Ajang set to fight for Saikul seat
The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 03 2016: National People’s Party (NPP), State working president Ch Ajang Khongsai has announced that he would contest the forthcoming State Assembly election in Saikul AC. This was announced by NPP State president Thangminlen Kipgen at a public meeting held at Ajang’s Langol residence today. Speaking at the gathering, Thangminlen Kipgen said that Khongsai Village Chiefs Committee Saikul AC, Khongsai Inpi Sadar Hills and Khongsai Inpi Saikul Block held a series of meetings and finally resolved to support Ch Ajang Khongsai.
Taking due note of this collective decision, NPP decided to field Ch Ajang in Saikul AC. He went on to claim that 30 Khongsai villages out of 35 located within Saikul AC support Ajang. Only BJP and Congress were talked in both the hills and valley of Manipur but both the parties had been tested again and again, Thangminlen said.
UNC slams Ibobi for using “force”
Delhi body campaigns for Gaidon, Stephen release
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL|Dec 3
Sending massive security personnel to Senapati district to escort trucks stranded at Mao Gate to Imphal has infuriated the United Naga Council (UNC) while a newly formed Delhi based organisation demanded release of UNC president Gaidon Kamei and information secretary Sankhui Stephen. The state government yesterday brought to Imphal about 500 loaded trucks, which were remaining stranded at Mao Gate for one month by sending a strong force of more than 2000 personnel of the state forces. The trucks reached Imphal yesterday evening.
Before the security escorts were despatched from Imphal the district magistrate of Senapati C Arthur imposed prohibitory order under Section 144 Cr PC along Imphal-Mao road and 200 metres on both sides of the highway since Thursday for one week. “Such mindset of the Okram Ibobi Singh government will only complicate the problem and will not do any good. This is a political issue and this should be solved politically. It will provoke the Nagas further,” UNC general secretary S. Milan said today.
Governor expresses concerns at Loktak’s fate at media workshop
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | Dec 3
Manipur Governor Dr Najma Heptulla has emphasized the role of media in spreading awareness about impact of climate change and the need for adaptation in the northeastern region. The governor was inaugurating a three-day media workshop on climate change reporting in the state capital on Saturday, as part of the media sensitization initiative in the northeast jointly launched by the Indian Himalayas Climate Adaptation Programme (IHCAP) of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Centre for Media Studies (CMS).
The governor said, “While scientists have been working on different aspects of climate change and state governments are preparing plans for adaptation, media has a powerful role in generating awareness and motivating communities at the local level.”
Expressing concern over degradation of the Loktak lake, Dr Heptulla announced that she would soon be launching a programme to involve children in regeneration of the wetland areas.
Amid the boycotts before the polls: Piling the heat on Congress
The Sangai Express Editorial 3 December 2016
Congress boycotted in the Naga areas of Manipur. Congress boycotted at Churachandpur, thanks to the three Bills passed by the State Assembly last year. Congress boycotted at Sadar Hills over its failure to declare Sadar Hills as a full fledged district. Economic blockade imposed by the United Naga Council over the alleged attempt of the Congress Government to declare Sadar Hills and Jiribam as full fledged districts on. It is against these backdrops that the Congress will face the next Assembly election, scheduled to be held in the early part of next year. Chief Minister O Ibobi and other Congress leaders must be feeling the heat, more so with the BJP breathing down its neck.
A sure sign that the Congress will not have it as easy as the 2012 Assembly election, when it pushed aside all the other political parties to secure 42 seats. This number swelled to 47 after five MSCP MLAs joined the Congress enmasse which was further bolstered by the entry of the remaining AITC MLAs. On the other hand four Congress MLAs have resigned from the party and the State Assembly. Out of the four, three, N Biren, Y Erabot and Francis Ngajokpa have joined the BJP while it is not yet clear which party Janghemlung Panmei, elected from Tamenglong AC, may join. Early days yet and while it would be premature to read the political tea leaves at the moment, the fight will be a close one between the Congress and the BJP. The question is how the Congress will try to make up for its shortfalls in the hill districts.
A look at some of the pressing issues will certainly influence the voting pattern of the people. The territorial integrity of Manipur will certainly be played up by all the political parties ahead of the election. With the BJP seen to be close to the Naga People’s Front, which is again seen to be close to the NSCN (IM), will the Congress play this up, especially in the valley areas, where 40 MLAs will be elected ? It will be interesting to see how the Congress uses this card and how the BJP tries to nullify it. The demand to implement the Inner Line Permit System or a similar mechanism to check the inflow of non-local people can also impact on the voting pattern of the people. The interesting question is, what is the stand of the BJP on this count ?
Will it be able to outwit the Congress and try to win over the voters in Churachandpur without antagonising the voters in the valley areas ? Equally important, how will the Congress try to convince the voters of Churachandpur district that any Bill that is passed in the future will not affect or seem to affect the indigenous people of the district ? The question of district status to Sadar Hills and Jiribam too will influence the voters in the coming days and as the political party which is in power for the third consecutive term, the onus will be certainly be on the Congress.
MPP demands PR in state
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | Dec 2
Manipur people party (MPP) president N Sovakiran accused the incumbent government of failing to deliver governance on all fronts and has demanded imposition of President Rule in the state. MPP today organized a sit-in-protest in front of its office at Mapal Kangjeibung against the indefinite economic blockade imposed by UNC on the national highways of the state and also against the state inaction.
Speaking to mediapersons Sovakiran said, even as the indefinite economic blockade has almost completed a month and people of the state are facing acute scarcity of essential commodities. Sovakiran further lamented that both the Congress government in the state and the BJP government at the Centre is doing precious little to deal with the situation.
No fear, no shame, no hate: Irom Sharmila prepares for life in politics
Pradip Phanjoubam/The Hindu
Determined, yet strangely vulnerable, Irom Sharmila says ending her 16-year fast and entering politics has empowered her.
There is an unmistakable otherworldliness in Irom Chanu Sharmila’s dark and deep eyes. She is shy and aloof, that is, until she is confronted with an issue she holds dear. And when she is thus provoked, she fires up. She engages, drops her guard and permits us a glimpse into her world. Sharmila may be a very private person, but she is far from secretive.
Sharmila, now 44, has weathered 16 years of unimaginable privation as a hunger striker. Like a lonely long-distance runner, she never wavered in conviction and remained indomitable regardless of who was following.
And this spirit defines her even today as she and her motley team of a dozen volunteers prepare to jump into politics and face the giants in the game in the state Assembly elections barely four months away. She may be inexperienced in this arena, but she remains fearless. She and her party are likely to be drubbed, but that does not worry her. “We will prepare for the next election if this one does not yield results,” is her nonchalant answer.
Sharmila says she would have been quite happy to live an anonymous and very private life as she had been doing as a social activist before November 2000 transformed her. But looking back, she has no regrets: no regrets that her quiet life had been disrupted 16 years ago, and no regrets about her decision to end her hunger strike four months ago. It is only the uncertain road ahead that concerns her.
“I am here by choice. I feel I was always ordained for whatever I have done,” she says. “My mission has always been to end the misery and oppression of my people. As a hunger striker, this was my driving force and now, as a politician this goal has not changed,” she says looking me straight in the eye and leaning forward a little.
“I have zero knowledge of politics. However as a child, I do remember my father was a vocal and committed supporter of the Manipur People’s Party (MPP), and I remember how his political leanings influenced us.”
The MPP is a political party that grew out of a public agitation to grant full statehood for the then Union Territory of Manipur in the 1960s and 1970s. It was seen as a grassroots Manipur nationalist party and a somewhat anti-establishment one, providing a foil to the formidable Congress.
“It is possible that my father’s leaning towards grassroots politics and his need to resist injustice unconsciously entered, and now, lives in me.”
But this spirit remained dormant until the November 1, 2000 massacre of 10 innocent bystanders at a bus stop at Malom village by troops of the Assam Rifles, following a failed militant attack on one of their convoys. In protest, Sharmila decided to go on an indefinite hunger strike. For the next 16 years, she fought for the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in the process winning several awards — national and international — some of them with a handsome monetary component, but she cared little for them. The money she won was managed by a trust in her name, which has, since the end of her hunger strike, been dissolved.
Sharmila is candid. She admits her limitations, including her education, which did not go beyond Class XII. Her father was a Grade-4 employee in the state veterinary department and her mother sold vegetables. They were nine siblings in all. To supplement their income the parents also ran a small general provision store.
Sharmila, in the room in the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal, where she spent 16 years on hunger strike. Photo: Ritu Raj Konwar | Photo Credit: Ritu Raj Konwar
When she decided to undertake her epic hunger strike, she had a difficult time letting her mother know. “When I finally did, she initially did not approve, but when I insisted, with a hint of tears in her eyes, she blessed me to follow my heart,” says Sharmila.
If her instinct guided her decision to plunge into a hunger strike, it also helped her make her mind up to end her fast. “I am pained by the divide between communities, in particular between the hills and the valley. My goal now is to bridge these divides, besides of course, fighting the AFSPA” she says.
Neither Sharmila, nor her colleagues in the People’s Resurgence and Justice Alliance (PRJA) are under any delusion that their party will sweep the forthcoming Manipur Legislative Assembly elections.
“Contrary to what people think, Sharmila has already brought about considerable change,” says Bowang Kho, who is sitting beside Sharmila. He is a member of the PRJA team and a Poumai Naga from the Senapati district. “The open-armed reception she has been receiving, especially in the hills, is heart-warming. In Ukhrul, it was overwhelming. These are very positive political messages for an ethnically fractured state like Manipur,” he adds.
“There is no such thing as a defeat in politics, we will fight on regardless of the outcome in the coming election,” says another PRJA leader, Najima Bibi Phundreimayum, a tireless social worker from Santhem Mamang Leikai, echoing the party’s sentiment.
“We have still not drafted the PRJA manifesto, but it will focus primarily on bridging the gap between people and government, streamlining policy implementation, and looking to economic sovereignty, besides the usual responsibilities of governance such as building roads and other infrastructure, generating employment and so on,” says the Harvard-educated Erendro Leichombam, part of the core leadership team of the party. “Of course, iche (elder sister) Sharmila’s battle for the repeal of the AFSPA will remain our party’s non-negotiable commitment.”
Sharmila listens to her colleagues with quiet approval. “After 16 years, my hunger strike was reaching a dead-end. It was not making the difference I had believed it would, and there was no sign it would. Changing our strategy appeared to be the most logical step forward. Ending my fast and entering politics has empowered me. It will also empower the people,” she says in the tone of a solemn political pledge.
She understands why her sudden decision to change course shocked and upset many of her former supporters, even her family. But all that is in the past and now everyone is reconciled to the new reality. With her family, the differences arose out of miscommunication. With her supporters, it was shock and surprise.
The most hurtful incident on the afternoon of her ending her fast on August 9 was when a band of her former women supporters, protested and prevented her from dismounting a police van in which she had arrived at the residence of a man who had offered her refuge in Keishamthong.
“I felt no fear, no shame, no hurt, no hate,” Sharmila says. “For some reason I was reminded of the suffering of Jesus Christ at the hands of his own people. Suffering that made him love his people even more, willing even to make the ultimate sacrifice for them. I have no doubt that my sacrifices will also ultimately redeem my people,” she says in a soft yet serious tone. Reconciliation came a fortnight later when a community feast was organised for the purpose. Sharmila and her former supporters agreed to disagree on how to take their struggle against the AFSPA forward. Though she is not living with her family now, she has met and patched up differences with them, especially with her elder brother, Singhajit who too had joined her campaign during her hunger strike.
Sharmila gets a little defensive and almost retreats into herself when I ask if her relationship with Desmond Coutinho influenced her decisions. Coutinho, a British citizen of Indian origin, is one of the reasons for her drifting away from many of her former supporters. They suspect him to be a saboteur of the struggle, and of having a hand in Sharmila’s change of stance.
