State Govt takes stock of situation

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

Stay out, tells IM to UNLF

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

Sexual assault allegations raised against Tboubal Commandos

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

Ukl inferno reduces 45 shops to cinders

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

Gun culture takes over Pichakari in Holi

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

SFs rescue kidnapped girls

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

Tml connects Imphal in local rates

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

Father killed, son lives to tell tale of horror

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

NWMI vows to highlight NE issues

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

Top PULF leaders among four slain by SFs

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