Land of Jewels (Sana Leibak)

Rebels to camp in New Delhi again: Imphal, Dec 14: Refusing to retreat from their efforts to oust O Ibobi Singh from chief ministership and to put further pressure on the Congress high command at the Centre, the rebel Congress MLAs who were camping in Imphal since a few days back will again shift to the national capital, New Delhi, on Saturday. Meanwhile, chief minister O Ibobi Singh who left the state capital on Friday on an official tour outside the state handed over the charge of chief ministerial duties to the senior most minister, Th Debendra. The chief minister has already reached Guwahati along with his wife Landhoni on Friday. Confirming the shifting of the dissident camp to the national capital, a source in the rebel camp said that air tickets had been booked with the Jet Airways for the MLAs in the rebel camp on Friday. MPCC president Gaikhangam will also leave for New Delhi on Sunday (December 16) to join the camp, the source said. However, four ministers including Th Debend...

Inter-state buses not to carry goods banned by UGs: Imphal, Dec 14: The All Manipur Inter State Bus Association has prohibited its members and their employees from accepting cargo containing items ‘banned’ by a particular underground group operating in the state with immediate effect. This was informed by the president of the association, A Budha Luwang, in a press conference held on Friday at North AOC, Imphal. The step is being taken in view of the several recent incidents of torching and destruction of passenger buses found carrying the banned items by the cadres of the underground group. As informed by Luwang, the association, at a meeting held recently, has decided to impose penalties on motor workers, bus owners, or concerned travel agency counters involved in transportation of the `banned` items. Bus drivers and handyman who carry such cargo are to be barred indefinitely from working in any travel agency which are members of the association, according to Luwang. Similarly, bus o...

Conferred Rockefeller award: Imphal, Dec 14: Adding another cap to his glittering career, renowned theatre personality Ratan Thiyam has been named for the Asian Cultural Council’s John D Rockefeller Award 2007 in recognition of his extraordinary achievements as a theatre director, writer, designer, musician, actor and cultural exponent in Manipur, India and internationally. The Award is generally conferred on an individual from Asia or the United States who has made a significant contribution to international understanding, practice or study of the visual or performing arts of Asia. This award for outstanding professional achievement commemorates the deep and long standing interest of John D Rockefeller in Asian art and culture, said Chorus Repertory Theatre in a release. Posted On: The Sangai Express Another Story:

JAC warns state govt. over NIT site: Imphal, Dec 14: The JAC for Protection of Residential, Agricultural and Wetlands in Langol-Lamphelpat has cautioned the State Government against igniting a Nandigram like situation in Langol-Lamphelpat by its adamant move to set up the National Institute of Technology (NIT) there. Addressing a press conference at Manipur Press Club here on Friday, chairperson of the JAC and former MP Kim Gangte said what is happening in Nandigram, West Bengal is known to all the people now and the possibility of a similar violent situation cannot be ruled out if the State Government is adamant on its stand of setting up NIT at Langol area . To highlight this point, three delegates of the JAC had recently gone to Delhi to met UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, PMO Minister Prithiviraj Chauhan, HRD Minister Arjun Singh, MP Renuka Chaudhury, CPI National general secretary AB Bhardhan and other Central leaders, Kim Gangte said. Apart from submitting the memorandum of the JAC...

MHRC’s missive to state police: Imphal, Dec 14: Following a petition filed by the wife of one Phanjoubam Ghanashyam, the Manipur Human Rights Commission has sent a missive to the DGP to ensure that the ‘prisoner should be treated in accordance with the provisions of the law for the time being in force in the country.’ The petitioner, Phanjoubam ongbi Bidyapati Chanu in her petition to the MHRC alleged that her husband was shifted from Manipur Central Jail to the Imphal Police Station and subjected to harassment by way of threats and bodily harms. Acting on the petition, the MHRC said that in view of the allegation that there is fear of torture of Ghanashyam, it would call on the DGP to submit an early report to the Commission. The MHRC said that the report may submitted on or before December 24. Earlier in the petition filed to the Rights Commission, Bidyapati urged it to call for a detailed report about the cause for the ‘illegal detention of the accused, Ph Ghanashyam in the police l...

