Ukl Police Ningol Chakk

 

Ukl Police observed Ningol Chakouba ; recall Hill- Valley brotherhood

The Dawn Tantak
UKHRUL,23th(Sunday)Oct'2022:. FOR the first time ever in Ukhrul Town , Ukhrul Police shows the way exactly the bond of brother and sister 'LOVE' despite all odds, even though this festival is observed for only one day it bears a significant impact on the Manipur society. So,Ukl joined to celebrate this significant celebration today here at Ukl Police reserved line, Phungreitang,here's on Sunday.

This system ' Ningol Chakouba' was introduced in 33 B.C. following the Manipuri myths. Hi

This festival bears a good meaning of love between brothers and sisters and signify the love between families. It is celebrated with much enthusiasm by different social organisations in different places. There is the grand feast combined with the exchange of presents among the Hill tribes and the people of the valley. Merry making and thanksgiving are part of the celebrations.

The day long celebration was organised under the aegis of Ukl SP. Ningshem Vashum and all rank and files of Ukl police where the SP on his speeched stated that Ningol Chakouba festival nurture relationship of siblings and families. Married daughters can relax and indulge in fun activities at their parent's house by forgetting the responsibilities of her in-law's house.

Celebration of Ningol Chakouba are conveyed in advance to all married daughters and sisters. Invitation cards are crafted from betel leaf rolled over betel nut. On the day of Ningol Chakouba married women dress themselves in colorful and lovely dresses and bring sweets, savories, fruits and other things for her parents and other family members.

Mothers prepare the favorite dishes for their daughters. Meat and fish are the main ingredients of the feast. They cook traditional dishes like Chagempomba, Pan Thongba, Iromba, and Champhut on the occasion. Daughters spend their time with their families the entire day. Later, they are offered gifts by their parents and brothers as well as blessings, so also observing such significant  events annually will certainly bring about the bond of hill and valley closer and definitely to the gratification of the people's of this land called Sinaleipak  SP. Vashum added.

While talking to the Medias on the sidelines of the venue Inspector Hopson Chiphang said that History of Ningol Chakouba is in some legend stories. It is believed that Queen Laisana invited her brother Poireiton to have a meal with the royal family. The festival is said to be started in around the fourth century. Queen Laisana stared a trend to inviting brothers to sister's home for a feast. This festival was called Piba Chakouba, 'Piba' meaning son. However, later in the nineteenth century King Chandrakriti found the task of visiting the homes of all his sisters difficult in one day and hence decided to invite all his sisters' home on a given day. Since that day, the festival began to be known as Ningol Chakouba.

The day long Ningol celebration was attended by Tangkhul Shanao Long ( TSL/the apex women organisation of Tangkhul),Ukl Police women cadres, Ukl police family lines, Ukl police wife's association and well wishers.

NSCN MIP

 

SCAN unfairly misleading Ntangki National Park

(Should have acted in a more responsible manner and not go for spoiled-brat like grumble with the highly inflammatory allegations against NSCN: MIP)

(Representational pic)

The Dawn Tantak
CHq Hebron, the 25th October, 2022: ANYTHING that matters the national interest should not be allowed to escape the eyes of public scrutiny if something is suspected to be going wrong. For the same reason no bewildering allegations will stand the test of time when the factual story will have to be unfolded before the citizens.

The press statement from the Government of the People's Republic of Nagalim through its  Ministry of Information and Publicity (MIP) states that it's unfortunate that the Senior Citizens Association of Nagaland (SCAN) has targeted NSCN unfairly with its misleading statement that NSCN had occupied Ntangki National Park and put under its full control. Given the magnitude of the issue, SCAN should have acted in a more responsible manner and not go for spoiled-brat like grumble with the highly inflammatory allegations against NSCN. They should have chosen the path that would reflect their wisdom and temperament on the given issue rather than cry foul against NSCN bereft of valid justification.

On the contrary, had it not been the NSCN and counter-measures taken by it, the Ntangki National Park could have been another story today.

Placed under this situation with the overstatement of SCAN against NSCN the story of Ntangki National Park has to be given proper narrative to point out the truth of everything that has kept the Ntangki National Park alive today and free from those who cast covetous eyes upon the beautiful forest, the wealth of the nation.

It is on record that Ntangki National Park originally belongs to Old Beisumpui village. It has well defined boundaries. The critical need to protect the Ntangki forest and wildlife was taken up during the NSCN National Assembly, Gilgal Camp, 1996 and it was resolved to protect and preserve Ntangki forest as wildlife reserved forest. Accordingly, no newly set up villages was allowed to exist inside the Ntangki National Park. During the course of Indo-Naga political talks Ntangki National Park was never a topic of discussion as this has nothing to do with Naga political settlement. Whether there is solution or not, it will remain protected and shall be preserved as Naga national property.

Recently, during the exclusive interview given by Ntangki National Park Director Shri. T. Aochuba to Global Window, there was no indication that NSCN has encroached upon Ntangki National Park.

Significantly, Hebron Camp is outside the boundaries of Ntangki National Park. The Hebron Camp originally belongs to Old Jalukie village. The Jalukiekam village was established with the permission of Old Jalukie village. It is a recognized village with specific boundaries. The Hebron Camp is very much within the Jalukiekam village jurisdiction and outside the boundary of Ntangki National Park and not as recklessly claimed by SCAN. The Jalukiekam village authorities gave permission to NSCN to establish its Council Headquarters (CHq), Hebron Camp with the condition that the land will be returned to the owner Jalukiekam village in the event of NSCN leaving the place.

It was during the chief minister-ship of SC Jamir that Hebron was also allocated as ceasefire designated camp and he should be well aware that the camp has nothing to do with Ntangki National Park.

The Nagaland Forest department claimed to have acquired the land at present Hebron Camp from one Kachari who had been paying land taxes to Old Jalukie village. How can a tenant sell the land? The forest colony/Hebron Camp was never given to the forest department by its land owner Jalukiekam or Old Jalukie Village.

It is important to note that it was under the compelling circumstances that the forest department shifted its office at Beisumpuikam village and at present the forest department office can be seen located at Beisumpuikam village block-C.

In no occasion NSCN had disturbed or caused harassment to the forest department in performing its duties. NSCN as a responsible organization will never overstep its role to stoop that low to be a source of nuisance to the forest department and thus, the question of forest department having to ask permission from the NSCN should never arise. Such a fabricated statement from the mouth of SCAN is something highly uncalled for.

It is disheartening to see that SCAN raised a great hue and cry against something that does not exist at all, desperately attempting to generate a storm in a tea cup. The discerning people should be able to read between the lines how SCAN’s irresponsible utterance is done deliberately to provoke public outcry against the NSCN. Rather it has only exposed its ulterior motive. The irony is that it only goes to heap disgrace upon the very group wearing the crown of senior citizens association that comprises of Nagas that are attached with the highest echelon of Indian/Nagaland civil service. It is unfortunate to see SCAN headed by KK Sema as spokesman that has turned into trouble maker rather than troubleshooter. This is very unbecoming of the nomenclature of SCAN which should have displayed its mission with religious fervor without allowing other power to use them with vested interests.

