnel of the Central security forces operating in Manipur under the shadow of the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958, the Defence Minister said there should be no such violations and asserted that the guilty personnel could not evade reach from the long arms of the law. "We are very strict on such matter concerning human rights violations," he maintained. When asked if the Centre has an explicit plan to hold a dialogue with the underground organisations in the State by way of setting up a third party from the people�s representatives, the Minister said the door is always open for them (UG groups) for holding a meaningful dialogue to bring about peace and development in the region in general and Manipur in particular. Commenting on his visit to Manipur, the Minister said he is on a North east tour since April 4 to assess progress of road construction programme being undertaken by the Border Road Task Force (BRTF). He further disclosed that a new scheme christened �Special Accelerated Road Development Programme' (ARDP) extending to a whooping 7604 kilometres in the region has been passed for implementation by the Union Cabinet. The proposed project at an estimated cost of Rs 12 crores would be sanctioned by the Prime Minister�s Office, Pallam Raju said adding that the primary objective of taking up the programme is to make good roadways in the region so as to boost the economy. Maintaining that good road infrastructure would be of tremendous help in augmenting the economy, the Minister said, �we don�t want the North Eastern region missing in the nation�s economic growth�. Having noticed that some miscreants disrupted the work process of BRTF, the Minister appealed to all concerned to extend all possible co-operation in the development of the road networks. The Minister also informed that a total staff strength of 5700 would be recruited shortly in the Border Road Organisation to enhance its manpower. The Minister accompanied by Director General of BRO Lt Gen KS Rao also held meeting with four Ministers and State Chief Secretary at Imphal to discuss the ongoing road construction being executed by the BRTF and the upcoming ARDP today at Imphal. Later he was briefed by BRTF Chief Engineer (Sewak Project) Brigadier BD Pandey at the premises of 25 BRTF, Lamphelpat. Interacting with The Sangai Express, Pandey said project Sewak, one of the oldest projects of the BRO was raised in July 1961 primarily for development of roads in Nagaland and Manipur which are highly disturbed by the insurgency movement. He also spoke at length about the yeomen services rendered by the BRTF personnel and officers when people requested for immediate need to establish/provide road connectivity. Among such services, the BRTF official recalled the expeditious construction of the dilapidated Irang bridge along the National Highway-53 during the 52-day long economic blockade imposed by the Naga student body ANSAM during 2005.
Imphal, April 07:
A Corporal of the proscribed KYKL involved in the Tongjei Maril ambush in which 16 IRB personnel were killed was nabbed by Imphal East District Police commandos from Minuthong area yesterday morning. In follow up actions, four camps of the outfit located in the surrounding areas of Keibul Lamjao were busted. The apprehended KYKL cadre is identified as Thokchom Borajao Meitei alias Bisheswar Meitei (27) s/o late Mikhoi of Wangoo Sabal Mayai Leikai. Briefing media persons at his office chamber today, Imphal East SP, L Kailun disclosed that following definite tip off that Borajao would be coming to Minuthong area, Imphal East commandos were laying an ambush for the UG cadre. At about 11 am, Borajao arrived. Quoting the arrested UG cadre, Kailun said Borajao was directly involved in the February 24 ambush upon a convoy of security forces coming back from election duty along Tongjei Maril (Old Cachar Road) near Khoirok Chiru Lamkhai junction at Upper Ngariyan. Acting on his disclosure, a combined force of Imphal East, Imphal West and Bishnupur Police commandos led by Imphal East Addl SP Th Radheshyam launched an extensive search operation in the surrounding areas of Keibul Lamjao. Even as there was no incident of shoot-out with UG cadres, the police commandos busted four camps of the proscribed KYKL in the course of which many items belonging to the UG cadres were seized. The seized items include nine trousers of camouflage and khaki colour, three camouflage shirts, two olive green jerseys, a pouch, battery, a gas stove, gas cylinder, dishes, one Kenwood radio set and three glass tumblers, he said. On the other hand, a cadre of PLA identified as Konjenbam Thoiba s/o Biren of Heingang Mayai Leikai was nabbed by Imphal East commandos from Lamphel Sana Keithel at about 8 pm. Nine RPGs, one 9 mm pistol and two live rounds were recovered from his possession. The articles and weapons seized from KYKL camps and the PLA cadre were also displayed during the media briefing. A few minutes after the PLA cadre was held, Imphal East commandos managed to apprehend another UG cadre belonging to the KCP from Sana Keithel area. The KCP cadre is identified as RK Khelen s/o Khomdonsana of Lalambung Makhong Takhellambam Leikai.
