Government

Late Th. Kishan

Declare culprits as terrorists: MPP

IMPHAL, Feb 20 : The Government of India should declare the particular organisation involved in the brutal murder of SDO Dr Thingnam Kishan, Revenue Mandal Y Token and Driver A Rajen as a terrorist organisation in case hints and evidences suggestive of the group’s involvement are established.MPP MLAs O Joy, Dr Ng Bijoy and RK Anand led by its president Dr L Chandramani visited the bereaved families today and shared their pain and sorrow. Talking to the visiting MLAs, JAC members and family members decried that the scheduled joint meeting of the three JACs constituted in connection with the triple murder to find a solution to the issue could not be held because of imposition of curfew. Countering how they can solve the issue while the public are being denied any movement, the family members appealed to the MPP MLAs to work for curfew relaxation.Assuring that they would call on the Chief Minister and urge him to relax the curfew, the MPP leaders said that they would also urge the Chief Minister to punish the culprits and trace the three missing employees abducted together with Dr Kishan besides seeking protecting for the bereaved families.BJP general secretary and ex-MLA M Bhorot was also with the MPP MLAs during the visit.Later speaking to media persons after calling on the Chief Minister, MPP Legislature wing leader O Joy observed that the muder of SDO Kishan and his two staff was different from other incidents of violence both in manner and degree. Saying that the murder seems to be motivated by communalism, Joy asserted that if concrete evidences can be collected on the involvement of any organisation in the murder, the Government of India should declare the particular organisation as a terrorist group.

Curfew still on, no sign of reprieve

IMPHAL, Feb 20: Curfew clamped in Imphal West and Imphal East districts since 5 pm yesterday as a pre-emptive measure against any possible untoward incident in the aftermath of the public outcry against the brutal murder of SDO Kishan and his two staff is still in force but there has been no report of any untoward incident till the time of filing this report.A large number of security personnel including CRPF, MR, IRB and Manipur Police are being deployed in almost every road and street of the twin capital city.Soon after the curfew was clamped at 5 pm yesterday, a number of commando teams have been going around in the two districts driving in any one who dare to venture out of their homes. Due to the curfew, all important places of Imphal East including Lamlong Keithel Kongba Keithel were totally deserted. There was no vehicular traffic on all roads and all roadside shops remained shut.In Imphal West, Khwairamband Keithel and all other market centres bore deserted looks. Barring for a very sparse vehicular movement for religious purposes and medical reasons, there was no vehicular traffic. A large number of security personnel were also seen keeping a strict vigil around Khwairamband Keithel. Few people who ventured out at Keishampat, Tiddim road, Singjamei road, Uripok road and Nagamapal road were driven back by the large number of security personnel present all along these roads.Literally, no movement of either vehicles or people was allowed during the curfew.Till late evening, commando teams continued to drive passers-by away from the roads.

Brutal murder of SDO and two subordinates

Late Dr Thingnam Kishan
IMPHAL, Feb 20 : Literally pointing the finger of accusation against the NSCN (IM) in the abduction and brutal murder of Kasom Khullen SDO Dr Thingnam Kishan his two subordinate staff, driver Aribam Rajen and Mandal Yumnam Token, Chief Minister O Ibobi has written to the Union Home Minister P Chidambaram to get in touch with the leadership of the outfit and to instruct them not to repeat such act in the future. Disclosing this to The Sangai Express a reliable source said that in the evening of February 17, the day the bludgeoned bodies of the SDO and his two subordinates were found near Taphou Kuki village in Senapati district, the Chief Minister convened a high level meeting at his office chamber.The Chief Secretary, the Additional Chief Secretary (Home), DGP, GOC of 57 Mountain Division, IGAR (South) were among the officials present at the meeting, said the source. The missive was sent to the Union Home Minister after the meeting, informed the source further. In the missive, the Chief Minister categorically urged the Union Home Minister to instruct the leaders of the NSCN (IM) that the Government will not tolerate the cadres of the outfit moving openly with arms as well as not to repeat such heinous crime, added the source. The State Government has been providing inputs to the Union Home Ministry daily since then. On the other hand to trace and rescue the other three abducted men, security forces have been co-ordinating with each other, said the source. The wife of the slain SDO had yesterday informed some sections of the media that a number of district officials of Ukhrul district had informed her that her husband was in the custody of the NSCN (IM). The NSCN (IM) had on the other hand condemned the killing of the SDO and his subordinates and even claimed that it would investigate the case and crack it.Newmai News Network reports that the NSCN-IM while appreciating the statement of the Revolutionary Peoples’ Front (RPF), has said that vital clues have come from the testimony of Dr Th Kishan’s wife Romita which will serve as an important tool in the investigation conducted by the outfit into the brutal murder of the late Kasom Khullen SDO and his two subordinate staff.

Murdered SDO`s wife demands criminal proceedings against Ukhrul DC and SP; JAC says dead bodies not to be taken till demands met

IMPHAL, Feb 20: The wife of the late Dr. Th Kishan, SDO Kasom Khullen, Romita Devi has asked the state government to undertake criminal proceedings against the superintendent of police and deputy commissioner of Ukhrul district instead of only suspending them. She has also asked the authorities to use the ex-gratia of Rs. 10 lakhs provided to her in finding out the culprits.The statement was given at a joint meeting of the Apunba Lup and the JAC formed in the matter, held today at Yumnam Leikai. She further said that the DC Ukhrul was involved in the killing as the meeting on February 13 was called by him, and her husband along with the other officials were taken captive by the NSCN(IM) just after the meeting ended at the DC office complex.She also said that it was very unfortunate that the DC Ukhrul did not inform anyone and kept silent even after the abduction took place in front of him.She also stated that when her husband was alive, the DC Ukhrul used to mingle with the NSCN(IM) officials frequently and had a link with them. The DC even joined in the work of distribution of rice at schools which was undertaken under the control of the NSCN(IM), she added while terming the DC as an selfish person. She further charged that the murder plot was hatched by the DC himself.Regarding the ex-gratia, she said that by receiving some money from the authorities she would not keep quite, while asking the government to use the ex-gratia amount in finding out the culprits involved in the killing of her husband.S Subhankar, convener of the JAC expressed that when they enquired about the whereabouts of the SDO and his companions, they found that the SDC headquarter, Ukhrul had heard the news of their abduction already on February 16. He asked what the security personnel were doing till then.He also strongly condemned the incident in which security personnel fired tear gas and rubber bullets at the relatives and locals staying at the house of late Dr. Kishan, as is customary till the shradha ceremony is held, resulting in injuries to his brother.The meeting took a number of resolutions which were submitted to the chief minister leter. The resolutions include demands for taking up of criminal proceedings against the DC and SP of Ukhrul instead of only suspending them; release of the three missing officials unharmed; protection for the officials posted in hill areas; suspension of the police personnel involved in firing tear gas at the house of late Dr. Kishan within 24 hours; submission of a report to the Union ministry of home affairs on the violation of the ground rules by NSCN(IM) which is under ceasefire with the government of India and announcement of the proceedings of the MHA to the public; decision on a place for the joint cremation of the three deceased persons; disallowing of any base camp of the NSCN(IM) in Manipur; explanation to the public regarding the silence of the security personnel at Ukhrul district and allowing of erection of a memorial stone each at the premises of the DC office complex at Ukhrul, near Lukhrabi bridge in Senapati district and at the SDO office in Kasom Khullen.

