Land of Jewels (Sana Leibak)

Heirok derides 'doubting Thomases': Imphal, May 4: Objections raised by civil society organisations and former Chief Minister Radhabinod Koijam on the State Cabinet's decision to provide arms to people of heirok and Chajing villages have evoked sharp reaction from JAC functionaries of Heirok. Interacting with news-persons at heirok today, JAC president Kh Ibomcha reiterated that the proposal put to the Government for supply of guns is for self protection of the people from anti-social elements and not for killing 'our own blood brothers'. Recounting that suffering of the heirok people following multiple killings in March this year did not evoke condemnation against the perpetrators or solace to the bereaved families, Ibomcha ridiculed outbursts of these social bodies and the former CM that issuing arms would trigger bloodshed among blood brothers. While asserting that people of Heirok would not tolerate atrocities committed by security forces, if any, and is prepare...

Chajing, Heirok public hail Govt. decision: Imphal, May 3: The SPF Government's decision to arm public of Heirok and Chajing to defend themselves from militants have evoked widespread appreciation. people of Heirok and Chajing had been demanding that State Government provide them guns after activists of different armed groups killed four persons some times back. Conceding to the people's demand State authorities lobbied with the Central Government representatives and the latter reportedly approved the proposal for one year on trial basis which will include establishment of 500 posts of Special Police Officers (SPOs) out of which Heirok will have 300 SPOs. The arm provision would be closely monitored by the Union Home Ministry and if the outcome is positive the period is likely to be extended in phased manner. Close on the heels of the Cabinet decision to provide arms to the public of Heirok and Chajing, the Director General of Police Y Joykumar made a personal assessment of pos...

Bans festivities, Thabal Chongba on Khongjom Day: Imphal, Apr 22: The KYKL has banned all festivities on April 23, the day observed as Khongjom Day in the state in a press release by it Dy. Secy. publicity and research, Apabi Mangang. In particular, the organisation banned all planned thabal chongba in and around Khongjom on the day, and also on all other days until the next Yaoshang except in the case of Lai Haraoba rituals of the nearby sacred places. The KYKL release also expressed utter disbelief at the show of insensitivity to the history of the place and the significance of the Khongjom war by such planned festivities. It said this should have been a solemn occasion to remember the land’s brave forefather and their commitment to freedom and identity of posterity. They fought the British knowing fully well they were no match for the imperial army which had virtually conquered the whole world earning itself the epithet that it is an empire on which the sun never sets. In the face o...