Sharmila leans back a little and coldly says, “He will remain in my life.”
When I assure her that I do not mean to pry but only want to know what the relationship may mean to her new mission, she opens up: “He had a heart attack recently, and now lives in Ireland in a seaside cottage, with few possessions, besides a motorboat that he loves. His spiritual presence has given me strength and stability. As with everybody else who has known love, Desmond brought colour to my life, giving it the texture and hue that makes it worthwhile,” she says with a tinge of nostalgia.
Does that mean she would leave Manipur to settle with him in Ireland? “No, that can never be. I cannot leave my people.” Then would Desmond move to Manipur? “I would very much like this to be the case.”
What if this too cannot happen? “Then I will take it that loneliness is my destiny and be content with his presence with me in spirit as it always has been.”
State police open blockaded NH-2
Stranded supply trucks escorted safely to Imphal
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | December 2
More than 500 trucks loaded with food remaining stranded for nearly one month, more than 2000 strong police force in action and lakhs of people on the verge of starvation. At the end of the day it is a win-win situation for all, barring United Naga Council. After oscillating for one month chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh decided that it is the time to act. And he sent more than 2000 strong police force, equipped with all requirements for meeting any eventuality. Ibobi Singh government has finally brought all the trucks remaining stranded at Mao Gate and beyond along the most sensitive Imphal-Dimapur (NH-2) supply route for nearly one month.
AMUCO calls for restraint in blockade protests
IMPHAL | December 2
The All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO) president Ph Deban Sharma has called for restraint in the chaotic situation arising out of the economic blockade and counter blockade which lately started to involve destruction of trucks and essential supplies. The AMUCO president was speaking at a press conference held at its Kwakeithel office in Imphal West.
He said, destruction and burning of essential commodities and goods is not democratic. He also appealed to protestors to tone down the communal rhetoric as it may lead to unwanted communal flare-up. While asking both the state government as well as the central government to act up and resolve the issue he warned the political parties not to play politics in this issue. If any unwarranted communal flare-up erupts on this issue the governments should be held responsible, he added.
If government can’t solve surrender and impose of PR by centre: MNDF
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | December 2
The Manipur Nationalist Democratic Front (MNDF) has demanded that if the state government cannot solve the present burning issue of economic blockade it should surrender. Speaking to a press conference at NMNDF office, president Ch Priyokumar said the central government should intervene and impose President Rule in the state. He said, arresting just two UNC leaders would not end the problem.
He appealed to the state government to invite UNC officials for negotiations for bringing an amicable solution. He disclosed that he interacted with UNC chief Gaidon Kamei over phone before the arrest. UNC was prepared for talks with both the state government and Sadar Hills leaders.
Nagas urge Rijiju to resolve blockade
The Sangai Express / ANI
New Delhi, December 02 2016: The Naga people living in Delhi are deeply concerned by the recent events in Manipur that have led to the arrest of United Naga Council (UNC) President Gaidon Kamei and information and publicity secretary SK Stephen by the Government of Manipur on grounds of economic blockade for nearly a month in the State.
“The arrest is highly condemnable as the action amounts to dismissing Naga people’s rights over their land and age old customary law. The UNC is a respected apex institution of all the Nagas whose territory falls within the jurisdiction of Manipur State pertaining to land, culture and customary law,” said a statement.
“Therefore, the protest launched by the UNC leaders was to safeguard the indigenous land of the Naga people against the State arbitrary decision without any consultation and its complete disregard to the past Memorandum of Understandings signed with the Government of Manipur and written assurance from Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, on November 24 on issue of Sadar Hills and Jiribam,” the statement added.
To voice a strong protest against the highly condemnable action of the State Government of Manipur, Naga Students’ Union, Delhi (NSUD) has formed a Committee for Joint Naga Civil Societies, Delhi (CJNCSD) on November 28 in collaboration with various Naga Civil Society based in Delhi. The Committee has a representation of Naga Forum Delhi (NFD), Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights, Delhi Sector (NPMHR), Naga Lawyers’ Guild, Delhi (NLGD), Naga Students’ Union Delhi (NSUD), Forum for Understanding the Naga-India Conflict & Human Rights (FUNICH), Naga Scholars’ Association (NSA) and Naga People’s Union for Civil Liberties (NPUCL).
Ibobi woos with promise of MC status
The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 02 2016: Chief Minister O Ibobi has assured that Thongkhong Lakshmi Bazar Nagar Panchayat and Samurou Nagar Panchayat would be upgraded to the status of Municipal Councils before the election code of conduct comes into force. He was speaking at a one day political conference held today Thongkhong Lakshmi Bazar under the aegis of Wangoi Block Congress Committee.
He stated that the State Cabinet would adopt a decision to upgrade the two Nagar Panchayats to the level of Municipal Councils within the next couple of days. Even though Congress ticket could not be given to MLA O Lukhoi during the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly, he is now within the fold of Congress party, Ibobi stated. He then appealed to the gathering to vote for the candidate who is given Congress ticket in the forthcoming State Assembly election.
Soon after BJP came to power at the Centre, they promised to bring back all the black money stashed in foreign countries and deposit Rs 10 lakh each in the bank accounts of common people. The BJP Government demonetised Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes after they failed to bring back black money, and the common people were forced to deposit whatever money they had in hand in banks, said Ibobi.
Amid the boycotts before the polls: Piling the heat on Congress
The Sangai Express editorial 3 Dec 2016
Congress boycotted in the Naga areas of Manipur. Congress boycotted at Churachandpur, thanks to the three Bills passed by the State Assembly last year. Congress boycotted at Sadar Hills over its failure to declare Sadar Hills as a full fledged district. Economic blockade imposed by the United Naga Council over the alleged attempt of the Congress Government to declare Sadar Hills and Jiribam as full fledged districts on. It is against these backdrops that the Congress will face the next Assembly election, scheduled to be held in the early part of next year. Chief Minister O Ibobi and other Congress leaders must be feeling the heat, more so with the BJP breathing down its neck. A sure sign that the Congress will not have it as easy as the 2012 Assembly election, when it pushed aside all the other political parties to secure 42 seats. This number swelled to 47 after five MSCP MLAs joined the Congress enmasse which was further bolstered by the entry of the remaining AITC MLAs. On the other hand four Congress MLAs have resigned from the party and the State Assembly. Out of the four, three, N Biren, Y Erabot and Francis Ngajokpa have joined the BJP while it is not yet clear which party Janghemlung Panmei, elected from Tamenglong AC, may join. Early days yet and while it would be premature to read the political tea leaves at the moment, the fight will be a close one between the Congress and the BJP. The question is how the Congress will try to make up for its shortfalls in the hill districts.
A look at some of the pressing issues will certainly influence the voting pattern of the people. The territorial integrity of Manipur will certainly be played up by all the political parties ahead of the election. With the BJP seen to be close to the Naga People’s Front, which is again seen to be close to the NSCN (IM), will the Congress play this up, especially in the valley areas, where 40 MLAs will be elected ? It will be interesting to see how the Congress uses this card and how the BJP tries to nullify it. The demand to implement the Inner Line Permit System or a similar mechanism to check the inflow of non-local people can also impact on the voting pattern of the people. The interesting question is, what is the stand of the BJP on this count ? Will it be able to outwit the Congress and try to win over the voters in Churachandpur without antagonising the voters in the valley areas ? Equally important, how will the Congress try to convince the voters of Churachandpur district that any Bill that is passed in the future will not affect or seem to affect the indigenous people of the district ? The question of district status to Sadar Hills and Jiribam too will influence the voters in the coming days and as the political party which is in power for the third consecutive term, the onus will be certainly be on the Congress.
Secure supply lines, high court directs Ibobi govt
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | December 1
The Manipur High Court today directed the state government to deploy adequate security ‘round the clock’ at the two vulnerable bridges located along Imphal-Jiribam National Highway-37 and ensure safe passage in NH-2 Dimapur road within five days. The order was passed by the full bench the high court comprising of the Chief Justice Rakesh Ranjan Prasad, Justice N Kotiswar and Justice Kh Nobin Singh.
The full bench also directed the government to bring normalcy on National Highway-2 within five days to have free and smooth movement of vehicular traffic on the highway.
Church calls to end blockade
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | Dec 1
The Archbishop Most Rev. Dominic Lumon on behalf of the Catholics of Manipur has appealed to all the parties involved to immediately end the blockade and restore normalcy for the sake of public peace and harmony, said a statement signed by the chancellor of Archdiocese of Imphal, Manipur Stanis Khup.
It further said the suffering caused to the common folk by the economic blockade has already caused sporadic violence and added that there is a clear signs of ethnic tensions building up due to deprivation of essential human needs.
Kpi chiefs ask MLA to snap ties with Cong
The Sangai Express
Sadar Hills, December 01 2016: Representing the people of Kangpokpi AC, all chiefs of the constituency in unison today asked the local MLA to sever ties with the Congress party and decide the future of Sadar Hills with other competent party. The decision of the 50 Kangpokpi AC Chiefs that the local MLA sever ties with the Congress party was taken unanimously in a joint meeting under the aegis of Kangpokpi AC MLA Election Centre Committee at Ngahmun village in Sadar Hills.
The chiefs collectively alleged that the Congress Government of Manipur has kept betraying the people of Sadar Hills time after time with one reason or the other even after the people of Sadar Hills maintained their loyalty and faith towards the party for the past two decades. Visibly disappointed chiefs, who congregated at Ngahmun Community Hall, also conveyed their decision with the JAC Sadar Hills’ decision to boycott Congress in Sadar Hills and expressed sincere gratitude to the Congress Councillors and members of Kangpokpi Block Congress Committee who tendered their resignation from the party following the instruction of the JAC Sadar Hills.
It also collectively endorsed and supported the move of JAC Sadar Hills in declaring the United Naga Council as ‘Anti-Sadar Hills’ and to boycott of the UNC’s sponsored political party, the Naga People’s Front (NPF) in Sadar Hills. The collective voice of the Kangpokpi AC Chiefs also echoed that the decision of the JAC Sadar Hills to boycott the Congress and the UNC sponsored NPF in Sadar Hills is a ‘right decision’.
Janghemlung Panmei Resigns From MLA And Congress Party
Imphal Times
Imphal, Dec 1: Amidst the on-going issues of prolong economic blockade along the Imphal-Jiribam highway, Member of the Legislative Assembly of 53-Tamenglong Assembly Constituency, Janghemlung Panmei has submitted his resignation letter from his MLA seat to the Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly, Imphal, Manipur.
In his press statement, Janghemlung Panmei said that he took the decision to resign from his MLA seat after getting heavy pressure from his worker.
He also took the decision to resign from the post of General Secretary of Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) along with the withdrawal from his primary membership of the MPCC in the larger interest of the people of his constituency.
CM inaugurates administrative and faculty block
The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 30 2016: Newly constructed Administrative and Faculty Block of Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) was inaugurated by Chief Minister O Ibobi today at Porompat. Addressing the inauguration function, Chief Minister Ibobi stated that a dental college will be instituted in the former administrative block after it is duly refurbished. The State Government is also planning to set up a nursing college for JNIMS as well, he said.
To facilitate accommodation for resident doctors and professors, the State Government is taking up effort to construct the necessary infrastructure. He added the Union Minister of Health who visited the State earlier has given an assurance that a Cancer Treatment Unit for JNIMS will be added very soon. The State Government is working to make a detailed project report (DPR) for the said unit.
GoI recognises right of Nagas to integrate : Rh Raising ; Solution based on FA soon : NSCN (IM)
The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 30 2016: Stating that the long cherished solution based on the Framework Agreement will come sooner than expected, Kilo Kiloner of the NSCN (IM) Rh Raising has asserted that the Government of India has recognised the ‘legitimate right of the Nagas to integrate all Naga territories under one political umbrella’.
