Chapter 6

Manipur: Govt considering drafting new ILP Bill
NE Live

Jun 19, 2016: After the President of India Pranab Mukherjee withheld his assent on May 11 to three anti-migrant bills passed by the Manipur Assembly, the Manipur deputy chief minister Gaikhangam said that the state government was considering drafting of a fresh ILP related bill in consultation with all stakeholders, particularly agitating JCILPS and tribal bodies protesting the three bills. While briefing newsmen he said, “The bills were said to have been withhold. For the time being, we don’t know the exact reason. So, we now think of preparing a bill which will be acceptable by all,” he said. “If possible we want the Centre to draft the bill or let us draft it strictly following all the mandatory procedures.”

BJP basks under ‘good show’ in IMC polls
The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 19 2016: Former Opposition leader and veteran politician Okram Joy has categorically stated that BJP’s victory in all the three wards of Singjamei Assembly segment was a precursor to the State Assembly election which is due next year. Elected BJP Corporators Th Bankimchandra (Ward No 15), Th Eliza (Ward No 16) and L Lokeshore (Ward No 17) were felicitated by BJP Singjamei Mandal at Singjamei Yumnam Leikai residence of Y Khemchand today. With Congress party securing two more seats than BJP in the just concluded IMC election, the election results were not a matter of jubilation for BJP Manipur Pradesh if one takes into account the fact that a strong BJP wave is sweeping across the country, Joy remarked while speaking at the felicitation function.

MLA Nemcha motivates Gorkha students
The Sangai Express

Senapati, June 19 2016: MLA Nemcha Kipgen motivated Gorkha students to strive beyond the best they can be during the State level felicitation of meritorious Gorkha students at Kangpokpi today, reports our correspondent. The felicitation programme was organized by All Manipur Gorkha Students' Union (AMGSU) at District Council hall, Kangpokpi to felicitate Gorkha students who had successfully passed the HSLC, HSSLC and CBSE examinations 2016. MLA Nemcha Kipgen while congratulating the students encouraged them to set their goals high.

Social worker organises
The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 19 2016: As part of encouraging the students of Hijam Khunou, a gift distribution programme was organised by BJP, Manipur State Unit Councillor Ningthoujam Diten, reports our correspondent. Speaking at the programme, Ningthoujam Diten said that Heirok Assembly Constituency is the most backward among all the Assembly Constituencies of the State.

Therefore, people should join hands in the next Assembly election and bring development in the AC. He also alleged Minister O Okendro of blocking growth and development in the area by ignoring the needs of the people. He called upon the people to elect their representative wisely in the next Assembly election so as to make Heirok AC as the best example of sustainable development in the State.

Meet pledges not to vote for MLAs declared as anti-tribals by tribal apex bodies
Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, June 21: The Tribal Youth Council Manipur (TYCM) and All Tribal Lawyers’ Association Manipur (ATLAM) with Tribal intellectuals and participants have reportedly adopted four resolutions in the occasion of “1st Hill Peoples’ Day” observance held at TRI on June, 20 the day commemorating the day V.V. Giri, the then President of India issued the Manipur Legislative Assembly (Hill Areas Committee) Order, 1972. In a joint statement issued by the tribal bodies, stated that in the first resolution it resolved to observe “Hill Peoples’ Day” on June 20 of every year.

NPF organises awareness programme in Tamenglong
Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, June 22: The Naga People’s Front (NPF) Tamenglong division conducted “Awareness Programme” at Dailong village today. The division office appreciated and thanked the village authority, church leaders and well-wisher for positive turnout and co-operation with the party who is looking forward for continuous support and prayer.

CM in hot soup for gifting away disputed land for Sports University
State files faulty non-encumbrance certificate, Ibobi’s clarification raises questions
By Paojel Chaoba
Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, June 23: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh has today clarified that the Manipur government had handed over 336.93 acres the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, for setting up the National Sports University at Yaithibi Khunou village of Thoubal district, but 34 acres of this is now disputed because of a court case initiated by the land owners. The CM however said he believes the dispute over 34 acres of land, would be resolved soon.

