Manipur Weekly

Manipur Chief Minister flags off Imphal-Mao Bus Service

Chief Minister N. Biren Singh today flagged off Imphal-Mao Manipur State Transport (MST) Bus Service from MST Complex, Moirangkhom.

The Bus Service was launched with an objective of providing a safe, reliable, affordable and sustainable public transport service.

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Manipur: bomb explodes near police commando complex

A powerful bomb exploded near the police commando complex at Pallel area in Manipur's interior Thoubal district but there was no casualty, police said on Tuesday.

The bomb, planted by suspected militants in front of the police complex, about 40 km from Imphal, went off on Monday night.

It was a very powerful bomb and the sound of explosion could be heard some kilometres away from the spot, police said.

All police and security posts in the state have been put on alert.

Driver shot dead in interior Manipur

The police on Wednesday said Liangson Muan Muan was gunned down by the assailants from point blank range on Tuesday night amid tight security deployment in the area.

Official reports from Churachandpur district said there was heavey security deployment in the district headquarters following putting up of some hand-written notice at some places asking members of a particular community to leave the district.

Ibobi urged to sign deal with Myanmar on drug smuggling

A civil organisation in Manipur Tuesday said if an agreement was entered with Myanmar government for working together towards curbing cross border drug smuggling menace during Manipur chief minister’s proposed visit to Myanmar, the visit would be a meaningful one.

A high level State delegation led by state chief minister Okram Ibobi was likely to visit Saigang division of Myanmar in the latter part of May in an effort to strengthen trade relationships between the two countries through Manipur and other northeastern states of the country.

The chief minister O Ibobi was scheduled to visit the neighbouring country to attend a seminar on May 28 at Mandalay that would deliberate on issues concerning development of surface transport network to link South East Asian countries with Manipur as well as discuss means to enhance trade potential in the region.

All Manipur Anti-Drug Association (AMADA), in a statement, observed that the drug smuggling has become a big issue in Manipur when even personnel of the law enforcing agencies like the police department were involved in the recent cases of drug smuggling in Manipur.

If the chief minister brings up the matter and signs an agreement to work together between the two countries, the visit would be a meaningful one and people would be thankful to the chief minister, the statement asserted.

According to media reports in Imphal, the chief minister was likely to be accompanied by commerce and industries minister Govindas Konthoujam, works minister Dr Kh Ratankumar, education minister M Okendra and top department officials.

The state chief minister has got a formal invitation from the chief minister of Saigang division of Myanmar U Thar Aye which was provided through the Union ministry of home affairs.

On the sideline of the seminar that would be followed by a buyers-buyers meet Ibobi was likely hold a meeting with his Saigang counterpart Thar Aye.

Foreign models join crusade against AIDS in Manipur

IMPHAL: A day ahead of their gala event in Imphal, eleven foreign models on Friday joined the people's crusade against the spread of HIV/AIDS and crime against women at several public places.

Manipur is one of the six HIV prevalence states of the county. According to the state-run Manipur AIDS Control Society (Macs), the state has over 40,000 people living with the disease.

In the face of the spread of the epidemic, crime against women is also on the rise in the state prompting hordes of civil bodies to fight the menace. Women Action for Development (Wad) secretary Sobita Mangsatabam said over 300 cases of violence against women, including rape, murder, molestation, trafficking, brutal physical assault, abduction, intimidation, abandonment and immolation took place in Manipur last year.

The models - five from Russia, three from Ukraine and one each from Moldova and Brazil - distributed leaflets and pamphlets highlighting awareness tips on combating spread of HIV and crime against women at various markets, including Nambol and Bishnupur.

On Saturday evening, the models along with six Manipuri models, will walk the ramp at Bheigyachandra Open Air Theatre (Boat) here. The event has been organized by the Imphal-based Blue Wings and sponsored by Manipur Development Society (MDS) and Manipur Skill Development Society.

Highway blockade continues in Manipur

Imphal: Indefinite blockade by a student’s union on two national highways continued for the fifth day on Thursday in Manipur, leading to a sharp rise in prices of essential commodities brought from the neighbouring states.

