Workers shut Manipur OPDs

A deserted Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital in Imphal East after the OPD was closed. A Telegraph picture

Imphal, Feb. 25 : Striking Manipur employees today disrupted the functioning of government hospitals across the state over pay hike.

More than 60,000 employees, under the banner of Joint Administrative Council, shut the outpatient departments for an indefinite period from today. Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital, the largest government-run hospital in Imphal East district, was also brought under the purview of the strike.

The employees, who have been halting work in government offices for more than a month, decided to shut the OPDs after chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh failed to respond positively to their demand for implementation of the enhanced pay recommended by the Sixth Pay Commission in toto.

The Ibobi Singh government has been maintaining that his government can implement the Sixth Pay Commission recommendations from April this year but does not have enough money to pay salaries from January 2006.

“The state will go bankrupt if the salaries are paid from 2006,” the chief minister had said after the employees started a ceasework on January 16.

“We have shut down the outpatients departments in all government hospitals across the state indefinitely from today. If the government remains indifferent to our demand, we will vacate all the patients admitted in government hospitals from March 2. We have also decided to shut down the casualty departments of the government hospitals from March 5,” L. Priyobrata Singh, a spokesman for the council, an apex body of the employees’ unions of various state government departments, said.

As the employees shut the OPD at the Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital, patients headed for the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences in the city. The RIMS comes under the Union health ministry.

A source in RIMS said doctors and nurses had a tough time accommodating all the patients who turned up at the institute’s OPD.

“Why should the people be made to suffer because of a disagreement between the employees and the government? The government should do something and reopen the OPDs,” Manisang Devi, a resident of Imphal East, said on finding the OPD at Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital shut.

The employees, however, refused to call off the strike until the government conceded to their demand.

Manipur women groups demand stern action against atrocities

Imphal, Feb 12: Manipur women groups have expressed concern over the increase of atrocities against women and children in the state and demanded that Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh to take firm actions to stop such crimes.
Increasing cases of rape, kidnapping, killing and women trafficking forced pro women groups to take to the streets to protest against atrocities.
On February 6, a mass rally was organized by Conflict Widows’ Forum and other NGO’s to protest against the recent murder of a widow and her teenage daughter after a possible gang rape.
Speaking to ANI, Women Action for Development Secretary Sobita Mangsatabam said: “In Manipur we have been experiencing such violations of women’s rights. Especially women and children are suffering a lot. So because of these reasons many widows in Manipur are suffering because of conflict and crime.”
“In Manipur we have been experiencing such violations of women’s rights. Especially women and children are suffering a lot. So because of these reasons many widows in Manipur are suffering because of conflict and crime,” she added.
Hundreds of women of all ages and from all walks of life joined hands in a mass rally to condemn the act and demanded justice.
The protest march started from the Basket Ball ground of Singjamei Chingamakha and concluded at Bheigyachandra open air theatre with a public meeting.
The protestors then submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh with their demands.
On February 4, another rally was organized by All Manipur Nupi Marup to protest against the attacks on women.
The protest march kicked from All Manipur’s Nupi Marup office complex and ended at Keishampat with a public meeting.
“We know that women are very active socially and economically, but still crime is increasing against women ranging from violence, killing and kidnapping. So when such crimes are committed against women no society can develop,” said Bimola Devi.
On January 12, two women of same family were killed and abandoned in a paddy field after two unknown miscreants abducted them. The victims were identified as Chanbi Devi and Abemcha Devi.
In another incident, Rajkumari Ratanmala of Khurai Chingangbam Leikai was raped and brutally murdered. She was then abandoned in the paddy fields.
Since the beginning of January nearly 20 cases of violence against women have been registered in Manipur.

Manipur organisation demands protection of women

Imphal, Feb 5 : A mass rally was carried out by the All Manipur Nupi Marip in Imphal city on Thursday demanding protection of women in Manipur.
It condemned the recent incidents of rape and murder of innocent women in the state.
The rally demanded that the state government should not conceal the rapist-murderers.
The All Manipuri Women Group has also submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, expressing serious concern over the rising cases of rape and murder of women in addition to the alarming scale of violence taking place in the society.
“We strongly condemn the killings and the violent attacks on women taking place in the city. We also have small children and girls at home and we do not want this to happen with them. That is why we are totally against such activities,” said Memma Devi, an activist of All Manipur Nupi Marip.
The protesters, which included a large number of women vendors, marched from the market place of Khwairamband Keithel to Keishampat junction in the city shouting slogans and holding placards urging the government to stop crime against women and punish the perpetrators.
The women vendors of the three main women-markets of Imphal suspended their business for about an hour to be a part of the rally.
“We want that the government and police should nab the culprits at the earliest and then they should be brought out in public and hanged to death,” said Padmamukhi Devi, a women participant in the rally.
Three women -a widow and her teenaged daughter and a housewife- have been killed in incidents that have been reported from Imphal since January.

