IMPHAL: Manipuri director Mohen Naorem's celluloid project 'My Japanese Niece' will have eight foreign actors in the film. While Japanese model Yu Asada and London-based actor Junichi Kajioka have already been finalized to play the protagonists' role, another six foreign actors have agreed to work in the film in principle.
Asada will play the role of the Japanese girl, who comes to Manipur to pay homage to her uncle after two decades of the Second World War. Her uncle, played by Junichi, was part of the Japanese troops who fought against the Allied Forces during the war. Junichi comes to her in her dream and tells her to visit a far-flung village to find some documents. Asada visits the village with the help of her Manipuri guide finds unposted letters and war-time dairies of lost soldiers, said Mohen.
Manila-based American actor Rob Rownd will play a British, French actress Fanny Florido, who is based in India, will play the role of a British lady, while Korean actress Sun Kim will be cast as a Manipuri girl, Mohen told TOI on Thursday.
"We also have a mixture of Manipuri artists and three international actors for extra cameo roles," the film maker said.
"In the crew section, we have international assistant directors, executive producers, sound engineers and costume and makeup artists, who will be assisted by Manipuri crew members," he added.
The shooting for the film will begin in November, Mohen said, adding discussions to hold international premiers for the film in select cities like Tokyo, Sanghai, Busan, Singapore, Manila, USA and a few European countries are on. The film will be shot both in Manipur and a few places of Japan.
Mohen, who has directed some Manipuri feature films, said the film has a budget of Rs one crore, but Japanese war veterans and family members of war victims have extended moral and financial support to make the film successful.
"I am confident of delivering what the audience wants. In fact, this film will be a turning point in Manipuri cinema as we are projecting a worldwide release," he said. Though the film has a low budget compared to the Mumbai film industry, this is the highest ever budjet in Manipuri cinema.
"We are not worried about the earning. What is important is the capability to make international standard films with international cast and crew. We will consult veteran filmmakers like Aribam Syam Sharma, Makhonmani Mongsaba and film forum Manipur chairperson Surjakanta Sharma," he added.
Manipur Okram Ibobi Singh harps on PPP model for power
IMPHAL: Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh has said the process for initiating a public-private partnership (PPP) model for improving the power scenario in the state has already begun.
At present, the state electricity department is supplying power for four to six hours a day to people compared to three to four hours earlier. "My government is trying to bring about some path-breaking changes in Manipur. One of our priority sectors is power. We have initiated a process of total change in the sector by PPP," said the chief minister, who also holds the power portfolio.
Initial offers have already been floated to invite capable and specialized private energy entities in Manipur, he added.
The chief minister lamented that the state has lagged behind in economic development owing to prolonged conflicts. He added that his government has already identified a number of potential and feasible locations for a hydropower project.
"The aim is to invite non-government expertise and capital to harness the hydel potential of our state. But, we must understand that all these efforts would be subject to the prevailing situation in the state," the CM said.
Ibobi Singh, who inaugurated a whooping five power sub-stations in Imphal on Friday, said private entrepreneurs have always been avoiding Manipur due to the state's volatile situation.
"In view of our recent initiatives in the power sector, many private companies seem to be showing keen interest in Manipur. This has encouraged us. We hope that these reforms would continue and not get discouraged by law and order problem," he said.
"Peace initiatives need to be carried forward. Only then we can expect a change and economic development. People have realized this truth. We have witnessed a prolonged political stability and steady improvement in conflict situation in Manipur. However it is yet to reach a satisfactory level. This challenge is still tough," he added.
At present, the state electricity department is supplying power for four to six hours a day to people compared to three to four hours earlier. "My government is trying to bring about some path-breaking changes in Manipur. One of our priority sectors is power. We have initiated a process of total change in the sector by PPP," said the chief minister, who also holds the power portfolio.
Initial offers have already been floated to invite capable and specialized private energy entities in Manipur, he added.
The chief minister lamented that the state has lagged behind in economic development owing to prolonged conflicts. He added that his government has already identified a number of potential and feasible locations for a hydropower project.
"The aim is to invite non-government expertise and capital to harness the hydel potential of our state. But, we must understand that all these efforts would be subject to the prevailing situation in the state," the CM said.
Ibobi Singh, who inaugurated a whooping five power sub-stations in Imphal on Friday, said private entrepreneurs have always been avoiding Manipur due to the state's volatile situation.
"In view of our recent initiatives in the power sector, many private companies seem to be showing keen interest in Manipur. This has encouraged us. We hope that these reforms would continue and not get discouraged by law and order problem," he said.
"Peace initiatives need to be carried forward. Only then we can expect a change and economic development. People have realized this truth. We have witnessed a prolonged political stability and steady improvement in conflict situation in Manipur. However it is yet to reach a satisfactory level. This challenge is still tough," he added.