Members of Zeliangrong Students Union began the blockade on two national highways -- Imphal-Jiribam-Silchar and Imphal-Dimapur-Guwahati -- from April 21 demanding release of a girl student identified as Alice Kamei by an insurgent outfit Revolutionary People's Front (RPF).

Transport services between Manipur and its neighbouring states remained suspended since the start of the blockade shooting up the prices of essential and other items brought in from other states, officials said.

Meanwhile, petrol tank driver Surajit Singh, released by his abductors on April 23, told reporters last evening that he had been told by the kidnappers that such incident would recur if tank owners did not respond to their extortion demands.

The president of All Manipur Petroleum Drivers' Association Bhupenchandra Ghosh, who was present at the press meet, made an appeal to all for the security of the drivers.

Highway blockade continues in Manipur

Drivers calls off strike, blockade continues in Manipur

The strike by the All Manipur Petroleum Tanker Drivers' Union (AMPTDU) was called off following release of the kidnapped driver even as a student union sponsored blockade on two national highways continued today.
Driver Surajit Singh, abducted by militants from Khujuma area in Nagaland while he was bringing petrol along with others to Imphal on April 22, was set free by its abductors last evening, a spokesman of AMPTDU told reporters this morning.
Drivers would start plying petrol tankers along with security personnel from today, he said. Official sources said petrol pumps are closed since April 22 last and petrol was selling at Rs 110 per litre.
Singh was kidnapped by a militant organisation, which collected Rs 8000 to Rs 10000 per year from each oil tanker, when his employer did not pay the amount in time.
Meanwhile, Zeliangrong Students Union (ZSU) have been continuing its blockade on two national highways Imphal Jiribam Silchar and Imphal Dimapur Guwahati since April 21 last demanding release of a girl student identified as Alice Kamei by an insurgent outfit Revolutionary People's Front (RPF).
RPF had earlier said that Alice had joined the organisation on her own. Official sources said transport services between Manipur and neighbouring states remained suspended for the past few days because of the blockade.
The government was considering to provide security to vehicles but a decision was yet to be taken. Prices of essential and other items brought to the state from other states had skyrocketed because of the blockade, the sources said.

Manipur youth take up mushroom cultivation

Imphal, Apr. 24 : The youth of Manipur, who are keen to become financially independent, have found that mushroom cultivation can help them generate income not just for themselves but also for others.
Ningobam Ningthemjao Singh, an agriculture graduate, who runs "Hee Yai Mushroom Farm" in Manipur's Imphal East District started mushroom cultivation in the courtyard of a hut along with sister N Pramoda Devi in 1995. Over a period of time he has expanded the business.
N. Tomcha Singh, a mushroom farmer, said it is very profitable.
"Mushroom cultivation will be good for state's economy because we don't have to go outside to get materials. All the materials are available here so introduction of mushroom cultivation will help employment and income generation," he said.
Today his annual earnings are more than Rs 3.5 lakhs and he employs 8 people. Different species of mushrooms, including Oyster, Shiitake, Maitake and Lion's Mane are sold in the local market and in other parts of the state.
Bala Devi, a labour here, said that the demand for mushroom is growing, and added that the production has gone up."We are doing very well," she added.
Earnings from the farm help me meet my expenses. Now, I can look after my family," added another labour Nganbi Devi.
Ningobam Singh provides an example worthy of emulation for youth of the region.

Rebels attack two convoys in Manipur

IMPHAL: In two separate attacks by rebels on Sunday, one Manipur Rifles (MR) personnel was killed and 10 others, including three government engineers, were injured near Moreh, while seven people, including two CRPF jawans, sustained splinter injuries at Sekmai in Imphal West.

A team of Manipur Public Works Department (PWD) engineers escorted by 8MR personnel was going from Moreh to Imphal in separate vehicles when they were attacked by militants near Kwatha Lamkhai along National Highway 2 about 15km from the border town around 8:30am.

