Five killed in North Cachar hills

Unable to bear the grief wife of one of the victims faints

Newmai News NetworkGuwahati, Jun 3: At least five persons died while a minor was injured when unidentified gunmen, suspected to be members of the Black Widow faction of tribal Dimasa insurgent group Dima Haolam Daogah, opened indiscriminate fire on a Naga village in restive North Cachar Hills district of Assam on Wednesday.According to reports reaching here, a group of militants swooped down on Borochenam village, located around 28 Kms from district headquarters Haflong, in the wee hours of Wednesday and opened indiscriminate fire, killing five persons and injuring a minor.“All the five persons died on the spot. The minor injured in the incident was rushed to Haflong for treatment,” official sources said.As panic-stricken residents fled the village, the gunmen set their houses on fire. Fifty-four of the total 58 houses in the village were gutted, the sources said.They added that senior officials of the district administration rushed to the site to take stock of the situation while police and para military forces cordoned off the entire area and launched a search operation to nab the assailants.With this, altogether 29 persons have been killed while over 350 houses torched in the ongoing bloodbath in NC Hills. The victims were both Nagas and Dimasas. In the wake of the violence, the authorities rushed a large number of security personnel to this hill district but they could do very little apparently owing to poor road communication, lack of coordination among the various security wings and the hostile terrains.

ATM booth in Senapati

IMPHAL, Jun 3: The State bank of India, Senapati branch inaugurated its automated Teller Machine (ATM) on May 29, 2009 thereby bringing the latest convenient banking technology to the people of Senapati, said a Bank release issued today by its Branch Manager S Besii Bosco.Informing that it is the only ATM at Senapati district headquarters installed along the national Highway-39 in between Kohima and Imphal, the release listed Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG/Range-IV) M Sushil Kumar (IPS) and SBI’s Assistant General Manager Ranjit Kumar Borkotoky among those present during the inauguration programme.While the branch Manager himself briefed the gathering on utilities of ATM card and other facilities available at the branch such as internet banking, mobile banking, SMS banking, RTGS, NEFT etc., DIG Sushil Kumar highlighted how modern technology has transformed the economy from barter system to the present day ATM and core banking system which has reached even remote and rural places such as Senapati, the release maintained.Ranjit Borkotoky is said to have encouraged the people to avail ATM facility to avoid crowding at the banking hall and to be relieved from the problem of waiting in queue besides explaining how ATM card can be conveniently used for shopping, especially in shopping malls without the risk and burden of carrying hard cash.The Assistant branch manager, however advised the customers against divulging the ATM pin to anyone, the release added.

Non-local killed

IMPHAL, Jun 3: A non-local trader who ran a grocery shop along Ayangpalli Road of Khurai Lamlong Keithel under Porompat Police Station was gunned down by unidentified armed persons inside his own shop. According to police report, the incident occurred at around 2.10 pm today. The victim has been identified as Havinder Yadav (50) of Supara district, Bihar but staying in a rented house at Khurai Lamlong Keithel Ayangpalli Road. There were bullet marks all over his body including head. He was rushed to JN Hospital but died enroute. No one has claimed responsibility for the killing and a case has been registered in connection with the killing.

Meira scripts history as first woman Speaker

NEW DELHI, Jun 3: Congress candidate Meira Kumar was elected Speaker of the 15 th Lok Sabha unanimously on Wednesday. As soon as the Lok Sabha session began, Sonia, according to the agenda, proposed Kumar as the Speaker of the new House. Her name was seconded by Leader of Opposition LK Advani and other political leaders. Both Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Advani then accompanied her to the Speaker's chair completing the formality. With every side deciding to endorse her candidature, her election to the top post was a unanimous affair. Altogether 13 sets of nominations were submitted on Tuesday by Leader of the House Pranab Mukherjee to Lok Sabha secretary general PDT Achary. Among those who backed her bid for the Constitutional post were UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Leader of Opposition LK Advani, NCP chief Sharad Pawar and SP leader Mulayam Singh Yadav. Mukherjee led a group of UPA leaders to the secretary general's office in a formal show of solidarity behind Kumar. Among them were Pawar, Farooq Abdullah, Lalu Prasad and E Ahmed. While Sonia's proposal was seconded by Mukherjee, that of Advani was done by his party colleague Sushma Swaraj. Kumar, who was part of the delegation visiting the secretary general, later termed her ascent to the Speaker's chair as a historic moment. "It is both historic and overwhelming," she told reporters. A five-time MP, she resigned as Minister for water resources after Congress backed her for Speaker. Not originally her party's choice, Kumar found strong support from the Congress leadership on two counts—a woman, she carries a rich dalit legacy. Precisely for this reason, the BJP was reluctant to oppose her. For its part, the Opposition party moved a notch up in the game of identity politics by proposing a tribal—Karia Munda—for the deputy Speaker's post.

Five students booked under NSA, 8 get bail

The arrested students being brought to the court of the Additional CJM, Imphal West
IMPHAL, Jun 2 : Of the 13 students apprehended by police following the killing of Prof Islamuddin, five have been detained under National Security Act while eight other have been released on bail. Soon after the killing of Prof Islamuddin in MU campus on May 25, seven persons were picked up by police from MU campus on suspicion for verification. They were formally arrested the next day. Six other persons were also arrested on May 26.All 13 of them were produced before the Court of Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate, Imphal West. Even as the Prosecutor pleaded to grant remand till June 16, the Court did not consider the matter as orders to detain five of the arrested persons under NSA had been already issued. However, eight of them were released on bail after surety bond of Rs 30,000 was furnished as sufficient evidence could not be produced to indict them in connection with the killing of Prof Islamuddin.Objecting to the plea for granting remand, lawyers appearing on behalf of the eight individuals pleaded to release their clients on bail. After hearing the plea, the Court granted bail to the eight individuals. Those who have been released on bail are Laishram Bijenkumar Singh (25) son of Bishambor of Kha-Sanjenbam Makha Leikai, Khomdram Ranabir Singh (26) son of Thoiba of Nambol, Kshetrimayum Ranjan Singh (28) son of Nimaichand of Kongpal Naoroibam Leikai, Laishram Joyprakash (30) son of Manaoton of Utlou Mayai Leikai, Namoijam Dinesh Singh (19) son of Manglemjao of Oinam Utlou Mamang Leikai, Sairem Robindro Singh (26) son of late Rajendro of Nambol Kha-Jiri, Wahengbam Binoy Singh (27) son of Meidha of Toubul Maning Leikai and Rajkumar Suresh Singh (28) son of Gouri of Kakwa Asem Leikai. Those detained under NSA have been identified as Thoudam Shyam Singh son of Megha of Thoubal Leishangthem, Thangjam Lankishore Singh (30) son of Angou of Ukhongshang Mamang Leikai, Phijam Dinesh Meitei (29) son of Deben of Changangei Mamang Leikai, Kshetrimayum Kiran Singh (29) son of Tomchou of Kakching Khunou and Arambam Thoithoi (28) son of Biren of Khurai Nandeibam Leikai

UCM office bearer looted

IMPHAL, Jun 2: The district affairs secretary of Central Committee, UCM was allegedly looted at gun point by some individuals who identified themselves as members of KCP (MC) as well as Police Commandos.The incident reportedly occurred at a spot in between Waithou and Tangjeng along National Highway-39 in Thoubal district at around 4 pm yesterday while the district affairs secretary of Central Committee, identified as Md Iqbal Shah Khulakpam, was on his way to the office of the Deputy Commissioner to seek permission for using loudspeaker for publicity in connection with upcoming 8th June 18 Uprising Day observance.Addressing a press conference at the office of UCM at Lamphel-pat here this afternoon, its information and public relations secretary Kh Nilamani Kha-Nganba, informed that the two armed persons who came in a numberless black colour Bajaj Pulser and were inconsistent in identified themselves as either members of KCP (MC) or Police Commandos waylaid Md Iqbal who was also driving another Bajaj Pulser and looted him of Rs 1600, his driving license and other vehicle documents.Condemning the incident, Nilamani also called upon the SP of Thoubal District as well as the leaders of the proscribed KCP (MC) to take up necessary action and dispel the confusion from the mind of the people.Md Iqbal, who was also present during the press conference, recounted that after being waylaid, the two armed looters who identified themselves as members of KCP (MC) at one time and later as Police Commandos, at first demanded to hand over the Bajaj Pulser he was driving. As he did not agree, one of them took out a 9 mm pistol and pointed at him while the other started searching his body. In the process, they laid their hands on Rs 1600 he was carrying besides taking away the driving license and other vehicle documents.The armed looters have also asked him to come to Sugnu on June 3, Md Iqbal informed.

Tourist homes reduced to a gravy train

IMPHAL, Jun 2: The State Tourism Department has been incurring a loss of Rs 48,46,700 as tourist homes have been occupied by security forces for CI Ops and any effort to draw the attention of the Home Ministry and the authorities of Army and Assam Rifles to pay up the due amount of rental charges for occupying the tourist homes has come to naught.According to sources from the State Tourism Department, a sum of Rs 9,38,900 is due for payment for occupying four double bed rooms, one kitchen and dining hall of the Moirang Tourist Home by the security forces since July 1995.However the amount has not been paid till today.Similarly, a due amount of Rs 9,77,800 incurred for occupying four double bed rooms of Phubala Tourist Home since November 1995 and Rs 10,43,600 for occupying Khongjom Tourist Home since June 1994 have not been paid, sources said, adding that the unpaid amount for occupying the tourist homes at Moreh, Churachandpur and Sendra have also added upto Rs 10,68,600, Rs 6,62,400 and Rs 1,55,400 respectively.Over and above losing its income due to occupation of these tourist homes by the security forces, the Department has been discouraged from setting up new tourist homes, sources said.While pointing out that the tourists homes have been set up in the first place for the conveniences of the visiting tourists with an eye on developing tourism activities in the State, sources lamented that after the occupation of these tourist homes, the security forces have put restrictions on the entry not just of the visiting tourists but also the officials of the Department.In such a situation, the efforts being made by the Government of Manipur to tap the potential of tourism in the State would be wasted, sources observed.Security forces not paying up the rental charges have been highlighted earlier.