‘Poor governance breeding ground for conflict’
IMPHAL, Sept 26 – Manipur Governor Gurbachan Jagat has expressed the need to provide good goveranance to the people of the State whether there is a conflict or not. If there is incompetence, corruption and injustice, such areas will become the breeding ground for new conflicts, he said.
Addressing the inaugural function of the three day seminar on ‘Governance for conflict resolution’ here today, the Governor said like Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir, Manipur will be a mythological place in a matter of two or three generations after those Manipuri students studying outside the State, stays back there after obtaining jobs.
“Hence the need to ensure good governance, anticipate problems and problem areas and take corrective action. We should not wait for the house to be set on fire before we start dousing the flames,” said the Governor.
“No conflict arises overnight. There can be a sudden agitation on some unrest occurring or some other problems affecting an area but such agitation are usually localised, isolated and resolved by mostly the district administration”, he observed.
“If as in the case of Manipur or some other States, the demand for sovereignty is made, they should be told at the very outset that this is not negotiable and this can neither be discussed nor granted,” he added.
There should be no room left for different interpretations because this leads to the kindling of hope that with little or more pressure the demands might be acceded to and this leads to continued struggle without scaling down of demands.
“…I have seen it personally from Punjab to J&K and Manipur that with the passage of time all these fanciful demands ultimately get reduced to simple and massive extortion by these “freedom fighters”, he said.
Stating that the main objective of collecting huge sums of money is being achieved without resorting to killing; he said the major groups have their fixed source of income, example, exortions from big businessmen, transporters, shopkeepers, government departments, etc.
It is only the splinter groups who carry out the kidnapping, grenade throwing, etc., to coerce people into giving them some money, the Governor observed. It is to be remembered here again that a lot of money that goes to underground coffers come from development funds of the government which means that the people are again at the receiving end.
He further added whether it is the government or the underground elements, the common object of their misdeeds is the common man in whose name everybody claims to be fighting.
From the information that we have received…It has been found that the UGs have invested heavily in foreign countries and within India, he said. This only goes to prove my point that militancy has become an industry in which many sections of society are obtaining huge profits at the expense of the people of the State.
Manipur Chief Secretary DS Poonia, DGP Manipur Y Joykumar and top civil and police officials besides leaders of civil society organisations attended the inaugural session.
Addressing the inaugural function of the three day seminar on ‘Governance for conflict resolution’ here today, the Governor said like Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir, Manipur will be a mythological place in a matter of two or three generations after those Manipuri students studying outside the State, stays back there after obtaining jobs.
“Hence the need to ensure good governance, anticipate problems and problem areas and take corrective action. We should not wait for the house to be set on fire before we start dousing the flames,” said the Governor.
“No conflict arises overnight. There can be a sudden agitation on some unrest occurring or some other problems affecting an area but such agitation are usually localised, isolated and resolved by mostly the district administration”, he observed.
“If as in the case of Manipur or some other States, the demand for sovereignty is made, they should be told at the very outset that this is not negotiable and this can neither be discussed nor granted,” he added.
There should be no room left for different interpretations because this leads to the kindling of hope that with little or more pressure the demands might be acceded to and this leads to continued struggle without scaling down of demands.
“…I have seen it personally from Punjab to J&K and Manipur that with the passage of time all these fanciful demands ultimately get reduced to simple and massive extortion by these “freedom fighters”, he said.
Stating that the main objective of collecting huge sums of money is being achieved without resorting to killing; he said the major groups have their fixed source of income, example, exortions from big businessmen, transporters, shopkeepers, government departments, etc.
It is only the splinter groups who carry out the kidnapping, grenade throwing, etc., to coerce people into giving them some money, the Governor observed. It is to be remembered here again that a lot of money that goes to underground coffers come from development funds of the government which means that the people are again at the receiving end.
He further added whether it is the government or the underground elements, the common object of their misdeeds is the common man in whose name everybody claims to be fighting.
From the information that we have received…It has been found that the UGs have invested heavily in foreign countries and within India, he said. This only goes to prove my point that militancy has become an industry in which many sections of society are obtaining huge profits at the expense of the people of the State.
Manipur Chief Secretary DS Poonia, DGP Manipur Y Joykumar and top civil and police officials besides leaders of civil society organisations attended the inaugural session.
22 illegal Bangladeshis sent to jail in Manipur
IMPHAL, Sept 24 – A court here has sentenced 22 Bangladeshi nationals who entered Manipur illegally, to two years imprisonment in addition to slapping them a fine of Rs 10,000 each.
The Bangladeshi nationals were chargesheeted under provisions of Foreigners Act 1946, sources said. Two children, who accompanied the 22 illegal migrants, were sent to juvenile home, the source added.
Legal sources in Imphal said the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Imphal East’s order said that the Bangladeshis will have to undergo 20 days rigorous imprisonment while the remaining period of the jail term should be simple imprisonment. In case, the convicts cannot pay the fine of Rs 10,000, their prison term should be extended by six months. The 22 convicted foreign nationals were pulled up by police from Hatta and surrounding areas on August 30.
