Land of Jewels (Sana Leibak)

Imphal veterans top points tally: Imphal, Dec. 21: Veteran Sports Association, Imphal, defeated All Thangmeiband Veteran Football Association by a solitary goal to top Group A with six points in the Northeast Veterans’ Football Cup at Thangmeiband Athletic Union ground. Good defending by the Imphal team throughout the match kept the Thangmeiband players at bay. The lone goal that clinched the match for Veteran Sports came in the 50th minute when G. Dhanakumar gave a clean pass to M. Shyamjai, who converted it into a goal. The referee gave Thangmeiband player Ng. Ajit the marching order for a foul and later showed yellow cards to two of his teammates and a Veteran Sports Association player. In another match, Southern Union Veteran Football Association defeated Chingoi Baruni Veteran Trust 4-0. The injury-hit Chingoi Baruni team took the field with nine players only. The match began on an exciting note for Southern Union when Subhaschandra took a corner kick and scored a goal in the seve...

NE talents dominated reality shows in ’07: Guwahati, Dec 21: The North East, in the year 2007, virtually became the latest talent scouting ground for reality shows aired on all the premier television channels, as singing talents from the region had a field day round the year. The region’s singing talents led the brigade from the front and stamped their authority domination in all the major reality-based singing talent hunt shows on television that were screened during the period. From Amit Paul in Sony TV’s ‘Indian Idol III’ to Joy Chakraborty in Zee TV’s “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa World Challenge’ to little Anamika in the ongoing Zee TV’s kids’ competition Sa Re Ga Ma pa, NE’s warriors kept the regions flag flying high on national television. “With the arrival of the music-based reality shows on television and their latest trend of choosing the best through SMS and telephone voting, NE emerged as a virgin ground for these shows and it is paying dividends to the efforts of the youngsters from the...

SC vacates Gauhati HC stay order: Guwahati, Dec 21: The Supreme Court of India has vacated the Gauhati High Court stay on delimitation of constituencies and asked the Delimitation Commission to carry on the delimitation exercise. The Gauhati High Court had ordered the stay on the delimitation process on June 24. In its order on the issue, Justice R V Raveendran and Justice J M Panchal said on December 14 that the delay in filing the Special Leave Petition (SLP) on the matter was condoned and the notices should be served on the respondent parties. The Delimitation Commission of India had moved the Apex Court challenging the Gauhati High Court stay order on the delimitation process. However, Advocate R P Sarma of the Gauhati High Court who moved the High Court here urging for judicial intervention into the issue of delimiting the constituencies and obtained the stay subsequently, said on Friday he would move the Supreme Court in mid-January next pleading for vacating its December 14 orde...

AIDS Tribunal begins on Saturday: Imphal, Dec 21: An Indian People’s Tribunal on Stigma and Discrimination towards People Living with HIV/AIDS starts in Imphal on Saturday. The two-day tribunal session, to be held at the conference hall of the institute of Cooperative Management, Lamphelpat, is being organised jointly by the Human Rights Law Network, with the Manipur Network of Positive People and the Social Awareness Service Organisation, SASO. The stated objective is to find an answer to the question of how progress can be made in overcoming the stigma and discrimination against those living with HIV and AIDS, and to change people’s attitude towards AIDS. The people`s tribunal aims to conduct an indepent inquiry by recording testimonies of various PLHAs who have been facing stigma and discrimination before an expert panel. This is to be followed by a workshop on the issue in question. A detailed report comprising the findings and recommendations of the tribunal would also be submitte...

Trains escape date with disaster Guwahati, Dec. 21: The Adivasi militant group responsible for the explosion that killed five Rajdhani Express passengers a week ago would have spilt more blood on the tracks on Thursday evening had a railway patrol team not spoiled its plans in the nick of time. A routine inspection revealed that 10 girders and roller bearings were missing from a rail bridge over the Doyang in Golaghat district half an hour before the Mariani-Guwahati special passenger train was to pass by. The patrol party immediately alerted the nearest railway offices -- the bridge is between Jamguri and Bhilgaon railway stations under Lumding division -- and all trains scheduled to ply on that route were either suspended or halted. The Guwahati-bound Jan Shatabdi Express had crossed that portion of the track barely an hour earlier. Police said the Adivasi National Liberation Army was most likely behind the sabotage attempt. The same group triggered the blast on the Dibrugarh-bound R...