FLAM defeat Khurai in NE Cup opener: Imphal, Dec. 14: Football Lover’s Association Manipur (FLAM), Yaiskul, launched their title defence on a winning note defeating Khurai Veteran Football Association (KVFA) 2-0 in the opening match of the 2nd North East Cup 2007 veteran football tournament at Thangmeiband Athletic Union Sports Complex ground here on Friday. N Bobo scored the opener for FLAM, firing in a cross from E Ratan 16 minutes into the match and Gaidimlung Kamson doubled the advantage in the 50th minute. Abungchung Dangmei of FLAM was named player of the match. Source: The Sangai Express

Twin wins for Manipur: Guwahati, Dec 14: Manipur defeated All India Universities 20-17 and Uttarakhand 20-4 in Group D matches to maintain their winning streak in the 36th senior national women’s handball championship at Nehru Stadium here on Friday. Manipur had beaten Nagaland 25-3 on Thursday. Source: The Telegraph

Jawans to pilot trains, special forces for track security: Guwahati/Calcutta, Dec 14: Jolted by the blast on Rajdhani Express, the Northeast Frontier Railway on Friday decided to revamp the existing security network on tracks across Assam with special emphasis on vulnerable stretches. Henceforth, personnel of the Railway Protection Force and Railway Protection Special Force, the combat wing of the RPF, will move ahead of the trains to carry out checks. Spokesman for the NF Railway, T. Rabha, said security on the railway tracks has been augmented to an “unprecedented level”. Five persons were killed and four injured when a bomb exploded underneath one of the coaches of the Dibrugarh Rajdhani Express between Naojan and Chongajan railway stations at 1.06am on Thursday. Though investigations are on to determine where and how the blast occurred, a senior North East Frontier Railway division official in Calcutta today said the bomb exploded in a luggage van, hinting at how security in the c...

Aneile Kenye first Naga lady to become SEA Games observer: Korat, (Thailand), Dec 13: Aneile Kenye has become the first Naga lady from India to have officially conducted as an Observer in the ongoing 24th SEA Games in the discipline of Muaythai here at the Gymnasium I, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. It may be mentioned that she was earlier Assistant Team Manager of two World Muaythai Championships held in 2006 and 2007 at Bangkok and also Team Manager of Indian Team during Official International Muaythai Training Workshop held in Bangkok in December 2006. Besides, she is Media Chairperson of Muaythai Federation of India (MFI). Her becoming an Official Observer in the 24th SEA Games would immensely boost the morale of Muaythai fighters in India, particularly the women, and also the strength of the overall functioning of the National Federation. Aneile Kenye, a Chekhesang Naga originally hailing from Chizami of Phek district and presently settles at Chumukedima Town, has been married to Ok...

Chauhan leaves Imphal, no comments on regime change: Imphal, Dec 13: Union Minister of State and AICC general secretary north east in-charge Prithivi Raj Chauhan left Imphal on Thursday after concluding his three-day visit to the state, making no comments on the question of regime change which rebel Congress MLAs are demanding. Even though he refused to comment on the crisis, replying to questions raised by journalists at the concluding part of the inspection, Chauhan said, "I am satisfied with the works progress". However, he refused to comment on the main purpose of his visit to the state, the question of replacement of Ibobi as chief minister of Manipur. Officially Chauhan came to Imphal to inspect the status of the implementation of works taken up in the state with Central funds under the Prime Minister`s package. After his return to New Delhi he is scheduled to visit other states of the country where projects were taken up under the same package of the Prime Minister, an...

Khundrakpam takes initiative: Imphal, Dec 13: A public meeting held at Haraorou Community Hall on Thursday resolved to impose ban on selling and consumption of tobacco products like Zarda, Khaini, Talab, etc. in any part of Khundrakpam Assembly constituency with immediate effect. The meeting attended by representatives of Meira Paibis, clubs, other social organisations and transporters’ societies of Haraorou, Pangei, Waiton, Nepali Basti Khundrakpam, Tangkham, Taorem, Khuningthek, Sarouthel, Ngairangbam, Morok Ingkhol, Yumnam Khunou, Sambei, Chigkhu, Sinam Kom, Sinam, Ishikha further resolved that all those who defy the ban should themselves be held responsible for any eventuality. After the end of the meeting, a large quantity of tobacco products surrendered by the traders and shop keepers themselves was set on fire. Meanwhile, a meeting of the Mayang Imphal Bazar Board Committee on Thursday also decided to ban selling of Mithamana, Talab, Khaini, Zarda and other related tobacco produ...

