IMPHAL, March 26: An advocacy meeting for media personnel of the state on prevention and control of vector borne diseases was organized under the aegis of the Manipur State Vector Borne Diseases today at the conference hall of the Manipur Voluntary Health Association at Ningthem Pukhri Mapal.

Dr A Ibochouba Singh delivered his speech on the topic titled NVBDCP: Scenario, National objectives and strategies of the program besides rendering a briefing on vector-borne diseases which are infections transmitted by the bite of infected arthropod species, such as mosquitoes.

He highlighted the vector-borne diseases which are Kala-azar, Dengue, Chikungunya, Japanese Encephalitis, Felaria covered by Vector-borne diseases control program and through the slide show and elaborated them.

He also elaborated on strategies for prevention and control which include early detection and prompt treatment, integrated vector management, communication for behaviour change, malaria prevention and control, LLIN (long lasting insecticidal nets), insecticide treatment of community own bed nets, rapid diagnostic test (RDT)  especially in remote area where blood smear result cannot be obtained on time, artemisnin combination therapy (ACT) for detection, sentinel surveillance laboratory sites for Japanese encephalitis (JE) at JN hospital and RIMS and JE vaccination initially in 5 districs of the state and introduction in routine immunisation.

Dr. A Ibochouba Singh maintained that people’s behavioural change could help prevent and eliminate vector borne-diseases and the media could help bring about the behavioural change.

He went on to say about dengue that outbreak of dengue occurred in Manipur in 2007. Dengue was first detected in Moreh, a border town in Chandel district but shortly after detection it was controlled. Of 275 suspected cases of which sample was collected 51 were confirmed but death caused by dengue was reported.

T Kamini Singh made his speech on mosquito morphology vector bionomics  and integrated vector management.

IMPHAL, March 26: Five underground militants belonging to different underground organizations of the state laid down their weapons in front of  Anup Chand Thapliyal, Inspector General Manipur and Cachar Frontier Border security force (BSF) in a home coming ceremony held at the 116 Battalion transit Headquarters at Loktak today noon under the aegis of Sector headquarter Border Security Force Counter Insurgency Operations Manipur

The underground militant who laid down arms today  included a Self styled Lance Corporal of the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), Thonglal alias James of Aina village Churachandpur district; Self style Lance Corporal Tungdim Khaiminthang alias Khamlenmang of Tuinuphai village, Churachandpur district; Self style Corporal (UNLF) Thangkhogin Simte of Zoutong village, Churachandpur district; Md Aktar alias Babul of Keirao Makting Awang Leikai, Imphal East district, a cadre of the People United Liberation Front (PULF) and Self style Corporal of the Kangleipak Communist Party ( Military council) KCP-MC, Ravi alias Athouba of Sekmaijing village of Thoubal district

The arms and ammunition which were laid down today include one lethod gun along with one lethod shell, three 9 mm pistols along with 9 live rounds, two hand grenades and one wireless set.

Speaking at the home coming ceremony, Anup Chand Thapliyal  welcomed the five cadres and said that their initiative to join the mainstream of civil society is due to the motivation given by the personnal of the Battalion. He reiterated," The heart can be won by the heart and not by the bullet"while adding that the Border Security Force will first screen those who have laid down their weapons and do whatever is possible as part of the rehabilitation process.

The home coming ceremony was attended by SC Budakoti, Director Inspector General (G) Manipur and Cachar frontier Border Security Force, Officers of the state police, BSF officials and family members of the underground militants.

IMPHAL, March 26: A JAC has been formed in connection with the handing over of a civilian of Singda Kadangban Part I under Lamsang Police Station to the police by a column of the 10th Assam Rifles who claimed that the individual was an armed cadre.

The JAC has also shut down the Singda Dam from distributing water to the Water Supply department.

Meanwhile, the  Sekmai MLA  Kh Debendra Singh who came to meet with the locals of the area gave his assurance that he would discuss the matter with the state DGP and the SP Imphal West and after considering the charges levelled against N Leirenjao Singh by the Assam Rifles would release him by 3pm tomorrow.

It may be mentioned that Ningthoujam Leirenjao Singh, 45 son of (L) N Ahongjao Singh of Kadangban Part I under Lamsang Police Station who is said to be a rickshaw puller was arrested by the 10th Assam Rifles, Kangchup post from his residence during the intervening night of March 23-24 on the charge that he is a cadre of an armed outfit and later, handed over to the police.

A spokesperson of the newly formed JAC “Mapari Imom Kanba Lup” said, the JAC has been formed due to the failure of the concerned authorities to release N Leirenjao Singh till today and stated that Ningthoujam (o) Papak Devi of kadangban Part I has been chosen as the leader.

Soon after its formation, the JAC shut down the water supply from Singda Dam reiterating the demand of the locals for the unconditional release of N Leirenjao Singh.

The spokesperson said, the JAC will continue with stern agitations unless the demand is met with and further added that the JAC has been formed with women volunteers from seven women organizations from Kadangban and its surrounding areas.

Elaborating on the assurance provided by the Sekmai MLA, the JAC also declared that if N Leirenjao Singh is not released by the given time frame, it will launch more intensive agitations.

NEW DELHI, March 25 (Agencies): The unabated leakage of development funds in the North-east has led the Centre to create a post of Joint Director in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) exclusively for the North-east, while the Central Vigilance Commission is toying with a proposal to set up a separate wing for the region. The measures are part of the fresh Central initiatives for putting in place a monitoring mechanism to prevent misuse of Central funds.

The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) under the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has taken up the proposal for creation of post of Joint Director in CBI exclusively for north-eastern region and the Cabinet had considered the proposal and cleared it. The DoPT has intimated that a post of JD in the CBI has since been created and the posting of an officer is under way.

In its report to the Parliament, the Standing Committee attached to the Ministry of DoNER has said that it has noted with satisfaction that matter of creation of a separate wing of CVC for the North-east is under examination. The Parliamentary Panel has recommended that early action may be taken in this regard.

The Ministry of DoNER has reported in its Action Taken Report that the DoPT has intimated that the matter regarding creation of a separate wing of CVC exclusively for the North-east has again been referred to the Central Vigilance Commission for latest development.

In 2010, the Centre had informed the Parliament that the CVC had detected irregularities in three of the five cases of alleged corruption. According to the CVC, they have dealt with five cases of alleged corruption, pertaining to the Ministry of DoNER during 2007-2009.

With huge sums of Central funds being pumped into the North-east, the Centre has trained its focus on monitoring and curbing leakages of funds.

The unearthing of the Rs 1,000-crore scam in Dima Hasao district, which was probed by the NIA and CBI separately and reports of development funds reaching the hands of the underground outfits, particularly in the insurgency-affected States of the region, have alarmed Centre.

The Ministry DoNER has said that monitoring mechanism in place in the North Eastern Council (NEC) would be instrumental in achieving the financial and physical targets without any procrastination.

IMPHAL, March 26: The Bharatiya Janata Party, Manipur Pradesh president Thounaojam Chaoba and General secretary Ashwini Kumar today met with the BJP National President Rajnath Singh at the later’s residence at Delhi to confer on several issues related to the state.

Speaking to IFP on the phone from Delhi, Thounaojam Chaoba  said the party representatives reiterated before the national president of the party to place the issue of repeal Armed Forces Special Powers’ Act and save Irom Chanu Sharmila.

He said they apprised the national president that even after a decade long rule of the Congress, the state is still reeling under the lack of adequate water and electricity supply. He said the discussion which was also attended by several other national leaders of the party lasted for about 45 minutes.

Rajnath Singh after listening to the two state leaders said the AFSPA is also implemented in Jammu and Kashmir and it could still be continued in Manipur at which the state leaders said there is a lot of difference between the two states, he said.

Th Chaoba further continued that he apprised the national leaders of BJP that while in Jammu and Kashmir there is the Pakistan factor, Manipur has no such issues from the neighbouring countries. Meanwhile, continuing with the AFSPA issue, he demanded the Congress government both at the Centre and the State to announce a concrete stand on the issue at the earliest.

Ashwini Kumar added that  Rajnath Singh is likely to visit the state on May 2.

He said that after the discussion, Rajnath Singh assured that he will discuss the issue with other national leaders of the party.

IMPHAL, March 26: The Women Action For Development (WAD) an organization working in the field of gender and women empowerment in the state along with its counterpart NGOs and other civil based organizations and people based organizations of the state have submitted a strongly worded communique to the Chief Minister and the Director General of Police of the state over the lack of action over cases of child trafficking in the state.

The communique pointed out that crimes against women and girls in the state of Manipur are increasing day by day with almost every single day bringing in news reports of the  brutal killings of women and girls after incidents of rape and molestation, cases of suicide of young married women due to agonizing torture by husbands or in-laws, trafficking etc. It mentioned that the total number of cases related to the violation of the rights of children in the state, recorded so far for  2013 till date is 56 out of which 4 cases are of rape, 2 cases of rape and murder, 2 cases of assault, 2 case of rape attempt, 1 case of suicide, 1 case of molestation, 1 case of sodomy, 3 cases of Kidnapping, 4 cases of child soldiers, 30 cases of children rescued from trafficking, 4 cases of children going missing and 2 cases of abandonment.

