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

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

State hits key note at Vietnam Meet

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

Yandaboo treaty studied, analysed

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

Migrant workers back to work

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

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

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

AE abducted, grenade found

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

Women in media open eyes of all

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

SF arrest five UG cadres

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

Cops foil rally against barbaric killing

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

NE rejoices in Sourabhee’s win

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

MSF ‘unmasks’ fraudulent teacher

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

Security stepped up

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

Highwaymen loot bus, stone another

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

Two more non-local men shot dead in Imp

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

Violating SoO ground rules Delhi, Imp talk tough

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

AR rescues two non-locals

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

Mangani Leihun performed

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

Slain duo Cong office bombers: SP

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

Villagers allege UG harassments

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

Barber shot dead

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