Ironically, SCAN claimed to be a non political organization but the fact that KK Sema is it's spokesman nullified the claim. KK Sema contested the 2018 Assembly Election on Congress ticket and faced humiliating defeat. Such a person who have gained the notoriety to be loud- mouthed and who have developed the shameless habits of going for big lies should not have been allowed to represent a non political organization lest he brings further disgrace to the organization. Nothing is far from truth! What SCAN is talking about Ntangki National Park as used and manipulated by NSCN is simply an extravagance of an old braggart like KK Sema, the MIP statements adds

Kamjong observed HLD & MN

 Kamjong observed Hill Leaders Day and  Meeyamgi Numit

The Dawn Tantak
KAMJONG Oct'28,2022: THE District Hill Leaders’ Day & Meeyam gi Numit for Kamjong district was observed today at the Town Hall, Kamjong headquarter. Organised by the District Administration, Kamjong, the program is the fourth observation of the district after the formation of the BJP-formed new government.

In the event that witnessed hundreds of public attendance, a total of 54 grievances/applications have been received related to various governmental welfare schemes and departmental services. 34 stalls of various departments were opened to cater to the needs of the public.

Deputy Commissioner Shri Rangnamei Rang Peter, IAS was the chief guest of the event, while Superintendent of Police Shri P Manjit; ADM Shri Ningreigam Leisang and SDO Sahampung block, Shri Phillip John were the guests of honour. CSO leaders, village chiefs and local prabhari officers were also present in the observation today.

Later, the dignitaries handed over -- CMHA Cards from NHM, Weaver cards from Handloom & Textile, PM Kisan Cards from Agriluture, UJJWALA Gas sets and NFSA cards from CAF &PD—to many beneficiaries.

A special tree program was also conducted as a part of the program by DFO Kamjong.

NSCN IM - CCoNpI meet

After meet with CCoNPI, NSCN (I-M) to resume talks

TDT /NP
DIMAPUR 18th Sep' 2022: CONTRARY to the stand that official negotiations had concluded on October 31, 2019, the NSCN (I-M) has agreed to “resume talks” based on the “formulation of papers” submitted to the Government of India and based on the Framework Agreement signed on August 3, 2015.

This significant revelation was made by UDA chairman and CCoNPI co-convenor TR Zeliang to media persons after the two-and-half hour closed door meeting held between Core Committee on Naga Political Issue (CCoNPI) and the NSCN (I-M) at Rhododendron Hall, Police Complex, Chümoukedima on Saturday.

Zeliang said NSCN(I-M) has agreed to resume talks after the CCoNPI had made the request. He said NSCN (I-M) agreed to resume talks on the condition that “the talks should be based on the Framework Agreement and the formulation papers submitted by both RN Ravi and AK Mishra altogether.”

In this regard, NSCN (I-M) delegation will be leaving for Delhi on Monday and discuss some unresolved matters with the officials of the Government of India Tuesday.

According to media reports, a Central team was working on a new set of ‘formulation papers’ which would include both new and old set of offers so as to facilitate inking of a final peace pact at the earliest.

Zeliang said the NSCN (I-M) delegation’s contention was that they were unhappy with Centre’s representative AK Mishra for “omitting some of the important political points which was included in the formulation papers” earlier prepared by then Interlocutor RN Ravi.

He said no new issues were discussed at Saturday’s meeting except whatever was conveyed to the committee by Amit Shah on September 12 and that the same was conveyed to NSCN (I-M) members. Zeliang said the committee had planned to meet with the prime minister in Delhi but that he directed the Home minister to meet the Core Committee.
Saturday’s meeting comes barely a week after Union Home minister Amit Shah had advised the CCoNPI to impress upon the NSCN (I-M) on signing the final agreement.

Zeliang also clarified that the role of CCoNPI was to act as facilitators and to “convey the feeling of Nagas and the feeling of government of India to the negotiators” adding they were in no way involved with the negotiation.

When asked whether solution can be expected before the upcoming Assembly elections, Zeliang said that would entirely depend on both the NSCN (I-M) and Government of India on whether they were ready to sign the final agreement before the elections. As for WC/NNPGs, Zeliang said they are prepared to sign the final agreement any time.
It was also learnt that the NSCN (I-M) members were also given a copy of the July 16, 2022 resolution adopted by the Core Committee.

Ball in GoI’s court’

Meanwhile, talking to the media, NSCN (I-M) member collective leadership, Rh Raising made it clear that the ball was in the court of the Government of India and not CCoNPI or the NSCN (I-M).

“It is they (GoI) who are to decide. We have been waiting for their response,” Raising stated.

When asked to comment on Government of India’s directive to CCoNPI to convince NSCN (I-M) on signing the final agreement, Raising said “It is in the process. It has to be settled in the table between Government of India and the NSCN (I-M) not here.”

The 11-member NSCN (I-M) team included members of the collective leadership– Rh Raising, TT Among, Kraibo Chawang, K K Angami, VikiyeAwomi, Chuba Pongen, Kimong Lowang, ‘maj’. (Retd) Hutovi Chishi, Akhah Konyak; Indo-Naga Peace Talk coordinator and Naga army chief Anthony Ningkhan Shimray and secretary Indo-Naga Peace Talk Wungmaring Zimik. The
CCoNPI delegation comprising of 20 members led by convenor and chief minister Neiphiu Rio included co-convenors– deputy CM Y Patton, UDA chairman T.R. Zeliang and UDA co-chairman & NPF legislature party leader Kuzholuzo (Azo) Neinu, member secretary Neiba Kronu and members– S. Pangnyu Phom, G Kaito Aye, Metsubo Jamir, KashihoSangtam, Paiwang Konyak, Jacob Zhimomi, Mmhonlumo Kikon, H Haiying, Imkong L Imchen, Chotisuh Sazo, Dr. K Ngangshi, KezhienyiKhalo, Muthingnyuba Sangtam, Yitachu and Rajya Sabha MP S Phangnon Konyak.
(Source NP)

CcoNpH to meet NSCN IM

CCoNPI to meet NSCN-IM leaders after September 22

      (NSCN I -M Ato Kilonser Qr TH.Muivah)

TDT /NP

DIMAPUR,14th September 2022: WITH the Centre having made it clear that the onus is on the NSCN-IM to end the stalemate and ensure an early inking of a peace pact, the Core Committee on Naga Political Issue (CCoNPI ), led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, is likely to meet the militant leaders after Sept 22.

Sources said the much expected meeting will take place after September 22 wherein the Naga delegation of legislators and Ministers will share with the ultra leaders on what transpired at the meeting between the State delegation and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on September 12, Monday, at New Delhi.
“The meeting will take place after the Assembly session that ends on September 22”, a source said.

In the September 12 meeting, Home Minister Shah told the Naga delegation that they are approaching the “wrong man”, when Chief Minister Rio and others were trying to impress upon the Government of India to expedite the peace process.

During the interaction wherein two Naga leaders “were most vocal” the issue of extortion also figured prominently.

The reference was made to the recent data revealed by the National Crime Bureau that the State of Nagaland tops the list of States for extortion and related offence. “People are fed up of extortion in the name of peace process”, several Naga leaders insisted.

With regards to the Flag and a separate Naga constitution, Shah was yet again categorical, *“Woh baat nahi karna (Please do not raise these two issues)”*.
The Home Minister said, *“You ask for anything else, we are there with you.”*

According to sources, Shah, in a lighter vein, reportedly also said, *“One senior militant leader is from Manipur”*. Obviously this was in reference to the powerful general secretary of NSCN-IM Thuingaleng Muivah.