Highlighting that Child trafficking, an organized crime by which under privileged and abandoned children from remote areas are lured by the traffickers with false promises and opportunities to provide free education, residential accommodations, job securities, etc has become one of the most serious issue in the state, the communique by WAD pointed out that there have been many instances earlier where children from Manipur have been rescued from illegal children homes located in different parts of the country and even from abroad. "There were earlier reports of five children being rescued from such illegal children homes in 2007; 12 children in 2008; 41 children in 2009; 169 in 2010; 55 in 2011 and 81 in 2012. For the running year, 30 children have rescued so far," it said.

It further went on to point out there has been no effort from the concerned state authority so far to address the issue of trafficking nor has there been any convictions of people involved in trafficking cases except for brief spells in jail followed by bail. It added that despite 21 children of the state being found trafficked to Jaipur, the lack of any concerted action to bring back the rescued children and begin the process for their repatriation and rehabilitation is a serious matter and questioned the role, responsibility and actions being undertaken by the state anti trafficking unit till date.

Saying that there was every reason for fearing for the safety and the well being of the children being held in Jaipur, the WAD communique pointed out that there is an urgent need for the concerned authority to get in touch with their counterparts in Rajasthan to initiate the process of rescue and repatriation of the trafficked children. "We urge the Government machineries, particularly the Social Welfare Department Home Department and the Manipur State Commission for Protection of Child Rights to take due and immediate action, failing which WAD will send out official notifications and communication over the same on a national and international basis, it said. According to sources, the communique will also be handed over to the State Governor as also the Social Welfare Minister and the Home Minister with memorandums to be sent to the notice of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights and the UN reporting channels.

IMPHAL, March 26: Irom Chanu Sharmila reportedly visited her mother Irom Ongbi Sakhi Devi who is undergoing treatment at the Trauma and Emergency Ward of JNIMS today morning.

Sakhi Devi was earlier admitted at the hospital last night at around 7:45 pm.

According to reports, Sharmila who has been lodged at the security ward of the hospital visited her mother who is undergoing treatment at the Trauma and Emergency Ward of the same hospital today around 8 am.

Sharmila reportedly broke down after seeing her ailing mother following which, she was taken away by the security personnel back to the Security Ward.  

Shamila’s mother was discharged today afternoon as her health condition improved.

IMPHAL, March 26: The Armed wing of the Manipur People’s Army (MPA) of United National Liberation Front (UNLF) attacked a column of 44 AR after PLA killed one personnel of 15 AR and wounded another by exploding a powerful IED at Leirongthel Lamkhai under Yairipok police station of Thoubal District on 22 March in the morning.

According to police sources, the incident occurred  at an area of Namibisha under Kamjong sub-division of Ukhrul distirct at around 10.25 a.m. A column of 44 AR in some vehicles came under attack with the explosion of  a powerful IED planted at the roadside while they were moving together and an AR personnel was wounded by the bomb splinters. The injury sustained was reportedly  not critical.

Meanwhile UNLF claimed that the armed wing of the front, MPA cadres launched the attack which claimed five lives of AR personnel and injured some personnel.

However ADPO Phungyar Mr. Pukeho Mao who also holds the charge of sub-divisional police officer of Kanjong sub-division of Ukhrul said that the information about a column of AR from 23 March proceeding to Namibisha to launch  an operation was received but an attack by an UG group or an encounter with an UG group has not been officially reported as yet. It was not officially reported at Chasad or Phungyar police station, he added.

IMPHAL, March 26: The Supreme Court appointed Commission headed by Justice N Hedgre and hearing six cases of extrajudicial killings in Manipur is likely to submit its report to the Supreme Court in the first week of April this year. This was stated by Babloo Loitongbam, Executive director of Human Rights Alert (HRA) during a press conference at the HRA  office at Kwakeithel today.

It may be mentioned that in September 2012, Extra-Judicial Victim's Family Association Manipur (EVFAM) along with HRA submitted a list of 1528 extrajudicial killings in Manipur that took place since 1979 to 2012 praying for the constitution of an Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate into them. On January 4, 2013, the Supreme Court constituted a high power committee to be fully satisfied about the allegations concerning the cases cited by the writ petitioners with Justice N Santosh Hedgre , former Judge of the Supreme Court as the chairman and JM Lyngdoh, former Chief Election Commissioner and Dr Ajai Kumar Singh, IPS retired DGP and IGP of Karnataka as members of the Commission.

The Commission was mandated to make a thorough enquiry into and record a fact finding regarding the past antecedents and the circumstances in which seven individuals were: Azad khan; Khumbongmayum Orsonjit; Nameirakpam Gobin Meitei; Nameirakpam Nobo Meitei; Elangbam Kiranjit Singh; Chongtham Umakanta and Akoijam Priyobarta and to address the larger question of the role of the State Police and the security forces in Manipur.

In the final submission to the Commission on behalf of the petitioners, suggestions were made to form a special investigation team consisting of 25 senior investigation officers from outside the state of Manipur  to take up the investigation and prosecution of 25 serious cases where it is alleged that fake encounters have taken place.

In Manipur 9 district Courts should be separately established to function exclusively as Human Rights Courts in accordance with Section 30 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 with the qualification that such courts will be empowered to entertain complaints of human rights violation directly and to devise its own procedure so that these criminal proceedings are completed within a period of 6 months. That it be declared that custodial killings and other human rights atrocities when committed require no sanction for prosecution either under the CrPC or UAPA (unlawful prevention act) or AFSPA as the commission of a human rights atrocity has nothing to do with the performance of public duty.

He said that during the proceedings of the Inquiry Commission in New Delhi  from March 13- 21, the defence lawyer, legal representative of the petitioners and members of the Commission jointly discussed about the overall functioning of security forces in Manipur, apart from the issue of AFSPA.

When the Commission asked both the Defence Ministry and Home Ministry why AFSPA was not removed from Manipur, the ministries said it was under consideration, Babaloo cited the legal representative of the petitioners as saying.

It also raised a serious question to the two ministries as to why the seven-year -old Jeevan Reddy Commission report on AFSPA was not presented in the Parliament till date, Babloo said.

IMPHAL, March 26: The United Committee Manipur (UCM) has submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh demanding action on the alleged pathetic condition of the Community Health Centre, Moreh.      

“In the light of the vision for international township at Moreh under your able leadership, the UCM would like to draw your kind attention on the ground reality of the pathetic condition of the Community Health Centre, Moreh for immediate drastic action to rejuvenate the horrible health system prevailing in the most sensitive and strategic town of Moreh on the International Indo-Myanmar Border,” UCM said in its memorandum.

“The haunted community Health Centre, Moreh has become the vivid example of total system failure in the far-flung hill areas of Manipur due to lack of administration and no governance, in spite of the coveted prize given to the government of Manipur by Government of India for the best healthcare system among the smaller states very recently. It has become the greatest joke of the century,” it further said.

UCM in its memorandum further demanded proportionate doctors and staff for the 50 bedded Moreh Hospital, sufficient number of quarters for doctors and staffs, construction of septic tank and water reservoir at the earliest, installation of necessary basic equipments for the hospital and separate security personnel for the hospital.

IMPHAL, March 25: A sit-in protest was held today in front of Keishampat Lairembi Community Hall today following a resolution of the North East Students’ Organization (NESO) demanding immediate fulfillment of the demands in its Executive council-cum-consultative meeting held at Guwahati.

Speaking to reporters at the sidelines of the protest, Sinam Prakash of AMSU and Secretary General of NESO said people of the seven states of the north east region have been looked down by the mainland Indians. He reiterated that the organization was formed to jointly face the hardships of the people and has submitted  a memorandum to the Prime Minister for the welfare of the NE people.

The demands of NESO includes instituting an educational policy and human resource development, repeal of legislations that confer impunity, to address issues of infiltration of illegal migrants and refugees, to give attention to economic and infrastructure development vis a vis concern for environment, to put in an employment policy for North East,  and to confer special constitutional status and institute a separate time zone for the NE region, he added.

IMPHAL, Mar 25: Finally the long cherished dream of the people of Manipur, particularly the legal fraternity, has been fulfilled with Chief Justice of India Altamas Kabir inau-gurating the Manipur High Court today.

Former Chief Justice of Chhattishgarh AM Sapre has already been sworn in as the first Chief Justice of Manipur High Court on March 23.

The inaugural function held at the newly constructed High Court complex at Chingmeirong was attended by Union Law Minister Dr Ashwini Kumar, Chief Minister O Ibobi, Gauhati High Court Chief Justice AK Goyal and two Supreme Court Judges.

Speaking at the inaugural function, Justice Altamas Kabir stated that the new High Court would particularly deal with problems of the State.

He remarked that Chief Justice AM Sapre is a very sensitive and highly experienced Judge. His association with Justice Kotishwar is very suitable.

In his speech, Union Law Minister Dr Ashwini Kumar stated that the fundamental purpose of opening a Court is to deliver justice. There should be no room for fear among the public and they should be convinced to put faith in the legal system.