State Govt. yet to act: Lamka, Dec 13: Despite the disquieting famine situation that is prevailing in Churachandpur, the SPF government has so far failed to initiate any steps to tackle the situation nor does it alert the Centre Government in this regard. The lackadaisical attitude of the state government was revealed by none other than the Outer Manipur MP Mani Charenamei. “That is what I have been told by the concern Minister (Union),” the Parliamentary member told this correspondent when inquired if the report on the half-hearted attitude of the State Government is genuine. It may be recalled that the Manipur Hills Journalist Union has already conducted a survey on the interior sub-divisions and made it known their findings to the Government as well as the general public. On 13 February, 2007 the district administration in its memo to the Commissioner (FCS), Government of Manipur has also alerted the Government on the apprehended scarcity of food grains in the interior sub-division ...

International women’s fortnight winds up: Imphal, Dec 13: With a call for greater participation of women in the decision making process, the observance of the International Fortnight Protesting Crime Against Women being organised by Women Action for Development (WAD) concluded on Thursday. The valedictory function of the observance was held at Nupi Lan Memorial Complex here with Member of Manipur State Commission for Women Laljan Begum as chief guest and senior journalist Kangujam Madhumangol Singh as functional president. Secretary of CVTC Haobam Surendra, Editor of Ereibak Arun Irengbam, Reader of DM College Silaramani and Field Officer of CASA OJ Meitei were also present at the occasion as guests of honour. Giving the key note address of the function, WAD secretary Subita Mangsatabam observed that the incidents of crime against women taking place in the Manipuri society today has caused serious impediment in the developmental pace of the State. Full Story:

Proscribed PLA on offensive: Imphal, Dec 13: Under the continuing Operation Red Sun, the proscribed PLA’s 101 Mobile Bn A Coy launched an intense attack against a combined force of AR’s 18 Bn, 20 Bn and KNA at about 5 am on Thursday. The fighting continued a little later than 11 in the morning. At around 6.30 am on December 2, PLA’s Auxiliary Force attacked BSF camp located at Ithai. At about 8 pm on December 1, PLA’s 252 Mobile Bn attacked a troop of Assam Rifles at Aigeyang village in Chandel district. On November 28 about 9 am, a BSF patrol party coming in two bullet-proof vehicles was attacked at Yairipok Pichi Chinglak under Thoubal district. Full Story: Related Story:

Chauhan ‘satisfied’, but projects have long way to go: Imphal, Dec 13: The statement of the Union minister of state in the Prime Minister`s Office, Prithivi Raj Chauhan, "I am satisfied with the work progress," has left questions unanswered in the minds of the people of the state particularly the Congressmen in the state, as it seems to contradict what he witnessed during his inspections of the project sites. Congress MLAs, from both the camps may have not expected such a statement from the visiting Union minister, especially after he heard the views of the state officials during the project progress status review meeting held on the first day of his visit to the state. Mention may be made that Chauhan came to the state capital on a three-day visit not as a Central observer of the ongoing crisis within the state Congress over the replacement issue of O Ibobi Singh but to inspect the progress of the projects implemented in the state under the Prime Minister`s package for recon...

Horror in Dimapur hospital Dimapur, Dec. 13: For the four injured passengers of the Delhi-bound Rajdhani Express, the nightmare had just begun. The horror of surviving the blast on the Rajdhani Express continued to haunt them at the Dimapur district hospital where they were admitted. They could never have thought that after the physical and mental agony of the blast, they would have to suffer at the hands of doctors and railway personnel at the hospital. The four were left waiting for nearly four hours before any doctor attended to them. Though critically injured, they had to tide over their pain with simple dressing and painkillers offered by the nurses. Adding insult to their injury, the railway officials who accompanied them from Chongajan to Dimapur, forcibly took away the blankets provided to them at Chongajan, saying that these had to be deposited at Lumding. Eyewitnesses said the personnel even tried to remove the blanket from Laxman Shah, who had suffered compound fractures on ...