Since then, the State Home department has been instructed to take up proceedings for deportation of the foreigners after completion of their prison term.
The recent drive against illegal immigrants in Manipur was launched after North East people were reportedly threatened and targeted through SMSs and e-mails in different cities of India which resulted in mass exodus from southern Indian cities.
After Imphal East District Police succeeded in nabbing illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, 19 Myanmarese nationals were picked up from Lilong area of Thoubal district. Further, four Bangladeshi immigrants were picked up from Serou. Recently, around 200 Bangladeshi nationals were intercepted at Jiribam and made to turn back.
On Friday, a public meeting held under the aegis of Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System at Jiribam resolved to press the State Government to implement Inner Line Permit System in the State by November 18.
It may be worth mentioning here that Manipur Assembly had passed a private member resolution to extend Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act 1873 in the State.
The Bangladeshi nationals were chargesheeted under provisions of Foreigners Act 1946, sources said. Two children, who accompanied the 22 illegal migrants, were sent to juvenile home, the source added.
Legal sources in Imphal said the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Imphal East’s order said that the Bangladeshis will have to undergo 20 days rigorous imprisonment while the remaining period of the jail term should be simple imprisonment. In case, the convicts cannot pay the fine of Rs 10,000, their prison term should be extended by six months. The 22 convicted foreign nationals were pulled up by police from Hatta and surrounding areas on August 30.
Since then, the State Home department has been instructed to take up proceedings for deportation of the foreigners after completion of their prison term.
The recent drive against illegal immigrants in Manipur was launched after North East people were reportedly threatened and targeted through SMSs and e-mails in different cities of India which resulted in mass exodus from southern Indian cities.
After Imphal East District Police succeeded in nabbing illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, 19 Myanmarese nationals were picked up from Lilong area of Thoubal district. Further, four Bangladeshi immigrants were picked up from Serou. Recently, around 200 Bangladeshi nationals were intercepted at Jiribam and made to turn back.
On Friday, a public meeting held under the aegis of Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System at Jiribam resolved to press the State Government to implement Inner Line Permit System in the State by November 18.
It may be worth mentioning here that Manipur Assembly had passed a private member resolution to extend Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act 1873 in the State.
Manipur parties support Bharat bandh
IMPHAL, Sept 19 – The Manipur State Communist Party of India (CPI) today announced support to the 12-hour nationwide bandh being called by Left parties to protest against the UPA Government’s decision on diesel price, LPG cylinders and FDI in multi-brand retail.
The all-India strike will be enforced from 6 am to 6 pm of September 20.
The State Communist Party of India in collaboration with other seven political parties – the All India Forward Block, CPI, JD (S), JD(U), Manipur People’s Party (MPP), National People’s Party (NPP), RSP and the Coordinating Body of Trade Unions, Manipur (CBTUM) jointly took the decision to support the general strike.
Lashing out at the UPA Government at the Centre for the frequent increase in the prices of essential commodities in the country, the CPI, Manipur State secreatry Dr M Nara called the Congress-led Government a ‘shameless Government.” He was addressing a press conference held at the Irawat Bhawan, during which he announced support to the bandh.
The all-India strike will be enforced from 6 am to 6 pm of September 20.
The State Communist Party of India in collaboration with other seven political parties – the All India Forward Block, CPI, JD (S), JD(U), Manipur People’s Party (MPP), National People’s Party (NPP), RSP and the Coordinating Body of Trade Unions, Manipur (CBTUM) jointly took the decision to support the general strike.
Lashing out at the UPA Government at the Centre for the frequent increase in the prices of essential commodities in the country, the CPI, Manipur State secreatry Dr M Nara called the Congress-led Government a ‘shameless Government.” He was addressing a press conference held at the Irawat Bhawan, during which he announced support to the bandh.
Mr Manipur in November
Imphal, Sept. 13 : The All Manipur Body-Building & Fitness Association will be organising the Mr Manipur Contest 2012 featuring 46th Senior, 40th Junior, 22nd Master, 11th Physically Handicapped and 4th Women Fitness Championship at Asha Hall complex, North AOC from November 24-25.
State soccer: The 7th Manipur State League 2012 will resume from Friday with North Imphal Sporting Association taking on Southern Sporting Union at Mapal Kangjeibung at 12.30pm while Jsongtun Youth Club will meet Eastern Sporting Union in the second ground.
State soccer: The 7th Manipur State League 2012 will resume from Friday with North Imphal Sporting Association taking on Southern Sporting Union at Mapal Kangjeibung at 12.30pm while Jsongtun Youth Club will meet Eastern Sporting Union in the second ground.
Powerful grenade found in Manipur secretariat
Imphal : A powerful grenade was recovered Wednesday from inside the high-security zone of the Manipur secretariat, police said.
The explosive, wrapped in a piece of cloth, was found inside a VIP garage in the south block of the secretariat, Imphal district police chief Konsam Jayanta Singh told IANS.