Sources claimed the Core Committee would also be keen to meet NNPG convener N Kitovi Zhimomi and other leaders of the umbrella organisation.

Stalled Parleys with NSCN-IM

Stalled parleys with NSCN-IM 'revived'; Jamir wants MLAs to quit en masse*

TDT Sep'10,2022
NEW DELHI: There is a critical and significant forward movement in Naga peace talks. Representatives and officials of the Central Government recently visited the Northeast, including Guwahati and Shillong, and the stalled talks between the NSCN-IM and the Centre have been revived.

The Central team is now working on a new set of Formulation Papers which would include a new and old set of offers to facilitate the inking of a final peace pact at the earliest.

The ball will soon be in the court of militant groups, including the NSCN-IM, whose raising of demands for a separate Naga flag and a constitution, had practically stalled the peace parleys since October 2019.

A top military commander from the group, which initiated ceasefire and peace talks in 1997, is involved in these crucial and final rounds of discussions.

The Centre is more than keen and is already running the 'extra mile to achieve the destination of peace, solution and development for Nagas.

"Elections or no elections, the focus is on the Formulation Papers. It's refreshing...," a source claimed.

Nagaland is inching ahead towards the next Assembly elections by February-March 2023 along with two other northeastern states of Tripura and Meghalaya.

While the BJP heads a coalition regime with a tribal-based party in Tripura, it is a junior partner to regional parties NPP in Meghalaya and NDPP in Nagaland.

A delegation of Nagaland legislators and Ministers led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio is camping in Delhi to 'push for expediting' the peace process and arriving at an early solution.

Rio and his delegation held a meeting with AK Mishra, the peace emissary on behalf of the Centre. Sources are tightlipped on what transpired at the meeting between the Naga delegation and Mishra.

"We know how to keep some secrets... In the national interest, the secrets have been kept secret. However, there is no second opinion that every Naga of the state of Nagaland wants a final solution. They, however, complain about the deliberate delay in peace parleys," a source said.

In quite an interesting turn of events, one leader of the Naga People's Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) has blamed the Centre for delaying and almost derailing the peace process.

As the Government abrogated Article 370 and took away the Kashmir flag and constitution... "A message went around deliberately or otherwise that no other state or region can have a separate Flag. Here comes the 'Nagaland issue' and thus this linking between Kashmir Policy and Naga issue was not a wise thing to do," the NPMHR leader said.

The Centre has rejected the twin demands for the Naga constitution and the flag.

Nationalists among Naga leaders like SC Jamir, a former Governor to Maharashtra and Gujarat, told this journalist: "There is no need for another Constitution within the Indian Constitution."

The 91-year-old Jamir, who has personally met PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah earlier this year says: "All issues have been discussed and finalized since 2019 and now we are only waiting for a solution."

Reviving the peace talks between the Centre and the NSCN-IM is certainly a positive sign and it will expedite the peace process.

The NNPG, an umbrella organization of seven militant groups, led by N Kitovi Zhimomi is already keen on signing a peace pact.

This umbrella group maintains Peace and solution pact should get priority as Nagas have suffered enough and are now longing for peace and development.

Jamir also insists further delay may not be good either for India's security or for the Nagas too.

"Why should it be delayed in the final implementation? For how long will the people of Nagaland be taken for a ride? For how long will they be pawns in the hands of the political people, underground and other anti-social elements? How long will the people of Nagaland remain cut off from the rest of the nation?" he says.

"For how long the youth of Nagaland will rot in poverty and despair when their counterparts are leading a drastically a different life in the rest of the country," Jamir wrote in another and a most recent article published in Nagaland newspapers on September 9.

The veteran leader, who has worked with all Indian Prime Ministers since 1947, further says: "The MLAs are morally obliged to step aside to 'facilitate' a solution — something they have pledged. But almost proving the old phrase, 'Promises are made to be broken', our legislators have not done it so far. They should do it at the earliest. This is the moment of history — to make sacrifices. Mr Chief Minister, are you ready for it?" (IANS)

UNC Reiterates New dist oppose ADC elec

 UNC Reiterates demand for Rollback of New Districts

( Oppose conduct of  ADC Election in newly created districts) 

(Representational pic)

The Dawn Tantak Bureau
Sep' 7,2022:.  THE presidential meeting of the United Naga Council (UNC) held at Imphal on September 7 reiterated demands for rollback of the newly created districts in Manipur.
 
Based on this position, *the UNC said that it will oppose the conduct of “separate ADC elections in the new districts under any circumstances.”

Further, the UNC meeting “outrightly rejected the 6th and 7th Amendment of the Manipur(Hill Areas) District Council Bill, 2022.”

In a statement the UNC said, “Today’s United Naga Council (UNC) emergency presidential council meeting held in Imphal reiterated the position of the Naga people on newly created districts of December 8, 2016 and it also outrightly rejected the 6th and 7th Amendment of the Manipur(Hill Areas) District Council Bill, 2022.” In regards to the creation of new district(s), the UNC said that the Government of Manipur and the Naga people have signed 4 Memoranda of Understandings(MoUs) on December 14, 1981, November 10, 1992, September 27, 1996 and June 23, 1998 and also the intervention of the Government of India on  November 24, 2011 that all stakeholders including Naga body(s) who would be affected by such creation would be consulted._

The spirit of signing the MoUs and the intervention of the Government of India is that the “Naga people would be consulted while creating new district(s).” While Nagas are upholding the MoUs and respecting the intervention of the Government of India, the UNC alleged that the Government of Manipur treacherously created 7 new districts on December 8, 2016. In response, a ‘Naga Consultative Meet’ was held on December 12, 2016 at Tahamzam (Senapati) and resolved to “roll back newly created 7 districts.” In this connection, the UNC said that the Naga people imposed 139 days of economic blockade. 

The UNC lifted the economic blockade in the meeting of ‘tripartite talk’ among the Government of India, the Government of Manipur and the representatives of United Naga Council on March 19, 2017 at Senapati headquarters after agreeing that “the grievances of the United Naga Council which led to the imposition of economic blockade by them was recognized as there was no adherence to the four Memoranda of Understanding and the Government of India’s assurance on the matter. The Government of Manipur agrees to start consultation with all stakeholders to redress the same.” Since then, there have been 9 rounds of inconclusive ‘tripartite talks’ at political level, the UNC also said.

Therefore, the decision of the UNC taken on December 12, 2016 to roll back the newly created districts still stands. And also, UNC will oppose the conduct of separate ADC elections in the newly created districts under any circumstances,” the UNC added

UNC expect nothing from Hill MLAs

UNC expect nothing from Hill  MLAs : Kho John

SENAPATI,3th Sep''2022: THE  United Naga Council (UNC) has asserted that it does not expect anything from the 20 MLAs elected from the hill districts including the five MLAs of the Naga People’s Front (NPF).

UNC president Kho John said that all the 20 MLAs including the five NPF MLAs have become puppets of Chief Minister N Biren.

The UNC was thinking that the Biren Government may carry out the State administration in a very peaceful manner and the Government was asked through the NPF Manipur State unit president not to take up any sensitive issue, Kho John said.

Notably, the NPF was set up with the purported objective of fighting for the Naga issue through political means.

