Siroy stand off : IM adamant, accuses AR of haughtiness

AR men on the alert with the IM camp seen in the background and women praying for peace

SIROY/UKL, Jan 22 : The stand off between the Assam Rifles and the NSCN (IM) over a camp at Siroy in Ukhrul district continues with the Chief Administrative Officer of the Wung Region of the NSCN (IM), V Horam, categorically asserting “There is no third option, either war or peace. There is no question of vacating the camp.”Interacting with The Sangai Express at Ukhrul district headquarters today, Horam accused the Assam Rifles of adopting a confrontationist stand and added, “There was no formal intimation at all. If some prior formal contact was established, then the matter could have been talked over. Since they have adopted a confrontationist stand, we will not budge.”We entered into a cease fire agreement with the Government of India because we wanted a peaceful solution. However in this case, instead of giving us any prior information they surrounded our camp from 2 am of January 19” said Horam and added that as soon as he received the news, he contacted the Assam Rifles officials on phone but there was no positive response. In an obvious reference to the stand of the Assam Rifles that no designated camps can be opened in Manipur as it does not come under the ambit of the cease fire pact, Horam said “Ceasefire is not bound by territory. It means cessation of hostility and it was with this understanding that we entered into the ceasefire pact with the Government of India.”Asserting that the matter could have been handled differently, Horam said that things could have been settled through talks and added that the IM group had changed camps earlier too. “We have been informed that the Home Ministry has instructed the Assam Rifles authority to withdraw, but so there has been no positive response from their men here,” claimed Horam. On the other hand tension continues to grip the people of Siroy village. The AR troops have set up a temporary bunker atop a mound just opposite to the camp of the IM group with only a road in between. In fact the two are separated by just a distance of about 30 yards.Womenfolk of Siroy and adjoining villages such as Langdang, Choithar and Lunghar have been sitting on vigil 24 hours a day, interspersed with prayers, just at the base of the mound where the Assam Rifles have set up their bunker. Assam Rifles troops have also been deployed on the Ukhrul-Jessami road, which runs through Siroy with vehicles put on stand by. A team of Ukhrul police led by the 2nd OC have also been camping at Siroy village since yesterday.The IM camp still remains sealed with no one allowed to enter or come out of it. The Assam Rifles have been using four generators to light up the area and keep a tab on the camp. Significantly, the CO of 17 Assam Rifles Colonel Dharam has been camping at Siroy and occasionally interacting with the women folk. Headman of Siroy village, Wungachan Shangh while talking to The Sangai Express said that the villagers saw a large number of Assam Rifles troops when they woke up on January 19 morning. “I was summoned by Major Amit and Major Nishant,” said the Headman and added, “When I met them I was asked whether the IM group had given me any documents signed between the IM group and the Government of India that say that they can open a camp at Siroy. I answered in the negative.”I told the officers that since there has been no problem for the last few years since the camp was opened, I did not think much about it.”Interacting with The Sangai Express villagers of Siroy said that from the evening of January 19, they have been advised by the