Imphal, April 07:
Former Chief Minister RK Dorendra has resigned from Manipur People's Party (MPP). A resignation letter has been submitted to MPP president Dr L Chandramani. It may be recalled here that Dorendra joined MPP after leaving BJP ahead of the 9th Assembly elections. It was also described then that RK Dorendra joining the MPP was his home-coming besides declaring that he would be contesting the Assembly elections for the last time. Talking to The Sangai Express, RK Dorendra at present in Kolkata, clarified that his resignation from MPP was not because of any misgiving or ill-feeling but his desire to quit politics for some time. He would like to observe the unfolding political scenario of the country for some time before rejoining active politics again. As of now he has not decided to join which political party, he added.
Kohima, April 07:
In Nagaland all hearts and prayers are now for the only chinky girl contesting in the Femina Miss India beauty pageant the final of which will held on Easter Sunday in Mumbai. An Angami girl from Nagaland by the name of Akuonuo Khezhie is one among the 25 beautiful damsels from around the country, whose fate is to be decided in the April 8 Grand Finale of the Sony - Femina Miss India 2007. The winner of the coveted title will represent India in the Miss Universe contest while the first runner-up will vie for the Miss World title. the second runner-up will represent the country in the Asia Pacific beauty pageant. The lanky but athletic Akuonuo Khezhie is from the Nagaland State Kohima and is very optimistic of her prospect in the competition.
Imphal, April 07:
The Supreme Court of India has issued notice to Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Govt of Manipur, and political organisations concerned, concerning the impasse over the Census Report of India 2001 in respect of nine sub-divisions of Ukhrul, senapati and Chandel districts. In its decree delivered on April 5 the apex court not only issued notice to the respondents but have also issued notice in the stay application, returnable in three weeks. A bench, comprising of Chief Justice of India KG Balakrishnan and Justice RV Raveendran issued the notice to Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Government of Manipur and political parties. The petitioner in the case H Benjamin Mate on behalf of different tribal organisations had approached the Supreme Court challenging a Gauhati High Court order that directed the Census Commissioner to re-count the heads of population in the nine sub-divisions. The High Court had held that the present final Census Report (2001) for the said sub-divisions should not be the basis for re-adjustment of number of seats and delimitation of constituencies of Manipur State. The petitioner in the Special Leave Petition aggrieved by the High Court orders had highlighted to the Supreme Court that in case the delimitation exercise is carried out based on the Census Report (2001) hill areas mainly inhabited by tribals would gain three more seats resulting into more representation in the State assembly and enhance prospect for better living conditions. Former Attorney General of India, Soli J Sorabjee appeared on behalf of the petitioner which was filed through Sundeep Srivastava of New Delhi-based Legal Vistas Law Officers. A Writ Petition (PIL) filed by political parties had challenged the census report 2001 and the delimitation carried out on the basis of the said census report.
Imphal, April 07:
The Superintendent of Police Imphal West district, Clay Khongsai has issued a clarification statement regarding a particular report of police commandos recovering/picking up hand the grenade shortly after the gunning down of three youths at Kwakeithel Heinoukhongnembi yesterday morning. The report had highlighted that the commando personnel picked up the hand grenade without waiting for the arrival of bomb experts at the scene. According to the SP �services of bomb experts are utilised for handling improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in respect of which the detonating mechanism leading to the explosion is not known to the general security personnel�. Pointing out that security personnel are taught about the working mechanism of Ordinance factory manufactured explosives like hand grenades, mortar bombs etc, the SP maintained that security personnel can handle such explosive devices (non IEDs) if they are in safe condition thereby not necessitating services of bomb experts. Further informing that a hand grenade is safe if its pin in intact, he also said in case of the pin detected not intact then the same requires engagement of bomb experts. As the grenades recovered in the case of yesterday�s incident were found to be intact the same were picked up by the commandos with waiting for the bomb experts, maintained the SP while adding that the Sangai Express reporter who filed the report was �probably not aware of this position and hence made the comment in question�.