Chief Minister O Ibobi sought attention of the Chief Justice of India as well as the Union Law Minister to fill up the two vacant posts of Judges in the Manipur High Court so that it can start functioning at full pace.

Later talking to media persons, Dr Ashwini Kumar stated that issues pertaining to Armed Forces Special Powers Act may be resolved soon. Nonetheless, he asserted that there is a need to ponder on the issue of AFSPA.

Admitting that AFSPA imposed in conflict zones has been discussed at different levels, Ashwini Kumar said that he was proud in witnessing the inauguration of the Manipur High Court given the fact that the people of Manipur have been demanding such a court since a long time back.

He gave credit to Chief Minister O Ibobi for successfully setting up a separate High Court for Manipur.

NEW DELHI, March 26 (Agencies): The Army is going to take strong disciplinary action in the form of court martial against a colonel, two majors, a captain, 17 JCOs (junior commissioned officers) and 147 jawans for the violent clash which took place between officers and jawans of an artillery regiment in Nyoma sector of eastern Ladakh in May 2012.

The Court of Inquiry (CoI), chaired by the deputy chief of the 3 Infantry Division Brigadier Ajay Talwar, has recommended disciplinary action against the 168 personnel of the 226 Field Artillery Regiment, including the unit commanding officer, after finding them prima facie guilty for the face-off, breakdown of discipline, abject failure of command and control, violence and other lapses.

"Around 200 witnesses were examined by the CoI under the 3 Division, which was then submitted to the Ladakh-based 14 Corps for further action," said an official.

The startling free for all in the highly disciplined environs of the Army has sent shock waves down the ranks, especially since it left the unit CO, two majors and two jawans hospitalized with limb fractures, bruises and other injuries, as was earlier reported by TOI.

Overall, around 15 officers and over 100 other ranks are in the dock for four face-offs between officers and jawans that took place in armoured and artillery units deployed in Nyoma, Patiala, Gurdaspur and Samba areas in recent times, which indicate the declining discipline and leadership standards in the 1.13 million-strong force.

In the face-off between officers and jawans in 16th Light Cavalry unit at Samba in J&K last August, the CoI has recommended five soldiers be sacked, while another four will face court martial under "disciplinary action".

On the other hand, three junior commissioned officers (JCOs) are to face "disciplinary action" while four other officers, including the unit commanding officer, will face "administrative action" for the unrest that was triggered after a soldier, Arun V, shot himself with his service rifle on August 8, 2012 in Samba.

While the five jawans are being sacked using the "administrative termination of service" provision in the Army Act, it has also been decided to post 39 other ranks out of the unit.

MOREH, March 25: 7 persons including three women were killed while 30 others were injured when a BRTF Tata truck carrying about 40 labourers fell down a gorge about half a km from Govayang village which is about 6 kms away from the Moreh Police this morning around 8:30am.

The BRTF truck was reportedly ferrying the labourers for border fencing when the incident happened.

The dead victims have been identified as Nukul Orang (21), son of Gangur Orang of Assam; Tulshi Thapa (30) wife of Raj Bahadur of Ukhrul Kayashok village; Joura Phan (48), son of Nara Phan of Jharkhand;  Sundar Phan (20) son of Joura Phan of Jharkhand; Kahovan Devi, wife of Ajay Singh of Jharkhand; Saidul Alom (19), son of Nayrudeen of Assam and Vahneilam Kipgen from Moreh.

Sources said even as the vehicle was climbing the steep hill, its ignition went off and the vehicle slided backward and fell down the gorge, killing the seven and injuring several others.

The injured were rushed to the Moreh Hospital where a doctor and some nurses tried hard to accommodate the several injured individuals.

Sources informed that due to lack of adequate doctors, several injured were left unattended for a long time

On receiving reports of the accident, a medical team and personnel of the 9th AR arrived at the accident site to help in rescue work. The CO of the 9th AR also visited the accident site to take stock of the situation.

Personnel of the army also arrived at the accident site. The AR also provided its ambulance to ferry the injured to the hospital.

IMPHAL, March 25: The handing over of a civilian of Singda Kadangbam Part I under Lamsang police station of Imphal west district to the police by a column of 10 AR personnel by claiming that he was a member of an armed group and arrested along with a gun and ammunitions after being picked up a from his home led to residents agitating against the move.  Locals of the area have also said that water supply from the Singda Dam will be stopped  the arrested person is not released without any condition.

The person who was arrested by the 10 AR team has been identified as Ningthoujam Leirenjao Singh (45) son of Late N Ahongjao Singh of Singda Dam part – I. Ningthoujam Ongbi Mani Devi, wife of  Leirenjao said that her husband is a rickshaw driver who also sells water to hotels. "We live a simple life doing whatever work is available for our livelihood. The locality and all the people of the village know very well that my husband is a civilian", she added.

Recounting the incidents that led to her husband being taken away, Mani said that a team of AR personnel broke the door open in the intervening night between Saturday and Sunday and forcibly apprehended her husband who was sleeping with his son and took him. She maintained that no items were picked up along with her husband and that when she asked the AR team to arrest her along with her husband, she was hit by a butt of a weapon and pushed down from the vehicle.

Women of five villages led by women of Singda Kuki Woman Society, Ireng Village Women Society, Phayeng Apunba Nupi Lup, Meira Paibi Lup of Kadangband Part I and II and Kangchup Meira Paibi Lup launched the road blockade . Neitheng, the Ex-Chairperson of Singda Kuki Women Soceity; Daipuilieu, Secretary of Ireng village women society and Hijam Lata Devi, Secretary of Kadangband Part II Meira Paibi strongly condemned the arrest of Leirenjao. They shouetd slogans and waved placards saying, "do not to turn  civilians into a revolutionary cadre', '10 AR post at Kangchup water supply area should be sifted', 'Leirenjao arrested by AR team is a civilian and should be released at the earliest without any condition'.

They disclosed to the media persons that the agitation to stop water supply from Singda dam will be launched by the people of the villages if the said demands were not fulfilled.

Mention may be made that AR personnel handed over Leirenjao to Lamsang police station at around 5.30 p.m. charging that N Leirenjao Singh is a PLA activist. It was also charged that  a pistol with a magazine of 7.635mm, a rifle with point 22 magazine and 40 bullets of AK series Riflle were seized from his possession.

IMPHAL, March 25: Irom Ongbi Sakhi Devi, the mother of Irom Chanu Sharmila who has been on an indefinite fast over the demand for repeal of Armed Forces Special Powers’ Act 1958 has been hospitalized at the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS). Irom Singhajit who was attending to Irom Ongbi Sakhi Devi at the Emergency and Trauma Centre of JNIMS told this IFP reporter that she suffers from chest pain and asthma.

"She had difficulty with her breathing after she went out in the sun. Today, she had gone out for some work in the sun since morning without food as she did not want to eat. However she took an ORS-1 so that she did not feel tired but she threw it up," Singhajit informed.

Irom Ongbi Sakhi Devi  was taken to hospitalaround 7.45 pm today after complaining of breathing difficulties. Her BP was recorded at 160/90 when she reached the hospital.

Irom Singhajit continued that  his mother had been hospitalized twice due to her asthma since Sharmila began fasting. She was in comma twice but she survived both times. Irom Chanu Sharmila who is also in the security ward of the same hospital was not informed of her mother's hospitalisation today at JNIMS.

Irom Sakhi Devi, wife of Irom Nanda Singh of Kongpal Kongkham Leikai is 83 years old and has five sons and four daughters.

Additionally,  representatives of the Aam Adami Party met Irom Chanu Sharmila who was detained in the security ward. During the meeting, the APP representatives expressed that it would support the agitation being launched by Irom Chanu Sharmila.

IMPHAL, March 25: The handing over of a civilian of Singda Kadangbam Part I under Lamsang police station of Imphal west district to the police by a column of 10 AR personnel by claiming that he was a member of an armed group and arrested along with a gun and ammunitions after being picked up a from his home led to residents agitating against the move.  Locals of the area have also said that water supply from the Singda Dam will be stopped  the arrested person is not released without any condition.

The person who was arrested by the 10 AR team has been identified as Ningthoujam Leirenjao Singh (45) son of Late N Ahongjao Singh of Singda Dam part – I. Ningthoujam Ongbi Mani Devi, wife of  Leirenjao said that her husband is a rickshaw driver who also sells water to hotels. "We live a simple life doing whatever work is available for our livelihood. The locality and all the people of the village know very well that my husband is a civilian", she added.

Recounting the incidents that led to her husband being taken away, Mani said that a team of AR personnel broke the door open in the intervening night between Saturday and Sunday and forcibly apprehended her husband who was sleeping with his son and took him. She maintained that no items were picked up along with her husband and that when she asked the AR team to arrest her along with her husband, she was hit by a butt of a weapon and pushed down from the vehicle.