Speaking at an awareness campaign meeting on the peace process between the outfit and the Government of India at Makhel village today, the Kilo Kilonser said that the NSCN is strongly opposed to ‘forced marriage and forced union’ and added that the Nagas were divided by the colonial power for political reason. Stating that no one moves alone, work alone or fight alone, Raising said that the GoI and the NSCN have mutually agreed to co-exist as two entities and share sovereign powers as two entities.
‘Shared sovereignty and co-existence of the two entities are the meeting points of India and Nagas,’ he said and added that this agreement will certainly strengthen the security, peace and progress of the two people and the region to a great extent.
The Government of India too has recognised the sovereignty of the Nagas, said the Kilo Kilonser and added that the GoI has now recognised the ‘territories of the Nagas stating that Nagas are the owners of their land. NSCN values land above gold. Land and people are inseparable; land and politics are inseparable; land and State are inseparable’.
The Kilo Kilonser further said that the colonial policy of divide and rule cannot stop the Nagas from being one people and one Nation and added that realising the futility of this exercise Government of India approached the NSCN for political talks and ‘thus began the peace process’. The politics of ‘free Nagalim for Christ is built upon the solid foundation of our living history,’ he said and added that the Government of India has now recognised the unique history of the Nagas.
Joykishan promises drug free Manipur
The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 30 2016: BJP MLA Khumukcham Joykishan has asserted that Manipur would be freed from all drug-related issues within five years provided the party is elected to power in the forthcoming Manipur State Assembly election. If elected to power, BJP would take up exemplary action against drug smugglers.
The BJP Government would also formulate a policy to keep all youngsters away from intoxicating drugs and make Manipur completely free from drug related issues. A statement issued by Joykishan pointed out that a cousin of Chief Minister O Ibobi is entangled in a legal case in connection with the seizure of a consignment of drugs from Imphal airport. People were also aware that MPCC president TN Haokip’s son was also involved in smuggling drugs. It was also a common knowledge that no kingpin of drug smugglers were arrested and punished during the past 15 years, alleged the BJP MLA.
Govt urged to talk with UNC
Imphal Free Press
UKHRUL | November 30
The Autonomous District Council, ADC Ukhrul, Dr Yaronsho Ngalung appealed to the state government to release UNC president Gaidon Kamei and Information Secretary Shankhui Stephen at the earliest and to invite all the concerned stakeholders for a “comprehensive dialogue”, before creating Sardar Hills and Jiribam districts in order to bring an amicable solution to end the present imbroglio.
Underscoring the urgency of maintaining peace and harmony amongst the communities of the state, the ADC chairman appealed to the chief minister to invite UNC leaders for talks at the earliest and resolve any misunderstandings through an open dialogue. “Dialogue is the key to any problem or unrest,” he emphasized.
Team Sharmila kicks off Youth4Change campaign
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | November 30
Team Sharmila4change and People’s Resurgence and Justice Alliance (PRJA) kicked off a campaign named “Youth4Change” at Manipur University today to tab youth power to become agents of change. The campaign was launched during an interaction programme between Irom Chanu Sharmila, Sharmila4change, a group supporting Sharmila’s political struggle and PRJA with students of the university.
During the more than three hour long interaction programme Sharmila and her team answered questions asked by the participating students and explained to them why Sharmila chose electoral politics after ending her nearly 16 year long hunger strike against Armed Forces Special Powers Act.
About 200 students and Prof Amar Yumnam, former vice-chancellor in-charge and head of economics department and Bijayalakshmi Brar of Centre for Social Studies took part in the interaction programme.
JAC to boycott NPF, declares UNC as anti-Sadar Hills
Imphal Free Press
KANGPOKPI | November 30
Reiterating its firm decision to boycott the INC in the entire Sadar Hills administrative region in connection for its failure to implement the Parliament Act 1971 on the Sadar Hills issue, the Joint Action Committee for Sadar Hills today declared it would also boycott the Naga People’s Front (NPF) in the Sadar Hills over the same issue. The JAC Sadar Hills’ decision to boycott the NPF which is allegedly sponsored by the Manipur Naga’s apex body, the United Naga Council (UNC), was taken in its meeting held today at Kangpokpi.
The JAC expressed its gratitude to the leaders and workers of Kangpokpi Block Congress Committee for tendering their resignations to sever ties with the Congress yesterday while reiterating its appreciation to the Congress Councillors who had also tendered resignations from the Congress earlier.
BJP Kishan Morcha meet
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | Nov 30
A joint political conference of Bharatiya Janata Party Kisan Morcha was held today at six Assembly constituencies of Churachandpur district, said a release. The function was attended by BJP Manipur Pradesh Kisan Morcha president Kh Nabakumar, general secretary Ibomcha and treasurer Brajakumar. The Mandal presidents and workers attended the conference also attended the function.
Ibobi flayed
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | Nov 30
The Thadou Youths’ Association, TYA has expressed its resentment against the state government for maintaining silence over the United Naga Council sponsored economic blockade on two lifelines National Highways, said a release.
It further said the imposition of blockade of essential commodities is almost completing one month but the ruling government did nothing even though, the hardships and difficulties faced by the people becomes worsen day by day indicating a clear sign of poor governance.
Don’t cross limit: Ibobi to all communities
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | November 30
The state government will not remain a silent spectator if the common interest of the people of Manipur is affected by the interest of a single group, chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh declared today. Speaking at the closing ceremony of Manipur Sangai Festival, 2016 at Bhaigyachandra Open Air Theatre today Ibobi said violence has never brought solution to any problem and history is the testimony.
“We will tolerate as much as we can. I request it would be wise for everyone not to cross the tolerance limit”, the chief minister cautioned.
He exhorted it was time to put aside differences and work towards peace and development of the people. “Let us shun violence. Instead let us sit together and find solution to any problem”, he said.
Stating that though small in size Manipur is home to many ethnic groups he said every ethnic group will have their own agenda and interest.
Blockade is unconstitutional, MHA categorically states
The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 29 2016: The Ministry of Home Affairs has categorically stated that the indefinite economic blockade being imposed on National Highways leading to Manipur is unconstitutional. In response to a letter sent by the Chief Secretary to the Union Home Secretary regarding the indefinite economic blockade, the Ministry of Home Affairs sent a letter to the State Government which categorically stated that the ongoing blockade was unconstitutional.
It also assured that the Ministry of Home Affairs would provide additional Central paramilitary forces, if necessary, so as to ensure uninterrupted movement of vehicles on National Highways connected to Imphal, conveyed a source.
Demonetisation of Rs 500, Rs 1000 notes RBI relaxes withdrawal limits
The Sangai Express / The Hindu
Mumbai, November 29 2016: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Monday said that if deposits had been made in legal tender, then depositors could withdraw that amount over and above the Rs 24,000 weekly limit. The move was aimed at allowing comfort to individuals who were hesitant to deposit legal tender following the withdrawal of high-value currency notes which came into effect from November 9.
“It has been decided, on careful consideration, to allow withdrawals of deposits made in current legal tender notes on or after November 29, 2016 beyond the current limits,” the RBI said in a statement.
The withdrawals could be preferably permitted in “available higher denominations bank notes of Rs 2,000 and Rs 500,” it said. The move will encourage small businesses such as shopkeepers to deposit cash in legal tender which they can fully withdraw. Following the withdrawal of high-currency notes, the Centre had said that an individual could only withdraw Rs 24,000 in cash per week.
“It has been reported that certain depositors are hesitating to deposit their monies into bank accounts in view of the current limits on cash withdrawals from accounts,” the RBI said, explaining its decision. Separately, the RBI also said Rs 8.1 lakh crore had been deposited in banks following the demonetisation move (as of November 27) while close to Rs 34,000 crore had been exchanged. About Rs 2.16 lakh crore had been withdrawn as cash.
Liangmai JAC lashes out at MLA Nemcha Kipgen and Hari Nepal
The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 29 2016: The Joint Action Committee for Protection of Liangmai Ancestral Land (JAC-PLAL) today said that the assurance given by Kangpokpi Assembly Constituency MLA Nemcha Kipgen to create Gorkhaland in the hill areas of Manipur is a tactic to lure Nepali voters. The Liangmai JAC has advised the MLA and self styled Gaon Bura Hari Nepal to run through the constitutionally protected land holding system of the tribals in the hill districts of Manipur.
The JAC-PLAL statement came at the backdrop of the torching incident of a house by unknown miscreants at Poudel Basti recently. According to the statement, when everyone else is concerned about resolving the incident, Hari Nepal has been tirelessly spiting venom.
“Unlike Hari Nepal’s organizations, JAC-PLAL is mandated by over 70 Liangmai villages in the under the leadership of T Disimang. Every activities or statement of JAC-PLAL so far is consensus and support from various tribal forums is gaining momentum each day,” it claimed.
BJP responds to CM’s allegations, says Cong attempting to tarnish the image of BJP
The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 29 2016: The Bharatiya Janata Party Manipur Pradesh today charged Chief Minister Okram Ibobi of instigating communal tension in the State. At a press meet held at BJP Manipur Pradesh office today Thongju AC MLA Th Bishorjit said the allegations thrown at Prime Minister Narendra Modi by Chief Minister Okram Ibobi at a political conference held at Naoriya Pakhanglakpa on November 27 is completely baseless.
“The Chief Minister seem to have lost his senses owing to the number of issues prevalent in the State”, he said.
At a juncture where the leaders of the State should come together and decide what is best for the people, the Chief Minister is attending political conference and defaming the Prime Minister. The MLA questioned the Congress’ agenda behind bringing up the peace talk between the NSCN IM and the Government of India in the political campaign. The people should know that it was Congress leaders like Rishang Keishing and Gaikhangam that signed a document which endorsed the demand for Naga integration.
Nepali JAC denies existence of NPC, Manipur
The Sangai Express
Senapati, November 29 2016: The Joint Action Committee against the torching of Nepali House at Poudel Basti has today vehemently denied the existence of Nepali Peace Committee, Manipur, reports our correspondent. Raju Gewali, co-convener of the JAC said that when the fabricated Nepali Peace Committee, Manipur came up with a statement over the issue of Irang area, Nepali community is vastly doubtful about its existence and initiate internal inquiry immediately.
He said that as per the finding, there is no such Nepali civil body called Nepali Peace Committee, Manipur nor is registered in any department concerned so far while no apex Gorkha body has acknowledged its existence.
PRJA mission
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | Nov 29
The political party headed by Irom Sharmila PRJA has vowed to root out corruption and money politics in elections. A party statement said, PRJA is going every Leikai, and every Khun. We are challenging assumptions this time. We said let’s defeat “cash for votes” by creating an entirely different alternative that challenges the notion that people are corrupt, and ignorant. People are not.
It is the corrupt leaders, it is the so-called “mapi-mapas” who perpetuate this narrative that corruption begins at the bottom. In reality, corruption trickles down from the top. But the way to change that is for the praja to topple that top from the bottom during elections. People are the true sovereign.
BJP denies link with NSCN-IM
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | November 29
If the Congress party can prove that NSCN-IM and BJP are in cahoots behind the ongoing economic blockade on the state’s two national highways, BJP will not contest the Assembly elections, Th Biswajit, general secretary administration of BJP Manipur Pradesh and MLA declared. He was reacting to charges lebelled by chief minister O Ibobi Singh during his speech at a political conference at Naoriya Pakhanglakpa on November 27 that the blockade was the result of a conspiracy between the BJP led NDA government at the Centre and the NSCN (IM).
Biswajit said, in every election campaign Congress has been bringing up the issue of territorial integrity and the design of NSCN-IM but it is doing nothing to safeguard it. In the press meet chief spokesperson Prof S Tiken and N Nimbus general secretary media of BJP were present.