Imphal, April 07:
In a bid to develop tourism sector in the State, the State Government has earmarked Rs 300 lakhs to develop a complex near Sadu Chiru waterfall and to build a guest house at Leimaram under Special Plan Assistance. Besides incorporating the said amount for the Leimaram projects under Plan Assistance of Rs 1374.31 crores for 2007-08, the Planning Commission of India (PCI) has sought detailed project report from State officials within April 10. Further, Principal Secretary of the State Planning Department DV Singh has instructed officials concerned to submit project report of all projects to be taken up under the Special Plan Assistance by April 10. Under the provision of the Planning Commission, Rs 1200 lacs have also been earmarked for development of infrastructure in hill districts. In the last fiscal, even as a large amount of fund was sanctioned under the Special Plan Assistance, only Rs 210 crores was released at the fag end of the year due to failure of various Departments under the State Govt to furnish utilisation certificates in time. The amount released was also made only after the matter was taken up at the Prime Minister's Office. Meanwhile, a source informed that the PCI has conveyed to the Chief Minister their preference of some reliable official like the Chief Secretary instead of an elected MLA for the post of chairman of Loktak Development Authority.
Imphal, April 07:
With the issuance of notification for election of the Hill Areas Committee Chairman scheduled at 11 am of April 13 at the Committee Room of the State Assembly, the National People's Party (NPP) has appealed to the Opposition members to support its member for the post of the Chairman. In the past, post of Hill Areas Committee Chairman was held by members of the ruling parties in most cases. Member of the Hill Areas Committee T Manga Vaiphei has been appointed to preside the scheduled election of the Committee Chairman. Nomination papers for the post of chairman may be filed before noon of April 12. The NPP has appealed to all opposition parties to field one of its MLA as a consensus candidate for the post of Chairman, conveyed NPP president V Hangkhalian. But no definite understanding has been reached among the opposition parties regarding the proposal to field a consensus candidate from among the tribal candidates sitting in the opposition bench. In case the leaders of the opposition parties accept NPP's proposal, the party would field a prospective candidate from among its three sitting MLAs, said Hangkhalian. The two NPP MLAs other than Hangkhalian are Thangminlen Kipgen and T Hangkhanpao. On the other hand, some MLAs, though unofficially, are talking about putting up Dr Khasim Ruivah, elected from Chingai A/C as consensus candidate of the opposition group. Earlier, the ruling parties appointed their MLAs to the post of Hill Areas Committee Chairman from time to time without conducting elections. The post of the Chairman is equivalent to the rank of a Cabinet Minister. But this time, with the necessary election notification issued, the opposition parties are hopeful of one of their MLAs getting the post of the Chairman. In the 60 member State Assembly, only 20 members elected from constituencies of hill districts have the right to vote to elect the Chairman. Out of the 20 MLAs elected from the hill constituencies, 13 are sitting in the opposition bench. As such the opposition group has fair chance of winning the post of Hill Areas Committee Chairman. In case the opposition parties can wrest the post from the ruling parties, it would be the first time in the history of the Manipur State Assembly for an opposition MLA to hold the post of the Chairman, Hill Areas Committee.
Imphal, April 07:
As pre-emptive measure to shield young school students from seasonal outbreak of diseases �students health card� had been distributed to about 2 lakh students of Imphal East and Ukhrul districts in the age group of 0-15 years, said Health Minister Gaikhangam. Speaking to news persons at his office chamber this afternoon, the Minister said to prevent school children of the said age group from being infected with infectious diseases the students health cards were provided on a trial basis under the School Health Programme. Explaining that the programme is a joint vision of the National Rural health Mission and Sarva Siksha Abhiyan, Gaikhangam further stated that under the concept health conditions of young school students would be constantly monitored in addition to twice a year checking. Medical check-up of the card holders comprising of 1.4 lakh in Imphal East and 60,000 students of Ukhrul district would be done free of cost besides providing requisite medicines. Informing that a sum of Rs 75,000 has been allocated by the Govt to Primary Health Centres concerned to ensure availability of the medicines for the time being, the Minister further maintained that for successful implementation of the programme State health Department would train teachers with the monthly health assessment report to be submitted by the month end. To a query regarding damage caused to eyesight of 5 persons after undergoing cataract operations in Bishnupur district recently, Gaikhangam disclosed that RIMS authorities are yet to respond positively to intimation for deputing 3 doctors to investigate the case.