LK Nitha crowned Orange Queen: Noney: Twenty-three-year-old Miss LK Nitha, daughter of LK Nigam of Chandel, wowed the audience and the judges alike to walk away with the Miss Orange title during the pageant held at Noney in Tamenglong district on Thursday in connection with the State Level Orange Festival, 2007. Along with the coveted title, she also walked away with a cash prize of Rs 50,000. The first runner-up spot went to 17-year-old Masum, daughter of Mustafa Qureshi of Top Khongnangkhong while the second runner-up was bagged by Rebecca Neihsial (18), daughter of Simon Neihsial of Lenglong. Meanwhile, the best orange grower carrying a cash prize of Rs 30000 title went to Kiurang Wanglemba of Tamenglong, while the second prize was bagged by K Keiriging of Haochang (Rs 20000) and the third position went to T Pamei of Nagaching (Rs 10,000). Posted On: The Sangai Express Another Story:

All Party team petitions PM: New Delhi, Dec 21: The delegation of the All Political Parties of Manipur led by Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh met Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Friday morning at 9.45 at his residence here and submitted a memorandum on matters concerning the delimitation process in Manipur. The memorandum stated that the delimitation process on the basis of 2001 Census has been objected by the Government of Manipur since 2003. All political parties of Manipur in their memoranda to the Chairman, Delimitation Commission of India, the Prime Minister and the Home Minister dated September 18, 2005 submitted also raised the same issue and appealed for directing the Registrar, General of Census for a re- census or maintain the status quo. The State Cabinet on July 30 this year again took a decision to reject the census report of 2001 in respect of Manipur. The Manipur Legislative Assembly on August 1 this year also took a resolution objecting the process of delimitat...

Kuki Inpi, UNC come together: Imphal, Dec 21: Terming it as a historic moment, the Kuki Inpi, Manipur (KIM) and the United Naga Council (UNC) have finally come together and pledged to "work hand in hand" for peaceful co-existence and communal harmony amongst all the communities. Both the important tribal social organisations have also agreed to "defend and develop the common tribal interest." The KIM and UNC in a programme called "Get-Together " on December 15 took a decision to work for the common cause. Kuki Inpi, Manipur (KIM) general secretary Thangkhosei Haokip and UNC caretaker Samson Remmei informed this development to Newmai News Network on Friday evening while appealing to all the civil society organisations not to call any bandh, strike or blockade during the Christmas and New Year season. The two organisations also appealed to all the underground groups operating in Manipur not to carry out violent activities during this festive season. "KI...

Muivah questions Niuland pact: Dimapur, Dec 21: After a month of keeping silent over the “Niuland Unity Declaration”, NSCN-IM general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah said on Friday that no Naga hates unity but a conglomeration of different kinds of people with different shades of opinion in a place cannot be termed as unity. Th Muivah in his statement said, “It goes without saying that everyone is for unity and no one is for division. I can affirmatively say that no Naga hates unity. Like it or not, unity among brethren or a people in principle, for a common future is not an option; it is a must. Therefore, unity among Nagas in their National salvation line is a necessity and National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) stand for that”. The NSCN leader then countered with the poser, “But can we say a conglomeration of different kinds of people with different shades of opinion in a place as unity? Certainly not, that is only a crowd which has nothing to do with the politics of unity. An in...

Engineer shot at by gunmen: Imphal, Dec 21: An executive engineer of the state IFCD Soubam Dhanabir, 52, was shot at both legs by unidentified gunmen at his house at Thangmeiband Sinam Leikai on Friday morning at around 7.30 am. The victim was evacuated to Shija Hospital where he is reported to be out of danger. According to Dhanabir, an unidentified youth walked into his living room without a word and shot him twice in both thighs. The youth fled the spot immediately afterwards along with another youth who was waiting at his gate on a motorcycle. Dhanabir was operated on at Shija Hospital and both bullets removed. Hospital sources said he was out of danger. Police sources believe the shooting to be the handiwork of the KCP (MC) group. In yet another incident, unidentified persons left hand grenades at the homes of Laishram Gourakishore, executive engineer, minor irrigation, and one Ningombam Gojen, said to be a relative of chief minister O Ibobi Singh, on Friday morning. According to ...