Cabinet decides to rope in CBI MU teachers bay for VC’s head, hostelers leave rooms

IMPHAL, May 27: A special Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh today decided to rope in the service of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate the assassination of Proctor of Manipur University Prof Md Islamuddin inside the university campus.The proscribed outfit KYKL has claimed responsibility for the killing.Disclosing this to The Sangai Express, a Cabinet Minister informed that the special Cabinet meeting held today afternoon also decided to set up a police picket inside MU campus temporarily in view of the situation prevailing there.In addition to the ex-gratia amount of Rs 10 lakhs to be given from the side of the Government of India, it was also decided that the State Government would be providing another Rs 10 lakhs to the bereaved family members of Prof Islamuddin, the Cabinet Minister disclosed.Today’s special Cabinet meeting also decided that a family member of Prof Islamuddin would be appointed to the post of Grade ‘A’ in the University, the Cabinet Minister added.Meanwhile, in a statement, Senior SP of Imphal West District L Kailun informed that SDPO Imphal West S Ibomcha Singh is investigating the case of the murder of Prof Islamuddin of Manipur University, Economics Department on May 25.So far 13 persons have been arrested in connection with the case and they are under active interrogation after being taken into police custody, the SSP said, adding that he himself is directly supervising the investigation and it is making progress.On the other hand giving vent to their anger and frustration over the assassination of Professor Md Islamuddin inside the campus of Manipur University of May 25, the teachers of the varsity has demanded the resignation of Vice Chancellor C Amuba Singh for ostensibly failing to provide adequate security to the teaching faculty.

59 ministers, including 14 cabinet ministers, to take oath Thursday

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expands his council of ministers Thursday, adding 14 cabinet ministers, including three former chief
ministers and three DMK leaders, and 45 ministers of state. Of the ministers of state, seven will have independent charge. The cabinet ministers include Virbhadra Singh, former Himachal Pradesh chief minister, Vilasrao Deshmukh, former Maharashtra chief minister, and Farooq Abdullah, former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister. The others are Dayanidhi Maran, M K Azhagari and A. Raja of the DMK. From the Congress, the ministers will be Mallikarjun Kharge, Kumari Selja, Subodh Kant Sahay, M S Gill, G K Vasan, Pawan Kumar Bansal, Mukul Wasnik and Kantilal Bhuria. The ministers with independent charge are Praful Patel of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Congress' Prithviraj Chavan, Sriprakash Jaiswal, Salman Khurshid, Jairam Ramesh, Krishna Tirath and Dinsha Patel.

Bandh throws normal life out of gear

IMPHAL, May 26: Normal life in Manipur remained seriously affected today following the 24-hour bandh as well as the 12-hour general strike called respectively by Pangal Students’ Organisation (PSO) and Manipur University Students’ Union (MUSU) in protest against the killing of Proctor of Manipur University Prof Md Islamuddin.Stray incidents of violence in which at least one person was injured while scores of vehicles damaged have also been received from different parts of the State.Since early morning, a large number of people came out to enforce the bandh along National Highway 39 in between Mantripukhri and Lei-Ingkhol along with erecting road barricades and scattering of broken glass pieces to prevent movement of vehicles.Armed with sticks and slings, they also prevented any person from venturing out while the windscreens of vehicles plying in defiance of the bandh were smashed.At Minuthong Hatta, bandh supporters burnt tyres and erecting road blockade with bamboos and woods to enforce the bandh. They were also armed with sticks and slings to attack any person or vehicle plying in defiance of the bandh.At Top Khongnangkhong where barricade was erected near the bridge, suspected bandh supporters damaged an autorickshaw. They also shouted slogans decrying killing of innocent people.At Lilong, where the bandh was total, suspected bandh supports set on fir a tourist bus (MN01-1242) in the afternoon.

Deposited fund at TP Cell Vanishes

IMPHAL, May 26 : Just a day after the State Cabinet decided to abolish the Technical and Professional Cell (TP Cell) during the meeting chaired by Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh on April 29 last, the fund deposited by various Departments in the account of the TP Cell have vanished even as suspicions have been raised on diversion of around Rs 2 crores illegally.According to a reliable source, following the State Cabinet decision to abolish the TP cell and to set up a Committee with the Chief Secretary as chairman to look into the work process and fund deposited by various Departments in the account of the TP cell, the Finance Department had also issued an order in this regard.However, on May 2 when the Chief Secretary who is the Committee chairman deputed an Additional Secretary of the Finance Department to the Registrar Co-operative in connection with freezing the account of the TP cell it was learnt that the account was nil and there was no fund in it.

KYKL claims hand in eliminating Prof Islamuddin

The proscribed KYKL has claimed responsibility for killing former Dean of Students’ Welfare, MU, Prof Islamuddin inside MU campus yesterday.A press release issued by the outfit publicity and research secretary Lan-ngamba Mangang said that Prof Islamuddin was given death penalty for his alleged unpardonable faults.It was Prof Islamuddin’s grievous faults that tarnished the image of Manipur University besides creating divisions among students, alleged the outfit. The main culprit behind the serious disturbance caused to the academic atmosphere of Manipur University was Islamuddin, it asserted.His faults and errors need not be mentioned again. All his malpractices and faults can be established by looking into the issue surrounding the last MUSU election, Lanngamba said.Making the issue complex and confusing, which at first was simple and could have been easily rectified, and telling lies to hoodwink people and to absolve him-self from his wrong doings was the ploy of Prof Isla-muddin, the outfit asserted.Saying that a clique of some corrupt, selfish teachers and students have been operating within Manipur University, the outfit alleged that the primary objective of this clique is to make MU their private fiefdom.

Cyclone Aila hits WB, over 20 killed

Kolkata, May 25; Cyclone Aila made a landfall in West Bengal today, killing over 20 people, affecting over a lakh and leaving behind a trail of destruction before gradually weakening."The cyclone, now lying stationery 50 km west of Kolkata, hit the West Bengal coast at 1.30 pm near Sagar Island. It is moving in a northerly direction and will weaken gradually," Regional Meteorological Centre Director GC Debnath told PTI tonight."Rains, however, will continue throughout tomorrow," he said.A severe storm with a wind speed of 110 kmph accompanied by heavy rainfall preceded the cyclone that had formed in the Bay of Bengal from a very deep depression last night.It ripped through Kolkata, North and South 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly, Burdwan and East Midnapore districts at 110 kmph, killing at least 19 people and affected a population of 1.10 lakh, Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee and Finance Minister Ashim Dasgupta told newsmen here. Unofficial reports, however, put the toll at 26 and the number of affected at over two lakh. The Chief Minister said that the cyclone's tail was now in neighbouring How-rah district and had spared Kolkata.Dasgupta said the army was moving into Sandesh-khali and Hingalganj in North 24 Parganas and Gosaba, Patharpratima and Sagardwip areas in South 24 Parganas districts.The BSF would rescue people marooned by heavy rains at Sandeshkhali tomorrow morning.Railway Minister Mama-ta Banerjee would visit Kakdwip in South Parganas district tomorrow.

Former Dean Prof Islamuddin assassinated inside MU campus

IMPHAL, May 25 : Unidentified gunmen shot dead Proctor of Manipur University Prof Md Islamuddin inside the campus of the University at around noon today.To protest the killing which has sent has shock waves across the State, Pangal Students’ Organi-sation (PSO), Manipur has called a 24-hour State wide bandh with effect from midnight today.Information culled from the site of the crime said that three persons on two Kinetic Honda scooters were seen coming from the side of boys’s hotel. The Kinetic Honda in front was driven by only one person while the other two persons were on the second Kinetic Honda following close behind.A student eye-witness who was present not very far from the site of the crime informed that Prof Islamuddin was coming out from his room and heading towards his car parked at the vehicle shed located in front of the road to the east of Economics Department and northwest of the University library when around three persons approached Md Islamuddin and took him along the footpath leading to the Library. Not long after that gun shots were heard and Prof Islamuddin was seen dropping down to his knees after being shot on his leg. While Prof Islamuddin was in that position, the unidentified gunmen shot two more rounds and he fell to the ground in a heap.Soon after committing the crime, one of the gunmen slipped the gun inside the tool box of the Kinetic Honda underneath the seat and all three of them left driving their Kinetic Hondas towards the boys’s hotel, said the witness.Police said that one of the Kinetic Hondas used by the killers belong to a student of the University.Prof Islamuddin was immediately rushed to RIMS Hospital where the doctors declared him brought dead at around 12.35 pm.A Professor of Economics, Md Islamuddin was the Dean of Students’ Welfare of the University before taking over the charge of Proctor.In connection with the incident, president of Mani-pur University Teachers’ Association (MUTA) Mai-bam Ranjit said he was informed about a man lying dead and when he went to inspect it turned out to be Prof Islamuddin. Immediately, Prof Isla-muddin was taken to RIMS Hospital in his car but he could not be saved.A resident of Yairipok Changamdabi Mathak Leikai, Prof Islamuddin was 50 years of age. He is survived by his wife, two sons and one daughter. All his children are studying outside the State and he was staying along with his wife in the quarters allotted to him inside the University campus.There were two fatal bullet marks on the left side of the stomach. There was also a bullet mark on his left thigh.Strongly condemning the the killing, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh has assured that the killers, whether they be members of UG groups or student bodies, would not be spared.Talking to mediapersons at the mortuary of RIMS Hospital where he had come to share the grief of the family members, Ibobi said killing of a Professor inside the campus of an educational institution which is not unthinkable even during war is an act of cowardice that can be committed only by some brazen criminals.The Chief Minister expressed apprehension that such senseless violences not only cause disturbance in the developmental activities of the State but may also discourage the Government of India from the efforts of setting up of NIT, IIT or IIIT in the State or the sites of these projects may be shifted to other North Eastern States.Education Minister L Jayantakumar said that killing of a University Professor could have been carried out only by those who do not think about the welfare of the students.Works Minister K Ranjit, MOBC Minister Md Allauddin Khan, PDA Chairman Kh Loken, MLA I Ibohalbi and MLA Th Lokeshore also visited the RIMS morgue.