Day of rallies in Manipur capital

Imphal, Feb. 5 : Protesters hit the streets of the Manipur capital today, staging rallies and sit-ins with demands on a wide range of issues.

These included pay hike, punishment to the perpe-trators of crimes against women and withdrawal of monetary demands by militant groups.

Police had a tough time managing traffic and ensuring security.

After stopping work for 20 days, the state government employees took to the streets today mounting pressure on the Okram Ibobi Singh government to implement the pay scales fixed by the Sixth Pay Commission.

In Imphal West, thousands of employees marched from the office complex of deputy commissioner Radhakanta Singh at Lamphel and assembled at Thangmeiband Athletics ground where they iterated their demand for payment of enhanced pay.

In another corner of the city more than a hundred women took to the street, demanding crimes against women be stopped.

The women were dema-nding punishment to the murderers of four women who were killed during this year.

Four women, including a widow and her teenaged daughter and a housewife, had been killed in three different cases in Imphal West since January.

The police arrested three persons accused in two of the cases.

Autorickshaw owners and drivers staged a sit-in at Mantripukhri on the outskirts of the city protest- ing monetary demands made by four different militant groups.

“Four militant groups made monetary demands ranging from Rs 200 to Rs 3,000 annually. We do not have the money to pay them. Even if we have we could not do so because the police would be after us. In this situation we do not have any alternative but make appeals to the groups to withdraw the demands,” an autorickshaw driver said.

133 wetlands vanished in four decades in Manipur

Imphal, February 3 : Impact to the environment should be taken into account while taking up developmental works and projects, experts and dignitaries speaking at the observance of the World Wetlands Day here in Imphal Tuesday.

The observation of the day which aims at raising public awareness of wetland values and benefits in general and the Ramsar Convention in particular is very much relevant with Manipur experiencing disappearance of wetlands at a fast rate with state authority taking no care at all.

Deforestation and vanishing wetlands have drastically affected the environment in state. The only means to save the mankind from the impending dangers is to protect the forests and the wetlands, to reduce use of fuel and energy, etc, experts sharing their opinion on the need of preserving wetlands in Manipur at the observance function held at Hotel Imphal expressed.

Previously there were 155 lakes in Manipur. Out of these, 133 had vanished. Now only 19 lakes are remaining. While all the lakes were intact, the total areas of water used to be 52,959 hectares. But now it has been reduced to 10,661 hectares only, which is really frightening. According to latest study report of state Environment and Ecology Wing, only Pumlen (Khoidum) Pat (lake), Ekop (Kharung) Pat, Loushi Pat, Waithou (Punnem) Pat, Ahongbeekhong Pat, Ushoipokpi Pat, Sana Pat, Utra Pat, Tena Pat, Kharam Pat, Lamphel Pat, Yaral Pat, Heingang Pat, Jaleng Pat and Loktak Pat are surviving but they are also on the verse of extinction at fast rate.

The characteristic feature of the Loktak Lake in Bishnupur district, the only fresh water lake in the entire north east region of the country and associated wetlands in the presence of floating islands, localy called phumdis.

Enhanced soil erosion leading to wetland sedimentation due to shifting cultivation and loss of vegetal cover in the catchment areas, reduction in water holding capacity of wetlands as a consequence of siltation, encroachments, and prolific growth of aquatic vegetation etc. have also been identified as main problems and issues among others by the Loktak Development Authority.

The wetlands are subjected to a number of environmental stresses and threats which have been in present since the last four decades. In addition to natural aging, human encroachments; Conversion of the low lying areas into farms; disposal of untreated domestic garbage, leaching of chemical fertilizers in and around the lake areas; draining of toxic chemicals like DDT, BHC, Aldrin, Endolan, Endosulfan, Rogo etc. for catching fish without much labour are the major causes of degrading and polluting the lakes.

