vaiphei blog - vaiphei online resoure: 09/01/2009

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Checking UG activities State Govt to go hi-tech

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MPHAL, Sep 29 : With the stated objective of chec-king the activities of militants as well as part of police modernisation, the State Cabinet, which met today evening, has decided to procure and instal Crime and Criminal Tracking Network System (CCTNS).
Briefing newsmen after the meeting, YAS Minister and newly appointed spokesman of the SPF Government, N Biren said that under the police modernisation drive to be taken up across the country, the Centre has set aside a sum of Rs 2000 crore. It is under this scheme, that the CCTNS will also be put up in Manipur.
Towards this end, a Memorandum of Understanding is to be inked between the State Government and the Union Home Ministry tomorrow (September 30), said N Biren.
The Centre is to bear the full cost of installing the hi-tech gadgets, said the spokesman and added that Manipur may receive anywhere between Rs 40 to 50 crores for installing the system.
For the first phase the Centre has sanctioned Rs 13 crores to Manipur, said N Biren.
The system will help the Police Headquarters to get connected with its units as well as with police stations outside the State.
Apart from bearing the cost of the system, the Centre will also bear the expenses of installing it as well as in training the personnel for operating it.
Personnel from the existing Police Department will be chosen to operate the state of the art gadget, informed the spokesman.
Apart from installing the system, the Cabinet also decided to create 27 posts of Constable drivers in the Police Department.
The Cabinet also decided to change the posts of 289 Constables to Constable drivers and also to revive the earlier decision to recruit 50 Constable drivers. The decision to recruit the 50 Constable drivers had to be rolled back due the ban on recruitment.
The 289 drivers will be absorbed from the newly recruited Constables or from those whose recruitment results are awaited.
The relaxation of the ban on recruitment is only for the Home Department not for other departments.
The Cabinet meeting chaired by the Chief Minister also minutely discussed the prevailing situation in the State as well as the breakdown in the academic atmosphere, said Biren.

sunday service 27-09-09

PLA celebrates 31st raising day anniv.

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MPHAL, Sep 26: The 31st raising day of the proscribed PLA, the armed wing of RPF was reportedly celebrated yesterday. According to a statement issued by the chief of department of publicity of the outfit GM Changjou, the main celebration was held at PLA GHQ. Reading out the messages of RPF president, CAS and the addresses of the senior officers of PLA were the main highlights of the function which commenced along with unfurling of the party’s flag.
Afterward, PLA cadres interacted with the villagers settling around the GHQ partaking in a simple feasting and exchanging gifts, the statement said, while informing that similar celebrations were also held in the other unit HQs of PLA. Changjou further said that the 31st raising day celebration of PLA was done in a low key manner in con-sideration of the prevailing situation in Manipur.
Unlike in the past, RPF had not made any appeal to the people to participate in the celebration, yet many people responded and came forward to take part in the celebration, Changjou said, adding that reports of social service camps, symposium, debate, flag and festoon hoisting programme organised by the people in their respective locality vo-luntarily to mark the occasion has given new strength to RPF and its armed wing PLA.

VCF - sunday service 29-09-09 pictures.

Kuki-Zomi lak ah Officer masa Major Lalkai Vaiphei Aizawl ah mualliam

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amka, Sept 25: Manipur South District Churachandpur ah Kuki-Zomi lak a Officer masapen pente’ lak a khat Major Lalkai Vaiphei tu zingkal dak 6:45 am vel in Aizawl khawpi ah a chenna mun Zemabawk ah damlou in a mualliam a, tu nitaklam in aluang Lamka khawpi zuan ah puak ah um in, zing (Sept 26,2009) nitaklam leh a pianna khua Kangvai thanmual ah vui hiding ahi.
Major Lalkai ahileh, 5th May 1929 in Kangvai khua ah piang ahia, 1950 in pawl X a passed hi. Zia nung achun Delhi ah parliament ah clerk a sem a, zia akipat chun Assam (Gauhati) ah Civil Engineer va zil in, kum 3 course a zawnung in 1957 in North East Frontier Agency (NEFA) nuai ah Public Works Department ah Section Officer a sem a, 1965 kum in Indian Army nuai ah 2nd Lieutenant (Junior Commission) in a lut hi. Ama’n kum tam kuamtak Indian army nuai ah asepnung in Major chanpha atung man hi. Zia chu ahizing lai in Laldenga makaina Mizo National Front (MNF) in Mizo homeland demand abawl uh nasatak ah a chiazing lai in, Major Lalkai Vaiphei chu Engineering course zousa ahiziak in chial a um dungzui in Assam apat piangdawk pai ding Mizoram ah PWD Executive Engineer ding ah chial ah a um dungzui in, 1983 kum in EE (PWD) Mizoram mawpuakna ava lai. Major Lalkai in Mizoram PWD ah kum 4 bang asep nung in government service apat retirement piak in a um hi. Major Lalkai in Vaiphei society sung ah dinmun poimaw taktak ala sem a, VPC (nidang a VNO) ah General Secrtary ala tuk ban in Vaiphei pau a thasin thusua Thuthanna (1953) ah Editor hina ala tuu, Vaiphei Nam ading ah pawl X passed masa 3 na ahi.
Major Lalkai leh azi Lalremmawi @ Mawipuii te March 2 1972 in a kicheng ua, tuni tiang in a chate pawsal khat leh numei 2 in a dampi nalai ui. Seppatni Sept 21 2009 nitaklam in zunthum leh natna chuamchuam ziak in khawhelou a um in, doctor tamtak in nasataka a etkol nung un tuni Sept 25 zinglam dak 6:45 vel in a chenna mun Zemabawk, Aizawl ah damzoulou in ei mualliam san hi. Major Lalkai pianpi suapite ahileh, (late) Nemneikim W/o Lamkam Vaiphei Chief of Kangvai, Paotinlam Vaiphei, (late) Kaikhogin Vaiphei IFS, Nemzakim w/o Kaihau Vaiphei IDAS (Retd), (late) Thongkholal Vaiphei leh Thianngaihchong w/o Pastor Kailun te ahiu. Mithi luang chu Aizawl apat Guite road haw in puak in aum a, nitak dak 12 vel in Tuivai lei ahungtung ua, zing (Sept 26) leh Kangvai ah zana thupitak tawh vuiliam hiding ahi. Major Lalkai thina tawh kisai in Vaiphei Peoples Council (VPC) Gen Hqtrs, Young Vaiphei Association (YVA) Gen Hqtrs leh Zillai (Vaiphei Students Assn) Hqtrs te’n suunthu apuang ua, lusunna tuak innkuante nasatak ah suunpihthu genkawm in, Vaiphei Nampi’n mi manpha mama mansua ahidan a taklang ui.