Women of five villages led by women of Singda Kuki Woman Society, Ireng Village Women Society, Phayeng Apunba Nupi Lup, Meira Paibi Lup of Kadangband Part I and II and Kangchup Meira Paibi Lup launched the road blockade . Neitheng, the Ex-Chairperson of Singda Kuki Women Soceity; Daipuilieu, Secretary of Ireng village women society and Hijam Lata Devi, Secretary of Kadangband Part II Meira Paibi strongly condemned the arrest of Leirenjao. They shouetd slogans and waved placards saying, "do not to turn  civilians into a revolutionary cadre', '10 AR post at Kangchup water supply area should be sifted', 'Leirenjao arrested by AR team is a civilian and should be released at the earliest without any condition'.

They disclosed to the media persons that the agitation to stop water supply from Singda dam will be launched by the people of the villages if the said demands were not fulfilled.

Mention may be made that AR personnel handed over Leirenjao to Lamsang police station at around 5.30 p.m. charging that N Leirenjao Singh is a PLA activist. It was also charged that  a pistol with a magazine of 7.635mm, a rifle with point 22 magazine and 40 bullets of AK series Riflle were seized from his possession.

IMPHAL, March 25: Students of Central Agricultural University, Iroishemba has called a college strike today protesting against alleged trespassing by unknown individuals at the girls hostel of the college repeatedly.

Speaking to the media, a girl student studying in her 4th Semester at the college, said two hostellers saw an unknown person roaming inside the girls hostel today morning at around 12:10 am following which, the two informed other students in the hostel through SMS.

After sometime, the hostellers saw a man coming out from a bathroom of the hostel and heading towards four students who were standing at the corridor of the hostel building. The girls ran inside their rooms and locked themselves after seeing the man. The man even tried to force one of the doors, the student said.

When the students tried to inform Warden Rk Tombisana, her phone was switched off, the student said.

While complaining that this same case had earlier happened on February 14 last, a hosteller said that college authorities stopped them from taking up the matter to the police saying it will bring a bad reputation to the college.

The hostellers said that yesterday, there were three people who were trespassing inside the girls’ hostel and that on another occasion on March 14, there were five people.

Clothes of the hostellers which had been stolen on March 14 were brought back and left  today, which proves that  the same people are trespassing repeatedly, the hostellers said.

One of the trespassers today was seen wearing a black jumper when the hostellers first saw him but later, he went inside the bathroom and came out wearing women’s attire. He was also wearing eye liner and was heading towards the new campus construction site, a hosteller said.

Another hosteller said that the trespassers stole only ladies inner garments and nothing else was stolen, adding that the clothes which were stolen last time were brought back and left at the hostel this time.

Following the student agitation today, police picked up four workers who are engaged in the construction works of the hostel building for interrogation in regard with the incident.

IMPHAL, March 25: Members of 27 Churches denominations of Chandel district have submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister of India through the Deputy Commissioner, Chandel on March 25 to disapprove the proposed construction of the “Chakpi Multipurpose Project” at Chakpikarong.  

The Churches denominations members in its memorandum said that Chandel district in Manipur bordering Myanmar has a total geographical area of 3,313 sq. km. with a total population of 1,22,714 living in villages being home of more than 20 different communities with different cultural practices and beliefs, different socio-political aspirations, interest and values.

It accused the Manipur Government of pursuing  the construction of a dam at Chakpikarong the Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) of the people and said that its major areas of concern were that more than 30,000 members of more than 100 churches of the Forum are within the Submerged, Canal and catchment areas in an area of 700 sq.kms. covered by both the Upstream arid-Downstream projects who will be displaced and severely affected.

Pointing out that the project’s main aim is to divert the water from Chakpi River and irrigate 9495 hectares in Thoubal District throughout the year from January to December to facilitate multiple cropping and improve the economic life of the people there at the cost of indigenous tribal people and their land in Chandel district, it said that this might trigger ethnic conflict between the two districts.

"There is a grave danger of demographic impact from the influx of non-indigenous population of laborers and workers manning the project which at peak will reach 26,054 according to the report of the Govt. This will impact the small numbered indigenous tribal s and they may well be on the brink of losing their culture, custom, religious and unique way of life through mix-marriages, acculturation and assimilation," it said.

IMPHAL, March 25: Two auto rickshaw drivers were arrested by 9 sector Assam Rifle personnel at Moreh area today. During their interrogation, the two drivers revealed that  some underground group cadres had planted an Improvised Explosive Device in between Tengnoupal to Lokchao road stretch  along the National Highway number 2  on the Imphal-Moreh route.

Subsequent to the disclosure, the traffic along the national highway was disrupted till 2 pm as no vehicles were allowed to pass on the road. Vehicles remained stranded on the Highway while the AR personnel searched for the said bomb. However, no such bomb was recovered.

On the other hand, a combined team of Thoubal Commando  and the personnel of 15 Assam rifle conducted a cordon and search operation at Chandrakhong and Leirongthel area and apprehended one alleged PLA over ground worker identified as Koijam Gourahari  Singh (55), son of (L) Ibobi singh of Malom Mamang Leikai.

The combined team recovered one 9 mm pistol with magazine along with 2 live rounds; one Chinese hand grenade; 2.5 kilograms of plastic explosive and two mobile phone from the arrested person.

The arrested person was later paraded before the media  along with the seized items. According to the police, the arrested person was also involved in the IED blast at Leirongthel Lamkahi in which one Assam Riffles personal died and other Assam rifle personal was injured.

Yangon, March 22: Myanmar declared a state of emergency on Friday for a riot-hit town where 20 people have been killed in Buddhist-Muslim violence that has sparked fears of spreading unrest.

Swathes of Meiktila, located 130 kilometres north of the capital Naypyidaw, have been reduced to ashes as the authorities struggle to establish control after three days of clashes and arson.

"At least 20 people have been killed. We estimate that it could be higher but it is also difficult for us to gather all the figures," a police officer who did not want to be named told the news agency.

The president's office said the state of emergency would enable the military to help restore order.

The situation was extremely tense today with groups of men including Buddhist monks armed with knives and sticks prowling the streets.

Many of the town's Muslim residents have fled their homes.

A journalist saw the incinerated remains of two victims on a roadside, just one of several reports of bodies in the town, as flames raged from torched mosques and houses while other buildings smouldered unattended.

"The situation is getting worse," a local resident said.

"People are destroying buildings. Many people have been killed. We are scared and trying to stay safe at home."

A group of reporters were stopped at knife-point by a gang of young men and monks and forced to hand over their camera memory cards, according to one of the journalists.

It is the worst communal violence since a wave of clashes between Buddhists and Muslims in the western state of Rakhine last year that left at least 180 people dead and more than 110,000 displaced.

A local lawmaker said that about 25 people had been killed in Meiktila, where more than one-third of the population of about 80,000 people is Muslim, but it was not possible to verify his figures.

"The situation is not good... although the government has said everything is under control," parliamentarian Win Htein, of the opposition National League for Democracy party, told the news agency.

He said hundreds of Muslims had taken shelter at a football ground and police compound while Buddhists had sought sanctuary in monasteries.

As international alarm grew, a senior UN official said authorities needed to act "to prevent further loss of life or spread of violence" in the Buddhist-majority nation.

"Religious leaders and other community leaders must also publicly call on their followers to abjure violence, respect the law and promote peace," Vijay Nambiar, special advisor to UN leader Ban Ki-Moon, said in a statement.

The violence comes as Myanmar struggles with worsening tensions between Muslims and Buddhists that have marred international optimism over dramatic political reforms since the end of military rule two years ago.

Mumbai, March 22: Reliance Industries on Friday said it has been awarded the prestigious 'International Refiner of the Year' 2013 at HART Energy's 27th World Refining & Fuel Conference at San Antonio, Texas, USA.

"The award was presented to RIL for producing cleaner, higher-quality gasoline and diesel fuel, operating with the highest international refining standards and innovative use of resources in diverse environments and for innovation, global vision, and ability to chart future changes," the company said in a statement.

K Balachandran, Chief of Operation (Jamnagar Refinery and Petrochemical Complex) accepted the award on behalf of RIL and its employees.

This is the second time that RIL has received this Award for its Jamnagar Refinery, the first being in 2005. RIL is the only Asian refiner to have been conferred this award twice.

RIL operates two of the world's largest and most complex refineries. With 1.24 million barrels per day of crude processing capacity, RIL is the largest refiner at any single location in the world.

The company had a 33 million tons refinery and a few years ago added an only-for-exports 29 million tonne unit that transformed its Jamnagar complex into the 'largest refining hub of the world'.

RIL is among the Top 10 private sector refining companies globally, and owns 25 per cent of the world's most complex refining capacity.

New Delhi, March 22: CBI has registered a case in connection with alleged kidnapping of yoga exponent Ramdev's guru Swami Shankar Dev who mysteriously went missing six years ago while taking a morning walk in Haridwar.

CBI sources said a case under Section 365 of Indian Penal code against unknown persons. The section pertains to kidnapping or abducting and wrongful confinement.

Uttarakhand Police registered a case of abduction to probe the disappearance of Dev, who had been living in Ramdev's ashram but was missing since July 2007 when he had gone out for a morning walk.

The FIR was reportedly filed by Ramdevs aide Acharya Balkrishna at Kankhal police station three days after the Swami went missing under mysterious circumstances.