ANLA graduates to bloodspill: Guwahati, Dec. 13: A bomb in a Rajdhani Express coach, five deaths and suddenly, the minnows among rebel outfits of the region have graduated to the headline-grabbing militant face of the Adivasis’ demand for Scheduled Tribe status. The Adivasi National Liberation Army, which the police are almost convinced is behind the Wednesday night’s Rajdhani blast -- has just come of age. From minor extortion sprees and abductions, the outfit has learnt how to spill blood. Officials here said they suspected the group had triggered the blast, possibly with help from another outfit, but refused to confirm its role. “Prima facie evidence suggest the involvement of ANLA, since the area where the blast occurred has a sizeable Adivasi population and the outfit had carried out a similar blast on the railway tracks few days back just some distance away from last night’s incident,” the officer in-charge of Sarupathar police station, Rohindra Changmai, said. Formed in 2004, al...

Kyndiah invites six groups for talks: Guwahati, Dec 13: Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, PR Kyndiah, will have a discussion with the representatives of six communities of Assam, who are agitating for the status of Scheduled Tribe on December 18. Official sources said that the Union Minister has written a letter to Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today expressing his desire to hold talks with the representatives of six communities on their demands. Sources pointed out that an all party delegation of the Assam Assembly met the Union Minister on December 10 and requested him to hold talks with the representatives of the communities demanding ST status. Source: The Assam Tribune

Indian Army moves troops to China border: New Delhi, Dec 13: Amid reports of intrusion by Chinese forces in Bhutan, the Army has moved more than 6,000 troops to the Sino-Indian border, close to tri-junction of India, Bhutan and China. However, Army Chief Deepak Kapoor said that reported intrusions of Chinese forces in Bhutan was 'a matter between the two countries'. The shifting of Army formations north of Nathu La comes in the wake of reports of Chinese troops coming close to the Siliguiri corridor. But Army authorities brush it aside, saying that Chinese forces have been coming close to the Dolam Plateau for over two decades as the boundary in the area is still to be defined. When asked whether Army was concerned about reported intrusions of Chinese army into Bhutan, Gen Kapoor, speaking on the sidelines of an Army seminar here, said it was a matter between Bhutan and China to solve. Army Chief , meanwhile, sought enhanced participation by private sector in defence production...

Indian Americans disappoint Tamang: Undated: While the reigning Indian Idol Prashant Tamang had a good time on his four-city US tour that ended Monday, the organisers were disappointed by the low turnout of Indian Americans at his concerts. "At Tamang's New York performance, the audience of about 1,700 was predominantly Nepalis and Tibetans. Only about 30 Indian Americans attended," said Kashish, who managed the concert at the Jacob Javits Centre December 8. "The proportion of Indian Americans at the Atlanta concert December 9 too was abysmal," he added. "The tour that opened with concerts at Washington DC and Boston was not a financial success," Kashish said. "But then profit was not our motive. It was to introduce him to the Nepali community here," he said. Tamang himself said he had a good time on the tour as it was a dream come true for him. "Ever since I was a child, I had wanted to visit China and America," he said at a press...

CNPO, NNP support unification Dimapur, Dec 13: The Chandel Naga People’s Organisation (CNPO) has extended appreciation and support to various NGOs, groups and individuals initiating the move for Naga unity and reconciliation in a constructive way and affirmed its commitment to unity of all Naga community, irrespective of tribes and organizations, for a final solution to the Naga problem. Clarifying that the Chandel public were in no way related to “recent press statement” regarding unification move, CNPO publicity wing in a press release said it was the desire of Chandel people to live in harmony and peaceful co-existence. “Chandel people should not be misunderstood in any way, we have no ulterior motive or otherwise. Our intention is crystal clear -- oneness and love,” CNPO added. CNPO also said it was grateful to their brothers in Nagaland for extending warm hospitality and love to the people of Chandel residing in Dimapur and other parts of the state, adding it had full faith that ...

Northeast girl molested in Gurgaon: New Delhi, Dec 13: A 17-year-old girl from the North East undergoing a course in designing was reportedly molested repeatedly by her landlord in Gurgaon, Haryana. According to a North East Support Centre and Helpline (NESC&H) report, the landlord after failing in his repeated attempts to rape the minor girl, in frustration, threw out the girl along with her sister and cousin from the house without any reason at midnight. The NESC&H lodged an FIR at Gurgaon Police station on Thursday, but police refused to register a case, the report said. “There are more then 2000 North East people staying in Gurgaon, where more then 68% of the discrimination went unreported and 22% denied even if they seek help from the police,” the report added.