PM announces task force for hill states: New Delhi: Endorsing the concern expressed by northeastern chief ministers over lack of development in the region, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has announced setting up of a special task force to study the specific problems of hill states, including those in the North-East. Addressing the Chief Ministers Conference on Internal Security here on Thursday, Dr Singh said development and security were critically interdependent and announced setting up of a task force to study the specific problems of hill states, including those in the North-East. "Hopefully, this will lead to an improvement in economic and security situation in these states," he said. Chief Ministers from the North-East had earlier cited lack of development as the primary reason for internal insecurity in the region and demanded massive funds from the Centre to overcome the problem. The problems of northeastern states and Jammu and Kashmir are unique as these states su...

NESO submits memo to PM: Shillong: The North East Students’ Organization (NESO) has submitted its eight-point charter of demands to the Centre seeking its intervention for the welfare of the people of the north-eastern States in Shillong on Thursday. NESO information and publicity secretary and Khasi Students’ Union President Samuel Jyrwa submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh through Meghalaya Governor Dr SS Sidhu demanding steps to develop education in the region. Urging the Centre of assessing the state of education in the region, the NESO has impressed upon setting up of a Special Education Commission to look into the areas pertaining to civil service courses and human resource development. The memo also highlights the serious demographic change attributed to influx of illegal migrants from neighbouring countries which they fear would lead to militancy and fundamentalist activity in the region. In this context, they have pointed out that the Supreme Court verdic...

ISI threat looms large in Asom, NE: Gogoi New Delhi: The plans of ninety per cent of the operations conducted in Asom by terrorists were hatched in the neighbouring countries, said Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi at the Chief Ministers’ conference on internal security at New Delhi on Thursday. “One of the most serious problems that Asom is faced with is the aid that various anti-national groups of the State receive from some inimical forces from across the porous international borders. Almost all such groups have training camps and safe havens in some of the neighbouring countries,” Gogoi said, and added that the threat from Islamic fundamentalists and agencies of Pakistan were being controlled from across the border. “The North-east has become a hub of espionage activities for agencies such as the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan,” Gogoi said. Gogoi said the State Government has adopted a four-pronged strategy -— counter-intelligence and counter-insurgency operations, encourag...

PM pulls up NE leadership: New Delhi, Dec 20: Raising an alarm over unabated extortions in the North-East, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh exhorted the region’s political leadership to buck up and curb militancy to ensure that the people feel safe. In his hard-hitting speech on militancy in the North-East, Dr Singh minced no words when he said, “We need much better leadership at all levels so that militancy is curbed and people feel secure.” “Extortion seems to be a frequent occurrence (in North-East). We need to put an end to this. We need to enforce the rule of law and create a respect for the state apparatus. National considerations and requirements should take overriding priority,” the Prime Minister said, addressing a meeting of the Chief Ministers on Internal Security, convened by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The meeting attended by Union Home Minister, Shivraj Patil, top officials of the Ministry, intelligence agencies among others was held under unprecedented tight security a...

Separatists keep state under siege: Imphal, Dec 20: Separatist rebel armies continue to keep Manipur under siege, leading to a sense of hopelessness among large sections of the state’s 2.3 million people. Manipur, bordering Myanmar, is the only state in India’s restive Northeast where none of the frontline separatist groups has entered into a ceasefire with the government as a prelude to the beginning of peace talks. “People’s frustration over continued violence in the state is increasingly getting reflected through plays and literature where the underlying theme is against violence and the quest for peace,” said Pradip Phanjoubam, editor of Imphal Free Press, a local English daily. Analysts attribute several reasons for the growth and sustenance of insurgency in Manipur. “An ineffective civil society initiative towards brokering peace, the locational advantage that the rebels have by way of the area’s proximity to Myanmar, and a nexus between the insurgents and politicians are some of...