Gen strike called

Crying for justice, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) Against the Brutal Killing of Akoijam Priyobarta has called a 48-hour general strike in the State with effect from 1 am of March 21. Announcing this in a statement, JAC convenor Thoudam Sharat Meitei said that so far the agitation/protest against the brutal killing has been democratic and peaceful, but the JAC has been to go for hard and violent mean of protest as a result of the indifferent attitude of the Govt. The Govt has been given five days time to bring justice and truth but has failed to pay heed to the cry, the JAC rued. The JAC has also categorically warned that the responsibility for any untoward incident during the general strike should rest on the Govt. It may be recalled here that Priyobarta was allegedly killed by the Police Commandos during an encounter at Langol on March 15 and arms recovered from his possession. But the family members have refuted that police claim asserting that he was an innocent person and had gone out from home driving a Bajaj Pulsar and carrying Rs 8000.

Heist at Imphal Post Office mail van Computer components hijacked

IMPHAL, Mar 20: Unidentified persons reportedly hijacked consignments of computer parts and other electronic items worth Rs 15 lakhs from the mail van of the post office here yesterday.The consignments which send in the name of the General Post Office, Imphal had been brought from Guwahati by a cargo plane of the Indian Airlines.In protest against the hijacking, staff of the General Post Office today suspended their normal work and staged a protest demonstration.According to an official source from the General Post Office, Imphal, the consignments have been send from Guwahati in a cargo plane of the Indian Airlines which landed at Imphal airport at around 1 pm yesterday and were being brought from the airport by the van driver of the Post office and four other Group-D employees, when it was hijacked along the way by the unidentified miscreants.As the van carrying the computer parts and other electronic items packed in 51 different packages approached Leirik Memorial Hospital, the unidentified miscreants numbering around four of them who were already there intercepted the van and made it to be driven till Nepra Menjor Pukhri Mapal.There, all the packages from the van were loaded to a waiting DI Tata of blue and white colour and after that the driver and the staff of the mail van were told to go. The released staff arrived at the post office at around 2 pm.Along with reporting the matter, a case has been registered by the Lamphel police in connection with the incident of hijacking the consignments worth around Rs 15 lakhs.Even as the police have recorded the statements of the five staff who have gone to pick up the consignments from the airport yesterday, a departmental inquiry has also been started from the side of the Post Office.

Non-local shot at, hurt

IMPHAL, Mar 20 : After three non-local labourers have been shot dead sometime back at different places in Imphal, unidentified persons shot another non-local labourer and injured him.The injured victim is identified as Pramo Yadav (30) s/o Ganesh of Shyampur, Bihar but staying at Thangmeiband, informed a police source.A carpenter by vocation, Pramo Yadav was working at Lamphel Super Market, opposite to MACS office when he was shot by one unidentified youth at about 9 am today.A bullet grazed through the left side of his chest.Quoting Pramo, the police source said that three rounds of bullet were shot at Pramo. While two rounds got missed, the third round grazed through his chest. He was given first aid at RIMS.This is the fourth incident of targeting migrant la-bourers this yearafter one non-local barber was shot dead at Sagolband on February 28 followed by the killing of one sugar-cane juice hawker at Kwakeithel and another porter at Chingamakhog on March 1. Victim succumbs : After more than 3 months of undergoing treatment, a 24-year old youth who was shot at his neck by unidentified armed persons succumbed to the injuries.The victim identified as Md Tomei alias Nashir Khan (24) of Khelakhong Mayai Leikai was admitted to the Shija Hospitals and Research Institute after being shot on his neck by some unidentified armed persons at a place called Jabar Salam, located not far from his house on the night of November 30 last year. Tomei succumbed to the injuries yesterday after more than 3 months of treatment. His body has been handed over to the family members after post-mortem examination at the mortuary of RIMS Hospital today.

40 percent females illiterate : Dr Jamini

IMPHAL, Mar 20 : Almost 40 percent of the female population of Manipur are still illiterate, said Chairman of the Manipur State Commission for Women, Dr Ch Jamini. Dr Jamini was speaking as chief guest in the inaugural function of a two-day seminar on Women Empowerment and Development with Special Reference to Manipur at Manipur College today. She noted that education is the basic foundation for empowerment and development of women.Irrespective of one’s gender, one can know about an individual’s rights and can improve his/her socio-economic conditions only when they become literate, she observed.As per the census report of 2001, female literacy rate of Manipur was 60.5 percent while the male literacy rate was 77.87 percent. Whereas the female literacy rate for India was 54 percent. Coupled with their illiteracy, customs and traditional beliefs inherent in each community and values of women defined by men have been major impediments in the effort to empower women, Dr Jamini asserted. One major contributing to the relatively lesser percentage of female literacy is the preference of sons over daughters in the society.Although, several laws have been enacted for empowerment and protection of women, none of these laws are implemented in letter and spirit.Giving key-note address of the seminar organised by Manipur College under the sponsorship of Indian Council of Social Science Research, North East Regional Centre Shillong and Directorate of University and Higher Education, Government of Manipur, S Benjamin Nattar, Political Science Lecturer of Manipur College, observed that despite some indicators about development of Manipuri women in certain fields, the condition of Manipuri women cannot be termed any better in several other areas. Various issued being endured by women in the State including violence and discrimination would be studied during the two day seminar, he said. The inaugural function of the seminar was graced by former Chairman of the Manipur Human Rights Commission WA Shishak as guest of honour and Principal of Manipur College Dr Lalit as functional president. WA Shishak was also chairperson of the academic session during which Prof Archana Sharma of Gauhati University, Dr Bijyalakshmi of Manipur University, Dr Priyadarshini, Konika Khuraijam of DM College of Teacher Education, Director of Gender and Child Unit Imphal, Nandini Thokchom, Nalini Nongmeikapam of Thoubal College, retired Science Promotion Officer A Sabita presented papers as resource persons. The afternoon session was moderated by Prof Gangmumei Kamei.

State Govt takes stock of situation

UKHRUL, Mar 10: A day after the major fire incident at Wino Bazar which reduced the commercial hub of the district to cinders, a Ministerial team today rushed to the district headquarters along with relief materials and conducted an on the spot assessment of the catastrophe.The Ministerial team comprising Tribal Development Minister DD Thaisii, Works Minister K Ranjit Singh and Education Minister L Jayantakumar was also accompanied by MLAs I Hemochandra and Mairembam Prithiviraj, Commissioner of Relief and Rehabilitation Dr Sohail Akhtar, MPCC secretary Victor Keishing, Ex-Ministers A Aza and AS Arthur and ATSUM president Thomas Kaisa during the spot assessment.However, as the Ministerial team got down from their vehicles for the spot assessment at around 2 pm, a commotion was erupted with agitated victims of the inferno blocking the Ministerial team from entering the fire-ravaged site citing delayed response from the side of the Government. The agitated victims were, however, pacified soon after and the Ministerial team conducted a detailed survey of the damage.Although the official report of the police quoted the number of shops and buildings damaged in the fire at 49 only, the report furnished by the Relief Committee set up in the aftermath of the catastrophe cited that a total number of 55 shops, 53 residential buildings, five Government teachers’ quarters, a mini cinema hall, office of the Tangkhul Shanao Long were gutted in the fire.The report of the Relief Committee also mentioned that major communication installations like Airtel tower, BSNL cables and electric wires were among the assets destroyed beyond redemption in the fire.36 other structures that were affected by the blazing inferno and were standing in precarious condition have been reportedly pulled down to avoid any untoward incident.The total loss of properties and other assets is still being estimated although an unofficial put the figure at Rs 30 crores.Yesterday’s devastating fire has rendered 370 members of 9source 3 families homeless, out of which around 70 Non-Manipuris have taken sheltered in the nearby Durga Mandir.Assam Rifles has been providing food and other essential commodities to the affected people who are putting up in the makeshift relief camps at Ukhrul Town Hall and the Assembly hall of Tangkhul Naga Long as well even as relief materials have started pouring in from NGOs and other well-wishers of the town.

Stay out, tells IM to UNLF

Dimapur, Mar 10: Reacting to the statement of the proscribed United National Liberation Front (UNLF), the NSCN-IM has asked the former not to poke its nose into the latter’s business. The NSCN-IM also advised the UNLF to do “proper homework” to shake the consciousness of the Indian authorities over its movement. The NSCN-IM also advised the UNLF not to meddle into the Naga issue.“When the government of India and NSCN entered into ceasefire agreement in August 1997 it signifies the recognition of the Naga political problem from the historical point of view as military solution was ruled out. It is better to be realistic then simply beating about the bush to mislead the people it claimed to represent. Truly speaking, the whole Nagas lauded the historic step taken by NSCN in signing the 2nd Indo-Naga ceasefire. The 1st Indo-Naga ceasefire was in 1964. The UNLF by questioning the wisdom of NSCN in signing such ceasefire is going against revolutionary spirit and defies the fundamental objective of laun- ching liberation movement. No liberation or revolution movement came to fruition without negotiation. In any revolutionary movement lapses comes in plenty, and unfortunately it started playing into people’s sentiment. NSCN never argues the perfection of its cadres,” the NSCN-IM statement explained.It also said that black sheep are many within the organization and they become the source of public nuisance in many occasions. “There is no running away from the people’s scrutiny and we cannot stay apart from people’s aspiration. Corrective steps are therefore part of the disciplinary reformation in NSCN. When UNLF started meddling into Naga issue and started getting censorious of NSCN activities it became a matter of fishing into troubled water. This is un-revolutionary and bereft of any validity worth considering,” it added. Further, the NSCN-IM statement then said that spitting venom by using divisive language is all the more harmful to the spirit of co-existence among the people-the hills and the valley.“By questioning the long term political strategy of NSCN the UNLF is simply going overboard, and should learn to mind its own business. Rather it should concentrate giving historical education to its own people and not over stretched its hand to neighbours’ socio-political issue. This impulsive reaction to the situation is impolitic and avoidable. UNLF is therefore advised not to poke its nose into NSCN business. When UNLF yet to do proper homework to shake the consciousness of the Indian authorities over its movement, there is no point taking the course that is politically incorrect,” advised the NSCN-IM statement.