The State Government and Naga leaders signed four MoUs on the creation of new districts and it was agreed that all stakeholders including Naga bodies should be consulted before any new district was created for it would affect the Naga people.

In spite of these MoUs, the State Government created seven new districts on December 8, 2016.

The Naga people responded by holding a consultative meeting on December 12 the same year and resolved that the decision of creating the seven new districts should be rolled back, the UNC president recalled.  

This was followed by a prolonged economic blockade. Afterward, a tripartite talk was held among the Government of India, Government of Manipur and the UNC.

The tripartite talk arrived  at an understanding which said, “The grievances of the United Naga Council  which led to the imposition of economic blockade by them was recognised as there was no adherence to the four MoUs and the Government of India’s assurance on the matter. The Government of Manipur agrees to start consultation with all stakeholders to redress the same.”

The prolonged economic blockade imposed by the Naga people was lifted on the same day the tripartite talk was held and it was the 139th day of the blockade, Kho John recalled.

Since then there have been nine rounds of political tripartite talks.

The tripartite talk was suspended/halted from 2019 following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Although the tripartite talk was suspended, the Naga consultative meeting’s resolution “roll back newly created seven districts” still stands, Kho John said.

After N Biren was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Manipur for the second consecutive term, the State Government made arrangements to hold a Cabinet meeting at Kamjong.

As the same arrangement was akin to legitimising the newly created districts, the UNC directed the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) not to allow any Cabinet meeting at Kamjong.Nonetheless, the Chief Minister and Cabinet Ministers went to Kamjong on January 15, 20021 in the name of Go to Village and Go to Hills and they also held a Cabinet meeting there.

The UNC appealed to the State Government to annul the Cabinet meeting of January 15. Subsequently, the UNC has been discouraging the Government’s Go to Village and Go to Hills since May 1 last year, Kho John said.

Creation of Jiribam district and Sadar Hills district was something demanded by the people. However, UNC raised strong objection to the creation of Sadar Hills district.The other new districts which were not demanded by the people were created coercively and it was an imposition upon the people, the UNC president said.

The Government’s preparation to hold ADC elections in all the 10 hill districts and carry out delimitation in the newly created hill districts goes against the people’s wish and the UNC would not accept it, he said. As per the District Council Act, each ADC should have 26 members including two nominees but none of the newly created district has the capacity to elect 24 Members.

However, the Government has been working to elect three Members in Pherzawl, eight Members in Kamjong, 12 Members in Tengnoupal, 16 Members in Ukhrul, 21 Members in Churachandpur, 12 Members in Chandel, nine Members in Noney  and 15 Members in Tamenglong after amending the District Council Act, Kho John continued.

Pointing out that the number of ADC Members are not uniform for all the districts, the UNC president questioned the Government’s intention of holding ADC election in the district which has just 500 voters. Such things are unprecedented in India, he remarked.

Regardless of whether the District Council Act is amended or not, the UNC will oppose holding ADC election under the existing situation. Such arrangement is unheard of in any part of the North East and the whole of India, he added.

NPF Chief

 We will wake up on time, says NPF Chief on withdrawing support to Rio

(“Our Peace Mission was hijacked by MLAs”  :   Shurhozelie)

KOHIMA,1st Sep'2022:. THE NPF is very much aware of the reality of Naga politics and the limitations of the so-called opposition-less Government.

But “as a people’s party”, the regional outfit will “wake up on time”.

“Do not worry…we will wake up on time”, NPF president Shurhozelie told Nagaland Page in the state capital when asked to comment whether his party will soon withdraw its support to the Neiphiu Rio Government.

He claimed under the present complexities, the NPF is unable to ‘withdraw support’ all of a sudden as he had personally endorsed the MLAs extend support to the Rio-led Government for ensuring a consensus approach to bring an early solution to the Naga problem.

“I had allowed them ~ the NPF legislators ~ to be part of the opposition-less regime in 2021 for political reason. So it is natural I give them some time…Again, earlier this year, 21 MLAs from my party defected to NDPP. All these are into play, so I am taking time…but we will do our part sincerely”, the former Chief Minister said.

Shurhozelie claimed his party’s Political Affairs Committee, headed by former CM TR Zeliang, had done a commendable job in terms of bringing NNPG and NSCN-IM into some agreement in principle to ensure an early signing of a peace pact.

“But we are so unlucky…we were about to host a dinner meeting for key leaders in both camps ~ NSCN-IM and NNPG ~ for agreeing to come together….but other circumstances prevailed. My MLAs hijacked party organization’s agenda and Peace Mission. They fell for being part of opposition-less Government. Who or what influenced such a move, is something I will not dwell on now”, Shurhozelie said.

However, a key political source told this newspaper that the regional chieftain’s claim is little far-fetched.

Answering a question, he asserted that unless two principal stakeholders ~ the NNPG and NSCN-IM ~ agree to the Government of India and sign a pact jointly, a lasting peace is not possible.

As of now, we are not very optimistic but we don’t want to give up hoping…,” the veteran regionalist remarked.

“Of course, we made forward movement…but when MLAs insisted on being part of opposition-less Government; I was embarrassed. I don’t complain”, the NPF chief said.

He said as a committed regionalist he is firm about an honourable solution and for a solution which is acceptable and inclusive.

But, there is a twist, “when I say inclusive solution, my detractors say, I am supporting Muivah…this is not true.”

Therefore, he said the NPF has repeated more than once that no “piece meal” solution will be accepted. “Such a thing will result in bloodshed yet again. So, we say we want one solution and one agreement. If the Government of India wants separate agreements and still ensure peace, we can support.”

On the issue of Flag and Constitution as demanded by NSCN-IM, he said, “I have discussed things with former Governor RN Ravi and others…Even Government of India said a Constitution within Constitution is not acceptable…so they said Yezabo, but now that has also hit roadblock.”

Talking about NPF’s future and past politics, he said the story of Naga politics is always incomplete without the journey of regionalism ~ whether UFN, UDF, NNDP and NPC or NPF.

“Once we blamed Government of India for our people’s suffering. We were not wrong; but today we have to make a judgment in a right perspective without shifting blame to others”, he said

(Source: NP)

2 Retired Mec Eng under CBI

 Two Retired Mechanical engineers under CBI scanner on corruption charges re-engaged for civil engineering works at MOBEDs

IMPHAL, Sept 2,2022: CHIEF Minister N. Biren Singh's promises to root out corruption appear to be another joke as Mechanical engineers who have been retired from MDS and who are under CBI scanner for corruption charges are re-engaged for MOBEDs (the engineering cell of MOBC) which is supposed to be filled by Civil engineers. As per an official notification by the former Chief Engineer of PWD (L) Binoykumar Singh, Civil works of construction of Buildings, Roads, and bridges are normally designed and executed by Civil engineers only. The notification was issued in 1999 and is still valid.

On the other hand, there have been numerous rulings of the High court and also decision of the state cabinet not to re-engage or extend service for those who are retired. Above all these, student organisation like AMSU had appealed not to extend service or re-engage on June 26 this year and this appeared in many newspapers of the state.

 However, in spite of all these, the present BJP-led government of the state is re-engaging and extending the service of retired engineers in various Engineering Departments, Societies and Corporations and giving them full-time employment. It is not clear under which criteria, the retired engineers are being re-engaged. It is worth mentioning that the present Chief Minister of Manipur had time and again vowed to root out corruption from the state in various public meetings and press meet and even went to the extent that, even his family members will not be spared if found involved in corrupt practices.