Trust motion ends in controversy; NPA stakes claim: Kohima, Dec 13 (NPN): Political crisis looms large over the state after controversies surrounded the one-day session on Thursday where the no confidence motion was taken with the opposition claiming victory by 31-23 votes whereas the Speaker nullifying the record by asserting that the DAN passed through with a 23-19 margin. The contrast in the arithmetic could be explained by the fact that the opposition comprising of 17 Congress, 2 JD(U) and three Independent MLAs were joined by six former NPF legislators who had resigned on Wednesday but which was reportedly not accepted by the Speaker. In addition, cross voting by three from the ruling NPF camp -- Kheto, Tokheho and Tali -- added to the tally of 31 for the motion while the remaining 23 DAN members voting against the motion. The proceedings of the house on Thursday was disrupted after the entire opposition members stood in unison near the well of the house, singing “We Shall Over...

Manipur teams lose: Chandigarh, Dec 13: Brilliant display by Rajib Ghorui helped East Bengal Football Club hand out a 5-0 drubbing to Eastern Sporting Union of Manipur in the Manchester United (MU) Premier Cup North-East Zone Qualifying Football India Finals Tournament here on Thursday. East Bengal FC striker Rajib struck four goals. He booted home the first two goals in the ninth and 16th minutes. Ajay Roy found the target in the 25th minute to make it 3-0. Rajib again sprung into action to score in the 30th and 32nd minute. In another match, St Stephen’s School Football Academy, Sector 45 (Chandigarh) got the better of Youth Organisation Sports Club of Manipur 2-0. Stephen’s Academy had to wait for 32 minutes before they opened their account in the 32nd minute through Johny Singh. Source: United News of India (UNI)

Mapal Kangjeibung venue for meet in January: Imphal, Dec. 13: It’s going to be a double treat for sportslovers of Manipur with the state slated to organise a national and an international tent pegging championship between December 27 and January 14 at Mapal Kangjeibung. Altogether nine teams have confirmed their participation for the national championship to be held in Imphal from December 27 to 31. The meet is being organised by the Manipur Equestrian Association. The nine teams that have confirmed their publication are Punjab, Haryana, Assam, West Bengal Police, a BSF team from Madhya Pradesh, the Fort William team from West Bengal, ASC Centre and College, Bangalore, ASC South Uttar Pradesh and Manipur. For the International Tent Pegging Championship 2008, to be held under the aegis of Equestrian Federation of India between January 10 and 14, teams from the UK, Oman, Egypt and India have confirmed their participation. The organisers have sent invitations to 21 countries, including Pa...

Manipur begin with a win: Guwahati, Dec 13: Manipur tamed Nagaland 25-3 in a Group D tie on the opening day of the 36th Senior National Women’s Handball championship here on Thursday. Today’s results: Railways bt Gujarat 35-7 (gr-A), Punjab held Madhya Pradesh 16-16 (gr-C), Kerala bt Uttar Pradesh 25-6 (gr-D), Railways bt Tamil Nadu 25-1, Maharashtra bt Uttar Pradesh 22-6 (gr-B), Chattishgarh bt Madhya Pradesh 18-9 (gr-C), Manipur bt Nagaland 25-3 (gr-D), Punjab bt Himachal Pradesh 17-7, All India University bt Kerala 25-10, Jammu & Kashmir bt Gujarat 15-6 Source: The Assam Tribune

Governor Sidhu opens ‘Raj Bhavan Greens’: Imphal, Dec 13: Governor Dr SS Sidhu inaugurated a nine-hole Golf Course named ‘Rajbhavan Greens’ inside the Raj Bhavan Complex in a simple function on Thursday morning. The Governor, DGAR, Lt. Gen Paramjit Singh, IGAR (S) Maj Gen BK Chengapa, GOC 57 Mountain Division Maj Gen TS Handa, Director of Manipur Police Wireless M Rachandra Singh, Secretary General of Indian Golf Union Wing Commander (Retd) Satish Aparajit, Mrs BK Chengapa and ADC to Governor (Manipur) Maj Amit Berwal played the inaugural game. Source: The Sangai Express