NPP demand
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | Nov 29
The problems faced by people are due to the economic blockade and demonetization of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes, according to Vivekraj Wangkhem, national general secretary of NPP. He said in a press conference held at NPP office Chingmeirong, he said that NPP endorse the demonetization but does not approve the implementation process. He said that demonetization has deeply impacted the daily bread earners.
Maniruddin Sheik chairmen national minority cell said that Manipur has many burning issues. People of Manipur is facing month long economic blockade but till today the state government have not taken any positive measurement to bring solution.
Kangpokpi block congress leaders, workers tenders mass resignation
Imphal Free Press
KANGPOKPI| Nov 29
Humiliate and tongue-tied with the alleged ‘vile betrayal’ over Sadar Hills issue and following the instruction of JAC for Sadar Hills, all Congress party leaders and workers of Kangpokpi Block today tendered resignation from the Congress Party. The resignation letter submitted to the President, Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) was signed by President, Kangpokpi Block Congress Committee, Tongkholal Hangshing, Vice President Haokhochon Haokip, General Secretary P.T. Zaipou, President Kangpokpi Block Mahila Congress Committee, Kimboi Lhouvum and Secretary Nemvah Lupheng on behalf of the party unit leaders and workers.
It said that the unfaithful commitment of the Congress Government led by Okram Ibobi Singh to declare Sadar Hills as a full-fledged district fetched dishonor and demean to all the Congress workers of Kangpokpi and we are ashamed to remain a part of the party.
KSO retorts UNC, MLA RK Anand statement
Imphal Free Press
KANGPOKPI|November 28
Kuki Students’ Organization today expressed serious concerned over the alleged recent thoughtless statement of United Naga Council and a ruling MLA RK. Anand today. Seiboi Haokip, General Secretary, KSO-GHQ said that the caption cited in state leading newspapers, “Naga bodies urge PM to intervene” is stated to have a unanimous statement of UNC and all Naga Organizations.
He said that careful reading of the UNC insensitive statement causes the student body concern for endangering by their predicting of the possible unthoughtful statement, which reads, “According to the memorandum, the situation is becoming ‘more and more volatile’ and there is every chance of ‘ethnic clashes erupting’ at any moment to a magnitude’ like the past ugly ethnic clash”.
While making obvious why the KSO termed the UNC statement ‘unthoughtful’ Seiboi Haokip said that it is unthoughtful, firstly, because there has never been an “ethnic clash” in the past amongst the people of Manipur and among the tribal people in the hills in particular.
Zeliang bodies seeks PM intervention
Imphal Free Press
TAMENGLONG | Nov 28
The Zeliangrong people on Monday staged sit in protest at Tamenglong Market shed strongly denouncing the arrest of Gaidon Kamei, president UNC and Sankhui Stephen Information Secretary of the UNC by the ‘communal’ government of Manipur. After the protest at market shed, the protestors took out a rally till DC office Tamenglong and submit a memorandum to the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, through the Deputy Commissioner of Tamenglong for immediate intervention on the creation of Sadar Hill and Jiribam sub- Division into full-fledged districts and release Gaidon Kamei, President UNC and Information & Publicity UNC Sankhui Stephen unconditionally.
Guiliangliu Panmei, Ex- president Zeliangrong Baudi Tamenglong; Agipou Pamei, chairman Zeliangrong Baudi Tamenglong zone; David Kamei, vice president Zeliangrong Youth Front (AMN) and Namteuleng Pame, chairman Zeliangrong Baudi Tousem zone address the mammoth gathering.
Mob Vandalise Banks in Manipur
Northeast Today
28 November 2016
Angry customers vandalized two SBI branches in Manipur on Monday after the bank refused to allow people to withdraw Rs 24,000 each from their accounts citing cash shortage. A policeman was injured in violence in one of the banks and while a mob damaged windows in another. Bank work was also hit in both places but no one has been arrested. The trouble started at the State Bank of India in Manipur University when two customers insisted on withdrawing Rs 24,000 each – the maximum one can take out from the bank a week following demonetisation.
Branch manager Prasad Jain stated, “They became angry when it was pointed out that our senior officials had declared that such big amounts could not be withdrawn.” The customers then turned unruly. N. Biren, a customer, said people who had been queuing up from early in the morning became angry when they were informed they could withdraw only Rs 2,000 each from their savings accounts.
Sensing the mood, the SBI said the customers could take out Rs 4,000 each. “But the bank will be closed once the cash runs out,” one officer told the crowd. On hearing this, the account holders started vandalizing the office, the witnesses said. Riot police rushed to the bank to bring the situation under control. A policeman, Mutum Shyamo, was injured in the violence.
There was a similar incident at another SBI branch at Leimakhong in Imphal West district where account holders damaged windows following heated exchanges with the staff. Though armed policemen have been deployed in all bank branches in the state, officials informed it has become increasingly tough to maintain order as customers who are denied cash become restive. There have been face-offs between the bank staff and customers in Manipur but this is the first time banks were vandalized.
State Cong protest against demonitisation
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | November 28
Manipur Pradesh congress committee led by its president TN Haokip organised a state level sit in protest against demonetisation in front of Congress Bhavan, Imphal today. The unwarranted demonetisation of higher value currency notes of Rs 500 and 1000 without any immediate remedial solution might flare up riot like situation in the society, said MPCC president TN Haokip at the protest site today.
He said that riot like situation in the state already witnessed in different parts today where customers stone pelted at the SBI Bank branches. Summing up with the statement made by the then UPA Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh that the sudden demonetisation by Narendra Modi as Prime Minister of India is ‘organised loot, legalised blunder and monumental mismanaged’ mentioned that only general public are suffered from this decision. He mentioned that Modi is not affected from this national crisis.
MLA Surchandra likens Modi to Tuqhlaq
The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 28 2016: Congress MLA Yengkhom Surchandra has compared Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Muhammad Bin Tughlaq who ruled in Delhi in the 14th century. He was speaking at a felicitation function of Imphal East Zilla Parishad Adhyaksha P Bimola held at the residence of Naoroibam Kapu (Ratan) at Heingang Mayai Leikai. Notably, N Kapu has been preparing to contest the forthcoming Manipur State Legislative election.
Surchandra stated that he was comparing Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Muhammad Bin Tughlaq as the BJP Government’s recent move of demonetising Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes was comparable to the many ad-hoc, awkward and short-sighted policies followed by the 14th century ruler.
Irani opens garment centre in Imphal
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | November 27
The Apparel and Garment Making Centre, Lamboikhongnangkhong, Imphal was inaugurated by Union Minister for Textiles Smriti Zubin Irani. The Union Minister also distributed “Pehchan” Identity Cards to some artisans. The Centre consists of one skilling block and two commercial blocks and 300 nos. of machines are installed in the centre.
The Chief Guest Smirti said that the scheme for identifying weavers were launched in October 7, 2014 and now more than 2000 weavers has been identified and issued identity cards. The government of India through textile ministry has sanctioned 46.15 crores for different schemes especially for handloom in Manipur said Smriti Zubin Irani union minister of textile. Minister Smriti Irani further said that another two big projects for sericulture has sanctioned which estimated 153crores about 200 crores rupees has also sanctioned through NE textile promotion scheme only for Manipur.
RK Imo criticizes demonetization
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL| November 27
Sagolband MLA and Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee General Secretary (Admn) RK Imo Singh today blamed the central government for harassing common people of the country by the ongoing demonetization process. He was speaking in a public meeting held at Sagolband Bijoygovinda Lai Lampak organised by sagolband Block Congress Committee and Sagolband Constituency Progressive Committee.
MLA RK Imo Singh further charged that the demonetization of higher value currency notes does not affect the high class and rich people. But, the new policy of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi affect the common people even leading to suicide in certain cases. He said the Bharatiya Janata party is totally against the poor and common people.
District formation state prerogative: Ibobi
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | November 27
Formation of new districts in a state is within the purview of the state government and it does not need consent either from NSCN-IM or central government, asserted Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh. He made this statement during a one day political conference organized by Naoriya Pakhanglakpa block congress committee today at residence of Congress MLA RK Anand at Kwakeithel.
Chief Minister said the recent demonetization of Rs 500 and 1000 notes by Indian government and indefinite economic blockade has given a huge impact on the people of the state. He said, UNC dances to the tune of NSCN-IM and the economic blockade imposed on two national highways of Manipur can only be revoked if central government asked NSCN-IM to stop it.
Naga bodies urge PM to intervene
The Sangai Express
Senapati, November 27 2016: The United Naga Council (UNC), the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) and the Naga Women Union (NWU) have sought the ‘immediate intervention’ of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Sadar Hills and Jiribam issues. The three Naga organisations also apprised the Prime Minister on the arrest of United Naga Council (UNC) president Gaidon Kamei and UNC information secretary SK Stephen by the Manipur police.
In their joint memorandum to the Prime Minister, UNC, ANSAM and NWU highlighted the “facts and historical background” of the so called Sadar Hills and Jiribam sub-division “for your kind and immediate intervention”.
According to the memorandum, the three Naga bodies mentioned that “in continuation of our written submission on November 3, 2016, the Government of Manipur has decided to inaugurate the so called Sadar Hills and Jiribam sub division into full fledged districts, against the letter and spirit of the 4 (four) Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) signed between the Government of Manipur and the Naga people, and a written assurance given by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India on November 24, 2011”.
Modi defends demonetisation Cong lines up mass protest
The Sangai Express / PTI
New Delhi, November 27 2016: Congress today made it clear it had not called for a ‘Bharat bandh’ tomorrow, but would hold protests across the country against demonetisation, which it alleged “was a political move being sold as a fight against corruption”. Speaking to reporters here, party leader Jairam Ramesh said Prime Minister Narendra Modi believed in “dhamaka” politics and the decision to scrap high-value currency notes was taken because he had seen the “writing on the wall” in Uttar Pradesh, where polls are due next year.
Ramesh claimed that Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes were scrapped to cover up the Government’s failure to deliver on the Prime Minister’s big electoral promise of bringing back black money stashed abroad and Modi wanted to do something “dramatic”. “It is a political move which is being sold as a fight against corruption,” Ramesh said hitting out at the Centre. He said people who have amassed wealth by illegal means are not suffering, but those who do not have black money are facing hardships.
Parliament must debate the electoral reforms that the PM has suggested
Hindustan Times editorial, Nov 16, 2016
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has opened a new front in his high-visibility war on corruption by calling for State funding of elections, which he also wants held at the same time to the state assemblies and Parliament. Given the problems and disruption that the scrapping of ₹500 and ₹1,000 currency notes has caused countrywide, the immediate question would be how such a mammoth task could be accomplished. The scale of the exercise and the cost, given the country’s size, are both daunting. But there is no reason why there should not be a debate on whether this is possible and, even more crucially, desirable. By positioning it as vital to probity and transparency in public life, Mr Modi has clearly struck a chord with a populace disillusioned with the political class.
In India, the unrealistically low limits set by the Election Commission of India on campaign spending by political parties and candidates can be attributed as one of the reasons that have fuelled the black money economy. In theory, State funding would provide a level playing field for political parties and cut out money power from the equation, but in practice things may not work out so linearly. However, there are several options open on this front, including introducing more realistic campaign spending limits and a more transparent system for donations to political parties. Part-public funding of election campaigns is a practice in some countries — both the United States and Britain, for example, have it. We could have our own version.
Holding simultaneous elections to Parliament and assemblies, however, has ramifications that go far beyond issues of funding and logistics. In a way, it would give governments immunity from the everyday pressures of public opinion. The present practice of an election in some state or the other every year or so often forces governments to reconsider their plans and policies. Given the federal nature of the Indian union and the diversity of the country, this need not be a bad thing, though it could be argued that governance is affected. All of these are issues that can and should be debated and as Parliament opened for the winter session, Mr Modi has said the political class should send out a positive message. Electoral reforms are crucial to combating corruption but these also need to be done in a manner that does not tamper with the basic structure of India’s parliamentary democracy that was set in place after intensive debate in a very distinguished constituent assembly.