The Engineering Cell of Manipur Minorities & OBC Economic development society (MOBEDS) which is under the Directorate for Welfare of Other Backward Classes and Scheduled Castes has the Chief Minister as the Chairman, Secretary to the CM as Vice-Chairman and Director of Minority Affairs, OBCS, and SCs, Government of Manipur as Member Secretary. A retired Additional Chief Engineer from the erstwhile Irrigation and Flood Control Department, currently known as Water Resources department has been re-engaged as a Chief Engineer, MOBEDS since 2019. The said re-engaged Engineer is a close relative of the present Secretary to the CM and Vice Chairman of MOBEDS, raising the question and doubt of corruption, favouritism, and nepotism. Above all these, services of certain employees (Engineers) of Manipur Development Society (MDS) which has an ongoing case by the CBI are being utilised. Two retired Engineer officers (EO) and one retired Surveyor of Works(SW) of MDS are currently re-engaged with MOBEDS. Different civil construction works are being undertaken by MOBEDS under MSP, PMJKV, and other centrally Sponsored schemes of Minority Affairs, Government of India, and most interesting of them all are the civil construction of Sadhbavna Mandap, Model Residential School, School Buildings, Boys and Girls Hostel in different districts of both Hill and valley region of the state. What is most intriguing is that the Executive Engineer (EE) who are re-engaged to execute and supervise all these numerous civil constructions happens to be Mechanical Engineer instead of a Civil Engineer. It may be worth questioning why the Member Secretary and Chief Engineer are silent over this matter of re-engaging a Mechanical Engineer as an EE for supervising these projects which cost crores of rupees. In the event of an unfortunate event arising out from technical defects, who will be held responsible and accounted for, is the finger going to be pointed towards Chairman or Vice-Chairman or the Member Secretary?

Nowhere in other Engineering Cell of other Manipur Government departments like the Public Works Department (PWD), Water Resources, Public Health and Engineering Department (PHED) and Minor Irrigation(MI) engage Mechanical Engineers to supervise and execute Civil construction works. It is worth mentioning that every developmental project and work taken up should be done for the welfare of the public, not in the self

ATSuM sticks to ADC Bill

 

ATSUM sticks to ADC Bill, submits Memo to Guv

IMPHAL, 1st,Sep' 2022:  REAFFIRMING  the pledge taken in its 2nd General Assembly on July 15 last at Haipi village in Kangpokpi district, the All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur (ATSUM) and its federating units apprised the Governor of two pertinent matters through a memorandum.

The tribal student’s apex body urged the Governor for immediate withdrawal of the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council (Sixth Amendment) Bill 2022, which has now become an Act, as it is ‘not a Money Bill’.

Secondly, it urged the Governor for convening a ‘Special Session’ of the Manipur Legislative Assembly to table and discuss the Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Council Bill, 2021.

The memorandum signed by ATSUM President Paotinthang Lupheng and General Secretary SR. Andria highlighted “non-reference of Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council (Sixth Amendment) Bill, 2022 to the Hill Areas Committee by deceitfully presenting it as a Money Bill, contrary to the provisions of the Indian Constitution and for convening a Special Session of the House to table and discuss the Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Council Bill 2021” as the subject.

ATSUM stated that the memorandum was submitted to prevent the violation of the special provisions provided under the Indian Constitution for the protection of hill areas of the State of Manipur.

While apprising the Governor, ATSUM stated that the Government of Manipur has tried to bypass the acts/provisions envisaged for safeguarding the interests of peoples of the hill areas by passing of a Bill  wholly affecting and relating to the hill areas of State of Manipur, i.e. the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council (Sixth Amendment) Bill, 2022 (Bill No. 15 of 2022) as a money Bill despite the fact that the amendments passed in the Bill does not deal with any tax, money from the contingency fund of the State, declaration of any expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of the State i.e. matters spelt out in the definition of  Money Bills in Article 199 of the Indian Constitution.

The Bill is the exact copy of the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils (Sixth Amendment) Ordinance, 2021 amending the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils Act, 1971 (Act No.76 of 1971) which was placed before the Hill Areas Committee for consideration as per the law and which the HAC refused to entertain but eventually the same was withdrawn by the Government of Manipur itself in the year 2021, it stated.

It also stated that during the recently concluded Assembly session, the same ordinance was masqueraded as a money Bill and presented in the House in order to bypass the requirement of placing it before the HAC.

As per the provisions of Manipur Legislative Assembly (Hill Areas Committee) Order, 1972 (Presidential Order of 1972), read with Article 371C of the Constitution of India, every Bill other than a Money Bill affecting the hill areas of Manipur be referred to the HAC for consideration and only on being recommended by the HAC it may be passed by the Assembly, the memorandum stated.  

While highlighting a brief factual matrix of the provisions affecting Manipur, ATSUM stated that in the year 1971 Article 371C was inserted in the Indian Constitution by way of the Constitution (Twenty-seventh Amendment) Act, 1971.

Article 371C provides for special provision with respect to the State of Manipur. As per Article 371C, the President was empowered to issue an order with respect to the State of Manipur, providing for the constitution and functioning of a committee of the Legislative Assembly of the State consisting of Members of that Assembly elected only from the Hill Areas of Manipur. The Constitution (Twenty-seventh Amendment) Act, 1971 was brought into effect on February 15, 1972, it maintained.

On March 13, 1972, the Parliament passed the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils Act, 1971 (1971 Act) [which is being amended herein by the Bill i.e. Bill No.15 of 2022] providing for establishment of District Councils in the Hill Areas of Manipur. The 1971 Act has been amended several times, one of them being in the year 2008, the present operational Act, it stated.

On June 20, 1972, the President of India in exercise of the powers conferred under Article 371C of the Constitution of India, passed the Manipur Legislative Assembly (Hill Areas Committee) Order, 1972 (Presidential Order of 1972). The Presidential Order of 1972 provided for the constitution of the Hill Areas Committee and also listed down the matters that shall fall within the purview of the Hill Areas Committee, it stated.

Linthoi of Mnp World Cadet Judo Champion

 

India’s Linthoi Chanambam claimed a historic gold at the World Cadet Judo Championship in Sarajevo:

(Becoming the first from the country to win a medal in the tournament across any age-group)

The Dawn Tantak:

THE 15-year-old from Manipur prevailed over Brazil’s Bianca Reis in the final to finish on top of the podium in the women’s 57kg contest at the Arena Hotel Hills.

In July, she won a gold and opened India’s medal account on the third day of the Asian Cadet & Junior Judo Championship 2022 at Bangkok.

Linthoi claimed her gold medal in the 63kg category of the cadet event.

One of India’s brightest prospects on the Judo mat, Linthoi first showed glimpses of her talent when she won gold at the Sub-junior National Championships in 2018.

A part of the IIS’ judo programme since 2017, she has been on several exposure trips under the guidance of head coach Mamuka Kizilashvili, including camps at the University of Tsukuba, in Japan, Georgia and most recently in Bosnia and Herzegovina ahead of the World Cadet Championships.

In November last year, Linthoi struck gold at the National Championships in Chandigarh, followed by another at the Asian Cadet and Junior Judo Championships, in Bangkok, in July.