The rebels exploded three IEDs before raining bullets at the team, killing an MR personnel and injuring 10, including three engineers, two others and five MR personnel, police sources said. Police said that there was an exchange of fire.

Rifleman Sachin (30) died on the spot, sources said, adding that the injured, including superintending engineer Manglemjao, were rushed to a Moreh hospital before they were referred to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) and Shija Hospital in Imphal.

Minutes after the incident, additional forces, including Assam Rifles soldiers and police commandos stationed at Moreh, rushed to the spot and carried out a combing operation, though no one was pulled up.

The engineers were on a trip to Kwatha area in Chandel district along the Indo-Myanmar border for road construction work.

Meanwhile, a CRPF convoy came under an IED attack near Sekmai Bazaar about 16km from Imphal around 11:00am. Seven people, including two jawans and five civilians, received minor splinter injuries.

Police said the paramilitary force's convoy was heading for Dimapur from Imphal when the IED, fitted on a stationary truck, exploded. The injured were given first aid at a nearby government health centre.

Underground groups that are fighting to restore Manipur's past sovereignty have been launching bomb attacks on security forces frequently in various parts of the state including Imphal since September last year.

Truck driver killed near Imphal

The driver of a goods truck travelling on the Imphal-Jiribam road was shot dead on Wednesday by unknown persons. Two trucks, including the one belonging to the deceased, were set afire at an isolated spot between Charoi Pandong and K Senam villages on National Highway 37 in Senapati district in Manipur. While the police is still investigating the matter, they have not ruled out the possibility that the attack was carried out by armed cadre of the NSCN-IM.
Meanwhile, a 48-hour general strike was called in Manipur to protest the death of the driver, 40-year-old Asem Babu. Babu's truck was transporting cement to Imphal when it was attacked.
While a number of trucks were transporting goods at the time, and were accompanied by security, the two trucks in question developed technical problems and had stopped for repairs when they were ambushed. A gang of uniformed persons in a Maruti 800 and a Maruti van allegedly opened fire indiscriminately at the vehicles. Babu was hit by a barrage of bullets on both legs.
The handyman in Babu's truck managed to flee the spot. The drivers of the second truck also managed escape the armed cadres.
The spot where the incident took place is about 45 km from Imphal. The body of the deceased and the burning trucks were reportedly discovered by personnel of the Assam Rifles and the CRPF who had been patrolling the area soon after the incident took place. A case has been registered at Sapermeina police station.

Manipur govt orders probe into Muslim youth's killing

IMPHAL: The Manipur government has ordered a probe into the recent lynching of a Muslim youth and the subsequent torching of a house by a mob at Yairipok in Thoubal district.

Md Sana (24) of Phoudel village in Yairipok was lynched by a mob on the night of April 12 for allegedly having an illicit relationship with a woman. The house of one Kh Kunjeshore was also torched by the mob.

Rubbishing the charge, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) set up against Sana's killing demanded that the government arrest the culprits and punish them accordingly.

On Thursday, Manipur principal secretary (home) issued an order for a police probe to establish the facts and circumstances of the violent incident, official sources said, adding that an IGP will head the inquiry. Reports of the investigation would be submitted to the government within a month, sources added.

With the issuance of the government order, the JAC called off the 48-hour general strike it had enforced from Wednesday evening. This followed a meeting with the JAC leaders and chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh at the latter's office. Sana's body, which was lying unclaimed in the mortuary of the state-run Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS), was taken by the JAC and the bereaved family on Friday afternoon for his last rites.

Meanwhile, movement of vehicles along the Imphal-Dimapur and Imphal-Silchar highways and other inter-district routes was severely affected on Friday owing to a 24-hour 'chakka' bandh called by the All Manipur Road Transport, Drivers and Motor Workers' Union from Thursday midnight.

The bandh was called to protest against the gunning down of a truck driver and torching of two loaded trucks by suspected rebels along the Imphal-Silchar route on Wednesday night. The deceased truck driver, Sorokhaibam Babu (44), hails from Samurou in Imphal West.

Condemning the incident, deputy CM Gaikhangam instructed a senior police officer to check if there were any security lapses leading to the incident.