The state government had earlier sent a request to CBI in October last year to probe the case but the same was rejected as the state police had not even registered a case, the basic formality before the agency takes up the probe.

Swami Shankar Dev was the founder of Divya Yog Mandir Trust, currently headed by Ramdev who is under scanner for alleged violations in labelling of some of the products of the Trust.

Ramdev had earlier welcomed the decision of the government for a CBI probe into the disappearance of his guru.

Ramdev and his trusts are facing a number of probes by the Income Tax, Service Tax and Enforcement Directorate for alleged evasion of taxes and irregularities in complying with forex laws.

New Delhi, March 22: The two marines charged with the killing of fishermen left Italy and reached Delhi, just in time to meet the deadline set by the Supreme Court for their return.

The move follows an assurance given by Italy to India at the highest level that the marines returned in accordance with the timeline set by the Supreme Court, an official spokesperson in the MEA said on Friday.

In an assurance given by Italian Ambassador Daniele Mancini, the marines who were permitted by the Supreme Court to go to Italy for four weeks to vote in general elections, returned by Friday evening.

Italy had on Thursday night said that it will send back to India the two marines to face trial after receiving an assurance from the Indian government about the protection of their fundamental rights.

Italy's previous decision not to send marines - Massimiliano Lattore and Salvatore Girone - to face trial in the fishermen killing case triggered a diplomatic standoff, with the Indian Supreme Court barring the Italian ambassador from leaving the country.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had last week termed as "unacceptable" Italy's refusal to send its two marines back to India and said the issue will be taken up with that country.

India had withhold posting of its Ambassador-designate Basant Kumar Gupta to Rome and the Indian government had said further steps will be taken after completion of the review of bilateral ties with Italy.

The Italian government, which had given an undertaking before the court that the marines will be sent back, had on 11th March sent a note verbale to the Indian government informing it that the two will not be sent back.

On 18th January, the apex court had turned down the Italian government's plea that the Indian courts had no jurisdiction in the case and had held that the two marines should be tried by a special court constituted by the Centre.

It had directed that the two be shifted to Delhi and would remain under it's 'custody' till the special court is set up.

The two marines were on board an Italian vessel 'Enrica Lexie' when they allegedly shot dead two fishermen off the Kerala coast on 15th February, last year.

Marines will not face death, India assures Italy

As Italy reversed its decision of not sending back its two marines, govt said India has given assurances to that country that they will not face death penalty and will not be liable for arrest if they return by the deadline of today set by the Supreme Court.

Hours after Italy made the announcement that the marines will return to face trial, External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid told Parliament that India had given assurances after clarifications were sought on death penalty which was a concern to that country.

Making identical statements in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on Friday, he expressed happiness that the matter was being brought to a satisfactory conclusion and the trial will now proceed as per the directions of the Supreme Court.

Khurshid said the government was informed through a diplomatic approach that Italy would be willing to send the two marines back to India as per its commitment to face trial in the case of killing two fishermen in February last year.

"It sought from India clarifications regarding the conditions applicable to the marines on their return and the provisions regarding the death penalty that could be applicable in this case which was an Italian concern.

"Notwithstanding the pending proceedings, the Government has informed the Italian Government that the two marines will not be liable for arrest if they return within the time frame laid down by the Supreme Court of India," he said.

The Supreme Court had allowed the marines to go to their home country for four weeks to cast votes in general elections. The four-week period expires Friday.

India also allayed Italy's fears by saying that "according to well settled Indian jurisprudence, this case would not fall in the category of matters which attract the death penalty, that is to say the rarest of rare cases. Therefore, there need not be any apprehension in this regard," Khurshid said.

At the same time, the External Affairs Minister said the Supreme Court had ruled that India has the jurisdiction over the case and the marines -- Massimiliano Lattore and Salvatore Giron -- shall "once again be bound by the conditions contained in the order" passed by the Court on 18th January.

"The Supreme Court, in its order dated 18 January 2013, in a writ petition filed by the Italian marines and the Republic of Italy raising several jurisdictional issues, had ruled, inter alia, that India has jurisdiction," Khurshid said.

He pointed out that the SC had also ruled that "the matter will be put before a Special Court to be set up by the Union of India in consultation with the Chief Justice of India to try this case and to dispose of the same in accordance with the provisions of the Maritime Zones Act, 1976, the Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure and the provisions of UNCLOS 1982, where there is no conflict between the domestic law and UNCLOS 1982."

In his statement, Khurshid gave details of the sequence of events related to the case.

He noted that after Italy told India on 11th March that the marines will not return on the expiration of the permission granted to them, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had stated that Italy should respect the undertaking given to the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court, in its order of 22nd January, had allowed the marines to travel to Italy and the Italian government gave an undertaking to it that the marines "will be kept under its constant custody, supervision and control during this period and took full responsibility for securing" their return to New Delhi "on or before the expiry of the period permitted by the court".

New Delhi, March 22: Oil marketing companies will hike the price of diesel by 45 paise per litre (excluding taxes), effective midnight tonight, Indian Oil said on Friday.

The hike comes barely a week after the oil companies had reduced the price of petrol by Rs 2 per litre.

This is the third consecutive price hike for diesel in the last three months.

In January this year, the government had allowed the oil firms to raise the price of diesel by 40-50 paisa every month until the companies have wiped out the losses they incur from having to sell diesel at subsidised rates to the public.

The oil firms are currently losing around Rs 11 on the sale of every litre of diesel.

Unlike petrol, prices of diesel, cooking gas (LPG) and kerosene are not decontrolled, and the government has the ultimate control on pricing.

The government subsidises the three products and compensates the oil firms for selling the fuels at lower prices.

In Delhi, diesel price will go up by 51 paisa per litre after including local sales tax or VAT, to Rs 48.67 per litre from tomorrow as against current rate of Rs 48.16.

Diesel will cost Rs 54.83 per litre in Mumbai from tomorrow as against Rs 54.26 currently.

IMPHAL, March 22: The Kuki National Organisation (KNO), one of the two umbrella bodies of the Kuki militant outfits has accused  the NSCN-IM of killing one Moshon Saka Maring aged about (45), son of Shotin Saka Maring of Khangshim village of Chandel district, Manipur on March 19.

According to Stephen Kuki, KNO's 'undersecretary' in-charge of information and publicity claimed that Moshon was the 'home secretary' of the little known militant outfit United Minority Liberation Army (UMLA), which is said to be a constituent of the Kuki National Organisation (KNO).

"Moshon was pulled out from a public meeting held at his village, Khamsing and shot dead near Komlathabi in Chandel district. The reason for the crime against him was his desire to be who he is, i.e. Kuki which UMLA represents, rather than be linked as ‘politically Naga’," the KNO leader further alleged.

Stephen Kuki then said the politics of identity is intrinsically connected with territory. "The Tangkhul-led NSCN (IM) has followed on the heels of Tangkhul Christian missionaries, who converted several ‘Old Kuki’ groups of Chandel district to Christianity around the 1960s. Moshon hailed from Maring-Khoibu community, one of the many ‘Old Kuki’ ‘tribes’ of Chandel district, the district populated by 100% of ‘Old and New Kukis’", the KNO information secretary claimed.

"Missionary zeal sans identity politics, would be laudable in most circles in Northeast India, where Christianity is the dominant religion. However, that was not so. Motivated by territorial ambitions, the socio-politico condition that the missionaries created was exploited by NSCN (IM) with the barrel of the gun to force identification as ‘politically Naga’. The consequences have been disastrous, e.g. the NSCN (IM)-led Kuki genocide from 1992-1997," the KNO leader pointed out.

Stephen Kuki also stated that peaceful co-existence is an ethos desired and cherished by most communities on this planet, including Christians. He also said in respect of NSCN (IM)’s tenet, ‘Nagaland for Christ’, Christian piety needs to be reflected in their political claims and deeds. To begin with, they need to admit that a ‘uniqueness of Naga history’ lies in identifying certain ‘tribes’ of Chandel district as Nagas and demanding their lands as Nagalim, Stephen advised.

The KNO leader said the NSCN (IM) must adopt truth as a principle that governs their actions.

"The killing Moshon is an affront on the Kuki people and KNO. Unless NSCN (IM) prefers to continue with their culture of killing - a trait abundantly exhibited particularly against the Kuki people - they must desist from engaging in identity politics," said Stephen Kuki.

IMPHAL, March 22: A cabinet meeting held today at the Chief Minister’s secretariat has decided to set up six police outposts to provide security for the extending Jiribam-Imphal railhead. Five posts will be located within Tamenglong district and another within Chandel.

Speaking to media persons at his office chambers at Babupara today, Education Minister and government spokesperson, M Okendro said that the outposts will be put up at Keimai, Khongsang, Awang Khul, Joujangtek and Thangal of Tamenglong and another  at Machi of Chandel district will be built.

The cabinet also discussed for the appointment of a new Chairperson and Members of the Manipur Public Service Commission Oken said, adding that the government is set to absorb new MCS, MPS cadres annually and the vacancy left behind by MPCS member P Bhorot, since February 29 will be filled up at the earliest.