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) took note of the young athlete’s remarkable achievement on Friday.

“LINTHOI WINS’s 1st EVER GOLD AT WORLDS. Reigning Asian Champion Linthoi Chanambam (W-57kg) defeat’s Bianca Reis 1-0 to win at Cadet World C’ships 2022. She scripts history to become Champion by winning 1st ever medal for India at the Worlds across any age-group,” the SAI tweeted. (PTI)

FIFA World Cup 2022

 

Fans of FIFA WORLD CUP 2022, QATAR : FIFA Men's World Cup 2022 Venues:

Eight separate venues will be used to organise 64 fixtures of the Men's FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. The tournament opener will be staged at the Al Bayt Stadium while the final is slated to be held at Lusail Stadium.

Down below is the complete breakdown of each stadium, number of matches and spectators capacity.

Venue :
Lusail Stadium, Lusail
No. of matches - 10
Capacity : 80,000

Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor
No. of matches - 9
Capacity : 60,000

Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah
No. of matches - 7
Capacity : 40,000

Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan
No. of matches - 7
Capacity : 40,000

Khalifa International Stadium, Doha
No. of matches - 8
Capacity : 40,000

Education City Stadium, Doha
No. of matches - 8
Capacity : 40,000

Stadium 974, Ras Abu Aboud, Doha
No. of matches : 7
Capacity : 40,000

Al Thumama Stadium, Doha
No. of matches : 8
Capacity : 40,000

NRCin Mnp

 

NRC likely to be enforced in Manipur

TDT

IMPHAL, 27 Aug'22:  CHIEF Minister N Biren Singh has reportedly assured members of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) and the United Naga Council (UNC) to forward the resolution adopted by the Manipur Legislative Assembly for enforcing National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state within three or four days.

COCOMI coordinator Longjam Ratankumar said that members of COCOMI along with the UNC called on the Chief Minister on Friday to seek the status of the resolution adopted by the house.

Members of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly on August 5 had unanimously adopted a resolution to work for implementation of NRC and to set up a state population commission to check the demographic imbalance caused by influx of illegal immigrants.

Thangmeiband constituency MLA Kh Joykisan had moved the private member's resolution during the last sitting of the full budget session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly.

Ratankumar further said that during the meeting, which went for about an hour, the CM assured them that the resolution will be forwarded along with a proposal to the Centre to implement NRC.

He further said that CM Biren highlighted them about the steps being taken by the home department to forward the proposal. Besides, it was also informed that the government has started consultations for instituting the state population commission, he added.

It may be mentioned here that COCOMI and UNC and several other bodies including JCILPS had raised concern over the threats towards the indigenes by the influx of illegal immigrants.

Jiri - Imp Railway

 

Jiri-Imp railway sets to meet completion target: MoS Darshana

IMPHAL: The Jiribam-Imphal railway which is being taken up as a national project is all set to meet its completion target, that is, December 2023, said Union Minister of State for Railways and Textiles Darshana Vikram Jardosh said here on Thursday.

The Union Minister was in Imphal on a four-day visit to the State. During her camping in the State, the Union minister personally inspected the progress works of the ongoing 111 km long railway line project, taken up in an estimated cost of Rs 12,264.15 crore. The project is targeted to complete by December 2023.

“The works are progressing well and I am sure the project will meet its completion target,” the Union Minister said.

She said that the construction of the highest bridge as well as the tunnels is now 50 percent completed. Once the project is completed, it will not only enhance the connectivity of Manipur with other major cities of the country but also bring about a marked change in the tourism sector of the State, she added.

Darshana said that the scenic beauty which can be seen from the stretch of the railway line, the project has many futures like world’s highest railway bridge and second longest railway tunnel which would attract tourists.
Besides this, the under construction Imphal railway station will be a world class railway station, she added.

She lauded the State Government for extending full cooperation to the NFR in the implementation of the project.

The Northeastern Frontier Railway in consultation with the state government will develop picnic sites at various locations of the railway line, she said.

Indian Railways always take into account tourism while implementing railway projects and the project implemented in the State has a great tourism potential, she asserted.

Recalling the recent devastating landslide tragedy at the railway project site at Marangching in Noney district, the Union Minister said that all safety measures to prevent occurrence of such tragic incidents will be put in place along the whole stretch of the railway line.

Alarm system will be installed at strategic locations and for this consultations with the IIT and other pertinent authorities are being held, she conveyed.

She said that the Union Railway Ministry took the tragic incident seriously and was always concerned about the safety of the passengers, she added.

The Union Minister also lauded the authorities of the Northeastern Frontier Railways on learning that they are using geotextiles and agro-textiles products in the implementation of the project.

The Jiribam-111 km long Tupul-Imphal rail line involves construction of a total 45 tunnels. Tunnel Number 12 with a length of 10.280 kilometres, will be the longest tunnel in the northeast and second in the country, she explained.

The tallest pier bridge is being developed across the valley of Ijei river near Noney with a pier height of 141 metres, she added.

Attending the press conference, General Manager of NFR Anshul Gupta informed that by September this year, the track lying work upto Khongsang will be completed and train services will be started upto the completed portion.
All safety measures and a tragic warning system of the latest technology will be installed. Consultants have been appointed for this purpose, he said.

Responding to queries from the reporters, he said that the survey for the extension of the railway from Imphal to Moreh has already started and once the survey is completed and the ground work will be commenced as soon as the Central Government once sanctioned the project.

NSCN(IM) Mega Meet

 

NSCN-IM mega meet: Divisive elements mouth louding solution only for ‘Nagaland state’

TDT / MIP
DIMAPUR, 26 Aug'22: OVER Thousands of “Naga national workers” from “Nagaland state” conglomerated in Dimapur here on Friday and made a “solemn declaration” for a “unified Nagalim”.

  NSCN-IM, sources informed that it was a historic moment today when nearly seven thousand (7000) NSCN members from sixteen (16) regions of “Nagaland state, both civil and army” gathered at Agri Expo, Dimapur, Nagaland under the agenda, “Reaffirming of ‘One people, one nation’”.

The MIP,  NSCN-IM, in a statement, said that this co-ordination meeting of the NSCN members from “Nagaland State” was necessitated as many divisive elements/groups are mouth louding for Naga solution only for “Nagaland state” and ready to forego the “Naga National Flag and Constitution” in the name of Naga solution. According to the NSCN-IM, this is tantamount to selling out the “Naga National identity as stoutly defended by our forefathers”. Significantly, this is against the national principle of “one people one nation” that was laid down by our great Naga freedom fighters, said the NSCN-IM statement.

NSCN-IM further said that in the background of “this treacherous turn of development, Naga National Workers from Nagaland state were compelled to deliberate on the situation in order to save the Naga nation”.

Q. Tuccu, Chairman, NSCN-IM in his speech said, “Nagas are one wherever they are, one common goal, one issue”. The statement further said, “He also made a pointed response to the cry of the public for the delay of Naga solution, saying, ‘We cannot give away our rights for the sake of Naga solution and we can never compromise the Nagas’ rights'”.

At the end of the day, the members adopted a five-point “solemn declaration”.

The first point said, “We do acknowledge the inalienable political foundation laid down by the founding leaders on the basis of the Naga Plebiscite of May 16, 1951, and further, re-affirm the principle and commitment of ‘one people, one nation”.

