Land of Jewels (Sana Leibak)

Human Rights Group files RTI application: Imphal, Dec 26: The Human Rights Alert has formally approached State Public Information Officer, Department of Home, Govt of Manipur, to share information regarding assistance extended, if any, to villagers affected by the ongoing ‘Operation Samtal-II’ in Chandel district. The petition filed by executive director of HRA Babloo Loitongbam recounted media reports of the security forces’ operation intention to flush out UG elements from its hideouts in Samtal areas. Highlighting that the military action had also resulted in large number of villagers leaving their homesteads for safer zones, the petitioner expressed surprise that till date there is no report of the State Government providing assistance of any kind to citizens affected by the military offensive. Pointing to Constitutional provisions that entail the Government to protect human rights of its citizens, the rights body observed that inaction on the part Government of Manipur on the issu...

Security forces to sanitise Samtal before X-Mas: Joupi (Chandel), Dec 6: With the Operation Samtal launched by Assam Rifles and the Army to drive off insurgents from Samtal (Somtal) and surrounding area of Chandel district completed by almost 70 percent, the operation is likely to be over before Christmas. By that time, the security forces will be able to drive off all UG elements from the area, said commander of 26 Sector Assam Rifles Brigadier Raymond Noronha who is commanding Operation Samtal. Security personnel at a bunker in Sehlon village previously occupied by UNLF cadres Briefing media persons at Joupi AR post, Brig Raymond said that Operation Samtal launched since November 18 to secure Samtal-Sehlon ridge from the clutches of UG groups, particularly the UNLF has been completed by almost 70 percent till date. Within 15 days, all UG elements will be driven off Somtal area which they have earlier claimed to be 'liberated zone', Brig Raymond assured. Except for the diffic...