Students union supports decision to suspend Ukhrul DC and SP

IMPHAL, Feb 20: The Kasom Khullen Sub-Division Students Union has expressed its support to the decision taken by the state chief minister O Ibobi Singh in suspending the Ukhrul deputy commissioner and superintendent of police in connection with the brutal killing of Kasom Khullen SDO, Dr. Th Kishan Singh alongwith two of his subordinate staffs.According to the statement of the students union president, SP Chuireingam, the government`s decision of suspending the Ukhrul DC and SP for dereliction of duty and for not maintaining coordination was a prompt action taken by the state government to probe the case.Expressing satisfaction over the decision, he said that till the case was solved, the suspended Ukhrul DC should not be released from Manipur and should be placed under government custody as he was one of the most corrupt DC`s of Ukhrul district.The union also demanded the concerned authorities book the culprits involved in the gruesome murder and award them befitting punishment. It further appealed and prayed to the abductors for safe release of the still missing three innocent staff on humanitarian grounds.

Gypsy found...the poser is, is it the late SDO’s vehicle ?

IMPHAL, Feb 18 : A white coloured Maruti Gypsy suspected to belong to the late SDO of Kasom Khullen was recovered today by a patrolling team of Assam Rifles near a gorge between Mahadev and Litan on the Imphal Ukhrul road.The vehicle has been handed over to the police for verification. Our Ukhrul correspondent reports that the said vehicle has been towed to the district headquarters, but the number plate of the said vehicle is MNO3P/0620, which is the registration number of a Maruti van registered at Senapati. However the final result can only be known once the chassis and engine numbers are confirmed. The number plate of the Gypsy used by the late SDO is MNO4-5799, chassiss number 188307, said a police source.

Beastly act, says UNLF

IMPHAL, Feb 18 : Strongly condemning the brutal killing of the SDO of Kasom Khullen Dr Th Kisan and his two subordinates, Aribam Rajen and Yumnam Loken, the proscribed UNLF said that the abduction and later killing of the three officials cannot be justified on any ground and dubbed it as a beastly act. UNLF takes the incident seriously and strongly condemns it, added the outfit. Of late it has become increasingly clear that certain elements in the hills are hell bent on targeting people from the plains posted or working in the hills, said UNLF and recalled how 5 labourers were shot dead by a hill based outfit at Maphou dam on November 26 last year while another was seriously injured. Such beastly act is nothing but an attempt to sever the ties between the people of the valley and hills, said UNLF and added that this is the handiwork of a few demented minds. It is time for all the right thinking people of the both the valley and the hills to stand together and defeat such an agenda, said the statement and added that actions should also be taken to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future to bring about a united Manipur. Such incidents occur because of some sick minds, with extremely narrow and biased outlook but armed with lethal weapons, observed the outfit. Such communally minded people armed with guns are being instigated by the security forces to drive a wedge amongst the people of the land, added UNLF. That every action has an equal reaction should not be forgotten by anyone, said the outfit and asserted that those pursuing such devilish agenda will one reap the fruits of pursuing the wrong policies. UNLF on the other hand has claimed that the Assistant Director of SAI Kh Olympic is in their custody for interrogation. Instead of dispensing with his duty to promote sports, the official has been misusing his authority to womanise and forcefully trying to entice a married woman who is running a tea hotel using muscle power. One .38 pistol has also been recovered from his possession, claimed the outfit and added that once the interrogation is over, the findings will be made public.

UCM to PM

Imphal, Feb 18: With regard to the abdution of six Government officials and subsequent selective murder of three of them including Kasom Khullen SDO Dr Thingnam Kisham, the United Committee Manipur has sought intervention of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh so that the missing three employees are rescued and the truth of the selective murder ascertained from them. In a memorandum, the UCM apprised the Prime Minister that the selective murder had issued a sinister signal of ethnic tension.Asserting that the Government of Manipur, Government of India and the NSCN (IM) should be accountable to the people of Manipur for any future development from the current situation, the UCM demanded that the Government of Manipur and the Union Home Ministry should apologise to the people of Manipur for their sheer neglect and utter indifference to the law and order situation in hill districts of Manipur. Saying that the six employees were abducted from the office complex of Ukhrul DC right after a meeting, the UCM questioned as to why Ukhrul DC Pankaj Kumar Pal did not report the abduction to the Government. It further questioned about the serious altercation the DC had with Dr Th Kishan at the meeting before abduction. Observing that the decade of ceasefire and peace negotiations between Government of India and NSCN (IM) has seen murders, oppressions, illegal maneouvers, abduction and killings in the hill districts, it asserted that activities of functionaries close to the NSCN (IM) have been not to the taste of the peace loving citizens of the State. The rebel group’streatment of James Kuki, the prime accused of Lungnilla Elizabeth murder case, the issue Hubert and Martin on the one hand and ‘velvet-globe’ treatment given to NSCN (IM) by Government of India and the Government of Manipur has been severely disturbing the cordial relations between the hills and plain people for quite long, the UCM noted. It sought intervention of the Prime Minis- ter to ensure that the NSCN (IM) honour its commitment to help justice prevail in the hill districts.