BJP tells MLA to apologise
Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, June 23: The BJP has castigated Wangkhem MLA K Meghachandra for his alleged assault on a male nurse at PMR ward of RIMS Hospital, terming his conduct as highly deplorable and condemnable by all sections of society.

28 Cong MLAs ready to desert Ibobi: BJP source
Imphal Free Pres

IMPHAL, June 24: A major political upheaval in the state has been forecasted following reports that 28 sitting MLAs of the Congress Party, which included two Cabinet ministers, and BJP are very close to finalising a deal to topple the Okram Ibobi government in the near future. A highly reliable source from the state BJP disclosed that a team of Congress MLAs submitted a list containing the names of the 28 party legislators to BJP leaders yesterday. The handing over of the list of Congress MLAs who are bracing up to pull the rug from under the Ibobi government was effected in two places in Imphal, he added.

28 Manipur Cong MLAs in dilemma
Nagaland Post

Imphal, Jun 26: With Congress facing a bleak prospect of holding on to its bastions in the North East, the Ibobi led Congress government in Manipur is under threat from 28 dissidents who plan to defect to BJP. Manipur chief minister Ibobi is however not new to dissidence and so far, he has maintained a stoic silence about the reported meeting of 28 Congress legislators with BJP national leaders including the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) Convenor and Assam finance minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in Guwahati.

Chapter 5

‘Congress Mukt’ Manipur next on BJP’s mind
Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, June 13: After the grand victory in the Assam general election, the Central leadership of the BJP is eyeing the Manipur general election in 2017 with full hopes of installing a BJP government in the state. The state Assembly election in Manipur due next year was reportedly given prominence during discussions among top party leaders during its national executive meeting which ended at Allahabad today.

Confusion mars Imphal Municipal Corporation oath taking ceremony
Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, June 14: The newly elected 27 councillors of the Imphal Municipal Corporation (IMC) election were sworn in today at the conference Hall of IMC. The oath was administered by Imphal West Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ningthoujam Geoffrey amidst confusion over whether the elected representatives were to be sworn in as Corporators or Councillors.

Tribal Peace and Harmony Award distributed ; CM Ibobi preaches communal harmony, co-existence
The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 14 2016: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi has appealed to all the people of Manipur to promote communal harmony and peaceful co-existence. He was speaking at the distribution function of the Tribal Peace and Harmony Award at the Tribal Research Institute (TRI), Chingmeirong. The award which is awarded to people who work tirelessly for peace and harmony among different ethnic tribes of Manipur was instituted by the Government of Manipur in 2014.

One more joins Congress
The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 14 2016: Imphal Municipal Corporation (IMC) Ward No 12 Independent Corporator Potshangbam Premila has joined Congress thereby taking the total number of Congress Corporators to 16. Out of the total 27 seats for Corporators, Congress has now 16 Corporators in IMC. According to information received from Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC), a Mayor and a Deputy Mayor have been already selected from amongst the 16 Corporators although their names are yet to be announced. Nomination for selection of IMC Mayor would be done tomorrow.

Sunil set to serve as first IMC mayor
Imphal Free Press
June 15: Soram Sunil of Ward No 9 is all set to become the first mayor of Imphal Municipal Corporation after the Congress councillor remained the only candidate to file nomination papers before the expiry of deadline, even as the BJP announced that it will boycott the election of mayor and deputy mayor as its demand to hold the election at the IMC office was denied.


BJP takes political rally to Nungba
The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 16 2016: Nungba will be given priority in case the BJP comes to power after 2017 election, Th Chaoba, convener State election management committee, BJP said. Addressing a one day political conference for the forthcoming 11th State Assembly Election 2017 for the Nungba AC at Nungba community hall today, Th Chaoba alleged the Congress party as the most corrupt party ever. And in ADC elections last year, CCpur and Ukhrul have voted out the Congress from their districts. Congress leaders are notoriously involved in major scams, he said. As such, Chaoba appealed to voters to uproot Congress in the coming Assembly election in Nungba AC and Tamenglong district.