Mizo varsity signs agreement with UNCTAD: Aizawl, Dec 20: The Mizoram University’s Economic department has signed a two-year agreement with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) for trade-related research in the state. According to the agreement, signed on Wednesday at the University campus here, two individuals will be given doctoral research fellowship (DRF) with a monthly salary of Rs 12,000 and another two individuals will be given post-doctoral research fellowship (PDRF) at the monthly salary of Rs 20,000. The agreement was signed at a seminar on ‘Introduction to trade data bases and modelling of international trade’, attended by UNCTAD officials from Geneva and New Delhi, and researchers from Kolkata and Manipur. The University officials stated that if the varsity and the UNCTAD could work together for two-years, Rs 42 lakhs would be handed over to the University by UNCTAD during the two-year course. Source: United News of India (UNI)

APCC president dies of illness: Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Omem Moyong Deori died of sudden illness at a hospital in New Delhi on Wednesday (December 19) . A Padmashree awardee, Deori, was undergoing treatment at a hospital for the last two weeks. She was 75 and is survived by two daughters and a son. The veteran leader was appointed as the APCC president on August 17 last year and was one of the few women leaders from Northeast, who made her way into the national politics. The APCC president was associated with the Congress since 1973 and was a party working committee member for more than 12 years during her illustrious political career. The mortal remains of Deori would be brought here tomorrow before being taken to her native place Mahadevpur in Lohit district for the last rites. Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu and Home Minister Jarbom Gamlin have expressed deep sorrow over the sudden and untimely demise of the veteran leader. Describing her death a...

Rio wants Myanmar to recognize NSCN (K) Guwahati, Dec 20: The Nagaland Government wants that the Mynamarese Junta recognize the NSCN (K) group of militants holed up in that country for early resolution of the Naga peace process. Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said he had raised the matter with the External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukharjee. “I am going to write to Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to pressurize the military junta to recognize the NSCN (K) in their side of the border so that we can push forward the case,” he said. The NSCN(K) or Khaplang faction of National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) has been largely based at Myanmar since they had split up with the Issac-Muivah faction of the NSCN. As the peace process has entered a crucial stage with the Centre, there were efforts to cover all the Nagas under the possible solution. However, it is not so easy as the political boundary of India and Myanmar have separated many...

Two Manipuris among 33 winners: New Delhi, Dec 20: Renowned playwright Yumnam Rajendro who was associated with Panthoibi Natya Mandir, Imphal, Gouranga Leela and Th. Brindasabi Devi from Manipur were among the 33 eminent persons selected for the Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards for the year 2007. There was no awardee for Manipuri classical dance this year. The Akademi Ratna is restricted to 30 living personalities at any given point of time. Lalthangfala Sailo and Yumnam Rajendra Singh got the award for playwriting. Subodh Deb Barma from Tripura was awarded the Sangeet Natak Academi award for his contribution to tribal dance. Source: United News of India (UNI)

Two cops hurt: Imphal, Dec 20: One Police Commando and one IRB personnel sustained injuries following heavy exchange of firing between underground activists and Thoubal Police Commandos at Salungpham under Thoubal Police Station at around 12.10 pm on Thursday. According to information culled from the site of the incident, at around 7 am on Thursday, Thoubal Police intercepted report of factional clashes involving PREPAK cadres including one ‘Sidaba’ who is the Thoubal District Commander of the outfit at Ukhongshang. Consequently, four teams of Police Commandos led by OC Kishore- chand rushed to the area. However, as they could not find anything amiss there inspite of searching the area thoroughly, the Commando teams turned back. As they approached Salungpham market, the Commando teams saw the villagers here and there in panic. Suspicious of the whole thing, the commando teams drove their vehicles toward the ground of Salungpham Yambem Mamang Leikai. At around 12.10 pm, as the bullet pr...

SUFVA, VSAI win: Imphal, Dec 20: SUFVA, Singjamei, routed CBVT, Chingoi Baruni, 4-0 while VSAI overcame another Thangmeiband side ATVFA 1-0 at THAU Sports Complex in the NE Cup Veteran Football tournament here on Thursday. SUVFA opened their account six minutes into the game when Lukhoi Sharma deflected into his own goal before K Subhashchandra (14th), Tuleshor Meitei (30th) and S Budha (64th) extended the lead. VSAI’s only goal against ATVFA was scored by Shyamajit in the 55th minute. Source: The Sangai Express

Manipur Police, ESU win: Imphal, Dec 20: Manipur Police blanked KRYPSA, Naoremthong, 2-0 as ESU, Wangkhei, edged past NYTHC, Okram Chuthek, 2-1 in Thursday’s matches of the 7th Women Winners’ Cup for BM Singh Trophy football tournament at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium here. While O Bembem netted both the MPSC goals including a 35th minute penalty, ESU owed their win to goals from Y Kamla (28th) and Melody Haokip (47th). L Naobi struck NYTHC’s goal in the 29th minute. Source: The Sangai Express