Tourney begins on Friday: Imphal, Dec 13: The North East Cup Veteran Soccer Tournament 2007 will kick-off on Friday at THAU Sports Complex with holders FLAM pitted against KVFA, Khurai for the opener at 2 pm. Eight veteran teams would compete for top honours in the tournament (Dec 14-29). Source: The Sangai Express

Manipur register 2nd successive win: Imphal, Dec 13: State spikers recorded their second successive win in the 30th Sub-Junior National Volleyball Championship with a 25-23, 25-10, 25-14 victory over Bihar at Renukoot in Uttar Pradesh on Thursday. Source: The Sangai Express

Voices against Black Laws raised: Imphal, Dec 12: Shouting the slogans of ‘Liberate Manipuri women’, ‘Do not suppress Manipuri women’, ‘Stop State sponsored terrorism’, ‘Repeal AFSPA’, ‘Anti-people policy and governance, down, down’, etc, the 68th Nupi Lan Ningshing Thouram was held along with a rally at Moirang on Wednesday. Hundreds of slogan shouting women participated in the rally which was taken out from Mukta High School to the venue of the observance function organised at Chingei ground, Moirang under the aegis of Nupi Lan Observation Committee formed jointly by Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba, Manipur (PLMPAM); Meira Paibi Welfare Association, Kangleipak (MEPWAK) and All Manipur Women’s Voluntary Association (AMOWOVA). The main observance function commenced after the rally with PLMPAM president Longjam Memchoubi, MEPWAK president Moirangthem Keinahanbi and AMOWOVA president Nongthombam Chaobi taking the dais as presidium members. Giving the key note address of the observance...

Fitting homage paid to 'Imas': Imphal, Dec 12: Like every years, people of Manipur on Wednesday paid homage and tribute to all the brave ‘Imas’, both known and unknown who fought against the then British colonial rule, monopoly trade interest and feudalism for the cause of justice on the occasion of the 68th Nupi Lan Ningsing Thouram (Nupi Lan memorial observance) which was observed all over the State. Apart from the commemorative function organised by the State Government at Nupi Lan Memorial complex here, Nupi Lan memorial observance was also held under the aegis of various social organisations in different parts of the State. Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh and Education Minister L Jayantakumar who attended the commemorative function held at Nupi Lan Memorial complex as chief guest and president respectively led the participating Ministers, MLAs, top police ad civil officials and the people in offering floral tributes to memorial statue of Nupi Lan. After the formal inauguratio...

Five killed, nine injured: Guwahati, Dec 13: Suspected Adivasi insurgents exploded a powerful bomb in the Delhi-bound Rajdhani Express, killing five passengers and injuring nine in Assam's Golaghat district on Thursday. The blast took place in a compartment attached to the luggage van of the Dibrugarh-Guwahati-Delhi Rajdhani Express, two km ahead of Sungajan (Chungajan) railway station at 1.06 am, North-East Frontier Railway CPRO Trikal Rabha said. Five passengers died on the spot and the four critically injured were admitted to a hospital at Dimapur in neighbouring Nagaland. The five others who received minor injuries were discharged after first aid. The dead were identified as S P Prasad (24), A K Jha (30), Laxman Rai (20), Sudama Rai (45), Dineshwar Prasad (19). The critically injured are Amarnath Singh, Tapas Rai, Laxman Jha and Pradip Choudhury. The 30 other passengers in the compartment were accommodated in the three-tier AC compartment of the train that continued with its o...

Points heard, Chauhan readies for Delhi: Imphal, Dec 12: For the second day on Wednesday, AICC general secretary and Northeast in-charge Prithiviraj Chauhan who is currently here as a Central Observer of the party to get first hand account of the crisis within CLP continued to meet CLP members, office bearers of the party and other frontal organisations to hear their opinion on the issue. Later in the evening, Chauhan called on the Governor at Raj Bhavan to discuss the political development in the state. The Central Observer would be leaving Imphal for Delhi on Thursday to submit the report of his visit to the state with the High Command of the AICC. After the yesterday’s meeting with CLP members individually at Hotel Imphal till 10 pm, Chauhan continued his meeting with other CLP members who were left to hear the opinion on the issue of leadership crisis within CLP since 9.30 am today. According to information received by the press, the Central Observer asked each of the CLP members i...