The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 03 2016: National People’s Party (NPP), State working president Ch Ajang Khongsai has announced that he would contest the forthcoming State Assembly election in Saikul AC. This was announced by NPP State president Thangminlen Kipgen at a public meeting held at Ajang’s Langol residence today. Speaking at the gathering, Thangminlen Kipgen said that Khongsai Village Chiefs Committee Saikul AC, Khongsai Inpi Sadar Hills and Khongsai Inpi Saikul Block held a series of meetings and finally resolved to support Ch Ajang Khongsai.
Taking due note of this collective decision, NPP decided to field Ch Ajang in Saikul AC. He went on to claim that 30 Khongsai villages out of 35 located within Saikul AC support Ajang. Only BJP and Congress were talked in both the hills and valley of Manipur but both the parties had been tested again and again, Thangminlen said.
UNC slams Ibobi for using “force”
Delhi body campaigns for Gaidon, Stephen release
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL|Dec 3
Sending massive security personnel to Senapati district to escort trucks stranded at Mao Gate to Imphal has infuriated the United Naga Council (UNC) while a newly formed Delhi based organisation demanded release of UNC president Gaidon Kamei and information secretary Sankhui Stephen. The state government yesterday brought to Imphal about 500 loaded trucks, which were remaining stranded at Mao Gate for one month by sending a strong force of more than 2000 personnel of the state forces. The trucks reached Imphal yesterday evening.
Before the security escorts were despatched from Imphal the district magistrate of Senapati C Arthur imposed prohibitory order under Section 144 Cr PC along Imphal-Mao road and 200 metres on both sides of the highway since Thursday for one week. “Such mindset of the Okram Ibobi Singh government will only complicate the problem and will not do any good. This is a political issue and this should be solved politically. It will provoke the Nagas further,” UNC general secretary S. Milan said today.
Governor expresses concerns at Loktak’s fate at media workshop
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | Dec 3
Manipur Governor Dr Najma Heptulla has emphasized the role of media in spreading awareness about impact of climate change and the need for adaptation in the northeastern region. The governor was inaugurating a three-day media workshop on climate change reporting in the state capital on Saturday, as part of the media sensitization initiative in the northeast jointly launched by the Indian Himalayas Climate Adaptation Programme (IHCAP) of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Centre for Media Studies (CMS).
The governor said, “While scientists have been working on different aspects of climate change and state governments are preparing plans for adaptation, media has a powerful role in generating awareness and motivating communities at the local level.”
Expressing concern over degradation of the Loktak lake, Dr Heptulla announced that she would soon be launching a programme to involve children in regeneration of the wetland areas.
Amid the boycotts before the polls: Piling the heat on Congress
The Sangai Express Editorial 3 December 2016
Congress boycotted in the Naga areas of Manipur. Congress boycotted at Churachandpur, thanks to the three Bills passed by the State Assembly last year. Congress boycotted at Sadar Hills over its failure to declare Sadar Hills as a full fledged district. Economic blockade imposed by the United Naga Council over the alleged attempt of the Congress Government to declare Sadar Hills and Jiribam as full fledged districts on. It is against these backdrops that the Congress will face the next Assembly election, scheduled to be held in the early part of next year. Chief Minister O Ibobi and other Congress leaders must be feeling the heat, more so with the BJP breathing down its neck.
A sure sign that the Congress will not have it as easy as the 2012 Assembly election, when it pushed aside all the other political parties to secure 42 seats. This number swelled to 47 after five MSCP MLAs joined the Congress enmasse which was further bolstered by the entry of the remaining AITC MLAs. On the other hand four Congress MLAs have resigned from the party and the State Assembly. Out of the four, three, N Biren, Y Erabot and Francis Ngajokpa have joined the BJP while it is not yet clear which party Janghemlung Panmei, elected from Tamenglong AC, may join. Early days yet and while it would be premature to read the political tea leaves at the moment, the fight will be a close one between the Congress and the BJP. The question is how the Congress will try to make up for its shortfalls in the hill districts.
A look at some of the pressing issues will certainly influence the voting pattern of the people. The territorial integrity of Manipur will certainly be played up by all the political parties ahead of the election. With the BJP seen to be close to the Naga People’s Front, which is again seen to be close to the NSCN (IM), will the Congress play this up, especially in the valley areas, where 40 MLAs will be elected ? It will be interesting to see how the Congress uses this card and how the BJP tries to nullify it. The demand to implement the Inner Line Permit System or a similar mechanism to check the inflow of non-local people can also impact on the voting pattern of the people. The interesting question is, what is the stand of the BJP on this count ?
Will it be able to outwit the Congress and try to win over the voters in Churachandpur without antagonising the voters in the valley areas ? Equally important, how will the Congress try to convince the voters of Churachandpur district that any Bill that is passed in the future will not affect or seem to affect the indigenous people of the district ? The question of district status to Sadar Hills and Jiribam too will influence the voters in the coming days and as the political party which is in power for the third consecutive term, the onus will be certainly be on the Congress.
MPP demands PR in state
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | Dec 2
Manipur people party (MPP) president N Sovakiran accused the incumbent government of failing to deliver governance on all fronts and has demanded imposition of President Rule in the state. MPP today organized a sit-in-protest in front of its office at Mapal Kangjeibung against the indefinite economic blockade imposed by UNC on the national highways of the state and also against the state inaction.
Speaking to mediapersons Sovakiran said, even as the indefinite economic blockade has almost completed a month and people of the state are facing acute scarcity of essential commodities. Sovakiran further lamented that both the Congress government in the state and the BJP government at the Centre is doing precious little to deal with the situation.
No fear, no shame, no hate: Irom Sharmila prepares for life in politics
Pradip Phanjoubam/The Hindu
Determined, yet strangely vulnerable, Irom Sharmila says ending her 16-year fast and entering politics has empowered her.
There is an unmistakable otherworldliness in Irom Chanu Sharmila’s dark and deep eyes. She is shy and aloof, that is, until she is confronted with an issue she holds dear. And when she is thus provoked, she fires up. She engages, drops her guard and permits us a glimpse into her world. Sharmila may be a very private person, but she is far from secretive.
Sharmila, now 44, has weathered 16 years of unimaginable privation as a hunger striker. Like a lonely long-distance runner, she never wavered in conviction and remained indomitable regardless of who was following.
And this spirit defines her even today as she and her motley team of a dozen volunteers prepare to jump into politics and face the giants in the game in the state Assembly elections barely four months away. She may be inexperienced in this arena, but she remains fearless. She and her party are likely to be drubbed, but that does not worry her. “We will prepare for the next election if this one does not yield results,” is her nonchalant answer.
Sharmila says she would have been quite happy to live an anonymous and very private life as she had been doing as a social activist before November 2000 transformed her. But looking back, she has no regrets: no regrets that her quiet life had been disrupted 16 years ago, and no regrets about her decision to end her hunger strike four months ago. It is only the uncertain road ahead that concerns her.
“I am here by choice. I feel I was always ordained for whatever I have done,” she says. “My mission has always been to end the misery and oppression of my people. As a hunger striker, this was my driving force and now, as a politician this goal has not changed,” she says looking me straight in the eye and leaning forward a little.
“I have zero knowledge of politics. However as a child, I do remember my father was a vocal and committed supporter of the Manipur People’s Party (MPP), and I remember how his political leanings influenced us.”
The MPP is a political party that grew out of a public agitation to grant full statehood for the then Union Territory of Manipur in the 1960s and 1970s. It was seen as a grassroots Manipur nationalist party and a somewhat anti-establishment one, providing a foil to the formidable Congress.
“It is possible that my father’s leaning towards grassroots politics and his need to resist injustice unconsciously entered, and now, lives in me.”
But this spirit remained dormant until the November 1, 2000 massacre of 10 innocent bystanders at a bus stop at Malom village by troops of the Assam Rifles, following a failed militant attack on one of their convoys. In protest, Sharmila decided to go on an indefinite hunger strike. For the next 16 years, she fought for the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in the process winning several awards — national and international — some of them with a handsome monetary component, but she cared little for them. The money she won was managed by a trust in her name, which has, since the end of her hunger strike, been dissolved.
Sharmila is candid. She admits her limitations, including her education, which did not go beyond Class XII. Her father was a Grade-4 employee in the state veterinary department and her mother sold vegetables. They were nine siblings in all. To supplement their income the parents also ran a small general provision store.
Sharmila, in the room in the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal, where she spent 16 years on hunger strike. Photo: Ritu Raj Konwar | Photo Credit: Ritu Raj Konwar
When she decided to undertake her epic hunger strike, she had a difficult time letting her mother know. “When I finally did, she initially did not approve, but when I insisted, with a hint of tears in her eyes, she blessed me to follow my heart,” says Sharmila.
If her instinct guided her decision to plunge into a hunger strike, it also helped her make her mind up to end her fast. “I am pained by the divide between communities, in particular between the hills and the valley. My goal now is to bridge these divides, besides of course, fighting the AFSPA” she says.
Neither Sharmila, nor her colleagues in the People’s Resurgence and Justice Alliance (PRJA) are under any delusion that their party will sweep the forthcoming Manipur Legislative Assembly elections.
“Contrary to what people think, Sharmila has already brought about considerable change,” says Bowang Kho, who is sitting beside Sharmila. He is a member of the PRJA team and a Poumai Naga from the Senapati district. “The open-armed reception she has been receiving, especially in the hills, is heart-warming. In Ukhrul, it was overwhelming. These are very positive political messages for an ethnically fractured state like Manipur,” he adds.
“There is no such thing as a defeat in politics, we will fight on regardless of the outcome in the coming election,” says another PRJA leader, Najima Bibi Phundreimayum, a tireless social worker from Santhem Mamang Leikai, echoing the party’s sentiment.
“We have still not drafted the PRJA manifesto, but it will focus primarily on bridging the gap between people and government, streamlining policy implementation, and looking to economic sovereignty, besides the usual responsibilities of governance such as building roads and other infrastructure, generating employment and so on,” says the Harvard-educated Erendro Leichombam, part of the core leadership team of the party. “Of course, iche (elder sister) Sharmila’s battle for the repeal of the AFSPA will remain our party’s non-negotiable commitment.”
Sharmila listens to her colleagues with quiet approval. “After 16 years, my hunger strike was reaching a dead-end. It was not making the difference I had believed it would, and there was no sign it would. Changing our strategy appeared to be the most logical step forward. Ending my fast and entering politics has empowered me. It will also empower the people,” she says in the tone of a solemn political pledge.
She understands why her sudden decision to change course shocked and upset many of her former supporters, even her family. But all that is in the past and now everyone is reconciled to the new reality. With her family, the differences arose out of miscommunication. With her supporters, it was shock and surprise.
The most hurtful incident on the afternoon of her ending her fast on August 9 was when a band of her former women supporters, protested and prevented her from dismounting a police van in which she had arrived at the residence of a man who had offered her refuge in Keishamthong.
“I felt no fear, no shame, no hurt, no hate,” Sharmila says. “For some reason I was reminded of the suffering of Jesus Christ at the hands of his own people. Suffering that made him love his people even more, willing even to make the ultimate sacrifice for them. I have no doubt that my sacrifices will also ultimately redeem my people,” she says in a soft yet serious tone. Reconciliation came a fortnight later when a community feast was organised for the purpose. Sharmila and her former supporters agreed to disagree on how to take their struggle against the AFSPA forward. Though she is not living with her family now, she has met and patched up differences with them, especially with her elder brother, Singhajit who too had joined her campaign during her hunger strike.
Sharmila gets a little defensive and almost retreats into herself when I ask if her relationship with Desmond Coutinho influenced her decisions. Coutinho, a British citizen of Indian origin, is one of the reasons for her drifting away from many of her former supporters. They suspect him to be a saboteur of the struggle, and of having a hand in Sharmila’s change of stance.