Sexual assault allegations raised against Tboubal Commandos

IMPHAL, Mar 10 : Some personnel of Thoubal District Police Commando have been accused of sexual exploitation and snatching money from six commercial sex workers (CSWs).When contacted, SSP of Thoubal police Clay Khongsai said that it is hard to believe that his men could have done such a thing and added that if the allegations are true then formal complaints should be lodged with the authority concerned. No woman, whether they are Commercial Sex Workers or otherwise cannot be molested, said the IPS officer and added that if an official complaint is lodged and if anyone is found guilty, then departmental action can be taken up. Narrating about the horrendous incident, the victims disclosed that they were molested by the police commandos after forcing them to take off all their clothes. In addition to handling private parts, the commandos also reportedly abused the CSWs with filthy and derogatory languages.Speaking to media persons at North AOC here this afternoon, the victims disclosed that the terrifying incidents occurred in the intervening night of February 27 and 28. Recalling about the nightmarish incident, the senior most victim of the sexual assault, said that they saw a woman in inebriated condition walking on the road with her clothes in total disarray at about 8 pm of February 27.As curfew was in force then, they took the women inside the hotel at North AOC where the six of them were staying. Giving her clothes to change, the woman was allowed to sleep in the hotel. But at about midnight, the unidentified woman woke up and started wailing asking why she was being arrested. She also asked to release her.As the six of them were trying to pacify the agitated woman, three persons in police uniform wielding weapons and another in civilian fatigue barged into the room after breaking down the door.Even as the CSWs tried to explain about the woman, the intruders shouted back, “There is no use for women like you. We have additional bullets to eliminate you. Why you infected women are trying to spread diseases to other ?” Saying this, the intruders started beating up the CSWs, the victim recounted.In the meantime, the suspected commando personnel ordered the CSWs to take off their clothes threatening to shoot if they refused.

Ukl inferno reduces 45 shops to cinders

UKHRUL, Mar 9 : At least 45 shops were razed to the ground while 73 other structures including residential buildings were damaged when a ravaging fire broke out at Wino bazar in Ukhrul district headquarters today at about 12.20 pm. Talking to reporters, who rushed to Ukhrul from Imphal on receiving the news of the devastating fire, local people there said that the fire may have started from a tea hotel.With the flames rising up to about 5 metres, the inferno spread from one shop to another to engulf the entire locality in no time. Fire Brigade personnel arrived at the scene at about 12.45 pm, but by then the fire had spread all over the place and there was nothing much that they could do.Local people expressed dissatisfaction against the Fire Brigade, contending that the fire tender was not filled to capacity with water.With the fire promoting a strong gale, the inferno spread from one shop to another in no time. Amid the din and noise, sound of LPG cylinders exploding could also be heard audibly.Ukhrul town literally was paralysed for about 4 hours during which the Fire Brigade men assisted by Assam Rifles, Manipur police and the local people fought the fire. Young boys and girls could be seen coming out with buckets of water to contribute their mite. Brigadier S Mander, the DIG B Range of the Assam Rifles personally oversaw the rescue work. In a statement, PRO of Assam Rifles said that 10 Sector provided 13-15 water browsers, fire fighting equipment, recovery vehicles and JCB to help in fighting the fire. Four AR columns were placed for opertion.The 10 Sector has also provided tentage as shelter for the displaced persons and opened a lungar to provide food to over 400 people. Generators have also been placed to provide electricity and a medical camp has also been planned, added the PRO. The Fire Brigade personnel pressed one fire tender into service and were assisted by the 17 Assam Rifles who rushed in with three water tankers, police and MR with one tanker each. The AR men fought the fire from the northern side while the Fire Brigade, police and the public did the same from the western side. more from sangai express.

Gun culture takes over Pichakari in Holi

IMPHAL, Mar 9: Inspite of the public concern over the prevailing gun culture, po-pularity of toy gun of every kinds manufactured in Chi-na and which are being sold in every nook and corner of the State has been on the rise among the children so much so that even the sale of traditional Pichakaris associated with children during Yaoshang festival has taken a back seat.According to Khuraijam Mahesh (name changed on request) who has been in the business of selling toy guns for the last 15 years, when he took up the business initially the sale pro- ceed of toy gun was very low, but it has been picking up very fast over the last 8-9 years after the plastic made toy guns manufactured in China flooded the market.The sale of toy guns is also recorded highest during festive seasons, he noted.To a question, the businessman pointed out that earlier young boys used to play with Pichakaris during Yaoshang festival. But over the last five years, Picha-karis have been substituted with toy guns. So with dip in the sale of Pichakaris, not many shopkeepers would think of keeping them in their shops even if it is Yaoshang festival.Playing with these plastic made toy guns may seem harmless and the pellets fired from these guns not as fatal as that of real gun, but there have been instances of accidental shots on the eyes and ears leading to blindness or deafness.Over and above this, there have been reports of anti-social elements making used of such fake guns in looting innocent travellers on roads by taking advantage of the prevailing insur- gency problem in the State. Inspite of all these wanted incidents, as the Home Dept of the State has not shying away from taking necessary measures, sell of toy guns in almost every shops of the markets and localities continue thrive.Interacting with The Sangai Express, many concerned elderly citizens of the State wished the State Home Dept to pay serious attention towards taking up necessary steps to curb the menace of gun culture, whether it be the plastic toy gun or the real gun.

SFs rescue kidnapped girls

IMPHAL, Mar 9 : Troops of 34 Assam Rifles under 9 Sector along with Thoubal police launched an operation and rescued two kidnapped girls from suspected KCP (MC) (Nando faction) cadres from Khangabok, said a statement issued by the PRO of Assam Rifles today. Identifying the two girls as Angom Asha Devi (22) daughter of Ningdan Singh and Koijam Premavati Devi (19) daughter of (L) Kesho Singh of Moirang, the PRO said that they were rescued from the custody of suspected KCP (MC) (Nando faction) on March 5. Giving details, the statement said that following inputs that the girls were being taken to Khangabok market, the combined team launched a search operation and the girls were rescued from the kidnappers. The kidnappers however managed to escape, claimed the PRO and added that the rescue team exercised restrain to avoid collateral damages.The girls were handed over to their parents in the presence of representatives of 34 Assam Rifles, Thoubal police and meira paibis today at 11.30 am.The parents have thanked the AR and Thoubal police for rescuing their daughters, added the statement.

Tml connects Imphal in local rates

Tamenglong, Mar 8: BSNL today announced the change of SBM Unit of Tamenglong Telephone Exchange into Remote Sensing Unit (RSU) from today onwards making Tamenglong landline phone subscribers local to the State capital. An official of the public telephone service provider said that the first three digits of present subscribers’ number 222 would be replaced by 267 while the last three digits remain unchanged. The official further said that Tamenglong landline subscribers need not to call Imphal landline number using STD code 0385 or local code 95385 adding that all the telephone lines of Tamenglong will be managed from Imphal using RSU. With the changing of the Tamenglong telecom exchange into RSU, internet connection will be faster, caller ID and phone locking facilities would be available, the official said. He further said that STD calls will cost Re 1 per pulse.The official said that BSNL has launched prepaid Wireless Local Loop (WLL) phones for which registration process have already begun.

Father killed, son lives to tell tale of horror

IMPHAL, Mar 8: Unidentified armed men of about five attacked a farm house in the intervening night of march 7-8 near Tuithapi village and thrashed a 58 year-old man to death besides wounding his 20-year-old son. Tension built-up at Zou Veng area of the district headquarters in the aftermath of the killing, however subsided in late evening after police barricaded the area and convinced a large gathering return to their respective homes. prior to dispersing from the said area stone were pelted at selective homes and slogans shouted.Police sources said the father-son duo was attacked at around 12:30 am when they were deep in sleep. After a baton brawl that ensued for sometime, T Vungkhanthang (58) of Zenhang Lamka was rendered unconscious while his son, Tualbiaklian managed to escape with injuries including a smashed finger and alerted others. Vungkhanthang, according to hospital sources was brought with critical wounds and barely alive, but succumbed soon after at around 4 am. Tualbiaklian contended that he along with his father, a serving male nurse in the district hospital here, stayed at their farm house located adjacent to the Khuga river and about a quarter mile from their village. When he heard some strange sound deep in the night his father was already outside battling with their attackers. He immediately rushed outside with an iron rod to assist his father but he was already surrounded and attacked from all directions. “I also immediately launched strike at them but knowing that I was fighting a losing battle, I made an attempt to escape as my dad was already lying unconscious on the ground,” the source quoted the injured son as saying and adding, “they chased me but failed to grab, as I ran for help I can still hear my father being attacked.” he reached the first house from their farm that belongs to one Vialzakham.

NWMI vows to highlight NE issues

Imphal, Mar 7: The visiting journalists who have come here to take part in the annual conference of Network of Women in Media, India (NWMI) vowed to create a strong network with their colleagues of North East to highlight the plights of the region to the rest of the country. A statement sent out by the Network said, “We aware that the people of the North East, specially the women, have laid in a conflict situation for more than six decades, but the reality of what they faced has not impinged on the consciousness of the rest of India.”The Network also expressed privilege to be present when Irom Chanu Sharmila was released from the security ward of JN Hospital today. Appreciating the role of Meira Paibis, the Network said, “We were also inspired to meet the Meira Paibis, the women who have been on a relay hunger strike for 88th day in support of Sharmila.”The Network also expressed concern over the long standing recourse to AFSPA in a situation that requires serious and sustained political, economic and social initiatives in partnership with local communities.Along with the media colleagues of the North East, the network would like to consider to bring about a quality and in-depth coverage on the issues of the region so that the rest of India understands the ground realities, the statement added. The Network further said that at the same time when terror threats and conflicts are increasing in other parts of the country, the visiting journalists have much to learn from North East journalists.

