India and China need to develop models of economic cooperation which will take into account each other's concerns, President Pratibha Patil said here Monday.
On the last day of her six-day state visit, she spoke to a group of Indian and Chinese businessmen at the India-China business forum
and urged them to further boost ties between the two Asian giants.
"For a long-term partnership, it is important that we develop models of cooperation that take into account the concerns of both parties. I am sure that this will happen even as our economic relationship unfolds," Patil said.
She pointed out that the "impact" of the cooperation will "be felt around the world".
"It is a relationship that has the potential to become one of the biggest economic and business relationships of the century," said India's first woman president.
Reminding that India-China bilateral trade has increased exponentially from $3 billion in 2000 to $52 billion in 2008, Patil said that there was every likelihood that trade volume will achieve the target of $60 billion this year.
At the same time, she said that there was a lot of scope and space left for opportunities.
Patil especially pointed out that India's export basket was not "representative of India's competence in a number of areas", stating that its pharmaceuticals, engineering and IT products have "limited presence in the Chinese domestic market".
The Indian government had plans to increase market awareness of Indian products in China in four thrust areas - information technology, pharmaceuticals, engineering and agro-products.
She commended Indian entrepreneurs who have been successful in China's competitive market.
"We need more success stories to encourage Indian industry to participate in the China markets," said Patil.
She also asserted that economic potential will only be realised, if business, financial and economic institutions of both countries develop sufficient awareness levels of each other.
Patil urged Chinese companies to come to the subcontinent and noted that infrastructure modernisation in India held "significant opportunities".
"To representatives of Chinese businesses who are present here today, my message is that India stands ready to do more business. We welcome investment by Chinese companies in India," she said.
President Patil is also scheduled to go to the Jade Buddha temple, where she will light incense sticks and make flower offerings.
She will leave Monday afternoon for India, arriving in Delhi at about 4.30 p.m.
Last updated on May 31st, 2010 at 09:17 am IST--IANS
Monday, May 31, 2010
After train sabotage, Maoist says sorry, was a mistake-31/5/10
31/05/2010
After train sabotage, Maoist says sorry, was a mistake
Sardiha: Hours before he was named as the prime suspect in the Jnaneswari train disaster, Bapi Mahato told The Indian Express that he was “sorry” for what had happened, and that the targeting of the passenger train was a “mistake”.
After train tragedy, Maoist says sorry, was a mistake
Speaking to the Express inside the Romroma forests, 8 km from the accident site, after much persuasion, Mahato, a key leader of the PCAPA, said: "We are sorry. We never wanted these innocent civilians to die. Trust me, we targeted the goods train. But somehow, we were fed wrong information that the goods train would cross through this track and we removed pandrol clips from a long stretch. We did not want to harm civilians. There must have been some miscalculation."
However, when the Express contacted him again after he had been named the "mastermind" of Thursday night's carnage by Bengal DGP Bhupinder Singh and a manhunt launched for him, Mahato denied all role in the attack.
After train tragedy, Maoist says sorry, was a mistake
Speaking over the cellphone, he said: "We are being framed by the CPM and police. I investigated and came to know that our cadres were not involved in the sabotage. CPM goons, including Arjun Mahato and Lolit Sahoo of Pathuri and Kotushol, are the main persons behind the incident... Everybody knows that a CPM minister held a meeting in Barjudi Primary school just the night before the incident happened."
However, based on intercepts of calls among Maoist activists, police and investigating agencies believe that the Jhargram CPI (Maoist) squad, including 12 cadres led by a 15-year-old boy named Kanu, and the local unit of the PCAPA (People's Committee Against Police Atrocities) removed the pandrol clips and were helped by villagers. The calls also indicate that some gangmen of the Railways were "engaged" forcibly to remove the clips from both the Up and Down tracks. A senior CID official said they had zeroed in on three of the gangmen.
After train tragedy, Maoist says sorry, was a mistake
Raj Kanojia, ADG, CID, who visited the accident site on Sunday, said there was no evidence of a blast. "It was sabotage and it was done by Maoists. There is no doubt about it," he said.
Call intercepts also reveal that a quarrel has broken out between senior leaders over the attack. "One group is blaming another... A blame game has started within the CPI (Maoist) and the PCAPA," a senior police official said.
Bapi Mahato leads the PCAPA in the Guimara-Lalgeria panchayat area under Jhargram, controlling a vast area covering over 20 villages and railway stations like Khemashuli, Sardiha, Banstala and Jhargram.
After train sabotage, Maoist says sorry, was a mistake
Express reporters could enter villages around the accident site only with his sanction. The road leading to Romroma forests and the villages surrounding it were blocked with felled trees. Initially, Mahato was reluctant to surface from his forest hideout and sent emissaries. He said he wasn't feeling well and hadn't slept properly because of raids by security forces. It was on persistent request that he agreed to meet.
While regretting the civilian deaths at the meeting with Express, Mahato justified the Maoist anger. "Whatever we do, we do with the sanction of local villagers. Our villagers are being tortured mercilessly by security forces and in the wee hours of Thursday, several teams of security forces came along with 'Harmads' (armed goons backed by the CPM) into villages and picked up people indiscriminately. So they were seething with anger... you would understand," he said.
After train sabotage, Maoist says sorry, was a mistake
Asked about his links with Maoists, Mahato evaded a straight answer. "We stay out of our homes for fear of security forces, and to stay in the jungles you need arms. There are animals, elephants and one has to have something to defend himself. The moment we pick up arms, we are branded Maoists," he defended.
He was more keen to discuss issues concerning the villagers. He showed an irrigation canal which, he said, could bring smiles to 16 villages if maintained properly. "Just Rs 4 lakh is needed from the government to repair the 32 gates. But those are lying in the same condition since 1971," said Mahato.
With the police on the hunt for him, the PCAPA leader said over the phone that he wasn't worried. "Nobody can prove my involvement. I am only concerned and tense about my high school results which will be out in a couple of days," Mahato said. A student of Manikpara High School, this is his third attempt to pass high school.
After train sabotage, Maoist says sorry, was a mistake
Aged 25, he joined the PCAPA a year and a half ago and was assigned the task of leading the Anchal Committee after the CPI (Maoist) Central Committee expelled three leaders in the area for the October 2009 detainment of Rajdhani Express. The next month, at a meeting in Romroma forests, attended by senior leaders including Bikash, Mahato was made the leader of the PCAPA.
Mahato's father Khudiram was reportedly arrested in 1994 when Bapi was just 10. "I wanted to grow up normally. But one day some miscreants hurled a bomb at a neighbour's house. My father was unnecessarily picked up and jailed for several years."
In 2008, Mahato said, he applied for a CRPF constable's job. "I cleared, but I was asked to deposit a huge sum for the job. I did not have the money."
Source: Indian Express
After train sabotage, Maoist says sorry, was a mistake
Sardiha: Hours before he was named as the prime suspect in the Jnaneswari train disaster, Bapi Mahato told The Indian Express that he was “sorry” for what had happened, and that the targeting of the passenger train was a “mistake”.
After train tragedy, Maoist says sorry, was a mistake
Speaking to the Express inside the Romroma forests, 8 km from the accident site, after much persuasion, Mahato, a key leader of the PCAPA, said: "We are sorry. We never wanted these innocent civilians to die. Trust me, we targeted the goods train. But somehow, we were fed wrong information that the goods train would cross through this track and we removed pandrol clips from a long stretch. We did not want to harm civilians. There must have been some miscalculation."
However, when the Express contacted him again after he had been named the "mastermind" of Thursday night's carnage by Bengal DGP Bhupinder Singh and a manhunt launched for him, Mahato denied all role in the attack.
After train tragedy, Maoist says sorry, was a mistake
Speaking over the cellphone, he said: "We are being framed by the CPM and police. I investigated and came to know that our cadres were not involved in the sabotage. CPM goons, including Arjun Mahato and Lolit Sahoo of Pathuri and Kotushol, are the main persons behind the incident... Everybody knows that a CPM minister held a meeting in Barjudi Primary school just the night before the incident happened."
However, based on intercepts of calls among Maoist activists, police and investigating agencies believe that the Jhargram CPI (Maoist) squad, including 12 cadres led by a 15-year-old boy named Kanu, and the local unit of the PCAPA (People's Committee Against Police Atrocities) removed the pandrol clips and were helped by villagers. The calls also indicate that some gangmen of the Railways were "engaged" forcibly to remove the clips from both the Up and Down tracks. A senior CID official said they had zeroed in on three of the gangmen.
After train tragedy, Maoist says sorry, was a mistake
Raj Kanojia, ADG, CID, who visited the accident site on Sunday, said there was no evidence of a blast. "It was sabotage and it was done by Maoists. There is no doubt about it," he said.
Call intercepts also reveal that a quarrel has broken out between senior leaders over the attack. "One group is blaming another... A blame game has started within the CPI (Maoist) and the PCAPA," a senior police official said.
Bapi Mahato leads the PCAPA in the Guimara-Lalgeria panchayat area under Jhargram, controlling a vast area covering over 20 villages and railway stations like Khemashuli, Sardiha, Banstala and Jhargram.
After train sabotage, Maoist says sorry, was a mistake
Express reporters could enter villages around the accident site only with his sanction. The road leading to Romroma forests and the villages surrounding it were blocked with felled trees. Initially, Mahato was reluctant to surface from his forest hideout and sent emissaries. He said he wasn't feeling well and hadn't slept properly because of raids by security forces. It was on persistent request that he agreed to meet.
While regretting the civilian deaths at the meeting with Express, Mahato justified the Maoist anger. "Whatever we do, we do with the sanction of local villagers. Our villagers are being tortured mercilessly by security forces and in the wee hours of Thursday, several teams of security forces came along with 'Harmads' (armed goons backed by the CPM) into villages and picked up people indiscriminately. So they were seething with anger... you would understand," he said.
After train sabotage, Maoist says sorry, was a mistake
Asked about his links with Maoists, Mahato evaded a straight answer. "We stay out of our homes for fear of security forces, and to stay in the jungles you need arms. There are animals, elephants and one has to have something to defend himself. The moment we pick up arms, we are branded Maoists," he defended.
He was more keen to discuss issues concerning the villagers. He showed an irrigation canal which, he said, could bring smiles to 16 villages if maintained properly. "Just Rs 4 lakh is needed from the government to repair the 32 gates. But those are lying in the same condition since 1971," said Mahato.
With the police on the hunt for him, the PCAPA leader said over the phone that he wasn't worried. "Nobody can prove my involvement. I am only concerned and tense about my high school results which will be out in a couple of days," Mahato said. A student of Manikpara High School, this is his third attempt to pass high school.
After train sabotage, Maoist says sorry, was a mistake
Aged 25, he joined the PCAPA a year and a half ago and was assigned the task of leading the Anchal Committee after the CPI (Maoist) Central Committee expelled three leaders in the area for the October 2009 detainment of Rajdhani Express. The next month, at a meeting in Romroma forests, attended by senior leaders including Bikash, Mahato was made the leader of the PCAPA.
Mahato's father Khudiram was reportedly arrested in 1994 when Bapi was just 10. "I wanted to grow up normally. But one day some miscreants hurled a bomb at a neighbour's house. My father was unnecessarily picked up and jailed for several years."
In 2008, Mahato said, he applied for a CRPF constable's job. "I cleared, but I was asked to deposit a huge sum for the job. I did not have the money."
Source: Indian Express
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Pakistani women go under knife to regain virginity-24/5/10
24/05/2010
Pakistani women go under knife to regain virginity
(NOW THIS GIVES LOTS OF PEOPLE TO RETHINK ABOUT CERTAIN POINTS...VIBHA)
Many Pakistani women are opting for "Re-virgination" or hymen reconstruction surgeries to regain their lost virginity before marriage.
Pakistani women go under knife to regain virginity
The henna-covered hands of a bride.
Living as they do in a conservative, Muslim-dominated society where pre-marital sex is a religious taboo, many Pakistani women are going under the knife for hymen reconstruction surgeries to regain their lost virginity before marriage.
Just look up advertisements in English newspapers or websites or the walls of shops on busy street corners in cities like Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad, offering women a chance to shroud their past with a recreated hymen - and you'll know.
For instance, the website www.hopepk.com. offers help for a number of sexual diseases, and vaginoplasty and hymen repair are at the top. Post an online inquiry or call up 0092-3234195732 - a cell phone number with the Pakistani ISD code and 323 refers to Warid Telecom phone service.
The address of the hospital where the operation will be performed is divulged only when the customer is given a date. The website says it has two doctors - Sarfaraz Ahmed, a graduate of King Edward Medical College, Lahore, and Yasmin Sarfaraz, a gynaecologist and a member of Royal College Ob/Gyn London, who performs hymenoplasty.
Pakistani women go under knife to regain virginity
A Pakistani model walks down the ramp during a fashion show in Karachi
"The result is an immediate decrease in the size of vaginal muscles, resulting in more friction during intercourse," claims the website.
Classified as cosmetic surgery, hymenoplasty was exported from Britain to Pakistan, where many women have been divorced instantly for not conforming to the notion of the blushing, untouched spouse.
Re-virgination, as the process is also known, is performed at $500, or Pakistani Rs.40,000, and is usually resorted to by upper class women in cities.
Doctor Syed Rizwanul Haq says he runs www.noorclinic.com that has loads of content on sex and related problems available in Hindi and Urdu. Among other things, it offers e-books on sex.
Then there is the Nasim Fertility Clinic in the middle-class locality of Johar Town in Lahore.
When a journalist seeking to gather details about the surgery called its owner Farooq Nasim, the doctor first refused to have even heard of hymenoplasty. But then the journalist took help from a woman colleague, Nida (name changed), to help him breach Nasim's wall of caution.
Nida after fixing up the appointment walked into the clinic. "We charge only Rs.40,000; abroad, the operation costs $2,000 or more," the doctor told Nida.
Image credit: AP
Pakistani women go under knife to regain virginity
A Pakistani woman, as she participates in protests against a Facebook page.
It is not necessary even to register names. And such benevolence helps pull in customers. Nasim claims to have restored 300 hymens in the last two years.
Likewise when Nida called Javed of the www.noorclinic.com, he asked her to meet him at the Bio-Test Clinic, 681-Shadman I, Lahore.
After undergoing stringent security and identity checks, she was taken to his office. He was candid. "We have to be cautious because ours is a conservative society. I don't think the maulvis (clerics) have any inkling about this phenomenon; otherwise they would have kicked up a ruckus."
He said he had performed hymenoplasty on 100 girls in the last two years; the number being relatively less because he advertises only on the website.
Image credit: AP
Source: IANS
Pakistani women go under knife to regain virginity
(NOW THIS GIVES LOTS OF PEOPLE TO RETHINK ABOUT CERTAIN POINTS...VIBHA)
Many Pakistani women are opting for "Re-virgination" or hymen reconstruction surgeries to regain their lost virginity before marriage.
Pakistani women go under knife to regain virginity
The henna-covered hands of a bride.
Living as they do in a conservative, Muslim-dominated society where pre-marital sex is a religious taboo, many Pakistani women are going under the knife for hymen reconstruction surgeries to regain their lost virginity before marriage.
Just look up advertisements in English newspapers or websites or the walls of shops on busy street corners in cities like Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad, offering women a chance to shroud their past with a recreated hymen - and you'll know.
For instance, the website www.hopepk.com. offers help for a number of sexual diseases, and vaginoplasty and hymen repair are at the top. Post an online inquiry or call up 0092-3234195732 - a cell phone number with the Pakistani ISD code and 323 refers to Warid Telecom phone service.
The address of the hospital where the operation will be performed is divulged only when the customer is given a date. The website says it has two doctors - Sarfaraz Ahmed, a graduate of King Edward Medical College, Lahore, and Yasmin Sarfaraz, a gynaecologist and a member of Royal College Ob/Gyn London, who performs hymenoplasty.
Pakistani women go under knife to regain virginity
A Pakistani model walks down the ramp during a fashion show in Karachi
"The result is an immediate decrease in the size of vaginal muscles, resulting in more friction during intercourse," claims the website.
Classified as cosmetic surgery, hymenoplasty was exported from Britain to Pakistan, where many women have been divorced instantly for not conforming to the notion of the blushing, untouched spouse.
Re-virgination, as the process is also known, is performed at $500, or Pakistani Rs.40,000, and is usually resorted to by upper class women in cities.
Doctor Syed Rizwanul Haq says he runs www.noorclinic.com that has loads of content on sex and related problems available in Hindi and Urdu. Among other things, it offers e-books on sex.
Then there is the Nasim Fertility Clinic in the middle-class locality of Johar Town in Lahore.
When a journalist seeking to gather details about the surgery called its owner Farooq Nasim, the doctor first refused to have even heard of hymenoplasty. But then the journalist took help from a woman colleague, Nida (name changed), to help him breach Nasim's wall of caution.
Nida after fixing up the appointment walked into the clinic. "We charge only Rs.40,000; abroad, the operation costs $2,000 or more," the doctor told Nida.
Image credit: AP
Pakistani women go under knife to regain virginity
A Pakistani woman, as she participates in protests against a Facebook page.
It is not necessary even to register names. And such benevolence helps pull in customers. Nasim claims to have restored 300 hymens in the last two years.
Likewise when Nida called Javed of the www.noorclinic.com, he asked her to meet him at the Bio-Test Clinic, 681-Shadman I, Lahore.
After undergoing stringent security and identity checks, she was taken to his office. He was candid. "We have to be cautious because ours is a conservative society. I don't think the maulvis (clerics) have any inkling about this phenomenon; otherwise they would have kicked up a ruckus."
He said he had performed hymenoplasty on 100 girls in the last two years; the number being relatively less because he advertises only on the website.
Image credit: AP
Source: IANS
US rehearses strikes inside Pakistan: diplom*ats-30/5/10
US rehearses strikes inside Pakistan: diplom*ats
(US IS PLANNING TO STRIKE ON PAKISTAN TO COUNTER TERRORISM,AS NEWS SAYS, AND AS MR OBAMA WAS HINTED ABOUT IT DURING HIS ELECTION CAMPAIGN AS WELL,THEY WILL ACT IN FUTURE, MAYBE WITH PAKISTAN'S CONSENT ....END OF TERRORISM IS GOOD FOR HUMANITY AND CRUEL TERRORISTS ARE DEFINITLY NEED TO BE PUNISHED HARSHLY...BUT THEN INDIA DEFINITLY NEED TO BE ALERT AND CAUTIOUS, AS IN THIS OPERATION OR EXCERCISE, TERRORISTS ARE BOUND TO ESCAPE AND ENTER INTO NEIGHBOURES BOUNDRY...AND CAN CREATE PROBLEMS....VIBHA)
STAFF WRITER 15:45 HRS IST
Islamabad, May 30 (PTI) US military has already completed 'dry exercises' for launching a unilateral strike inside Pakistan if a terrorist attack in America in the future is traced to that country, a media report said today.
Also known as dry run, this trial exercise is a rehearsal of a military's combat skills without the use of live ammunition, influential 'Dawn' newspaper said in a dispatch from Washington.
Quoting diplomatic sources, it said the trial run for a unilateral strike in Pakistan, however, did not involve US troops.
"Instead, it projected computer simulations of such an attack with an assessment of a possible counterattack and of the potential resistance US troops might face if they entered the Pakistani soil," the report said.
It quoted diplomatic sources as saying that the US had already informed Pakistan of its intention to conduct such an exercise before conducting the computer simulations.
(US IS PLANNING TO STRIKE ON PAKISTAN TO COUNTER TERRORISM,AS NEWS SAYS, AND AS MR OBAMA WAS HINTED ABOUT IT DURING HIS ELECTION CAMPAIGN AS WELL,THEY WILL ACT IN FUTURE, MAYBE WITH PAKISTAN'S CONSENT ....END OF TERRORISM IS GOOD FOR HUMANITY AND CRUEL TERRORISTS ARE DEFINITLY NEED TO BE PUNISHED HARSHLY...BUT THEN INDIA DEFINITLY NEED TO BE ALERT AND CAUTIOUS, AS IN THIS OPERATION OR EXCERCISE, TERRORISTS ARE BOUND TO ESCAPE AND ENTER INTO NEIGHBOURES BOUNDRY...AND CAN CREATE PROBLEMS....VIBHA)
STAFF WRITER 15:45 HRS IST
Islamabad, May 30 (PTI) US military has already completed 'dry exercises' for launching a unilateral strike inside Pakistan if a terrorist attack in America in the future is traced to that country, a media report said today.