Chapter 4

Congress headstart in IMC polls
Cong wins 8, BJP 5, independents 4; 10 more results awaited
June 6 Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, June 6: Congress Party appeared to be holding off a spirited challenge from BJP in its bid to retain control of Imphal Municipal Corporation after results of 17 of the 27 wards were announced today.

So far, the Congress have won in eight wards, followed closely by BJP which have wrested five wards, while independents candidates, who are likely to don the role of kingmakers in the likelihood of a hung mandate, won in four wards.

CM did seek appointment with PM and HM: Gaikhangam
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, June 6: Deputy Chief Minister Ghaikhangam has denied Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh's reported statement to a state BJP delegation that the State government had not sought any appointment with him on the three bills awaiting presidential assent.

The former MPCC chief told reporters here that the Okram Ibobi Singh government had written letters through proper channels for proposed meetings with President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

Congress falls short of simple majority in IMC polls
Inphal Free Press

IMPHAL, June 7: Indian National Congress has emerged as the single largest party winning 12 of the 27 wards of Imphal Municipal Corporation after results for the elections were declared today, but failed to reach the simple majority mark by two seats. Their nearest rival BJP bagged 10 and independents 5.

‘No recent case of misuse of AFSPA in the North East’  The Sangai Express editorial, 8 June 2016

This was what the Indian Army said in defence of the prolonged imposition of the infamous Act in the North East region and of course Kashmir.

A news report filed by the Press Trust of India (PTI) quoted Eastern Army Commander Lieutenant General Praveen Bakshi as stating “If the army is required to handle insurgency, we require AFSPA. If we don’t have AFSPA, our hands are tied and we cannot do our job. It is an enabling provision and not a draconian provision”.

BJP has achieved target result: Bhabananda
Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, June 8: BJP Manipur president K Bhabananda today asserted the party is happy with the win in 10 wards in the recent Imphal Municipal Corporation election adding that the party achieved its target.

Speaking to this reporter, Bhabananda said the result shows that the people are coming to support BJP. The result is a gift to BJP from the people of Manipur to strengthen the Modi wave in the State, he said.

Rise of the BJP
10 June, Imphal Free Press editorial

Whatever ideological differences we may have with the BJP, there can be no doubt of the fact that the fortunes of the right wing party is changing in the state. It may be too early to predict a win for BJP in the 2017 assembly elections, but it will certainly give the ruling Congress a run for their money and may even become a credible opposition in the state assembly if the winds of change persists. The result of the just concluded Imphal Municipal Corporation elections is an important indicator of the change that is in the air.

BJP disparages Cong victory in IMC polls
The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 09 2016: BJP Manipur Pradesh has asserted that Congress party's victory in 12 seats of the Imphal Municipal Corporation (IMC) was not a genuine reflection of people's mandate.

Speaking to media persons at their Nityaipat Chuthek office, BJP Manipur Pradesh election management committee convenor Th Chaoba remarked that 88112 voters voted against Congress party even though they managed to secure 12 IMC wards. Through muscle power and money power, Congress party has taken three out of five independent Councillors within their fold. As such, Congress party was not mandated to assume power in IMC.

Cong govt gave preference IMC polls over ILPS: MCP
Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, June 10: Charging that the state government was involved in a conspiracy hatched together with the President of India resulting to the rejection of a bill for protection of indigenous people of Manipur, the Maoist Communist Party has asserted that the collusion is a big challenge thrown at the face of the people.

Chapter 3

Ibobi cautions against BJP propaganda

The Sangai Express, 29 May

Imphal, May 29 2016: Look East Policy was introduced during the UPA regime and what the NDA Government led by BJP has done is renaming it as Act East Policy. This is clear indication that BJP is only good at floating false propaganda.

This was stated by Chief Minister O Ibobi during a flag hoisting ceremony of Congress candidate in IMC Ward No 13 at Kwakeithel Moirangpurel community hall today.