Guv extends greetings: Imphal, Dec 20: Greeting the people of Manipur, particularly the Muslim community on the occasion of Idul Zuha, Governor Dr SS Sidhu has wished that the festival will be celebrated in its true spirit. In his message, Dr Sidhu said that the message of Idul Zuha is peaceful coexistence setting aside differences if caste, creed or religion. Joining the people of Manipur in celebrating Idul Zuha, Chief Minister prayed that this festival may bring love, peace, unity and prosperity in Manipur. In his Idul Zuha greetings, Speaker Dr S Budhichandra wished that this festival may increase love, sacrifice, harmony and unity among the people of the State. Extending best wishes to the people of Manipur on the occasion of Idul Zuha, MPCC president Gaikhangam prayed that this festival may foster clo-ser relationship among various communities. In his Idul Zuha message, MP Dr T Meinya wished that the festival may herald pros-perity by way of resolving conflict situation facing th...

Khaini, Zarda burnt: Imphal, Dec 20: A considerable quantity of tobacco products including Talab, Khaini, Zarda and mitha mana seized by cadres of RPF Division IV were consigned to flames at about 6.25 pm on Thursday after the seized products were handed over to volunteers of the Khoyathong Polem Leikai local club. Five shops have also banned for three to six months for reportedly selling tobacco products. The shops belong to Chitra Devi (42) w/o Leishangthem Lokendro of Thangmeiband Sinam Leikai, Haikham Sanju (22) s/o Dhiren of Thangmeiband Yumnam Leikai, Khwairakpam Kula s/o Anand of Thangmeiband Yumnam Leikai, Hemabati Devi w/o Achoibam Naocha of Thangmeiband Sinam Leikai and Kshetrimayum Deventi Devi w/o Basan of Thangmeiband Sinam Leikai. Some tobacco items were also seized from the shops of Chanambam Bimola of Leirenhanjaba Leikai, Laishram Ibeyaima of Sinam Leikai, Ngangbam Sarat of Lourungpurel Leikai and Laishram Inao of Lourungpurel Leikai. Posted On: The Sangai Express

Exercise to be over in two months: New Delhi: The process for delimitation of constituencies has entered its final leg with the resumption of delimitation work in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Manipur. The work in these North-Eastern States was held up due to the stay order of Guwahati High Court on account of petitions challenging the legality of the 2001 Census. With the stay being vacated by the Supreme Court recently, the delimitation work is going to be over very soon. The Delimitation Commission of India Chairperson Justice Kuldeep Singh told The Indian Express that the Commission is going to complete the readjustment of constituencies in these States within two months. “After the vacation of the stay by the SC, the work is going in full speed and we hope to complete it in two months. With this, the work of the Commission will be over,” said Singh. However, when asked whether the delimitation orders would be implemented in the next general elections, Singh said that it w...

Manipur particularly vulnerable, says PM: Imphal, Dec 20: Touching on a whole gamut of issues concerning the internal security of the country, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Thursday said the problems of the North East States and Jammu and Kashmir are unique and stressed that the situation is vulnerable in Manipur and Nagaland. Addressing the Chief Ministers’ Conference on internal security at New Delhi on Thursday, the Prime Minister said the North East States and Jammu and Kashmir are unique and added that these regions suffer from poor infrastructure and communication facilities. “It has been our sincere attempt to improve these facilities so that these States too can benefit from our booming economy,” said the Prime Minister. However these states have vulnerabilities on the internal security front which needs to be discussed, said Dr Singh and added, “Each sate has its specific nuances and characteristics and we cannot generalise the problems. “There are many regional and trib...

MAFYF for Intl humanitarian laws: Imphal, Dec 20: Manipur Forward Youth Front (MAFYF) has raised the demand for enforcement of International Humanitarian Laws in a conflict situation State like Manipur so that the people can live in peace and in liberty. Interacting with mediapersons at the Sagolband head office of MAFYF on the sidelines of distribution of relief materials to the people of Dingpi area in Chandel district who have been displaced following the New Samtal Operation launched by the Indian Army to flush out UGs, general secretary of MAFYF Premjit Kshetrimayum said there has been no let up to the exodus of the villagers from Dingpi area since the army launched the operation on November 15. MAFYF has been making every possible effort to help the displaced people and would continue to so, he said, while informing that any person who would like to extend their help in this regard may do so through MAFYF. Premjit said that whether the Governments both at the Centre or at the Sta...