Also known as dry run, this trial exercise is a rehearsal of a military's combat skills without the use of live ammunition, influential 'Dawn' newspaper said in a dispatch from Washington.
Quoting diplomatic sources, it said the trial run for a unilateral strike in Pakistan, however, did not involve US troops.
"Instead, it projected computer simulations of such an attack with an assessment of a possible counterattack and of the potential resistance US troops might face if they entered the Pakistani soil," the report said.
It quoted diplomatic sources as saying that the US had already informed Pakistan of its intention to conduct such an exercise before conducting the computer simulations.
PM, Obama discuss 1st India-US strategic talks-PM Manmohan Singh, telephonic talk, Barack Obama-29/5/10
PM, Obama discuss 1st India-US strategic talks
Updated on Saturday, May 29, 2010, 00:31 IST
Tags: PM Manmohan Singh, telephonic talk, Barack Obama
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New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and US President Barack Obama on Friday held a telephonic conversation during which they discussed matters related to the first Strategic Dialogue scheduled to take place on June three besides regional issues.
"The two leaders discussed the forthcoming Strategic Dialogue between the two countries scheduled next week in Washington," a statement from the Prime Minister's Office said.
External Affairs Minister S M Krishna will be travelling to Washington for the Strategic Dialogue with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on June 3.
The statement noted that both sides attach great priority to the dialogue as a means to strengthen bilateral engagement on a wide range of issues including high technology trade, science & technology, civil nuclear cooperation, agriculture, human resource development, security and other strategic issues.
The two leaders took the opportunity to discuss regional and global issues of mutual interest, the statement said.
During the conversation, Obama conveyed condolences on the loss of lives resulting from the air crash in Mangalore last week.
The Prime Minister told Obama that a warm welcome awaited him and his family when they visit India.
Obama is slated to undertake his first visit to India this year and dates for it are being finalised.
PTI
Updated on Saturday, May 29, 2010, 00:31 IST
Tags: PM Manmohan Singh, telephonic talk, Barack Obama
Buzz up!
Share
New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and US President Barack Obama on Friday held a telephonic conversation during which they discussed matters related to the first Strategic Dialogue scheduled to take place on June three besides regional issues.
"The two leaders discussed the forthcoming Strategic Dialogue between the two countries scheduled next week in Washington," a statement from the Prime Minister's Office said.
External Affairs Minister S M Krishna will be travelling to Washington for the Strategic Dialogue with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on June 3.
The statement noted that both sides attach great priority to the dialogue as a means to strengthen bilateral engagement on a wide range of issues including high technology trade, science & technology, civil nuclear cooperation, agriculture, human resource development, security and other strategic issues.
The two leaders took the opportunity to discuss regional and global issues of mutual interest, the statement said.
During the conversation, Obama conveyed condolences on the loss of lives resulting from the air crash in Mangalore last week.
The Prime Minister told Obama that a warm welcome awaited him and his family when they visit India.
Obama is slated to undertake his first visit to India this year and dates for it are being finalised.
PTI
Not right time for India, Pak to talk Kashmir: U.S.-30/5/10
Not right time for India, Pak to talk Kashmir: U.S.
PTI
The U.S. has said that this is not the appropriate moment for India and Pakistan to hold discussions on the Kashmir issue as they need to go for confidence building measures first.
“I think that’s not going to be an issue that’s going to be addressed right away,” Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Robert Blake said in response to a question at a special news conference on India on Friday.
Mr. Blake emphasised that it was for India and Pakistan to take a call on it, but felt that it would be better for the two countries go for confidence building measures first.
“I think, again, that what’s most important is first to get these talks going again and to focus on — once they’ve gotten beyond the immediate counter-terrorism issues, to focus on some of the important opportunities like trade that exist between these two countries,” Mr. Blake said.
“Once they have developed a degree of confidence, they might then be able to take up some of these more sensitive territorial issues,” Mr. Blake said.
He was responding to the question: “Where does Kashmir and the line of control fit into this puzzle?” The State Department official also did not agree with the allegations coming from some of the top Pakistani officials about India’s role in Afghanistan, which he said is nothing but constructive.
“I am not sure that India’s providing that much training to the Afghan army,” Blake said when referred to the remarks of General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani that he was against India training Afghan Armed forces.
“The vast majority of the assistance that the Indians are providing to Afghanistan is in the form of economic assistance,” Mr. Blake said.
“I would say we’ve welcomed very much the assistance that India has provided and all of our cabinet—level officials have welcomed that and will continue to do so,” he said.
“We think that they’ve really played a very important role with the $1.3 billion in assistance that they provided to date, mostly in infrastructure and other kinds of reconstruction projects, but also capacity building and training and so forth. And so we think that is a very important part of the international effort to help stabilise Afghanistan,” Mr. Blake said.
Keywords: Kashmir issue, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State, Robert Blake
PTI
The U.S. has said that this is not the appropriate moment for India and Pakistan to hold discussions on the Kashmir issue as they need to go for confidence building measures first.
“I think that’s not going to be an issue that’s going to be addressed right away,” Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Robert Blake said in response to a question at a special news conference on India on Friday.
Mr. Blake emphasised that it was for India and Pakistan to take a call on it, but felt that it would be better for the two countries go for confidence building measures first.
“I think, again, that what’s most important is first to get these talks going again and to focus on — once they’ve gotten beyond the immediate counter-terrorism issues, to focus on some of the important opportunities like trade that exist between these two countries,” Mr. Blake said.
“Once they have developed a degree of confidence, they might then be able to take up some of these more sensitive territorial issues,” Mr. Blake said.
He was responding to the question: “Where does Kashmir and the line of control fit into this puzzle?” The State Department official also did not agree with the allegations coming from some of the top Pakistani officials about India’s role in Afghanistan, which he said is nothing but constructive.
“I am not sure that India’s providing that much training to the Afghan army,” Blake said when referred to the remarks of General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani that he was against India training Afghan Armed forces.
“The vast majority of the assistance that the Indians are providing to Afghanistan is in the form of economic assistance,” Mr. Blake said.
“I would say we’ve welcomed very much the assistance that India has provided and all of our cabinet—level officials have welcomed that and will continue to do so,” he said.
“We think that they’ve really played a very important role with the $1.3 billion in assistance that they provided to date, mostly in infrastructure and other kinds of reconstruction projects, but also capacity building and training and so forth. And so we think that is a very important part of the international effort to help stabilise Afghanistan,” Mr. Blake said.
Keywords: Kashmir issue, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State, Robert Blake
Pak SC frees 26/11 mastermind Saeed, India disappointed
25/05/2010
Pak SC frees 26/11 mastermind Saeed, India disappointed
(I AM SURE TILL THE DATE PAKISTAN IS GOING TO FREED SUCH DREADED CRIMINAL, PAKISTAN WILL GET WOUNDED LIKE- IT GOT 2 DAYS BACK...BUT WHAT PAINS IS THAT, ALWAYS INNOCENT PEOPLE GET HURT,THEY DIE...WHICHEVER SIDE OF BORDER THEY ARE IN...IT REALLY HURTS!!!-VIBHA)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed appeals filed by authorities challenging the release of JuD chief Hafiz Muhammed Saeed, blamed by India for masterminding the Mumbai attacks, from house arrest.
Hafiz Saeed
Reacting to the decesion, India voiced disappointment over Saeed's release and asked Islamabad to take meaningful action against such elements. "There is a sense of disappointment. Everybody in India feels this disappointment," Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao told reporters here. "We regard Saeed as one of the masterminds of the Mumbai attacks. He has openly declared jihad against India," Rao said.
The appeals against the Lahore High Court's order to release Saeed were filed by the federal and Punjab governments last year but could not be taken up earlier for various technical reasons.
When the matter came up for hearing today, a three-judge bench headed by Justice Nasir-ul-Mulk dismissed the appeals. Further details were not immediately available.
Saeed, also the founder of the banned Lashker-e-Taiba (LeT), was put under house arrest in December 2008 in the wake of the Mumbai attacks after the UN Security Council declared the JuD a front for the LeT.
The JuD chief challenged his detention in the Lahore High Court.
Saeed was freed on June 2 last year by a three-judge bench of the High Court that said that Punjab and federal governments had failed to provide sufficient evidence to keep him in custody.
Following pressure from India and the international community, the federal and Punjab governments challenged the high court's ruling in the apex court.
Differences between the federal and Punjab governments and the change of certain legal officials of Punjab province held up the matter in the apex court.
Pakistani leaders like Interior Minister Rehman Malik and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi have contended that India has not provided any evidence that will allow authorities to act against Saeed.
Home minister P Chidambaram has maintained that India has provided sufficient evidence against Saeed in several dossiers handed over to Pakistani authorities.
Source: PTI
... opens a new window
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed appeals filed by authorities challenging the release of JuD chief Hafiz Muhammed Saeed, blamed by India for masterminding the Mumbai attacks, from house arrest.
Hafiz Saeed
Reacting to the decesion, India voiced disappointment over Saeed's release and asked Islamabad to take meaningful action against such elements. "There is a sense of disappointment. Everybody in India feels this disappointment," Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao told reporters here. "We regard Saeed as one of the masterminds of the Mumbai attacks. He has openly declared jihad against India," Rao said.
The appeals against the Lahore High Court's order to release Saeed were filed by the federal and Punjab governments last year but could not be taken up earlier for various technical reasons.
When the matter came up for hearing today, a three-judge bench headed by Justice Nasir-ul-Mulk dismissed the appeals. Further details were not immediately available.
Saeed, also the founder of the banned Lashker-e-Taiba (LeT), was put under house arrest in December 2008 in the wake of the Mumbai attacks after the UN Security Council declared the JuD a front for the LeT.
The JuD chief challenged his detention in the Lahore High Court.
Saeed was freed on June 2 last year by a three-judge bench of the High Court that said that Punjab and federal governments had failed to provide sufficient evidence to keep him in custody.
Following pressure from India and the international community, the federal and Punjab governments challenged the high court's ruling in the apex court.
Differences between the federal and Punjab governments and the change of certain legal officials of Punjab province held up the matter in the apex court.
Pakistani leaders like Interior Minister Rehman Malik and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi have contended that India has not provided any evidence that will allow authorities to act against Saeed.
Home minister P Chidambaram has maintained that India has provided sufficient evidence against Saeed in several dossiers handed over to Pakistani authorities.
Source: PTI
Pak SC frees 26/11 mastermind Saeed, India disappointed
(I AM SURE TILL THE DATE PAKISTAN IS GOING TO FREED SUCH DREADED CRIMINAL, PAKISTAN WILL GET WOUNDED LIKE- IT GOT 2 DAYS BACK...BUT WHAT PAINS IS THAT, ALWAYS INNOCENT PEOPLE GET HURT,THEY DIE...WHICHEVER SIDE OF BORDER THEY ARE IN...IT REALLY HURTS!!!-VIBHA)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed appeals filed by authorities challenging the release of JuD chief Hafiz Muhammed Saeed, blamed by India for masterminding the Mumbai attacks, from house arrest.
Hafiz Saeed
Reacting to the decesion, India voiced disappointment over Saeed's release and asked Islamabad to take meaningful action against such elements. "There is a sense of disappointment. Everybody in India feels this disappointment," Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao told reporters here. "We regard Saeed as one of the masterminds of the Mumbai attacks. He has openly declared jihad against India," Rao said.
The appeals against the Lahore High Court's order to release Saeed were filed by the federal and Punjab governments last year but could not be taken up earlier for various technical reasons.
When the matter came up for hearing today, a three-judge bench headed by Justice Nasir-ul-Mulk dismissed the appeals. Further details were not immediately available.
Saeed, also the founder of the banned Lashker-e-Taiba (LeT), was put under house arrest in December 2008 in the wake of the Mumbai attacks after the UN Security Council declared the JuD a front for the LeT.
The JuD chief challenged his detention in the Lahore High Court.
Saeed was freed on June 2 last year by a three-judge bench of the High Court that said that Punjab and federal governments had failed to provide sufficient evidence to keep him in custody.
Following pressure from India and the international community, the federal and Punjab governments challenged the high court's ruling in the apex court.
Differences between the federal and Punjab governments and the change of certain legal officials of Punjab province held up the matter in the apex court.
Pakistani leaders like Interior Minister Rehman Malik and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi have contended that India has not provided any evidence that will allow authorities to act against Saeed.
Home minister P Chidambaram has maintained that India has provided sufficient evidence against Saeed in several dossiers handed over to Pakistani authorities.
Source: PTI
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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed appeals filed by authorities challenging the release of JuD chief Hafiz Muhammed Saeed, blamed by India for masterminding the Mumbai attacks, from house arrest.
Hafiz Saeed
Reacting to the decesion, India voiced disappointment over Saeed's release and asked Islamabad to take meaningful action against such elements. "There is a sense of disappointment. Everybody in India feels this disappointment," Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao told reporters here. "We regard Saeed as one of the masterminds of the Mumbai attacks. He has openly declared jihad against India," Rao said.
The appeals against the Lahore High Court's order to release Saeed were filed by the federal and Punjab governments last year but could not be taken up earlier for various technical reasons.
When the matter came up for hearing today, a three-judge bench headed by Justice Nasir-ul-Mulk dismissed the appeals. Further details were not immediately available.
Saeed, also the founder of the banned Lashker-e-Taiba (LeT), was put under house arrest in December 2008 in the wake of the Mumbai attacks after the UN Security Council declared the JuD a front for the LeT.
The JuD chief challenged his detention in the Lahore High Court.
Saeed was freed on June 2 last year by a three-judge bench of the High Court that said that Punjab and federal governments had failed to provide sufficient evidence to keep him in custody.
Following pressure from India and the international community, the federal and Punjab governments challenged the high court's ruling in the apex court.
Differences between the federal and Punjab governments and the change of certain legal officials of Punjab province held up the matter in the apex court.
Pakistani leaders like Interior Minister Rehman Malik and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi have contended that India has not provided any evidence that will allow authorities to act against Saeed.
Home minister P Chidambaram has maintained that India has provided sufficient evidence against Saeed in several dossiers handed over to Pakistani authorities.
Source: PTI
Lahore terror attack: 30 dead, 2000 taken hostage
28/05/2010
Lahore terror attack: 30 dead, 2000 taken hostage
Lahore: Taliban guerrillas fired indiscriminately and lobbed grenades as they stormed two mosques Friday in this Pakistani city, taking about 2000 worshippers hostage and leaving at least 30 people dead.
,Heavy gunfire was interspersed with deafening blasts when the terror attack took place on mosques of the minority Ahmadi sect in Garhi Shahu and Model Town areas of Lahore.
The militants hurled hand grenades and opened fire on the people inside the mosques, Geo TV reported.
Security forces were able to tackle the seven militants who attacked the packed mosque in Model Town area. Ten people died while several were injured in the attack.
Television footage showed gunmen firing indiscriminately from the rooftop of one of the mosques. Gunfire could be heard as people ran to take cover outside the mosque.
A police official told reporters that among the terrorists involved in the Model Town attack "one terrorist is dead, one injured and one has been held".
Worried relatives of the worshippers who were trapped inside the mosques desperately tried to seek information about their fate.
Tehreek-e-Taliban Punjab has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Suicide bombers struck at a market in Lahore city March 12, killing 45 and injuring over 100.
Source: IANS, PTI
Lahore terror attack: 30 dead, 2000 taken hostage
Lahore: Taliban guerrillas fired indiscriminately and lobbed grenades as they stormed two mosques Friday in this Pakistani city, taking about 2000 worshippers hostage and leaving at least 30 people dead.
,Heavy gunfire was interspersed with deafening blasts when the terror attack took place on mosques of the minority Ahmadi sect in Garhi Shahu and Model Town areas of Lahore.
The militants hurled hand grenades and opened fire on the people inside the mosques, Geo TV reported.
Security forces were able to tackle the seven militants who attacked the packed mosque in Model Town area. Ten people died while several were injured in the attack.
Television footage showed gunmen firing indiscriminately from the rooftop of one of the mosques. Gunfire could be heard as people ran to take cover outside the mosque.
A police official told reporters that among the terrorists involved in the Model Town attack "one terrorist is dead, one injured and one has been held".
Worried relatives of the worshippers who were trapped inside the mosques desperately tried to seek information about their fate.
Tehreek-e-Taliban Punjab has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Suicide bombers struck at a market in Lahore city March 12, killing 45 and injuring over 100.
Source: IANS, PTI
सोरेन की राजनीतिक दलों से अपील
सोरेन की राजनीतिक दलों से अपील
राँची, रविवार, 30 मई 2010( 17:44 IST )
(qua sirf sarkar banane aur chalane ke liye 'en kene prakaren samarthan chahiye' ya yeh partyiyan pradesh ke vikas aur unnatti ke bare mein gambhirta se sochti hain aur karya bhi karti hein...v karne ko icchuk hein...ishwar jharkhaand ke bhavishye ko ujjawal banayein..vibha)
FILE
झारखंड में भाजपा की समर्थन वापसी के बाद अल्पमत में आई शिबू सोरेन सरकार ने बहुमत साबित करने के लिए आहूत विधानसभा के विशेष सत्र से एक दिन पूर्व रविवार को सभी विधायकों से दलगत राजनीति से ऊपर उठकर राज्य सरकार को समर्थन देने की अपील की ताकि राज्य को राष्ट्रपति शासन या एक और चुनाव के बोझ से बचाया जा सके।
झारखंड मुक्ति मोर्चा, आल झारखंड स्टूडेंट्स यूनियन (आजसू) और दो निर्दलीय विधायकों समेत सरकार समर्थक 25 विधायकों की विश्वास मत पर रणनीति तय करने के लिए मुख्यमंत्री शिबू सोरेन के आवास पर हुई बैठक के बाद झामुमो के वरिष्ठ नेता हेमलाल मुर्मू ने कहा कि सरकार ने राज्य के सभी विधायकों और राजनीतिक दलों के नाम अपील जारी कर पार्टी लाइन से उपर उठकर सोरेन सरकार को समर्थन देने की अपील की।
उन्होंने कहा कि सरकार की ओर से जारी इस अपील में सभी दलों के विधायकों से अंतरात्मा की आवाज पर मतदान देने का आग्रह किया गया है ताकि राज्य की जनता को राष्ट्रपति शासन और एक बार फिर चुनाव के बोझ से बचाया जा सके।
यह पूछे जाने पर कि कांग्रेस अथवा भाजपा से समर्थन के बारे में कोई बात हुई है या नहीं, मुर्मू ने कहा कि सबसे बातचीत हुई है और सरकार को सबसे समर्थन मिलने की आशा है। उन्होंने कहा कि झामुमो इस मामले में भाजपा और कांग्रेस में कोई अंतर नहीं करती। (भाषा)
संबंधित जानकारी खोजें
शिबू-सोरेन भाजपा झारखंड कांग्रेस
राँची, रविवार, 30 मई 2010( 17:44 IST )
(qua sirf sarkar banane aur chalane ke liye 'en kene prakaren samarthan chahiye' ya yeh partyiyan pradesh ke vikas aur unnatti ke bare mein gambhirta se sochti hain aur karya bhi karti hein...v karne ko icchuk hein...ishwar jharkhaand ke bhavishye ko ujjawal banayein..vibha)
FILE
झारखंड में भाजपा की समर्थन वापसी के बाद अल्पमत में आई शिबू सोरेन सरकार ने बहुमत साबित करने के लिए आहूत विधानसभा के विशेष सत्र से एक दिन पूर्व रविवार को सभी विधायकों से दलगत राजनीति से ऊपर उठकर राज्य सरकार को समर्थन देने की अपील की ताकि राज्य को राष्ट्रपति शासन या एक और चुनाव के बोझ से बचाया जा सके।
झारखंड मुक्ति मोर्चा, आल झारखंड स्टूडेंट्स यूनियन (आजसू) और दो निर्दलीय विधायकों समेत सरकार समर्थक 25 विधायकों की विश्वास मत पर रणनीति तय करने के लिए मुख्यमंत्री शिबू सोरेन के आवास पर हुई बैठक के बाद झामुमो के वरिष्ठ नेता हेमलाल मुर्मू ने कहा कि सरकार ने राज्य के सभी विधायकों और राजनीतिक दलों के नाम अपील जारी कर पार्टी लाइन से उपर उठकर सोरेन सरकार को समर्थन देने की अपील की।
उन्होंने कहा कि सरकार की ओर से जारी इस अपील में सभी दलों के विधायकों से अंतरात्मा की आवाज पर मतदान देने का आग्रह किया गया है ताकि राज्य की जनता को राष्ट्रपति शासन और एक बार फिर चुनाव के बोझ से बचाया जा सके।
यह पूछे जाने पर कि कांग्रेस अथवा भाजपा से समर्थन के बारे में कोई बात हुई है या नहीं, मुर्मू ने कहा कि सबसे बातचीत हुई है और सरकार को सबसे समर्थन मिलने की आशा है। उन्होंने कहा कि झामुमो इस मामले में भाजपा और कांग्रेस में कोई अंतर नहीं करती। (भाषा)
संबंधित जानकारी खोजें
शिबू-सोरेन भाजपा झारखंड कांग्रेस
Comment: Culture of accidents in India
Air travel's safer than alternatives. But why do so many die in all sorts of accidents in India?