Assam Rifles not to venture out to their field.The villagers said that a large number of heavy guns including lethod bombs and rocket launchers have been stock piled at the AR bunker since January 19. “The AR men do not harass us. In fact they have even provided medicines and treatment, but we are still very anxious as things may take a turn for the worst,” said the villagers. The villagers also said that though they have submitt-ed a memorandum to the DC of Ukhrul to intervene, the district administration has not made even a spot inqu-iry. Assam Rifles have also been announcing through the PA system urging the IM men to come out and surrender their weapons and leave the camp with the assurance that no harm will be done to them, informed the villagers. Reporters from The Sa-ngai Express who went to Siroy to cover the story saw some armed IM men near the camp while some were seen coming out unarmed on the terrace of the half construct-ed pucca building which se- rves as one of their bunkers. Newmai News Network adds : Sources in the NSCN-IM at Camp Hebron, off Dimapur informed NNN that the Assam Rifles are holding their grudge over the Phek district incident where the Naga militants had detained 5/6 Assam Rifles personnel including a Captain on January 8 and also seized their weapons. In that incident according to the NSCN-IM, the Assam Rifles personnel led by the Captain identified as one Momo had “intruded” into the outfit’s designated ca-mp. The matter was resolv- ed the following day after the intervention of the civil organisations and the confiscated weapons of the Assam Rifles returned.Few days after the Phek incident, the stand-off between the NSCN-IM and the Assam Rifles occurred again when the latter forces allegedly ‘patrolled’ around the vicinity of the Camp Hebron.In a statement issued by PRO ‘Col’ Levy Zimik of the “Naga Army”, NSCN-IM said, “ Ever since the dawn of revolution in Nagalim, an inextinguishable fire of nationalism has been burning in the heart of every Naga; the profound desire to liberate our land from all the clutches of foreign rule and to ensure the full measure of happiness for all, based on the principles of equality, liberty and fraternity. “Col” Levy Zimik further stated that the cost was heavy; we had to pay the prize of freedom. Then, at the height of violence, an agreement to cease all hos-tilities was entered in 1997 between the government of India and the NSCN-IM, so as to create conducive atmosphere for political dialogue between the two. “Naga Army still hono-urs the commitment we gave 12 years ago and in that spirit, we have come thus far, exercising restraint and overlooking petty incid-ences of breaching the ground rules by the Indian army and her agents. How-ever, when our counterpart always reciprocates in the manner to provoke and push us to the corner, taking due advantage of ceasefire agreement, it becomes im-perative to question the purpose and the very existence of such agreement,” Levy Zimik added. He then asserted the episodes of intimidation in Phek, Hebron and now Ukh-rul are nothing but a direct challenge to the validity of ceasefire agreement. His-tory has it that the 1st ceasefire agreement became almost non-existent after the break down of political talks in 1966 and eventually, India unilaterally abrogated it in 1972, the NSCN-IM leader added. “Is the history of betrayal repeating again? It is an irony that a Para military force such as the notorious Assam Rifles should dare to defy the commitment given at the Prime Minister’s level. The vibrant question therefore that rings across the sub-continent is: Can India be trusted?,” questioned the NSCN-IM leader.