Fact finding team furnishes details: Imphal, Dec 20: The Fact Finding Committee constituted to probe the facts and circumstances behind the assassination of 10 KLA cadres by NSCN (IM) men at Tangkhul Hundung village in Ukhrul district on September 3 this year has submitted its report to the president of the Kuki Inpi, Manipur, for restoration of peace and justice. The fact finding exercise was jointly conducted by the Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills, Kuki Women Union, Kuki Movement for Human Rights and Kuki Students’ Organisation, General Headquarters. The fact finding team said that after recording the statements of many people, “The Commission is convinced that the incident is (sic) a preplanned attack carried out in broad daylight at Tangkhul Hundung village football playground.” A copy of the report submitted by the fact finding team which was made available to the press on Thursday said that the NSCN (IM) with its camp at Shingkap, KRA, at Saikul in Sadar Hills and the KLA at Bonjang villag...

1000-hr AKRSU bandh from January 1: Guwahati: The All Koch Rajbongshi Students’ Union (AKRSU) on Wednesday called a 1000-hour bandh in Assam and North Bengal beginning from January 1 next year and threatened to intensify their stir over their demand for a separate Kamtapur State. AKRSU president Biswajit Roy, while addressing a press conference here condemned the act of ‘highhandedness’ against its activists on Wednesday, who were on fast-unto-death agitation in the city demanding Kamtapur state and ST status. The student body further alleged that the district administration officials ‘forcefully’ evacuated the members of the Chilarai Sena, Kochraj Bonshi Mahila Samity and the AKRSU and admitted them in the Mahendra Mohan Choudhury Hospital. Infuriated by the alleged highhandedness on the part of the district authorities, Roy said the student union would take up agitational programmmes like procession, bandh in the entire state particularly in the lower Assam districts to protest the S...

Tiger kills visitor: Guwahati: A winter pleasure trip turned into a tragedy when Joy Prakash Bezboruah, a resident of Sivasagar, was mauled by a tiger from inside its enclosure at the State Zoo on Wednesday after he had ventured too close to the animal. Bezboruah’s hand was severed in the attack and he also suffered head injuries. He was rushed to the Guwahati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), where he succumbed to his injuries. Bezboruah was 50 years of age. According to the zoo authorities, Bezboruah, who was originally from Jorhat but was residing in Sivasagar district on account of his job, had crossed the safety barrier and was trying to take snaps of the tigers in their enclosure. Narayan Mahanta, DFO, said Bezboruah had put his hand inside the enclosure for taking photos which had provoked the tiger. “Our doctor and keepers who were at a distance were shouting at Bezboruah not to go near the enclosure, but he did not heed our employees’ warning,” said Mahanta. “The left hand ...

NPA, Rio fight battle of Kohima in Delhi: Dimapur: With the state plunging into political uncertainty following the December 13 vote of no confidence motion and subsequent political developments in Nagaland, the Union Cabinet is expected to decide on the report of the Governor K.Sankaranarayanan by Thursday. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Nephiu Rio has rushed back to the state after attending the National Development Council meeting in New Delhi, where he also held a series of discussions with leaders of UPA partners -- NCP, LJP and the Left. CPI general secretary AB Bardhan was reportedly opposed to President’s Rule in the state. On Tuesday, a delegation of the Nagaland Progressive Alliance (NPA) led by its leader I. Imkong, CLP leader, had also met several central ministers and AICC functionaries demanding installation of an alternative government by the newly formed NPA. In Dimapur, the Dimapur District Congress Committee had reportedly resolved at a meeting held on Wednesday that par...