Comment: Culture of accidents in India
Air travel is, by far, the safest way to travel. Even after a tragedy such as what hit Air India Express' flight IX-812 - perhaps especially after such a tragedy - that point needs to be made.
This disaster has been the first major air crash in India for a decade. In that time, we have had several times as many major rail disasters (on January 2 this year, three separate train accidents took place in Uttar Pradesh alone), and innumerable deaths in road incidents across India.
Statistics back this up: worldwide, far, far fewer people die per kilometre travelled by air than in any other sort of transport.
And its getting even safer; according to the International Air Transport Association, 2009 was the second-safest year for air travel ever, and was as much as a third safer in terms of the likelihood of a fatality than 2000, a brief decade earlier. (The safest year so far has been 2006.)
Psychologists have looked into the greater psychological impact of air crashes at considerable length.
One oft-quoted explanation is that a common human reaction is to "rank" disasters by "roughly squaring the death toll per event."
So a car crash in which one person dies is seen as one fatality; 100 such are still seen as 100 deaths. Yet if ten people die in one event, then that has the psychological impact of 100 accidents in which one person dies; and if 100 people die in one event, it has 10,000 times the impact of a single car accident.
So, while we react with grief and shock, it would be a severe problem if we let that overwhelm our good sense, as we look into the causes of the crash -- something about which there is still so much to be discovered.
Yet one thing needs to be questioned. Why is it that, regardless of where and how, so many people die of accidents in India?
Consider road safety. We drive slower than most comparable countries. Yet we have the worst safety record in the world, with more deaths from traffic accidents than anywhere else -- one every four-and-a-half minutes.
Rail accidents have become routine. Even our workplaces are more dangerous than comparable countries. Why? Is it because of a chronic unwillingness to follow basic procedures?
To speed, to drive drunk, to not wear helmets, on roads? To nonchalantly operate outdated signalling equipment in our railways? To cut corners in inspecting our planes? These are the questions that we, as a society, should consider.
Comment: Culture of accidents in India
Air travel is, by far, the safest way to travel. Even after a tragedy such as what hit Air India Express' flight IX-812 - perhaps especially after such a tragedy - that point needs to be made.
This disaster has been the first major air crash in India for a decade. In that time, we have had several times as many major rail disasters (on January 2 this year, three separate train accidents took place in Uttar Pradesh alone), and innumerable deaths in road incidents across India.
Statistics back this up: worldwide, far, far fewer people die per kilometre travelled by air than in any other sort of transport.
And its getting even safer; according to the International Air Transport Association, 2009 was the second-safest year for air travel ever, and was as much as a third safer in terms of the likelihood of a fatality than 2000, a brief decade earlier. (The safest year so far has been 2006.)
Psychologists have looked into the greater psychological impact of air crashes at considerable length.
One oft-quoted explanation is that a common human reaction is to "rank" disasters by "roughly squaring the death toll per event."
So a car crash in which one person dies is seen as one fatality; 100 such are still seen as 100 deaths. Yet if ten people die in one event, then that has the psychological impact of 100 accidents in which one person dies; and if 100 people die in one event, it has 10,000 times the impact of a single car accident.
So, while we react with grief and shock, it would be a severe problem if we let that overwhelm our good sense, as we look into the causes of the crash -- something about which there is still so much to be discovered.
Yet one thing needs to be questioned. Why is it that, regardless of where and how, so many people die of accidents in India?
Consider road safety. We drive slower than most comparable countries. Yet we have the worst safety record in the world, with more deaths from traffic accidents than anywhere else -- one every four-and-a-half minutes.
Rail accidents have become routine. Even our workplaces are more dangerous than comparable countries. Why? Is it because of a chronic unwillingness to follow basic procedures?
To speed, to drive drunk, to not wear helmets, on roads? To nonchalantly operate outdated signalling equipment in our railways? To cut corners in inspecting our planes? These are the questions that we, as a society, should consider.
MIC, Beltron inks deal to supply green energy lighting to rural Bihar
Home » Bihar News, Media
MIC, Beltron inks deal to supply green energy lighting to rural Bihar
28 May 2010
MIC Electronics on Thursday entered into an agreement with Beltron Telecom Green Energy Systems Ltd (BTGES), a subsidiary of Bihar government owned Beltron Telecom (BTL) to provide cost effective, sustainable green energy lighting solutions for distributed off-grid applications in the rural areas of Bihar.
The Hyderabad-based LED technology company will supply 3,30,000 LED lanterns to the BTL for distribution in the rural parts of Bihar. The order, valued at about Rs 66 crore, was signed by BTGES chairman Ramesh Kumar at Hotel Katriya in Hyderabad on Thursday.
The lanterns can be charged through solar power panels independently or through community charging centers. The lanterns can also be charged through the bio-fuel powered generating stations.
MIC said the demand for LED lanterns in Bihar alone is at about 30 million units and it aims to supply about 10 million units to the state in the next three years.
MIC already has an arrangement with Indian Oil (IOC) for distribution of lanterns in about seven states in the country. The oil company uses its outlets in these states to market the product.
“We are planning to enter into a tripartite agreement with Beltron and IOC for distribution of lanterns in Bihar as well,” MV Ramana Rao, MIC’s CMD said.
BTL, promoted by the Government of Bihar, has identified its thrust areas in the field of innovative technological solutions for lighting applications in the rural parts of Bihar through generation of electricity with the help of bio-fuels like paddy husk. BTL is currently participating in a program for popularizing appropriate technologies for energy conservation in the State as a result of which BTGES has been set up for specifically for this purpose of promoting green energy systems.
MIC, Beltron inks deal to supply green energy lighting to rural Bihar
28 May 2010
MIC Electronics on Thursday entered into an agreement with Beltron Telecom Green Energy Systems Ltd (BTGES), a subsidiary of Bihar government owned Beltron Telecom (BTL) to provide cost effective, sustainable green energy lighting solutions for distributed off-grid applications in the rural areas of Bihar.
The Hyderabad-based LED technology company will supply 3,30,000 LED lanterns to the BTL for distribution in the rural parts of Bihar. The order, valued at about Rs 66 crore, was signed by BTGES chairman Ramesh Kumar at Hotel Katriya in Hyderabad on Thursday.
The lanterns can be charged through solar power panels independently or through community charging centers. The lanterns can also be charged through the bio-fuel powered generating stations.
MIC said the demand for LED lanterns in Bihar alone is at about 30 million units and it aims to supply about 10 million units to the state in the next three years.
MIC already has an arrangement with Indian Oil (IOC) for distribution of lanterns in about seven states in the country. The oil company uses its outlets in these states to market the product.
“We are planning to enter into a tripartite agreement with Beltron and IOC for distribution of lanterns in Bihar as well,” MV Ramana Rao, MIC’s CMD said.
BTL, promoted by the Government of Bihar, has identified its thrust areas in the field of innovative technological solutions for lighting applications in the rural parts of Bihar through generation of electricity with the help of bio-fuels like paddy husk. BTL is currently participating in a program for popularizing appropriate technologies for energy conservation in the State as a result of which BTGES has been set up for specifically for this purpose of promoting green energy systems.
Manipur Blockades – News that is missed by MSM-30/5/10
Manipur Blockades – News that is missed by MSM
(We had discussions on this issues time to time within these 2 months with family members after watching few news clippings on tv channels occasionally, its really sad that rice eating state getting rice for 100 rs kg or 1200rs for one LPG...ITS HIGHTIME CENTRE SHOULD INTREFERE FIRMLY AND TAKE STRICT ACTION...HOPE TO SEE THE TOTAL SOLUTION AND PEACE OVER THERE FAST).
There is a blockade in Manipur for the past 5 weeks and has entered the sixth week. Many of the folks in mainstream media were so busy in the IPL matches and its attending controversies.
Strife in Manipur forces people to stay in relief camps
Kohima, May 17 (ANI): Around 500 villagers belonging to the Moa tribal community has been staying in a relief camp for the past ten days in Kohima, due to the ongoing strife in Manipur’s Senapati District.
The relief camp was set up at Kisama village in the wake of a bloody encounter in which Manipur police personnel fired at scores of protesting villagers at Mao Gate in Senapati district on May 6, killing two and wounding many others.
The villagers were up in arms against the state government’s decision to not to allow Thuingaleng Muivah, the leader of separatist National Socialist Council of Nagaland – Isak Muivah (NSCN – IM), to visit his ancestral village in Manipur state.
They said they are hopeful that the central government would be able to resolve the situation at the earliest.
“What makes us worry is when will be able to go back to our villages, and when will we hear that good news (that situation has become normal). We expect the government would be able to resolve the issue at the earliest, and in the best possible way so that we might be able to go home,” said Ella, an inmate at the camp.
“Most of the people here are cultivators. They are worried for their fields because it is time for sowing and also (they) do many other activities in the village. They are worried for staying so long in these camps. But they fear to go back home until this problem is settled,” said James Athikho, the relief camp in-charge.
Violent clashes between Muivah’s supporters and security forces at the border town of Mao resulted in the death of two women protestors and left over 50 others injured.
The NSCN-IM had agreed to a ceasefire in August 1997 and launched a peace process with the Central Government to bring an end to the longest-running insurgency in India.
The rebel group has participated in several rounds of talks with central officials since the start of the ceasefire.
But talks between the two sides have not made progress over the rebels” main demand of unification and eventual independence of Naga-dominated areas in northeast India. (ANI)
Protest in Manipur against Naga leader’s visit
Imphal (Manipur), May 16 (ANI): Scores of protestors took to the streets in Imphal to protest the proposed visit of leader of National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah, who wants unification and eventual independence of Naga-dominated areas in the north-east.
The tension intensified here on Saturday as the protestors raised slogans against Muivah.
They alleged that Muivah’s homecoming was only a ploy to create a communal crisis in the state.
“We have co-existed together with love and peace and I believe his entry in the state will destroy the peaceful atmosphere and end that relationship amongst us,” said Rojen Mayengbam, a protestor.
“We always want to live together peacefully and we want to say that if a problem will be created, it is better for him not to enter,” he added.
Earlier this month, the state government banned Muivah from visiting Somdal, located in Ukhrul district.
The NSCN-IM had agreed to a ceasefire in August 1997 and launched a peace process with the Central Government to bring an end to the longest-running insurgency in India.
The rebel group has participated in several rounds of talks with central officials since the start of the ceasefire.
But talks between the two sides have not made progress over the rebels’ main demand of unification and eventual independence of Naga-dominated areas in northeast India. (ANI)
BJP team meets Chidambaram over Manipur crisis
New Delhi, May 15 (ANI): A four-member delegation of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) met Home Minister P Chidambaram on Friday to demand that Manipur’s territorial integrity be protected.
Party spokesperson Prakash Javadekar, who led the delegation, said: “There is no question of disturbing the territorial integrity of Manipur. There is no question of anything to do with Manipur as far as the NSCN-IM negotiations are concerned. So boundaries are not negotiable.”
He also mentioned that they had sought vehicular traffic along national highways (NH-39 and NH-53) should not be obstructed.
“We said that as the supplies situation is precarious, there has to be immediate steps to clear (the economic blockade) and bring the supply through NH-53. We also demanded that there are threats issued to non-Manipuris that after May 31 they will not be allowed in Manipur to stay; that should also be taken note of,” he said.
“He (Chidambaram) said that he has already made his position clear umpteen times, but we requested him to make it once more.” he added
Manipur is facing an economic blockade by supporters of NSCN (IM) whose leader T Muivah has been denied permission to visit his village in the state.
Earlier, violent clashes between Muivah’s supporters and security forces at the border town of Mao resulted in the death of two women protestors and left over 50 others injured.
The NSCN-IM had agreed to a ceasefire in August 1997 and launched a peace process with the Central Government to bring an end to the longest-running insurgency in India.
The rebel group has participated in several rounds of talks with central officials since the start of the ceasefire.
But talks between the two sides have not made progress over the rebels” main demand of unification and eventual independence of Naga-dominated areas in northeast India. (ANI)
Vehicles queue up for fuel rations in Manipur
Imphal, May 14 (ANI): Hundreds of vehicles queued up outside filling stations in Imphal on Thursday during an economic blockade called by the tribal Naga community.
The indefinite economic blockade has been called by the All Naga Students Association (ANSAM) and All Tribal Students’ Union, Manipur, to protest Manipur’s decision not to allow separatist Naga leader, Thuingaleng Muivah, to visit his hometown.
In the wake of the economic blockade, Manipur’s Food and Civil Supply Minister Y Erabot said that fuel and other essential items would be procured from Silchar in Assam.
The authorities have been mandated to dispense petrol and diesel through 14 selected filling stations in five districts of the state.
The filling stations opened from 7.30 am to 4.30 pm.
Manipuris, who are bearing the brunt of the agitation, expressed their displeasure.
“We feel very discontented with this. By creating such inconveniences and suffering to common people, they will not be able to achieve their goal. We are not happy about it,” said Nabakumar Singh, a Manipuri.
Earlier, violent clashes between Muivah’s supporters and security forces at the border town of Mao resulted in the death of two women protestors and left over 50 others injured.
The NSCN-IM had agreed to a ceasefire in August 1997 and launched a peace process with the Central Government to bring an end to the longest-running insurgency in India.
The rebel group has participated in several rounds of talks with central officials since the start of the ceasefire.
But talks between the two sides have not made progress over the rebels” main demand of unification and eventual independence of Naga-dominated areas in northeast India. (ANI)
Manipuri women protest against proposed visit of Naga leader
Imphal, May 14 (ANI): Around 1,000 women staged a sit-in protest here on Thursday against the visit of National Socialist Council of Nagalim’s (Isak-Muivah) leader, Thuingaleng Muivah, to the state.
The protest was carried out by the Advanced Women Society at the Awang Sekmai Bazaar in Imphal.
After the sit-in protest, the women took out a rally in Sekmai area shouting slogans against Muivah’s visit.
“We are opposing Muivah’s attempt to enter Manipur with an intention to destroy Manipur. We are expressing our anger. We have decided to close down all our business establishments and have stopped our daily errands as well. And so we have been staging today’s sit-in protest,” said Memcha Devi, a protestor.
The protestors also allege that Muivah’s homecoming is only a ploy to cause communal crisis in the state.
“Even though he was born in Manipur, he has never spoken for Manipur and instead supports Nagaland. He has made Manipur suffer a lot,” said Amubi Devi, secretary of Advanced Women Society.
Earlier, violent clashes between Muivah’s supporters and security forces at the border town of Mao resulted in the death of two women protestors and left over 50 others injured.
The NSCN-IM had agreed to a ceasefire in August 1997 and launched a peace process with the Central Government to bring an end to the longest-running insurgency in India.
The rebel group has participated in several rounds of talks with central officials since the start of the ceasefire.
But talks between the two sides have not made progress over the rebels” main demand of unification and eventual independence of Naga-dominated areas in northeast India. (ANI)
Border villages of Manipur, gateway for trade
Chandel (Manipur), May 13 (ANI): The border areas of Manipur’s Chandel district, adjacent to Myanmar, function as a gateway to promote international border trade.
A visit to some of the remote villages in the area would indicate the important role played by them in the region.
Manipur, which occupies a stretch of 1,463-kilometres along the border with Myanmar, is considered the gateway for India’s trade with South East Asian neighbours.
Moreh town in Manipur, 110 km from capital Imphal, is an upcoming commercial hub under the ‘Look East Policy’.
The Central Government has undertaken construction of roads for better connectivity along the Indo-Myanmar border .
Construction of a bridge over the Khujairok River and work on border fencing are also underway.
“Twenty five items have been selected and short-listed under Indo-Myanmar border trade agreement. Another 15 items are bing added. Altogether, 40 items were selected as trade items……. Both the countries will be benefited. India will get things at cheaper price,” says Lunminthang Haokip, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Moreh
Another interesting place is Ngamkhai village. Surrounded by lush green mountains, it is predominantly inhabited by the Kuki tribe.
Main occupation of the villagers here is making charcoal, collecting timber from the forest and sand stones from riverbanks.
It is located close to Moreh, but still it lags behind in terms of development.
Limited healthcare facilities, insufficient water supply and erratic power supply are some of the problems faced by the villagers.
“Healthcare is practically nil. We depend on the primary health center, which is not properly set up. It lacks doctors, nurses and instruments,” said Ginsei Lhungdim, General Secretary, Hill Tribal Council
“We usually face water-shortage as we live at higher elevation. The supply that we receive doesn’t even last for half and hour and it is not enough for all of us,” said Tong Khongam, a local resident of Ngamkhai Veng Village.
Even though insurgency led violence is less in the area as compared to other parts of Manipur, there are frequent economic blockades and shutdowns.
According to Lunminthang Haokip, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Moreh, practical problems are there. The road between Pallen and Moreh is not good. Moreover, other problems like bandhs and economic blockades hamper trade.
Villagers believe that the suspension of operation agreement signed between the Center and the Kuki National Front (KNF) has considerably reduced militancy in the region.
“There is no of violence by Valley or tribal Underground group, following the signing of Suspension of Operations agreement,” said Ginsei Lhungdim, General secretary, Hill Tribal Council.
It is hoped that with proper development of infrastructure, the immense business potential of these border villages can be realized that will transform the lives of the villagers. (ANI)
Home Secretary Pillai meets Nagaland Governor, Chief Minister
Imphal, May 12 (ANI): Union Home Secretary G K Pillai today met Nagaland Governor Nikhil Kumar and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio in the wake of Manipur government opposing NSCN (IM) T Muivah’s visit to his hometown.
Pillai was accompanied by Naga peace interlocutor R S Pande.
He will meet Muivah at Viswema village on the Nagaland-Manipur border later today.
Earlier, Pillai met Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh to discuss the situation in the State.
Meanwhile, the Kakching Bazaar Business Welfare Association took out a rally in support of the state government’s decision to stop Muviah from entering the state.
Thousands of people, including women and children, participated in the rally and also staged a sit-in protest in the Kakching-Pallel Lamkhai market area.
All business establishments of Kakching market remained closed for the day to mark the protest.