The second point said, “We reject any kind of divisive and repressive policies perpetrated upon the Nagas by the adversaries and their collaborators on the basis of the arbitrary administrative boundaries”.

The third point of “solemn declaration” said that they firmly believe, profess and stand by the Framework Agreement signed on August 3, 2015 for an early honourable and acceptable solution as two sides have already agreed to work out the details on the competencies.

The fourth point then said that any solution that “disregards historical and political rights of the Nagas by repeating the act of another Naga People’s Convention (NPC) and imposing its will upon us is not acceptable”.

Lastly, the “solemn declaration” said, “As necessitated by the situation, the house does reiterate its stand by the decision of National Assembly held on May 31, 2022 to uphold and protect Nagas’ unique history and national principle at any cost under the leadership of chairman Q Tuccu, vice chairman Tongmeth Wangnao and general secretary Th Muivah.”

The NSCN-IM, in a statement, said that this co-ordination meeting of the NSCN members from “Nagaland State” was necessitated as many divisive elements/groups are mouth louding for Naga solution only for “Nagaland state” and ready to forego the “Naga National Flag and Constitution” in the name of Naga solution. According to the NSCN-IM, this is tantamount to selling out the “Naga National identity as stoutly defended by our forefathers”. Significantly, this is against the national principle of “one people one nation” that was laid down by our great Naga freedom fighters, said the NSCN-IM statement.
According to the NSCN-IM, in the background of “this treacherous turn of development, Naga National Workers from Nagaland state were compelled to deliberate on the situation in order to save the Naga nation”.

Q. Tuccu, Chairman, NSCN-IM in his speech said, “Nagas are one wherever they are, one common goal, one issue”. The statement further said, “He also made a pointed response to the cry of the public for the delay of Naga solution, saying, ‘We cannot give away our rights for the sake of Naga solution and we can never compromise the Nagas’ rights'”.

At the end of the day, the members adopted a five-point “solemn declaration”.

The first point said, “We do acknowledge the inalienable political foundation laid down by the founding leaders on the basis of the Naga Plebiscite of May 16, 1951, and further, re-affirm the principle and commitment of ‘one people, one nation”.

The second point said, “We reject any kind of divisive and repressive policies perpetrated upon the Nagas by the adversaries and their collaborators on the basis of the arbitrary administrative boundaries”.

The third point of “solemn declaration” said that they firmly believe, profess and stand by the Framework Agreement signed on August 3, 2015 for an early honourable and acceptable solution as two sides have already agreed to work out the details on the competencies.

The fourth point then said that any solution that “disregards historical and political rights of the Nagas by repeating the act of another Naga People’s Convention (NPC) and imposing its will upon us is not acceptable”.

Lastly, the “solemn declaration” said, “As necessitated by the situation, the house does reiterate its stand by the decision of National Assembly held on May 31, 2022 to uphold and protect Nagas’ unique history and national principle at any cost under the leadership of chairman Q Tuccu, vice chairman Tongmeth Wangnao and general secretary Th Muivah.”

CM Biren & ADC Bill

 

CM Biren's remark on ADC Bill 2021 an attempt to politicise tribal issues: ATSUM

TDT Bureau
IMPHAL, 17 Aug'22: CHIEF  Minister N Biren Singh terming the HAC recommended ADC Bill, 2021 as 'Disintegrating Manipur' has been strongly condemned by the All Tribal Students' Union, Manipur (ATSUM), alleging the statement as an attempt to politicise and criminalise the tribal movement and further deprive the tribal people of constitutional rights.

Strongly reacting to the Chief Minister's charge on HAC recommended ADC Bill 2021, ATSUM said it is unfortunate to learn the head of the state interpreting the existing legislative procedure into his convenient terms.

It reiterated that as empowered by Article 371C, read with the Manipur Legislative Assembly (Hill Areas Committee) orders 1972, the HAC had recommended a landmark ADC Bill, 2021, which is permissible under the law to strengthen the ADC and ensure equitable development in the state of Manipur while adding that the HAC have done their constitutional duty as specified under paragraph 4 (3) and paragraph 7 of the presidential orders 1972.

Therefore, rather than derailing the genuine constitutional demand of the tribal populace, the chief minister should facilitate the flow of the legislative procedures in the Manipur Legislative Assembly by introducing the Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Councils Bill 2021 which was recommended by the HAC, it added.

Alleging that the remark of the CM is a ploy to mislead the people of the state and foster further misunderstanding between the hill tribes and the valley community, the ATSUM stated that there is nothing as such in the contents of the bill that aims to disintegrate the state but autonomy and equitable development for the hill areas as envisaged in the Article 371 C of the Constitution of India.

It continued that the ADC Bill 2021 provided for a Hill Secretariat to oversee the administration of the ADCs headed by an officer, not below the rank of chief secretary but it does not mean that there shall be a "separate state secretariat" for the hill areas to be headed by a chief secretary.

It also clarified that 'Two secretariats’ or ‘two chief secretaries', as alleged by the CM, is just a figment of his imagination.

In connection with the two proposed Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils (Sixth Amendment) Bill, 2022, and Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils (Seventh Amendment) Bill, 2022, ATSUM stated that the two Bills are just eyewash to thwart the movement for the demand of HAC recommended ADC Bill 2021.

ATSUM also regretted the inimical stance of the State Government on the constitutional concept of tribal autonomy and the two proposed Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils (Sixth Amendment) Bill, 2022 and Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils (Seventh Amendment) Bill, 2022 as nothing but another dangerous political bait to countermand the HAC recommended the Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Council Bill, 2021.

ATSUM also rejected the two proposed Bills stating that it is a dissolution rather than devolution, disempowering rather than empowering, inter alia, first, by omitting the operative term "Autonomous" in particular, the State Government attempts to reduce the existing autonomous district councils into mere small-town district corporations.

Second, Section 29 (xxvii) of the proposed Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils (Seventh Amendment) Bill, 2022 proposed a dangerous land use policy in a blatant attempt to dilute the existing tribal land rights. Apart from the erstwhile requirement of being a Scheduled Tribe, the new land use policy attempts to introduce other "domiciliary" criteria as an alternative qualifying status for the purpose of acquiring land in the Hill Areas. Meaning, any person including a non-tribal can now acquire tribal lands if he is a domicile within a given hill district, it added.

It also stated that the proposed Bills also attempt to exempt the State Government from the existing bar as the State Government may now freely acquire lands in the Hill Areas if it is for public utility purposes.

Third, the proposed omission of the subject "public health and sanitation" and Section 29(2) of the principal Act, i.e., the competency of the District Council to recommend in the matters of (a) appointment or succession of Chiefs; (b) inheritance of property; (c) marriage and divorce; and (d) social customs;

Fourth, the attempt to rob in the Indian Forest Act, 1927;

Fifth, taking away of "protected forest" from the existing power of the autonomous district councils to manage any forest as proposed under Section 29(xiv).

Sixth, the proposed Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils (Sixth Amendment) Act, 2022 which provides each district council to consist of a maximum of 24 elected members and a minimum of 3 elected members makes a mockery of the Autonomous District Councils.

Moreover, by conferring equal voting rights and privileges to the nominated members and by giving the state government the power to determine the number of Members in each District Council, the Bill attempts to further strangulate the existing autonomous district councils, it added.