New Delhi, Dec 19: States of the North-east on Wednesday urged the central government to allocate sufficient funds for infrastructure development in the region. Addressing the National Development Council (NDC) meeting here, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said new thrust should be given to promote border trade with South East Asian countries for sustained economic development of the North-eastern region. “A new thrust needs to be given to the promotion of border trade under the Look East Policy,” he said. Rio said opening up of trade with South East Asian countries would not only boost the economy, but also remove the sense of isolation among the people. He said an expressway should be built along the strategic Indo-Myanmar border which will open up the area for trade and economic activities. "The Highway will not only open up the area for trade and economic development, but will also serve as the highway for patrolling the international border, and for checking of illegal tr...

Ibobi calls for regional bamboo policy: Imphal, Dec 19: The Manipur chief minister has urged the Union Ministry of Development of North East Region that a bamboo plan should be executed to increase the value addition of the bamboo resources available in north eastern region, NER through a farmer friendly regional policy, an official said Wednesday. While urging the DoNER, Manipur chief minister O Ibobi Singh, who was participating in the North Eastern Council, NEC meeting at New Delhi, stated that the National Institute of Rural Development, NIRD has also recommended the need for special attention to the poor among the non-agricultural sector, particularly among the artisans and handloom weavers and small traders. The two day meeting which discussed the plan size of the NEC for the next five year plan concluded yesterday. About 17.1 percent of households in Manipur, 8.9 percent in rural and 27.8 percent in the urban, depend on non-agricultural sector for their livelihood. "There i...

Governor decries blast: Imphal, Dec 19: Joining the outcry against the December 16 bomb blast which claimed eight lives besides injuring more than 20, Governor Dr SS Sidhu has termed it a sheer act of barbarism. Stating that the act deserved strong condemnation from all sections of the Society, the Governor conveyed deep pain at the cowardly act of planting and setting off the bomb. He also advised the State Government to take up effective action against the perpetrators of the heinous crime so that the rule of law and respect for authority is ensured. The BJP Manipur Pradesh has also come out strongly against the December 16 bomb blast at Pourabi. BJP termed the bomb blast an act of terror. The Senior Citizens for Society has also condemned the blast in the strongest terms. Source: The Sangai Express Related Story:

JAC seeks financial help from public: Imphal, Dec 19: With some of those critically injured in the Pourabi bomb blast of December 16 likely to require further medical treatment outside the state, the JAC, Pourabi has solicited assistance from the public to help meet expenses likely to be incurred by them. In this connection, two helpline units are being set up at RIMS and JN hospitals from Thursday, said a statement issued by the JAC, Pourabi. The JAC has also expressed its profound gratitude to all those individuals, social organisations, meira paibi groups, transporters, doctors and hospital staff, and others who had extended their assistance to the victims of the bomb blast, whether by coming forward personally, providing vehicles, supplying medicines, or donating cash. It also acknowledged those who have issued statements of condemnation of the incident. Meanwhile, the Centre of Child and Youth Development, Keibi Mayai Leikai, has demanded that the proscribed RPF/PLA should court m...

Unofficial ‘public hearing’ opposes NIT at Langol: Imphal, Dec 19: An unofficial ‘public hearing’ on the controversial issue of setting up the proposed National Institute of Technology, NIT, at Langol was conducted in Imphal on Wednesday by an independent non-government fact finding team of rights activists from New Delhi, led by Dr. John Dayal, member of National Integration Council. The ‘public hearing’, organised by the JAC for Protection of Residential, Agricultural and Wetlands, Langol-Lamphelpat and held at Shija Hospital junction, Langol, was attended by some 200 to 300 people, mostly those who would be affected if the NIT project goes ahead. Speaking to the gathering, Dr Dayal expressed regret at the imposition of prohibitory orders in Imphal West district by the district administration ahead of the public hearing. Under the Constitutional guarantee given by Article 19(i)(a) safeguarding the freedom of expression, people have a right to peacefully express their opinions and lis...

Revamp DoNER, NEC: Aiyar New Delhi, Dec 18: With the Centre drawing up plans to pump in more funds into the North Eastern Region, Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Minister Mani Shanker Aiyar has underlined the urgent need for a major revamp of his Ministry and the North Eastern Council (NEC). While the initiative to energise the DoNER has gained momentum, the Minister said his Ministry is now ready to play the role of ambassador of the North Eastern States (NES) in Delhi. Aiyar has been reviewing the various initiatives taken during the year at the third plenary meeting of the NEC that concluded here on Tuesday. Briefing newspersons at the end of the meeting, Aiyar said that as a result of the intensive revision, they are in a position to assert that there should be a major revamp of the DoNER and NEC to tackle the new role given to his Ministry. “If DoNER is to live up to its name, then it is not enough to be it should be disbursing Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (N...