Top PULF leaders among four slain by SFs

IMPHAL, Mar 7: Four top leaders of the armed People’s United Liberation Front (PULF) Azad group, including its chairman Md Azad alias Abdul Kalam Azad have been killed during a pre-dawn encounter with a combined force at Irilbung in Imphal East district today.On the other hand, the chairman of the Kazi Umar group of the armed organi-sation Md Tabe alias Umar Kazi has been reportedly arrested along with another female cadre at Mumbai.According to SP (Imphal East) Th Radheshyam, the shoot-out broke out while a combined force of Imphal East Police Commandos and personnel of 28 Assam Rifles were conducting a search operation after cordoning off the area follo- wing specific information.Addressing a press conference at the Imphal East District police Headquarters located at Porompat here this afternoon, Radhe-shyam said the encounter which lasted for about 30 minutes occurred at around 2.30 am today at a spot called Tekhambi Kachin located near Irilbung Forest Gate under Irilbung Police Station.“Along with sounding an alert, we have been laying in wait in and around the area following reports on presence of PULF activists in connection with holding a meeting and other activities of the armed group,” the SP said.With confirmation of the report last night, the search operation was conducted. CO of the 28 Assam Rifles and the SP himself jointly supervised the whole operation and the subsequent shooting encounter.Even though the SP did not provide information on the identity of the four slain activists, information received by the press suggest they are chairman of PULF Azad faction Md Azad alias Abdul Kalam Azad (37) s/o late Abdul Jalil of Mayang Imphal Chirai, chief of the army and finance secretary Md Sahid alias Raj Khan (25) s/o late Md Bashir of Yairipok Tulihal Awang Leikai, project officer Md Azad Khan Shekhar alias Iyaaz Khan (43) s/o late Na-seruddin and S/S sergeant major Md Firoz Khan (28) s/o Rausan Ali of Santhel Mamang Leikai.Radheshyam further informed that two AK-56 Ri- fles, two magazines with 17 live rounds of ammunition, one lathode gun with two shells, one M-20 pistol with magazine and two rounds, two Chinese hand grenades, a knife and two torch lights were recovered from the slain persons. The bodies of the four slain PULF activists have been taken away by their respective family members after post-mortem examination at the mortuary of RIMS Hospital later during the day today.On the other hand, chairman of the PULF Kazi Umar faction identified as Md Tabe alias Umar Kazi alias Umardin Usman (42) s/o Yusuf Ali of Kwakta Khu-nou and the project officer of the outfit identified as RK Nandarani Devi (38) w/o late Jamesson alias Sanajaoba of Kakching Paji Leikai have been reportedly arrested by a combined force from Navi Mumbai on March 5 morning. The combined force comprising Imphal East Police Commandos and per- sonnel of 12 Maratha Light Infantry from Manipur have assisted by the Mumbai police in effecting the arrest of the both activists from their hideout at Ram Patil Chawl under Taloja Police Station of the metropolitan city.The transit remand of both the arrested activists have been granted till March 11 and most probably they would be brought to Imphal tomorrow.Meanwhile, exchange of heavy firing between the security forces and suspected armed UG activists reportedly took place at Yangoi Khongbal in Wa-ngoi Police Station of Imphal West district at around 4 pm today.

TSE investigates : Dr Kishan, A Rajen, Y Token, Kapangkhui, Ramthing, Ramshing abducted from Ukhrul Gate Four others held, murder trail from Ukl

IMPHAL, Mar 6 : The investigation launched by the State Government to get to the bottom of the brutal murder of Kasom Khullen SDO Dr Th Kishan and his two subordinate staff appears to be making some headway as the driver of the Bolero which was used by the NSCN (IM) cadres as well three people who provided them shelter have been picked up and sent to jail. Talking to The Sangai Express, a well placed source from the State Police Department said that from the disclosure of the driver of the Bolero (MN04/A/2645) and the three other persons, it has been established that six IM men lay in wait near the DC office on February 13. Once the SDO along with his five staff came out from the office of the DC a little after 12 noon on February 13, the Bolero, which was forcibly taken by the IM men, gave chase and over took the Gypsy near St Thomas School.Thereafter the Bolero stopped the Gypsy near the Naga Gate (Ukhrul Gate) at Hundung, said the source. After stopping the Gypsy carrying the SDO and his staff, the six IM men who were in the Bolero, driven by Mahei Kasar of Nungsong village told the officer to accompany them to Siroy for some talks, revealed the source further. The SDO and his men were however not taken to Siroy that day, February 13, for they stopped for the night at Langdang, a village situated between Ukhrul and Siroy. The officer and his men and the NSCN (IM) cadres spent the night at the residence of the former Head- man of Langdang village identified as Wungmasho.On reaching Langdang village, the number plate of as well as the beacon of the Gypsy allotted to the SDO were removed and the vehicle was kept out of sight. The next day, three employees who were abducted along with the SDO, Kapangkhui Zimik, Ram-thing Tangkhul and Ram- shing Tangkhul were let off by the IM men, said the source. After spending the night at Langdang, the SDO along with his two staff were bundled into the Bolero and along with three armed NSCN (IM) cadres, they were driven towards Seikhor village (Ukhrul west) on the Old Imphal-Ukhrul road. Seikhor village is located about 18 kms from Ukhrul district headquarters. Disclosing more details, the source said that at Seikhor village, the NSCN (IM) cadres got in touch with the village chief Soreingam Riphung and village secretary Th Zimik and the officer and his men spent the nights of February 14 and 15 at the residence of the village secretary. The following day the SDO and his two men accompanied by the three armed IM cadres as well as the driver proceeded towards Tora and passed through Tuinem and then reached Ngaingu junction, where one of the armed cadres got down, as it was getting cramped inside the vehicle. From Ngaingu junction, the six of them, that is Dr Kishan, A Rajen, Y Token, the two IM cadres and the driver took the Senapati- Phaibung road. The officer, his staff and the abductors reached Senapati a little after midnight and there, the Bolero with the driver was left near a stone crushing centre. From there the SDO and his men were taken on foot by the two gun wielding NSCN (IM) cadres towards Taphou Kuki village, said the source and added that the officer and his men may have been bludgeoned to death in the wee hours of February 17. After the ‘work’ was done, the two armed IM cadres returned to the site of the stone crusher where the Bolero and the driver were and they took the same route back.The former Headman of Langdang village in whose house the SDO, his men and the IM cadres spent the night on February 13 was picked up by the police on February 23 and he was sent to jail on March 1. The driver of the Bolero, which was forcibly taken by the IM men, Mahei Kasar of Nungshong village was picked up on February 25 and was sent to jail on March 4. The chairman of Seikhor village Soreingam Riphung and the secretary Th Zimik were respectively arrested on February 26 and 27 and were sent to jail on March 4, said the source further. To a query on the primary reason for the brutal killing of the SDO and his men, the source said that it is yet to be established as the alleged master mind of the dastardly crime self styled Lt Col of the NSCN (IM) Hopeson Ningshen of Nambisa is in the custody of the outfit. The statements of 30 eye witnesses have been recorded by the police, said the source and added that further investigation is on. The Gypsy that was found abandoned at Mahadev has been confirmed as the one allotted to the late SDO. On the other hand the IG (LO-III) V Zathang who has been in Ukhrul for the past days to investigate the case has returned to Imphal while Commissioner O Nabaki-shore and IG (Intelligence) LM Khaute are continuing with the investigation. The two men inquiry constituted by the State Government is headed by O Nabakishore and LM Khaute. The killing was widely condemned.

State hits key note at Vietnam Meet

IMPHAL, Mar 6: State private and public enterprises have signed four Memorandum of Understandings with numerous Vietnamese firms during the ASEAN - North East India Investment and Trade Opportunities Summit recently held from February 12 to 14 at Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Declaring this Manipur Electronics Development Corporation Limited (MANITRON) Managing Director N Joykumar Singh, in a press meet conducted at Hotel Imphal today said that an MoU had been signed between the State public enterprise and MYA Busi-ness Corporation, Vietnam in the field of IT sector. According to the MoU, MANITRON will prepare Smart Cards for the ASEAN country that will include Driving License, RC book and other information of vehicle owners of Vietnam. Mentioned may be made that Manipur Government is also planning to issue similar Smart Cards to the vehicle owners of the State. Joykumar further informed the media that Kh Debabrata Singh of Thang-meiband Kabrambam Leikai and M/s K Marung and Sons of Chandel district also signed different MoUs with Vietnamese firms in the field of bamboo and handicraft items. Manipur Food Industries Corporation Limited (MFICL) also inked an MoU with a Vietnamese food processing firm in the summit. Joykumar further said that Vietnamese delegates also expressed interest in the taste and quality of State indigenous foods like Chakhao (black aromatic rice; Scientific name Oryza Sativa), Umorok, Uchina, Sekmai country liquor etc.The Indian delegates included Indian Ambassador to Vietnam Lal T Muana (a native of Mizoram), DoNER Ministry Secretary Jarnail Singh, Consul General of India in Ho Minh City Jitendra Nath Mishra, State Additional ChiefSecretary (Planning, Home) DS Poonia and ICC General Secretary Dr Rajiv Singh. Seventeen delegates from the State took part in the summit.The summit was orga-nised by DoNER Ministry in association with Indian Chamber of Commerce, Indian Diplomatic Mission in Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industries with the objective of attracting investment from ASEAN countries to NE India. Delegates from Hong Kong, Singapore, Canada, Korea, Malaysia and Japan took part in the summit. Seventy companies from different business sectors of NE India participated in the summit.