The wetland ecosystem is degrading day by day and partially becoming agricultural land due to the impact of soil erosion and urbanization around the lakes, Environment and Ecology Wing study report said. While taking up developmental works, the impact to be given to the environment should be taken seriously, said Chairman of the Manipur Pollution Control, MLA E Dwijamani who graced the observance function organised by state pollution control board in association with Centre for Environment Education, North East.

He said environment and wetlands in state can be saved from further destruction and extinction through spreading awareness to the masses and authority concern taking in account the impact on the environment while preparing and implementing projects and others. It was observed with the theme "Catering for Wetland, Answering to Climate Change".

Abducted mother, daughter killed in Manipur

Imphal, Jan 24 : In a gruesome incident, which highlightsing Maoists’ real face, a mother and her young daughter have

been brutally killed and their bodies left in the open fields.

The bodies of the widow and her teenaged daughter had been found in an open paddy field here on Saturday, bearing marks of

rape before being killed.

The victims have been identified as Chanbi Devi (36) and Menaka (17) alias Abemcha Devi, a student of standard IX, of Phayeng

Makha Leikai in Imphal district.

The mother-daughter had been abducted by some miscreants on the night of January 12.

The bodies were found lying at a distance by villagers. The clothes of the deceased were found disheveled and body parts of both the victims had also been damaged.

Villagers then informed the police, who upon reaching the spot inspected the decomposed bodies.

Chanbi Devi, was a mother of three. Her son Raghu told reporters that the intruders, who had come to their house in that

night, called for his mother and asked her to come outside the house to discuss some matter.

“I don’t know what really happened as I was sleeping. But I heard the sound of someone opening the door. The intruders asked

my mother to put off the lights and asked her to come out to discuss some matter and also asked my sister to come along so

that my mother does not feel lonely.” said Raghu.

On Saturday, some locals who had gone to their field for routine work sensed something fishy after a foul smell was emanating

from the area. On search, they found the bodies of mother and daughter in a decomposed state.

Relatives of the victim suspect that the mother and the daughter might have been raped and then murdered.

“We found both mother and daughter in a very bizarre condition. Finding in such a brutal position, we believe that they were

raped and murdered. I was shocked to see both of them in that condition. When no one was ready to pick them up, I rushed to pick them up. Tomorrow I will be going to the police station to register a case,” said A. Ingojao Singh, a relative of Chanbi Devi.

Drugs worth Rs 2 cr destroyed by Manipur NGO

IMPHAL, Dec 22 – A total of about 7,017 people engaged in selling or consuming drugs in Manipur are either kept in rehabilitation centres or being counselled by All Manipur Anti-Drugs Association (AMADA) since its inception from December 20, 2005, informed the Association campaigning against drugs and other forms of intoxicants.

Speaking to media persons, the secretary of AMADA informed that they have been able to destroy drugs worth Rs 2. 22 crore which included local brews, heroin, Spasmo Proxyvon tablets, imported liquor (registered), Recodex, Raja Khaini, Talab and Zarda since its inception.

AMADA which has 123 units and four district councils has organised several awareness programmes and campaigns against drugs and other intoxicants in various places in the State.

Sangai festival 2009 kicks off in Imphal

IMPHAL - Manipur tourism received a major boost with state capital Imphal host to the ever popular Sangai Festival 2009.

The 10-day-long festival is being held at Hafta Kangjeibung in Imphal.rganized by the Tourism Department, Government of Manipur, the main objective of the festival is to promote Manipuri art, culture, crafts, indigenous sports and tourist spots.

In all 300 stalls were put-up to showcase aspects of Manipur and different states of India besides neighbouring countries like Thailand.

“Tourism department can play a major role in making the Look East Policy a success. The Look East Policy is a combination of many policies like industries, Commerce, Agriculture and everything. Tourism is one of the most important areas where we can make this Look East Policy a success,” said Manipur Principal Secretary P C Lawmkunga.

People from all over the state thronged the festival.

Cultural programmes were also organized to entertain visitors.

Cultural troupes from Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, China and Singapore, enthralled the audience with their performances.

“The state’s natural beauty, its warmth of the people, culture and above all the indigenous games and potential of our sportspersons. It is rightly expressed that Manipur is the power house of sportspersons in India,” said K K Chetri State Tourism Commissioner.