Public bays for Ukl DC’s head as first leg of bandh paralyses State

Road blocks being enforced during the general strike

IMPHAL, Feb 18 : Alleging inefficiency on the part of the Ukhrul district Deputy Commissioner and the Superintendent of police with regard to the killing of Kasom Khullen SDO, his driver and a Revenue Department employee a public meeting held today at the Uripok base of the BT Flyover demanded suspension of the official duo with immediate effect.The meeting convened by locals of Aribam Rajen alias Amuba’s home place - Uripok Khoisnam Leikai, also formed a Joint Action Committee (JAC) with the appointment of nine convenors and eight co-convenors.In addition to accusing laxity on the part of the DC and SP of Ukhrul district and their suspensions, other resolutions adopted at the meeting included demands for a white paper by the Government on the triple murder, not to claim Rajen’s body till a satisfactory agreement is arrived at, extending cooperation to any movement launched on the issue, to stage sit-in-protest at the localities of Uripok tomorrow and asking the NSCN (IM) leaderships to prove non-involvement of its cadres in the killing of three.many individuals who addressed the meeting observed that the brutal murder was carried out by an armed group currently observing ceasefire with the Government of India but the fact that the three were not shot dead was only to be-fool the general public that the particular group was not involved.Uripok AC MLA L Nandakumar who also spoke at the occasion stressed on cooperation and joint movement by the JACs formed on the triple murder besides pledging his personal support to the people’s movement.A two minute silence was also observed for peaceful rest of the departed souls.Bandh cripples State the 48 hours general strike called to protest the killing of kasom Khullen Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), his driver and a Revenue Department employee severely effected normal activities in the entire State as strike supporters swarmed out to the streets and brought the capital city to a virtual standstill.Mutilated bodies of the SDO Dr Thingnam Kishan, driver Aribam Rajen alias Amuba and Yumnam Token were recovered from a Senapati district location yesterday morning after the trio with three others were reportedly abducted by unidentified armed persons from an Ukhrul district area on February 13.In what seems to be strike weapons - a spade and boulders with blood stains were also retrieved by the police from near the bodies of the deceased.With tension running high in the capital districts, birthplace of the deceased trio, the Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, who was scheduled to board a New Delhi-bound flight today put off the official visit is taking stock of the situation, confided an informed source.

Brutal killing of SDO, two subordinates Kasom Khullen rallies, protests

IMPHAL, Feb 18 : Showing solidarity with humanity and rejecting bestial acts, people of Kasom Khullen today came out in large droves and staged sit-in-protests and took out a rally to denounce the brutal killing of its SDO Dr Th Kisan and his two subordinates Aribam Rajen and Yumnam Loken. From 10 am today, the people of the sub-division, ranging from children to the elderly citizens to the physically challenged ventured out from their homesteads to stage a sit-in-protest against the bestial killing. At 2 pm the grief stricken and anguished people then took out a protest rally from the gate of the Forest Gate till the office of the SDO. As the rally snaked its way through the way from the Forest Gate to the SDO office, the rallyists raised slogans denouncing the brutal killing and demanded that the culprits be punished. The villagers also demanded that fitting punishment be given to the murderers. Young school children who participated in the rally and the others also carried placards, emblazoned with the slogans ‘We want peace, we do not want violence,’ ‘Give peace a chance,’ etc.On arriving at the SDO office rallyists held a public meeting wherein the killing of the SDO and his staff was strongly condemned. The people also demanded the unconditional release of the other three employees whose whereabouts are still not known. After the rally and the public protest, the Kasom Khullen Sub-Division Development adopted a 7 point resolution.The resolutions include; condemning the killing of the SDO and his two staff, the release of the three employees still in the custody of the abductors, to institute a Judicial Inquiry against the killing at the earliest, to book the killers and give them fitting punishment as per law, provide appropriate ex-gratia to the next of kins of the victims, not to repeat such criminal acts on department staff and innocent civilians of the sub-division and to take up any agitation under the aegis of the Kasom Khullen Sub-Division Development Association in connection with case.

MCS officers decry, condole

IMPHAL, Feb 17: The All Manipur MCS Officers’ Association has strongly condemned the brutal murder of Kasom Khullen SDO Dr Thingnam Kishan and his two staff in the strongest term.The association has also condoled the demise of SDO Dr Thingnam Kishan, Driver Rajen Sharma and Mandol Y Token during a meeting held today. Members present in the meeting also observed a two minute silence as a mark of respect to the departed souls.After deliberating on the gruesome murder of the three Government employees, the MCS officers resolved to submit a memorandum with a demand to hand over the murder case to CBI for immediate investigation. Other demands of the memorandum include provision of a suitable Government job to the immediate dependent or next of kin and provision of an amount of not less than Rs 20 lakhs as special one time grant of ex-gratia. Similar facilities should be provided to the other two staff who were murdered along with the Kasom Khullen SDO. All cost for the education of the children of the deceased officials should be borne by the State at least up to class XII, it demanded.Taking into account of the insecure situation prevailing in their respective places of posting, the MCS officers appealed to the Government to take up necessary actions immediately so that the officers can function effectively and efficiently with a better sense of security. They further asked the State Government to allow them function from their respective district headquarters till appropriate security arrangements are made.The MCS officers also resolved to take mass casual leave and stage a sit in protest on the day of the aasti.

RIMS belies trust

IMPHAL, Feb 17: The tall claims of those in authority to make RIMS at par with AIMS sounds hollow if one takes cognizance of the non-functional ultrasound machine and absence of separate Gynae Operation Theatre in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Ward have been causing severe inconvenience to patients.Speaking at a discussion programme on child health held in the complex of Women and Child Development ashram at Changangei Uchekon today, Associate Professor of RIMS Dr S Randhoni disclosed that ultrasound machine of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department has not been functioning for the last 5/6 years. Observing that non-functional ultrasound machine has been causing immense inconvenience to patients admitted in RIMS, Dr Randhoni said that patients are compelled to go outside the institute to take ultrasound which is essential in most cases of child delivery and related medical examinations.Besides the financial burden faced by poor patients, taking ultrasound outside RIMS causes great hardships at times of emergency, she noted. Another major problem faced by patients is the absence of a separate OT for the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department. With the general OT occupied most of the time for emergency cases like bullet/bomb injuries, the OT was not available when situation demands surgical operation for child delivery, she said.Unavailability of OT in such situations put both the mother and child at great risks. To redress these problems, the department has repeatedly approached the RIMS authority to make the ultrasound machine functional and also to open a separate OT for the department, Dr Randhoni said.Informing that around 1000 children are born in the hospital in a month on the average, she said that 30 percent of these child delivery cases need operation.The discussion programme held under the aegis of the Manipur State Commission for Women was also participated by MSCW Chairperson Dr Ch Jamini, former Director of Family Welfare Dr Th Biren, Additional Director dr H Ibemhal, Joint Director Dr Y Ibechoubi and Imphal East District Welfare officer Dr Momota Mukherjee.Dr Y Ibechoubi said that only 60 percent of children can be immunised in Manipur. She noted the importance of giving health awareness to the people so that women and children can enjoy all health care facilities.Dr Jamini said that necessary recommendations would be forwarded to the relevant authority to redress the problems plaguing Obstetrics and Gynaecology department of RIMS.