Rather than suppressing the democratic aspirations of the hill tribes through threat and intimidation, ATSUM urged the State Government to promptly address the issue in the interest of peaceful mutual co-existence.

Somdal- Imp MsT Bus

 

Manipur CM flags off Somdal-Imphal MST Bus Service
(Maintaining person-to-person communication and sharing ideas, getting in touch with one another among different communities would bring equality to the State,: CM Biren)

The Dawn Tantak

IMPHAL, 17 Aug'22: CHIEF Minister N. Biren Singh Tuesday launched and flagged off the Somdal – Imphal Manipur State Transport (MST) Bus Service from the MST Complex, Moirangkhom.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister stated that the launching of a bus service might be a small programme but it could be taken as a big step towards filling the communication and developmental gaps between different parts of the State.  Maintaining person-to-person communication and sharing ideas, getting in touch with one another among different communities would bring equality to the State, he added.

Maintaining that the State Government had been putting in maximum effort to bring development, N. Biren said that the State has witnessed drastic changes in hill areas with the improvement in road infrastructure, security, education and health sector among others.

Stressing the importance of quality control in the construction work in Pettigrew College of Ukhrul District which had been going on in full swing, he appealed to the public not to make any disturbance that would hinder the construction work. He further expressed the desire and efforts of the Government to bring up the College to the University level.

The Chief Minister informed that the erstwhile Manipur State Road Transport Corporation, which had remained non-functional for a long time, was revived as Manipur State Transport (MST) with the objective of facilitating the public with an accessible low cost transport across the State.

Currently, the MST buses are plying on 21 different roads which will be increased to 22 including Somdal – Imphal bus service launched today. He appealed to the public not to create any disturbance in any road construction works as proper road infrastructure is of utmost importance to bring equal development in all areas of the State. With equal development, there will be a prevalence of peace and healthy relationships among different communities, he added.

Speaker, Manipur Legislative Assembly, Thokchom Satyabrata Singh; Transport Minister, Khashim Vashum; officials of Transport Department and Manipur State Transport and village chiefs of Ukhrul District also attended the launching programme among others.

The Somdal to Imphal bus will depart Somdal Village for Imphal at 7:00 a.m. and will depart ISBT, Imphal for Somdal at 1:00 p.m. on every working day. The bus fare for the same will be Rs. 200.

India flag hoisted at Border

 

National flag hoisted at Indo-Myanmar border

The Dawn Tantak Bureau

KAMJONG, 15 Aug' 22:  IN what can be called an applaudable feat, the national tricolor flag was hoisted at Border Pillar No. 92 along the Indo-Myanmar border on Friday as a part of the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign marking the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav and the 75 years of India’s Independence.

Located in one of the innermost corners of the State, Border Pillar No. 92 comes under Ashang Khullen village of Kasom Khullen sub-division.

The flag was hoisted by P Duna Duo, SDO/BDO of Kasom Khullen along with his staff in the presence of the village headman and the village authority. The journey to the border pillar was carried under the guidance of the District Administration, Kamjong led by DC Rangnamei Rang Peter, IAS.

Talking about this special effort to reach the HGT campaign to the remotest part of the state, SDO Duna said, “This is one of the eastern most point of our country and I feel it’s befitting to fly our National Flag at this corner of the vast country to pay respect and tribute to all those freedom fighters who laid their lives for the country and for us.”

2nd Sessi of 12 Mnp LA

Ukl MLA Qr. Ram Muivah urged the Work Mini to suitably advice DC Sanapati to sanction remaining 50 cr to NHIDCL

(Please consider me your Man on ground or Man on ground zero. I am just bringing the pain and anguish of the people: Ram Muivah)

TDT 26 July, 2022

IMPHAL, :  THOUGH I am in ruling party I feel I, have  moral responsibility to bring notice to the hon'ble minister at the August House, some of the critical issues that pertains  to my constituencies. I am not here to embrace the government or to embrace anybody in fact, that it is the last thing in my mind; Ram Muivah.

2nd Session of the 12 Manipur Legislative Assembly:
Day - 2  Supplementary Question (Excerpt) :

I have so much respect for the hon'ble minister works, he is one amongst us the veteran minister and I have so much respect for him having said that National Highway (NH) - 102 A was upgraded to National Highway sometimes in 2014. In fact together with NH 202A PWD at that time we upgraded 6 National Highway one each in every Hill district and one (NH) in valley.  it was in the leadership of our than formal chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh and Works minister K. Ranjit Singh we upgraded 6(six) NH and this NH- 102A  is one of them it is one of the critical  roads in the state, the other one was from Parell to Chandel, Maram to Birean, Chumukidima, Churachanpur  to Singsor via Singhat and Kongsang to Tamenglong and another  one is the six NH i,e Wahengpam to Kakching khunou via Mayang Imphal  upgraded way back in 2008 to 2014.

Now this NH 102A is a critical road for Manipur because it connects atleast 4 district, ie, Senapati, Ukhrul, Kamjong and Tengnoupal. It also passes through 5 most backward sub-divisions, Tatubi - Paomada and Senapati Chirivai th n it passes through Ukhrul- Phingyar - Kasom Khullen and ultimately Tengnoupal.

Although it was upgraded National Highway in 2014 this National Highway which is a critical road the actual construction has not started even after laps of 8 years. They have not done but only Ordinary Reparing (OR) no blacktopping but only levering the surface. Giving to my understanding, I have been seeing this road since from childhood the difficulty, pain and anguish by the people of tha area. So it is not entirely on the hands of the work minister but through his good offices I  urge  him to  take up  with MoRTh  government of  India  that why not they started  the trouble  laneing, I am given to understand that NHIDCL has deposited not less than over 70 crore to DC Senapati for acquisition of land and compensation but I believe till today about 50 crore are yet to dispose as a result the land is  not yet handed over to NHIDCL. So, I urge the minister works through his good office to suitably advice DC Senapati to dispose the remaining 50 crore quickly and let NHIDCL start the work.

Regarding the road from Shangshak to Tengnoupal which passes through Phungyar - Kasom Khullen -Tengnoupal is yet to be giving to start the survey even after the lapses of 8 years so this is one of my serious concern and I believe that hon'ble work minister who is also a veteran politician amongst us will surely give importance. Listening to
his reply I think some of the engineer had misled him it is indeed the road  is in bad shap. Now I am aware that state PWD limited budget....   under external Affairs project.... Manipur being one of the special category state that if we post our project convincing the economic affair department 90% liability and the state share of liability will be just 10%  let us avail External Aided project and improve some of the critical roads in Manipur.

In his further supplementary question Ukl MLA ask assurance from work minister that NH - 102 A to be kept in priority under MORTH and Tatubi - Tengnoupal NH work to be taken up  on both sides of the National Highway simultaneous and also to give suitable advice to Senapati DC for early distribution of the remaining 50 crore so that the acquisition of land compensation could be done quickly by the NHIDCL.

Please consider me your Man  man on the ground or your Man on ground zero. I am just bringing the pain and anguish of the people, I feel that it is my moral responsibility to bring this to the hon'ble minister works.

Another supplementary;
As far as I am concern, may I also request MLA  Lousi Dikho, MLA Kamo Sha, MLA Leishiyo Keishing and MLA Pu. Letpao Haokip, to please extend cooperation. Thank you.