Ravaged house of Happyland village chief Vareso Luikham (Inset: people of a neighbouring village huddling together at a safe place)

Two abducted men found shot dead

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MPHAL, Sep 24: In what appeared to be an act of vengeance, two villagers of Happyland who have been abducted by unidentified gunmen were found shot dead.
Following the incident, villagers of the neighbouring Chingnungkok fled for their lives.
According to police report, the two bodies were found lying along the side of the inter village road (IVR) running through an open field in between Happyland and Chingnungkok early morning today.
Apart from abducting the two villagers, the unidentified gunmen had also allegedly set on fire the house of the Khullakpa of Happyland.
Information received from the site of the incident said that the two victims have been identified as Joyson Ningkham (35) s/o late Phongmi and Venture Shaiza (38) s/o late Simon.
Joyson was working as a clerk in the church of Happyland village while Venture was the member of the Village School Board.
It may be recalled here that on the night of September 21, Laithangbam Rea- gan (30) of Chingnung-khok, who was the field captain of the proscribed KCP (MC) and his guard Soreishang (26) of the neighbouring Tungkoi village were picked up by some unidentified armed persons from the house of one Lovejoy of Happyland where they were watching TV. But their bodies were recovered the following morning near the foothill of Nongren.
Talking to media-persons, 42-year old Vareso Luikham, the Khullakpa of Happyland whose house had been set on fire last night, informed that he and his family members were not present inside the house at the time of the incident.
Maintaining that he did not have any idea as to why and who set his house on fire, the Khullakpa said that as a consequence of the last night’s incident he would not like enmity or any unwanted incidents between the two neighbouring villages.
Properties worth Rs 2 lakhs including 10 bundles of GI Sheets, utensils, clo-things and a cash amount of Rs 20,000 meant for village development fund and oth-er documents kept inside the house have been reportedly destroyed in the fire.
The media team also noticed bullet marks allegedly fired by the unidentified armed persons at the house of one Ngathingkhui Das (56), who is a neighbour of the Khullakpa.
In this connection, Nga-thingkhui informed that the two villagers who were found shot dead have been abducted by the unidentified armed persons from the house of one MC Robinson while they were watching TV at around 6.30 pm yesterday. Along with the two abducted villagers, the unidentified armed persons came to the house of the Khullakpa and set it on fire apart from opening several rounds of uninterrupted firing.
Slain village church clerk Joyson was a bachelor st-aying with his 60-year old mother Ningtherla as three of his sisters have married while village school board member Venture who was also a former clerk of the village church was a married man who lived on farming and he left behind his wife, two sons and three daughters. S Rita, mother of slain Venture said that she wants to know the identity of the killers of her son and why he had been killed.
Comprising just 38 households with a population of little more than 220 people, Happyland village had been established in 1967.
Meanwhile, following the last night’s incident, villagers of Chingnungkok have reportedly fled seeking asylum elsewhere.
A statement of the Chi-ngnungkok Development Committee said that in the aftermath of the September 21 and 23 incidents, panic stricken villagers of Happy-land and Chingnungkok have fled from their houses for safer places. While appealing to all concerned to ensure such incidents are not repeated in the future, the Committee has also drawn the attention of the State Govt in this regard.
The media team came across that apart from a handful of them, majority of the villagers in Chingnung-kok which has a total population of 360 people, have fled from their houses and taken refuge at safer places either with their relatives or friends.
One Rajen, a villager of Chingnungkok informed that people of the neighbouring Chingnungkok Tungkoi, Happyland and South-Loushing have been normally living in mutual co-existence. But after the recent violent incidents, tension has been running high in the area and there is strong apprehension of unwanted incidents among the people.
On the other hand, soon after the last night’s incident, a team of Assam Rifles personnel took away five male villagers of Ching-nungkok, though they were released afterward.
According to information received by the press, frighten by the sound of gun shots, the villagers, both male and female, were huddling together in a market shed when the Assam Rifles patrolling team on foot arrived and demanded to know why they were staying in such a manner. On hearing the response of the villagers, the Assam Rifles personnel asked to which direction the gunmen had left and tried to take away some of the villagers to lead the way. This was objected by the womenfolk. Inspite of that, the AR team took away five of the male villagers identified as Atho-kpam Ingo (45), Khongban- tabam Kumar (47), Huidrom Rabi (25), Sarangthem Tolen (30) and Laithangbam Kumar (48). However, all five of them were afterward set free from near the headquarters of Satjal (UFO) at Chingnungkok.

No ultra sound machine at RIMS' gynae ward Expectant mothers feel the brunt

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MPHAL, Sep 23: As there is no functioning ultra sound machine in the Obs-tetrics and Gynaecology Department of RIMS Hospital, where over 10,000 pregnant mothers are being admitted for delivery cases in a year, many patients, specially those coming from far flung areas have been facing lots of problems.
Although most of the pregnant mothers do not take the help of ultra sound machines in the past, with advancement in medical science, the doctors have been advising the pregnant mothers to undergo ultra sound test at least thrice during pregnancy.
This is to prevent the pregnant mothers from encountering birth related complication apart from ensuring the well-being of child to be born.
Although there used to an ultra sound machine at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of RIMS, where patients can undergo test by paying a nominal charge, the same has been lying idle for more than four years now. Though the Department has submitted proposals to the authorities of RIMS for installing a new machine, the same is yet to be realised.
It may be noted here that in accordance with the annual report, 2008-09 of RIMS, on an average, every day over 300 patients come to the OPD of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of RIMS and over 45,617 annual.
Furthermore, the total number of patients admitted to the wards of the Department in a year is put at 12,613 and those who undergo major operation at 4,052 and minor operation at 1,355.
Among these patients, 2,557 are emergency cases. The report also mentioned that there were 11,096 delivery cases out of which 8 died during child birth.
Talking to The Sangai Express in connection with non-functioning of the installed ultra sound machine, a senior gynaecologist of RIMS informed that the ultra sound machine lying in the labour room of the Department has not been functioning for five years now and proposals have been submitted repeatedly to the Purchase Committee for procuring a new machine but to no avail. As the ultra sound machine has not been working, patients have been facing lot of difficulties, apart from the problems faced by the doctors.
The senior gynaecologist further informed that it is the normal advice of the doctors to pregnant mothers to take ultra sound test atleast three times right from conception to the delivery stage. This is essential in understanding the position of the foetus.
An ultra sound machine inside the labour room is also a must for spot diagnosis in case of complication during child birth. In fact, there should be atleast two ultra sound machines in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department alone.
It is learnt while the ultra sound machine of the Department was still functio- ning, a nominal fee of Rs 50 used to be charged from a patient and around 15 to 20 patients take
be charged from a patient and around 15 to 20 patients have the ultra sound test on an average daily. Pramodini of Moirang who was found admitting in the antenatal ward of the Department informed that he had taken ultra sound testing thrice, the first two at Babina Clinic and the third one at Imphal Hospital and each test had cost her Rs 350. ‘‘Because of financial constraints in the family, I had to even sell off my cloths to raise the money’’, she disclosed, adding that ultra sound test is something one cannot skip just because there is no money. When contacted an official disclosed that the proposal for a new ultra sound machine in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department has already been approved by the Purchase Committee and process is underway for buying a the machine.

CID scion held with illegal arms

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MPHAL, Sep 23:Son of a serving intelligence department officer has been taken into custody by Imphal West district police after the 29 year old individual was picked up from his Nagamapal Singjubung Leirak residence in late morning today. Accor-ding to a statement issued by SSP (IW) L Kailun ‘at about 11.30 am acting on a credible information, Imphal West district police comman-dos arrested Laishram Sushil Singh s/o L Birendrakumar of Nagamapal Singjubung Leirak serving as a Sub-Inspector in CID(SB), Manipur and recovered 3 (three) small arms and 7 (seven) ammunitions from his unauthorised possession’. Investiga-tion is on, the statement added. Meanwhile, commandos of Thoubal district police conducted frisking and checking at kakching Khunou Lam-khai and apprehended a KYKL cadre namely Irengbam Gitchandra Singh (41) s/o I Jiban Singh of Langjing Achouba at about 10.30 am yesterday, said a statement issued today by the SSP (Thoubal) Clay Khongsai. On questioning the individual reportedly disclosed of being an active member of the KYKL and working in finance Section of the armed organisation.