Hand Granade in Little Master Hr Sec School

Bomb experts of the State Police Department safely detonated a hand grenade which was left inside the campus of Little Master Higher Secondary School at Samurou under Wangoi Police Station of Imphal West district today. Some persons who identified themselves as activists of the proscri-bed KCP reportedly left the hand grenade wrapped in a newspaper at the verandah of the school at around 11.50 am today with the direc-tion that the headmaster should come to them bringing the same bomb package. According to information received by the press, around 2 months back, a caller who identified himself as an activist of KCP had demanded Rs 5 lakhs from the headmaster through telephone. The mid-term test of the class XII was underway when the hand grenade was left. In protest against the incident, students and teachers of the school would be staging a demonstration tomorrow.

City Meitei ‘lands’ at Imphal airport

City Meitei ‘lands’ at Imphal airport.

IMPHAL, Jan 22: The leader of KCP (City Meitei) faction and commander of the Mobile Task Force of the proscribed outfit Brojen alias City Meitei who was arrested by a joint team of Bishnupur Police Commandos, Bangalore City Police and 57 Mountain Division based at Manipur from a rented house in Bangalore on January 19 has been brought to Imphal today.A native of Tentha Khunou Bazar Naorem Leikai in Thoubal district, Naorem Brojen who is also known by his assumed names like City Meitei, James, Hobby (32) s/o Nara was brought to Imphal from Bangalore by a team of Bishnupur police in a special flight this afternoon.Another cadre of the outfit identified as Naorem Romesh (31) s/o Manihar, belonging to the same locality of Brojen and arrested by the joint team in the evening of January 19 from Bangalore was also brought to Imphal in the same flight today.Both of them would be produced before a Court here on January 24.In connection with their arrest, SP of Bishnupur district K Jayanta Singh said that a joint team of Army, Bangalore Police and Bishnupur District Police Commandos had arrested the duo from Bangalore on January 19.Prior to that on January 17, a joint team of Army, Delhi Police (Special Cell) and Bishnupur Police Commandos had arrested four KCP members from Delhi including its self styled general secretary and foreign secretary of KCP identified as Chongtham Manglemjao alias KK Nganba alias Ngouba alias Irabot (56) of Nagamapal Singjubung Leirak, Imphal and president elect of the same proscribed outfit identified as Naorem Amumacha alias Yambung (56) of Kakwa Naorem Leikai.Both KK Nganba and Yambung were in possession of press identity cards issued by Meeyam and Kangleipakki Meira respectively, the SP disclosed, while identifying the other arrested KCP members as Ibomcha (35), younger brother of KK Nganba and Ngariyanbam Ratan (36) of Thangmeiband Lairenhanjaba Leikai, who is an assistant of Nganba.The SP further informed that City Meitei and his two followers were involved in the killing of EE of PWD Nabachandra at his Utlou residence on March 31, 2008 and an FIR case had been registered against them.On top of this, bomb attacks at the residences of Agriculture Minister N Loken at Sangaiprou as well as a Nambol Leimapokpam among other violent attacks have been carried out at the directive of City Meitei, the SP said.Extortion demands, firing and bomb attacks in connection with extortion demands have also been carried out at the behest of City Meitei in different parts of Imphal West, Imphal East and Thoubal district, the SP added.A separate case has also been registered against the four KCP activists arrested from Delhi, he informed.

KCP leader City Meitei held in Bangalore

IMPHAL, Jan 21: City Meitei, the leader of the underground KCP (City Meitei) group has been nabbed in a operation carried out by the 57 Mtn Div, Manipur police and the Bangalore police at Bangalore, a press release from the PIB defence wing said. Officials of the 57 Mtn Div and the Bishnupur commandos were sent to Bangalore on January 16 and they established liaison with the Bangalore police with whose help the hideout of the KCP (City Meitei) was identified.However, since the hideout was situated in a congested area the security men planned out a covert surveillance of the area and on confirmation of the exact location of the suspect, he was apprehended at 8 pm on Januray 19, taking the underground leader by complete surprise.Interrogation of the militant leader revealed that he was also known by the names Naorem Brojen, James and Hoby, was 32 years of age and was chief of the KCP (City Meitei) and KCP (Mobile Task Force).The disclosures made by the militant leader led to the arrest of another cadre of the outfit named Naorem Ramesh Meitei, 31, from KK Halli at Hennur Road in Bangalore at around 9 pm on the same day.Details of extortions carried out by the City Meitei were recovered from both the arrested militants.

AR men killed in ‘inter-fight’

At least 6 Assam Rifles personnel including a JCO were killed and two others injured when a gun fight ensued between AR personnel today at about 5 pm at Awang Kasom located about 15 Kms west of Chingai sub-division headquarters in Ukhrul district. Significantly the place is not very far from Siroy where the Assam Rifles and the NSCN (IM) are locked in a stand off. According to police source, the gun fight ensued when two AR groups on ROP duty mistook each other as some other parties out with arms. When The Sangai Express contacted the PRO of Assam Rifles, the officer confirmed the incident as well as the number of casualties. The PRO informed that the incident occurred when a jawan of 17 Assam Rifles opened indiscriminate firing and fled with some arms. The rogue jawan has been identified as one TS Tangkhul. A massive manhunt has been launched to track him down, said the PRO and added that details are being awaited.