BJP releases vision document for IMC pollsImphal Free Press 30 May 2016

IMPHAL, May 30: State BJP today released its vision document containing 22 points for the Imphal Municipal Corporation election, giving emphasis on bringing changes on governance and affirming its commitment to the welfare of the people. ..Member of drafting committee, N Mangi said that vision document has promised devolution of power to urban local bodies for self-sufficiency, providing efficient public transport system and establishment of Imphal as a model city through SMART cities on priority basis.

The other points listed are development of a satellite town or market with modern facilities, augmenting safe drinking water supply, development of recreation parks, greater responsibility for local bodies in implementing schemes like NFSA which is a Prime Minister’s flagship programme, efficient health and sanitation service in Imphal city, proper implementation of building by-laws, regulation of dangerous trade practice, establishment of labour welfare centres and rescue homes, housing facility for all by 2020 in consonance with the national housing policy, skill development improvement for self-employment, providing access to micro credits to women entrepreneurs and making Imphal a green and pollution free city.

Curtain raiser to the 2017 Assembly polls ? More than a local body polls The Sangai Express, May 31 Editorial

Underlining the Delhi effect. Difficult to believe that this would have been the case if the BJP under Prime Minister Narendra Modi had not swept the Parliamentary elections in 2014. By going full blast against the BJP in at least two meetings (on May 29) for the upcoming election to the Imphal Municipal Corporation on June 2, Chief Minister O Ibobi highlighted the point that this is going to be a fight between the Congress and BJP. A local body election but important it is for this could well be taken as the semi-final to the 2017 finale when the State will go in for the Assembly elections.

Govt-run schools in Manipur record zero pass percentage in 2016NE Live Jun 01, 2016

According to reports given, 73 of 323 government schools of Manipur have a zero pass percentage in this year’s High School Leaving Certificate (Class X) examination.

The results that was declared last week results showed that not a single student from the 73 government schools passed the examination. Of 6,484 students who appeared from 323 government schools, only 2,781 passed the examination conducted by the Board of Secondary Education Manipur (BSEM), putting the pass percentage figure of government schools at 42.8%.

Over 80 pc turnout in IMC electionsImphal Free Press 2 June 2016

IMPHAL, June 2: The Imphal Municipal Corporation (IMC) elections 2016 except for a repoll in Ward No 14 passed off peacefully without any untoward incident with an impressive 82 percent voter turnout.

Chapter 2

CorCom’s clinical ambush claims 6 AR men

May 23, 2016, The Sangai Express

IMPHAL, May 22: At least six personnel of 29 Assam Rifles including one Junior Commissioned Officer died and seven other personnel were injured in an ambush laid by suspected militants at Hengshi village near Joupi under Tengnoupal police station in Chandel district today. The Coordination Committee (CorCom), a conglomerate body of several underground outfits has claimed its hand behind the ambush.

NFSA launchedMay 24, 2016, The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 24 2016: The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 which aims to provide subsidized food grains to the marginalized families has been launched today at Jiribam Sub-Division at the Old ADC complex, Jiribam, by the Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution.

8 things Modi said at the swearing-inMay 24, 2016, The Sangai Express

Guwahati: Here’s what PM Modi said at the swearing in ceremony of the BJP Govt in Assam .

1.  leader belonging to the tribal community, a leader dedicated to serving society will now be the CM of Assam.

2. Centre will extend assistance to Assam and other North Eastern States for their speedy development as part of Act East Policy.

3. India's development has to be all-round and inclusive. Eastern part of India cannot remain away from the development journey.

4. Want to tell people of Assam that their job doesn't end at voting, but for development it's imperative for Govt and people to work together.

5. Government of India, which believes in competitive cooperative federalism, wants to contribute as much to develop States which need help.