“A rally is being organized in order to protest to end of the prolonged economic blockade called by some organizations along the National Highways 39 and 53. The economic blockade has severely affected the public, and that’s why we have organized this protest rally. Our demand is to end the economic blockade as early as possible. We will not allow Muivah to enter this state,” said Biren Singh, President of the Joint Non-Government Voluntary Organization.
Violent clashes between Muivah’s supporters and security forces at the border town of Mao resulted in the death of two women protestors and left over 50 others injured.
Earlier, the All Manipur United Club Organisation (AMUCO) had called for a two-day shutdown in the state.
The NSCN-IM had agreed to a ceasefire in August 1997 and launched a peace process with the Central Government to bring an end to the longest-running insurgency in India.
The rebel group has participated in several rounds of talks with central officials since the start of the ceasefire.
But talks between the two sides have not made progress over the rebels’ main demand of unification and eventual independence of Naga-dominated areas in northeast India.
Manipuris take out peace rally to protest Naga students’ blockade in Guwahati
Guwahati, Assam May 11 (ANI): A number of Manipuris in Assam’s Guwahati city took out a peace rally on Tuesday against Naga students’ blockade.
Organised under the banner of ‘Greater Guwahati Manipuri Association’ the protestors expressed solidarity with the Manipuris and sought lifting of the blockade, as it has paralysed the general life here and caused an acute shortage of essential commodities like petrol, food grains, and medicines because of the road blockade.
“The main aim is that we want peace, the situation of Manipur is bad because of blockade resulting in a crisis situation in the Manipur. Prices of the commodities have shot up and with an aim to draw the attention of the authorities, we are demonstrating,” said Y Dhan Kumar Singh, President of Greater Guwahati Manipuri Association.
“We have requested honourable Prime Minister of India to solve these problems and also the Chief Ministers of Nagaland and Manipur, so that Manipur people get protection in Nagaland and be able to live peacefully with,” he added.
The blockade has created further tensions between Nagas and Manipuris.
Nagaland students have opposed the Manipuri government’s ban on barring the rebel Naga leader Thuingaleng Muivah of National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM) visiting his ancestral village Somdal in Ukhrul District.
The government had imposed an embargo on Muivah’s visit, contending it could create law and order problem in the state. (ANI)
Protestors stage sit-ins over proposed visit of Naga leader
Imphal, May 10 (ANI): Residents of Imphal staged a sit-in demonstration across the region against the visit of leader of National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah, who wants unification and eventual independence of Naga-dominated areas in the north-east.
The protests were held under the auspices of the Apunba Meira Paibi and other local clubs such as the Youth Development Organisation of Thangmeiband Thingel.
Demonstrators burnt effigies of Muviah and Home Minister P. Chidambaram and raised slogans that objected to Muviah’s proposed visit to his ancestral village Somdal in Ukhrul District.
They alleged that Muivah’s homecoming was only a ploy to cause a communal crisis in the state.
“The decision taken by Chidambaram is a secret conspiracy. He has not informed or involved any political leaders of the state. He wants to destroy the integrity of the state, and, we are strongly opposed to it,” said K Shyama Devi, a protestor.
Earlier, the All Manipur United Club Organisation (AMUCO) had called for a two-day shutdown in the state.
The NSCN-IM had agreed to a ceasefire in August 1997 and launched a peace process with the Central Government to bring an end to the longest-running insurgency in India.
The rebel group has participated in several rounds of talks with central officials since the start of the ceasefire.
But talks between the two sides have not made progress over the rebels’ main demand of unification and eventual independence of Naga-dominated areas in northeast India. (ANI)
Naga students take out a peace rally in Guwahati
Guwahati, May 9 (ANI): Members of the Naga Students Association took part in a peace rally here on Saturday to express their solidarity with Naga sentiments.
The demonstration was in the context of the Manipur Government barring the rebel Naga leader Thuingaleng Muivah from visiting his ancestral village Somdal in Ukhrul District.
“We want to express our solidarity with our people back home and particularly those of them who have lost their lives for no fault of theirs,” said Asoward, Advisor of Naga Students Association.
The Manipur Government has banned Muivah’s visit, contending that it will create a law and order problem.
At least three persons were killed when security forces fired tear gas shells, mock bombs and live bullets to control a crowd, who were vandalising and setting afire police vehicles and other goods kept at the Mao Town Hall after their attempt to take out a protest rally against the decision to bar Muivah from visiting Manipur.
Muivah wanted to visit Somdal between May 3 and 10. (ANI)
Shutdown disrupts normal life in Manipur
Imphal (Manipur), May 8 (ANI): The two-day shutdown call given by the All Manipur United Club Organisation (AMUCO) as a mark of protest against the visit of Thuingaleng Muivah, the rebel Naga leader of National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM) has disrupted normal life in the state.
The markets in Imphal presented a deserted look, while commercial establishments in the other areas of the state rolled down its shutters.
The shutdown that began at around 6 p.m. on Thursday will continue till 6 p.m. on Saturday.
The AMUCO has supported the decision of the state government to ban the entry of Muivah in Manipur, where he has planned to visit his ancestral place Somdal.
The AMUCO also urged the government not to retreat from their stand, and reaffirmed that the government has complete support of the people.
The government has imposed an embargo on his visit, contending that it will create law and order problem and might disturb the peace in the state.
Muivah had proposed to visit Somdal, located in Ukhrul district, between May 3 and 10. (ANI)
Economic blockade hits normal life in Manipur
Imphal (Manipur), May 8 (ANI): Normal life in Manipur was brought to a complete standstill by an economic blockade spearheaded by the All Naga Students’ Association.
Simultaneously, the All Tribal Students’ Union is leading a stir in the state.
Oil depots have shut shop while the prices of essential commodities have sky rocketed. Hospitals have shut down due to non-availability of life-saving drugs and oxygen.
At present, a resolution does seem in sight.
“The prices have been hiked very significantly. Earlier one bag of rice cost rupees 670. Now, it has reached rupees 980. As a result I can’t afford rice, so, I have avoided procuring rice. How can I purchase it? How can I sell to those poor villagers who won’t be in a position to purchase it? As the price has hiked very high I’m not in a position to buy in abundance. So, I am compelled to purchase only a rickshaw load materials,” said Ahanbi Devi, a businesswoman in Imphal.
The shortage is so acute that black marketing of items is rife.
“I’ve been told that now the petrol is being sold at Rupees150 per litre,” said Binota Devi, a housewife.
“We are not satisfied with the government’s policies, because they could have arranged in such a way that every one gets their share. Instead, why have they allowed the black marketers in,” she added.
The ANSAM has alleged that the Amendment Act might deprive ethnic Nagas in Manipur of their cultural identity. (ANI)
Trauma of Manipur violence victims
Imphal, May 5 (ANI): Manipur has been affected by militant violence for a long time and the worst sufferers are the common people.
Here is a family that was a victim of militant violence and see how they are coping with the loss of their loved one.
The simple and happy life of the family of late Singam Premananda Singh, came to an end after his death.
Premananda, the sole bread earner of the family was killed in an explosion engineered by a militant outfit at Pourabi Road in Manipur on 16th December 2007 along with six other people.
Almost four years later, the dreadful incident still haunts his family.
Premananda has left behind an aged mother, his wife and three children who live in the shadow of poverty.
Ibemma, his wife, now weaves clothes and does other menial labour to keep the family afloat.
“We are facing untold hardships after his death. I’m old and unable to work. Now, all the responsibility of the family has fallen on my daughter-in-law’s shoulder. No one is there to look after us,” said Thamchet Devi, mother of a victim.
The Sstate Government gave Rs one lakh to assist the Singam family and promised to provide assistance in future as well.
Still, Ibemma finds it difficult to make both ends meet and provide a future to her children.
Sometimes, she finds it difficult juggling different roles, but she sees hope in her children’s eyes and is inspired to soldier on.
“It is very difficult to manage and run the family all alone. I have to raise my children, take part in locality’s social services and earn money as well. Even leading a simple life is hard for us,” said Ibemma Devi, wife of a victim.
Manipur has more than 30 militant groups and extortion, abductions and bomb attacks happen quite regularly in the state.
“They (militants) must think about the consequences of their actions, which normally affect innocent people. People are suffering unnecessarily due to their mindless acts. We are against them,” Devi added.
The story doesn’t end with the Singam family; there are several other families that have suffered a similar fate.
Here are many families like that of Premananda who have been victims of militants’ activities in the state.
People in the state live in fear that the same fate could befall them at any time. (ANI)
Violence in Manipur over ban on rebel Naga leader’s visit
Senapati (Manipur), May 5 (ANI): Unknown armed miscreants in Manipur’s Senapati District bordering Nagaland resorted to arson and torched Manipur bound trucks to protest against the ban imposed on the proposed visit of Thuingaleng Muivah, the rebel Naga leader.
The incident occurred late on Tuesday night in the vicinity of Manipur-Nagaland border along the National Highway from Zakhama in Nagaland to Imphal in Manipur via Senapati district.
Apprehending unrest among the ethnic Nagas residing in Senapati and Ukhrul regions, the Manipur Government has banned the entry of Thuingaleng Muivah, the leader of the rebel National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM) into Manipur, where he has planned to visit his ancestral place Somdal, where he was born.
He had proposed to visit Somdal, located in Ukhrul district, between May 3 and 10.
The miscreants torched five Manipur-bound trucks. Police suspect it to be an act of local Nagas’ anger at the government’s decision barring Muivah’s entry.
Local administration officials confirmed the violence.
“Yes the trucks have been burnt by miscreants. We still don’t know, who have done it. I don’t know much as I was out of station. As far as I know, five trucks have been burnt. Fortunately, we have not received any news of anybody being injured,” said Linda Soro, Sub Divisional Officer (Civil), Zakhama, Nagaland.
Meanwhile, the ethnic Nagas residing in and around Senapati and Ukhrul regions of Manipur vent their anger at the ban on Muivah’s visit.
They staged a demonstration at Maram Bazar village here demanding the ban to be withdrawn.
“We are sitting in protest in opposition of the Manipur Government decision taken against the Muivah’s visit. We want him to visit his native place. We welcome him, because after 40 years working outside for the Nagas, we want him back. We want him to come and see his brothers, sisters, uncles and all his Naga people,” said Kanga Regina, a resident of Maram Bazar village.
“But since these promissory given by the Central Government, Manipur Government is opposing. So we want everybody to reflect on it, we want him back and we welcome him,” he added.
According to the truck drivers, whose vehicles were held up and later torched mentioned that a group of unknown armed people came in a vehicle and torched their trucks.
As per latest reports, security forces in Manipur are escorting the stranded inter-state passenger buses and 22 laden trucks coming from Guwahati via Nagaland and entering Manipur at Mao border check post. (ANI)
Shutdown disrupts normal life in Manipur
Imphal, May 2 (ANI): A three-day blockade called by the Manipur Tribal Joint Action Committee (JAC) as a mark of protest against the ‘Manipur District Council (Amendment) Act, 2008′ threwn normal life out of gear in the state.
On April 30, the JAC gave call for the blockade.
All business establishments remained closed for the day and the movement of commercial vehicles was disrupted.
David Choro, President of All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur, one of the leading organisations which have called for the economic blockade, regretted for inconvenience caused to general public.
He said the blockade is intend to draw the attention of the powers-that-be.
“We express our regret on that…It is not only the valley people that are suffering, but all the people across the state are suffering. We don’t want to go for this kind of agitation,” said David Choro
“Rather we have been requesting the government for the past many times before we take up this agitation. But the government is adamant and does not have any feeling for us,” he added.
Choro also called for the postponement of the autonomous council elections in the Manipur hill districts, due in the month of May.
“After a series of consultation meetings on the regional level. Meeting across various districts of the state. The Naga organisations wherever in the region have totally come out against the Act,” Choro said.
“Since we do not want the Act we want the government to postpone the elections and amend the Act,” he added.
It may be recalled that the state is already grappling with shortage of fuel supplies and other essential commodities due to another economic blockade that was also called by All Naga Students Association (ANSAM) from April 11.(ANI)
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Four nabbed for possessing arms cache in Manipur
Imphal (Manipur), May 2 (ANI): Security forces have arrested four suspects after seizing arms during a combing operation here.
A joint team of police, paramilitary and army personnel conducted the raid in Laphupat Tera, Khordak, Nongmaikhong and Bishenpur Districts of the state.
The haul included four AK-47 assault rifles, eight bombs and two Chinese hand grenades.
“They have admitted that they are sympathisers and harbourers of People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK). They transport weapons and help the PREPAK in these areas,” said K. Jhalajit Singh, Additional Superintendent of Police.
Formed under the leadership of R.K.Tulachandra on on October 9, 1977, the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) is an armed insurgent group in Manipur demanding a separate and independent homeland. (ANI)
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Police commandos arrest two militants in Manipur
Imphal, Apr 27 (ANI): Police have arrested two commandoes of the banned People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) during a counter-insurgency operation here in Imphal.
The rebels, who were arrested a day earlier, were produced before a designated court and also the media on Monday.
The security personnel also recovered some arms and allied explosives, which included two Chinese hand grenades, six live rounds of AK-36 and mobile handset.
Imphal West Range Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) A K Jahlajit Singh stated that based on specific intelligence inputs about PREPAK cadres loitering in the vicinity of the All India Radio (AIR) station, the commandos swooped into action and nabbed the rebels.
The two arrested persons have been identified as K Shantikumar Singh alias S K Singh and S Amuba Singh alias Amu Singh.
“On their body search, we got two hand grenades and six live rounds of AK-36. They disclosed that they were on a mission to lob a hand grenade at the residence of one, H Joydev Sharma in Imphal West,” said A K Jahlajit Singh.
“They further disclosed that they had committed a hand grenade lobbing at the residence of the owner of the Hoakip Travels on the ninth of April this month,” he added. (ANI)
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Highway blockage by Naga groups causing to shortage of fuel in Manipur
Imphal, Apr 26 (ANI): The week-long economic blockade called by the United Naga Council (UNC) against the “Manipur District Council (amendment) Act, 2008″ has disrupted normal life in the hill districts.
The transportation of goods was badly affected and resulted in acute shortage of essential commodities and a rise in prices.
Passenger buses and goods-laden trucks were stranded on national highways 39 and 53.
The Naga groups in Manipur as their warning move called a two -week long economic blockade in protest against the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils (Amendment) Act, 2008.
In fact, the autonomous council elections in the Manipur hill districts are due for May.
After elections, more funds from the Centre are expected to pour in for the development of the hill region.
People alleged that Naga underground outfits which are against development of the region have been supporting groups like Naga Students’ Federation and Naga United Council to disrupt the election proceedings.
The two-week long economic blockade has affected normal life in the region, and there is a huge shortage of fuel and essential commodities.
At some places, petrol, which is normally sold for Rs 49 per litre, is now going for Rs 70 Rs per litre.
“This has created a lot of inconvenience to the people, as we are forced to stock fuel for our vehicles. This causes unnecessary delays and creates many problems. So the concerned authorities should take steps that prevent such inconveniences in the future,” said Jayanta Singh.
“With the blockade on NH-39, we have lost a lot of money. At the minimum, we have lost crores of rupees because of the weeklong economic Blockade on the National Highway-39. As it has been extended for another seven days, things are becoming worse. This greatly affects the daily wage earners as the cost of rice and other essential commodities is rising,” said N Babu Singh, a ticket salesman
Naga outfits have hinted that the economic blockade on the national highways may be an indefinite one.
On April 18, authorities escorted at least 96 vehicles including inter-state passenger buses towards Imphal from Mao Gate and Nagaland on NH-53.
On NH-39, blockade supporters rained stones on around nine goods laden vehicles between Chakhamai and Makhan and damaged them.
Such acts can only worsen the situation. (ANI)
Manipur seminar initiates discourse on “Peace Dividend”
Imphal, Apr 26 (ANI): For many decades, Manipur has been facing the brunt of militancy, the result – huge social and economic losses.
To discuss the situation in the state, intellectuals came together on a common platform under the banner of `Peace Dividends’.
Almost everyday incidents of grenade attack, kidnapping and extortion by various militant groups are reported in Manipur.
Bringing peace and development to Manipur is an issue that concerns all.
The State Academy of Training recently organized a seminar called `Peace Dividends’, where intellectuals discussed ways to resolve conflicts.
“Basically, the discussion was peace in different angles like, how development can help, how governance can help, what role media can play etc. I think it touches very different issues in a very different manner and it approaches “Peace,” said Pradip Phanjoubam, Editor, Imphal Free Press.
Militancy-led-violence has disrupted normal life in Manipur.
In 2009, there were 420 deaths. This included 68 civilians, 19 members of the security forces and police and 333 members of various underground groups including those who died in internecine clashes.
The funds, which would have been spent on development projects in Manipur, are used to maintain law and order and curb militancy.
“Actually we are trying to define how the development should be there and the money we are spending to control law and order situation, that money, if you actually spend on the issues like healthcare, education, development of infrastructure it would be better for the society, said P.K. Jha, IAS, MACS Director.
“If peace will be there, then this expenditure which we are having here for controlling of the emergency situation that will be good for the society,” Jha added.
“It helps us to understand various aspects to bring peace in various parts of Manipur. Over a period, it has changed the way we think and mental blockage, which we face over a period of time,” said Nidhi Kesarvani, Deputy Commissioner, Senapati District
Peace and development go hand in hand.
If peace is there in the region, automatically development will take place.
The seminar formulated some strategies for a ‘Peaceful Manipur’ and it is hoped that this effort will bear fruit. (ANI)
Manipur’s Tribal Committee calls for shutdown to protest district council polls
Imphal, Apr 25 (ANI): The Manipur Tribal Joint Action Committee on Sunday called for a 24-hour shutdown in all hill districts of the states from midnight in protest against the State Government’s proposal to hold elections to autonomous district councils.
In a statement issued here, the committee said it will intensify the fight against holding elections to the district council under the new Act.
Recently, the Manipur Government adopted the new District Council Act.
Alleging that the present Manipur District Council Act did not give enough monetary power to District Councils.
Manipur has District Councill in — Ukhrul, Chandel, Tamenglong, Senapati and Churachandpur districts.
The committee threatened to launch other forms of agitation if the State Government decides to go ahead with election process.
With the same demand, the All Naga Students Association Manipur (ANSAM) has also launched its protests since Saturday.
The ANSAM has begun an indefinite economic blockade from Saturday along the Imphal-Dimapur National Highway 39 and Imphal-Jiribam National Highway 53. (ANI)
Fencing of India-Myanmar border under way
Imphal, Apr 24 (ANI): Fencing along the India-Myanmar international border at Manipur’s Moreh town is in progress to check illegal drug trafficking and movement of militants.
“The project is likely to benefit both Myanmar and India. Drug trafficking, human trafficking and illegal trafficking will be controlled,” said Ginsei Lhungdim, General Secretary, Hill Tribal Council.
The states of Manipur, Nagaland and Mizoram have been identified as a transit point for illegal trafficking by the United Nations Drug Control Programme (UNDCP) and International Narcotic Control Board (INCB).
“Government of India had promised to have Myanmar’s government in setting up Border liason office near the border area. The objectives are building up bilateral friendship. Then Myanmar’s officials desire to be taught the Queen’s language, English,” said Ginsei Lhungdim.
“They also want to settle petty border criminal issues at the local level itself without forwarding the matter to national capital,” he added.
The first phase of surveying the border fencing work was taken along the porous Indo-Myanmar border in 2009.
The fencing work kicked off this year on February 2 after the completion of the boundary survey by the Survey of India.
According to a trade treaty between India and Myanmar, a stretch of 40 kilometers on each side of the border is totally open. No visa and other documents are required to cross the Indo-Myanmar border in this area. (ANI)
Hailstorm kills child, damages hundreds of houses in Manipur
Keirenphabi (Manipur), Apr 23 (ANI): A child was killed and five persons injured as a hailstorm, accompanied by high velocity winds lashed most parts of Manipur, officials said on Friday.
The storm also destroyed hundreds of houses and structures apart from uprooting trees and electric poles in Keirenphabi village in Bishnupur district of the state.