President's three-day visit to Sikkim, Manipur begins Monday

New Delhi, April 14 — President Pranab Mukherjee will visit the northeastern states of Manipur and Sikkim on a three-day tour beginning April 15, a statement from Rashtrapati Bhawan said Sunday.
In Manipur, the President will attend the diamond jubilee function of Adimjati Shiksha Ashram at Imphal where he will inaugurate the SC/ST girls hostel and also lay the foundation stone for a working women's hostel and a tribal boys' hostel.
In Sikkim, he will inaugurate the Siddeshwara Dham, at Solophok, in Namchi and dedicate it to the nation. He will also lay the foundation stone for the Sikkim University at Yangang, in south Sikkim.
The President will return to Delhi April 17.

New Delhi asks Manipur to supply electricity to Myanmar

New Delhi has asked Manipur government to supply electricity to the neighbouring country Myanmar despite shortage being faced by the state. Manipur chief secretary has received an instruction from the Centre regarding the matter asking the state government to take up steps immediately on the power supply on the basis done with Bangladesh by the Centre, a highly reliable source in the Manipur secretariat said Friday.

The instruction further asked the state government to construct a 400 KV/500 KV transmission line up to Mandalay in Myanmar and invite all NE states to join hands in investing Myanmar for setting up electricity generating plants.The source further said that investment to Myanmar was ‘a must’ to avail cheap and environment friendly electricity. As the neighbouring country has a huge potential of power generation.

Manipuri student kills self in Delhi

NEW DELHI, April 15 : A Manipuri student committed suicide by strangling himself with a mobile phone charger at his hostel room in Delhi University's Hindu College, police said Sunday.

The body of Chang Than Kirpa Singh, 21, was spotted in room 175 of the hostel by his room mate when he came back Sunday morning. In a two-page suicide note, Singh blamed himself for the death.

"The body was lying on a bed," a police officer told IANS.

The suicide note reportedly said that he was not keeping well and fed up with life. He said he was a "disobedient son".

Singh was pursuing graduation in music honours from the college. The dead man's father told police that he was taking medication for depression.

Myanmar delegation visits Manipur to strengthen bilateral ties

Imphal, Apr 15 : An eleven-member delegation from Myanmar recently visited Manipur to foster bilateral ties, with special emphasis on economic and diplomatic cooperation.

Enhancement of border trade, health services and supply of electricity was high on their agenda.

The delegation headed by Myanmar's Power Minister U Kyaw Win conducted meetings with political leaders of the state.

The delegation also met Manipur's deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam and held discussions on extending mutual cooperation in various fields, including setting up a thermal power plant, health care, tourism, education, visa on arrival at Tamu and Moreh, and opening of a Myanmar Consulate General in Imphal.

"The relation is better than ever. We met the Chief Minister and we are very pleased with the country's situation; socially, educationally and technically, there is an effort from India to maintain and promote this," said U. Thangliana, a Myanmarese lawmaker

"We talked about the health sector to be opened here. It is the desire of the state government here and they also have the idea. They want to come mainly for treatment because the distance is also quite near, the climate condition is good, and then the cost factor is also very less, and also the education sector. These two sectors are very viable," said Gaikhangam.

India and Myanmar not just share a 1,600 km long border but also a similar culture, language, and trade, rooted through its historical linkages.

Myanmar has a critical role to play in India's 'Look East Policy'.

Manipur hosts 27th edition of northeast games

Imphal, Apr 15 : The northeast has a rich pool of talent, especially in the sporting arena. Recently, the 27th edition of the Northeast Games 2013, a big sporting extravaganza, was organized in Manipur and attracted the enthusiastic participation of sportspersons.

Eleven boxers, including 4 women, from Nagaland are practicing hard for the games.

"Nagaland boxers can do well, if they get support from the government and public. Moreover, their natural strength and stamina makes them suitable for the sport," said P Daikho Poumai, state coach, Nagaland.

"With better facilities, Naga boxers can give tough competition to boxers from other states," said Toshinaro, boxer Nagaland.