6. I am sure that Sarbanandaji will leave no stone unturned for the development of Assam.

7. I want to thank people of Assam for giving Sarbanandaji and his Ministers an opportunity to serve Assam.

8. Democracy is about Bhagidari. The Centre and the States must walk shoulder to shoulder for development.

AFSPA must continue in northeast, says RSSMay 25, 2016, The Times of India

New Delhi: RSS supports continuing the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) to flush out terrorists from J&K, Nagaland, Manipur and other disturbed areas of the northeast, indicating that the Sangh and the ruling BJP are on the same page on this issue of strategic importance. The NDA government has overlooked demands for the removal of AFSPA made by various organisations and political parties, including its own ally PDP in Jammu & Kashmir.

After win over Assam, Modi now eyes six other NE StatesMarch 25 2016, Deccan Chronicle / The Sangai Express

Guwahati, May 25: Standing at the gateway to the North East, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday made it clear that from here on his party would begin the march to capture the remaining six States that make up the seven Sisters of the North East. After demolishing the Congress in Assam, the BJP is ready to gun for Congress-ruled Manipur and Meghalaya next. Addressing a public rally at the ceremony in Guwahati to swear in Sarbananda Sonowal as the new Chief Minister of Assam, the Prime Minister said Assam will soon become the epicentre of growth for the entire South Asian region.

BJP floats non-Cong platform for NE
May 26, 2016 The Sangai Express

Guwahati, May 25: Himanta Biswa Sarma, a former Congressman who is seen as number two in the new BJP Government in Assam, was on Tuesday made convenor of a newly-floated North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA). The new platform of the BJP was formed for development of all North Eastern States, hours after Sarbananda Sonowal was sworn-in as the 14th Chief Minister of Assam.

65th plenary session of NEC held at Shillong ; CM urges enhancement of fund allocation under NECMay 27 2016 The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh has drawn the attention of the Prime Minister for substantial enhancement of NEC and NLCPR budget and for providing flexible additional funds to the NE States, considering the bona-fide needs of the economically backward small States of the NE Region .

Participating in the 65th Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council at Shillong today, CM O Ibobi stated that the NEC helps infrastructure development in the NE Region. However, due to limited availability of funds, desired level of infrastructure development could not take place in the eight member States.

Chapter 1

Inner Line Permit: Manipur in grip of protests, bandhs against ‘outsiders’

Biren said an all-party meeting held Monday to discuss the ILP agitation has decided to seek the Centre’s assistance.

10 May, Indian Express

With the Assembly elections barely nine months away, agitations to implement some form of the Inner Line Permit (ILP), which restricts entry of outsiders in Manipur, has started anew, even as protests against the ILP are also growing.

While a 42-hour bandh called by the Joint Committee for Inner Line Permit (JCILP), a group of civic organisations in the state that is spearheading the movement since 2012, concluded Sunday and, like bandhs in the last few years, brought life to a complete standstill in capital Imphal, the ruling Congress has called the committee’s demand “tweaked”.

Former IPS officers join BJP
13 May, Imphal Free Press

Prahlad Singh Patel, BJP Manipur-in-charge, has today welcomed five eminent persons, including two retired IPS officers and deputy mayor of IMC into the party’s fold in the presence of new state unit chief Ksh Bhabananda at the state BJP headquarter.

The five new entrants to BJP were retired IPS officers P Dhanakumar Singh and S Manglemjao, deputy mayor of IMC and prominent Congress leader Thambaljao Phaomei, Trinamool Congress candidate from Hiyanglam AC Dr Y Radheshyam and JD (U) leader from Kshetrigaon Md Azizur Rahman.

Dr Radheshyam was accompanied in switching allegiance to the BJP by Zilla Parishad member Ch (o) Shanti Devi, pradhan of Langmeidong Gram Panchayat Y Iboton Singh, another five members from Langmeidong GP - Th Bilat Singh, Y Rajendro Singh, Th Gangadhor Singh, L Ibomcha Singh and A Bishorjit Singh, members of Arong Nongmeikhong GP S Angangjao Singh and W (o) Ibmecha Devi and member of Waikhong GP L (O) Thoibi Devi.

Prahlad Singh Patel said the arrival of the eminent personalities to BJP has strong potential to strengthen the party. Meanwhile, Thangmeiband MLA Kh Joykisan also accorded warm welcome to all five leaders.