“Around 600-700 houses and all roofs broken because of the hailstorm. If we are to assess the whole range of damage, that would be tremendous,” said K Panmei, Deputy Commissioner, Bishnupur district.
Meanwhile, under the leadership of the local councillor, a relief camp was opened at the community hall where many families have taken shelter.
“This is a relief camp opened here for those storm-affected families, who have no place to live in,” said Premlata Devi, a councillor.
The authorities said they have taken stock of the situation and are giving immediate relief to the families. (ANI)
Manipur faces fuel scarcity due to ongoing economic blockade
Imphal, Apr 21 (ANI): Fuel supplies and other essential commodities in Manipur are hit severely due to ongoing economic blockade called by All Naga Students Association (ANSAM).
The blockade has been imposed against the proposed polls to the six Autonomous District Councils (ADCs). The Naga community has opposed the elections under the existing Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council (third amendment) Act 2008.
As the economic blockade entered its tenth-day on Tuesday, the State has started witnessing acute fuel shortage, resulting in closure of almost all the existing filling stations in the province.
To prevent total exhaustion of the fuel stocks at Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) depots, the government has taken steps by opening five fuel pumps daily on roster system.
“This has created lot of inconvenience to those who are hand to mouth and earn their daily bread like us who are rendering services as school van driver. We will appreciate and feel happy, if they negotiate with the government and the issue is resolved at the earliest.” Said Tolen Singh, a school taxi driver. (ANI)
Cyclonic storm causes havoc in many parts of Manipur
Imphal, April 19 (ANI): Over 100 houses in different parts of Manipur state were damaged following a cyclonic storm and heavy winds during the wee hours of Sunday.
The storm swept across the State and left a trail of destruction in many areas.
The gale, accompanied by hailstones, caused widespread damage in different parts of Bishnupur and Imphal West districts, however, there were no reports of human casualties.
“Yesterday, when all people were asleep at around 1.45 or 2.00 am, there were violent storms that occurred twice. The first one was a strong one and continued for a longer period. However, the second storm was stronger than the first one and continued for a short period,” said Chaoba Nameirakpam, a villager.
Some of the houses were totally razed while tin roofs of many houses were blown away. The storm also uprooted many trees and electric poles, and led to snapping of wires.
More than 50 houses were damaged in Oinam Assembly constituency of Bishnupur district.
The gale left a similar trail of destruction at Chajing Karam in Imphal West district as well.
Apart from the houses, the storm also razed down a school.
Local residents here are faced with a lot of inconvenience, as fallen electric poles are still lying across roads. (ANI)
Manipur Ras festival 2010, a feast to eyes
Imphal, Apr 19 (ANI): Manipuri dance is one of the major Indian classical dance forms.
The cult of Radha and Krishna, particularly the Raslila, is central to its themes.
The Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy in Imphal came alive for five days as brightly attired artists performed the `Maha Ras Lila’.
The legend goes that when Krishna, Radha and the Gopis danced the Ras leela, Shiva made sure that no one disturbed the magnificent dance.
Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva also wished to see this dance, so to please her, he chose the beautiful area of Manipur and re-enacted the Ras Leela.
Since then, the Ras Leela has been performed in the northeastern state of Manipur.
This year, all forms of Ras Lila – Vasanta Ras, Diva Ras, Nitya Ras, Kunja Ras and Maha Ras along with Sankirtans were collectively performed on a single platform.
The motive was to educate the youth about different dance forms.
Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy Director, Dilip Mayengbham said the event will facilitate the students.
“To facilitate to the students, teachers and experts, there will be discussion tomorrow, then there will be another form of Raas and there will be another discussion then, the philosophy, beauty, costumes, origin, originality will be discussed,” Mayengbham said.
Ten dance troupes and five sankirtana groups from across the state participated in the festival that also attracted many artists from remote areas.
The event aimed at supporting the artists who perform Ras Lila to ensure that the legacy of the great Gurus and dancers lives on for generations to come.
The event inspired people to do productive activities like this.
“I want to convey good wishes to our brothers and sisters and we should turn our attention to such kind of activities and dance so that we all have a good and prosperous life,” said Hemabati.
The delicate movements, the music and the grace of the dancers marked the performance. (ANI)
Tribal culture, a source of strength in Manipur culture
Imphal, Apr 19 (ANI): Manipur is home to different tribes who live together in perfect harmony.
Located nearly 70 kilometres from Imphal, the Machi Block in Chandel District is surrounded by green mountains and is completely cut off from the modern world.
The 72 villages in the area that have a population of 24, 000, is mainly inhabited by the Marin, Kuki and Khoibu tribes.
They live in houses made of tin and bamboo.
Their main source of income is weaving and farming.
Banana, pumpkin, and rice are the main crops, cultivated.
“We go to a factory at Mao to get seedlings of passion fruits for Rs.2 each. Our forefathers have been growing bananas for a long time. We are just carrying forward the legacy of banana cultivation,”said Maenai, local of the Machi village
A luxurious lifestyle is not for these people, but basic amenities are.
They want pottable water, good healthcare, education for the children and better roads.
Recently, the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna, a central scheme was implemented in the region with the aim of improving connectivity.
Likewise, the National Rural Heath Mission programme is also providing better health facilities to the region.
Locals opine that the government is actively involved in development works.
“The Government is helping us with developmental work in our village. Roads and drains are under construction. We are hoping for further development of our village after the district council election,” said Kapingam, of the Machi village.
“The Government has introduced various developmental schemes in our village. But their proper implementation in various far-flung areas as yet has not been achieved,” said Hopson, another resident.
The Machi Block has a school too, which caters to the educational needs of the people.
Hockey is the favorite game of children here.
There is hope for development and progress from the forthcoming Manipur District Autonomous Council elections, which will be held after a gap of 20 years.
People in the region are happy with the decline in militancy.
Locals opine that the situation has improved in the state.
“There has been much improvement in the law and order situation in the area. The governance or the reach of an ability to access the villages has sufficiently improved in last few years. There is more effective domination by forces particularly Assam Rifles and other forces in Chandel district. I am grateful to that,” said H Dilip Singh, District Commissioner, Chandel District.
Kukis are even supporting elections and actively participating in Government programmes.
“UNC is against the election. Only Nagas are against it, not Kukis. They have some grievances,” said Hopson, a local, Machi village.
The tribals in Machi Block have witnessed a change in their lifestyle with the ongoing development work.
And things will only get better with time. (ANI)
HIV/AIDS awareness workshop for police personnel in Manipur held
Imphal, April 18 (ANI): Police personnel, including senior officers, here on Saturday participated in a daylong training programme on HIV/AIDS awareness.
This workshop was conducted at camp of No.1 Battalion of Manipur Rifles in Imphal.
Presiding over the inaugural session of the programme, Manipur’s Director General of Police, Y Joykumar in his address said the police had a major role in prevention of HIV/AIDS.
“I think all of us are aware, and I don’t need to emphasis it, what kind of danger HIV poses for the entire mankind. And it is for this reason that this problem is being dealt on the global scene with efforts to contain and prevent further expansion or the spread of this ailment,” said Y Joykumar, Director General of Police (DGP), Manipur.
Further, he noted, that the police must make a concerted effort to prevent discrimination of the people living with HIV/AIDS.
According to the United Nations, 5.7 million Indians are living with HIV/AIDS, the world’s largest caseload.
According to the recently published reports by the World Bank and other agencies, India will have to scale up prevention of HIV. (ANI)
Fishing festival in Manipur
Willong (Manipur), Apr 17 (ANI): The annual fishing festival in Manipur has attracted hundreds of people from the Maram tribe.
The festival commenced on Friday at the origin of the Barak river in Willong area of State’s Senapati district.
Ngauning Gabriel, chairman of Willong, explained the rituals of the festival, known as ‘Karjoi’.
“As part of our tradition, after the fish have been caught, people start drinking and bring out the Yai (type of fish) and declare that the fish have been caught. After catching the fish, we go back to our homes and offer the fish to the elderly and people who are ill and were unable to come to the festival. The majority of the fish is dried and stored until the next fishing festival takes place,” said Gabriel.
The fishing festival takes place in either the month of March or April.
The Maram tribe is known for their age-old fishing techniques and believes failure to hold the festival brings misfortune to their community. (ANI)
Reduced militancy providing relief to North East people
Guwahati / Kohima, Apr 11 (ANI): People in the North East can have a sigh of relief as militancy appears to be on the way out.
According to the Centre, the region has never been as peaceful as this since January 2009.
As per the Union Home Ministry’s data for six northeastern states, excluding Mizoram, the last 15 months have witnessed lowest number of civilian and security force casualties since January 2000.
In this, the Nagaland has witnessed dramatic change. In 2010, Nagaland did not witness a single militant related casualty.
The death toll declined from 213, including 140 extremists in 2008 to 31 in 2009.
Credit for this is attributed to the ceasefire agreement between National Socialist Council of Nagalad (NSCN -IM) and the Union Government.
People have are of the opinion that militants should join the mainstream and renounce violence.
“With peace and harmony coming back to Nagaland, a lot of development has taken place and when it was back 5-10 years and I urge all the right seeking people to come and join mainstream,” said Pezanguli, a local, Nagaland
With the ceasefire agreement, developmental activities in Nagaland are in full swing.
“The place was much more developed 10 years back, there were so many conflicts and because of that development was not done. There is not much killing so I should say the place is much developed,” said Pfoshuo Ariicho, a local, Nagaland.
The situation is Assam and Tripura has also improved a lot.
The ongoing efforts of the Centre to bring United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) to the negotiating table and ensure the surrender of groups like the KLNLF and the DHD (J) has given hope to the people of the region.
Now, there were 424 incidents of insurgency, which resulted in 174 deaths of civilians and security personnel in 2009.
The forces eliminated 194 extremists, the highest since 2003.
In Assam also there is a considerable reduction in militant incidents.
“If I look back few years back, the security situation was really bad in the state. There were too many bomb blasts and in the morning when we used to see the newspaper, we get scared to go to office or anywhere but now things have changed and violent activities have come down,” said Pushpa Gogoi, a local, Assam
Low militancy levels has given a great relief to locals.
“It is a matter of great relief that there is a decline in level of insurgency and there has been a good amount of minimization insurgent activities in the last few months and we have to be grateful to the peace prevailing and thank government of India and peoples group working towards it,” said S Barua, Jorhat
Among all northeastern states, Manipur continues to be worst affected.
Militant groups active in the state are responsible for instability and violence.
Blasts, extortion, hurling grenades in markets and at residences are a common strategy of militants to terrorize the people.
However the people here want an end to bloodshed and have expressed their complete faith in the constitutional framework of the country.
Most of militant groups are indulging in extortion.
“Regarding militancy in Manipur, there is less insurgency but a kind of extortion is going on and on this point, there are so many gangs and groups are coming only for money,” said L Regald Singh, a student, Manipur
“When we see the violent activities committed by the different sections of antisocial elements and militants, then we say extortion case, demand or kidnapping. I think the economic factor comes in between as militants are not guided by the ideology and the antisocial elements are committed into it mainly for money,” said Ksh Bimola Devi, Professor, Manipur University
Northeast has long been affected by militant activities and this has led to a delay in the development of the region.
But it seems the situation is changing. And as peace and normalcy return, developmental work will certainly gain momentum. (ANI)
Protest in Manipur over price rise
Imphal, Apr 9 (ANI): Activists of Communist Party and the All Manipur Nupi Marup, a local women’s influential group, on Thursday staged a protest here over the rising prices of essential commodities.
As a part of the nationwide agitation announced by the Communist Party of India (CPI) recently, the activists held agitations in all the four districts of Manipur.
However, the police prevented the protest, deploying water cannons and teargas to disperse the crowd and also arrested some of the agitators.
“Because of it (lack of train connectivity) price rise is differently high in our state, particularly. We want to bring to the notice of the central government immediately that Manipur is the most seriously affected state in the whole country and the state government is also doing very little thing. They should pressure more to the central (federal) government for curbing this price rise,” said B Sharma, former general secretary of CPI, Manipur State Council.
The wholesale price index rose 7.3 percent in December from a year earlier, its highest since November 2008, and accelerated from a 4.8 percent gain in November.
The rise was driven by near 20 percent jump in food prices, which rose on weak monsoon rains and flooding in parts of the country, but inflation in manufacturing products picked up to 5.2 percent from four percent in November, a sign that inflationary pressures were spreading to other sectors of the economy.
Sugar, in particular, has been a problem, with Congress Party caught in the middle of competing demands from consumers who want lower prices while cane farmers seek higher prices for their produce.
The supply situation deteriorated further in recent months when Uttar Pradesh, seeking to help cane farmers, banned processing raw sugar, jamming 750,000 tonnes of raw sugar at ports. (ANI)
Mixed response to Naga-backed shutdown in Manipur
Senapati (Manipur), Apr 7 (ANI): Everyday life came to a standstill in parts of insurgency-hit Manipur after the United Naga Council, the apex body of Nagas, called for a 12-hour-shutdown on Tuesday.
Transportation throughout the state was crippled, but the call for a shutdown failed to have much effect in Kuki-dominated areas of the state.
The strike came after the State Government announced that elections in the six autonomous district councils of the state would be held in two phases, on May 17 and 24.
The United Naga Council is, however, against the current status of the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council Act, 1971, the legislation under which the forthcoming polls would be held, saying that the councils would function governments tools.
“I want that the term ‘autonomous’ should be retained and want elections to be conducted. And also the Act should be changed,” said R. S. Abel, General Secretary, Senapati District Olympic Association.
The forthcoming elections are being viewed with disapproval by many locals.
“District elections after 20 years, we don’t know how it will be. But any election, as I said earlier, is always dividing people. Because you have all the parties who contest election, so it divides people. The unity of the people is obviously divided through these party lines. So I think even district elections will be the same, like state elections,” said Grace, the president of Senapati District Women’s Association.
Over 20 militant groups operate in Manipur with some demanding freedom while others seek more political autonomy. (ANI)
Manipur street play highlights people’s voice for peace
Imphal, Apr 5 (ANI): Street plays for long have been a way of raising issues that are of concern to the society, recently, theatre artists in Manipur staged plays against militant activities.
People in northeast have been the victims of militant activities from long time.
Recently, a Thoubal-based theatre group called Roopalaya Theatre came forward to highlight the problems caused by militants in the northeast.
Supported by Delhi-based the National Institute of Performing Arts, the artists staged two plays called `A voice from the heart’ and `The Question’.
The plays were staged in Nambol Bazar and Bishnupur Bazar of Bishnupur District and Malom Bazar of Imphal West District.
”We want peace is the slogan of the public. The people do not want more killings and violence as well as gun culture in the state. Though in both plays the content varies, but it expresses the desire for peace,” said Bonee Thongamcha, Director, Roopalaya Theatre
”The present situation in the state is very confusing. Our play depicts this turmoil situation to spread awareness about the problem to public and bring a peaceful solution,” said Ibomcha Singh, an artist
People in Manipur are fed up with bomb attacks, extortions and killings.
The attempt was to make people aware of the urgent need for harmony in the society and to bring an end to violence.
The plays urged the audience to work towards bringing lasting peace and finding a solution to militancy.
People in the audience hoped that such efforts would help being about a positive change in the society.
“The young and the old, everyone should be taught to head in a positive direction. You know we value life, as we cannot be born again and again. We are confused by the present spree of killings,” said Apabi Devi, a member audience.
People in Manipur and in the entire northeast region are well aware of the modus operandi of militant outfits that work for their selfish motives.
The region has already paid a heavy price due to insurgent activities and all the people now want is peace and progress and a better life that is free of uncertainty.
Indeed! `This is a voice from the heart’.(ANI)
BSNL launches 3G services in Manipur
Imphal, Apr 5 (ANI):Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has launched 3G services in Manipur to help to bring the state at par with other states.
On March 20, 3G services were launched for the first time in Manipur and will be available in Porompat, Lamlong Bazar, Chingmeirong, Koirengei, Thangmeiband, Lamphel exchange, Tera Bazar, Langjing, Kwakeithel, Singjamei Bazar, Manipur University, and Kongba Bazar regions of the state in the first phase.
According to BSNL, the services will be extended to other parts of the state later.
These services already exists in Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai, and have received a good response.
People in Imphal, the state capital, expressed happiness over the commencement of 3G services.
“New technological changes are taking place and it is necessary to adapt to changing times and trends and avail of the new service,” said Yunman Manglem, a 3G user.
“I think it is very fortunate for us to get a chance to use this service. I am just applying to this service,” added C S Lokendra Singh.
Thirty-two towers will power 3G services in Manipur.
Applications like download of music tracks, video calls and conferences live streaming, news, current affairs will be powered by the 3G services.
People feel that the 3G services is advantageous specially to the people of north east.
“Right now the speed is just 2 MB plus, this is very good speed. Afterwards the time will come when the bandwidth will be increased,” said Lumkin, Deputy General Manager, BSNL Manipur.
Under the banner of 3G services, WIMAX services will also be extended to rural areas. (ANI)
UNLF militants surrender another step towards restoring peace in north-east
Imphal, Apr 3 (ANI): The recent surrender of two cadres of the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) militant group has given hope to people in Manipur that the situation would soon return to normalcy.
The formal arms lying down ceremonyby , Kiyamlakpa and Herojeet was conducted at Inspector General of Assam Rifles (South) Headquarters in Mantripukhri.
The duo’s decision to shun violence was welcomed by the state.
The militants surrendered their arms before Manipur Director General of Police Y Joykumar and Major General C A Krishnan of the Assam Rifles.
The Manipur Government has assured both Kiyamlakpa and Herojeet of proper rehabilitation.
“The youths who have earlier taken the wrong path, have opted to lead normal lives. I think this will bring positive changes in society,” claimed Modhujoy Meitei, a local.
Helping those who have gone astray return to the mainstream, providing them proper education and employment is the need of the hour.
“Once they give violence and lay down arms, everything will improve slowly. We should try to understand the problem and jointly work towards bringing peace to the state,” said Sana Devi, a local.
The recent surrender is considered as a step towards restoring peace and normalcy to the region.
Other misguided youths should also be encouraged to reject violence and return to the mainstream.(ANI)
Travel through Manipur’s hill districts to understand tribal culture
Imphal, Apr 3 (ANI): Manipur, a land of pristine natural beauty consists of valleys surrounded by magnificent hills that are inhabited by different tribal communities.
A substantial portion of the population resides in the hill districts of the state.
During the journey to Sadar Joute and Sikibung villages, one can meet tribals inhabitants and take a look at their way of life.
Sadar Joute is , a village in Senapati District, located around 65 kilometers from Imphal.
Sadar Joute is dominated by the Kuki tribe and is spread across an area of 2000 hectares and has a population of 200 and has 34 households.
Untouched by the modern influences, the villagers, who depend largely on farming and forest produce for their livelihood, lead a simple life.
Weaving by womenfolk is an additional source of income for the villagers.
Thanks to the physical distance the village faces problems of inaccessibility and under-development.
Lack of proper water storage and supply facilities, health centers and education facilities are some other problems faced by Sadar Joute villagers.
Though some developmental schemes like the Prime Minister Gramin Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and the rural electrification scheme ‘Atenglok Multi-Purpose Pico Hydal Power Project’ have made a difference, but still a lot more needs to be done.
“After the coming of Pico Hydel Project in our village, we don’t have to face load-shedding anymore. We can use electricity whenever we need. We don’t suffer from shortage of electricity as we used to earlier. We are very happy about it,” said Manglen Changsan, Sadar Joute village chief.
The Manipur autonomous District Council election, which will be held after a gap of 20 years, is round the corner and people residing in the hill districts are hopeful that it will help bring about progress and development in the area.
With militancy and related problems rampant in the region, preventive security efforts also need to be strengthened.
“We rarely get the full amount of funds sanctioned by the Center. Militant groups in the state extort money and we receive just a meager amount. If we elect a sincere, hard working representative in the forthcoming district Council election, then we hope there will be development in our village,” said Peter, a local, Sikibung village.