Six Naga MLAs quit Assembly: Kohima, Dec. 12: Six legislators of the Nagaland People’s Front, the major constituent of the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN), resigned from the Assembly on Wednesday, ahead of a crucial session on Thursday. Nagaland Speaker Kiyanielie Peseyie said he had received the resignation letters of Kihoto Hollohon, Kipili Sangtam, Nkhao Lotha, Tarie Zeliang, Kheto Sema and Hewoto Sema. Peseyie, however, said there was no threat whatsoever to the ruling DAN government and that it would complete its full tenure. The Assembly polls are slated for February. “There is no threat to the government. We are comfortable,” the Speaker said. With the resignation of the six legislators, the total strength of the DAN government has been reduced to 27 (NPF 22, BJP 4 and one Independent). The legislators later called on Governor K. Sankaranarayanan and reportedly urged him to accept the no-confidence motion in the Assembly tomorrow. The motion will be initiated by the...

Shillong dazzled, wanting more: Shillong, Dec 12: Thousands of fans danced and sang themselves to frenzy as the legendary heavy metal band Scorpions gave a high voltage performance on Wednesday evening before a packed stadium in Shillong, India's 'rock capital'. An estimated 30,000 people thronged the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in state's capital as the German heavy metal group belted out their all-time hits and classics for close to two hours in the temperature that stayed in a single digit. "It was a lifetime experience and the performance was simply electric," said John Lyngdoh, a college student. The Scorpions on Wednesday began the India leg of its Humanity World Tour with 'love and not war' being their underlying theme. From numbers like "Still Loving You", "Winds of Change", "Always Somewhere", "Send Me An Angel" and classics like "Zoom" and "Big City Nights", the band enthralled the cro...

17 powerful bombs defused: Imphal, Dec. 12: Seventeen bombs were recovered from two busy Manipur roads during a search operation by security forces on Wednesday morning. The number is being pegged as the highest recovered by security forces in the militancy-ravaged state on a single day. The immediate spur of the search was the visit of the director general of Assam Rifles, Lt Gen. Paramjit Singh, to Manipur. Early this morning, troops of 34 Assam Rifles fanned out into Thoubal district for a routine search when they stumbled on three improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted along the Imphal-Moreh road at Wangjing. The bomb squad of the police safely exploded the IEDs later in the day. The paramilitary force informed the police that they also recovered 14 IEDs laid by militants along Imphal-Ukhrul Road between Litan and Sangai and had destroyed them. Recovery of the explosives held up traffic for several hours on both the roads. “Had the IEDs exploded, they would have caused immense...

Seeks help to solve “Indo-Naga Problem”: Dimapur, Dec 11: After its United States of America leg last month, the NSCN-IM has, in quick succession, landed in England embarking on a global campaign. Steering Committee secretary of the NSCN-IM Rh Raising while highlighting the Naga issue at the House of Parliament, Westminster London on December 10, appealed to the British people to help in solving the vexed “Indo-Naga problem.” Steering Committee is the highest decision making body of the NSCN-IM. Last, month another outfit leader VS Atem was in America for a high level lobby. According to the MIP of the NSCN-IM, delivering a speech at the International Human Rights Day held at the House of Parliament, Westminster London on Monday, Rh Raising had ex pressed his resentment saying that perpetual extension of the terms of ceasefire on the pretext of commitment and assurances is cle arly viewed as a ploy of the government of India to buy time in order to bury the peace process under the wrap...

Govt. to observe Nupi Lan Day: Imphal, Dec 11: As in the previous years, Government of Manipur would be observing Nupi Lan Day at Nupi Lan memorial complex here on Wednesday. The function would begin from 9 am on Wednesday and it would be attended by Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh and Education Minister L Jayantakumar Singh as chief guest and president respectively. Paying homage to all those brave Manipuri women who sacrificed their lives during Nupi Lan and presentation of Nupi Lan drama to be enacted jointly by the artistes of Nupi Lan Memorial Association and Khongjom War Memorial Society would be the main highlight of the observance. The opening song and the closing song of the observance function would be presented by the artistes of Shri Bal Mukunda Dev Government Music College, Imphal. The State Government has issued an order asking all those who would be coming to attend the function not to bring any brief case or hand bags. Posted On: The Sangai Express Related Story:

RIMS adds another feather in cap: Imphal, Dec 11: In a medical breakthrough, a team of doctors of Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) here have successfully performed an operation by using the new and standard technique of abdomino-perineal resection with total mesorectal excision on a patient diagnosed as a case of Carcinoma rectum involving the lower 3rd T3 NoMo on December 5. The breakthrough operation , which is the first ever case in Manipur, was performed by a team of surgeons consisting of Prof H Manihar, Dr A Devadutta Sharma, Dr B Bobby Sharma, Dr Devakanta Sharma, Dr DB Bista and unit PGs and junior doctors who were duly assisted by a team of Anaesthetists comprising of Dr Gojen, Dr Arun and PG students. According to a statement issued by Medical Superintendent of RIMS, the operation was done with curative intent and was completed successfully in 3 hours. The patient on whom the operation was performed is identified as L Gambhini Devi (55) of Laipham Khunou. Now, pe...

After Dengue, Small Pox in state? Imphal, Dec 11: Not long after the confirmation of the outbreak of the dreaded disease Dengue in the border town of Moreh in Chandel district, a malady suspected to be Small Pox has reared its ugly head in the state. However, health doctors’ views on the disease is yet to be known to ascertain the actual disease. A disease suspected to be that of Small Pox has been sensed at Konthoujam Maning Makha Leikai under Imphal West district, around 12 kilometers away from Imphal city though official confirmation of the disease is awaited. Three junior school students have been suffering from the disease similar to that of Small Pox or locally known as Laijao. It has been learnt that the patients were given treatment similar to Small Pox. Full Story:

Manipur 2nd most conflict ridden state in NE: Imphal, Dec 11: With 361 deaths till November 30, Manipur remains the second most conflict ridden state in the northeast, behind Assam with 388 fatalities, says a report of the South Asia intelligence review (SAIR). With a month to go before the end of 2007 the figure of fatalities has already surpassed the 311 militancy-related fatalities that occurred in Manipur in 2006. While fatalities among the militants in 2007 have remained more or less comparable to the previous year, it has certainly worsened among the civilians and the security forces. According to the currently available data, civilian deaths have already increased by over 42 per cent and those of security forces by 39 percent. According to a report of the Institute of Conflict Management, ministry of home affairs, during the year 2007 upto November 30, out of the 361 deaths, 137 were civilians, 39 were security men while 185 were militants of different outfits. During 2006, the ...

Govt. releases Rs. 208.40 cr on a single day: Imphal, Dec 11: Manipur government released a huge chunk of plan fund amounting to Rs. 208.40 crores in a day on November 26 from funds available in the budget. An official source said that the finance department agreed to the authorization of such a huge amount for meeting expenditures for implementation of projects under special plan assistance, in a move apparently related with the effort of the state government to achieve 70 percent plan expenditure by December 31. The released amount of Rs. 208.40 crores was 14.68 percent of the total outlay of 2007-08. The amount also exceeded the total expenditure incurred during seven months of the fiscal year 2007-08. The amount that was released on November 26 included a total amount of Rs. 57.50 crores for the construction guest houses at hill district headquarters including at Mao, Jiribam, construction of two floor Manipur Bhavan at Ulubari, improvement of Speaker and Deputy Speaker bungalow an...

Chauhan arrives, starts one to one meet with CLP members: Imphal, Dec 11: AICC general secretary in charge of the North East and Union Minister of State in the PMO, Prithiviraj Chauhan who arrived at Imphal on Tuesday to get a first hand account of the revolt raised by some dissident Congress MLAs against the leadership of O Ibobi has started meeting the CLP members individually to hear their opinion. Chauhan who was deputed as an Observer by the AICC will submit his report on reaching Delhi. Chauhan along with Lok Sabha MP Dr T Meinya and executive member of the MPCC (I) L Manglem landed at Tulihal airport on Tuesday at 2 pm. The team was received by a large number of Congress men including MPCC (I) president Gaikhangam, Ministers, MLAs, party workers and members of the Seva Dal. On his arrival, Chauhan called on the Governor at Raj Bhawan along with Gaikhangam. After a short break at Raj Bhawan, Chauhan then proceeded to RIMS to look into the development works being taken up there. L...