NREGS given a humane face in Ukhrul

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KHRUL, Sep 23 : The flag ship programme of the UPA Government, the National Rural Employment Genera-tion Scheme, has brought a smile to a number of the rural poor, but Ukhrul district administration has taken a step forward and has given it a more humane face, by forwarding this scheme to the physically challenged people and the result is showing.
Meet AS Pamthingla, a 50 year old woman and mother of a disabled child as well as wife of a man, who has been rendered virtually disabled, after undergoing surgery on the back portion of the neck.
This 50 year old woman, walks with a stoop and cannot straighten up, following an operation on her back.
With her husband, AS Mingthing, unable to work, Pamthingla had to do odd jobs and weave clothes to make ends meet, but after NREGS was implemented in the district in April last year, her condition has improved.
This is all due to the efforts taken up by the district administration to reach out to the disabled persons in the district under NREGS.
At present there are 134 registered disabled persons in Ukhrul district, with Ukhrul district headquarters accounting for 70 of them.
Altogether there are 39,000 NREGS job card holders in the district.
Realising that disabled persons cannot be expected to put in the same amount of work or even take up certain type of work, which are physically challenging, the district administration is seriously studying the modalities utilising the services of the disabled people.
Towards this end, possibilities of employing them in avenues such as looking after the children of the workers, while they work, to prepare and serve tea or in case they are skilled use them for making mats or Moras.
Pamthingla is working under the job card given in the name of her husband, and process is underway to prepare a job card in her own name. Not surprisingly all her co-workers co-operate and no one complains if she is unable to work as much as the other able bodied people.
The extended benefits of NREGS has also touched the life another disabled young lady, 18 year old Peace Raleng.
She makes tea and serves it to the workers, during their break. The district administration is considering giving her a job card too.
Another story is of Peace Raleng, a 48 year old woman. Her husband passed away some time back, and she was left alone to fend for her four children, the eldest of whom is handicapped.
Earlier, before NREGS was implemented in the district, she earned whatever she could by weaving clothes and many a time she had to borrow the raw material for the weaving.
Two of her children had to drop out of school after Class XII, but now after the NREGS came, she has been able to put her youngest child in school, and she is studying in Class IX.
Reaching out to the less fortunate people, is not the only initiative taken up by the district administration.
In a unique move, a locker system has been installed at the SDO office of Ukhrul.
Here all files, documents etc of each village falling under the district are stored in the locker, which is earmarked for each village.
This means greater efficiency and faster disposal of file work.
The district administration has also succeeded in infusing a sense of competition amongst the villagers. All works taken up under the NREGS are studied and compared by a Monitoring Committee. The best work is then selected and the villagers rewarded with due publicity to serve as the model for the others.
Works taken up under NREGS here include digging ponds and harvesting rain water, drainage, roads and plantation of fruit bearing trees.

Mortal remains of CRPF officer brought home

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MPHAL, Sep 21 : The mortal remains of Ngassepam Manoranjan (IRLA- 7054), the Assistant Commandant of ‘Cobra’ Commandos Battalion of CRPF, who led an operation against Naxalite in Chattisgarh and laid down his life fighting against Naxals on September 18, was brought to Imphal today.
The coffin carrying the mortal remains of the young CRPF officer was brought to Imphal by flight IC-213 today and was received by a large number of CRPF officers including DIG CRPF Imphal Range Madan Singh Raghav, family members, relatives and other well-wishers from his native Yurembam Mamang Leikai.
When Memcha, the heartbroken mother of the martyred young CRPF officer, saluted the coffin and cried out ‘‘My son was a hero of the country’, all those present were seen trying to fight back the tears swelling up in their eyes.
The decorated vehicle of the CRPF which carried the coffin first drove to the RIMS quarters where Memcha stays after which it was taken to their native Yurembam Mamang Leikai residence where the last rites of the deceased was performed.
According to an official of the CRPF, Manoranjan joined the 38 batch of the force as a Direct Appointed Gazetted Officer (DAGO) in 2007 and later on was appointed as the Assistant Commandant of the first Battalion 210 ‘Cobra’ of the CRPF set up by the Central Government this year for resolute action against the menace of Naxals.
Headed by Manoranjan, the Commandos Battalion had been pressed into action for a special operation against Naxalites at Dantewara district of Chattisgarh.
The Commando team led by Manoranjan was returning after destroying a gun factory of successfully destroying a gun factory of the Naxals when two Assistant Commandants, one Sub-Inspector, one Head Constable and two Constables were killed in an ambush near Singsanmadugu village under Chintagupha police station on September 18, the CRPF official informed, adding that over 30 Naxalites were killed in the same operation.
Born on April, 1979, Manoranjan lost his father early in life and was brought up single-handedly by his mother who works as Sister in-charge at RIMS.
Manoranjan had his formative education at Dehradun and is survived by his mother and two sisters, one elder and the other younger.
Meanwhile, in a statement, PRO O/O IGP CRPF, Manipur and Nagaland, Langjing, said Manoranjan took Naxal bullets along with another Assistant Commandos named Rakesh Chaurasia while trying to save the lives of his jawans.
He had busted a gun factory, killed one Naxalite at Burkhara under PS Kistram in Dantewara and was coming back with 2 Lathe machines, 9 Burmar guns and solar panels when a large group of Naxalites present in the thick jungles of Maoist Red Zone attacked his party with sophisticated weapons.
Two of his jawans were injured and in order to save the injured jawans who had come under heavy fire, both the officers made a ‘break-out’ to divert the heavy automatic fire of the Naxals and ultimately took the Naxal bullets.
A State funeral was given to Manoranjan at the cremation ground of Yurembam Mamang Leikai where a wreath of white flowers was placed at his mortal remains
by DIG CRPF Imphal Range MS Raghav on behalf of DG CRPF AS Gill.
Guard of honour was also given by CRPF which presented reverse arms salute while CRPF band sounded the last post.
The Chief Minister along with his Cabinet colleagues, senior bureaucrats including Deputy Commissioner of Imphal, DGP Manipur Police and other dignitaries were
present at the creation, the statement added.