Tourism identified as trade link between NE India and SE Asia

NEW DELHI, Feb 17 : “Tourism is the most effective way to increase the still negligible trade between India’s northeastern region and Vietnam. Northeast India and Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia are so near, yet so far,” Jarnail Singh, Secretary of the Ministry of Development of Northeastern Region (DoNER) said at the three day ASEAN North East India Business and Trade Opportunities Summit in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on February 14. The three-day summit, the first of its kind in Viet-nam, opened on February 12 was organized by the Minis-try of DoNER in association with the Indian Chamber of Commerce, Indian Diplo-matic Mission in Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industries bringing toge-ther Government and busi- ness delegates from South-east Asia and eight North- eastern Indian States. ASEAN North East India Investment and Trade Opportunities Summit came as part of India’s “Look East policy” to build closer ties with Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Jarnail Singh said the conference focused on tou-rism as the key to increasing Indian-Vietnamese trade. Thirteen tourism compa-nies attending the con- ference showed interest in future cooperation. Rajeev Singh, Secretary General of the Indian Cham-ber of Commerce, said a key challenge to tourism and trade is the northeastern re-gion’s lack of “proper road connectivity” to Myanmar and the rest of Southeast Asia.“With good roads; transportation time and cost will be reduced by half and trade will go on,” he said.. Dhananjay Kumar, Chairman of the Indian Business Chamber in Viet-nam, said trade with ASEAN accounts for just 9 percent of India’s overall trade, and with Vietnam, a mere 0.8 percent. A lot of opportu-nities are thus to be seized, he added. “The Northeast region of India has a lot of com-monalities with development of the Me-kong sub-region.Given the proximity and land con-nectivity to Southeast Asia, the region can be a connec-ting link between India and ASEAN countries,” said Dr. Govinda Rao, Director of the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy and member of the Econo-mic Advisory Council to the Indian Prime Minister on February 13.He was speaking on the second day of the Summit, which took place in HCM City, Vietnam.The eight states in the region, a reservoir of rich natural resources and a beautiful amalgamation of different peoples and cul-tures, are ripe investment destinations with a lot in common with the Greater Mekong Sub-region, accor-ding to Rao.

A New Definition Of Barbaric Killing Invites 48Hrs Gen Strik;Bandh Already Enforced In UkhrulKasom Khullen SDO,2 subordinats found bludgeoned to death

IMPHAL, Feb 17 : In an incident that was as gruesome and chilling and which gave a new definition to what is barbaric, the SDO of Kasom Khullen in Ukhrul district Dr Thingnam Kishan and two of his subordinate staff Aribam Rajen alias Amuba and another staff from the Revenue Dept, Yumnam Token were found brutally bludgeoned to death at Taphou Kuki village in Senapati district. A blood stained spade and an equally blood stained huge stone used to eliminate them were found as mute testimonies near the bodies today.As the bodies of the slain SDO, an MCS officer of the 2007 batch, and his two subordinates were brought to RIMS morgue hundreds of people congregated there to receive the bodies.Taking a serious view of the incident, the State Cabinet which met today afternoon has strongly condemned the barbaric killing and has decided to hand over the case to the CBI, said a reliable source while speaking to The Sangai Express. To compensate for disastrous deaths, the Cabinet has also decided to provide a job to the next of kins of the three killed Government employees, said the source and added that exgratia amount of Rs 10 lakhs would be paid to the family members of the murdered SDO while Rs 5 lakhs each would be provided to the families of the other two killed. The late 38 years young officer Dr Thingnam Kishan, born to Th Surendra, hailed from Nagamapal Kangjabi Leirak, while his driver Aribam Rajen alias Amuba son of Ibopishak hailed from Uripok Khoisnam Leikai. The employee from the Revenue Department, a Mondal, is identified as Yumnam Token (38) son of late Sudhir of Chingamathak Yumnam Leikai. Their bodies were recovered from near Lukhrabi bridge, Taphou Kuki village located about 7 Kms to the south of Senapati district headquarters today at about 7 am. As news of the dastardly killings spread, people of Uripok Khoisnam Leikai from where the driver hailed came staged a protest rally and blocked the Uripok-Kangchup road near the Flyover in the evening. A similar road block was also put up along the Imphal-Moreh route along NH-39 at Yumnam Leikai. To defuse the situation, IG (LO-I) M Karnajit and SSP of Imphal West rushed to the sites of the protests.To decry the killing, a JAC formed in connection with the brutal killing has imposed a 48 hour Statewide bandh with effect from 12 midnight today.

4000 turn out for VDF rally

IMPHAL, Feb 16 : On the opening day of the rally held for recruitment of 1200 VDF (Village Defence Force) personnel in three districts of the valley today, more than 4000 youths turned out for the same.A total of 1550 VDF personnel will be recruited for the four valley districts. District-wise strength of VDF is 500 for Thoubal and 350 each for Imphal East, Imphal West and Bishnupur.Although recruitment rallies had been held for Imphal West, Thoubal and Bishnupur today, recruitment rally for Imphal East will be held tomorrow at Hatta Kangjeibung.At the recruitment rally held for Imphal West at 2nd Bn MR parade ground today, more than 700 youths turned out for the same. DGP Y Joykumar came to the 2nd MR compound and directly oversaw the recruitment rally.Talking to mediapersons, Imphal West SSP L Kailun who is also chairman of the district’s recruitment board, said that more than 800 youths applied for recruitment in VDF. Against these, a little more than 700 turned out for the rally, he said. ‘Initial’ service period of the VDF is one year. But this may be extended according to requirements, the SSP said while adding that candidates selected for VDF would be given one month training at Manipur Police Training School.VDFs who would be attached to police stations and MR/IRB posts would be given monthly remuneration of Rs 3000. In addition, they will be provided ration and uniform, the SSP said.Physical tests for recruitment of VDFs include 800 m race, long jump and push-up.For Thoubal, the number of youth who came out for the recruitment rally at Khangabok BASU ground was around 2700, informed Thoubal SP Clay Khongsai.Notably, 300 SPOs have been inducted at Heirok in Thoubal district. The SPOs were set up in response to the demand of Heirok people to give them weapons for self defence after three persons including two girls were gunned down by PREPAK cadres at a Thabal Chongba venue at Heirok Part II Laikon in the night of March 24 last year.For 350 approved posts of VDF for Bishnupur district, more than 700 youths took part in the recruitment rally held at Bishnupur mini stadium, informed Bishnupur SP K Jayenta.Earlier the State Government decided to recruit more SPOs for the four valley districts but a Cabinet meeting held on January 28 resolved to rename the SPO (excluding those of Heirok) as VDF.