“We need schools for our children, a health center and proper road connectivity. Also, for youngsters like us, we want new projects like weaving and other projects in our village that will provide jobs,” said Zoujam Changsan, a local.
The story of the Sikibung village in Ukhrul District is as same as that of Sadar Joute and developmental work needs to pick up pace, here also.
Situated over 8o kilometers from Imphal, the picturesque Sikibung is inhabited by the Naga tribe who depend on cultivation of Yongchak.
Yongchak is a bean and a favorite ingredient in many Manipuri dishes.
Villagers feel that the proper implementation of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) would provide some source of income.
“One yongchak tree can produce beans worth Rs. 4000. And every house has at least 10-20 yongchak trees, which makes it quite profitable. This is how we earn our livelihood.
NRGS has helped us. That is the only source of income we have now,” said Phungrei, Sikibung village chief.
The Autonomous Hill District Council elections are scheduled to be held in two phases in the month of May.
People in the hill districts are looking forward to electing their representatives who will work for them and bring development to the region.(ANI)
Hailstorm in Manipur kills one, destroys over 175 houses
Thoubal (Manipur), Apr 2(ANI): Unseasonal heavy rain accompanied by hailstorm over the past one week have killed a schoolgirl and destroyed over 175 houses in Manipur.
Heavy rains and hailstorm, which have been sweeping the state since last Saturday, created havoc in districts of Bishenpur, Thoubal, Imphal East and Imphal West.
A third standard student of the Gouro Thambal Memorial Academy in Lilong Arapti, Imphal East district, was killed when the school’s building collapsed on Thursday.
According to reports, yesterday’s storm led to the collapse of the school’s tin roof, when classes were in process.
“Around 2.30 p.m., the sudden storm took place. In that storm, rain as well hailstones accompanied the storm. … when we tried to rescue the children, they could not come out because of the hailstones. Even the teachers couldn’t intervene. In that process, the school building was blown off and razed to the ground,” said Sarat Singh, Vice Principal of the Gouro Thambal Academy.
The sudden collapse of the building also caused minor injuries to around 60 students of the school.
Meanwhile, the affected areas in Thoubal district were inspected by District Deputy Commissioner R. K. Dinesh Singh and a local legislator Y. Surchandra Singh on Friday.
“We have got reports of around 175 plus houses being destroyed, but we will be conducting a detailed survey within two days and can give you the accurate figure after that,” Dinesh Singh said.
“We are estimating the number of causalities and number of houses, which are damaged, and accordingly we will decide on the quantum which is to be given to them immediately,” he added. (ANI)
Militant outfits in Manipur interested in exploiting people to amass wealth, says Kanglei chief
Imphal, Apr 2 (ANI): Gopeshwar alias Athouba, the self-styled chief of militant group Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL)- Military Defence Force-2, who was produced before the media at Imphal after his arrest said that most of the rebel outfits are not committed to their professed ideology, but solely interested in exploiting the people to amass wealth.
Further, Gopeshwar, who was arrested from Shillong made a startling revelation that a good number of the rebels are in league with some persons in power.
“There is no question of possibility of getting independence within 10 years from now. And also there is no question of unification of the party too. I can give a dateline of 10 years there is no question at all of winning the movement. When it started the party principle and the rules were very good,” said Gopeshwar
“But as of now, nobody follows the rule and principle. When they get promoted, than they count on the relationships with MLAs, Police, army, and the freedom movement has diverted towards the strength of money,” he added.
Acting on a tip off from the sources, the Manipur Police Commandos from Thoubal reached Shillong and conducted a search operation along with the personnel of 16th Battalion of Maratha Light Infantry.
Gopeshwar was nabbed from a rented accommodation. Interestingly, no arms and ammunitions were recovered from Gopeshwar at the time of his arrest, a top brass of the police noted.
“Based on the preliminary interrogations, we came to know about his involvement in many cases of ambushes on BSF (Border Security Forces) in Lokchao in 2002 and snatching of arms. Thereafter (he) ambushed on the commandos at Bishnupur in 2004 on Lokwaypath,” Clay Khongsai, Senior Superintendent of Police, Manipur Police Commandos, Imphal.
“Gopeshwar is involved in killing of several people including the very sensitive case of killing Manoj Shetty. He is and was directly or indirectly involved in most of these cases. I am sure more will come out,” Khongsai added.
In the follow up action based on Gopeshwar’s disclosure, the commandos captured his brother named Khagemba and a woman sympathiser of KYKL identified as Joyrose Machango.
Two AK-47 rifles along with four magazines and 200 live rounds were recovered from Khagemba’s residence. (ANI)
(We had discussions on this issues time to time within these 2 months with family members after watching few news clippings on tv channels occasionally, its really sad that rice eating state getting rice for 100 rs kg or 1200rs for one LPG...ITS HIGHTIME CENTRE SHOULD INTREFERE FIRMLY AND TAKE STRICT ACTION...HOPE TO SEE THE TOTAL SOLUTION AND PEACE OVER THERE FAST).
There is a blockade in Manipur for the past 5 weeks and has entered the sixth week. Many of the folks in mainstream media were so busy in the IPL matches and its attending controversies.
Strife in Manipur forces people to stay in relief camps
Kohima, May 17 (ANI): Around 500 villagers belonging to the Moa tribal community has been staying in a relief camp for the past ten days in Kohima, due to the ongoing strife in Manipur’s Senapati District.
The relief camp was set up at Kisama village in the wake of a bloody encounter in which Manipur police personnel fired at scores of protesting villagers at Mao Gate in Senapati district on May 6, killing two and wounding many others.
The villagers were up in arms against the state government’s decision to not to allow Thuingaleng Muivah, the leader of separatist National Socialist Council of Nagaland – Isak Muivah (NSCN – IM), to visit his ancestral village in Manipur state.
They said they are hopeful that the central government would be able to resolve the situation at the earliest.
“What makes us worry is when will be able to go back to our villages, and when will we hear that good news (that situation has become normal). We expect the government would be able to resolve the issue at the earliest, and in the best possible way so that we might be able to go home,” said Ella, an inmate at the camp.
“Most of the people here are cultivators. They are worried for their fields because it is time for sowing and also (they) do many other activities in the village. They are worried for staying so long in these camps. But they fear to go back home until this problem is settled,” said James Athikho, the relief camp in-charge.
Violent clashes between Muivah’s supporters and security forces at the border town of Mao resulted in the death of two women protestors and left over 50 others injured.
The NSCN-IM had agreed to a ceasefire in August 1997 and launched a peace process with the Central Government to bring an end to the longest-running insurgency in India.
The rebel group has participated in several rounds of talks with central officials since the start of the ceasefire.
But talks between the two sides have not made progress over the rebels” main demand of unification and eventual independence of Naga-dominated areas in northeast India. (ANI)
Protest in Manipur against Naga leader’s visit
Imphal (Manipur), May 16 (ANI): Scores of protestors took to the streets in Imphal to protest the proposed visit of leader of National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah, who wants unification and eventual independence of Naga-dominated areas in the north-east.
The tension intensified here on Saturday as the protestors raised slogans against Muivah.
They alleged that Muivah’s homecoming was only a ploy to create a communal crisis in the state.
“We have co-existed together with love and peace and I believe his entry in the state will destroy the peaceful atmosphere and end that relationship amongst us,” said Rojen Mayengbam, a protestor.
“We always want to live together peacefully and we want to say that if a problem will be created, it is better for him not to enter,” he added.
Earlier this month, the state government banned Muivah from visiting Somdal, located in Ukhrul district.
The NSCN-IM had agreed to a ceasefire in August 1997 and launched a peace process with the Central Government to bring an end to the longest-running insurgency in India.
The rebel group has participated in several rounds of talks with central officials since the start of the ceasefire.
But talks between the two sides have not made progress over the rebels’ main demand of unification and eventual independence of Naga-dominated areas in northeast India. (ANI)
BJP team meets Chidambaram over Manipur crisis
New Delhi, May 15 (ANI): A four-member delegation of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) met Home Minister P Chidambaram on Friday to demand that Manipur’s territorial integrity be protected.
Party spokesperson Prakash Javadekar, who led the delegation, said: “There is no question of disturbing the territorial integrity of Manipur. There is no question of anything to do with Manipur as far as the NSCN-IM negotiations are concerned. So boundaries are not negotiable.”
He also mentioned that they had sought vehicular traffic along national highways (NH-39 and NH-53) should not be obstructed.
“We said that as the supplies situation is precarious, there has to be immediate steps to clear (the economic blockade) and bring the supply through NH-53. We also demanded that there are threats issued to non-Manipuris that after May 31 they will not be allowed in Manipur to stay; that should also be taken note of,” he said.
“He (Chidambaram) said that he has already made his position clear umpteen times, but we requested him to make it once more.” he added
Manipur is facing an economic blockade by supporters of NSCN (IM) whose leader T Muivah has been denied permission to visit his village in the state.
Earlier, violent clashes between Muivah’s supporters and security forces at the border town of Mao resulted in the death of two women protestors and left over 50 others injured.
The NSCN-IM had agreed to a ceasefire in August 1997 and launched a peace process with the Central Government to bring an end to the longest-running insurgency in India.
The rebel group has participated in several rounds of talks with central officials since the start of the ceasefire.
But talks between the two sides have not made progress over the rebels” main demand of unification and eventual independence of Naga-dominated areas in northeast India. (ANI)
Vehicles queue up for fuel rations in Manipur
Imphal, May 14 (ANI): Hundreds of vehicles queued up outside filling stations in Imphal on Thursday during an economic blockade called by the tribal Naga community.
The indefinite economic blockade has been called by the All Naga Students Association (ANSAM) and All Tribal Students’ Union, Manipur, to protest Manipur’s decision not to allow separatist Naga leader, Thuingaleng Muivah, to visit his hometown.
In the wake of the economic blockade, Manipur’s Food and Civil Supply Minister Y Erabot said that fuel and other essential items would be procured from Silchar in Assam.
The authorities have been mandated to dispense petrol and diesel through 14 selected filling stations in five districts of the state.
The filling stations opened from 7.30 am to 4.30 pm.
Manipuris, who are bearing the brunt of the agitation, expressed their displeasure.
“We feel very discontented with this. By creating such inconveniences and suffering to common people, they will not be able to achieve their goal. We are not happy about it,” said Nabakumar Singh, a Manipuri.
Earlier, violent clashes between Muivah’s supporters and security forces at the border town of Mao resulted in the death of two women protestors and left over 50 others injured.
The NSCN-IM had agreed to a ceasefire in August 1997 and launched a peace process with the Central Government to bring an end to the longest-running insurgency in India.
The rebel group has participated in several rounds of talks with central officials since the start of the ceasefire.
But talks between the two sides have not made progress over the rebels” main demand of unification and eventual independence of Naga-dominated areas in northeast India. (ANI)
Manipuri women protest against proposed visit of Naga leader
Imphal, May 14 (ANI): Around 1,000 women staged a sit-in protest here on Thursday against the visit of National Socialist Council of Nagalim’s (Isak-Muivah) leader, Thuingaleng Muivah, to the state.
The protest was carried out by the Advanced Women Society at the Awang Sekmai Bazaar in Imphal.
After the sit-in protest, the women took out a rally in Sekmai area shouting slogans against Muivah’s visit.
“We are opposing Muivah’s attempt to enter Manipur with an intention to destroy Manipur. We are expressing our anger. We have decided to close down all our business establishments and have stopped our daily errands as well. And so we have been staging today’s sit-in protest,” said Memcha Devi, a protestor.
The protestors also allege that Muivah’s homecoming is only a ploy to cause communal crisis in the state.
“Even though he was born in Manipur, he has never spoken for Manipur and instead supports Nagaland. He has made Manipur suffer a lot,” said Amubi Devi, secretary of Advanced Women Society.
Earlier, violent clashes between Muivah’s supporters and security forces at the border town of Mao resulted in the death of two women protestors and left over 50 others injured.
The NSCN-IM had agreed to a ceasefire in August 1997 and launched a peace process with the Central Government to bring an end to the longest-running insurgency in India.
The rebel group has participated in several rounds of talks with central officials since the start of the ceasefire.
But talks between the two sides have not made progress over the rebels” main demand of unification and eventual independence of Naga-dominated areas in northeast India. (ANI)
Border villages of Manipur, gateway for trade
Chandel (Manipur), May 13 (ANI): The border areas of Manipur’s Chandel district, adjacent to Myanmar, function as a gateway to promote international border trade.
A visit to some of the remote villages in the area would indicate the important role played by them in the region.
Manipur, which occupies a stretch of 1,463-kilometres along the border with Myanmar, is considered the gateway for India’s trade with South East Asian neighbours.
Moreh town in Manipur, 110 km from capital Imphal, is an upcoming commercial hub under the ‘Look East Policy’.
The Central Government has undertaken construction of roads for better connectivity along the Indo-Myanmar border .
Construction of a bridge over the Khujairok River and work on border fencing are also underway.
“Twenty five items have been selected and short-listed under Indo-Myanmar border trade agreement. Another 15 items are bing added. Altogether, 40 items were selected as trade items……. Both the countries will be benefited. India will get things at cheaper price,” says Lunminthang Haokip, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Moreh
Another interesting place is Ngamkhai village. Surrounded by lush green mountains, it is predominantly inhabited by the Kuki tribe.
Main occupation of the villagers here is making charcoal, collecting timber from the forest and sand stones from riverbanks.
It is located close to Moreh, but still it lags behind in terms of development.
Limited healthcare facilities, insufficient water supply and erratic power supply are some of the problems faced by the villagers.
“Healthcare is practically nil. We depend on the primary health center, which is not properly set up. It lacks doctors, nurses and instruments,” said Ginsei Lhungdim, General Secretary, Hill Tribal Council
“We usually face water-shortage as we live at higher elevation. The supply that we receive doesn’t even last for half and hour and it is not enough for all of us,” said Tong Khongam, a local resident of Ngamkhai Veng Village.
Even though insurgency led violence is less in the area as compared to other parts of Manipur, there are frequent economic blockades and shutdowns.
According to Lunminthang Haokip, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Moreh, practical problems are there. The road between Pallen and Moreh is not good. Moreover, other problems like bandhs and economic blockades hamper trade.
Villagers believe that the suspension of operation agreement signed between the Center and the Kuki National Front (KNF) has considerably reduced militancy in the region.
“There is no of violence by Valley or tribal Underground group, following the signing of Suspension of Operations agreement,” said Ginsei Lhungdim, General secretary, Hill Tribal Council.
It is hoped that with proper development of infrastructure, the immense business potential of these border villages can be realized that will transform the lives of the villagers. (ANI)
Home Secretary Pillai meets Nagaland Governor, Chief Minister
Imphal, May 12 (ANI): Union Home Secretary G K Pillai today met Nagaland Governor Nikhil Kumar and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio in the wake of Manipur government opposing NSCN (IM) T Muivah’s visit to his hometown.
Pillai was accompanied by Naga peace interlocutor R S Pande.
He will meet Muivah at Viswema village on the Nagaland-Manipur border later today.
Earlier, Pillai met Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh to discuss the situation in the State.
Meanwhile, the Kakching Bazaar Business Welfare Association took out a rally in support of the state government’s decision to stop Muviah from entering the state.
Thousands of people, including women and children, participated in the rally and also staged a sit-in protest in the Kakching-Pallel Lamkhai market area.
All business establishments of Kakching market remained closed for the day to mark the protest.
“A rally is being organized in order to protest to end of the prolonged economic blockade called by some organizations along the National Highways 39 and 53. The economic blockade has severely affected the public, and that’s why we have organized this protest rally. Our demand is to end the economic blockade as early as possible. We will not allow Muivah to enter this state,” said Biren Singh, President of the Joint Non-Government Voluntary Organization.
Violent clashes between Muivah’s supporters and security forces at the border town of Mao resulted in the death of two women protestors and left over 50 others injured.
Earlier, the All Manipur United Club Organisation (AMUCO) had called for a two-day shutdown in the state.
The NSCN-IM had agreed to a ceasefire in August 1997 and launched a peace process with the Central Government to bring an end to the longest-running insurgency in India.
The rebel group has participated in several rounds of talks with central officials since the start of the ceasefire.
But talks between the two sides have not made progress over the rebels’ main demand of unification and eventual independence of Naga-dominated areas in northeast India.
Manipuris take out peace rally to protest Naga students’ blockade in Guwahati
Guwahati, Assam May 11 (ANI): A number of Manipuris in Assam’s Guwahati city took out a peace rally on Tuesday against Naga students’ blockade.
Organised under the banner of ‘Greater Guwahati Manipuri Association’ the protestors expressed solidarity with the Manipuris and sought lifting of the blockade, as it has paralysed the general life here and caused an acute shortage of essential commodities like petrol, food grains, and medicines because of the road blockade.
“The main aim is that we want peace, the situation of Manipur is bad because of blockade resulting in a crisis situation in the Manipur. Prices of the commodities have shot up and with an aim to draw the attention of the authorities, we are demonstrating,” said Y Dhan Kumar Singh, President of Greater Guwahati Manipuri Association.
“We have requested honourable Prime Minister of India to solve these problems and also the Chief Ministers of Nagaland and Manipur, so that Manipur people get protection in Nagaland and be able to live peacefully with,” he added.
The blockade has created further tensions between Nagas and Manipuris.
Nagaland students have opposed the Manipuri government’s ban on barring the rebel Naga leader Thuingaleng Muivah of National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM) visiting his ancestral village Somdal in Ukhrul District.
The government had imposed an embargo on Muivah’s visit, contending it could create law and order problem in the state. (ANI)
Protestors stage sit-ins over proposed visit of Naga leader
Imphal, May 10 (ANI): Residents of Imphal staged a sit-in demonstration across the region against the visit of leader of National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah, who wants unification and eventual independence of Naga-dominated areas in the north-east.
The protests were held under the auspices of the Apunba Meira Paibi and other local clubs such as the Youth Development Organisation of Thangmeiband Thingel.
Demonstrators burnt effigies of Muviah and Home Minister P. Chidambaram and raised slogans that objected to Muviah’s proposed visit to his ancestral village Somdal in Ukhrul District.
They alleged that Muivah’s homecoming was only a ploy to cause a communal crisis in the state.
“The decision taken by Chidambaram is a secret conspiracy. He has not informed or involved any political leaders of the state. He wants to destroy the integrity of the state, and, we are strongly opposed to it,” said K Shyama Devi, a protestor.
Earlier, the All Manipur United Club Organisation (AMUCO) had called for a two-day shutdown in the state.
The NSCN-IM had agreed to a ceasefire in August 1997 and launched a peace process with the Central Government to bring an end to the longest-running insurgency in India.
The rebel group has participated in several rounds of talks with central officials since the start of the ceasefire.
But talks between the two sides have not made progress over the rebels’ main demand of unification and eventual independence of Naga-dominated areas in northeast India. (ANI)
Naga students take out a peace rally in Guwahati
Guwahati, May 9 (ANI): Members of the Naga Students Association took part in a peace rally here on Saturday to express their solidarity with Naga sentiments.
The demonstration was in the context of the Manipur Government barring the rebel Naga leader Thuingaleng Muivah from visiting his ancestral village Somdal in Ukhrul District.
“We want to express our solidarity with our people back home and particularly those of them who have lost their lives for no fault of theirs,” said Asoward, Advisor of Naga Students Association.
The Manipur Government has banned Muivah’s visit, contending that it will create a law and order problem.
At least three persons were killed when security forces fired tear gas shells, mock bombs and live bullets to control a crowd, who were vandalising and setting afire police vehicles and other goods kept at the Mao Town Hall after their attempt to take out a protest rally against the decision to bar Muivah from visiting Manipur.
Muivah wanted to visit Somdal between May 3 and 10. (ANI)
Shutdown disrupts normal life in Manipur
Imphal (Manipur), May 8 (ANI): The two-day shutdown call given by the All Manipur United Club Organisation (AMUCO) as a mark of protest against the visit of Thuingaleng Muivah, the rebel Naga leader of National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM) has disrupted normal life in the state.