RIMS inquiry body found toothless

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MPHAL, Sep 21: The report of the preliminary enquiry conducted by a sub-committee into the absence of proper accounts about the money collected through the cash counters of RIMS including OPD and casualty counters has been submitted to RIMS Direc-tor.
Although the enquiry report did mention about misappropriation of crores of rupees as well the officials involved in the scam, it admitted the sub-committee’s inability to conduct the enquiry thoroughly.
Even though the enquiry conducted by the Head of ENT Department Prof Th Ibohal was a preliminary one, former Cashier Rajen Roy and 12 other employees were suspended on April 21 this year so that the enquiry could be initiated.
On learning that no proper accounts about the money collected from different cash counters inclu- ding OPD and Casualty counters have been maintained, the RIMS authority identified a specific period from April 1, 2007 till March 31 this year for investigation by the sub-committee.
As a rule, receipts are given to patient parties for blood test, taking X-ray, Ultra Sound, removal of stones, occupation of special ward etc. The money thus collected from issuing these receipts should be deposited at UBI, RIMS branch on daily basis.
Similarly, money collected from issuing OPD registration form (MR-1) should be also deposited at the same bank everyday.
As per the enquiry report, former Cashier T Rajen Roy did the work of distribution of receipt books having 50 pages.
During April 1, 2007 to March 31, 2009, Rajen Roy received 7824 receipt books.
Out of these, 7342 receipt books were distributed to UDC G Achung, LDC M Thambalngou, LDC S Sorojini, LDC S Kantomani, LDC L Mohenjao and LDC Shantikumar then posted at the counters of general OPD, Gynae OPD, PMR OPD, Physiology OPD, Special Ward and Emergency Services.
There was vast incompatibility between The amount received by RIMS authority and the amount recorded in the receipt books, the report pointed out.
In one particular case, out of Rs 3100 that should go to the account of RIMS, only Rs 5 were deposited at RIMS account while the remaining Rs 3095 went unaccounted.
After 7382 receipt books have been distributed out of 7842 given to Rajen Roy, the remaining 482 receipt books have disappeared.
Of the total distributed receipt books, many used and unused receipt books were in the hands of the employees posted at the cash counters, the report mentioned.
The sub-committee could not establish the exact amount that should incur to RIMS from the receipt books. Nevertheless, a reliable source estimated that the approximate amount that should incur to RIMS would be Rs four crores.
As per an official order issued on December 7, 2007, RIMS December 7, 2007, RIMS Non-Teaching Staff Welfare Association and Statistical Assistant Bijendra Koijam was in charge of delivering OPD registration form (MR-1) to different counters as well as deposition of money collected from issuance of these forms.
During the period of enquiry, six lakh numbers of OPD registration forms were printed. The cost of these forms is Rs 5 each.
Of the total number of printed forms, 4,82,500 were distributed to different counters. But the exact amount that should be received from these distributed forms were not deposited at RIMS account, mentioned the preliminary report. Even though the reported did not directly recommend a thorough enquiry into the multi-crore scam by a competent, independent body, it admitted its inability to delve deeper into the case due to time constraints.

Effigies being put on flames during the ongoing agitation following the July 23 incident

False bomb alarm sounded over parked van at Paona Bazar

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MPHAL, Sep 20 : An unoccupied Maruti Van, parked under the BT Flyover near Shamu Makhong, gave some anxious moments to the police this evening.
Suspecting that the vehicle might have been planted with explosives, police cordoned off the normally busy section of the Khwairamband Keithel from about 5 pm before bomb experts unlocked the vehicle (AR06B/0160) and searched it thoroughly three hours later.
A vehicle document (RC book) bearing the name of one Mahesh Kumar Sood of Thangal bazar has been recovered from inside the abandoned Van.
Prior to unlocking the vehicle, police teams went around the market place to find its owner but to no avail.
mortar shell found : Police have recovered a live mortar shell from near the Thangmeiband College Gate office of State unit Nationalist Congress party at around noon today.
meanwhile, locals of Uripok Khoisnam Leikai staged a sit-in-protest today in condemnation of the hand grenade attack by unidentified persons at the residence of PHED’s Assistant Engineer (Imphal East Circle) Pangambam Saratchandra late last night.

A satellite picture of Raj Bhavan and the explosives being carted away in a vehicle

25 Kgs explosives ‘gifted’ to Raj Bhavan

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MPHAL, Sep 18 : In one of the most stupefying and audacious show of dare, a car laden with 25 kgs of explosives has been detected inside the Raj Bhavan, just 100 feet away from the Governor’s office today.
The explosive found inside the steel coloured car was of sophisticated technology and it was being planned to trigger a blast inside the Raj Bhavan using mobile phones.
According to a press release issued by Imphal West SSP L Kailun, Manipur Police bomb disposal squad detected the Maruti car bearing registration number MN01/W-5048 parked at the parking area of Raj Bhavan in time.
On closure examination, the vehicle was found laden with explosives which were hidden at the cushion portion of the back seat. The same had been hidden from easy detection by covering with seat cover.
The quantity of the explosive was about 25 kgs and it included three HE grenades, iron nails, bolts and two mobile phone hand sets.
The explosive materials were taken out from the vehicle and detonated at a safe place. A case has been registered at City police station and investigation launched into it, it said.
At about 11 am today, some unidentified persons came in two cars to the Raj Bhavan saying that they were members of a club and would submit a paper to the Governor.
Registering themselves in the name of one Th Koireng of Wangkhei in the security register, they went inside the Raj Bhavan, said a security man in the Raj Bhavan.
It is suspected that they might have left in one car while the other was left parked at the parking area of the Raj Bhavan.
At that time, the security personnel posted inside Raj Bhavan were unaware of the presence of explosives inside Raj Bhavan. They came to know about it only when top police officers arrived there.
Later speaking to media persons at his office, Imphal West SSP L Kailun said that the owner of the car in which the explosive was fitted could not ascertained. However, two-three persons suspected to be related to the car have been detained by police
The explosives looked like gelatin type and it contained three hand grenades, two mobile phone hand-sets, iron nails and bolts and detonators, the SSP said.
The explosives were retrieved and later set off safely at Pangei police firing range.
To a query, the SSP said that the explosives fitted in the car with a plan to trigger it using mobile phones was of sophisticated technology. Police would know something about it, Kailun said.
On learning about the presence of explosives inside the Raj Bhavan, DGP Y Joykumar and IG (L/O-I) M Karnajit came there. They also talked to the Governor.
Media persons rushing to the Raj Bhavan on learning about the car-bomb were prevented by police from entering the Raj Bhavan. Staff of the Raj Bhavan were also not allowed to go out of their rooms.
At about 3 pm, media persons saw a police Tata DI with a trailer coming out from the Raj Bhavan. The trailer was carrying a drum in which the explosives were put.
The registration number embossed on the number plate of the bomb-fitted car was a forged one. The registration number might be of another State, informed another source.
The car has been taken away by police.
The Governor had a programme to attend at Nagaland this morning. But the trip was cancelled due to non-arrival of helicopter.
The IG AR (S) also came to the Raj Bhavan on hearing about the explosive inside the Governor’s residential complex.
While 109 Bn CRPF are responsible for security cover the Raj Bhavan, CID and unarmed police personnel were manning the Raj Bhavan gate. A police team was also deployed beyond the gate.
Today’s daring intrusion of the car-bomb inside Raj Bhavan complex has reduced all the enhanced security meaures to a mockery. After the bomb attack launched by KCP (MC-Lanheiba) at Raj Bhavan on December 21 last, the whole security arrangement around Raj Bhavan was re-assessed. As per the revised security arrangement, more flood-lights were put up, height of compound wall raised, installation of CCTV cameras, removal of three offices and closure of all openings (doors and windows) of buildings facing Raj Bhavan etc.
In addition, the State Government has already requisitioned the Union Government to provide Special Security Group for security cover of the Governor and the Raj Bhavan.

Attack flayed

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uki Inpi Manipur (KIM) and Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) have strongly condemned the last night’s attack at the New Lambulane residen-ce of Haojakhup Lupho by unidentified armed miscreants. Lupho is the vice president of KIM. In a statement, information and publicity secretary of KIM P Lupheng said that on further investigation,
it has been found out that an armed group called UKLA (MC) had served a monetary demand of Rs 5 lakhs to Haojakhup.
Since the vice president is not in a position to meet unreasonable monetary demand the gunmen had opened fire three rounds at his house, Lupheng said, adding that Haojakhup is an upright family man who has been serving the Kuki people in his best capacity as the vice president of KIM for the last two years. In another statement, information and publicity secretary of KSO Paothinthang appealed to all the UG groups to refrain from such monetary demand and attempt to disturb the society. Furthermore, the student body while condemning kidnapping of officials by UG groups has appealed to the group responsible for abduction of BDO Saikot Md Ashraf Ali to release him immediately without any condition.