Sanitising Loktak Lake After Hovercrafts it is now armed speed boats

IMPHAL, Feb 16 : After Hovercraft it is now armed speed boat to be utilised for flushing underground cadres from Loktak Lake and the surrounding areas. The decks have been cleared for the State police to be equipped with the state of the art armed speed boat used by the Coast Guard and the Army to flush out militants holed up in Loktak Lake and the surrounding areas. The new initiative has been taken up as sanitising Loktak Lake has become the top agenda of the State Government. Speaking to The Sangai Express a reliable source said that following a green signal from the Union Home Ministry the process of purchasing the speed boat has started to primarily flush out militants from Loktak Lake and the surrounding areas. Stating that a clear cut instruction was issued by Union Home Minister P Chidambaram during his recent visit to Imphal to take up all possible measures to rein in the militants, the source said that the State Government mooted the proposal of procuring the speed boats.During his visit here, the Union Home Minister was categorical in stating that extortions by militant groups need to be checked. To procure the speed boats, the State Government has despatched the SP of Bishnupur police K Jayenta and OC of Bishnupur police commando Sudhir to Kochi in Kerela to assess the speed boats, said the source. The speed boats will be assessed by the State police team as well as by personnel from the Coast Guard and the BSF, said the source and added that a minute study will be conducted to see whether the speed boat can be used on Loktak Lake. The State police team presently at Kochi along with officers from the Coast Guard and the BSF will also inspect three Hovercrafts. Each Hovercraft will have the capacity to seat 5 to 10 people. The source said that the decision to acquire the speed boats and the relatively smaller Hovercraft was taken because it will be more convenient at Loktak Lake. Towards acquiring the three Hovercrafts a meeting chaired by the Union Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta and attended by the State Additional Chief Secretary DS Poonia, DGP Y Joykumar and officers from the Water Wing of the BSF and Coast Guard was held at Delhi last month. To flush out militants from Loktak Lake as well as to save it from further degradation, the State Govern- ment has already finalised the recruitment process of the Loktak Lake Protection Force. Moreover five sites have been identified to station the personnel.The State Cabinet had also earlier instructed the DGP to open a Special Cell to check the activities of militants.

6th pay not likely in the near future

IMPHAL, Feb 16 : Even though proposal has been made to the 13th Finance Commission in connection with extension of the Central 6th Pay benefits to the employees of the State Government as well, it is very unlikely that the employees would be enjoying the benefit soon as the required amount is yet to be included in the budget of 2009-2010, according to an official source.Disclosing that around Rs 1000 crore is being spent annually from the Non-Plan amount alone in paying the salary of its employees, the official source informed that at the time of extending the benefit of the Central 6th Pay to the employees of the State Government, there would be an increase of Rs 500 crore in the expenditure on the State exchequer.Along with making a proposal to the 13th Finance Commission in this regard, the State Government is planning to table the Budget of 2009-2010 during the fifth session of the 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly which is due to begin from March 17 next, the source said, adding that the preparation of the Budget estimation to be tabled by the Finance Department is almost ready but the required amount for extension of the Central 6th Pay to the employees of the State Government is yet to be included in the Budget estimation.Therefore inspite of the proposal to the 13th Finance Commission, non-inclusion of the amount in the State budget is meaningless, said the source. If at all the State Government is really intent on providing the benefit of the Central 6th Pay to its employees, then the amount should be earmarked in the Budget along with extracting a commitment from the Finance Commission in this connection, explained the source.There is an amount of Rs 1500 crores that the State Government can receive from the Centre as Non-Plan Value Deficit Grant Share in Central Taxes and for implementation of the 6th Pay, the State Government should exert pressure on the Government of India for increasing the said amount, the source noted. As for the State Government it is living under the assumption that the 6th pay would be extended after getting the confirmation of the 13th Finance Commission. However, if the Finance Commission does not gives its confirmation as a consequence of failure earmarking the required amount in the budget, there is no hope of sanctioning the amount for implementation of the 6th pay in the fiscal year 2010-2011, the source observed.Similar financial crisis had been encountered at the time of extending the 5th Pay Commission to the employees as no amount had been earmarked in the State budget of 1999-2000, the source recalled.

SF arrest 15 UGs from different locations

IMPHAL, Feb 16:Security Forces in the State arrested 15 UG cadres from different locations in the past three days.Thoubal district police commandos arrested one PREPAK cadre namely Sarangthem Nanao Singh alias Premananda alias Ngakpa (19) s/o Amu of Kakching Khunou Tampakyum Lai Leikai during a search operation conducted at Kakching Khunou Thongkhong on February 15.In another incident, a combined team of Thoubal district police commandos and 21 Assam Rifles arrested another PREPAK cadre identified as Nongthonbam Binita alias Ichan (18) d/o Manglem of Keirak Khongnang Leikai during a search operation conducted at Keirak Khongnang Leikai on February 16, said a press release issued by Thoubal SP.In yet another incident, Imphal West district police commandos arrested one KCP cadre from Sagolband on February 15. The cadre has been identified as Mathurabashimayum Rajkiran Sharma s/o Ravan of Sagolband Moirang Hanuba Leirak, said a press release of Imphal West SP. Imphal West district police commandos also arrested another KCP cadre namely Lhing Thapa (24) d/o Jona Thapa of Purum Sagolmang from New Checkon Bazar on February 14, said a press release of Imphal East SP. Meanwhile, the troops of 57 Mountain Division alongwith police commandos apprehended 11 UG cadres belonging to UNLF, KYKL, KCP and PREPAK in the last 48 hours.In the first operation, based on information provided by troops of 57 Mountain Division, the Imphal West commandos apprehended three cadres of KCP and KYKL on Feb 15 from different spots in Imphal West.While Mathura Basimum alias Raj Kiran Sharma was pulled up from Heinoubok, Irom Nimichand and Khunjadam Shamu Singh were apprehended from Iroisemba, according to PIB (Defence Wing).Acting on a tip-off, troops of 57 Mountain Division apprehended three cadres identified as Yumkhaibam Roshan Singh of Kokilabun, Loitongbam Muthi Singh of Wangu Awang Leikai and Azad Khan of Kwakta Marongloi, who belong to UNLF and PREPAK from three different places in Bishenpur district in the early hours of Feb 16, said PIB source.The source further said, Combined troops of 57 Mountain Division and police commandos pulled up five UG cadres on the night of Feb 14 - 15, and all the apprehended cadres have been handed over to the respective police stations for further interrogation, it added.

Market complex

IMPHAL, Feb 16 : The State Government has initiated plans to construct a market complex in Imphal East district. The Government is planning to build the market complex at Nongmeibung where the Raja Dumbra High School stands today. Earlier, the State Government was planning to build an Air Hostess Academy at the same site.A meeting presided by Chief Minister O Ibobi was held today at his office today. The meeting attended by Industries Minister Y Erabot, Deputy Chairman of State Planning Board E Kunjakeshore and officials of Town Planning Board discussed the construction of a new market complex. The meeting deliberated on demolishing the Raja Dumbra High School building to construct a market complex at its compound under the Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission. It was noted that the proposed market complex would benefit people of Kshetrigao and Yaiskul Assembly segments particularly in the field of commercial activities. Moreover, it would be able to bring noticeable development in the surrounding area. Taking into account the congestion in Pureiromba market, lack of parking space, frequent fairs at Hatta Kangjeibung and the annual Kang procession in addition to the upcoming cultural complex which would make the area all the more congested, the meeting deliberated on keeping the area vacant. The meeting also discussed about removing the shops located around Pureiromba market and to allot plots to the owners in the proposed market complex in lieu of the shops to be demolished.