The cabinet has decided to appoint DV Singh, retired IAS officer as the Chairperson and Principal secretary LP Golmei as a member. The minister added that with the two posts appointed,the works of the MPSC will not be hindered.

The cabinet also approved to appoint RK (o) Thounaojam Brinda to the selected MPS post.

Oken mentioned that there is no sufficient evidence as charged against her by the Home Department. It may be mentioned that Brinda is the daughter-in-law of RK Meghen, Chairman of the proscribed UNLF and who is presently in NIA custody. She was not given the MPS appointment earlier as the Home Department brought up charges against her. The matter was challenged further at the Supreme Court.

Sources further supplemented that the cabinet meet also discussed for payment of family pension to the wife of one late H. Inaobi Singh, Ex Rifleman of the 2nd MR. The matter was tabled after the High Court directed the government  to award pension to the wife of the deceased, Tondonbi Devi after she filed a petition to the court.

Other matters which were discussed during today’s cabinet meeting included the extension of engagement on contract basis in the Tribal Affairs and Hill department of Manipur and also creation of regular post along with regularization of a contract employee of Museum keeper of the Tribal Research Institute, Manipur.


Untrained Elementary teachers must get training by 2015

Minister Okendro observed that according to NCERT norms, all elementary school teachers who are not trained will not be allowed to continue in their profession. They have to be trained by 2015 and the state government has already taken up measures to construct a DEIT centre at Imphal East and further strengthen its existing centres.

He added that there are a total of 4917 teachers who need to be trained. Since the present DEIT centre can only accommodate 500 persons, he added that residential schools will also be constructed from next month onwards.

IMPHAL, March 22: A personnel of the Assam Rifles has been killed while was another injured in an Improvised Explosive Device explosion at Thoubal district which has been claimed by the proscribed Revolutionary Peoples’ Front to be the handiwork of its Special Warfare Group of its armed wing Peoples’ Liberation Army.

According to the police, the explosion occurred this morning around 8:55 am along the road side of Leirongthel Lamkhai under Yairipok Police Station in Thoubal District, killing a personnel of the 15 Assam Rifles at the spot. Police source said the explosion could have been triggered off using remote control and could have weighed around 10 kg.

The explosion created a 2 feet radius crater.

Further according to the source, commuters of the Leironthel Lamkhai road and locals informed police about the presence of an IED planted along the road.

Soon after getting the information, a police team inclusive of commandos led by Yairipok Police Officer in charge, Inspector Ranbir rushed to the spot and found the explosive planted at a roadside pit along the road connecting Leirongthel Lamkhai to Chandrakhong.

The exact spot is just about 7kms north east of Yairipok PS.

Soon after arriving at the spot, police barricaded and stopped all vehicular and public traffic along the road and informed the police bomb expert.

At the same time, the 15th Assam Rifles, Thoubal Post Commandant arrived to provide assistance, the police said. It is learnt that as soon as two escort personnel of the 15th AR CO went near the IED, the explosive was triggered off at 9:55am.

The IED had an antennae which was covered with grass and twigs to hide it from the view, police source said.

IMPHAL, March 22: A press release of the North-East Forum for International Solidarity, (NEFIS) has said that the body organized a massive demonstration consisting of around 200 people to protest against the imposition of Hindi/Modern Indian languages upon the students of the North-East, to most of whom these languages are alien.

“In the coming academic year, Delhi University administration is going to introduce a new syllabus according to which it would become compulsory for students of all courses to do a foundational course during the first year of their graduation. In this foundation course, they would be required to opt for a language which would either be Hindi or one of the Modern Indian languages (MILs)”, it said.

“There would be problems even for the communities that speak MILs like Manipuri, Assamese etc because the infrastructure and faculty strength for these languages is too small to be able to cover the whole of university”.

A memorandum of demand was also submitted to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Delhi demanding that any clause that seeks to impose the compulsion to learn an alien language upon students, whose languages are not yet being offered by the university, should be implemented only after adequate discussions and in consultation with the broad sections of the society, particularly its marginalized/vulnerable sections; to take immediate steps to develop the infrastructure, adequate faculty and syllabus for the languages hitherto not offered by the university and till the time the above becomes possible remove the clause of compulsory course in Hindi/MILs in the new syllabus for the students whose native languages are not covered by it.

It further continued that the NEFIS took the initiative to organize the protest as the issue concerns all the students from the North-East and other marginalized communities of the country. It said, the protestors gathered at 2pm at the Vivekanand Statue, Faculty of Arts, Delhi University and held a public meeting.

“Speakers from various different communities of the North-East spoke to the gathering and condemned the chauvinist tendency of the University administration, which was followed by the raising of slogans and a procession was taken out up to the front gate of Arts Faculty where it was stopped by a bus load of policemen”.

“The dean and the proctor came and tried to disrupted the meeting. A scuffle broke out during the course of which the deputy dean passed a racist remark which enraged all present”.

“The gathering then refused to submit a memorandum and send a delegation to the university administration until they apologized for the racist remark. After two hours of active sloganeering, the deputy dean finally came and apologized to us. We then sent a ten member delegation consisting of representatives of many communities of the North-East including Assamese, Nagas, Meities, Kukis, Tangkhuls, Aos etc and even a Tamil delegate”, it said.

The statement further added that the administration gave assurance to the delegates that they would look into the matter and asked them to come again on Monday.

“Subsequently the forum decided to give a call for protest on Monday again and continue the struggle till our demands are accepted”, it said.

NEW DELHI, March 22 (Agencies): The Supreme Court Appointed Commission, headed by Justice Santosh Hegde after cross examining dozens of affidavits submitted by the victims as well as the security forces in six cases of alleged extrajudicial executions in Manipur, Imphal and Delhi concluded yesterday in the nation's capital. The report is expected to be submitted within a week.  In September 2012, the Extrajudicial Execution Victim Families’ Association, Manipur (EEVFAM) along with Human Rights Alert (HRA) submitted a list of 1528 extra-judicial executions in Manipur since 1979 praying for the constitution of an Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate.

After hearing out the arguments from the State of Manipur, Union of India and the National Human Rights Commission, the Supreme Court on 4 January 2013 constituted a high power Commission “to be fully satisfied about the truth of the allegations concerning the cases cited by the writ petitioners”.

The Commission with Hon’ble Mr. Justice N. Santosh Hegde, former Judge, Supreme Court of India as the chairman and Mr. J.M. Lyngdoh, former Chief Election Commissioner and Dr. Ajay Kumar Singh, IPS. Retd. DGP and IGP of Karnataka as members was  mandated to make a thorough enquiry into and record a finding regarding the past antecedents and the circumstances in which the deaths of Azad Khan, Khumbongmayum Orsonjit, Nameirakpam Gobin Meitei, Nameirakpam Nobo Meitei, Elangbam Kiranjit Singh, Chongtham Umakanta and Akoijam Priyobroto took place.

The  Commission  will  make  a  report regarding the functioning of the State Police and  security  forces  in  the State of Manipur and in case it finds that the actions of the police  and/or the security forces transgress the legal bounds the  Commission  shall  make its recommendations for keeping the police and the  security  forces  within the legal bounds without compromising the fight against insurgency.”

The Commission invited affidavits from the public having knowledge of the facts and circumstances relating to the killings of the persons listed. Thereafter cross examinations of the witnesses were held at Classic Hotel Imphal from 3 to 7 March and in Vigyan Bhawan New Delhi from 13 to 21 March 2013.  

In the final submission to the Commission on behalf of the petitioners, suggestions were made that Special investigation teams (SIT) consisting of 25 senior investigation officers from outside the state of Manipur should be appointed to take up the investigation and prosecution of 25 serious cases where it is alleged that fake encounters have taken place. It also called for establishing 9 separate district courts to function exclusively as Human Rights Courts in accordance with Section 30 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 with the qualification that such courts will be empowered to entertain complaints of human rights violation directly and to devise its own procedure so that criminal proceedings are completed within a period of 6 months. The suggestions listed that there be a declaration be made that custodial killings and other human rights atrocities when committed require no sanction for prosecution either under the CrPC or UAPA or AFSPA as the commission of a human rights atrocity has nothing to do with the performance of public duty.

Another suggestion made to the Commission is that National and State Legal Aid Services Authorities should provide competent lawyers with a fair practice at the Bar and with at least 5 years experience for all the victims of human rights atrocities and such lawyers will be paid by the State at rates not inconsistent with the normal commercial rates for legal practitioners. A system of registering FIRs through email, registered post and other convenient methods and at public places other than police stations such as public hospitals should be put in place so that aggrieved individuals can have their FIRs registered forthwith and acknowledged by the police was also mooted.

The suggestions also include calling for a special State Unit for Victim and Witness Protection which shall be responsible to protect all persons right from the reporting of the human rights atrocity, the victims and their families and concerned witnesses from victimization and further harm; ensure that substantial financial assistance is provided to them, that generous compensation is paid and that the lives of the persons is restored to the same level and standard as compared to the situation prevailing prior to the atrocity.