Yandaboo treaty studied, analysed

IMPHAL, Mar 6: The significance of the Treaty of Yandaboo signed between the Great Britain and Burma (now Myanmar) on February 24, 1826 in the history of Manipur has been discussed and analysed during a commemorative function here today.Organised under the aegis of Federation of Regional Indigenous Society (FREINDS) at Kangla Hall here today, the commemorative function held under theme of ‘Reminiscence of Manipur history : Treaty of Yandaboo, 24th February, 1826’ was attended by titular king of Manipur Leishemba Sanajaoba as chief guest, FREINDS president Sapamcha Jadumani as functional president and former Minister RV Mingthing as guest of honour.Prof Naorem Joykumar of Department of History, Manipur University; Advocate of Gauhati High Court Khaidem Mani and IPSA president Yumnamcha Dilipkumar were among the resource persons who spoke on relevant topics of the theme.In his address as chief guest of the function, Leishemba Sanajaoba exhorted that the present generation should learnt lesson from the past and look forward to the future with a feeling of strong Nationalism. It is a fact well known to the people now that Manipuri society had suffered numerous setbacks in the past as a result of lack of unity and mutual distrust among our forefathers, the titular king said.However, inspite of the lesson learnt from such historical mistakes, we have not been able to rectify the same. In fact dirty politics have been trying set apart the people from one another, the titular king said, adding that this is really unfortunate for the future of the State.In his presidential address, Sapamcha Jadumani noted that the Treaty of Yandaboo signed between the Great Britain and the Burma on February 24, 1826 had recognised the independence of Manipur and this historical fact should not be forgotten by the people.In continuation of the function, various cultural dances were also performed by cultural troupes coming from different parts of the State.

Migrant workers back to work

IMPHAL, Mar 6: Amid heightened security measures and humanitarian initiatives migrant workers resumed their normal chores of earning livelihood away from their homes here in the State.Migrant workers had been shunning wage earning activities for the past few days following unidentified gunmen slaying three of them at different location of the capital city.Apparently fearing more such attacks the migrant work force had been taking refuge with security cover at the Marwari Dharmshala under the aegis of Imphal Bazar Board.Bazar Board convenor Amrik Singh Pahwa informed of the number of camper today decreasing to 70 from the original high of about 150 as they (migrant workers) returned to their works.Amrik Singh Pahwa also informed of a team of doctors having attended to medical requirements of the campers at the dharmshala where the Governor Gurbachan Jagat led other individuals/officials in extending financial and material assistance.Unidentified persons gunned down a barber at Bijoy govinda area of Sagolband on February 28, with two others – a sugar cane juice seller and a porter – killed at Kwaikethel and Chinga Makha respectively the following day.Bodies of all the three hailing from Bihar were cremated at Imphal.When contacted, Sub divisional police officer (Imphal West) AK Jhaljit described the situation as ‘improved’ in the capital with no fresh attacks being reported.“Nevertheless the state security forces continue to maintain sharp vigil to protect the non-locals and thwart any attempt to attack them,” the SDPO said.Meanwhile, the district authorities have taken up steps for payment of ex-gratia to families of the three slain migrant workers, officials sources said.On the otherhand, senior citizens for society, in a statement conveyed deep sense of shock and sorrow over the migrant workers’ killings and appealed to the perpetrators to ‘deeply introspect’ and stop such killing in the interest of peaceful co-existence and harmony in the pluralistic society.A statement released by the society’s general secretary, L Sadananda Singh appreciated the initiatives taken up by the State government for protecting the non-locals.

Debate on PWD CE post rages ‘CE is PWD employee’

IMPHAL, Mar 5 : Reacting to the news report which appeared in the March 5 issue of this paper under the caption, ‘PWD Engineers protest, to take mass casual leave,’ the Electrical circle of the PWD has clarified that the Engineer who has been as the Chief Engineer-in-charge is an employee of the PWD and not an employee of the Power Department (We stand corrected). A source said that the PWD has three circles, Civil, Electrical and Mechanical and added that an officer of the rank of Additional Chief Engineer, who has been in this position for three years, is eligible to become the Chief Engineer of the PWD. Earlier too there have been Chief Engineers of the PWD who were not from the Civil division, they maintained. The present Chief Engineer of the PWD is from the Electrical circle, said the source and added that other than him there is no one who is serving as Additional Chief Engineer (Regular) in the Department. Even all the SEs are in in-charge category, said the source and added that other than the present Chief Engineer there is no one who fulfils the criteria. According to the Rules and Regulations of the PWD, there is no clause which says that only Engineers from the Civil circle can be eligible for the post of the Chief Engineer. Interestingly two officers from the Mechanical circle served as the CE of the PWD

AE abducted, grenade found

IMPHAL, Mar 5 : An Assistant Engineer of the Food Control Division (FCD)-I of the Irrigation and Flood Control Department has been abducted by unidentified persons while a grenade has been found placed at the residence of an Executive Engineer of the same department.AE Md Liyaqat Ali was abducted on his way to IFCD head-office at Khoya-thong in the morning of March 3. The identity of the abductors and their motives cannot be ascertained till date.Demanding safe release of the AE at the earliest, IFCD employees staged a protest sitting in front of their head-office at Khoyathong today.Meanwhile, one Chinese hand grenade found near the residential gate of IFCD, FCD-I EE Chongtham Ranbir at Chingamakhong this morning has been safely retrieved by explosive experts of Manipur Police.The grenade was found near the security sentry post of the EE.Speaking to reporters by the sideline of the protest agitation at Khoyathong today, Ranbir said that he has no idea about the identity and motives of those responsible for abducting AE Liyaqat and placing grenade near his residence.Disclosing that there has been no case of any monetary demand from any UG group, the Executive Engineer recalled that there were instances of bomb/firing attacks at his residence in addition to the attempt to abduct his cashier in the past.

Women in media open eyes of all

IMPHAL, Mar 5 : The seventh annual meet of the Network of Women in Media, India (NWMI) was opened today at Kangla hall.The three day long meet hosted by the NWMI, Manipur Chapter is being participated by 70 lady journalists of the country.The inaugural function of the annual meet was graced by Chairman of the Manipur State Commission for Women Dr Ch Jamini, Editor of the Ereibak Irengbam Arun and Editor of the Aja daily Valley Rose as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.Speaking at the occasion, Dr Ch Jamini stressed on the importance of economic empowerment for women of Manipur. Taking into account the prevailing condition of Ma-nipur, Dr Jamini observed that women in Manipur face the possibility of untold miseries in case necessary measures are not initiated to ensure economic security of the women.Womenfolk of the State have been shouldering great responsibility with regard to several issues and problems besetting the State since the Anglo-ManipurWar of 1891, she stated while lamenting that the present generation seems to have taken little notice of the momentous part being played by women with regard to various social issues. On the other hand, gender discrimination still persists in the society and many women are being subjected to various forms of harassments and violence. At such a juncture, it is crucial to increase the number of women journalists, she asserted.

SF arrest five UG cadres

IMPHAL, Mar 2: A combined team of Imphal West district police commandos and 16 Assam Rifles arrested one UNLF cadre from Kangchup Chingkhong, identified as Huirem Surjit alias Nongmadon (36) s/o (L) Sanatomba of Naharup Huirem Leikai (Army No 1538) today. A combined team of 4/8 Gorkha Rifles and Bishnupur police commandos arrested one senior RPF/PLA cadre from Toupokpi village yesterday. The cadre has been identified as Laishram Robindro Meitei alias Ronny (46) s/o Ningthemiya of Kwakeithel. Robindro is a self styled Senior Project Officer (equivalent to Senior Major). One 9 mm pistol with few live rounds was recovered from his possession. He disclosed that he was personally motivated by RPF chairman Chaoren and was recruited in 1993. He also said, RPF is planning a major offensive against the Indian union in 2011, said a press release of PIB (DW). Thoubal district police commandos arrested one PULF cadre identified as Md Abdul Gafar (28) alias Tondonba s/o Md Ramijuddin of Kshetrigao Makha Leikai from Langathel area today. Another team of Thoubal district police commandos arrested two KCP cadres during a frisking drive conducted at Thoubal Haokha yesterday. The cadres are identified as Nameirakpam Boby (25) s/o Bijoy of Chajing Konjeng Leikai and Tonjam Arjun (25) s/o Bhubon of Lilong Chajing Pukhri Achouba Mapal. Fifteen rounds of 7.65 mm ammunition were recovered from their possession, said a press release of Thoubal SP.

Cops foil rally against barbaric killing

IMPHAL, Mar 2 : An attempt to hold a public rally against the brutal murder of Kasom Khullen SDO Dr Th Kishan, Mondal Y Token and driver A Rajen was foiled by police at Bishnupur today. The mass protest rally was attempted urging for befitting punishment to guilty NSCN (IM) cadres involved in the gruesome cadre and also suspended DC Pankaj Kumar Pal.The abortive mass rally was planned under the joint aegis of the United Clubs’ Organisation Bishnupur District (UCOBID) and the Apunba Lup.At about 10 am, people started assembling at the Yangoi Ningthou community hall at Bishnupur Bazar. As final arrangements for the public rally got underway at about 11 am, a team of Bishnupur police commandos arrived at the spot and declared that no assembly of any crowd would be allowed without permission from the Deputy Commissioner.The police team also asked the Meira Paibis and local club volunteers who have already congregated there to go back. The commandos also took away the mats rolled out for the crowd and mikes arranged for the protest rally. They also stayed back at the area to thwart any further attempt from the people to assemble at the community hall. After turning back from there at the insistence of police commandos, the Meira Paibis and social activists congregated at Bishnupur Thiyam Leikai ground.From there, the protesters led by volunteers of the Apunba Lup, UCOBID and United Villages and Clubs Organisation marched towards Bishnupur Bazar to submit a memorandum to the Prime Minister through the Bishnupur DC. However, they were blocked by police commandos, some distance away from Bishnupur Bazar. The commandos also snatched the festoons carried by the protesters. Yet, some four/five volunteers were allowed to proceed to the DC office to hand over their memorandum.