Workers builds party, not leaders: K Bhabananda17 May, Imphal Free Press

If a political party have strong workers leading to opening of more branches than that political party can become a strong party. It means political workers are more powerful than a political leader in politics, said K Bhabananda Singh, President State BJP.

While announcing his approval to 38 workers from various political parties who had applied for membership of BJP, President K Bhabananda Singh said now the BJP in the state is getting strengthened and acceptance by the common people is growing. “To make the party strong, we need strong workers. A political party can view its structure as that of an inverted pyramid,” said Bhabananda.

NPF suspends Rio
17 May, Imphal Free Press

The Naga People’s Front has suspended former chief minister of Nagaland and Lok Sabha MP Neiphiu Rio from the primary membership of the party today.

According to the suspension order signed by president of NPF, Dr Shurhozelie Leizeitsu, two showcause notices were sent to Rio in the month of April asking him to explain the charges of indulging in anti-party activities. The disciplinary action committee after considering the replies from Rio recommended the suspension of Rio from the party, the order stated.

NSCN (IM) bats for Naga unity17 May, The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network

The NSCN-IM said today that the Government of India and the outfit "have now reached the most crucial and concluding stage" and as such advocated Naga unity and reconciliation.

Now the biggest question to the Nagas is, "how long the NSCN should wait for all to join as one? The Govt of India and the NSCN in their political negotiations have now reached the most crucial and concluding stage.

It will therefore be unwise, rather absurd on the part of the Nagas to prolong or wait indefinitely.

The world is racing and how can the Nagas think of nineteen (19) years of negotiation as not long enough ?," the NSCN-IM asked today.

Manipur political parties to lobby in Delhi for three bills
17 May, NE Live

Representatives of political parties in Manipur are busy drafting a memorandum calling upon their central leaders to support presidential assent for three bills that introduce a system to check influx of migrants into the north-eastern state.

A committee, chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, has finished drafting the memorandum, said an official here.

"It will be handed over to Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh who will table it in the next round of meeting of the political parties. A time frame cannot be announced now," he said.

The three bills – the Protection of Manipur People Bill 2015, the Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms (Seventh Amendment) Bill 2015, and the Manipur Shops and Establishment (Second Amendment) Bill 2015 – were passed last year by the state assembly.

Civil Secretariat likely ahead of Assembly polls
19 May, The Sangai Express

The ongoing construction work of the Civil Secretariat is likely to be completed before the State Assembly election which is due either in the beginning of next year or the last part of the current year. However, the date of completion as agreed between the State Government and Simplex Project which has been constructing the Civil Secretariat has already lapsed, said a source in the State PWD.

Demystifying electoral democracy 19 May, Imphal Times

. . .The best option, therefore, lies in making efforts to sensitise the pubic on the importance of a continuous and collective engagement with politics and the political system instead of leaving the matter in the hands of a few people which raises the risk of manipulating the law for the benefit of the few.

We should understand that more than anything, election is a political game in which various factors beyond the comprehension of the common public are put into play, and that the most popular or efficient campaigns does not necessarily reflect the ability or intents of the candidates. The ultimate fate of the system lies with the public which it professes to serve.

Honesty in times of deceit20 May, Imphal Free Press

Corruption has become such a crippling issue in Manipur today, and everybody knows it too, yet precious little has ever been done to seriously challenge the scourge. As we see it, there are two approaches to a resistance. One is at the individual level, and nobody has scripted the spirit of this approach better than George Orwell when he remarked: ‘in time of universal deceit, being honest is a revolutionary act’. Unfortunately such a revolution has few or no follower these days in this land where the ultimate aspiration and ambition have been reduced to government contract works, either as broker from the position of the officialdom, or else as contractor, ready to compromise work for unwarranted profits. The other approach is to tackle corruption at the institutional level.

Read the entire editorial at http://ifp.co.in/page/items/32173/honesty-in-times-of-deceit