UNLF fund raisers held

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MPHAL, Sep 18 : Acting on a specific information that one Inao alias Naocha alias Priyobarta of Kwakeithel Laishram Leikai has collected huge amount of money as fund for the banned UNLF from contractors and engineers of PHE Department, Imphal West police raided his house and detained him, said a press release issued by SSP Imphal West L Kailun.
On verification, he identified himself as Irom Priyobarta alias Naocha Singh (41) s/o I Modhu of Kwakeithel Laishram Leikai.
He disclosed that he was presently working under s/s Lt Nongmaithem Inao alias Ratan alias Ibochouba s/o N Gouramani of Kakching Turel Wangma for the last five years as collector/fund raiser of the UNLF. He further disclosed that the money collected for UNLF was either handed over to s/o Lt Nongmaithem Inao alias Ratan alias Ibochouba or deposited in the custody of Ranjit Oinamcha of Kwakeithel Laishram Leikai for safe custody.
Acting on his revelation that a sum of Rs 10,04,000 has been collected from PHED and the same has been deposited with Ranjit Oinamcha, Imphal West police detained Ranjit Oinamcha s/o late Oinam Ningthem of Kwakeithel Laishram Leikai and raided his house during which Rs 10,04,000 was seized from his custody.
Ranjit Oinamcha disclosed that the money was handed over to him by Irom Priyobarta alias Naocha (41) s/o I Modhu of Kwakeithel Laishram Leikai and that he was also working under the supervision of s/s Lt Nongmaithem Inao alias Ratan alias Ibochouba as one of the fund raisers of the UNLF.
The two persons–– Irom Priyobarta alias Naocha Singh and Ranjit Oinamcha of Kwakeithel Laishram Leikai, have been formally arrested along with the seized amount of Rs 10,04,000 and one mobile phone, added the release.

35th Foundation Day of AMWJU in progress at the Manipur Press Club

Saikot BDO abducted for ransom

L
amka, Sep 16 : Suspec-ted armed men abducted Md Asraf Ali, the Block Development Officer of Saikot TD Block, for ransom yesterday while he was returning home at Muolvaiphei village, about 1 km from his office.
The BDO was travelling in a commercial Tata Magic with a Village Level Worker (VLW) when they were intercepted by two men on a black Bajaj Pulsar motorbike at round 3.15 pm, said an official. He was then forced to ride with the men with a couple of scooter closely following, added the source. The BDO remains untraced ever since.
Though officials were reluctant to admit that ransom has been served to them for the safe release of the kidnapped BDO, information gathered by this correspondent has unearthed that the kidnappers have indeed demanded Rs 50 lakhs initially for releasing their hostage. The amount however was reduced to Rs 25 lakhs later today.
Deputy Commissioner Jacintha Lazarus said, ‘We are trying our level best to bring him back securely,’ but refused to comment much on the issue. She nevertheless confirmed that the kidnappers have indirectly served ransom to secure the release of the BDO.
Officials from the Assam Rifles, State police and the District Administration have set up camp at the DC office since early today to take stock of the situation. Any decision or initiative taken up by the Government, if any, still remains covert as it was a closed-door initiative.
When enquired, SP Churachandpur, GB Sharma only said, ‘we are on the job, trying to locate and rescue him.’
The SP said he received information about the kidnapping at around 1.16 pm last nigh and have since registered a case. Assam Rifles officials too declined to disclose much.
Family members of Ali who were here today said they want the government to take some responsibility and seek to secure his safe release. Hajmal, the second son of the kidnapped BDO told The Sangai Express, they learnt about his father’s kidnapping only late yesterday from an official as their attempt to reach him his mobile phone went in vain.
‘My father is a diabetics and BP patient, and also on fast due to (Ramzan – a religious fasting for Muslims), we could only request them (his captors) to please set him free,’ Hajmal, a plus twelve student said.
His mother, Mumtaz is still shell-shocked to learn that his father is taken for ransom, he said.
Though officials were tight-lipped on the group suspected to be behind the kidnap, a highly placed official quoting intelligence sources said, it could be an act of a break-away group of Kuki armed groups. Evan at the time of writing this report there is no sign of Md Asraf Ali as yet.
The Hmar Peoples’ Convention (D) meanwhile said they condemned in the strongest term the act of those armed elements in kidnapping the BDO from a village that was dominated by Hmars. A statement of the armed group signed by John F Hmar also said, the HPC (D) will not merely accept such act and warned that stringent action would be taken against the perpetrators as and when their identity was revealed.

Cops fire at ‘speeding car’, three hurt

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MPHAL, Sep 16: Three youths out of five, travelling in a car, have been wounded in firing by police comman-dos at MG Avenue area this evening.
In connection with the incident, four personnel of 5th bn IRB attached to police commando unit have been placed under suspension.
According to a police report, a team of police commandos deployed at MG Avenue area opened fired at around 7 pm as their signal to halt was not heeded by occupants of a maruti car that reportedly was also involved in ramming three other vehicles and tried to speed away from the scene.
The car (MN06L/0428) first hit a Honda Activa scooter near Khoyathong traffic point from where the vehicle sped away towards Thangal bazar even as by-standers and security personnel deployed there tried to stop it.
The speeding car then rammed at a police patrol team on motorbike near jalan Provision crossing resulting in leg injury of a personnel namely AK Umakanta.
Amid intermittent firing a hot chase ensued with the unhurt police commando joining his colleagues in a maruti Gypsy even as another commando team in a Gypsy blocked the path ahead.
Prior to bringing the Maruti car to a stop, it hit the other commando vehicle in their bid to make their escape from the area but ultimately failed.
after the car occupants were pulled out it came to light that five youngsters were inside with three of them bleeding profusely. While the three were taken to RIMS Hospital two others have been taken into custody of City police station, said a police source while adding that all the five occupants were in inebriated condition.
The injured trio have been identified as Thomas Adalo (18) s/o M Dili of Karong, Ashao LS (18) s/o KS Sane from Rabunamei village of Mao sub-division but presently residing at AK Ruhini Boys Hostel in Keishampat Leimajam Leikai and Rodhu James Paomai (20) s/o LD Seiba of Rikhumai Taphou presently staying at Nirmala Hostel also in Keishampat Leimajam leikai.
the two others detained at City PS are said to be Elowat Hisu (21) s/o L Athisu of Taphou village and S Thohrii (19) s/o nemio of Mao gate but staying at AK Ruhini Boys Hostel. All five are said to be students of coaching centres that specialises in medical entrance examination.