Sharmila leans back a little and coldly says, “He will remain in my life.”
When I assure her that I do not mean to pry but only want to know what the relationship may mean to her new mission, she opens up: “He had a heart attack recently, and now lives in Ireland in a seaside cottage, with few possessions, besides a motorboat that he loves. His spiritual presence has given me strength and stability. As with everybody else who has known love, Desmond brought colour to my life, giving it the texture and hue that makes it worthwhile,” she says with a tinge of nostalgia.
Does that mean she would leave Manipur to settle with him in Ireland? “No, that can never be. I cannot leave my people.” Then would Desmond move to Manipur? “I would very much like this to be the case.”
What if this too cannot happen? “Then I will take it that loneliness is my destiny and be content with his presence with me in spirit as it always has been.”
State police open blockaded NH-2
Stranded supply trucks escorted safely to Imphal
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | December 2
More than 500 trucks loaded with food remaining stranded for nearly one month, more than 2000 strong police force in action and lakhs of people on the verge of starvation. At the end of the day it is a win-win situation for all, barring United Naga Council. After oscillating for one month chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh decided that it is the time to act. And he sent more than 2000 strong police force, equipped with all requirements for meeting any eventuality. Ibobi Singh government has finally brought all the trucks remaining stranded at Mao Gate and beyond along the most sensitive Imphal-Dimapur (NH-2) supply route for nearly one month.
AMUCO calls for restraint in blockade protests
IMPHAL | December 2
The All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO) president Ph Deban Sharma has called for restraint in the chaotic situation arising out of the economic blockade and counter blockade which lately started to involve destruction of trucks and essential supplies. The AMUCO president was speaking at a press conference held at its Kwakeithel office in Imphal West.
He said, destruction and burning of essential commodities and goods is not democratic. He also appealed to protestors to tone down the communal rhetoric as it may lead to unwanted communal flare-up. While asking both the state government as well as the central government to act up and resolve the issue he warned the political parties not to play politics in this issue. If any unwarranted communal flare-up erupts on this issue the governments should be held responsible, he added.
If government can’t solve surrender and impose of PR by centre: MNDF
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | December 2
The Manipur Nationalist Democratic Front (MNDF) has demanded that if the state government cannot solve the present burning issue of economic blockade it should surrender. Speaking to a press conference at NMNDF office, president Ch Priyokumar said the central government should intervene and impose President Rule in the state. He said, arresting just two UNC leaders would not end the problem.
He appealed to the state government to invite UNC officials for negotiations for bringing an amicable solution. He disclosed that he interacted with UNC chief Gaidon Kamei over phone before the arrest. UNC was prepared for talks with both the state government and Sadar Hills leaders.
Nagas urge Rijiju to resolve blockade
The Sangai Express / ANI
New Delhi, December 02 2016: The Naga people living in Delhi are deeply concerned by the recent events in Manipur that have led to the arrest of United Naga Council (UNC) President Gaidon Kamei and information and publicity secretary SK Stephen by the Government of Manipur on grounds of economic blockade for nearly a month in the State.
“The arrest is highly condemnable as the action amounts to dismissing Naga people’s rights over their land and age old customary law. The UNC is a respected apex institution of all the Nagas whose territory falls within the jurisdiction of Manipur State pertaining to land, culture and customary law,” said a statement.
“Therefore, the protest launched by the UNC leaders was to safeguard the indigenous land of the Naga people against the State arbitrary decision without any consultation and its complete disregard to the past Memorandum of Understandings signed with the Government of Manipur and written assurance from Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, on November 24 on issue of Sadar Hills and Jiribam,” the statement added.
To voice a strong protest against the highly condemnable action of the State Government of Manipur, Naga Students’ Union, Delhi (NSUD) has formed a Committee for Joint Naga Civil Societies, Delhi (CJNCSD) on November 28 in collaboration with various Naga Civil Society based in Delhi. The Committee has a representation of Naga Forum Delhi (NFD), Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights, Delhi Sector (NPMHR), Naga Lawyers’ Guild, Delhi (NLGD), Naga Students’ Union Delhi (NSUD), Forum for Understanding the Naga-India Conflict & Human Rights (FUNICH), Naga Scholars’ Association (NSA) and Naga People’s Union for Civil Liberties (NPUCL).
Ibobi woos with promise of MC status
The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 02 2016: Chief Minister O Ibobi has assured that Thongkhong Lakshmi Bazar Nagar Panchayat and Samurou Nagar Panchayat would be upgraded to the status of Municipal Councils before the election code of conduct comes into force. He was speaking at a one day political conference held today Thongkhong Lakshmi Bazar under the aegis of Wangoi Block Congress Committee.
He stated that the State Cabinet would adopt a decision to upgrade the two Nagar Panchayats to the level of Municipal Councils within the next couple of days. Even though Congress ticket could not be given to MLA O Lukhoi during the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly, he is now within the fold of Congress party, Ibobi stated. He then appealed to the gathering to vote for the candidate who is given Congress ticket in the forthcoming State Assembly election.
Soon after BJP came to power at the Centre, they promised to bring back all the black money stashed in foreign countries and deposit Rs 10 lakh each in the bank accounts of common people. The BJP Government demonetised Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes after they failed to bring back black money, and the common people were forced to deposit whatever money they had in hand in banks, said Ibobi.
Amid the boycotts before the polls: Piling the heat on Congress
The Sangai Express editorial 3 Dec 2016
Congress boycotted in the Naga areas of Manipur. Congress boycotted at Churachandpur, thanks to the three Bills passed by the State Assembly last year. Congress boycotted at Sadar Hills over its failure to declare Sadar Hills as a full fledged district. Economic blockade imposed by the United Naga Council over the alleged attempt of the Congress Government to declare Sadar Hills and Jiribam as full fledged districts on. It is against these backdrops that the Congress will face the next Assembly election, scheduled to be held in the early part of next year. Chief Minister O Ibobi and other Congress leaders must be feeling the heat, more so with the BJP breathing down its neck. A sure sign that the Congress will not have it as easy as the 2012 Assembly election, when it pushed aside all the other political parties to secure 42 seats. This number swelled to 47 after five MSCP MLAs joined the Congress enmasse which was further bolstered by the entry of the remaining AITC MLAs. On the other hand four Congress MLAs have resigned from the party and the State Assembly. Out of the four, three, N Biren, Y Erabot and Francis Ngajokpa have joined the BJP while it is not yet clear which party Janghemlung Panmei, elected from Tamenglong AC, may join. Early days yet and while it would be premature to read the political tea leaves at the moment, the fight will be a close one between the Congress and the BJP. The question is how the Congress will try to make up for its shortfalls in the hill districts.
A look at some of the pressing issues will certainly influence the voting pattern of the people. The territorial integrity of Manipur will certainly be played up by all the political parties ahead of the election. With the BJP seen to be close to the Naga People’s Front, which is again seen to be close to the NSCN (IM), will the Congress play this up, especially in the valley areas, where 40 MLAs will be elected ? It will be interesting to see how the Congress uses this card and how the BJP tries to nullify it. The demand to implement the Inner Line Permit System or a similar mechanism to check the inflow of non-local people can also impact on the voting pattern of the people. The interesting question is, what is the stand of the BJP on this count ? Will it be able to outwit the Congress and try to win over the voters in Churachandpur without antagonising the voters in the valley areas ? Equally important, how will the Congress try to convince the voters of Churachandpur district that any Bill that is passed in the future will not affect or seem to affect the indigenous people of the district ? The question of district status to Sadar Hills and Jiribam too will influence the voters in the coming days and as the political party which is in power for the third consecutive term, the onus will be certainly be on the Congress.
Secure supply lines, high court directs Ibobi govt
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | December 1
The Manipur High Court today directed the state government to deploy adequate security ‘round the clock’ at the two vulnerable bridges located along Imphal-Jiribam National Highway-37 and ensure safe passage in NH-2 Dimapur road within five days. The order was passed by the full bench the high court comprising of the Chief Justice Rakesh Ranjan Prasad, Justice N Kotiswar and Justice Kh Nobin Singh.
The full bench also directed the government to bring normalcy on National Highway-2 within five days to have free and smooth movement of vehicular traffic on the highway.
Church calls to end blockade
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | Dec 1
The Archbishop Most Rev. Dominic Lumon on behalf of the Catholics of Manipur has appealed to all the parties involved to immediately end the blockade and restore normalcy for the sake of public peace and harmony, said a statement signed by the chancellor of Archdiocese of Imphal, Manipur Stanis Khup.
It further said the suffering caused to the common folk by the economic blockade has already caused sporadic violence and added that there is a clear signs of ethnic tensions building up due to deprivation of essential human needs.
Kpi chiefs ask MLA to snap ties with Cong
The Sangai Express
Sadar Hills, December 01 2016: Representing the people of Kangpokpi AC, all chiefs of the constituency in unison today asked the local MLA to sever ties with the Congress party and decide the future of Sadar Hills with other competent party. The decision of the 50 Kangpokpi AC Chiefs that the local MLA sever ties with the Congress party was taken unanimously in a joint meeting under the aegis of Kangpokpi AC MLA Election Centre Committee at Ngahmun village in Sadar Hills.
The chiefs collectively alleged that the Congress Government of Manipur has kept betraying the people of Sadar Hills time after time with one reason or the other even after the people of Sadar Hills maintained their loyalty and faith towards the party for the past two decades. Visibly disappointed chiefs, who congregated at Ngahmun Community Hall, also conveyed their decision with the JAC Sadar Hills’ decision to boycott Congress in Sadar Hills and expressed sincere gratitude to the Congress Councillors and members of Kangpokpi Block Congress Committee who tendered their resignation from the party following the instruction of the JAC Sadar Hills.
It also collectively endorsed and supported the move of JAC Sadar Hills in declaring the United Naga Council as ‘Anti-Sadar Hills’ and to boycott of the UNC’s sponsored political party, the Naga People’s Front (NPF) in Sadar Hills. The collective voice of the Kangpokpi AC Chiefs also echoed that the decision of the JAC Sadar Hills to boycott the Congress and the UNC sponsored NPF in Sadar Hills is a ‘right decision’.
Janghemlung Panmei Resigns From MLA And Congress Party
Imphal Times
Imphal, Dec 1: Amidst the on-going issues of prolong economic blockade along the Imphal-Jiribam highway, Member of the Legislative Assembly of 53-Tamenglong Assembly Constituency, Janghemlung Panmei has submitted his resignation letter from his MLA seat to the Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly, Imphal, Manipur.
In his press statement, Janghemlung Panmei said that he took the decision to resign from his MLA seat after getting heavy pressure from his worker.
He also took the decision to resign from the post of General Secretary of Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) along with the withdrawal from his primary membership of the MPCC in the larger interest of the people of his constituency.
CM inaugurates administrative and faculty block
The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 30 2016: Newly constructed Administrative and Faculty Block of Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) was inaugurated by Chief Minister O Ibobi today at Porompat. Addressing the inauguration function, Chief Minister Ibobi stated that a dental college will be instituted in the former administrative block after it is duly refurbished. The State Government is also planning to set up a nursing college for JNIMS as well, he said.
To facilitate accommodation for resident doctors and professors, the State Government is taking up effort to construct the necessary infrastructure. He added the Union Minister of Health who visited the State earlier has given an assurance that a Cancer Treatment Unit for JNIMS will be added very soon. The State Government is working to make a detailed project report (DPR) for the said unit.
GoI recognises right of Nagas to integrate : Rh Raising ; Solution based on FA soon : NSCN (IM)
The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 30 2016: Stating that the long cherished solution based on the Framework Agreement will come sooner than expected, Kilo Kiloner of the NSCN (IM) Rh Raising has asserted that the Government of India has recognised the ‘legitimate right of the Nagas to integrate all Naga territories under one political umbrella’.