Senior police and district administration officers rushed to the spot. A bomb disposal squad removed and defused the grenade.
"We don't know how the grenade landed in the high-security-zone area and investigation is on," Singh said.
Though, no group has claimed responsibility, but police strongly believed that it is the handiwork of certain rebel outfits.
No arrests had been made so far, but a manhunt is on to nab the culprits, the police official said.
The outlawed Revolutionary People's Front (RPF) had said that its armed wing - the People's Liberation Army (PLA) has planted bombs in strategic places to attack security forces in Manipur. PLA, the military wing of the The RPF is fighting for the last three decades for an independent homeland for the majority Metei community in Manipur.
There are more than 20 rebel outfits in Manipur with demands ranging from secession to greater autonomy.
The explosive, wrapped in a piece of cloth, was found inside a VIP garage in the south block of the secretariat, Imphal district police chief Konsam Jayanta Singh told IANS.
Senior police and district administration officers rushed to the spot. A bomb disposal squad removed and defused the grenade.
"We don't know how the grenade landed in the high-security-zone area and investigation is on," Singh said.
Though, no group has claimed responsibility, but police strongly believed that it is the handiwork of certain rebel outfits.
No arrests had been made so far, but a manhunt is on to nab the culprits, the police official said.
The outlawed Revolutionary People's Front (RPF) had said that its armed wing - the People's Liberation Army (PLA) has planted bombs in strategic places to attack security forces in Manipur. PLA, the military wing of the The RPF is fighting for the last three decades for an independent homeland for the majority Metei community in Manipur.
There are more than 20 rebel outfits in Manipur with demands ranging from secession to greater autonomy.
Tension prevails ahead of crucial panchayat polls in Manipur
After a thumping victory in the last Assembly
polls in Manipur, Congress finds itself challenged by the rebel outfits
once again ahead of the crucial panchayat polls. Ratnadip Choudhury reports how revival of insurgency has left the Ibobi government in a tizzy
On Wednesday 12 September, a powerful explosive
was found near Manipur Secretariat South Block which houses the offices
of the home minister and the chief secretary. In the last two weeks,
Imphal and other urban areas of Manipur have seen four blasts in which
two people have died and at least 15 people are battling for life at the
Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal. As a knee-jerk
reaction, the state government has called the rebels to come forward
for talks.
After months of peace, the Ibobi Singh-led
Congress government finds itself once again challenged by the
underground rebel groups in the state capital Imphal, ahead of the
panchayat polls in the state to be held on Thursday 13 September. A
total of 4,620 candidates are in fray for panchayat election which
consist of 60 seats of Zila Parishad, 161 Pradhans and 1514 Gram
Panchayat seats. Scrutiny for the election was held on 7 August in which
one Zila Parishad member, one Pradhan and 57 gram panchayat members
were elected uncontested while one seat each from the Zila Parishad,
Pradhan and Gram Panchayat seat remained vacant. A total of 6,51,817
electorates are expected to cast their votes for deciding the fate of
the candidates.
The rebels in Manipur, under the banner of CorCom
(Coordination Committee), comprising of seven underground rebel outfits
operating in the valley areas of the state, remain the main challenger
to the Congress. Congress has not only retained power in the state in
this year’s Assembly polls, but has also proved its political supremacy
in Manipur by winning 42 out of the 60 seats, an addition of 12 seats
compared to the 2007 Assembly elections. While the rebels had earlier
targeted Congress candidates and workers mostly in rural Manipur, a
distinct pattern of urban insurgency seems to be emerging in the state.
“The panchayat election in Manipur will be held
on September 13 and these groups are trying their best to remind the
people about their existence,” said home minister L Gaikhangam, who has
urged upon the rebels to shun violence and come forward for dialogue.
Sources in Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) say that the state
government has requested the Centre to work towards bringing in the
rebel groups, particularly those operating in the valley areas of the
state, on board for peace talks. “We have definite inputs that the
rebels want to create trouble in urban areas because it effects the
morale in the entire state. They would try to carry out low intensity
attacks to prove two vital points — that they are still powerful and
that the state government is clearly lacking in terms of providing
security even in state capital, forget other areas,” reveals a senior
officer of Special Branch of Manipur Police on condition of anonymity.
The state home department is further alarmed by
the fact that the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), whose supremo
RK Meghen is lodged in Guwahati Central Jail, had claimed
responsibility for a blast on 5 September and the People's Liberation
Army (PLA), the armed wing of the outlawed Revolutionary Peoples’ Front
(RPF) of Manipur, claimed the responsibilities of subsequent blasts on 7
and 8 September. These claims have reiterated that the blast was the
first coordinate attack to be launched against patrol teams of the
Indian Army in Manipur with the objective of scaring them away from the
state. The involvement of the two of the strongest rebel outfits in
attacks launched in busy areas of state capital has rattled the state
government, political watchers believe that the entire state will once
again see tension prevail.