“Such tourism festivals will help in fostering cultural exchange and business prospects amongst the participants and visitors,” he added.

Manipur hosts music concert to raise funds for orphans

Imphal, Dec 3: A music concert was recently held in Manipur, which was conducted for orphans, by the orphans, to raise funds for scores of children who lost their loved ones in due to violence in the state.

‘Ekhoi iral karino’ (what’s our mistake) was the title of a musical concert organized by a young musician K. Bobin Singh.

Singh selected 50 orphans, who participated in the concert, from an orphanage centre and trained them for about three months prior to the event.

“The concert is a fulfillment of the wish to give the downtrodden from various sections of the society a platform to showcase their talent and raise their morale, which had been hit hard,” Singh said.

The musical extravaganza was a message to all militant groups in northeast to shun violence and adopt the path of peace and harmony.”In future we want to be a well-known singer just like him (Singh). This concert is for the upliftment of all the downtrodden children. And, when we grow up and become Someone, I would like to help children who are orphans,” said Leishramth Sagar, a participant.

The performance attracted a large audience and the proceeds from the event will be used to help other orphans in the state.

Manipur hill-based journalists condemn security men

Imphal: Manipur hill-based journalists have condemned what they termed 'highhandedness' of Assam Rifles personnel who threatened the editor of a local daily with dire consequences if the latter did not cooperate with them.

In a statement yesterday, the Manipur Hill Journalists' Union(MHJU) said personnel of 3rd Assam Rifles battalion barged into the premises of Churachandpur district-based 'The Lamka Post' on November 28 last and used abusive and undemocratic language against the editor.

''You will be gone, you press people are hopeless and are linked with the underground elements (militants),'' the personnel told the Editor, the statement said.

It said the media both in hills and valley were working under tremendous pressures from all sides and thus accusing them of having links with the militants was not only fair but condemnable.

The statement said the MHJU demanded action against the personnel involved in the November 28 incident.

Manipur Govt approves 339 MR posts for VIP and VVIP security

IMPHAL, Dec 1 : Vulnerable categories of VIPs and VVIPS of the state who are still under threat from armed militants will now enjoy full security strength of escorts following the approval for creating 339 post in three MR battalions namely the 1st, 2nd and 7th and filling up of 287 resultant/anticipated vacancies of rifleman.

According to an official source, with the approval of state finance department for creation of post of 339 Manipur Rifles personnel in the 1st, 2nd and 7th MR battalions by raising one additional company each in these three battalions, the recruitment process has been completed and the recruited personnel are now ready for deployment as escorts for various VIPs and VVIPS of the state.

The government is of the opinion that at the present, there is an acute shortfall of personnel to give adequate security coverage to these VIPs and VVIPs in the face of continuous threats from various armed militants.

The official source further said the government after considering the prevailing law and order situation had approached the Centre for strengthening of three existing MR battalion 1st, 2nd and 7th which are currently stationed in the valley districts.

Personnel from these battalions are currently engaged as escort for the VIPs and VVIPs including ministers, MLAs and head of department of the state, who are in need of security protections on account of the present state of law and order in the state.

The official source further mentioned that the annual financial implication for creating these 339 posts has been worked out by the police department at Rs. 3,66,42,675. This includes the cost for one month extra pay for the eligible posts.

The creation of these posts would also necessitate the creation of vacancies in the rank of Havildar.

In all 17 of these posts were filled up by promotion from the ranks of Riflemen, this would give a resultant vacancy of 53 in rank of Riflemen.

Taking this into account, there should be an effective vacancy of 287 in rank of Riflemen, considering this lapses the state government has made its approval to include 287 vacancies to be filled and recruitment process has already been completed, the source added.

Public meeting recommends immediate class resumption

Imphal, November 2 : Out of 500 individuals, 450 are against the class boycott stir while the decisions of remaining 50 are not clear, declared the Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) today claimed at a public meeting which resolved to resume normal class in school with immediate effect.

A four-point resolution was drafted by the public meeting held at BOAT, Palace compound, Imphal.

The meeting organized by the DESAM to discuss on the matter arising out of prolong class boycott stir was participated by hundreds of people of all works of life.

Representatives of more than 20 civil and students bodies from across the state also attended.