Speaking at an awareness campaign meeting on the peace process between the outfit and the Government of India at Makhel village today, the Kilo Kilonser said that the NSCN is strongly opposed to ‘forced marriage and forced union’ and added that the Nagas were divided by the colonial power for political reason. Stating that no one moves alone, work alone or fight alone, Raising said that the GoI and the NSCN have mutually agreed to co-exist as two entities and share sovereign powers as two entities.
‘Shared sovereignty and co-existence of the two entities are the meeting points of India and Nagas,’ he said and added that this agreement will certainly strengthen the security, peace and progress of the two people and the region to a great extent.
The Government of India too has recognised the sovereignty of the Nagas, said the Kilo Kilonser and added that the GoI has now recognised the ‘territories of the Nagas stating that Nagas are the owners of their land. NSCN values land above gold. Land and people are inseparable; land and politics are inseparable; land and State are inseparable’.
The Kilo Kilonser further said that the colonial policy of divide and rule cannot stop the Nagas from being one people and one Nation and added that realising the futility of this exercise Government of India approached the NSCN for political talks and ‘thus began the peace process’. The politics of ‘free Nagalim for Christ is built upon the solid foundation of our living history,’ he said and added that the Government of India has now recognised the unique history of the Nagas.
Joykishan promises drug free Manipur
The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 30 2016: BJP MLA Khumukcham Joykishan has asserted that Manipur would be freed from all drug-related issues within five years provided the party is elected to power in the forthcoming Manipur State Assembly election. If elected to power, BJP would take up exemplary action against drug smugglers.
The BJP Government would also formulate a policy to keep all youngsters away from intoxicating drugs and make Manipur completely free from drug related issues. A statement issued by Joykishan pointed out that a cousin of Chief Minister O Ibobi is entangled in a legal case in connection with the seizure of a consignment of drugs from Imphal airport. People were also aware that MPCC president TN Haokip’s son was also involved in smuggling drugs. It was also a common knowledge that no kingpin of drug smugglers were arrested and punished during the past 15 years, alleged the BJP MLA.
Govt urged to talk with UNC
Imphal Free Press
UKHRUL | November 30
The Autonomous District Council, ADC Ukhrul, Dr Yaronsho Ngalung appealed to the state government to release UNC president Gaidon Kamei and Information Secretary Shankhui Stephen at the earliest and to invite all the concerned stakeholders for a “comprehensive dialogue”, before creating Sardar Hills and Jiribam districts in order to bring an amicable solution to end the present imbroglio.
Underscoring the urgency of maintaining peace and harmony amongst the communities of the state, the ADC chairman appealed to the chief minister to invite UNC leaders for talks at the earliest and resolve any misunderstandings through an open dialogue. “Dialogue is the key to any problem or unrest,” he emphasized.
Team Sharmila kicks off Youth4Change campaign
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | November 30
Team Sharmila4change and People’s Resurgence and Justice Alliance (PRJA) kicked off a campaign named “Youth4Change” at Manipur University today to tab youth power to become agents of change. The campaign was launched during an interaction programme between Irom Chanu Sharmila, Sharmila4change, a group supporting Sharmila’s political struggle and PRJA with students of the university.
During the more than three hour long interaction programme Sharmila and her team answered questions asked by the participating students and explained to them why Sharmila chose electoral politics after ending her nearly 16 year long hunger strike against Armed Forces Special Powers Act.
About 200 students and Prof Amar Yumnam, former vice-chancellor in-charge and head of economics department and Bijayalakshmi Brar of Centre for Social Studies took part in the interaction programme.
JAC to boycott NPF, declares UNC as anti-Sadar Hills
Imphal Free Press
KANGPOKPI | November 30
Reiterating its firm decision to boycott the INC in the entire Sadar Hills administrative region in connection for its failure to implement the Parliament Act 1971 on the Sadar Hills issue, the Joint Action Committee for Sadar Hills today declared it would also boycott the Naga People’s Front (NPF) in the Sadar Hills over the same issue. The JAC Sadar Hills’ decision to boycott the NPF which is allegedly sponsored by the Manipur Naga’s apex body, the United Naga Council (UNC), was taken in its meeting held today at Kangpokpi.
The JAC expressed its gratitude to the leaders and workers of Kangpokpi Block Congress Committee for tendering their resignations to sever ties with the Congress yesterday while reiterating its appreciation to the Congress Councillors who had also tendered resignations from the Congress earlier.
BJP Kishan Morcha meet
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | Nov 30
A joint political conference of Bharatiya Janata Party Kisan Morcha was held today at six Assembly constituencies of Churachandpur district, said a release. The function was attended by BJP Manipur Pradesh Kisan Morcha president Kh Nabakumar, general secretary Ibomcha and treasurer Brajakumar. The Mandal presidents and workers attended the conference also attended the function.
Ibobi flayed
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | Nov 30
The Thadou Youths’ Association, TYA has expressed its resentment against the state government for maintaining silence over the United Naga Council sponsored economic blockade on two lifelines National Highways, said a release.
It further said the imposition of blockade of essential commodities is almost completing one month but the ruling government did nothing even though, the hardships and difficulties faced by the people becomes worsen day by day indicating a clear sign of poor governance.
Don’t cross limit: Ibobi to all communities
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | November 30
The state government will not remain a silent spectator if the common interest of the people of Manipur is affected by the interest of a single group, chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh declared today. Speaking at the closing ceremony of Manipur Sangai Festival, 2016 at Bhaigyachandra Open Air Theatre today Ibobi said violence has never brought solution to any problem and history is the testimony.
“We will tolerate as much as we can. I request it would be wise for everyone not to cross the tolerance limit”, the chief minister cautioned.
He exhorted it was time to put aside differences and work towards peace and development of the people. “Let us shun violence. Instead let us sit together and find solution to any problem”, he said.
Stating that though small in size Manipur is home to many ethnic groups he said every ethnic group will have their own agenda and interest.
Blockade is unconstitutional, MHA categorically states
The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 29 2016: The Ministry of Home Affairs has categorically stated that the indefinite economic blockade being imposed on National Highways leading to Manipur is unconstitutional. In response to a letter sent by the Chief Secretary to the Union Home Secretary regarding the indefinite economic blockade, the Ministry of Home Affairs sent a letter to the State Government which categorically stated that the ongoing blockade was unconstitutional.
It also assured that the Ministry of Home Affairs would provide additional Central paramilitary forces, if necessary, so as to ensure uninterrupted movement of vehicles on National Highways connected to Imphal, conveyed a source.
Demonetisation of Rs 500, Rs 1000 notes RBI relaxes withdrawal limits
The Sangai Express / The Hindu
Mumbai, November 29 2016: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Monday said that if deposits had been made in legal tender, then depositors could withdraw that amount over and above the Rs 24,000 weekly limit. The move was aimed at allowing comfort to individuals who were hesitant to deposit legal tender following the withdrawal of high-value currency notes which came into effect from November 9.
“It has been decided, on careful consideration, to allow withdrawals of deposits made in current legal tender notes on or after November 29, 2016 beyond the current limits,” the RBI said in a statement.
The withdrawals could be preferably permitted in “available higher denominations bank notes of Rs 2,000 and Rs 500,” it said. The move will encourage small businesses such as shopkeepers to deposit cash in legal tender which they can fully withdraw. Following the withdrawal of high-currency notes, the Centre had said that an individual could only withdraw Rs 24,000 in cash per week.
“It has been reported that certain depositors are hesitating to deposit their monies into bank accounts in view of the current limits on cash withdrawals from accounts,” the RBI said, explaining its decision. Separately, the RBI also said Rs 8.1 lakh crore had been deposited in banks following the demonetisation move (as of November 27) while close to Rs 34,000 crore had been exchanged. About Rs 2.16 lakh crore had been withdrawn as cash.
Liangmai JAC lashes out at MLA Nemcha Kipgen and Hari Nepal
The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 29 2016: The Joint Action Committee for Protection of Liangmai Ancestral Land (JAC-PLAL) today said that the assurance given by Kangpokpi Assembly Constituency MLA Nemcha Kipgen to create Gorkhaland in the hill areas of Manipur is a tactic to lure Nepali voters. The Liangmai JAC has advised the MLA and self styled Gaon Bura Hari Nepal to run through the constitutionally protected land holding system of the tribals in the hill districts of Manipur.
The JAC-PLAL statement came at the backdrop of the torching incident of a house by unknown miscreants at Poudel Basti recently. According to the statement, when everyone else is concerned about resolving the incident, Hari Nepal has been tirelessly spiting venom.
“Unlike Hari Nepal’s organizations, JAC-PLAL is mandated by over 70 Liangmai villages in the under the leadership of T Disimang. Every activities or statement of JAC-PLAL so far is consensus and support from various tribal forums is gaining momentum each day,” it claimed.
BJP responds to CM’s allegations, says Cong attempting to tarnish the image of BJP
The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 29 2016: The Bharatiya Janata Party Manipur Pradesh today charged Chief Minister Okram Ibobi of instigating communal tension in the State. At a press meet held at BJP Manipur Pradesh office today Thongju AC MLA Th Bishorjit said the allegations thrown at Prime Minister Narendra Modi by Chief Minister Okram Ibobi at a political conference held at Naoriya Pakhanglakpa on November 27 is completely baseless.
“The Chief Minister seem to have lost his senses owing to the number of issues prevalent in the State”, he said.
At a juncture where the leaders of the State should come together and decide what is best for the people, the Chief Minister is attending political conference and defaming the Prime Minister. The MLA questioned the Congress’ agenda behind bringing up the peace talk between the NSCN IM and the Government of India in the political campaign. The people should know that it was Congress leaders like Rishang Keishing and Gaikhangam that signed a document which endorsed the demand for Naga integration.
Nepali JAC denies existence of NPC, Manipur
The Sangai Express
Senapati, November 29 2016: The Joint Action Committee against the torching of Nepali House at Poudel Basti has today vehemently denied the existence of Nepali Peace Committee, Manipur, reports our correspondent. Raju Gewali, co-convener of the JAC said that when the fabricated Nepali Peace Committee, Manipur came up with a statement over the issue of Irang area, Nepali community is vastly doubtful about its existence and initiate internal inquiry immediately.
He said that as per the finding, there is no such Nepali civil body called Nepali Peace Committee, Manipur nor is registered in any department concerned so far while no apex Gorkha body has acknowledged its existence.
PRJA mission
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | Nov 29
The political party headed by Irom Sharmila PRJA has vowed to root out corruption and money politics in elections. A party statement said, PRJA is going every Leikai, and every Khun. We are challenging assumptions this time. We said let’s defeat “cash for votes” by creating an entirely different alternative that challenges the notion that people are corrupt, and ignorant. People are not.
It is the corrupt leaders, it is the so-called “mapi-mapas” who perpetuate this narrative that corruption begins at the bottom. In reality, corruption trickles down from the top. But the way to change that is for the praja to topple that top from the bottom during elections. People are the true sovereign.
BJP denies link with NSCN-IM
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | November 29
If the Congress party can prove that NSCN-IM and BJP are in cahoots behind the ongoing economic blockade on the state’s two national highways, BJP will not contest the Assembly elections, Th Biswajit, general secretary administration of BJP Manipur Pradesh and MLA declared. He was reacting to charges lebelled by chief minister O Ibobi Singh during his speech at a political conference at Naoriya Pakhanglakpa on November 27 that the blockade was the result of a conspiracy between the BJP led NDA government at the Centre and the NSCN (IM).
Biswajit said, in every election campaign Congress has been bringing up the issue of territorial integrity and the design of NSCN-IM but it is doing nothing to safeguard it. In the press meet chief spokesperson Prof S Tiken and N Nimbus general secretary media of BJP were present.
NPP demand
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | Nov 29
The problems faced by people are due to the economic blockade and demonetization of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes, according to Vivekraj Wangkhem, national general secretary of NPP. He said in a press conference held at NPP office Chingmeirong, he said that NPP endorse the demonetization but does not approve the implementation process. He said that demonetization has deeply impacted the daily bread earners.