Look East Policy has not befitted NE: Aiyar New Delhi, Dec 18: Unhappy with the Government's 'Look East' policy, Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Mani Shankar Aiyar on Tuesday said the region has virtually received no dividend from the initiative. "The North-East has received virtually no benefit from the 'Look East' policy so we requested the Ministry of External Affairs to convene a meeting of the eight chief ministers of the region's states," he said on the conclusion of the two-day 55th North East Regional Council meeting here. Six out of the eight chief ministers of the north-eastern states turned up in the meeting and a decision was taken that there has to be a full North-East component in the Look East policy. "We hope this will mean meaningful involvement of the north eastern states in the 'Look East' policy," he added. He also urged the Central Government for merger of two different funds allocated to ...

Manipur Police ahead Imphal, Dec. 18: Manipur Police Sports Club beat Naharol Yaipha Thourang Club 3-0 while Kangchup Road Youth Physical and Sports Association held Eastern Sporting Union to a 2-2 draw in the 7th Women’s Winners Cup for the BM Singh trophy here on Tuesday. In the opening match at Khuman Lampak main stadium on Tuesday, the policewomen had an easy game, with little resistance from the Naharol girls. Th. Tababi Devi gave a right flank pass to O. Bembem Devi, who converted it into a goal in the 31st minute, enabling the Police team to take the lead in the first half. In the second half, Th. Tababi Devi scored again in the 51st minute and 10 minutes later, Sh. Rani Devi gave the Police team its third goal. In another match, Kangchup Road Youth Physical and Sporting Association played out a 2-2 draw with Eastern Sporting Union. Kangchup drew first blood in the 17th minute as Th. Keinakumari scored the first goal. A minute later, L. Naobi Devi of Eastern scored the equaliser...

Minister not at home, none injured: Imphal, Dec. 18: Two Unidentified gunmen fired several rounds at the residence of Manipur Education Minister L. Jayanta Kumar Singh on Tuesday. No one was injured in the attack. Police said two unknown gunmen came on a two-wheeler and fired four to five rounds at the minister’s residence, located at Pishum Oinam Leikai around 5.40 pm on Tuesday. The minister was not home at the time. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

KVFA, FLAM register wins: Imphal, Dec 18: Maniratan’s 16th minute goal helped KVFA, Khurai, register a facile 1-0 win over VSAC, Churachandpur, while FLAM, Yaiskul, overwhelmed Chingtam, Chingmeirong , 4-2 in league matches of the 2nd North East Cup veteran football tournament at THAU Sports Complex on Tuesday. The FLAM goals were netted by N Bobo (3rd), E Ratan (39th) and G Gaitharung (60th, 78th) while S Bungomacha (37th) and Athui Rongmei (73rd) bridged the score deficit for the Chingmeirong veterans. On December 20, SUVFA, Singjamei, will play CBVT, Chingoi Baruni, at 12 noon while ATVFA and VSAI, Thangmeiband, face each other at 2 pm.

Manipur to host meet in May: Imphal, Dec 18: The Handball Federation of India has approved proposal of Manipur Handball Association to host Mini (boys) and Sub-junior (girls) National Handball Championship here from May 28 to June 3 next year. The Federation awarded the competition to Manipur at its annual general body meeting held at Guwahati on December 14.

RPF’s story cuts no ice with JAC: Imphal, Dec 18: While appreciating the stand of the proscribed RPF/PLA in coming out with its claim and explanation on the bomb blast at Pourabi promptly to dispel confusion from the minds of the people, the Joint Action Committee Against Pourabi-Huidrom Bomb Blast has however categorically stated that the explanation furnished is not to the satisfaction of the people and the JAC. In a statement, the JAC said that people would never compromise on killing innocent person by any organisation. The words and the expressions used in the explanation were intended only to cover up the mistake of the outfit. It is a fallacy to live under the impression that the people of Manipur, who have been awakened and are now fully aware of the global revolution taking place, would keep quiet simply after being furnished an explanation, the statement of the JAC signed by its convenor L Bimolata Devi said, adding that it is high time to understand that gun culture would no...