NE rejoices in Sourabhee’s win

AGARTALA, Mar 2 : Most of Tripura was in party mode the whole Sunday night until Monday morning, bursting crackers and dancing on the streets to celebrate Sourabhee Debbarma being crowned Indian Idol in Mumbai. The young singer from Tripura became the first woman Indian Idol in the fourth year of the live TV competition. “I can’t believe that I become the Indian Idol. I am grateful to all my fans and those who voted for me to reach the top position,” Sourabhee said.“It feels like I’m still at the rehearsals. I thank all of you for making a girl the Indian Idol and shall try to continue to entertain all of you.”Sourabhee, who had completed a BBA won the fourth edition of Indian Idol, pipping Torsha Sarkar of West Bengal and Kapil Thapa of Dehradun in the final round.Pradyot Bikram Kishore Manikya, who belongs to Tripura’s erstwhile royal family is one of the main sponsors of Sourabhee. He said: “What Shillong’s Amit Paul missed by a whisker in the last season of the Indian Idol show, Sourabhee made it with the overwhelming support from the music crazy people of the northeast.” Amit Paul had lost to Prashanta Tamang, from Darjeeling in West bengal, in the final last year.“Sourabhee’s success proves beyond doubt that there is no dearth of talent in the northeast and that all these bright youngsters need a platform or an opening to prove their capability and ability,” Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar said.“If the rest of the world thinks that the northeastern region is all about violence and bloodshed, they must be proved wrong through this kind of musical feat,” said Tripura Cultural Affairs Minister Anil Sarkar.

MSF ‘unmasks’ fraudulent teacher

IMPHAL, Mar 2: The Manipuri Students’ Federation (MSF) has uncovered unethical practices of a High School teacher who reportedly worked to enable 29 students appear in the ongoing HSLC exam with fraudulent means. The fraud identified as Chungkham Rameshwar of Thongju Part II used to earn money from students appearing in written tests of NIOS.Using his position of being an Assistant Teacher in Motbung Government High School, Rameshwar collected 29 students from different places of the valley districts to appear in the BSEM conducted HSLC exam. Speaking to media persons at its head-office today, MSF president Md Atabuddin said that these students were admitted in Class IX last year. But they never attended a single class. The fraudulent practices and sly tactics of Rame-shwar were discovered after MSF conducted an enquiry following complaints from some of these students whose names given in the admit cards and photographs do not match, the MSF president said. It has also been discovered that Rameshwar took money from these students for his unethical service.Atabuddin decried the mentality of these students who have been taking recourse to faulty means to appear in the Board exam without attending a single class. The MSF leader also denounced the support and acceptance given by parents, teachers and Government officials to such malpractices.He further urged upon the Government authority to take up befitting actions against Rameshwar, Headmaster of Motbung High School SL Tongkholen as well as clerks involved in the misdeed. He further appealed to the Education Department and BSEM to investigate the matter.Admission of a student in schools located outside his home district requires domicile certificate issued by a Government authority. But the number of students from valley districts found admitted in Motbung High School only exposed that the whole Government machinery is either lying idle or misused. The MSF would be waiting for Government response to the matter, Atabuddin said while adding that MSF will take up further actions if the action taken up by the Government on the matter is not satisfactory.

Security stepped up

IMPHAL, Mar 2: Following the incident of killing migrant workers over the last couple of days, security measures have been stepped up in Imphal, East, Imphal West, Bishnupur and Thoubal districts. According to sources from Imphal West District Police, evacuation of migrant workers from different parts of the district has begun and keeping them together at Dharmashalla and the complex of Imphal Police started. Apart from stepping up security measures at places where the migrant workers resided, they have also been advised against going to far off places for work. According to information received by the press, in all 86 migrant workers are staying in Dharmashalla where the DC and the SP of the district visited today to inspect the accommodation arrangement being made for them. The meals for the migrant workers evacuated at Dharmashalla are being arranged by the Imphal Bazar Board. In Imphal East too, besides stepping up patrolling of the security personnel, migrant workers have been dissuaded from going far in search of work. Even as security alert has been sounded in all the police stations in Bishnupur district, the Thoubal police have also toed the line in putting in necessary security arrangement. Meanwhile, the bodies of barber Suresh Thakur who was shot dead by unidentified gunmen at Sagolband on February 28 and sugarcane juice seller Rajkumar Choudhury who was shot dead at Kwakeithel yesterday have been handed over to his family members today after post-mortem examination at the mortuary of RIMS Hospital.

Highwaymen loot bus, stone another

IMPHAL, Mar 2: Unidentified armed persons looted the driver of an Imphal-bound passenger bus at gun-point near Chumukedia in Nagaland today even as another passenger bus was pelted with stones by unidentified miscreants smashing its wind shield at Tadubi yesterday.According to information received by the press, the passenger bus ‘Rajdhani Express’ bearing registration no. MN01-1635 was coming from Guwahati when the unidentified armed persons looted Rs 9,700 from the bus driver and helpers at gun point at a spot known as Half Mile along National Highway 39 and falling under the jurisdiction of Chumukedia Police Station in Dimapur district of Nagaland at around 3 am today. The passenger bus left Guwahati for Imphal around 4 pm yesterday.The looters were clad in civilian dresses but armed with AK-Rifles and carbine.While two of them holding AK-Rifles were standing on guard on either sides of the road, one who was holding a carbine stood in front of the road and stopped the bus.As soon as the bus stopped, one of the armed persons climbed up and demanded the driver to pay Rs 5000 while pointing the gun at him. The armed person also asked the driver to arrange the money from among the passengers if he (the driver) did not have the demanded amount in his possession.While taking amount the demanded money from the pocket, the armed snatched the entire amount, i.e. Rs 9,700. The looters also slapped the handyman of the bus on his face twice.After the incident, a report had been lodged with the Nezugate police check post and subsequent to the message of the report given to the Chumukedima Police Station by the Nagaland police personnel present at the Nezugate check post, the driver was taken to the police station for recording his statement. Perhaps, as a consequent of the message relayed by the police station, the ill-fated passenger bus which arrived here at around 3 pm today had not been stopped by any check post for entry all along its returning journey.However, the State police have maintained that no report of looting the passenger bus has been received.It may be recalled here that similar incident of looting 10 passenger buses coming to Imphal from Nagaland by unidentified armed persons at around 4.30 am of February 15 had been reported by this paper.Meanwhile, a bus of the Mega Tours and Travels bearing registration no. MN01-1075 reportedly suffered damaged when uniden- tified miscreants pelted stone at Tadubi in Senapati at around 4 am yesterday.According to information received from the ticketing counter of the travel agency here, the wind shields of the bus have been damaged in the attack which occurred while coming to Imphal from Mao.

Two more non-local men shot dead in Imp

IMPHAL, Mar 1: hardly 24 hours after a non-Manipuri barber was shot dead at Sagolband area, unidentified gunmen shot dead two non-locals today including a sugarcane juice seller in broad daylight at Kwakeithel Bazar and a porter at about 7.50 pm at Chinga Makha Phura Makhong.According to police, the Kwakeithel incident took place at about 12.10 pm with the assailant opening fire from point blank range while the non-local was taking shelter under a roadside tree with his hand-cart stationed nearby.The deceased is identified as one Rajkumar Choudhury (18) s/o Ramnath from Bihar’s Buxar district but staying at a rented quarter along with his uncle in Kwakeithel Akham Leikai. Quoting eyewitnesses, a police source informed that three persons, including the driver came in an auto -rickshaw with one person out of two alighting from the passenger seat with a small arm and shooting Rajkumar on the head.While Rajkumar died on the spot the assailants after committing the crime, fled from the scene in the same autorickshaw towards the Kwakeithel-Sayang road.A commando team reportedly arrived at the scene soon after and trailed the perpetrators but there is no information of any arrest in connection with the killing.The victim of the second incident is yet to be officially identified but is expected to be one Sarajeevan (40) of Bihar. According to reports the assailant/s broke open the gate of the house and came in calling out for one Joker Bhaiya. The victim was found shot dead on his bed with two bullet wounds in the rented room which he shared with Joker Bhaiya (Shyam Shankar) and another identified as Sushil. Shyam Shankar is a cart puller while Sushil is also a porter. The landlord is identified as as Pukhrambam Mema. According to SSP (Imphal West) L Kailun security measures have been beefed up at many Imphal district areas where non-locals reside. Subsequently police patrolling have been increased and security personnel have been directed to maintain vigil at outlying areas of the capital city, the SSP said while disclosing that section of non-Manipuri traders and public leaders expressed their concern on the recent spurt in criminal activities against non-locals.Meanwhile, members of the manipur Barber Association staged a protest demonstration at Rup Mahal Tank of BT Road today in denunciation of the killing of a barber (Suresh Thakur) at Sagolband Bijoy Govinda area yesterday.

Violating SoO ground rules Delhi, Imp talk tough

IMPHAL, Mar 1 : Taking a serious view of the allegations raised against some Kuki armed groups, the Centre and the State Government have made it clear that they would not remain silent if the cadres of the armed groups, which have signed the Suspension of Operation agreement, violate the ground rules and extort and harass the public. This strong message was conveyed to the leaders of the KNO and UPF during the fourth meeting of the SoO held yesterday with Additional Chief Secretary (Home) DS Poonia in the chair. The meeting was attended by the Joint Secretary of the Home Affairs (North East) Navin Verma, IG Intelligence LM Khaute and representatives from the Army, Assam Rifles, CRPF, BSF and Intelligence Department.If the armed groups in talks with the Government engage in abducting Government officials and the public for ransom, serve extortion demands on the public, then the Government will take up fitting action, the UPF and KNO leaders were told, said a source. To pay a monthly allowance of Rs 2000 each per cadre per month to 800 men of the KNO and 1000 men of the UPF with effect from January this year, the Government has sanctioned a sum of Rs 36 lakhs, said the source further. The Government has made it clear that they will not pay allowance to overground workers and cadres who are stationed outside the State. On top of the 11 designated camps identified for the KNO and UPF one more camp for the UPF has been identified, said the source and added that construction work of the camps will start from this month. The designated camps are located at Churachandpur, Chandel and Sadar Hills, said the source and added that a sum of Rs 2.75 crore has been deposited with the Manipur Police Housing Corporation. The need material will be supplied by the Government and construction work will be taken up by the cadres of the outfits. At the moment the Army, AR, police and SIB are keeping a watch over the sites of the designated camps.