Maniruddin Sheik chairmen national minority cell said that Manipur has many burning issues. People of Manipur is facing month long economic blockade but till today the state government have not taken any positive measurement to bring solution.
Kangpokpi block congress leaders, workers tenders mass resignation
Imphal Free Press
KANGPOKPI| Nov 29
Humiliate and tongue-tied with the alleged ‘vile betrayal’ over Sadar Hills issue and following the instruction of JAC for Sadar Hills, all Congress party leaders and workers of Kangpokpi Block today tendered resignation from the Congress Party. The resignation letter submitted to the President, Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) was signed by President, Kangpokpi Block Congress Committee, Tongkholal Hangshing, Vice President Haokhochon Haokip, General Secretary P.T. Zaipou, President Kangpokpi Block Mahila Congress Committee, Kimboi Lhouvum and Secretary Nemvah Lupheng on behalf of the party unit leaders and workers.
It said that the unfaithful commitment of the Congress Government led by Okram Ibobi Singh to declare Sadar Hills as a full-fledged district fetched dishonor and demean to all the Congress workers of Kangpokpi and we are ashamed to remain a part of the party.
KSO retorts UNC, MLA RK Anand statement
Imphal Free Press
KANGPOKPI|November 28
Kuki Students’ Organization today expressed serious concerned over the alleged recent thoughtless statement of United Naga Council and a ruling MLA RK. Anand today. Seiboi Haokip, General Secretary, KSO-GHQ said that the caption cited in state leading newspapers, “Naga bodies urge PM to intervene” is stated to have a unanimous statement of UNC and all Naga Organizations.
He said that careful reading of the UNC insensitive statement causes the student body concern for endangering by their predicting of the possible unthoughtful statement, which reads, “According to the memorandum, the situation is becoming ‘more and more volatile’ and there is every chance of ‘ethnic clashes erupting’ at any moment to a magnitude’ like the past ugly ethnic clash”.
While making obvious why the KSO termed the UNC statement ‘unthoughtful’ Seiboi Haokip said that it is unthoughtful, firstly, because there has never been an “ethnic clash” in the past amongst the people of Manipur and among the tribal people in the hills in particular.
Zeliang bodies seeks PM intervention
Imphal Free Press
TAMENGLONG | Nov 28
The Zeliangrong people on Monday staged sit in protest at Tamenglong Market shed strongly denouncing the arrest of Gaidon Kamei, president UNC and Sankhui Stephen Information Secretary of the UNC by the ‘communal’ government of Manipur. After the protest at market shed, the protestors took out a rally till DC office Tamenglong and submit a memorandum to the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, through the Deputy Commissioner of Tamenglong for immediate intervention on the creation of Sadar Hill and Jiribam sub- Division into full-fledged districts and release Gaidon Kamei, President UNC and Information & Publicity UNC Sankhui Stephen unconditionally.
Guiliangliu Panmei, Ex- president Zeliangrong Baudi Tamenglong; Agipou Pamei, chairman Zeliangrong Baudi Tamenglong zone; David Kamei, vice president Zeliangrong Youth Front (AMN) and Namteuleng Pame, chairman Zeliangrong Baudi Tousem zone address the mammoth gathering.
Mob Vandalise Banks in Manipur
Northeast Today
28 November 2016
Angry customers vandalized two SBI branches in Manipur on Monday after the bank refused to allow people to withdraw Rs 24,000 each from their accounts citing cash shortage. A policeman was injured in violence in one of the banks and while a mob damaged windows in another. Bank work was also hit in both places but no one has been arrested. The trouble started at the State Bank of India in Manipur University when two customers insisted on withdrawing Rs 24,000 each – the maximum one can take out from the bank a week following demonetisation.
Branch manager Prasad Jain stated, “They became angry when it was pointed out that our senior officials had declared that such big amounts could not be withdrawn.” The customers then turned unruly. N. Biren, a customer, said people who had been queuing up from early in the morning became angry when they were informed they could withdraw only Rs 2,000 each from their savings accounts.
Sensing the mood, the SBI said the customers could take out Rs 4,000 each. “But the bank will be closed once the cash runs out,” one officer told the crowd. On hearing this, the account holders started vandalizing the office, the witnesses said. Riot police rushed to the bank to bring the situation under control. A policeman, Mutum Shyamo, was injured in the violence.
There was a similar incident at another SBI branch at Leimakhong in Imphal West district where account holders damaged windows following heated exchanges with the staff. Though armed policemen have been deployed in all bank branches in the state, officials informed it has become increasingly tough to maintain order as customers who are denied cash become restive. There have been face-offs between the bank staff and customers in Manipur but this is the first time banks were vandalized.
State Cong protest against demonitisation
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | November 28
Manipur Pradesh congress committee led by its president TN Haokip organised a state level sit in protest against demonetisation in front of Congress Bhavan, Imphal today. The unwarranted demonetisation of higher value currency notes of Rs 500 and 1000 without any immediate remedial solution might flare up riot like situation in the society, said MPCC president TN Haokip at the protest site today.
He said that riot like situation in the state already witnessed in different parts today where customers stone pelted at the SBI Bank branches. Summing up with the statement made by the then UPA Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh that the sudden demonetisation by Narendra Modi as Prime Minister of India is ‘organised loot, legalised blunder and monumental mismanaged’ mentioned that only general public are suffered from this decision. He mentioned that Modi is not affected from this national crisis.
MLA Surchandra likens Modi to Tuqhlaq
The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 28 2016: Congress MLA Yengkhom Surchandra has compared Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Muhammad Bin Tughlaq who ruled in Delhi in the 14th century. He was speaking at a felicitation function of Imphal East Zilla Parishad Adhyaksha P Bimola held at the residence of Naoroibam Kapu (Ratan) at Heingang Mayai Leikai. Notably, N Kapu has been preparing to contest the forthcoming Manipur State Legislative election.
Surchandra stated that he was comparing Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Muhammad Bin Tughlaq as the BJP Government’s recent move of demonetising Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes was comparable to the many ad-hoc, awkward and short-sighted policies followed by the 14th century ruler.
Irani opens garment centre in Imphal
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | November 27
The Apparel and Garment Making Centre, Lamboikhongnangkhong, Imphal was inaugurated by Union Minister for Textiles Smriti Zubin Irani. The Union Minister also distributed “Pehchan” Identity Cards to some artisans. The Centre consists of one skilling block and two commercial blocks and 300 nos. of machines are installed in the centre.
The Chief Guest Smirti said that the scheme for identifying weavers were launched in October 7, 2014 and now more than 2000 weavers has been identified and issued identity cards. The government of India through textile ministry has sanctioned 46.15 crores for different schemes especially for handloom in Manipur said Smriti Zubin Irani union minister of textile. Minister Smriti Irani further said that another two big projects for sericulture has sanctioned which estimated 153crores about 200 crores rupees has also sanctioned through NE textile promotion scheme only for Manipur.
RK Imo criticizes demonetization
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL| November 27
Sagolband MLA and Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee General Secretary (Admn) RK Imo Singh today blamed the central government for harassing common people of the country by the ongoing demonetization process. He was speaking in a public meeting held at Sagolband Bijoygovinda Lai Lampak organised by sagolband Block Congress Committee and Sagolband Constituency Progressive Committee.
MLA RK Imo Singh further charged that the demonetization of higher value currency notes does not affect the high class and rich people. But, the new policy of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi affect the common people even leading to suicide in certain cases. He said the Bharatiya Janata party is totally against the poor and common people.
District formation state prerogative: Ibobi
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | November 27
Formation of new districts in a state is within the purview of the state government and it does not need consent either from NSCN-IM or central government, asserted Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh. He made this statement during a one day political conference organized by Naoriya Pakhanglakpa block congress committee today at residence of Congress MLA RK Anand at Kwakeithel.
Chief Minister said the recent demonetization of Rs 500 and 1000 notes by Indian government and indefinite economic blockade has given a huge impact on the people of the state. He said, UNC dances to the tune of NSCN-IM and the economic blockade imposed on two national highways of Manipur can only be revoked if central government asked NSCN-IM to stop it.
Naga bodies urge PM to intervene
The Sangai Express
Senapati, November 27 2016: The United Naga Council (UNC), the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) and the Naga Women Union (NWU) have sought the ‘immediate intervention’ of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Sadar Hills and Jiribam issues. The three Naga organisations also apprised the Prime Minister on the arrest of United Naga Council (UNC) president Gaidon Kamei and UNC information secretary SK Stephen by the Manipur police.
In their joint memorandum to the Prime Minister, UNC, ANSAM and NWU highlighted the “facts and historical background” of the so called Sadar Hills and Jiribam sub-division “for your kind and immediate intervention”.
According to the memorandum, the three Naga bodies mentioned that “in continuation of our written submission on November 3, 2016, the Government of Manipur has decided to inaugurate the so called Sadar Hills and Jiribam sub division into full fledged districts, against the letter and spirit of the 4 (four) Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) signed between the Government of Manipur and the Naga people, and a written assurance given by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India on November 24, 2011”.
Modi defends demonetisation Cong lines up mass protest
The Sangai Express / PTI
New Delhi, November 27 2016: Congress today made it clear it had not called for a ‘Bharat bandh’ tomorrow, but would hold protests across the country against demonetisation, which it alleged “was a political move being sold as a fight against corruption”. Speaking to reporters here, party leader Jairam Ramesh said Prime Minister Narendra Modi believed in “dhamaka” politics and the decision to scrap high-value currency notes was taken because he had seen the “writing on the wall” in Uttar Pradesh, where polls are due next year.
Ramesh claimed that Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes were scrapped to cover up the Government’s failure to deliver on the Prime Minister’s big electoral promise of bringing back black money stashed abroad and Modi wanted to do something “dramatic”. “It is a political move which is being sold as a fight against corruption,” Ramesh said hitting out at the Centre. He said people who have amassed wealth by illegal means are not suffering, but those who do not have black money are facing hardships.
Parliament must debate the electoral reforms that the PM has suggested
Hindustan Times editorial, Nov 16, 2016
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has opened a new front in his high-visibility war on corruption by calling for State funding of elections, which he also wants held at the same time to the state assemblies and Parliament. Given the problems and disruption that the scrapping of ₹500 and ₹1,000 currency notes has caused countrywide, the immediate question would be how such a mammoth task could be accomplished. The scale of the exercise and the cost, given the country’s size, are both daunting. But there is no reason why there should not be a debate on whether this is possible and, even more crucially, desirable. By positioning it as vital to probity and transparency in public life, Mr Modi has clearly struck a chord with a populace disillusioned with the political class.
In India, the unrealistically low limits set by the Election Commission of India on campaign spending by political parties and candidates can be attributed as one of the reasons that have fuelled the black money economy. In theory, State funding would provide a level playing field for political parties and cut out money power from the equation, but in practice things may not work out so linearly. However, there are several options open on this front, including introducing more realistic campaign spending limits and a more transparent system for donations to political parties. Part-public funding of election campaigns is a practice in some countries — both the United States and Britain, for example, have it. We could have our own version.
Holding simultaneous elections to Parliament and assemblies, however, has ramifications that go far beyond issues of funding and logistics. In a way, it would give governments immunity from the everyday pressures of public opinion. The present practice of an election in some state or the other every year or so often forces governments to reconsider their plans and policies. Given the federal nature of the Indian union and the diversity of the country, this need not be a bad thing, though it could be argued that governance is affected. All of these are issues that can and should be debated and as Parliament opened for the winter session, Mr Modi has said the political class should send out a positive message. Electoral reforms are crucial to combating corruption but these also need to be done in a manner that does not tamper with the basic structure of India’s parliamentary democracy that was set in place after intensive debate in a very distinguished constituent assembly.
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