Before drafting the resolutions but after representatives of the various civil organizations, prominent persons of different professions and guardians expressed their opinion, DESAM announced that when the students' body invited opinion of 500 individuals across the state, 450 of them say "no to class boycott stir".

The opinion of the rest 50 are not clear, they neither opposed the stir nor support it.

Parents and guradians of students in rapt attention at BOAT

The body also invited opinion of 50 local clubs across the state.

Cent percent of them say no to the stir chosen by the three students' bodies, AMSU, MSF and KSA.

They also expressed their support in making education- a free zone, spokesperson of DESAM announced in the meeting.

At the concluding part of the marathon meeting, the meeting drafted a three point resolutions among which most importantly demanded lifting of the class boycott stir immediately.

Considering the losses suffered by the students due to the prolong closure of the schools, the class boycott stir should be lifted immediately, the first point resolution stated.

The second resolution urged not to affect education by any kinds of people agitation.

While resolving the second points, the meeting reaffirmed the decision resolved in a mass rally in Imphal on July 5, 2008 .

A public meeting at the concluding part of the rally had resolved to make education, a free zone- free from all sorts of disturbances.

The meeting also resolved to extend support to any other forms of agitation of the people launch against the July 23 alleged 'fake encounter' incident which would not disturbed in the study of the students.

A committee called Co-ordination Committee for Resumption of Class was also formed to translate the resolution drafted by the meeting into action.

Retired professor of Manipur University, N Tombi, former state minister, RV Minthing, former additional director of Education (U), Zanaf Khan and DESAM's president LC Santosh seated at dais of the meeting.

Presidium members and other dignitaries who talked in the meeting elaborately explained the impact to be given by the lost that suffered by the students in future.

Prof N Tombi sharing is his opinion said that the drama of class boycott is combing to an end.

It will be concluded soon.

7 Militants Killed in Manipur Encounter

Seven suspected militants were killed in an encounter with security personnel in Manipur's Imphal East district, police said today.

The encounter took place at around 11.30 pm yesterday between the suspected ultras and Assam Rifles personnel at Andro, about 25 km from here, they said.

However, locals alleged that the seven were picked up from their houses by security personnel and killed.

No senior security official could be contacted to confirm whether those killed were militants, former militants or sympathisers.

Ningol Chakkouba celebrated in Manipur

IMPHAL, Oct 20: Ningol Chakkouba, the largest festival of the State, was celebrated today in Manipur with gaiety and fervour. Married women and their children went to their parental houses to savour grand feasts where gifts were showered on them.

Fish is the main delicacy prepared in every household during the festival and fish melas had been organized in every part of the State to enable people to buy all varieties of fish. Heavy discounts were announced as a Ningol Chakkouba offer in most shops.

All the communities of the State observe the festival and the popularity of the festival can be gauged from the traffic in the streets. After 1100 hours, the streets wore a deserted look as all households were observing the festival.

Inter community feasts organized by various organizations were, however, cancelled as the JAC against killings of Rabina and Sanjit on July 23 in alleged fake encounter appealed to all to observe the festival in a low key.

The families of Sanjit and Rabina, who died on July 23, and people of Khurai Tinsid Road, Imphal East, from where Sanjit hails, also did not celebrate the festival.

Corruption reigns in Manipur police recruitment

IMPHAL, Oct 14 : With serious doubts being raised that hard cash is being demanded for undergoing the medical check up from the candidates who have been recommended after the DPC, a serious apprehension has been raised over the possible wide spread corruption in the recruitment of police personnel being conducted by the SPF Government with the stated objective of improving the law and order situation and strengthening the police force.

When a team of media persons went around to investigate directly into the allegation of money passing hands for the medical check up of candidates, who have been recommended for the post of police constables, the result of which was announced on September 28, it was confirmed that money is indeed being taken from the candidates.

Apart from interacting with some of the candidates, who reported for medical check up at the unit hospitals of Ist MR and 2nd MR today, the media team also talked with some of the officials who were assisting in the medical check up.

It came to light that although Rs 80 is being charged compulsorily from all the candidates for reported for medical check up, some of the candidates are paying more than what is necessary.

One of the candidates who came out after his medical check up at the unit hospital of Ist MR disclosed that he had paid Rs 1000.

‘‘For candidates with physical problems, they have to pay more’’, the candidate added.

One of the officials who was assisting in the medical check up explained that Rs 80 is being charged from all the candidates in connection with testing their blood group.