2 KYKL men shot dead

IMPHAL, Jan 21 : A combined force of Imphal West Police Commandos and personnel of 16 Assam Rifles reportedly shot dead two suspected cadres of the proscribed KYKL during an encounter last night which took place along the road connecting Kanglatongbi and Makhan in Senapati district though falling under the jurisdiction of Sekmai Police Station.According to police report, the encounter took place at around 6.20 pm yesterday when the combined force rushed rushed to the spot on receipt of specific information about the presence of KYKL cadres.One AK Rifle, one magazine loaded with 10 live rounds of ammunition, one Chinese made hand grenade and a scooter bearing registration no. MNB-2183 have been recovered from the possession of the two slain UGs.In the driving license found from one of the slain, the identity was given as Ningthoujam Ananda s/o Anoubi of Moirang Kampu Makha Leikai, the police report said, adding that the bodies have been picked up and kept at the mortuary of RIMS Hospital.

UG suspect gunned down

IMPHAL, Jan 21 : A suspected underground activist was shot dead during an alleged encounter with a combined force today afternoon at a spot along the road leading to the site of Marjing Ningthou from Heingang Awang Leikai, 3 kms north of Heingang Police Station in Imphal East district.However, womenfolk of the area protested against the killing asserting that no such encounter had taken place and the alleged UG suspect was shot dead after being brought there.According to police reports, based on specific information about the presence of UGs, a combined force of Imphal West Police Commandos and personnel of 39 Assam Rifles rushed to the area at around 12.10 pm today. In the ensuing encounter, one UG suspect was killed while the rest managed to escape.One 9 mm pistol loaded with three live rounds of ammunition which was lying near the body of the slain UG suspect has been recovered.The body of the slain UG suspect, whose identity is yet to be established, has been picked up by the police and deposited at the mortuary of RIMS.The police report further informed that there is a tattoo with the words ‘KL Alim’ under the left lower chin of the slain UG suspect who was found clad in blue jean pant and olive green T-shirt, and the ear lobes are not pierced.On the other hand, just before retrieving the body, a large number of womenfolk came out and protested against the killing.Asserting that no encounter had taken place and the alleged UG suspect had been done to death by the security forces after being brought there, the womenfolk also tried to stop the police from retrieving the body.Afterward a protest demonstration was also staged at Heingang Awang Leikai decrying the conduct of the security personnel.Talking to mediapersons at the occasion, a woman leader of Heingang Apunba Meira Paibi Lup categorically stated that the people of the area would not allow the security personnel to bring their captives for being killed by taking advantage of the secluded location.

Siroy situation : AR ups pressure, stockpiles arms, bombs, headman petitions CFMC, Designated camp in Manipur against truce pact

IMP/UKL, Jan 21 : Piling up the pressure on the NSCN (IM) cadres to vacate their camp at Siroy in Ukhrul district as well as to surrender their arms, Assam Rifles have moved in additional troops as well as stock piled arms and bombs to face any eventuality.The NSCN (IM) on the other hand has so far not shown any sign of capitulating on the ground that the Khusumung Battalion camp at Siroy is a designated camp and was shifted there