Apart from the recent blasts, several
insurgency-related incidents have also been reported, including parcels
carrying explosives being delivered to candidates and party workers in
many villages in the districts of Thoubal and Imphal East.
In a recent incident, men who claimed to be
members of the proscribed PREPAK (PRO) allegedly threatened RTI
activists to stop investigating into the discrepancies related with the
implementation of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee
Scheme (MGNREGS). Kh Pasot, a RTI activist alleges, “We have applied for
RTI because the member and pradhan of Lairenkabi have denied us of our
rights. In these 5 years, we have never received our full rights as
labourers and in doing so we have also faced the wrath of some
underground groups (UGs). Few months back when we were preparing to file
our first RTI, armed men claiming to be cadres of Kanglei Yawol Kanna
Lup (KYKL) drag us out of our homes and thrashed us in front of the
public. And now, some cadres of the PREPAK (PRO) have warned us to halt
our investigation in MGNREGS and other stuffs which could defame the
pradhan or the gram panchayat members.” Thokchom Ranjit, another RTI
activist from Lairenkabi gram panchayat added “It is very unfortunate
that our UG brothers are on the wrong side of justice and instead of
finding the actual culprits, the UGs are trying to suppress the voice of
truth and I would like to appeal them to support us and stop
threatening.” RTI activists in Manipur have charged that a lot of
members in the panchayat have been cheating and siphoning off money from
funds allocated for rural development through the panchayat.
“I have been receiving frequent death threats
from a faction of the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) who are seeking a
cut from the wages of MGNREGS labourers. But the problem is that there
are too many factions of KCP and once I started yielding to the demand
of one faction, persons belonging to other factions of the organisations
are adamant on getting their cuts,” informed a panchayat official from
Imphal East district. Since the implementation of the MGNREGS, there has
been a growing threat and harassment of panchayat officials by rebel
groups. Earlier this year, rebels killed two gram panchayat pradhans and
a relative of a pradhan for ignoring their demands.
With inputs from RK Suresh in Imphal
Ratnadip Choudhury is a Principal Correspondent with Tehelka.
ratnadip@tehelka.com
ratnadip@tehelka.com
Revival of insurgency in Manipur
12 September – A
powerful explosive was found near Manipur Secretariat South Block which
houses the offices of the home minister and the chief secretary.
10 September - An
IED weighing 10kg was recovered less than 100 metres away from Paite
Veng residence of Health Minister Phungzathang Tonsing in Imphal.
9 September – Bomb
explosion at Kangsubi Bridge under Kumbi Police Station in Bishenpur
District killing one Assam Rifles JCO and injuring 6 people.
8 September -
Explosion took place along the Tiddim Road near the Imphal Tulihal
Airport in which one civilian and a jawan of the Sikh Regiment were
injured.
6 September - A
powerful blast took place in the busy streets of Keishampat Junction in
Imphal in which 3 Assam Rifles jawans were seriously injured.
5 September – IED was recovered from the resident of a Pradhan in Nongpok Keithelmanbi
3 September - A 21-year-old was killed in a powerful blast at Nongpok Keithelmanbi in Manipur’s Thoubal district.
24 August – Two
bombs were exploded at Nongren Maning Leikai of Imphal East at the
residences of former Pradhan Leishangthem Tarpon and Loitam Chinglen
Hope floats for repeal of army act in Manipur
Imphal, Sept. 12 : Citizens’ groups of Manipur reaffirmed the pledge to continue the struggle to scrap the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act on the birthday of the law.
Parliament passed the Armed Forces Bill in August 1958, on the lines of an ordinance promulgated by the then British government and the President gave his assent to the bill on this day the same year.
The act was enforced in the northeastern states and Jammu and Kashmir to tackle militancy.
It was later enforced in the Manipur hills in 1961 and in 1980, the entire state was brought under the act.
Sharmila Kanba Lup, a conglomerate of Irom Sharmila support groups, organised a programme here today to mark the day and remind the people of the “sufferings” brought about by the act.
Led by women, the organisations launched the struggle against the act after CRPF personnel killed four civilians, including a pregnant woman, at Patsoi of Imphal West on April 26, 1980, after militants shot dead three CRPF jawans.
Rights defenders recalled the excesses committed by the armed forces and how they escaped punishment under the blanket cover of the act.
Sharmila is completing 12 years of her fast, demanding repeal of the act, in November.
She began her fast in 2000, after troops of the Assam Rifles shot dead 10 civilians at Malom near Imphal airport in retaliation to a militant attack.
The Administrative Reforms Committee and Justice Jeevan Reddy Commission recommended the repeal of the act. New Delhi is yet to act on the recommendations.
However, the groups have not given up hope that one day the Centre will listen to the voices of the people and other countries.
“Other countries are mounting pressure on India to repeal the act. It may take time but one day India’s image as the largest democratic country will be at stake and accordingly it will act,” Irom Shinghajit, Sharmila’s elder brother, said.