AR rescues two non-locals

Kohima, Mar 1: In a major achievement, personnel of 26 Assam Rifles Kohima on Saturday managed to rescue two non-local businessmen reportedly abducted by unidentified NSCN-K cadres on February 26 last. Assam Rifles sources revealed that on receipt of reliable intelligence report that the two abducted businessmen would be brought to Axis Bank Kohima for withdrawal of ransom money, personnel of 26 Assam Rifles laid a trap within the vicinity of Axis Bank, Opposite Kohima College this morning. All suspected entry and exit routes were kept under surveillance and a tight dragnet was established to apprehend the culprits, sources said.Subsequently, at around 11:00 am on Saturday, the Assam Rifles tracked some persons moving suspiciously in close proximity with two non-locals. As the group entered the bank, 26 Assam Rifles personnel challenged them, which created panic and taking advantage of the heavily crowded market place the miscreants managed to escape. However, the Assam Rifles team present on the spot exercised utmost restraint to avoid any collateral damage and did not resort to any firing, sources said, adding however swift action ensured that the two non-local businessmen identified as M Gurung and S Dey were rescued from the clutches of the abductors.Sources also said that on interrogation it was found confirmed that the two individuals were abducted on February 26 by suspected NSCN-K cadres and were kept under captivity. An undisclosed ransom amount was agreed upon to be paid by the individuals for assured safe release which led the group to Axis Bank on Saturday.Meanwhile, Assam Rifles authorities has stated that a strict round the clock vigil is being maintained in Kohima to thwart any attempt of underground groups to violate laid down cease fire ground rules (CFGR) or vitiate peace and tranquillity in civilian area. It has also warned of adopting stringent measures against any miscreants to ensure that peace and security prevails in Nagaland.

Mangani Leihun performed

IMPHAL, Feb 28: Along with taking out mass procession by thousands of mourners here today on the occasion of Mangani Leihun Tamba ceremony of Kasom Khullen SDO Dr Thingnam Kishan and his two sub-ordinate staff, driver Aribam Rajen and Revenue Mandal Yumnam Token, who were brutally murdered by armed cadres of NSCN (IM), a three-point memorandum has been submitted to the Governor.Signed jointly by three convenors of the JAC formed against the triple murder, the memorandum demanded immediate criminal proceedings against the suspended De- puty Commissioner of Ukhrul district Pankaj Kumar Pal by registering an FIR for his criminal connivance in the murder of his own sub-ordinate staff, murderers of the three Government officials be punished immediately and the other three ‘rescued’ officials who had accompanied the three victims at the time of abduction by the armed cadres of the Naga rebel group be produced before the public within 48 hours.Carrying photographs of the deceased Government employees in three different decorated Palanquins, the procession of the mourners started from their respective resi- dences and converged at Gandhi Ghat, Uripok where their mortal remains were consigned to flames, together for performing the Mangani Leihun Tamba rituals of the departed souls.After the rituals, the mourners were marching towards the Raj Bhavan to submit the memorandum to the Governor when police stopped them from proceeding further beyong Keishampat Junction. However, some representatives of the JAC were allowed to go and submit the memorandum. The memorandum was submitted to the Governor through his Under Secretary.In the memorandum, the JAC also contended that initiatives being taken up so far by the Government of Manipur in connection with the killing appear to be simply silencing the aggrieved public and the families of the deceased persons.While returning back from submitting the memorandum, the mourners shouted slogans against NSCN (IM) and demanded handing over the killers who are in the custody of the Naga rebel group.

Slain duo Cong office bombers: SP

IMPHAL, Feb 28: The two persons shot dead by police commandos near Khurai Lamlong Thong (bridge) last night are informed to be KCP-MC’s Lanheiba Mei-tei group activists who were involved in the recent bomb attacks at offices of the Congress party.Speaking to mediaper-sons at the Porompat office of Imphal East district police headquarters this afternoon, the district’s Superin- tendent of police Th Radheshyam claimed that in- criminating documents (notebook) recovered from the slain duo and information received by the police confirm the slain persons to be KCP-MC’s Lanheiba Meitei group activists.Illustrating further, he said the deceased persons were cadres of the outfit’s Lanjaba Unit Special Demo Team and worked under one of the four commands recently announced by the KCP as a part of its Operation Red Fox campaign.The seized notebook is said to contain more vital informations such as location of district and block level Congress offices (likely targets), names of Congress party loyalists as well as arms/weapons assigned to KCP-MC members.Contemplating that there is possibility of the outfit carrying out more attacks at Congress offices, the SP also maintained of all the police stations in Imphal East district issued high alert notices with strong instructions to police and commando officials to be vigilant round the clock.Disclosing that the KCP is today split into many factions but the armed cadres still capable of carrying out subversive acts in the State, he also confided that the pu-blic had been very coopera- tive and resourceful in effecting arrest of armed cadres.It may be noted here that the KCP had claimed responsibility for the Februa- ry 26 grenade attacks at Congress offices located in Thoubal district and Nambol areas.Another explosive device was recovered from the Soibam Leikai office premises of the Congress party yesterday morning.The SP suspects the deceased persons to be KCP-MC’s self-styled 2nd Lt Laishram Sekin alias Ken-ny (32) s/o (L) Nungshi- tombi Singh of Yaingang-pokpi and Ashangbam Ja- dumani (37) s/o (L) Rabei of Maibakhul Mamang Leikai.Items recovered from the two included one AK-56 rifle with a magazine, an Italy-made Barretta pistol (9 mm) with three live rounds and a Chinese hand-grenade, according to Radhe- shyam.

Villagers allege UG harassments

IMPHAL, Feb 28: Even as the fourth round of meeting of the Joint Monitoring Group was held today along with leaders of Kuki UG groups which are signatories to the Suspension of Operation (SoO) truce with the Government of India and Manipur, reports have been recieved of constant harassments meted out by armed cadres of the SoO signatories to the people of villages situated along the embankment of Thoubal River in Imphal East district.According to reports, the armed cadres in camouflage have been coming to these villages at night time and harassing the people with monetary demand and snatching of mobile phones and in case of failing to entertain their demands, the armed cadres subject the people to physical torture.As a consequent, the people of these villages, who rely mainly on agricultural activities and gather- ing of pebbles from Thoubal river, have not be able to take rest at night after the day’s hard work fearing atrocities of the armed cadres. In such a situation, vigilant Meira Paibis have been taking their turns in patrolling the area at night time by dividing themselves into groups.In protest against the conduct of the armed cadres of the SoO signatories, a Wakat Meepham was also staged today at the community hall of Leirongthel Pitra today.After the Wakat Mee-pham, a protest rally was also taken out in and around the area later during the day.Participating in the rally, the protestors carried placards inscribed with slogans like ‘Allow us to live in peace’, ‘Don’t deny our rights to live peacefully’, etc.According to people of Leirongthel Pitra, the armed cadres have been frequent-ly coming to the villages at night and after gaining for-ced entry search the houses by pulling out mattresses and opening almirahs.Sometimes, the armed intruders identify themselves as KNF-P and sometimes as USRA cadres.If the monetary demand of the armed intruders were not entertained, the family members were threatened and their mobile phones snatched and anyone who tried to stop the armed intruders from snatching the mobile phones were beaten up.The armed intruders also repeatedly pestered the family members with questions like who else in the family are UGs.Over and above deman-ding Rs 5,000 from every rice mills, Rs 50,000 from every saw mills, Rs 5000 from every owner of Jeeps, Cars and Tata trucks, Rs 10,000 from bus owners, the armed intruders like never before have also recently demanded payment of hou-se taxes ranging from Rs 5000 to Rs 10000 and even upto Rs 1 lakhs in accordance to the condition of the houses.Following the presence of the armed cadres, none of the trucks from Imphal have been able to come to the area for collecting the pebbles gathered by the villagers from Thoubal river. Even the autorickshaws are plying in the area after paying monthly taxes to the armed cadres who do not even spare the labourers engaging in breaking boulders and collecting sand from the with demand of Rs 100 each. From each quarry sites, the armed cadres have also imposed taxes upto Rs 10,000 and above.It is conveyed that the eastern headquarters camp of KNF-P is located at Bongba Khullen situated not very far from the post of the IRB deployed for the security of Mapithel Dam and IRB personnel could no nothing to stop the KNF-P cadres from sneaking to the nearby villages, though there had been instances in the past in which IRB personnel beaten up KNF-P cadres after being rounded up for their alleged excesses.The villagers also informed that the secretary of Leirongthel Youth Development Club has not been able to go out for work for around 2 months now after being beaten up by the alleged KNF-P cadres for failing to collect and hand over the demanded amount/taxes.

Barber shot dead

IMPHAL, Feb 28: A non-local barber was shot dead by an unidentified gun man inside his saloon at Sagol- band at about 7.30 am today.The deceased barber identified as Suresh Thakur (22) s/o Somnath Thakur was a native of Chhapra district, Bihar but staying near Uripok Cheirap Court.He was shot dead by a youth who came to the saloon on the pretext of having a hair cut.Suresh Thakur was hit by a bullet on the right side of his head.The saloon was opened/run by one Birendra Thakur just opposite to Bijoy Govinda Thangapat on the southern side of Imphal-Jiribam road.Birendra Thakur, a relative of Suresh, said that he saw one youth going inside the saloon when he was sun-bathing outside.Moments after, a gun shot was heard. On rushing inside the saloon, Suresh Thakur was seen lying on the floor. The assailant who wore jean pants and wind-proof jackets wielding small arms left the place in an auto-rickshaw heading towards Khwairamband Keithel, Birendra conveyed. The identity of the killer and the possible motive behind the killing cannot be ascertained as yet, said a senior officer of Imphal West Police. He said that investigation into the killing has been initiated.This is the first incident of attacking non-locals this year after 15 non-local labourers were shot dead by gun men at Hayel Hangoon and other areas of the valley on March 17 and 18 last year.Another four non-local labourers were also mowed down in the different areas of Imphal East and Imphal West districts on June 24 last year.