‘‘In case of requiring other tests, the candidates are not allowed to go out and conduct the test’’, the official said, while indicating that extra charges are levied from the candidates for such tests.

‘‘Doctors are also human beings. So it is but natural to give some considerations here and there. After all, these candidates have been selected after greasing the palms of the higher officials concerned. So, who would dare to cancel their candidature,’’ the official said.

When the media team arrived at the unit hospital of 2nd MR, some of candidates who were waiting for the medical check up grouped around to find out how much money other candidates had reportedly given.

Interestingly, one of the candidates who was standing in the queue was seen attaching a Rs 1000 note underneath his form. When inquired why the Rs 1000 note was attached to his form, the candidate brusquely replied, ‘For paying them.’’

It was learnt during the course of the investigation that on an average all candidates are paying some amount of money to get themselves checked medically, but some others have to may more. When contacted in this regard, IG Administration informed that in all 9 doctors are conducting the medical check up of the candidates at five different places. The police officer also assured that appropriate action would be taken up if there is proof that the candidates are being made to shell out extra money for the medical check up.

Manipur: Aftershocks Of A Daylight Murder

From Tehelka Magazine, Vol 6, Issue 40, Dated October 10, 2009
Social activists and innocents are the latest targets in Manipur’s unending cycle of repression. DIVYA GUPTA reports
Pandora’s Box Sanjit’s killing created a public outcry but has also fuelled state repression in Manipur
EVER SINCE TEHELKA’S damning expose of 27- year-old Chongkham Sanjit’s fake encounter killing two months ago, Manipur has been bubbling over with fear and violence. Waves of demonstrations have rocked the state under the banner of “BT Road Agitation” – indicating the name of the road where the Manipur Police Commandos shot Sanjit dead, killed a pregnant passerby, Rabina Devi, and injured five others. Daily news reports pour in of more fake encounters “rocking” Manipur, jawans killed in an ambush, the government’s plans to set up more police stations, the opposition demanding President’s rule and protests “halting” academics and life in the state. Several militant and civil society organisations have demanded that Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh should resign. Violence on all sides continues unabated.
Singh’s first response after Sanjit’s killing was plain denial, inviting the wrath of Manipur’s people. He was forced to retract his statements. Following immense pressure from civil society organisations, the state government set up a one-man judicial commission headed by retired justice PG Agarwal. No affidavits have been submitted to the commission yet.
In a counter-affidavit to a case filed by Rabina Devi’s family in the Gauhati High Court, Director General of Police, Y Joykumar Singh denied the entire story published by TEHELKA on August 1, 2009. He claimed that “nowadays such photographs can be easily fabricated”. The Apunba Lup, the apex organisation spearheading the ongoing public agitation, has boycotted the judicial inquiry, saying that the TEHELKA story was “evidence enough” for the state government to act.

‘Nowadays such photographs can be easily fabricated,’ says Manipur police chief Y Joykumar Singh

Meanwhile, Manipur is a state under siege. At least 18 people have been detained under the National Security Act. Environmental activist Jiten Yumnam and 18-year-old Naorem Prakash are just two examples, among the dozens of recent cases, who have either been arbitrarily arrested, tortured, shot at or beaten – hardly a strategy for winning the hearts and minds of the people.

Manipur govt official kidnapped for ransom

Imphal, Sept 17 (PTI) Unidentified militants have allegedly kidnapped a Manipur government official and demanded a ransom, official sources said here today.

His whereabouts were not known, they said.

Md Asraf Ali, Block Development Officer of Saikot sub-division in Churachandpur district, was yesterday allegedly abducted at gun point while he was returning home at Muolvaiphei village from his office by two militants, the sources said.

The sources said that police was trying to locate his whereabouts, but refused to divulge the amount demanded by the kidnappers.

Unofficial sources said that the ransom ran into some lakhs of rupees.

DIPR utilises two staffs of Manipur Information Centre

Imphal, September 15, 2009: Even as the Manipur Government was awarded the Prime Minister's excellent Award last year for its effective performance in the Manipur Government Employees List (MGEL) scheme, the success of the scheme is a farce in the DIPR.

According to a highly placed source, one Kh Ranjit, reporter and one Ksh Kullachandra, UDC, were appointed against the sanctioned posts created for Manipur Information Centre, New Delhi.

It has, however, been learnt that the two were still utilised by the Head Office and their salaries were also given by the Head office.