On April 8, the 4-day long 27th edition of North East Games 2013 was inaugurated with pomp and grandeur at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium in Imphal.

All eight states of the region took part, with some 1,300 participants in various events like badminton, Football, Hockey, Boxing and athletics.

"This is the 5th time Manipur is hosting the event. I believe that such events are a good platform for understanding each other," said Dr.R.K Nimai Singh, Commissioner, Youth Affairs and sports.

"These games are very important for players like us as it allows us to develop our skills for the national games," said Vanlalruan Sallo, athlete from Mizoram

The Northeast has produced many talented sportspersons including Mary Kom, Shiva Thapa, Renu bala Chanu, Somdev Debburman, and Sandhya Rani.

Events like this provide the sportspersons a good platform to hone their skills for national and international events.

Manipur, in focus

SC provides an avenue for redress for fake encounter killings. Centre must build on it

After decades of insurgency, one of Manipur's deepest hurts might find judicial redress. Last week, a commission appointed by the Supreme Court to investigate six cases of alleged extrajudicial killings reported that all the encounters were fake. The panel had been set up in response to a petition filed by the Extrajudicial Execution Victims' Families Association, which cited 1,528 cases since 1979. For years, such encounters, allegedly staged by the police or by the armed forces stationed in the state under AFSPA, appeared to be shielded by an institutional pact of secrecy. Families of victims have battled the intransigence of the police, the state government, the lower courts, even the Centre. This institutional apathy has only deepened the sense of alienation among people in the state, who have always felt themselves to be on the margins of India's polity.
As the court noted last Thursday, "physical distance from Delhi does not mean emotional distance". Yet the counter-affidavit filed earlier by the Centre seemed to reflect just such a disconnect. Years of insurgency were dismissed as the activities of "a handful of disgruntled elements" who fuelled ethnic rifts to sustain their extortion rackets, which funded a "luxurious life in foreign countries" for their leaders. It is a fact that secessionist movements in the state have frittered away their ideological capital in recent years, operating more like petty gangs than political outfits, but the insurgencies of Manipur had stemmed from competing claims to land by different tribal groups, the Meiteis, the Kukis and the Nagas, among others. The affidavit also treats these ethnic rivalries as implacable divides. The Union government fails to recognise the deep-rooted insecurities of people who have felt marginalised, both politically and economically. Neither does it entertain the possibility that such insecurities may have been a factor in the insurgencies.
Militancy in Manipur is on the wane, with major Kuki groups having agreed to a suspension of operations and prominent Naga groups under a ceasefire. The ideology of the separatist movements has lost currency, but old hurts still rankle. The court has provided a valuable chance for redress. The Centre must build on it, if it wants to draw Manipur closer to the national mainstream.

India, Myanmar to launch bus service between Mandalay and Moreh

Imphal, Apr 5 : India and Myanmar will be launching a bus service between Moreh in Manipur and Mandalay in central Myanmar.

Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh will be visiting Myanmar by the end of this month to sign an agreement for launching the bus service.

Meanwhile, a delegation led by Myanmar's Power and Industry minister U Kyaw Win and other lawmakers are presently in Manipur since April 2, to persuade the state government to allow patients from Myanmar to get treatment in Indian hospitals here.

“This region is a gateway to southeast Asia. So we talked about the health sector to be opened here. It is the desire of the state government here and they also have the idea.

They want to come mainly for treatment because the distance is also quite near, the climate condition is good, and then the cost factor is also very less, and also the education sector,” said Manipur deputy chief minister Gaikhangam.

The Myanmar delegation includes lawmakers such as Khin Maung Shwe, U Thangliana, U Khinmaung Zwe, U Myonyunt, U Hla Maung, U Tinshwe, U Kyawsan Win, U Aung Chin, U Ayo Ko and U Tin Aye.

They visited the hospitals in Manipur and requested the state government to allow treatment of Myanmar nationals in speciality hospitals here.

The delegation proposed construction of a highway from Imphal to Mandalay in Myanmar which would reduce the distances and facilitate better connectivity in the region.