Security forces put up a bunker in a house at a Sajik village

Army to continue with welfare progs

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MPHAL, Sep 15: Inspite of conceding that during times of turmoil people remember the Army only for the men in uniform to fade away into the background, the PIB (DW) asserted that there would be no cessation of welfare programmes being executed by the Red Shield Division.
With particular reference to the most backward pockets in the north Cachar Hills district, a PIB (DW) statement issued today recoun- ted that this year alone the red Shield Division had organised 13 medical camps that benefited more than 1800 citizens of the district in Assam.
Conveying that in North Cachar there is one doctor serving 5000 citizens ag-ainst the national average of one doctor for every 1722 citizens, the statement also said the district with a total of over 2 lakh people frequently endures outbreak of endemic problems of malaria further compounded with the fact that there is only one district hospital at Haflong.
Citing an example of the district being prone to malaria outbreaks, it noted relocation of a security post from its base along the Assam-Nagaland border to another site owing to high incidence of malaria amongst the troops.
Army for many villagers has been the only sign of Government presence in their areas and requests for development projects through memoranda and petitions are often landed and to the Army patrols by ‘gaon burahs’ and citizen committees, affirmed the pIB (DW) statement.
It also mentioned that the Red Shield Division troops, deployed in this area, from their resources have executed over 30 welfare pro- jects valued at Rs 60 lakhs ranging from provision of solar lights, computers for schools, water supply schemes, construction of play-fields etc., in addition to organising excursion trips to larger Indian cities.
The statement further confided that for the current year, the Army has an outlay of projects worth Rs 1 crore for development of the region.
Medical camp: In all 72 children were examined and treated during a free health check-up camp organised by 39 AR at Outreach Mission Christian Rehabilita- tion Services at Langol Tar-ung on September 14, said a PRO IGAR (S) release.
Deworming was done for all the children and caretakers of the institute, it added.
On the otherhand, a throwball match for girls was organised at Motbung to commemorate 24th raising day of 10 Sector Assam Rifles under IGAR (S).
Educational Training School defeated Salom High School in the match, the PRO mentioned.

A young child sells goods on the pavement just adjacent to the Polo ground to earn his living

Chakka bandh

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mphal, Sep 14 : Trans-port services connecting the hill districts of Manipur with Imphal as well as those plying to other States remained off the road for the second day today due to the 48-hour chakka bandh called from Sunday by All Tribal Disable Union, Manipur (ATDUM) demanding reservation of quota in Govt jobs for its members, reports NNN. The usually crowded Churachandpur bus parking at Keishampat and the Senapati bus parking at Khoyathong wore deserted looks as no buses could be seen parked to ferry passengers to the two districts. Reservation of 3 pc quota in Government appointment have been demanded by ATDUM under sections 33 and 36 of the Per-sons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act 1995, especially in regard to the recruit-ment of candidates for the posts of supervisor in ICDS, and in the recruitment of statis-tical assistant, lower divisional clerks (LDC) and grade IV in the Social Welfare depart-ment, Manipur. Legal action against the Government would be taken up if it does not respond to the demands of ATDUM, warned Momo Tan-tanga, president of ATDUM in a press conference on Saturday.

Kuki community observing Black Day at Kangpokpi and people observing silence in remembrance of the departed souls

Kukis recall victims of ethnic violence

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MPHAL, Sep 13 : In remembrance of those who lost their lives during the ethnic violence of 1993, the Kuki community today observed Black Day throughout the State with the main observance held at Kangpokpi KCC hall today.
On this day in 1993, 104 persons, including women and children belonging to the Kuki tribe were slain by activists of the NSCN (IM).
The observance, hosted by Kangpokpi Town Committee, at Kangpokpi was held under the aegis of Kuki Inpi and was marked by mass prayer for peaceful rest of the departed souls as well as in solidarity with the families who lost their near and dear ones in the violent naga-Kuki clash.
In mourning loss of lives, business activities in Sadar Hills came to a standstill and black flags (shawls) were hoisted along the road as well as individual homes.
Hill districts simmered with tension after the United Naga Council served quit notice in October 1992 to the Kukis to leave Naga inhabited land which was opposed by the latter community on the ground that they (Kukis) are living on the soil of Manipur.
In the aftermath of the stand-off, tension escalated between the two hill tribes with the first violent incident of burning houses and killing reported from Joupi village in Chandel district.
As the violence spread in hill pockets of the state, the Kuki community suffered maximum number of casualties when armed cadres of the NSCN (IM) went on the rampage.
nearly 1000 Kukis, including women and children, were killed and over 360 Kuki villages were destroyed consequently resulting in mass displacement of about 1 lakh Kuki from their homesteads.
On September 13, 1993 armed activists of the Naga rebel group killed 87 Kukis at Tamei sub-division of Tamenglong with 17 others also massacred at Gelnel village thereby taking the toll of a single day to 104.
Since the day, the kuki community lost maximum number of lives, Black Day is being observed by the tribe.
The mourning observance at kangpokpi was participated by the locals, as well as representatives of the Kuki Youth Union, Kuki Women’s Welfare Association, Pastors and Church leaders.
Speaking at the occasion, chairman of Kangpokpi Urban Town Committee Haokholen Guite described the day as the saddest event for the kuki community.
Expressing that inspite of the suffering every effort should be made to transform the darkest event into a day for renewed hope, haokholen called upon all to promote peace and bond of brotherhood to combat the evil of ethnic enmity.
Almost every Kuki household hoisted their traditional shawls to pay obeisance to the departed souls. They also prayed for peace and reconciliation in churches. One Kuki youth said that they stopped all sorts of entertainment programmes in remembrance of the departed souls. He said that they also prayed for everlasting peace and communal harmony.
The Kuki National Organisation (KNO) has also paid its respect and homage to the departed souls.
A statement issued by the umbrella organisation of 11 Kuki UG groups said that it paid heartfelt condolence to all those killed, maimed, orphaned and widowed by the “armed limguards under the command of the NSCN (IM) during the 1990’s and particularly to those inhumanely butchered villagers of Zoupi and Yanglenphai”.

Combo picture shows security reinforcement, damaged vehicle and items recovered from site

Four IRB jawans slain, five hurt in PLA ambush

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MPHAL, Sep 12: Four personnel of the India Re-served Battalion (IRB) were killed while five others have been wounded following an ambush by unidentified gunmen at Karong Chingjin, which is close to Ningthem-cha Khul in Imphal East district.
Later, in the evening the proscribed RPF/PLA claim-ed the attack.
According to a police source, the attack was launched at around 10.30 am today along the hilly terrain of Ningthemcha village approach road.
The incident site is about 10 kilometres north east of Lamlai police station.
It has been reported that an IRB convoy with 14 per-sonnel had left their unit camp at about 10 am for treatment of two of their sick colleagues when the attac-kers armed with sophisti- cated weapons fired at them killing four on the spot.
the IRB unit belongs to the 6th battalion and sta-tioned at the Thoubal Multi- purpose Project site where a dam (Maphou dam) is being built.
Led by a Jamadar the IRB personnel had moved out for Imphal in a bullet-proof mini truck (MN1G/0843) and one Maruti Gypsy (MN01W/0574).
According to driver of the bullet-proof (BP) vehi-cle namely Lourembam Ro- mikanta of Lamlai the con-voy came under fire at a spot locally known as Mi-thihoubi. Along with spo- radic return of fire by the IRB jawans the BP was driven for about a kilometre along the curvy road stretch but could not proceed much fur-ther as the Maruti Gypsy that was at the front broke down due to impact of the attack.
Taking the rifle of an in-jured colleague, Romikanta said he jumped out of the vehicle and fired shots to-ward the attackers but soon ran of bullets. Scampering down a gorge he reported the inci-dent to the 88 Bn BSF post which is the nearest secu-rity camp.
While four of the IRB men were slain on the spot a reinforcement team of the BSF unit rushed in and eva-cuated the injured five to RIMS Hospital, he main-tained.
On reaching the spot, one the IRB victims was found at the front seat of the BP with bodies of three others strewn on the ground. The attackers also tugged in a Chinese hand-grenade under a corpse.
As news spread about the attack, additional rein-forcement of the BSF, Im- phal East police comman-dos and IRB personnel ar- rived at the spot and a search of the surrounding areas was conducted.
Inspector General (L&O-III) V Zathang along with BSF Commandant Sham Kapoor, SP (IE) Th Radhe-shyam and CO 6th IRB Laxmi Prasad also arrived at the scene and supervised the search operation.
The search led to the re-covery of a live rocket shell, snack packets and camou-flage waist coat with a hole on the backside (apparently bullet hole) from the sur-rounding bushes of the attack site. An SLR rifle likely to have been dropped by the surviving jawans was also retrieved from a nearby gorge. Gun shot marks were also observed on the left side of the mini truck’s front door and windshield apart from puncture of all four tyres. The Gypsy was also hit on the front windshield with the rear tyre pun-ctured.
Later, the live rocket shell recovered from the ambush site was safely exploded by bomb experts who also recovered the hand-grenade.
The IRB victims have been identified as Khurai-jam Biky (22) s/o Ibohal and his cousin brother Khurai-jam Amuchou (30) from Kyamgei Heibong Mak-hong, Kh Nando of Thou- bal and Thuisinpao alias Ashing of Mukti Khullen in Tamenglong district.
Among the injured IRB personnel include Yumnam Sanayaima (37) of Angtha, Yengkhom Surchandra (30) of Khurai Soibam Leikai, Khuraijam Gandhi (25) of Langthabal Mantrikhong Mayai Leikai, Gaingamlung Rongmei (23) of Ragailong and Irengbam Joychand (24) of Mayeng Lamjao.
It has been informed that Joychand was supposed to drive the mini truck but Ro-mikanta took to the wheel as his colleague was among the two sick jawans who were being escorted for treatment.
Gaingamlung is the other sick personnel, said an in-formed source adding that the attackers are suspected to have decamped with at-least three service weapons issued to the IRB personnel.
However, no official report has been filed on the matter. Joychand and two other drivers were unarmed, mentioned the source and added that two SLRs, same number of AK series rifles and an INSAS LMG have been recovered.
The Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, accompanied by MPCC president Gaikhangam and Ministers K Ranjit and L Jayantakumar inquired about conditions of the injured personnel at RIMS Hospital this evening.