Sources also indicated that the two employees are being utilised by the DIPR after these two staff had allegedly induced the superior officers concerned of the Department.

Kh Ranjit was appointed as Reporter vide Order No.2(1)/Esst/DIPR-90 (NG) dated 06-09-1990 against the post created for Manipur Information Center, Delhi vide post creation order No.20/2/78-DIPR dated 13.10.1983. Ksh Kullachandra was appointed as UDC vide order No.1/176/2001- DIPR dated 23.01-2001 against the post vacated by T Randhoni UDC of Manipur Information Centre, Delhi who was promoted to the post of Accountant in the DIPR.

It may be mentioned that as per MGEL scheme, the employees have been transferred and posted at the place where the employees concerned were appointed, and the salaries were given to them from the office concerned where the employees were appointed.

For effective performance of the scheme, the Government of Manipur was awarded the Prime Minister's excellent Award last year.

The Government Order No.20/6/97-PIC (Pt) dated 19.07-2001 of Finance Department clearly states that 'in case any Department proposes to utilise any employee at a place other than the place where the relevant post was created, the Department should obtain prior approval of the Government through the Committee of Officers constituted.

And such utilization shall be permissible for a maximum of 1(one) year extendable only with the approval of the Committee'.

However, without proper approval of the Government, the two DIPR employees are utilised at the Head Office.

Sources revealed that the utilisation of the two staffs at DIPR is said to cause suffering to the functioning of Manipur Information Center, New Delhi � an important office of the Manipur Government which is actively highlighting the activities of the State Government to the people.

On the other hand, the Manipur Information Center, Delhi is now reportedly run by an Officer, an LDC and two peons.

The post of Driver is vacant.

Two of its staffs are now utilised by the Head Office.

Killing of a bus driver evokes protest, causes outrage in public of Manipur

Imphal, Sep 17 : Life was paralysed after bus drivers stopped work in protest against the killing of a driver in Manipur. The killing was condemned by several organizations in the state.


Unidentified gunmen shot dead 28-year-old driver Ngangam Basanta alias Momo from Nambol in Imphal. He was killed along Tiddim road near Phabakchao Ithai Bus Stand the gunmen pulled him out of the bus.

The wife and two children of the driver are still in a state of shock.

"I have two small children, a five-year-old child and the other child is not even two years of age. I don't know what to do. I want to know who the culprits are," said Tombi, victim's wife in Imphal.

Following the incident, family members and residents of Nambol staged a sit in protest. They also blocked vehicles plying along Tiddim road at Nambol Chingmang.

The Imphal-Churachandpur Bus Owners and Workers Association, All Manipur Roads Transport Drivers and Motor Workers and Tiddim Roads Drivers Union submitted a memorandum to the State government.

They demanded that the guilty should be punished according to law.

"We are hurt by this incident. We work for the welfare of people of Manipur, day in and day out transporting passengers and essential commodities to all the remote areas of the State. We do not want this to happen again. We condemn it," said N.D Singh, a driver.

"As civilians, we do not agree with anyone attacking drivers or for that matter attacking anybody. We condemn such attacks. All sections should come forward for peaceful talks," said Khumchand, a passenger.

However, after the killing of the bus driver, Basanta, Bishnupur district police commandos launched an operation after they received information that some Military Defense Force (MDF), a faction of the KYKL militant outfit were operating in the area.

The police commandos gunned down three cadres of the Military Defense Force (MDF), of whom; one was involved in killing of the bus driver. Several arms and ammunition were also recovered during the operation.

Normal life affected in Manipur by general strike

Imphal, Sept 13 Normal life in Manipur was affected today due to a 24-hour general strike called by a group in protest against an alleged fake encounter, official sources said.

Markets, shops, and business establishments remained closed due to the strike called by a Joint Action Committee (JAC) against the killing of a driver in the alleged encounter with security personnel.

Transport services between Manipur and neighbouring states were cancelled, the sources said.

Md Rehaman alias Tomba along with five others, who were described as militants by officials, were killed in the encounter on September 8 at Awang Khul in Imphal West district.

Social organisations, including the All Manipur Rickshaw Drivers and Pullers Association (AMRDPA), said that Rehaman, who is a member of the organisation, was a driver who has been ferrying passengers from Imphal to the border town of Moreh for the past 15 years.