A graphic map shows the location of Siroy from Ukl Hqs

two years back from Phungyar with the full knowledge of the Assam Rifles authority.When The Sangai Express contacted the PRO of Assam Rifles today, the officer said that the siege was laid since January 18 after AR troops on regular patrol came across a number of temporary structures.On closer scrutiny the AR troops saw men in camouflage and fully armed at the temporary structures and on inquiry learnt that they were IM cadres, said the PRO. The siege was laid and the camp has been sealed, said the PRO and explained that this was done so because the cease fire does not cover Manipur and there can be no designated camps as such here. Opening such a camp is in gross violation of the cease fire ground rules signed between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM), maintained the officer. The NSCN (IM) cadres have been asked to vacate the camp as well as to surrender their arms, he added.The PRO further said that the Assam Rifles have taken note of three camps of the NSCN (IM) in Manipur. These camps are located at Moning in Senapati district, Oklong in Tamenglong district and Phungchong in Chandel district.These camps are not designated camps, explained the PRO and added that they have been there for the past many years, before the cease fire came into force. The cease fire pact does not allow the setting up of any camps in Manipur, he claimed.Under the cease fire agreement, no NSCN (IM) cadres can move around with arms and ammunition. When The Sangai Express reminded the PRO of the claim made by the NSCN (IM) that the ‘designated camp’ at Siroy was shifted from Phungyar two years back with the full knowledge of the Assam Rifles authority, the PRO refuted it and termed it as baseless and without any foundation.To a query on whether the siege will continue, the PRO said that as of now the camp has been sealed and no one is allowed to enter it or leave.“It is our right to demand that the NSCN (IM) cadres surrender their arms,” contended the AR PRO. Meanwhile local contacts informed The Sangai Express that no one has left Siroy.On the contrary , a large number of women folk from adjoining villages like Langdang and Lunghar have descended on the village to keep a vigil and to persuade both sides to resolve the matter. Our Ukhrul correspondent reports that the Assam Rifles have started using generators to light up the village and to keep a close tab on the camp where the IM cadres are holed up.Sources said that 300 to 800 IM cadres could be taking shelter inside the camp.Fearing the worst and to avert any gun fight in the village, the Headman of Siroy village Wungchangam and the Secretary H Ngachonmi have sent a message to the Chairman of the Ceasefire Monitoring Cell to resolve the matter at the earliest possible. Giving vital inputs on the situation, the two village leaders said that the Assam Rifles troops surrounded the NSCN (IM) camp on January 19 and both parties are not ready to retreat.Stating that a gun fight between the two forces may erupt any time, the two leaders urged the Cease Fire Monitoring Cell to act before it is too late. The only solution is for both the parties to withdraw/retreat from their stand, their stand, said the message and urged that the either the Assam Rifles or the Naga Army are told to vacate Siroy village within 24 hours with effect from 12 noon of January 20.If this fails, then the villagers be given sufficient time to vacate the village in the interest of the innocent villagers, added the two leaders.

Puya destruction remembered on Black Day

IMPHAL, Jan 18 As in the previous years, the 23rd day of Wakching (Manipuri calendar month) on which day puyas (chronicles) were consigned to flames enmasse in 1729 was observed today as Black Day under the aegis of the Meetei National Front (MNF). The function held in commemoration of the day on which puyas were consigned to flames in front of Kangla Uttra was attended by a number of people belonging to different indigenous groups. After taking out a public procession from Hapta Kangjeibung till Kangjeibung and again returning to the starting point, cultural dances of different ethnic groups were presented besides holding a meeting. Giving the key-note address, MNF vice-president Thokchom Wangamba Meetei noted that the unfortunate event of burning puyas pulled apart different ethnic groups and sowed seeds of distrust among them. Former Minister RV Mingthing said that the day of burning puyas was the day when all people were hurt deeply. Observing that Puyas were the guide of this land, he lamented that Manipuris since then have become a Nation without any guide. He also called upon all to make up this deficiency. During the observance, the Maichou Ningshing Mana was conferred on Naoriya Amusana. The Chingmi Tammi Nungshi Khudol Mana was awarded to Lhouvum Shatkho. Today’s observance was graced by titular king Sanajaoba as chief guest. Other presidium members were Ch Wangambi Leima of MNF, former Minister RV Mingthing, former IGP Abdul Rehman, Motbung Village Authority advisorL Lhouvum Shatkho, Khongbal Khamenlok Area Development Committee president L Katui, Naoriya Amusana of Hailakandi Laishram Khul, Assam, MNF advisor Moirangthem Naodalenkhomba , Kangla Fort Board member Sairem Nilbir, MNF advisor Tokpam Thawailemba, Deputy Director of Manipur State Archives Dr K Sushila, president of the United Manipuri Muslim Women Development Organisation Anwari Nurjahan, Maram Centre chief K Tarumba, former chief of Icham Kom Keirap Luthatsomy Kom, chief of Purumchumbam Chothe Kom Y Maipakchao Chothe, advisor of the Moreh Meetei Lai Thougal Kanglup Yensenbam Toungamba, headman of Sadhu Koireng Ngirel Koireng, Purum Likli chief Renalchomy Purum, social worker Sathang Haokip from Churachandpur, Henboi Misao of Women and Child Development, former chief of Thangal Surung K Abung Thangal, Longa Koireng chief S Sothel Koireng, Oriental College lecturer Dr TB, script writer Chana Lukhoi , president of Malem Leishemkol Kangla TM Rajen Ayangba and advisor of Umang LaiThougal Lup Jiri Lairembi Leikai Hamom Dhani Meitei.