He called upon the people of the Northeast to come together and have a joint fight to end rights violations.
The UN Human Rights Council Working Group adopted its report on India’s human rights record, recommending repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act.
The recommendations were made by the 13th session of the Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review Working Group held in Geneva from May 21.
Giving her keynote address, Th. Ramani, who has been taking part in the struggle against the act since the beginning, said it had been 32 years and the people of Manipur would not rest till the act was scrapped.
Senior citizens, leaders of rights groups and intellectuals took part in the programme.
Parliament passed the Armed Forces Bill in August 1958, on the lines of an ordinance promulgated by the then British government and the President gave his assent to the bill on this day the same year.
The act was enforced in the northeastern states and Jammu and Kashmir to tackle militancy.
It was later enforced in the Manipur hills in 1961 and in 1980, the entire state was brought under the act.
Sharmila Kanba Lup, a conglomerate of Irom Sharmila support groups, organised a programme here today to mark the day and remind the people of the “sufferings” brought about by the act.
Led by women, the organisations launched the struggle against the act after CRPF personnel killed four civilians, including a pregnant woman, at Patsoi of Imphal West on April 26, 1980, after militants shot dead three CRPF jawans.
Rights defenders recalled the excesses committed by the armed forces and how they escaped punishment under the blanket cover of the act.
Sharmila is completing 12 years of her fast, demanding repeal of the act, in November.
She began her fast in 2000, after troops of the Assam Rifles shot dead 10 civilians at Malom near Imphal airport in retaliation to a militant attack.
The Administrative Reforms Committee and Justice Jeevan Reddy Commission recommended the repeal of the act. New Delhi is yet to act on the recommendations.
However, the groups have not given up hope that one day the Centre will listen to the voices of the people and other countries.
“Other countries are mounting pressure on India to repeal the act. It may take time but one day India’s image as the largest democratic country will be at stake and accordingly it will act,” Irom Shinghajit, Sharmila’s elder brother, said.
He called upon the people of the Northeast to come together and have a joint fight to end rights violations.
The UN Human Rights Council Working Group adopted its report on India’s human rights record, recommending repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act.
The recommendations were made by the 13th session of the Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review Working Group held in Geneva from May 21.
Giving her keynote address, Th. Ramani, who has been taking part in the struggle against the act since the beginning, said it had been 32 years and the people of Manipur would not rest till the act was scrapped.
Senior citizens, leaders of rights groups and intellectuals took part in the programme.
Manipuri director unearths untold story of Japanese soldiers in India during World War II
By Manimugdha S Sharma
In March 1944, the Japanese 15th Army under Lieutenant-General Renya Mutaguchi mounted a full-scale invasion on India via Manipur and Nagaland. Under the 'U-Go Offensive', these troops reached the gates of Imphal and Kohima, and it appeared it would not be long before they reached the Brahmaputra Valley. Only one force stood in its way — the British Indian Army. In the ensuing battles, the Japanese suffered immense losses. As many as 60,000 lay dead, with the defenders losing some 13,500 men. By July, the Japanese had retreated to Burma. But some decided to stay back. Now, 68 years later, a Manipuri film is set to highlight this aspect of the Great War.
Mohen Naorem's My Japanese Niece traces the fascinating journey of discovery of a young Japanese woman, Asada, who comes to Manipur to pay homage to her uncle who was presumed dead in that campaign. Here, she learns about an old man who resembled her lost uncle, but who had died a few months earlier. She discovers many unpublished letters and diaries elaborating the trials and tribulations of the Japanese soldiers in India.
Historically, the theory that Manipuris liked and helped the Japanese has surfaced for the first time. "Japanese soldiers of World War II have always been depicted as savage people committing atrocities on the conquered. But from whatever information we could glean from people who lived to tell the tale of that invasion, we learnt that the troops were nice to the locals. We thought it fair to show the other side," says Naorem, the director of this Indo-Japanese venture that will be shot in 35mm, unlike the digital format on which Manipuri cinema thrives.
Of course, that would cost Naorem a fortune — Rs 1 crore — but would also credit him with making the most expensive Manipuri film ever. Naorem says the idea germinated when the March 2011 earthquake in Japan saw a flurry of relief activity in Manipur. "Our people's emotional connection with the Japanese came out in the open then. We started a Facebook community to raise funds. That promoted interaction with the Japanese. Then in January this year, a Japanese delegation came to Assam to exhume and take away the remains of 11 Japanese soldiers killed in World War II. That bolstered my idea for a movie," he says.
But given the dismal record of period films in India in recent years, Naorem isn't entirely hopeful of doing brisk business. "I'm looking at the international market, especially South-East Asia and the Far East as the cast comprises Japanese, Korean and Chinese artistes. I will dub the movie into Japanese and English."