Fake encounter allegation raised KNO petitions Union Home Minister

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MPHAL, Sep 11: Contending that the Mokot Chepu incident was a fake
encounter, Kuki National Organisation (KNO) has written a letter to the
Union Home Minister for looking into the matter.
Informing this
while talking to a group of mediapersons at Churachandpur last night,
defence secretary of KNO and convenor of Joint Monitoring Group (JMG)
of the tripartite Suspension of Operation (SoO) pact TS Haokip said
that KNO could never accept the claim that armed cadres KLA which is
one of the 11 constituent members of the tripartite treaty engaged in
shoot out with troops of 12 Maratha Light Infantry on September 7 night
at Mokot Chepu in Ukhrul district.

The incident of killing of one civilian driver and four KLA cadres has
caused hindrance in the efforts of KNO to resolve the problems of Kuki
people, he said, adding that KNO’s primary concern now is to restore
confidence in its relationship with the Army, but clearly, the onus of
responsibility does not lie with the KNO.

It is on this basis that secretary in charge of home of KNO T Antone
Kuki has on September 8 send a letter to Union Home Minister P
Chidambaram to ensure such unfortunate incidents are not repeated and
to extend necessary assistance to the bereaved families, convenor of
JMG TS Haokip said.

He also demanded a probe into the incident at the Ministerial level,
payment of compensation to the family members of the victims including
the civilian driver and returning of all the arms and ammunition seized
by the Army.

In response to a question asked by the mediapersons, Haokip explained
that the ground of rules of SoO entails giving prior information and
seeking permission from the posts of the security forces in case the
cadres have to move around in their operational area. Likewise,
security forces have also give prior information about their movement
in the vicinity of the designated camps.

He went on to say that KLA cadres who have been killed were on their
way to Yaolen in Ukhrul district and necessary permission had been
sought from the commanders of the 23 AR posts at Yaingangpokpi and
Litan although the alleged shoot out with personnel of 12 Maratha Light
Infantry.

Recalling that KNO had signed SoO with the Army through Union Defence
Ministry on August 1, 2005 and subsequently with the Centre and the
State Government on August 22, 2008, Haokip observed that though
strayed incidents misunderstanding have witnessed over the these past
three years, the latest incident at Mokot Chepu is serious.

He informed that there are in all five designated camps of KNO which
has 11 constituent members namely KNA, KNF (Z), KNF (MC), USRA, UKRA,
ZRA, KLA, ZDV, United Minority Liberation Army, KRA (U) and Pakan
Reunification Army which is currently under process. The last group has
been floated by members of seven clans in Chandel district and so
efforts are being made to increase the number of designated camps to
six.

Preparations are being made to begin the dialogue from the current
tenure and upto now only ceasefire is being observed, he further
informed, adding that after signing of SoO instances of extortion or
torture have come down to a great extent.

The cadres are being controlled and punishments have been awarded to guilty cadres, Haokip said.

On the other hand, during a memorial service at Changnomphai village in
Churachandpur district yesterday, KNO and its constituent members paid
revolutionary salute to the four KLA cadres who were killed in the
Mokot Chepu incident.

The mortal remains of the four cadres were also buried after a mass funeral service last night.

Apart from leaders of the constituent members of KNO, public leaders,
representatives of civil organisations and large number of people
attended the service during which gun salutes were also offered to the
departed souls.

In the Mokot Chepu incident, Lt Thangkhochon of Changnomphai had been
killed along with privates Lonkholam Haokip of Moreh, Lallunlen Kilong
of Aigejang village and Thanglenmang of Phaimol village.

Meanwhile, some of the KLA cadres who escaped from the hands of the
Army in the Mokot Chepu incident have come up with a different version
of the alleged shoot out.

According to corporal Johny of Khamenlok, who is one of the five
survivors, on that fateful day, nine of them including the four cadres
who were killed were going towards Yaingangpokpi from Yaolen in the
Tata truck (NL-01A/2892) which came across along the road.

Informing that one of the survivors identified as Samuel was hit by a
bullet on his right thigh and is current undergoing treatment at
Churachandpur Hospital, Jkhny said that another cadre identified as
Jetli alias Paominlen was arrested but released afterward.

He also identified the remaining survivors as Irine and James.

Johny further informed that when the Army personnel stopped the truck,
Lt Thangkhochon got down but he was blind-folded and commanded the rest
of the cadres to lay down arms. As soon as the arms were laid down, the
Army started opening indiscriminate fire.

Along with injured Samuel, four of them managed to escape from there,
Johny said, adding that none of the KLA cadres have opened fire on that
day.

Condemning the killing of four KLA cadres and one civilian, KNO in a
statement has said that the conduct of the 12 Maratha Light Infantry
was in violation of human rights and the ground rules of SoO.

Informing that on September 6 PRO of KLA Gorrey Kuki had sought the
permission from the Post Commanders of 23 Assam Rifles at Litan and
Yaingangpokpi and the same had been granted, the KNO statement signed
by its information and publicity secretary Lenin H Kuki said that the
KLA cadres were returning after they were told to come back to their
camps by the CO of 23 AR when they met the troops of 12 MLI.

The MLI troops led by Captain Vivek stopped the truck in which the KLA
cadres were returning and commanded to lay down their arms. Captain
Vivek told PRO Gorrey to left the place in his motorbike and the
remaining cadres were fired upon killing the driver of the truck and
four KLA cadres while five others managed to escape.