The markets in Imphal presented a deserted look, while commercial establishments in the other areas of the state rolled down its shutters.
The shutdown that began at around 6 p.m. on Thursday will continue till 6 p.m. on Saturday.
The AMUCO has supported the decision of the state government to ban the entry of Muivah in Manipur, where he has planned to visit his ancestral place Somdal.
The AMUCO also urged the government not to retreat from their stand, and reaffirmed that the government has complete support of the people.
The government has imposed an embargo on his visit, contending that it will create law and order problem and might disturb the peace in the state.
Muivah had proposed to visit Somdal, located in Ukhrul district, between May 3 and 10. (ANI)
Economic blockade hits normal life in Manipur
Imphal (Manipur), May 8 (ANI): Normal life in Manipur was brought to a complete standstill by an economic blockade spearheaded by the All Naga Students’ Association.
Simultaneously, the All Tribal Students’ Union is leading a stir in the state.
Oil depots have shut shop while the prices of essential commodities have sky rocketed. Hospitals have shut down due to non-availability of life-saving drugs and oxygen.
At present, a resolution does seem in sight.
“The prices have been hiked very significantly. Earlier one bag of rice cost rupees 670. Now, it has reached rupees 980. As a result I can’t afford rice, so, I have avoided procuring rice. How can I purchase it? How can I sell to those poor villagers who won’t be in a position to purchase it? As the price has hiked very high I’m not in a position to buy in abundance. So, I am compelled to purchase only a rickshaw load materials,” said Ahanbi Devi, a businesswoman in Imphal.
The shortage is so acute that black marketing of items is rife.
“I’ve been told that now the petrol is being sold at Rupees150 per litre,” said Binota Devi, a housewife.
“We are not satisfied with the government’s policies, because they could have arranged in such a way that every one gets their share. Instead, why have they allowed the black marketers in,” she added.
The ANSAM has alleged that the Amendment Act might deprive ethnic Nagas in Manipur of their cultural identity. (ANI)
Trauma of Manipur violence victims
Imphal, May 5 (ANI): Manipur has been affected by militant violence for a long time and the worst sufferers are the common people.
Here is a family that was a victim of militant violence and see how they are coping with the loss of their loved one.
The simple and happy life of the family of late Singam Premananda Singh, came to an end after his death.
Premananda, the sole bread earner of the family was killed in an explosion engineered by a militant outfit at Pourabi Road in Manipur on 16th December 2007 along with six other people.
Almost four years later, the dreadful incident still haunts his family.
Premananda has left behind an aged mother, his wife and three children who live in the shadow of poverty.
Ibemma, his wife, now weaves clothes and does other menial labour to keep the family afloat.
“We are facing untold hardships after his death. I’m old and unable to work. Now, all the responsibility of the family has fallen on my daughter-in-law’s shoulder. No one is there to look after us,” said Thamchet Devi, mother of a victim.
The Sstate Government gave Rs one lakh to assist the Singam family and promised to provide assistance in future as well.
Still, Ibemma finds it difficult to make both ends meet and provide a future to her children.
Sometimes, she finds it difficult juggling different roles, but she sees hope in her children’s eyes and is inspired to soldier on.
“It is very difficult to manage and run the family all alone. I have to raise my children, take part in locality’s social services and earn money as well. Even leading a simple life is hard for us,” said Ibemma Devi, wife of a victim.
Manipur has more than 30 militant groups and extortion, abductions and bomb attacks happen quite regularly in the state.
“They (militants) must think about the consequences of their actions, which normally affect innocent people. People are suffering unnecessarily due to their mindless acts. We are against them,” Devi added.
The story doesn’t end with the Singam family; there are several other families that have suffered a similar fate.
Here are many families like that of Premananda who have been victims of militants’ activities in the state.
People in the state live in fear that the same fate could befall them at any time. (ANI)
Violence in Manipur over ban on rebel Naga leader’s visit
Senapati (Manipur), May 5 (ANI): Unknown armed miscreants in Manipur’s Senapati District bordering Nagaland resorted to arson and torched Manipur bound trucks to protest against the ban imposed on the proposed visit of Thuingaleng Muivah, the rebel Naga leader.
The incident occurred late on Tuesday night in the vicinity of Manipur-Nagaland border along the National Highway from Zakhama in Nagaland to Imphal in Manipur via Senapati district.
Apprehending unrest among the ethnic Nagas residing in Senapati and Ukhrul regions, the Manipur Government has banned the entry of Thuingaleng Muivah, the leader of the rebel National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM) into Manipur, where he has planned to visit his ancestral place Somdal, where he was born.
He had proposed to visit Somdal, located in Ukhrul district, between May 3 and 10.
The miscreants torched five Manipur-bound trucks. Police suspect it to be an act of local Nagas’ anger at the government’s decision barring Muivah’s entry.
Local administration officials confirmed the violence.
“Yes the trucks have been burnt by miscreants. We still don’t know, who have done it. I don’t know much as I was out of station. As far as I know, five trucks have been burnt. Fortunately, we have not received any news of anybody being injured,” said Linda Soro, Sub Divisional Officer (Civil), Zakhama, Nagaland.
Meanwhile, the ethnic Nagas residing in and around Senapati and Ukhrul regions of Manipur vent their anger at the ban on Muivah’s visit.
They staged a demonstration at Maram Bazar village here demanding the ban to be withdrawn.
“We are sitting in protest in opposition of the Manipur Government decision taken against the Muivah’s visit. We want him to visit his native place. We welcome him, because after 40 years working outside for the Nagas, we want him back. We want him to come and see his brothers, sisters, uncles and all his Naga people,” said Kanga Regina, a resident of Maram Bazar village.
“But since these promissory given by the Central Government, Manipur Government is opposing. So we want everybody to reflect on it, we want him back and we welcome him,” he added.
According to the truck drivers, whose vehicles were held up and later torched mentioned that a group of unknown armed people came in a vehicle and torched their trucks.
As per latest reports, security forces in Manipur are escorting the stranded inter-state passenger buses and 22 laden trucks coming from Guwahati via Nagaland and entering Manipur at Mao border check post. (ANI)
Shutdown disrupts normal life in Manipur
Imphal, May 2 (ANI): A three-day blockade called by the Manipur Tribal Joint Action Committee (JAC) as a mark of protest against the ‘Manipur District Council (Amendment) Act, 2008′ threwn normal life out of gear in the state.
On April 30, the JAC gave call for the blockade.
All business establishments remained closed for the day and the movement of commercial vehicles was disrupted.
David Choro, President of All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur, one of the leading organisations which have called for the economic blockade, regretted for inconvenience caused to general public.
He said the blockade is intend to draw the attention of the powers-that-be.
“We express our regret on that…It is not only the valley people that are suffering, but all the people across the state are suffering. We don’t want to go for this kind of agitation,” said David Choro
“Rather we have been requesting the government for the past many times before we take up this agitation. But the government is adamant and does not have any feeling for us,” he added.
Choro also called for the postponement of the autonomous council elections in the Manipur hill districts, due in the month of May.
“After a series of consultation meetings on the regional level. Meeting across various districts of the state. The Naga organisations wherever in the region have totally come out against the Act,” Choro said.
“Since we do not want the Act we want the government to postpone the elections and amend the Act,” he added.
It may be recalled that the state is already grappling with shortage of fuel supplies and other essential commodities due to another economic blockade that was also called by All Naga Students Association (ANSAM) from April 11.(ANI)
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Four nabbed for possessing arms cache in Manipur
Imphal (Manipur), May 2 (ANI): Security forces have arrested four suspects after seizing arms during a combing operation here.
A joint team of police, paramilitary and army personnel conducted the raid in Laphupat Tera, Khordak, Nongmaikhong and Bishenpur Districts of the state.
The haul included four AK-47 assault rifles, eight bombs and two Chinese hand grenades.
“They have admitted that they are sympathisers and harbourers of People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK). They transport weapons and help the PREPAK in these areas,” said K. Jhalajit Singh, Additional Superintendent of Police.
Formed under the leadership of R.K.Tulachandra on on October 9, 1977, the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) is an armed insurgent group in Manipur demanding a separate and independent homeland. (ANI)
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Police commandos arrest two militants in Manipur
Imphal, Apr 27 (ANI): Police have arrested two commandoes of the banned People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) during a counter-insurgency operation here in Imphal.
The rebels, who were arrested a day earlier, were produced before a designated court and also the media on Monday.
The security personnel also recovered some arms and allied explosives, which included two Chinese hand grenades, six live rounds of AK-36 and mobile handset.
Imphal West Range Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) A K Jahlajit Singh stated that based on specific intelligence inputs about PREPAK cadres loitering in the vicinity of the All India Radio (AIR) station, the commandos swooped into action and nabbed the rebels.
The two arrested persons have been identified as K Shantikumar Singh alias S K Singh and S Amuba Singh alias Amu Singh.
“On their body search, we got two hand grenades and six live rounds of AK-36. They disclosed that they were on a mission to lob a hand grenade at the residence of one, H Joydev Sharma in Imphal West,” said A K Jahlajit Singh.
“They further disclosed that they had committed a hand grenade lobbing at the residence of the owner of the Hoakip Travels on the ninth of April this month,” he added. (ANI)
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Highway blockage by Naga groups causing to shortage of fuel in Manipur
Imphal, Apr 26 (ANI): The week-long economic blockade called by the United Naga Council (UNC) against the “Manipur District Council (amendment) Act, 2008″ has disrupted normal life in the hill districts.
The transportation of goods was badly affected and resulted in acute shortage of essential commodities and a rise in prices.
Passenger buses and goods-laden trucks were stranded on national highways 39 and 53.
The Naga groups in Manipur as their warning move called a two -week long economic blockade in protest against the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils (Amendment) Act, 2008.
In fact, the autonomous council elections in the Manipur hill districts are due for May.
After elections, more funds from the Centre are expected to pour in for the development of the hill region.
People alleged that Naga underground outfits which are against development of the region have been supporting groups like Naga Students’ Federation and Naga United Council to disrupt the election proceedings.
The two-week long economic blockade has affected normal life in the region, and there is a huge shortage of fuel and essential commodities.
At some places, petrol, which is normally sold for Rs 49 per litre, is now going for Rs 70 Rs per litre.
“This has created a lot of inconvenience to the people, as we are forced to stock fuel for our vehicles. This causes unnecessary delays and creates many problems. So the concerned authorities should take steps that prevent such inconveniences in the future,” said Jayanta Singh.
“With the blockade on NH-39, we have lost a lot of money. At the minimum, we have lost crores of rupees because of the weeklong economic Blockade on the National Highway-39. As it has been extended for another seven days, things are becoming worse. This greatly affects the daily wage earners as the cost of rice and other essential commodities is rising,” said N Babu Singh, a ticket salesman
Naga outfits have hinted that the economic blockade on the national highways may be an indefinite one.
On April 18, authorities escorted at least 96 vehicles including inter-state passenger buses towards Imphal from Mao Gate and Nagaland on NH-53.
On NH-39, blockade supporters rained stones on around nine goods laden vehicles between Chakhamai and Makhan and damaged them.
Such acts can only worsen the situation. (ANI)
Manipur seminar initiates discourse on “Peace Dividend”
Imphal, Apr 26 (ANI): For many decades, Manipur has been facing the brunt of militancy, the result – huge social and economic losses.
To discuss the situation in the state, intellectuals came together on a common platform under the banner of `Peace Dividends’.
Almost everyday incidents of grenade attack, kidnapping and extortion by various militant groups are reported in Manipur.
Bringing peace and development to Manipur is an issue that concerns all.
The State Academy of Training recently organized a seminar called `Peace Dividends’, where intellectuals discussed ways to resolve conflicts.
“Basically, the discussion was peace in different angles like, how development can help, how governance can help, what role media can play etc. I think it touches very different issues in a very different manner and it approaches “Peace,” said Pradip Phanjoubam, Editor, Imphal Free Press.
Militancy-led-violence has disrupted normal life in Manipur.
In 2009, there were 420 deaths. This included 68 civilians, 19 members of the security forces and police and 333 members of various underground groups including those who died in internecine clashes.
The funds, which would have been spent on development projects in Manipur, are used to maintain law and order and curb militancy.
“Actually we are trying to define how the development should be there and the money we are spending to control law and order situation, that money, if you actually spend on the issues like healthcare, education, development of infrastructure it would be better for the society, said P.K. Jha, IAS, MACS Director.
“If peace will be there, then this expenditure which we are having here for controlling of the emergency situation that will be good for the society,” Jha added.
“It helps us to understand various aspects to bring peace in various parts of Manipur. Over a period, it has changed the way we think and mental blockage, which we face over a period of time,” said Nidhi Kesarvani, Deputy Commissioner, Senapati District
Peace and development go hand in hand.
If peace is there in the region, automatically development will take place.
The seminar formulated some strategies for a ‘Peaceful Manipur’ and it is hoped that this effort will bear fruit. (ANI)
Manipur’s Tribal Committee calls for shutdown to protest district council polls
Imphal, Apr 25 (ANI): The Manipur Tribal Joint Action Committee on Sunday called for a 24-hour shutdown in all hill districts of the states from midnight in protest against the State Government’s proposal to hold elections to autonomous district councils.
In a statement issued here, the committee said it will intensify the fight against holding elections to the district council under the new Act.
Recently, the Manipur Government adopted the new District Council Act.
Alleging that the present Manipur District Council Act did not give enough monetary power to District Councils.
Manipur has District Councill in — Ukhrul, Chandel, Tamenglong, Senapati and Churachandpur districts.
The committee threatened to launch other forms of agitation if the State Government decides to go ahead with election process.
With the same demand, the All Naga Students Association Manipur (ANSAM) has also launched its protests since Saturday.
The ANSAM has begun an indefinite economic blockade from Saturday along the Imphal-Dimapur National Highway 39 and Imphal-Jiribam National Highway 53. (ANI)
Fencing of India-Myanmar border under way
Imphal, Apr 24 (ANI): Fencing along the India-Myanmar international border at Manipur’s Moreh town is in progress to check illegal drug trafficking and movement of militants.
“The project is likely to benefit both Myanmar and India. Drug trafficking, human trafficking and illegal trafficking will be controlled,” said Ginsei Lhungdim, General Secretary, Hill Tribal Council.
The states of Manipur, Nagaland and Mizoram have been identified as a transit point for illegal trafficking by the United Nations Drug Control Programme (UNDCP) and International Narcotic Control Board (INCB).
“Government of India had promised to have Myanmar’s government in setting up Border liason office near the border area. The objectives are building up bilateral friendship. Then Myanmar’s officials desire to be taught the Queen’s language, English,” said Ginsei Lhungdim.
“They also want to settle petty border criminal issues at the local level itself without forwarding the matter to national capital,” he added.
The first phase of surveying the border fencing work was taken along the porous Indo-Myanmar border in 2009.
The fencing work kicked off this year on February 2 after the completion of the boundary survey by the Survey of India.
According to a trade treaty between India and Myanmar, a stretch of 40 kilometers on each side of the border is totally open. No visa and other documents are required to cross the Indo-Myanmar border in this area. (ANI)
Hailstorm kills child, damages hundreds of houses in Manipur
Keirenphabi (Manipur), Apr 23 (ANI): A child was killed and five persons injured as a hailstorm, accompanied by high velocity winds lashed most parts of Manipur, officials said on Friday.
The storm also destroyed hundreds of houses and structures apart from uprooting trees and electric poles in Keirenphabi village in Bishnupur district of the state.
“Around 600-700 houses and all roofs broken because of the hailstorm. If we are to assess the whole range of damage, that would be tremendous,” said K Panmei, Deputy Commissioner, Bishnupur district.
Meanwhile, under the leadership of the local councillor, a relief camp was opened at the community hall where many families have taken shelter.
“This is a relief camp opened here for those storm-affected families, who have no place to live in,” said Premlata Devi, a councillor.
The authorities said they have taken stock of the situation and are giving immediate relief to the families. (ANI)
Manipur faces fuel scarcity due to ongoing economic blockade
Imphal, Apr 21 (ANI): Fuel supplies and other essential commodities in Manipur are hit severely due to ongoing economic blockade called by All Naga Students Association (ANSAM).
The blockade has been imposed against the proposed polls to the six Autonomous District Councils (ADCs). The Naga community has opposed the elections under the existing Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council (third amendment) Act 2008.
As the economic blockade entered its tenth-day on Tuesday, the State has started witnessing acute fuel shortage, resulting in closure of almost all the existing filling stations in the province.
To prevent total exhaustion of the fuel stocks at Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) depots, the government has taken steps by opening five fuel pumps daily on roster system.
“This has created lot of inconvenience to those who are hand to mouth and earn their daily bread like us who are rendering services as school van driver. We will appreciate and feel happy, if they negotiate with the government and the issue is resolved at the earliest.” Said Tolen Singh, a school taxi driver. (ANI)
Cyclonic storm causes havoc in many parts of Manipur
Imphal, April 19 (ANI): Over 100 houses in different parts of Manipur state were damaged following a cyclonic storm and heavy winds during the wee hours of Sunday.
The storm swept across the State and left a trail of destruction in many areas.
The gale, accompanied by hailstones, caused widespread damage in different parts of Bishnupur and Imphal West districts, however, there were no reports of human casualties.
“Yesterday, when all people were asleep at around 1.45 or 2.00 am, there were violent storms that occurred twice. The first one was a strong one and continued for a longer period. However, the second storm was stronger than the first one and continued for a short period,” said Chaoba Nameirakpam, a villager.
Some of the houses were totally razed while tin roofs of many houses were blown away. The storm also uprooted many trees and electric poles, and led to snapping of wires.
More than 50 houses were damaged in Oinam Assembly constituency of Bishnupur district.
The gale left a similar trail of destruction at Chajing Karam in Imphal West district as well.
Apart from the houses, the storm also razed down a school.
Local residents here are faced with a lot of inconvenience, as fallen electric poles are still lying across roads. (ANI)
Manipur Ras festival 2010, a feast to eyes
Imphal, Apr 19 (ANI): Manipuri dance is one of the major Indian classical dance forms.
The cult of Radha and Krishna, particularly the Raslila, is central to its themes.
The Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy in Imphal came alive for five days as brightly attired artists performed the `Maha Ras Lila’.
The legend goes that when Krishna, Radha and the Gopis danced the Ras leela, Shiva made sure that no one disturbed the magnificent dance.
Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva also wished to see this dance, so to please her, he chose the beautiful area of Manipur and re-enacted the Ras Leela.
Since then, the Ras Leela has been performed in the northeastern state of Manipur.
This year, all forms of Ras Lila – Vasanta Ras, Diva Ras, Nitya Ras, Kunja Ras and Maha Ras along with Sankirtans were collectively performed on a single platform.
The motive was to educate the youth about different dance forms.
Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy Director, Dilip Mayengbham said the event will facilitate the students.
“To facilitate to the students, teachers and experts, there will be discussion tomorrow, then there will be another form of Raas and there will be another discussion then, the philosophy, beauty, costumes, origin, originality will be discussed,” Mayengbham said.
Ten dance troupes and five sankirtana groups from across the state participated in the festival that also attracted many artists from remote areas.
The event aimed at supporting the artists who perform Ras Lila to ensure that the legacy of the great Gurus and dancers lives on for generations to come.
The event inspired people to do productive activities like this.
“I want to convey good wishes to our brothers and sisters and we should turn our attention to such kind of activities and dance so that we all have a good and prosperous life,” said Hemabati.
The delicate movements, the music and the grace of the dancers marked the performance. (ANI)
Tribal culture, a source of strength in Manipur culture
Imphal, Apr 19 (ANI): Manipur is home to different tribes who live together in perfect harmony.
Located nearly 70 kilometres from Imphal, the Machi Block in Chandel District is surrounded by green mountains and is completely cut off from the modern world.
The 72 villages in the area that have a population of 24, 000, is mainly inhabited by the Marin, Kuki and Khoibu tribes.