London-based Japanese actor Junichi Kajioka will play the role of the lost soldier, while Osaka-based actor Yu Asada will play the eponymous niece. This is not Kajioka's maiden attempt at the role of a Japanese soldier; he has acted in war films such as Devils on the Doorstep, City of Life and Death, and recently, The Flowers of War featuring Christian Bale.
But why a Manipuri film? "War films in general tend to portray Japanese soldiers as ruthless killers. It is more difficult to show the humane side of soldiers and their dignity in extreme circumstances. My Japanese Niece will focus on this aspect," he says, adding that he has been reading several works on the Battle of Imphal to prepare for it.
Realistic portrayal was a big concern for Naorem. "We had to recreate Manipur of the 1940s, so we had to venture deep inside the pristine forests. The next big thing was to design battle gear, costumes and weapons of the Japanese soldiers in Manipur. Fortunately, Kajioka guided me to the right people and now we have an international team looking into the bare details," says the director.
For Yu Asada, the project has given her a chance to visit India and learn Manipuri. "I have been learning the language since July but I wouldn't say my progress has been fantastic. Nevertheless, the experience has been fascinating," she says.
The shoot is slated to begin in October-November and the film will be released in August next year to coincide with Japan's surrender in 1945.
UCM disappointed over non- implementation of ILP in Manipur
IMPHAL, Sep 6 : The United Committee Manipur (UCM) and other civil organizations which have been demanding the reintroduction of the Inner Line Permit in Manipur were disappointed by the statement of the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs that it is not possible to introduce the ILP in Manipur. These organizations which have been leaving no stone unturned in this regard may not take it lightly.
The ILP was withdrawn from Manipur in 1953 for unexplained reasons. However it is still in force in Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram. It has not been explained why ILP cannot be implemented in Manipur despite the fact that there are similar social and demographic conditions like the other States having IPL.
Sources however said that the Home Affairs officials might have prepared the reply to the question by T Meiyna, MP from Manipur long before the Central Government had received the Assembly resolution sent by the State Government. It may be recalled that in the last monsoon session 60 members of the assembly had adopted an unanimous resolution to approach the centre for the reintroduction of the ILP. The UCM which heads a committee demanding the reintroduction said that it will wait till November 18 for the government's decision. If the ILP is not implemented within that day the civil organizations threatened to implement ILP on its own. This is an ominous sign which may lead to confrontations.
Manipur is one of the Northeastern States which is reeling under the influx of foreigners and outsiders. In the last few days the police had rounded up foreigners some of whom were sent to judicial custody. While the process of detection of the foreigners was going on several foreigners tried to intrude to Manipur from Jiribam. However police deported 161 foreigners.
The civil organizations have not taken a kind view of the police detection of the foreigners. They alleged “ Realizing that ILP will be reintroduced sooner, the Government detecting few foreigners is just a cheap publicity stunt.” The UCM leaders said that there are over 7 lakh foreigners and outsiders in Manipur and the government cannot detect and deport all of them. Much trouble is in the offing, it is observed.
The ILP was withdrawn from Manipur in 1953 for unexplained reasons. However it is still in force in Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram. It has not been explained why ILP cannot be implemented in Manipur despite the fact that there are similar social and demographic conditions like the other States having IPL.
Sources however said that the Home Affairs officials might have prepared the reply to the question by T Meiyna, MP from Manipur long before the Central Government had received the Assembly resolution sent by the State Government. It may be recalled that in the last monsoon session 60 members of the assembly had adopted an unanimous resolution to approach the centre for the reintroduction of the ILP. The UCM which heads a committee demanding the reintroduction said that it will wait till November 18 for the government's decision. If the ILP is not implemented within that day the civil organizations threatened to implement ILP on its own. This is an ominous sign which may lead to confrontations.
Manipur is one of the Northeastern States which is reeling under the influx of foreigners and outsiders. In the last few days the police had rounded up foreigners some of whom were sent to judicial custody. While the process of detection of the foreigners was going on several foreigners tried to intrude to Manipur from Jiribam. However police deported 161 foreigners.
The civil organizations have not taken a kind view of the police detection of the foreigners. They alleged “ Realizing that ILP will be reintroduced sooner, the Government detecting few foreigners is just a cheap publicity stunt.” The UCM leaders said that there are over 7 lakh foreigners and outsiders in Manipur and the government cannot detect and deport all of them. Much trouble is in the offing, it is observed.
Former Nagaland CM S C Jamir visits Manipur
IMPHAL: Former Nagaland chief minister and senior Congress leader S C Jamir is on a two-day private visit to Manipur.
The visit of Jamir, a member of Congress Working Committee, is being viewed with considerable interests among political observers as the Centre and NSCN-IM are going to enter a crucial stage in peace talks for settlement of Naga issues in Nagaland.
Sources said Jamir, a former governor of Maharashtra, called on Manipur Governor Gurbachan Jagat immediately after arrival yesterday but it was not known what transpired in the meeting.