Imphal, April 07:
The GPRN/NSCN has deeply mourned and condoled the death of Moheni Martin and Hrinii Hubert of Senapati, Manipur. In a statement made available to the press today, convenor of Council of Kilonsers, GPRN AZ Jami said �we really share the anguish and pain of the bereaved families at such period of devastation. We really could not imagine how the parents of late Moheni and Hrinii spent the torturous, nervous days and tormenting nights for about three and half months from December 14, 2006 to March 27, 2007 for the miserable fate of their wards. It has been and is a heart wrenching experience for the period and relatives of the two unfortunate boys�. The statement further informed that the members of the NSCN are actually with the bereaved families morally and in spirit, though not physically during these devastating cries. �In spirit, we solicit divine consolation and guidance for the bereaved families for early reconciliation to their lot and we pray for the departed souls for peaceful rest in the bosom of the almighty�, the statement added.
Imphal, April 07:
Expressing serious concern over the rise in criminal activities among the young people in Naga society during the past few years, Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) has termed it as an unfortunate trend. In a statement, Midan Peyu of FGN, Shepoumaramth Region H John Vekhe observed that Naga leader AZ Phizo was proud of saying about the fair social and political system of the Nagas. But unfortunately for the past few year, the nagas people have been experiencing heinous crimes committed by the young people such as killing, torturing and kidnapping for ransom. The kidnapping and killing of Lungnila Elizabeth three years ago and two boys, Moheni Martin and Hrinii Hubert on December 14, 2006 for ransom were the most heinous crimes ever occurred in Nagaland, the statement said, adding that the day on which the funeral services of these young children was conducted would remain as a sorrowful and tearful day in the history of the Naga people. Just as Phizo was proud of the fairness society and culture of the Naga, the statement exhorted that the Naga youth today should also be proud of their fair culture, tradition and its values, and should preserve it at all cost. �All the youths are bound to check anti-social activities in our region and work against anti-social activists whatsoever be the anti-national elements or individual who are disturbing the sanity of our region and who breeds barbarism and terrorism�, the statement said. The statement further said � all youth should have in their knowledge that Nagas proclaimed Nagaland for Christ. So if the youths involve in the violent or anti-social activities, the shout for Nagaland for Christ would only be a deceit and lie. Therefore the crime committed on the two boys should be the last and let our youths learn from it to love our people to do good for out people�. Azha discharged: In consideration of his request of Eno Ch David, Leacy member s/o Eno Chimok Shimphum village, Shepoumaramth Region has been charged from the National service on ground of ill health with effect from April 3, informed Midan Peyu, Shepoumaramth Region, Federal Government of Nagaland H John Vekhe informed in a statement.
Imphal, April 07:
Volunteers of United People�s Front, Singjamei Zonal Council and MAFYF apprehended four persons on charges of being heroin users and abusing SP tablet. A release issued by Committee on Anti-Drug and Alcohol (CADA) identified three persons - Md Ithem alias Salim (21) s/o (L) Md Manab of Hatta Golapati, Wangkhem Bane Singh (38) s/o W Bidur of Keishamthong Hodam Leirak and Sapam Somorjit s/o (L) S Deban of Kongba Kshetri Leikai - as heroin users, and Ningombam Jackychand Singh (24) s/o N Nilamani of Khongman Zone V as SP capsule abuser. All four have been handed over to their respective family elders with a stern warning to mend their ways, added the CADA release issued today. On the other hand, AMADA Nambol Local Council has destroyed 755 litres of illicit liquor seized during its ongoing drive in the presence of the people at Nambol Bazar yesterday morning, according to a statement issued to the press by the secy general of the Council P Ibotombi Meetei today.
U-21 footballers Source: The Sangai Express Imphal, April 06:
All Manipur Football Association has selected 20 players from various units (clubs) to represent the State in the 16th Under-21 National Football Championship 2007 (NE zone) to be held at Aizawl from April 15. The selected players, listed below, are further informed to report to coach S Maniratan at 7.30 am of April 7 at Khuman Lampak Practice ground along with training kits.
Selected players: Source: The Sangai Express Imphal, April 06:
Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (RD&PR) battered PHED by 160 runs in the 18th Civil Services Cricket Championship at Oriental College and Model Higher Secondary School today. Election to bat first, RD&PR rattled up 265 runs for the loss of four wickets in the 30 over game with T Bhogen amassing 89 (not out) runs from 61 balls. Chasing the imposing target PHED crawled to only 105 for five before the overs ran out. bhogen, who also took a PHED wicket was adjudged man of the match. Agri Dept and AG will play tomorrow.
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