Porters remain indispensable to SF on border areas

IMPHAL, Feb 16 : Under virtual absence of road infrastructure, porters remain indispensable to the security personnel posted in forward areas, particularly along the Indo-Myanmar boundary in Chandel district.The need for porters is felt all that more during rainy season for transporting food and other essential items for the security personnel de-ployed in the forward areas.The condition is more or less similar to the forward areas of Jammu and Kashmir and border areas of Arunachal Pradesh in terms of absence of transport infrastructure and difficult terrain. For the troops deployed in interior areas of Kashmir and along the Indo-China border in Arunachal Pradesh, it is a compulsion to stock food and other essential items before the harsh winter season sets in.But here in Manipur, troops deployed in forward areas use to stock all essential items ahead of the rainy season.During an extensive tour by this reporter along Indo-Myanmar border in Churachandpur, Chandel and Ukhrul districts, the harsh conditions and difficulties faced by Assam Rifles and Army troops were observed directly.At present, AR troops under 10 Sector, 25 Sector and 27 Sector area are de-ployed in Chandel, Chura- chandpur and Ukhrul districts.One forward area very close to Myanmar is Molcham. Here troops of the 10th Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry are being deployed. But the area has no road connectivity with other parts of the district. On the way to Molcham village, this reporter travelled along the river bed on a vehicle. At one point, the vehicle strayed into Myanmar thinking that it was within Manipur. The goof-up was realised only after seeing a milestone which defined the distance between Tamu and Manda-lay. It was also ob-served that the road was constructed by Border Roads Organisation (BRO) of India.Even though it is the dry season, it is no easy task to get fresh vegetables for the troops there. During rainy season, no vehicle can reach the village. As such, food and other essential items are brought there by porters covering a distance of about 40 kms. During rainy season, porters remain indispensable for the troops deployed there. Nevertheless, a new road connecting Molcham to Khengjoi via Yangoulen was seen being constructed. At Molcham, a packet of common salt made in India which costs Rs 9 is bought at Rs 15 from the neigbouring Bokan village of Myanmar. Common salts are brought to Bokan from Moreh through Tumu.Troops deployed in Molcham are occupying the village community hall as their temporary post. Talking to this reporter, the villagers expressed desire to open a police station at Molcham. For the 10 JAKLI post located at Yangoulen, three villagers have been hired to fetch water to the post at monthly wage of Rs 3000.

NSCN (K) ready for action

IMPHAL, Feb 16: Guard Commander of NSCN (K) Zeliangrong Region Maj Franchis has declared that his outfit is all set to launch an operation against the militant group Dima Halam Daogh (DHD)-Jewel Garlo-sa faction, also popularly known as Black Widow in North Cachar Hills of Assam, reports our Jiribam correspondent. In a strong-ly worded statement, Fran- chis charged that enough atrocities have been meted upon the innocen public of North Cachar Hills by DHD (J). Thus, compelling his outfit to act tough against the militant group. He also condemned the brutal killing of a Zeliangrong civilian identified as Durangbe Nriame (28) s/o Ramlungbe of Baureneu village, NC hills by DHD (J) on February 12.

Nagas rise to the Lui-Ngai-Ni spirit

IMPHAL, Feb 15 : The seed sowing festival of the Naga people, Lui-Ngai-Ni, was celebrated with pomp and gaiety today in different parts of the State. Celebrated under the theme ‘Culture of Peace’ Lui-Ngai-Ni was celebrated at the Maha Union Government High School ground at Chandel district today. Cultural dances and songs were presented by the different tribes of the Naga family at Chandel, which enthralled the gathering. Troupes representing Chothe, Tarao, Anal, Moyon, Lamkang, Monsang and Maring presented their respective cultural items during the festival at Chandel. Tengnoupal AC MLA Morung W Makunga, ADC of Chandel Lunminthang Haokip and SDO of Chandel Jacintha Lazarus graced the function as chief guest, guest of honour and president respectively. Former Minister DK Korungthang, ADC of Moreh Th Hopeson Chothe, Major Prem of 20 Assam Rifles, CO of 8 MR IK Muivah, Principal of United College Th Oliver were the special guests. The celebration kicked off with Makunga lighting the inaugural lamp with Advisor of the UNC giving the welcome address. Cultural dances and songs followed later. The festival was also held at the headquarters Tameng-long, Ukhrul and Senapati districtsAt Ukhrul the festival was held at the Tangkhul Naga Long ground. Addressing the gathering at Ukhrul, S Milan, speaker of United Naga Council (UNC), said the Centre-NSCN ceasefire should be extended in all Naga areas of the country as the Nagas have their rights to live together under one single administrative entity.Ukhrul was in the news recently following the stand off between the NSCN (IM) and the Assam Rifles over the location of a camp at Siroy village.When Jharkhand, Uttaranchal and Chhattisgarh have been carved out as new States within India why can’t the Nagas carve out their own land, Milan said adding that other communities should respect and appreciate the Nagas cause.At Senapati , the festival was celebrated by five Naga tribes living in the district including Mao, Paomai, Zeliangrong, Maram and Thangal.“We celebrated the festival in high spirit and enthusiasm. Besides staging cultural dances and songs, a fire extraction competition was held amongst the five communities,” said Souni Khapa, vice president of the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur ( Ansam).At Tamenglong district the festival was also celebrated with gusto with people from neighbouring Nagaland turning up for the festivities.