They live in houses made of tin and bamboo.
Their main source of income is weaving and farming.
Banana, pumpkin, and rice are the main crops, cultivated.
“We go to a factory at Mao to get seedlings of passion fruits for Rs.2 each. Our forefathers have been growing bananas for a long time. We are just carrying forward the legacy of banana cultivation,”said Maenai, local of the Machi village
A luxurious lifestyle is not for these people, but basic amenities are.
They want pottable water, good healthcare, education for the children and better roads.
Recently, the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna, a central scheme was implemented in the region with the aim of improving connectivity.
Likewise, the National Rural Heath Mission programme is also providing better health facilities to the region.
Locals opine that the government is actively involved in development works.
“The Government is helping us with developmental work in our village. Roads and drains are under construction. We are hoping for further development of our village after the district council election,” said Kapingam, of the Machi village.
“The Government has introduced various developmental schemes in our village. But their proper implementation in various far-flung areas as yet has not been achieved,” said Hopson, another resident.
The Machi Block has a school too, which caters to the educational needs of the people.
Hockey is the favorite game of children here.
There is hope for development and progress from the forthcoming Manipur District Autonomous Council elections, which will be held after a gap of 20 years.
People in the region are happy with the decline in militancy.
Locals opine that the situation has improved in the state.
“There has been much improvement in the law and order situation in the area. The governance or the reach of an ability to access the villages has sufficiently improved in last few years. There is more effective domination by forces particularly Assam Rifles and other forces in Chandel district. I am grateful to that,” said H Dilip Singh, District Commissioner, Chandel District.
Kukis are even supporting elections and actively participating in Government programmes.
“UNC is against the election. Only Nagas are against it, not Kukis. They have some grievances,” said Hopson, a local, Machi village.
The tribals in Machi Block have witnessed a change in their lifestyle with the ongoing development work.
And things will only get better with time. (ANI)
HIV/AIDS awareness workshop for police personnel in Manipur held
Imphal, April 18 (ANI): Police personnel, including senior officers, here on Saturday participated in a daylong training programme on HIV/AIDS awareness.
This workshop was conducted at camp of No.1 Battalion of Manipur Rifles in Imphal.
Presiding over the inaugural session of the programme, Manipur’s Director General of Police, Y Joykumar in his address said the police had a major role in prevention of HIV/AIDS.
“I think all of us are aware, and I don’t need to emphasis it, what kind of danger HIV poses for the entire mankind. And it is for this reason that this problem is being dealt on the global scene with efforts to contain and prevent further expansion or the spread of this ailment,” said Y Joykumar, Director General of Police (DGP), Manipur.
Further, he noted, that the police must make a concerted effort to prevent discrimination of the people living with HIV/AIDS.
According to the United Nations, 5.7 million Indians are living with HIV/AIDS, the world’s largest caseload.
According to the recently published reports by the World Bank and other agencies, India will have to scale up prevention of HIV. (ANI)
Fishing festival in Manipur
Willong (Manipur), Apr 17 (ANI): The annual fishing festival in Manipur has attracted hundreds of people from the Maram tribe.
The festival commenced on Friday at the origin of the Barak river in Willong area of State’s Senapati district.
Ngauning Gabriel, chairman of Willong, explained the rituals of the festival, known as ‘Karjoi’.
“As part of our tradition, after the fish have been caught, people start drinking and bring out the Yai (type of fish) and declare that the fish have been caught. After catching the fish, we go back to our homes and offer the fish to the elderly and people who are ill and were unable to come to the festival. The majority of the fish is dried and stored until the next fishing festival takes place,” said Gabriel.
The fishing festival takes place in either the month of March or April.
The Maram tribe is known for their age-old fishing techniques and believes failure to hold the festival brings misfortune to their community. (ANI)
Reduced militancy providing relief to North East people
Guwahati / Kohima, Apr 11 (ANI): People in the North East can have a sigh of relief as militancy appears to be on the way out.
According to the Centre, the region has never been as peaceful as this since January 2009.
As per the Union Home Ministry’s data for six northeastern states, excluding Mizoram, the last 15 months have witnessed lowest number of civilian and security force casualties since January 2000.
In this, the Nagaland has witnessed dramatic change. In 2010, Nagaland did not witness a single militant related casualty.
The death toll declined from 213, including 140 extremists in 2008 to 31 in 2009.
Credit for this is attributed to the ceasefire agreement between National Socialist Council of Nagalad (NSCN -IM) and the Union Government.
People have are of the opinion that militants should join the mainstream and renounce violence.
“With peace and harmony coming back to Nagaland, a lot of development has taken place and when it was back 5-10 years and I urge all the right seeking people to come and join mainstream,” said Pezanguli, a local, Nagaland
With the ceasefire agreement, developmental activities in Nagaland are in full swing.
“The place was much more developed 10 years back, there were so many conflicts and because of that development was not done. There is not much killing so I should say the place is much developed,” said Pfoshuo Ariicho, a local, Nagaland.
The situation is Assam and Tripura has also improved a lot.
The ongoing efforts of the Centre to bring United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) to the negotiating table and ensure the surrender of groups like the KLNLF and the DHD (J) has given hope to the people of the region.
Now, there were 424 incidents of insurgency, which resulted in 174 deaths of civilians and security personnel in 2009.
The forces eliminated 194 extremists, the highest since 2003.
In Assam also there is a considerable reduction in militant incidents.
“If I look back few years back, the security situation was really bad in the state. There were too many bomb blasts and in the morning when we used to see the newspaper, we get scared to go to office or anywhere but now things have changed and violent activities have come down,” said Pushpa Gogoi, a local, Assam
Low militancy levels has given a great relief to locals.
“It is a matter of great relief that there is a decline in level of insurgency and there has been a good amount of minimization insurgent activities in the last few months and we have to be grateful to the peace prevailing and thank government of India and peoples group working towards it,” said S Barua, Jorhat
Among all northeastern states, Manipur continues to be worst affected.
Militant groups active in the state are responsible for instability and violence.
Blasts, extortion, hurling grenades in markets and at residences are a common strategy of militants to terrorize the people.
However the people here want an end to bloodshed and have expressed their complete faith in the constitutional framework of the country.
Most of militant groups are indulging in extortion.
“Regarding militancy in Manipur, there is less insurgency but a kind of extortion is going on and on this point, there are so many gangs and groups are coming only for money,” said L Regald Singh, a student, Manipur
“When we see the violent activities committed by the different sections of antisocial elements and militants, then we say extortion case, demand or kidnapping. I think the economic factor comes in between as militants are not guided by the ideology and the antisocial elements are committed into it mainly for money,” said Ksh Bimola Devi, Professor, Manipur University
Northeast has long been affected by militant activities and this has led to a delay in the development of the region.
But it seems the situation is changing. And as peace and normalcy return, developmental work will certainly gain momentum. (ANI)
Protest in Manipur over price rise
Imphal, Apr 9 (ANI): Activists of Communist Party and the All Manipur Nupi Marup, a local women’s influential group, on Thursday staged a protest here over the rising prices of essential commodities.
As a part of the nationwide agitation announced by the Communist Party of India (CPI) recently, the activists held agitations in all the four districts of Manipur.
However, the police prevented the protest, deploying water cannons and teargas to disperse the crowd and also arrested some of the agitators.
“Because of it (lack of train connectivity) price rise is differently high in our state, particularly. We want to bring to the notice of the central government immediately that Manipur is the most seriously affected state in the whole country and the state government is also doing very little thing. They should pressure more to the central (federal) government for curbing this price rise,” said B Sharma, former general secretary of CPI, Manipur State Council.
The wholesale price index rose 7.3 percent in December from a year earlier, its highest since November 2008, and accelerated from a 4.8 percent gain in November.
The rise was driven by near 20 percent jump in food prices, which rose on weak monsoon rains and flooding in parts of the country, but inflation in manufacturing products picked up to 5.2 percent from four percent in November, a sign that inflationary pressures were spreading to other sectors of the economy.
Sugar, in particular, has been a problem, with Congress Party caught in the middle of competing demands from consumers who want lower prices while cane farmers seek higher prices for their produce.
The supply situation deteriorated further in recent months when Uttar Pradesh, seeking to help cane farmers, banned processing raw sugar, jamming 750,000 tonnes of raw sugar at ports. (ANI)
Mixed response to Naga-backed shutdown in Manipur
Senapati (Manipur), Apr 7 (ANI): Everyday life came to a standstill in parts of insurgency-hit Manipur after the United Naga Council, the apex body of Nagas, called for a 12-hour-shutdown on Tuesday.
Transportation throughout the state was crippled, but the call for a shutdown failed to have much effect in Kuki-dominated areas of the state.
The strike came after the State Government announced that elections in the six autonomous district councils of the state would be held in two phases, on May 17 and 24.
The United Naga Council is, however, against the current status of the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council Act, 1971, the legislation under which the forthcoming polls would be held, saying that the councils would function governments tools.
“I want that the term ‘autonomous’ should be retained and want elections to be conducted. And also the Act should be changed,” said R. S. Abel, General Secretary, Senapati District Olympic Association.
The forthcoming elections are being viewed with disapproval by many locals.
“District elections after 20 years, we don’t know how it will be. But any election, as I said earlier, is always dividing people. Because you have all the parties who contest election, so it divides people. The unity of the people is obviously divided through these party lines. So I think even district elections will be the same, like state elections,” said Grace, the president of Senapati District Women’s Association.
Over 20 militant groups operate in Manipur with some demanding freedom while others seek more political autonomy. (ANI)
Manipur street play highlights people’s voice for peace
Imphal, Apr 5 (ANI): Street plays for long have been a way of raising issues that are of concern to the society, recently, theatre artists in Manipur staged plays against militant activities.
People in northeast have been the victims of militant activities from long time.
Recently, a Thoubal-based theatre group called Roopalaya Theatre came forward to highlight the problems caused by militants in the northeast.
Supported by Delhi-based the National Institute of Performing Arts, the artists staged two plays called `A voice from the heart’ and `The Question’.
The plays were staged in Nambol Bazar and Bishnupur Bazar of Bishnupur District and Malom Bazar of Imphal West District.
”We want peace is the slogan of the public. The people do not want more killings and violence as well as gun culture in the state. Though in both plays the content varies, but it expresses the desire for peace,” said Bonee Thongamcha, Director, Roopalaya Theatre
”The present situation in the state is very confusing. Our play depicts this turmoil situation to spread awareness about the problem to public and bring a peaceful solution,” said Ibomcha Singh, an artist
People in Manipur are fed up with bomb attacks, extortions and killings.
The attempt was to make people aware of the urgent need for harmony in the society and to bring an end to violence.
The plays urged the audience to work towards bringing lasting peace and finding a solution to militancy.
People in the audience hoped that such efforts would help being about a positive change in the society.
“The young and the old, everyone should be taught to head in a positive direction. You know we value life, as we cannot be born again and again. We are confused by the present spree of killings,” said Apabi Devi, a member audience.
People in Manipur and in the entire northeast region are well aware of the modus operandi of militant outfits that work for their selfish motives.
The region has already paid a heavy price due to insurgent activities and all the people now want is peace and progress and a better life that is free of uncertainty.
Indeed! `This is a voice from the heart’.(ANI)
BSNL launches 3G services in Manipur
Imphal, Apr 5 (ANI):Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has launched 3G services in Manipur to help to bring the state at par with other states.
On March 20, 3G services were launched for the first time in Manipur and will be available in Porompat, Lamlong Bazar, Chingmeirong, Koirengei, Thangmeiband, Lamphel exchange, Tera Bazar, Langjing, Kwakeithel, Singjamei Bazar, Manipur University, and Kongba Bazar regions of the state in the first phase.
According to BSNL, the services will be extended to other parts of the state later.
These services already exists in Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai, and have received a good response.
People in Imphal, the state capital, expressed happiness over the commencement of 3G services.
“New technological changes are taking place and it is necessary to adapt to changing times and trends and avail of the new service,” said Yunman Manglem, a 3G user.
“I think it is very fortunate for us to get a chance to use this service. I am just applying to this service,” added C S Lokendra Singh.
Thirty-two towers will power 3G services in Manipur.
Applications like download of music tracks, video calls and conferences live streaming, news, current affairs will be powered by the 3G services.
People feel that the 3G services is advantageous specially to the people of north east.
“Right now the speed is just 2 MB plus, this is very good speed. Afterwards the time will come when the bandwidth will be increased,” said Lumkin, Deputy General Manager, BSNL Manipur.
Under the banner of 3G services, WIMAX services will also be extended to rural areas. (ANI)
UNLF militants surrender another step towards restoring peace in north-east
Imphal, Apr 3 (ANI): The recent surrender of two cadres of the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) militant group has given hope to people in Manipur that the situation would soon return to normalcy.
The formal arms lying down ceremonyby , Kiyamlakpa and Herojeet was conducted at Inspector General of Assam Rifles (South) Headquarters in Mantripukhri.
The duo’s decision to shun violence was welcomed by the state.
The militants surrendered their arms before Manipur Director General of Police Y Joykumar and Major General C A Krishnan of the Assam Rifles.
The Manipur Government has assured both Kiyamlakpa and Herojeet of proper rehabilitation.
“The youths who have earlier taken the wrong path, have opted to lead normal lives. I think this will bring positive changes in society,” claimed Modhujoy Meitei, a local.
Helping those who have gone astray return to the mainstream, providing them proper education and employment is the need of the hour.
“Once they give violence and lay down arms, everything will improve slowly. We should try to understand the problem and jointly work towards bringing peace to the state,” said Sana Devi, a local.
The recent surrender is considered as a step towards restoring peace and normalcy to the region.
Other misguided youths should also be encouraged to reject violence and return to the mainstream.(ANI)
Travel through Manipur’s hill districts to understand tribal culture
Imphal, Apr 3 (ANI): Manipur, a land of pristine natural beauty consists of valleys surrounded by magnificent hills that are inhabited by different tribal communities.
A substantial portion of the population resides in the hill districts of the state.
During the journey to Sadar Joute and Sikibung villages, one can meet tribals inhabitants and take a look at their way of life.
Sadar Joute is , a village in Senapati District, located around 65 kilometers from Imphal.
Sadar Joute is dominated by the Kuki tribe and is spread across an area of 2000 hectares and has a population of 200 and has 34 households.
Untouched by the modern influences, the villagers, who depend largely on farming and forest produce for their livelihood, lead a simple life.
Weaving by womenfolk is an additional source of income for the villagers.
Thanks to the physical distance the village faces problems of inaccessibility and under-development.
Lack of proper water storage and supply facilities, health centers and education facilities are some other problems faced by Sadar Joute villagers.
Though some developmental schemes like the Prime Minister Gramin Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and the rural electrification scheme ‘Atenglok Multi-Purpose Pico Hydal Power Project’ have made a difference, but still a lot more needs to be done.
“After the coming of Pico Hydel Project in our village, we don’t have to face load-shedding anymore. We can use electricity whenever we need. We don’t suffer from shortage of electricity as we used to earlier. We are very happy about it,” said Manglen Changsan, Sadar Joute village chief.
The Manipur autonomous District Council election, which will be held after a gap of 20 years, is round the corner and people residing in the hill districts are hopeful that it will help bring about progress and development in the area.
With militancy and related problems rampant in the region, preventive security efforts also need to be strengthened.
“We rarely get the full amount of funds sanctioned by the Center. Militant groups in the state extort money and we receive just a meager amount. If we elect a sincere, hard working representative in the forthcoming district Council election, then we hope there will be development in our village,” said Peter, a local, Sikibung village.
“We need schools for our children, a health center and proper road connectivity. Also, for youngsters like us, we want new projects like weaving and other projects in our village that will provide jobs,” said Zoujam Changsan, a local.
The story of the Sikibung village in Ukhrul District is as same as that of Sadar Joute and developmental work needs to pick up pace, here also.
Situated over 8o kilometers from Imphal, the picturesque Sikibung is inhabited by the Naga tribe who depend on cultivation of Yongchak.
Yongchak is a bean and a favorite ingredient in many Manipuri dishes.
Villagers feel that the proper implementation of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) would provide some source of income.
“One yongchak tree can produce beans worth Rs. 4000. And every house has at least 10-20 yongchak trees, which makes it quite profitable. This is how we earn our livelihood.
NRGS has helped us. That is the only source of income we have now,” said Phungrei, Sikibung village chief.
The Autonomous Hill District Council elections are scheduled to be held in two phases in the month of May.
People in the hill districts are looking forward to electing their representatives who will work for them and bring development to the region.(ANI)
Hailstorm in Manipur kills one, destroys over 175 houses
Thoubal (Manipur), Apr 2(ANI): Unseasonal heavy rain accompanied by hailstorm over the past one week have killed a schoolgirl and destroyed over 175 houses in Manipur.
Heavy rains and hailstorm, which have been sweeping the state since last Saturday, created havoc in districts of Bishenpur, Thoubal, Imphal East and Imphal West.
A third standard student of the Gouro Thambal Memorial Academy in Lilong Arapti, Imphal East district, was killed when the school’s building collapsed on Thursday.
According to reports, yesterday’s storm led to the collapse of the school’s tin roof, when classes were in process.
“Around 2.30 p.m., the sudden storm took place. In that storm, rain as well hailstones accompanied the storm. … when we tried to rescue the children, they could not come out because of the hailstones. Even the teachers couldn’t intervene. In that process, the school building was blown off and razed to the ground,” said Sarat Singh, Vice Principal of the Gouro Thambal Academy.
The sudden collapse of the building also caused minor injuries to around 60 students of the school.
Meanwhile, the affected areas in Thoubal district were inspected by District Deputy Commissioner R. K. Dinesh Singh and a local legislator Y. Surchandra Singh on Friday.
“We have got reports of around 175 plus houses being destroyed, but we will be conducting a detailed survey within two days and can give you the accurate figure after that,” Dinesh Singh said.
“We are estimating the number of causalities and number of houses, which are damaged, and accordingly we will decide on the quantum which is to be given to them immediately,” he added. (ANI)
Militant outfits in Manipur interested in exploiting people to amass wealth, says Kanglei chief
Imphal, Apr 2 (ANI): Gopeshwar alias Athouba, the self-styled chief of militant group Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL)- Military Defence Force-2, who was produced before the media at Imphal after his arrest said that most of the rebel outfits are not committed to their professed ideology, but solely interested in exploiting the people to amass wealth.
Further, Gopeshwar, who was arrested from Shillong made a startling revelation that a good number of the rebels are in league with some persons in power.
“There is no question of possibility of getting independence within 10 years from now. And also there is no question of unification of the party too. I can give a dateline of 10 years there is no question at all of winning the movement. When it started the party principle and the rules were very good,” said Gopeshwar
“But as of now, nobody follows the rule and principle. When they get promoted, than they count on the relationships with MLAs, Police, army, and the freedom movement has diverted towards the strength of money,” he added.
Acting on a tip off from the sources, the Manipur Police Commandos from Thoubal reached Shillong and conducted a search operation along with the personnel of 16th Battalion of Maratha Light Infantry.
Gopeshwar was nabbed from a rented accommodation. Interestingly, no arms and ammunitions were recovered from Gopeshwar at the time of his arrest, a top brass of the police noted.
“Based on the preliminary interrogations, we came to know about his involvement in many cases of ambushes on BSF (Border Security Forces) in Lokchao in 2002 and snatching of arms. Thereafter (he) ambushed on the commandos at Bishnupur in 2004 on Lokwaypath,” Clay Khongsai, Senior Superintendent of Police, Manipur Police Commandos, Imphal.
“Gopeshwar is involved in killing of several people including the very sensitive case of killing Manoj Shetty. He is and was directly or indirectly involved in most of these cases. I am sure more will come out,” Khongsai added.
In the follow up action based on Gopeshwar’s disclosure, the commandos captured his brother named Khagemba and a woman sympathiser of KYKL identified as Joyrose Machango.
Two AK-47 rifles along with four magazines and 200 live rounds were recovered from Khagemba’s residence. (ANI)
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