A further suggestion was that in all cases where it is alleged by the family or friends of the deceased that a fake encounter has taken place, a district judge or a retired district judge should conduct an inquiry expeditiously to come to a prima facie conclusion as to whether a fake encounter has taken place or not and in all cases where, under the orders of the High Court, or as Commissions of Inquiries, inquiries have been done in respect of allegations of fake encounters, all such reports should be made public and copies given to the families of the victims and in cases where the findings are that the encounter was fake, criminal prosecution of the personnel concerned should immediately begin and fast tracked to finish within 6 months.

The suggestions also included a special note to the Honorable Commission to recommend to the Supreme Court that a Commission be formed – along the lines of the present Commission – to meet with all sections of society , study the situation and make recommendations for the restoration of democracy in Manipur, the withdrawal of the Army and for peace to be restored and to recommend that AFSPA be repealed and the security forces withdrawn.

LAMKA, March 22: The Vaiphei People Council (VPC) today inaugurated its General conference cum cultural festival at the VPC community center at Bethel Veng in Churachandpur which also serves as its head quarter, which will continue till March 23.

The Deputy CM of Manipur, Gaikhangam attended the function as the Chief Guest.

Speaking on the occasion, Gaikhangam  talked about the paramount importance of unity amongst the different communities living in Manipur. Apart from expressing his gratitude to the organizing committee, he echoed the message of unity saying that the Vaiphei community has a lot of contribution to give and further retaliated his earlier saying “We are one and we should not antagonize one another”.

He also said, “Since we form our State under the Republic of India, we must work for it”.

He went on to add, "There are more than 38 tribes in Manipur and we cannot be a caste based society," while adding that there are more than 10 tribes who are vying for recognition at present.

He praised the contribution of the Vaiphei Tribe, who, he said, had a high percentage of officers among the different constituent tribe of Manipur.

He also stated that he would look into the petition given to him by the VPC officials for financial aid for their community hall project and offered his good will for the completion of its construction.

The functional president T Manga Vaiphei, MLA  and Chairman MTDC, speaking at the function thanked the Dy CMwho, he said, had come to the function amid a hectic schedule as he had to attend to Party matter and his official work, which he said, speaks volumes about his love for the Vaiphei people.

Many people from the community turned up today including the Add. DGP, ML Khaute apart from MDC and top officials from the Vaiphei community.

IMPHAL, March 22: The Imphal East District Residential School was inaugurated at the premises of the school at Khurai Sajor Leikai, Tinsid Road today in a simple function organized by the Office of the District Project Officer Sarva Siksha Abhiyan, Imphal East District.

Delivering the keynote address Dr Ng Bijoy Singh, MLA Khurai A/C said the residential school is being set up to increase the educational level of the poor and orphan children of the area.

The students will be trained about capacity building to shape them into successful persons. The government might add students up to XII standard sooner. The said residential school is set up in order to convert the poor in to rich through education, he added.

Speaking as chief guest at the occasion, M Okendro Singh, Minister of Education said the setting up of the residential school is a step to educate those who want to study but could not afford it. Saying that it was a temporary set up and that  permanent ones will come from April next year, he said that the required amount to set up such schools at other districts have been earmarked. "To bring a change in education support and cooperation is required from the people and they should also take the responsibility instead of only giving the charge to the government," he added.

He then said the construction of 10 such schools in other districts and 9 such schools exclusively for girls under the name 'Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya' are underway. Two other residential schools have already been set up at Moirang and Khumbong. The inaugural function was also attended by  Dr J Suresh Babu, Principal Secretary Education, Government of Manipur; H Dilip Singh, Director of Education (S), Government of Manipur; and RK Dinesh Singh, DC/Chairman District Board of Education SSA Imphal East District amongst others.

IMPHAL, March 22: The Manipur State Organising Committee of 150th Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda and Knit India Cycle Marchers, Manipur observed the silver jubilee commemorative march of the North East from Itanagar to Shantiniketan for peace, understanding and friendship at Asha Jina Complex today.

During the occasion, S Rupachandra, State Co-ordinator said about 25 years ago,the Knit India Cycle March from Itanagar to Okha in Gujarat  was launched under the leadership of the noted humanist and social worker Baba Amte covering the entire north east region including Sikkim. This year, a team of 24 members are renewing the message of love, goodwill and peace to be traveled by Vehicle from Itanagar to Shantiniketan.

The team  reached Imphal on March 21, 2013 and the reception and public meetings were done at Char Hazare and Bishnupur. The team will leave for Silchar on March 24, 2013 via Jiribam. The team started off from Itanagar on March 15, 2013 and will reach Shantiniketan on April 16, 2013, he added.

R Sundersan, Vice President of the March organizing committee said, "We are feel like we are at home in Imphal. People here are very helpful and friendly." He then added that the 1988-89 march was held with the objectives of national integration and creating environmental awareness.

"The real purpose of the march is to develop friendship with each and every people. If we cannot love our neighbor we cannot love our country. The northeast is not only beautiful but is resourceful and its people are highly talented in every field, " he added.

The occasion was presided over by A Brajakumar Sharma, Retired Professor DM College of Science and attended by Th Haridas Singh, Padmashree as Chief Guest.

GENEVA, March 21 (Agencies): The UN's Human Rights Council has passed a resolution highly critical of Sri Lanka's record. The resolution encourages Sri Lanka to conduct an independent and credible investigation into alleged war crimes. Sri Lanka's army defeated separatist Tamil rebels after a brutal 26-year war in 2009, but the final phase of that war has come under scrutiny.

During the council's proceedings, Sri Lanka's representative spoke out against the resolution, arguing that it would endanger an ongoing reconciliation process. The delegate also accused the United States of targeting countries that did not conform to its political agenda.

But the resolution was passed with 25 countries voting in favour, 13 against and with eight abstentions.

Amnesty International said that while the resolution successfully highlighted rights violations, it failed to establish an independent and international investigation into the conflict. Its strongest passage voices concern at reports of continuing violations. It expresses concern at reports of enforced disappearances, extra-judicial killings, torture, threats to the rule of law, religious discrimination and intimidation of civil society activists and journalists.

This reflects the recent sacking of the top judge in a process domestic courts deemed illegal, and a wave of hardline Buddhist attacks on Muslims and Christians.

The resolution also acknowledges progress made in rebuilding infrastructure but notes that "considerable work lies ahead in the areas of justice, reconciliation and the resumption of livelihoods".

Both the LTTE and the Sri Lanka army were accused of human rights abuses throughout the conflict with much focus on what happened in its final stages, when thousands of civilians were trapped in a thin strip of land in the north of Sri Lanka as fighting raged around them.

The entire conflict left at least 100,000 people dead, but there are still no confirmed figures for tens of thousands of civilian deaths in the last months of battle: estimates range from 9,000 - 75,000.

One UN investigation said it was possible up to 40,000 people had been killed in the final five months alone. Other rights groups suggest the number of deaths could be even higher.

But the government released its own estimate last year, concluding that about 9,000 people perished in those few months.

Allegations of war crimes committed by government forces have also dogged the island state. The 2011 report commissioned by the UN said that most of the civilian deaths were caused by government shelling.

Video footage has also emerged appearing to show serious abuses committed by the army. All of these allegations have been vociferously denied by Colombo, which maintains such evidence is fabricated.

The Sri Lankan government commissioned its own investigation into the war in 2011.

Its Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) cleared the military of allegations that it deliberately attacked civilians. It said that there had been some violations by troops, although only at an individual level.

In November 2012 an internal UN report said that the UN had failed in its mandate to protect civilians in those final months of the civil war.

IMPHAL, March 21: The Naga Women’s Union (NWU) and Rongmei Lu Phuam (RLP) in a joint press statement has strongly denounced the kidnapping of two minor school boarding girls, Alice Kamei and Sanahanbi Devi from their school boarding of Grace Reach Academy, Hiyanglam Wabagai, Thoubal District by individuals claiming to be RLP/PLA.

The statement said expressed agony over the delay to rescue the abducted minor girls by the Manipur Home Department, and silence of the Manipur Social Welfare Department, Manipur State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Manipur Commission for Women and the irresponsible School authority.

The organizations have also demanded that the government should rescue the two kidnapped minor girls and provide assistance with adequate medical, social, mental rehabilitation and repatriation at the earliest and ensure safety of women and child in the society; institution of independent and impartial judicial inquiry regarding the kidnapping of the two minor girls and immediate action against the school and its boarding.

The statement has also demanded insurance on the safety of girl child and students in all the schools and institutes/Boardings/Hostels and immediate release of the two minor girls by the kidnappers, RPF/PLA without any condition to their respective parents with due respect to the customary laws of the respective communities.

In a separate press statement, the two organizations have further deplored the Manipur Social Welfare Department and the Manipur Police for complete failure to take initiative to secure the state children who were rescued by the Government of Rajasthan.

It further demanded for immediate repatriation of the children from Jaipur, Rajasthan and proper comprehensive rehabilitation and social re-integration of the victims of trafficking in person and survival of rape.  Sufficient number of institutional care centres separately both for boy and girls are set up especially to the hill districts on priority basis in time bound manner so as the victims are re-integrate in their own community, it demanded. “Financial assistance and support services to victims of rape has not been extended to rape survivors of Khoupum despite the lapse of 6 months. The State Social Welfare Department is apprised for expedite action”, it said.