22-yr-old youth rapes 101-yr-old woman

CHANDRAPUR, Jan 18: In an incident that was as shameful as it was repulsive, a 22-year-old youth raped a 101-year-old woman in Salori village under Shegaon police station in Warora tehsil on January 15.The police have identified the accused as Pundalik Dhok of Salori village. Police sources said that Pundalik, to give vent to his pervert intentions, entered the house of the victim who was his great grandmother’s age, at 11 pm on January 15. The victim was alone when Pundalik overpowered the old woman and fled. The victim narrated the incident to her son who returned on the following day and accordingly he filed a complaint with the police. The medical examination of the old woman too confirmed of rape, Shegaon police personnel said. Acting on a complaint filed by the victim’s son, cops nabbed Pundalik on Friday evening and was booked under section 376 of IPC. Later on the same evening, Pundalik managed to give cops a slip after he and the victim were taken to the primary health centre for medical examination. Shegaon police told TOI that after the medical examination the accused walked out of small hospital to wash his hands outside the PHC as the accompanying cops waited for him. On finding that there was no cop present as he washed hands, he fled under the cover of darkness. Additional offence under section 324 has been registered against the accused and have launched a manhunt to nab him.

State to propose Rs 24,000 Cr to 13th Finance Com, Imphal spruced up to welcome visiting team

A street lamp post with fresh coating for the visit

IMPHAL, Jan 18 : With the 13th Finance Commission team headed by its Chairman former Union Finance Secretary Vijay Kelkar set to arrive at Imphal on a three day visit to finalise the State’s share on January 21, sprucing up activities of Imphal city has begun in right earnest. On the other hand, the State Government has proposed a Rs 24,000 crore package to be submitted the 13th Finance Commission.To receive the 14 member team of the 13th Finance Commission, the black topping of the road in front of Raj Bhavan, Secretariat road, Tiddim road etc is on in full swing. Street lamp posts are also being given a new look with fresh coatings of paint and repairing works have also been taken up at Hotel Imphal, where the team will stay, said an official source while speaking to The Sangai Express today.Chief Minister O Ibobi is set to review the sprucing up work being taken up in Imphal tomorrow, said the source and added that the 13th Finance Commission team will also consists of economists. The State Finance Department has already finalised the memorandum to be submitted to the Finance Commission team. However since the Principal Secretary (Finance), AN Jha is presently indisposed a senior IAS officer may be entrusted with the task of presenting the memorandum during a meeting scheduled for tomorrow. During their stay here the Commission team will meet the Governor, Chief Minister and the Council of Ministers as well as Government officials. They will also meet representatives of social organisations. The State Government may propose a package of Rs 24,000 crores to meet non-Plan expenditure in the next five years, said the source and added that this include Rs 6000 crore to enable the State Government to implement the 6th Pay Commission. On the other hand, the Committee of Officers has worked out that to implement the 6th Pay Commi- ssion the State will need an additional amount of Rs 700 crores and the report has been submitted to the Finance Department. Meanwhile JAC for AMTUC and AMGEO will submit a memorandum to the 13th Finance Commission team. The memorandum will demand granting of sufficient amount to meet the inadequacies faced by employees, labourers and pensioners of the State. Continuing its ongoing strike, the JAC will also stage sit-in-groups in various locations upto January 31.