The irresponsible act of Captain Vivek had been aided by Naik Subedar
Rawat, Naik NS Sinha, Naik K Chandra and Naik TD Singh of Core
Intelligence Surveillance Unit who came together in an Alto car
(MN-02/9371), the statement charged.

Black Day

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MPHAL, Sep 11: Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), Imphal has appealed
to all the Kuki community in Imphal to observe September 13 as Black
Day (Sahnit Ni) as usual in remembrance of the departed souls who
sacrificed their lives for the protection of their villages and hands
during the NSCN (IM) led ethnic cleansing drive of the last decade.

In a statement, general secretary of the student body Seiboi Haokip
appealed to the people to hoist black flag in every households to show solidarity and observed the day as Day of Prayer to Almighty God to
restore normalcy and rehabilitation of the displaced Kuki people on
their own land, unity within the community, restoration of peace and
integrity and mutual respect among different communities.

UG cadres held

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MPHAL, Sep 8 : Two cadres of the proscribed PREPAK have been apprehended by troops of 29 AR while checking a Tata Sumo at Tengnoupal check-post at about 6 am yesterday, said an AR PTO release.
The PREPAK cadres have been identified as Sanjit (31) s/o Ningthemjao of Thoubal Wangma Taba and Sushil Kumar (23) s/o Chandramani of Uchiwa Wangma. They have been handed over to Imphal West PS, the PRO added.
Manipuri student among five hurt in Sikkim college brawl
By Our Staff Reporter
Imphal, Sep 8: At least five north east students including a Manipuri girl were injured when they engaged a fierce scuffle with some students of the same region at Sikkim Manipal engineering college today.
Sources said they, four of whom are Assamese, were bashed up by a group of students in their revenge strike triggering a panicky situation in the prestigious institute.
Of the five, three of them including the Manipuri girl, received severe injuries as a result of which they were kept at the Intensive Care Unit of a hospital, the sources added.
Though the situation was brought under control, Sikkim government is contemplating sending the injured students to their respective states.
On being contacted, a senior state official said no information on the matter was intimated from his Sikkim counterpart.

Appraising SoO

R
ecent developments have more or less conveyed the point that the much hyped tripartite Suspension of Operations between New Delhi, Imphal and Kuki armed groups, may not be proceeding in the right direction at all. And it goes without saying that the primary factor for this is the failure to adhere to the ground rules, scripted for the successful implementation of the truce call. The detention of two girls, by a group, which is a signatory to the SoO, is an example, of how some of these groups continue to operate under the immunity granted by the agreement, signed with the Government. The two girls, as the report went, were rescued by alert villagers, who heard their cries, but this has not in any way diminished the growing perception that the SoO has hardly managed to keep a check on the activities of the groups concerned. The recent ransacking of Nungshong village, allegedly by another outfit which is a party to the SoO, also goes to prove this point. In as much as the armed groups have to be held accountable for the blatant violations of the cease fire ground rules, the Government too cannot escape from its responsibilities. For instance, have Delhi and Imphal managed to identify and set up all the designated camps ? How about the safe house, where the arms of the cadres are to be deposited ? Have any action been taken up when the ground rules are violated ? Apart from these unanswered questions, there is also the growing uneasiness and suspicion, that some of the security forces, might be using the service of some of these cadres, to neutralise or strike out at other groups, which are not a party to the truce pact. Such tactics and strategies are not only mischievous but also extremely dangerous, for it can have communal intonations.
Any suspension of hostility should always be welcomed and hailed, for this is the first step in the journey towards peace and normalcy. However when any such truce pact is seen and understood as the perfect alibi to the armed groups to regroup and regain lost ground, by taking advantage of the immunity granted to them, then it rings hollow. On the one hand, it means, enjoying the largesse of the Government in the form, of what they call monthly stipend and on the other hand, it means, giving them a free hand to pursue their agenda. Peace and the truth are the only casualties in such cases. It is the people who suffer from such a situation, for under the facade of peace and normalcy, the common people continue to be pulled and pushed in different directions, by both the State and non-State actors. The peace that one talks about under such circumstances is merely the guns going silent, which again can be misleading, if we take the recent reported shoot out at Mokot Chephu village under Litan police station. Peace, in its true essence, should mean something much more than merely the guns going silent, but should entail, giving the opportunity to the people to live without an air of fear or tension hanging over their heads. Can we really say this has been achieved, with the enforcement of the SoO ? The answer should be known to all and herein lies exposed the irony of the peace pact.

Fuel cartel makes hay with fake keys to oil tankers

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MPHAL, Sep 8: Police are yet to arrest the driver and the owner of the oil tanker, which caught fire, while siphoning off fuel on the sly at Shantipur in Awang Leikinthabi under Sekmai Police Station on August 29.
On the other hand, an independent investigation conducted by The Sangai Express on how siphoning of oil in unauthorised manner from the oil tanker could be possible, have led to the discovery that some of the drivers and the owners of the oil tankers use fake keys, which work as well as the orginal ones.
Taking serious note of the incident that could have endangered the lives of many people, Sekmai Police Station registered an FIR against the driver identified as Tomba and the owner identified as Rajen under the relevant provisions of the Petroleum Act, 1933. However, the police have not been able to arrest them as both the accused have fled.
Talking to The Sangai Express in this connection, Officer in-charge of Sekmai Police Station said that police have issued an arrest warrant against the driver Tomba and the owner Rajen. But both have gone hiding although unofficial source said that both of them surrendered before a Court. The matter would be known within the next couple of days.
The CO pointed out that siphoning of oil in unauthorised manner had led to major fire incidents at Moirang-khom, in front of Uripok Jas Gas, Lamshang, Kwakeithel and Kakwa Nameirakpam Leikai in the past.
In an independent investigation conducted into the modus operadi of siphoning off fuel, it came to light that some of the drivers and owners of the oil tankers maintain counterfeit keys.
Soon after filling the oil at Tinsukia, the IOC officials have to lock the tankers.
One of the keys would be in the custody of the IOC officials at Tinsukia while another key would be in the custody of the IOC officials at Chingmeirong.
At the time of unloading the oil at the Chingmeirong oil depot, the responsible IOC officials have to unlock the key.
At any point in between Tinsukia and Imphal, the drivers are not permitted to unlock the keys and locks of the tankers are manufactured by Godrej Company to ensure prevention of possible tampering.
Interestingly, counterfeit keys that can unlock the locks of Godrej Company can be made in Manipur today. According to reliable sources, drivers and owners of the oil tankers can easily get these counterfeit keys by paying Rs 2500 and there are some drivers who are in possession of these counterfeit keys in Manipur.
The sources further disclosed that there are around 20 places in Manipur where siphoning of oil in unauthorised manner and then adulterating the content of the oil tankers before being unloaded at the depot is being carried out.
Even the people of the localities know about these illegal practices which could even endanger the lives of the people and cause damages to their properties in case of mishap. Yet no one has lodged any complaint in this regard.
Some of the oil tanker drivers whom The Sangai Express came into contact during the course of the investigation admitted that some of the drivers do possess fake keys and the incident of an oil tanker on catching fire at Shantipur in Awang Leikinthabi recently occurred while the lock of the tanker was being opened with counterfeit key to siphon off the fuel.
The drivers further disclosed that earlier oil tankers which do not fulfil the safety norms were allowed to unload the content at the oil depot after the security at the gate charged money from them.
But nowadays, all the oil tankers regardless of whether they conform to the safety norms or not are being charged anywhere between Rs 50 to Rs 100.