My City, My Life, Absence of civic sense defaces Imphal

Wastes and garbage littered in Imphal by its citizens

IMPHAL, Feb 15 : Success or failure of the efforts to make Imphal a clean and healthy city will certainly depend on citizens under- standing their duties and responsibilities. But this may not be enough. The Government too need to take up more concerted efforts. Although, the Imphal Municipal Council used to pick up garbage in Imphal Municipal Areas including the city circle, the same work has been entrusted to four NGOs sometime back. The Workers Union Manipur is looking after the wastes and garbage picking work in Khwairamband Keithel (ward no 25) and areas under ward numbers 4, 21, 22, 23 and 26.After the garbage picking work was taken over by NGOs from the Imphal Municipal Council, there has been noticeable improvement in the appearance of Imphal city. Earlier, Imphal city bore a horrible look with filth, waste material and garbage clogging every drain and being piled up on very streets and corners. But the efforts of the Workers Union to make Imphal city free from any wastes and garbage are often negated by lack of civic sense on the part of citizens and women vendors. It is often a common sight at Paona bazar, Thangal Bazar, BT Road and other parts of Imphal, people littering and throwing garbage at improper places. If one observes, one would see people spitting on busy market places without looking if any one coming behind or beside him/her. People pissing at improper places is also no rare sight. It remains a daily sight for people to smoke in busy BT road inspite of the countrywide ban on smoking in public places. Many people are also seen throwing away wrappers and empty packets of snack items and other packaged eatables in the middle of busy roads. It seems most people don’t have the habit to dispose garbage and other waste materials in dust bins. As such, many people still need awareness program-mes on using dust bins. Another despicable sight is many people spitting out betel liquid in every corner of public places including RIMS and JN Hospital.Incidentally, there were instances when security personnel pulled up some insensitive people for spitting out betel liquid in public institutes. Interestingly, there is no case of any one spitting out betel liquids or smoking in Chamber of Commerce Medical Care and Research Centre, Leirik Memorial Charitable hospital, Raj Polyclinic, Maipakpi Maternity and Child Hospital and other private hospitals located in and around Imphal city.Wastes materials and garbage littered by women vendors of Khwairamband Keithel are cleansed and picked up volunteers of the Workers Union Manipur on daily basis. Most of the women vendors don’t seem to have any thought to put together their garbage and waste materials in a container like polythene bag so that it can be collected by the volunteers without littering.Another source of dirtying and contaminating Imphal city is the small rice hotels run by vendors without licence inside Khwai- ramband Keithels. A large majority of these hotels used to throw away wastes materials on the side of the road located in front of Family Welfare Office.They never bother to put their waste materials in the garbage pick-up truck kept parked just beside the BT Flyover.Although it can be safely assumed that the women running rice hotels would be keeping their home neat and clean, these women are acting as if they don’t have any clue to keep Imphal city clean and healthy.It is the same case along Nagamapal road, near Uri-pok Cheirap Court along BT Flyover and women vendors at these places too harbour the same attitude. One woman dealing betel inside Khwairamband Kei- thel observed that Khwai-ramband Keithels have be- come a lot cleaner since Workers Union Manipur took over the garbage picking work.However, most of the women vendors seem to be lacking in civic sense and understanding, she noted. Some of these women are reluctant to donate a single rupee when volunteers of Workers Union Manipur come for donation once in a month, she said.Talking to The Sangai Express, general secretary of the Workers Union Ma-nipur L Joykumar explained that as per the agreement signed with the Government, monthly charge of Rs 100 hundred should be levied from every consumer if it is commercial area. If it is non-commercial area, the monthly charge should be Rs 50. For hospitals, godowns, grocery shops and Government offices, the monthly charge for garbage picking work should be levied according to the volume of wastes discharged. Some grocery shops located inside Khwairamband Keithels have been disposing wastes and garbage on roads in night as they are not willing to pay tax for garbage disposal, Joykumar disclosed.Many other consumers are also disposing waste materials at road sides in late night. As the particular persons disposing waste materials at night could not be identified, volunteers of the NGO have started watching for such defaulters at night, he disclosed.Informing that the Workers Union has been entrus- ted to cleanse the temporary market shed of Khwairam-band Keithel too, the general secretary claimed that filthiness of the market has reduced by 80 percent. However, consumers are still paying tax to IMC. When volunteers of the Union went for donation once a month, vendors contributed Rs 2/3. Some others lauded the Union for its works and donated Rs 10. But some vendors refused to make any contribution, he said.In case the whole work of picking up garbage from the entire Khwairamband Keithel is handed over to the Union, piles of garbage and waste materials seen at the roadside near Family Welfare office will be removed completely and no garbage will be allowed to pile up on the spot, he assured.He observed that wastes materials seen littering around in Imphal city is due to lack of understanding on the part of citizens. Lack of coordination between police and traffic police is also contributing to the mess, he added.Notwithstanding the fact that the responsibility of cleaning Imphal city and keeping it neat has been entrusted to the Workers Union Manipur, the union often felt let down and helpless as it is not authorised to take up any action when consumers dispose waste materials at improper places, Joykumar said.IMC Chairperson Rani-sana has already instructed the union to levy separate tax for cleansing the interiors of Khwairamband Keithel. However, the same work has not been formally handed over to the Union, he conveyed.Saying that the ongoing efforts to keep Imphal city clean needs cooperation of the IMC, Joykumar said that the union is facing shortage of pick-up vehicles.Conveying that the IMC is planning to purchase some pick up vehicles, he exuded that the IMC will be able to help the union in its work in a big way once the vehicles are procured.

Erabot given clean chit

IMPHAL, Feb 15 : Countering the allegations of the proscribed UPPK that FCS Minister Y Erabot had siphoned off sugar and given them to one Ch Amuba to be ultimately sold to one Santosh Godwal, IMC Councillor of Ward number 23 and representatives of 13 groups of Mobile Sale today said that the sugar was sold by women mobile sellers to consumers in the 7 Assembly segments of IMC. Speaking to the media at the residence of the Councillor L Memcha at Telipati today, the women mobile sellers said that the allegations that the FCS Minister disposed off 100 quintals of sugar at his AC and gave away the remaining stock to his security escort and one Ch Amuba which in turn was sold to Santosh Gadwal is wrong and baseless. The women said that economically backward women had formed 13 groups and sold 900 quintal of sugar as mobile sellers in different parts including Khurai, Thangmeiband, Thongju, Sagolband, Yaiskul, Keishamthong and Singjamei. The fact can be ascertained by finding out whether there were mobile sale of sugar or not, they contended. The service of Ch Amuba was roped in by the women sellers to procure sugar, they maintained. Santosh Gadwal who was present said that he has not received even a Kg of sugar from the FCS Minister and added that he has never met Ch Amuba.

Seized rice not ours: AM/FCI

IMPHAL, Feb 14: The huge quantity of APL rice (Super Fine grade A) seized by FCS Minister Y Erabot along with six trucks from a private godown located at Mantripukhri on February 12 are not related to FCI, said FCI district office Area Ma-nager A Tombi.Speaking to media persons at FCI district office at Moirangkhom here today, Tombi said that the rice was lifted from Sangaiprou FCI godown by a Storekeeper who is an authorised agent of FCS Department with ne-cessary documents after completing all official formalities.Altogether 6306.81 quintals of rice were issued from FCI godown in 41 trucks to FCS authorised representatives (Storekeepers) on pro- ducing complete documents and fulfilling neces- sary formalities on February 12.According to information received by press, rice seized by the FCS Minister on the same day (February 12) was meant for Sadar Hills area.Of this total quantity of rice issued on February 12, 1796.70 quintals were for APL and 3085.67 quintals for BPL. Further 1424.42 quintals of rice was issued to DC Chandel as additional adhoc relief for those affected by bamboo flowering for the month of February. The 1002.44 quintals of rice seized by the FCS Minister from Mantripukhri was a part of the 1796.70 quintals of APL rice issued from FCI godown to FCS storekeeper on the day, said the Area Manager. Of the six trucks which transported the 1002.44 qui-ntals of APL rice, the truck with number MN01/4331 loaded the 166.28 quintals of rice from shed no 1/2, truck with no MN05/2757 loaded 165.49 quintals from shed no 3/4, truck no MN04/8213 loaded 165.97 quintals from shed number 5/6, truck with number MN05/2435 loaded 165.17 quintals from shed no 5/6 and trucks with numbers MN04A/0055 and MN01/6317 loaded 165.13 quintals and 174.37 quintals respectively from shed no 7/8.