IMPHAL, March 21: A Mahindra jeep of the Deputy Commisioner, Ukhrul was hijacked by unidentified armed persons from near the bridge of Koubru Leikha Station under Gamnom Sapermeina Police at around 5.30 p.m.

According to the police source two new Mahindra jeeps for DC, Ukhrul and the office were being brought in from Dimapur to Imphal. When the two vehicles reached the scene of the incident, some unidentified armed persons who were lying in wait hijacked and took one of the vehicles by overpowering them.

However when on receiving information about the incident, a team of 42 AR traced the vehicle but the hijackers absconded after abandoning the vehicle at an area on the eastern side of Keithelmanbi.

Gamnom Sapermeina Police have registered a case regarding the incident.

In a separate incident, unidentified armed persons hijacked an I10 car bearing registration no. MN-06/L-4644 from an area of Taphou Bazar under Senapati Police Station at around 8.10 p.m.

Police sources said that the car belongs to one L. Suresh, Section Officer at Paomata block office. The hijacked vehicle has not been traced till the filing of this report.

GENEVA, March 21 (Agencies): India  for the second year running voted for a United States sponsored resolution condemning Sri Lanka for its human rights violations against its Tamil minority, putting its regional ties and federal government at risk.

At the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, India joined 25 out of 46 member countries that voted in favor of a strongly-worded resolution calling on Colombo "to conduct an independent and credible investigation" into crimes allegedly committed by Sri Lankan government forces against the Tamils towards the end of the 26-year civil war in 2009. Thirteen countries, including Pakistan, Thailand, Indonesia, and Philippines voted against the resolution, and eight countries abstained.

In a statement before the UNHRC, India joined a majority of countries that demanded credible investigation and accountability from Sri Lanka saying it expected these measures to be to the satisfaction of the international community. But it refrained from moving stronger amendments that would have satisfied DMK, Tamil nationalists, and human rights groups while further aggravating Colombo.

"We encourage the Government of Sri Lanka to expedite the process of a broad-based, inclusive and meaningful reconciliation and political settlement that ensures that all communities live in dignity with equal rights and equal protection of the laws," India's envoy Dilip Sinha said in a statement. "As a neighbour with thousands of years of relations with Sri Lanka, we cannot remain untouched by developments in that country and will continue to remain engaged in this matter."

The resolution and developments relating to Sri Lanka has roiled the stability of India's federal government and is expected to have far reaching consequences for both regional politics within India and diplomacy in the neighborhood. Pakistan is already gloating over New Delhi's discomfiture over voting against a neighbor with whom it has had strong, historical ties. Pakistan voted against the US resolution saying "a country specific resolution is not an example of constructive engagement." Its envoy made snide references to Sri Lanka's suffering for long "at the hands of foreign funded terrorism."

The resolution was tougher than the one last year but was well short of text and tone that human rights groups and Tamil partisans demanded. "An independent, international investigation is both essential and overdue to obtain justice for victims," Human Rights Watch said in a statement, criticizing the Council's failure to call for one. Whether the relatively mild intervention by New Delhi is enough to mollify DMK concern remains to be seen given the impression that the resolution that was passed was a watered down one. India refrained from calling for an international probe and avoided using the term genocide, both of which was demanded by the DMK.

IMPHAL, March 21: The dead body of Th Kiran, a Tata Aris driver is still lying at the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Science (JNIMS) morgue as an unclaimed body from 19 March after the Irilbung police found his dead body  floating in a fish farm located at Komlakhong Konuma Makha Leikai under the Mayang Imphal police station.

Mention may be made that the fish farm from where Kiran's body was found is located near the house of the Md Rajauddin who is reportedly the prime suspect in the murder of Th Kiran. Md Rajauddin is still absconding till the filling of this report though four co-accused in the murder are in police custody.

Meanwhile a press release of the JAC formed in regards to the incident has said that several civil societies assembled and held a public meeting on March 21 around 3pm at SWFC, Pheijaleitong, Thongju Part II, Imphal East on the alleged murder of (L) Thokchom Kiran Singh.

During the meeting, the participants resolved to issue strong condemnation of the incident and demanded capital punishment/life impreisonment of the thw arreste persons namely Md Salim and Md Sabir who are the main accused.

It was decided to demand judicial enquiry within a month.

Further according to the statement, the meeting also resolved  that the question of permanent ex-communication for those involved in the case is tabled and agreed and affirmed between the two communities residing in the area.

It was also resolved, “To forfeit the land belonging to the said accused. The said land must be used for integrity pillar”. and to relax the ongoing general strike till tomorrow midnight, said the press release of the JAC.

Meanwhile the JAC formed against the brutal killing of Th Kiran has imposed a bandh in the state from the midnight of 19th March demanding to arrest all those  accused in the brutal murder of Th Kiran.

Muslim Advocates’ Legal Services Organisation (MALSO), Manipur has said in a press release that it will support the democratic agitations launched by the JAC against the brutal murder of Thockchom Kiran Singh of Koirou Thongju Part-II while appealing to the JAC and the public to launch democratic agitations together.

MALSO said that it sincerely shared the sorrow of the bereaved family of late Thockchom Kiran Singh and it wished a fast-track court to deal with such incidents.

It further said that the accused involved in this incident can be awarded capital punishment or even life imprisonment as it may affect the communal harmony and undermine the confidence of people.

NEW DELHI, March 21 (Agencies): The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt's conviction in the 1993 Mumbai blasts case and sentenced him to five years imprisonment. Dutt, who has already served 18 months of his term in prison, has four weeks to surrender. The Supreme Court today also dismissed 1993 Mumbai blasts mastermind Yakub Memon's appeal against his death sentence even as it reduced the punishment of 10 other accused to life imprisonment from death sentence considering the fact that they have spent 20 years in jail. It also upheld life sentences awarded to 17 others.

The apex court said there is no case for probation to Dutt because of the gravity of the crime though the actor can still file a review petition. Dutt, who was convicted under the Arms Act for illegally possessing weapons, had been awarded six years imprisonment by the TADA (Terrorists and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act) court. However, the apex court reduced the sentence from six years to five years. This effectively means that Dutt will be in jail for three years and six months as he has already undergone 18 months imprisonment.

"He will have to serve another three-and-a-half year sentence. We had prepared him for the same," Dutt's lawyer Satish Maneshinde told reporters. "We will wait for a copy of the Supreme Court judgement and then decide the further course of action," he said. "He is a strong man and will fight back."

In 2007, Dutt was cleared of conspiracy charges in the Mumbai serial blasts but was found guilty of illegal possession of an automatic rifle and a pistol.

The actor was the most high-profile among 100 people found guilty in the bombings trial. The 1993 Mumbai attacks were ordered by India's most wanted man, Dawood Ibrahim, police say. The court also came down heavily on Mumbai police and customs officers at all levels.

A TADA court had in 1993 awarded death sentence to 12 people, including Memon. One of them has passed away. The court had also sentenced 20 to life imprisonment and 46 others, including Dutt, were given varying terms of imprisonment.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had faced flak for not challenging the TADA court verdict acquitting Sanjay Dutt of charges under the TADA but convicting him under the Arms Act and sentencing him to six years imprisonment. However, in the course of the hearing of his appeal, the CBI had opposed the actor's plea challenging his conviction and sentencing.

Dutt is the son of actor and former Congress Minister, late Sunil Dutt. His sister Priya, is a Congress MP in the Lok Sabha. Their mother, late Nargis, had also been a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha.

A series of 13 car bomb blasts had ripped through Mumbai on March 12, 1993, resulting in the death of 257 people and injuries to 713. The locations that were targeted included fisherman's colony in Mahim Causeway, Zaveri Bazaar, Plaza Cinema, Century Bazaar, Katha Bazaar, Hotel Sea Rock, Sahar Airport, Air India building, Hotel Juhu Centaur, the Bombay Stock Exchange Building and the Passport Office.

Not linked to 1993 blasts: Dutt

In August 2012, Dutt told the Supreme Court that his offense of possessing a rifle and ammunition was not linked to the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts. Appearing for the actor, senior counsel Harish Salve told the apex court bench of Justice P. Sathasivam and Justice B.S. Chauhan that he came to possess the weapon in September 1992 when his father Sunil Dutt and sisters were facing threats as the senior Dutt's help to Muslim victims annoyed some.

Salve said that the only caveat in putting Sanjay Dutt to trial under an anti-terror law was if there was any "inextricable linkage" between his possessing arms with the serial bomb blasts. He said that this was the least common denominator that could be used for seeing any such linkage. He said that there was no linkage between Dutt possessing a rifle and the 1993 bomb blasts. The court was told that Dutt had never met blasts accused Tiger Memon and all that he knew about him was hearsay from Samir Hingora in whose under-production film "Sanam" he was playing a role.

The senior counsel told this to the apex court hearing Dutt's appeal challenging his conviction under the Arms act and sentence of six years awarded to him. The actor's appeal challenging his conviction was being heard by the apex court. As Salve commenced the arguments, the court pointed out that there were objections that the "CBI filed appeal against all making an exception for Sanjay Dutt".