UG task force pulls up JN Hospital doctor for dereliction of duty

IMPHAL, Jan 17: The Joint Task Force, JTF, of the underground KYKL and the UNLF told the media today that a doctor of the JN Hospital in Imphal has been advised by them to refrain from conducting private practice at some private clinics during his duty hours at the hospital where he is employed.A spokesperson of the JTF said that the doctor had been handed over to his family members after he was told to correct his irregularities in practice at the government run JN Hospital. The doctor had been summoned by the JTF at a secret place somewhere in Imphal before he was admonished by them, he added.The doctor, Dr. N Tomcha, the head of department of anaesthesia at the JN Hospital was, according to the JTF, working on contract basis at some private clinics and not attending to his regular duties properly. This was against the ethics to be followed by medical practitioners, it added.The JTF recalled that it had issued an notification meant for medical practitioners to the media on August 24, 2008 in which it had warned that those doctors who do not perform their duties properly would be pulled up by the JTF.The JTF revealed that Dr. N Tomcha, son of N Tolamu residing at Luwangshangbam Maning Leikai is the head of department of anaesthesia at the JN Hospital but he has been practising at the Chamber of Commerce and Raj Polyclinic on a contract basis to augment his income.While stating that government doctors could practice in their non-duty hours for their personal gain, the JTF announced strict measures against those doctors and medical staff at the various government run medical centres and hospitals who keep away from their duties in spite of knowing the situation faced by the patients in their absence at the hospitals.

253 stalls showcase Kachai’s lemon abundance

IMPHAL, Jan 17: Altoge-ther 253 stalls showcasing and selling juicy Kachai lemons were opened in the 5th District Level Kachai Lemon Festival. The two day festival held at Kachai Government High School ground on January 16 and 17 was organised by the Kachai Fruit Farming and Processing Cooperative Society Limited under the sponsorship of Department of Horticulture and Soil Conservation. This year the quantity of lemon produced for the festival was 75 percent higher than the previous year. This is the total quantity of lemons produced by 253 lemon growers.Kachai village is located about 50 kms North West of Ukhrul district Hqs. Here, lemon plants are four to five feet in height from ground. Each lemon plant produce at least four tins of lemon in a season.According to a survey conducted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research in 2006, Kachai le- mon is a variety of citrus family. Kachai lemons contain 46 to 51 percent of Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) per milligram. On the average, one fully ripe Kachai lemon weighs up to 101 gm with a circumference in the range about 66-69 mm.Subsequent upon the first Kachai lemon festival held in 2005, the Kachai Fruit Farming and Processing Cooperative Society Limited was also set up. Under the initiative of the So- ciety, Kachai villagers are now growing lemon over an area of 300 hectares. Kachai lemons are usually reaped between Nov- ember and April.Although Kachai lemons remained unknown to most of the people in the past and suffered from lack of marketing facility due to absence of proper transport infrastructure, a new method of buying/selling lemons has evolved in the past one/two years. Kachai lemon marketers buy the whole lemon plants for a season at the plant starts bearing flowers. Moreover, Horticulture Department has also come to the aid of marketing Kachai lemons by buying from the growers in bulk. Because of such new arrangements, lemons lying rotten at the foot of plants has become a thing of the past, said one lemon grower Jet Ningthemla.The festival was opened yesterday by Lok Sabha MP Mani Charenamei as chief guest. In the course of the festival, a team of ICAR scientists visited every stall and checked the quantity, size, content of Vitamin C and juiciness of lemons produced in each stall to identify the most successful lemon growers. Later, Z Ningthemla, VS Ning-tharla and RK Longamphi were adjudged the best three lemon growers. They were also awarded prizes.Tracing the origin of Kachai lemon, it is said that one late S Paisho brought and planted three lemon seeds at Theikhor and another two at Shimphungrim of Kachai in 1944-45. Of these, two grew up at Theikhor and one at Shim-phungrim and these plants became fully matured in 1950. By and by, the same variety of lemon spread to every household of Kachai. This variety of lemon came to be known as Kachai lemon after one S Bhoumik who was then an Advisor in the Agriculture Department named it in the same nomenclature. On the concluding day of the festival, an awareness programme on fruit processing and self entrepreneurship was organised under the joint sponsorship of Department of Commerce and Industry and State Institute of Rural Development.