Cabinet tightens up security net

A thatch farm house at Khoidumpat burns after being set ablaze by security forces during the course of a search operation
IMPHAL, Feb 14: Taking serious note of the strong worded accusations made by the proscribed PREPAK against the Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and his political workers, the State Cabinet has decided to set up a ‘special cell’ under the Director General of Police (DGP) to deal with such militant groups.A reliable source informed The Sangai Express that a meeting of the SPF Cabinet held yesterday in the Cabinet room with the Chief Minister in the Chair directed the DGP to set up ‘special cell’ to deal with militant groups specifically. The Cabinet decision to this effect was adopted primarily to tackle with threats posed by militant groups after the proscribed PREPAK issued stern warning against Chief Minister O Ibobi and a number of his political workers. The SPF Cabinet also agreed on giving incentive rewards to security personnel who could arrest or eliminate militants. Significantly, intent upon intensifying the ongoing counter-insurgency operation in the wake of heightened militancy activities it was also decided that similar incentives will be given to civilians in case any militant is arrested or killed on the basis of information provided by civilians. Names of those militants against whom rewards would be declared by the State Government will be listed by the DGP, the Cabinet meeting decided. The Cabinet meeting further directed the DGP to furnish names of militants, over-ground workers, supporters and contractors who are working with the support or collusion with militant organisations. It was also resolved to impose punitive fine application under relevant law of the land against individuals/villages in case they are found extending shelter to militants. The Cabinet meeting also agreed on taking up legal actions against such people giving shelter to militants.On the other hand, the Cabinet meeting decided to appeal to the Governor to convene fifth session of the 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly from March 17.Information recieved by the press affirmed that the Assembly session would be convened on the aforementioned date.It also agreed on conducting bye-elections to the four vacant seats of Gram Panchayat Members.The meeting resolved to rename Food and Civil Supply Department as Department of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. The SPF Cabinet also gave consent to formulating Manipur Biological Diversity Rules 2008.Along with giving consent to amend the rules and regulations of the Forest Training School, the Cabinet meeting agreed on waiving off a loan of Rs 9,00,100 indebted to late MLA M Manindra.It further decided to extend the service period of Vigilance Inspector A Gourashyam by one year. The Cabinet meeting and subsequent resolutions assumes significance as the Union Minister P Chidam-baram during his short visit to the State recently had strongly advocated beefing up security apparatus to combat insurgency besides pointing to extorting as the chief factor impairing manipur.

Two shot dead, eight nabbed

IMPHAL, Feb 14: Following tip-off about movement of UGs in Maringthel area in Chandel district, troops of 29 Assam Rifles of 26 sector under HQ IGAR (South) laid an ambush and gunned down two UG cadres at about 1 pm today.While the AR troops were trying to stop the two cadres the latter duo fired at them and in retaliation the two cadres were killed recovering two 7.65 pistol, 4 live rounds, six Chinese Grenade and three fired cases from the slain cadres, said a release issued by HQ IGAR (South).In another incident, one UNLF cadre who was travelling by a Maruti van was ap- prehended by the same troops at a Mobile check post established at Sita-Tengnoupal road junction on February 13.The incident occurred when the apprehended person coming from Moreh tried to evade frisking at the check post. The apprehen-dee identified as P Momoda Singh (24) s/o Lala Singh of Imphal West claimed himself as a cadre of UNLF during an interrogation, according to the release. UG cadres held: A team of Imphal East district police commandos arrested one KCP cadre identified as Moirangthem Bikram (36) s/o M Achou of Kongba Makha Nandeibam Leikai from Thambalkhong Lisham Leirak. One 9mm pistol with one magazine loaded with two live rounds were recovered from his possession. On verification, he disclosed that he joined KCP in the month of January 2009 through one Samananda of KCP. He was involved in extortion of money from general public and Government officials in Imphal East area, said a press release of Imphal East SDPO. Based on specific information, troops of 28 AR launched operation in the general area of Yairipok Awang Leikai and arrested one UNLF cadre

Heirok SPOs strike rebellious posture

IMPHAL, Feb 14: Caught in a state of dilemma owing to ambiguous State Government policy and threat by some armed outfits the Special Police Officers (SPOs) from heirok village in Thoubal district have given wake up call to the State authorities to do the needful failing which the trained youths threatened to resort to other method for protection of their village.The SPOs had undergone basic military training under a specific programme of the Government to protect their village in the after- math of activists of an underground group gunning down three persons, inclu-ding two girls in March last year.The SPOs, who have recently completed the six- month training course under the sponsorship of the State Government had been demanding similar recognition accorded to the police force.Highlighting grievances at a media briefing, Group leader (SPO-C Coy) Thok-chom Romen informed that even after completion of the training at Manipur Police Training School (Pangei) in December the Government is yet to make concerted effort for construction of bar- racks or provide necessary equipments such as arms and uniforms.With the exception of pa-rading the trained SPOs in the morning and again in the evening at an Indian Reserve battalion post at Hei- rok it is informed that the SPOs are not assigned for any noteworthy tasks and have to remain at their respective homes through- out the day/night.He, however, conveyed that Rs 3000 monthly remuneration are provided to the SPOs by the Government.Stating that amid threats from some underground groups not to set up SPOs, the Heirok youngsters have braved such intimidatory tactics to safeguard themselves from disruptive elements only to be practically ignored by the Gover- nment, Romen observed that reluctance by the state authorities to honour justifiable demands of the SPOs is akin to not only exposing the SPOs to the UGs but the Government itself seems to fear the rebels.It is also informed that grievances of the SPOs had already been highlighted to the Union Home Ministry, the Governor and the Chief Minister himself without any positive response till date.The Group Leader also ridiculed the State Cab-inet’s recent decision to re- name the SPOs as Village Defence Force (VDF) and fresh recruitment of over 1000 VDFs saying that when nothing could be done with regard to ther SPOs it would be wishful thinking, if not misleading, on the purposes recruitment of additional VDFs.stating that threat and intimidation upon Heirok villagers by the UGs would persist, Romen cautioned that all the 300 SPOs will form an armed group whe-ther legal or not to protect the villagers after abandoning SPO if their immediate requirements are not addressed at the earliest.We may also boycott the ensuing Lok Sabha election, he maintained.Mentioned may be made that an officer of the police department had cited non-completion of land acquisi- tion process as the main factor for delay in setting up barracks for the SPOs thereby impeding immediate deployment for duty.