The main demand of NSCN-IM was, said sources in political parties here, is disintegration of Manipur to merge Naga-inhabited areas with neighbouring Nagaland but it has been rejected by several organisations in Manipur.
Congress sources said Jamir would also meet Manipur chief minister O Ibobi Singh, also a senior Congress leader, before leaving for Nagaland today.
The visit of Jamir, a member of Congress Working Committee, is being viewed with considerable interests among political observers as the Centre and NSCN-IM are going to enter a crucial stage in peace talks for settlement of Naga issues in Nagaland.
Sources said Jamir, a former governor of Maharashtra, called on Manipur Governor Gurbachan Jagat immediately after arrival yesterday but it was not known what transpired in the meeting.
The main demand of NSCN-IM was, said sources in political parties here, is disintegration of Manipur to merge Naga-inhabited areas with neighbouring Nagaland but it has been rejected by several organisations in Manipur.
Congress sources said Jamir would also meet Manipur chief minister O Ibobi Singh, also a senior Congress leader, before leaving for Nagaland today.
‘Fake encounter’: NHRC issues notice to Manipur DGP
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to
Manipur’s Director-General of Police and the Imphal District Magistrate
calling for reports within two months on the alleged killing of two
suspected militants, one of whom was claimed to be an innocent ice-cream
vendor, in a ‘fake encounter’ on July 30 this year.
The Commission was acting on the media reports, which said the encounter took place at Lamdeng Khunou Chingmei near the solid waste management plant located four km north of the Lamsang police station in Imphal West district.
The wife of one of the deceased, Sukham Naobicha, has alleged that her husband was an ice-cream vendor.
The National Human Rights Commission asked the two officers to forward the reports of magisterial inquiry, inquest and post-mortem of the bodies of the two persons along with that of an independent investigation.
The Commission was acting on the media reports, which said the encounter took place at Lamdeng Khunou Chingmei near the solid waste management plant located four km north of the Lamsang police station in Imphal West district.
The wife of one of the deceased, Sukham Naobicha, has alleged that her husband was an ice-cream vendor.
The National Human Rights Commission asked the two officers to forward the reports of magisterial inquiry, inquest and post-mortem of the bodies of the two persons along with that of an independent investigation.
Manipur pushes back 60 suspected Bangladeshis
IMPHAL, Sep 3 : Authorities in Manipur have pushed back into Assam 60 suspected Bangladeshis, an official said Sunday.
Manipur Police have launched a crackdown in several parts of the state to flush out illegal Bangladeshi and Myanmarese immigrants.
A total of 49 illegal Bangladeshi and Myanmarese immigrants have been arrested and booked under the Foreigners Act, the official said.
Over 400 suspected illegal immigrants have been rounded up to verify their nationality.
"We pushed back 60 suspected illegal Bangladeshi immigrants Saturday into Assam from Jiribam after they failed to produce any document to prove they are Indian citizens," a police official told IANS.
Jiribam bordering Assam is one of three entry points to Manipur.
Manipur shares a border with Nagaland to the north, with Mizoram to the south and Assam to the west and Myanmar to the east.
"No person will be allowed to step into Manipur without producing valid documents and those who fail will be pushed back," the official said.
Manipur Home Minister G. Gaikhangam said the crackdown to detect illegal Bangladeshi and Myanmarese nationals would continue.
The minister said the government would take action against those who shelter illegal immigrants.
"It is a sensitive issue (illegal immigrants) and the government will not allow any illegal immigrant to settle in Manipur," Gaikhangam said.
Following pressure from civil society groups, the Manipur assembly July 13 adopted a resolution urging the central government to extend the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873, to the state to check the influx of suspected Bangladeshi and Myanmarese nationals.
Manipur Police have launched a crackdown in several parts of the state to flush out illegal Bangladeshi and Myanmarese immigrants.
A total of 49 illegal Bangladeshi and Myanmarese immigrants have been arrested and booked under the Foreigners Act, the official said.
Over 400 suspected illegal immigrants have been rounded up to verify their nationality.
"We pushed back 60 suspected illegal Bangladeshi immigrants Saturday into Assam from Jiribam after they failed to produce any document to prove they are Indian citizens," a police official told IANS.
Jiribam bordering Assam is one of three entry points to Manipur.
Manipur shares a border with Nagaland to the north, with Mizoram to the south and Assam to the west and Myanmar to the east.
"No person will be allowed to step into Manipur without producing valid documents and those who fail will be pushed back," the official said.
Manipur Home Minister G. Gaikhangam said the crackdown to detect illegal Bangladeshi and Myanmarese nationals would continue.
The minister said the government would take action against those who shelter illegal immigrants.
"It is a sensitive issue (illegal immigrants) and the government will not allow any illegal immigrant to settle in Manipur," Gaikhangam said.
Following pressure from civil society groups, the Manipur assembly July 13 adopted a resolution urging the central government to extend the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873, to the state to check the influx of suspected Bangladeshi and Myanmarese nationals.
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