Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has cancelled his plans to visit Churachandpur on April 28 following the violent incident on the night on April 27 of burning down of an Open Gym to be inauguarated by the Chief Minister and the mob also vandalised the venue of the programme.
However, the Chief Minister warned of stern action against the perpetrators of the violence.
The chief minister was invited for the inaugural function of the Open Gym that has been set up by area MLA LM Khaute, former DGP of the state, and was to address a public event at Sadbhavna Mandop in New Lamka Churachandpur.
The occasion was also to mark the first anniversary of the former DGP being elected as the people’s representative to the Manipur Legislative Assembly from Churachandpur Assembly Constituency.
Governor Inspects Indo-Myanmar Border Fencing
Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey on April 25 visited the border town of Moreh in Tengnoupal district and inspected Integrated Check Post (ICP). She also interacted with district level officers (DLOs), representatives of various civil society organisations (CSOs) and general public in an interaction programme held at the auditorium of ICP.
She heard about the issues and grievances faced by the people in the border town arising out of the disturbances in the neighbouring country, Myanmar, halting all business activities in the town for the last many years to scaling all routes between India and Myanmar through Moreh town. She assured them to extend all possible help for the welfare of the people in the town.
On her second day the Governor inspected the India-Myanmar border fencing in Moreh along the Border Pillar No 78 and 79 on April 26.
The Governor visited the 5th Assam Rifles Forward Post at Chavangphai where she was briefed by the officials of Border Roads Task Force (BRTF) about the progress of the on-going fencing works along the border.
Officials informed the Governor that the on-going fencing works along the border will be completed by the first week of May this year. She also interacted with the engineers and workers of BRTF and thanked them for their relentless efforts to complete the fencing work, reports added.
HC Directs MPSC to Make Supervisors Sign on OMR Sheets
Manipur High Court on April 28 directed the Manipur Public Service Commission (MPSC) to make the supervisors sign on the left margin of the OMR sheet, irrespective of whether space is provided or not for such signature for the Manipur Civil Services Combined Competitive Exam (MCSCCE) 2022 (Preliminary) after six years scheduled on April 30, 2023. The court order followed a petition by candidates.
Earlier, aspirant candidates of MCSCCE had expressed doubts for a clean and fair recruitment with some candidates approaching the Manipur High Court, challenging a notification of the MPSC inviting application for the MCSCCE, 2022. It was for selection to the main examination for recruitment to 100 numbers of vacancies for appointment to Manipur Civil Service Grade II, Manipur Police Service Grade II, Manipur Finance Service Grade III, Sub-Deputy Collector and Manipur Secretariat Service Category VI.
The aspirant candidates stated that the MPSC is going to conduct the examination with the same MPSC Examination Rules 2011 which has not been modified in accordance with the direction passed by the Manipur High Court in 2019.
National Conference of YAS Ministers Held in Manipur
National Conference of Youth Affairs and Sports (YAS) Ministers of States and Union Territories of India was held in Imhal on April 24. The Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Singh Thakur stressed the need for the Union Government and State Governments to come together for the promotion of games and sports in the country, by sharing ideas and strategies on developing the sector.
Anurag Singh Thakur was addressing the gathering at the inaugural session of the Chintan Shivir of Ministers of Youth Affairs and Sports (YAS) States/UTs organised at the City Convention Centre, Imphal. The Chintan Shivir continued till April 25.
Stating that this year’s conference is the third Chintan Shivir of YAS Ministers, he said that youths are the largest stakeholder of the Country and have an important role in nation building. He further stressed the necessity of organizing such conferences in every state to develop the sports sector from the grassroot level.
Anurag Singh Thakur expressed that Manipur had contributed a lot in the field of sports, despite its small population compared to other larger states. Acknowledging the contribution, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had sanctioned for developing the first National Sports University in the State and an approximate amount of Rs. 900 crores will be spent for developing the University, he added.
Opposition Parties to Collectively Fight BJP in Manipur
In an attempt to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming Indian Parliamentary Election 2024, like-minded opposition parties in Manipur have joined forces under one single platform and decided to produce a common candidate.
While speaking to the media after the inauguration of Manipur Janata Dal-Uinted (JD-U) new headquarter located at Shri Shri Govindaji Temple road in Imphal East, President Kshetrimayum Biren said this in Imphal on April 28.
He informed that the meeting of all opposition parties, including the Congress, the Communist party and the JD-U was held recently. The meeting resolved to join the movement undertaken by the leaders of the respective parties in the Centre to defeat the BJP for once and all, he added.
Regarding the five out of the six JD-U MLAs who joined the BJP, he said that the disqualification case filed by the party before the Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly has been pending since the last three months. As a result, the party has consulted with a senior advocate of the Supreme Court to decide the further course of action that can be taken up legally, reports added.
ATSUM Shutdown Over RIMS Recruitment
The 12-hour total shutdown on April 24 imposed by the All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur (ATSUM) with the support from various tribal organisations in all the hill districts of Manipur paralysed normal life as all shops and market areas remained shut while vehicular movement were stopped.
The shutdown began from 6 am by blocking of roads at the district headquarters by the volunteers. All types of vehicular movements, including the inter-state and inter-district passenger services were halted due to the total shutdown. All shops and markets including government offices both government and private run schools were closed down. The Kuki Students Organisation (KSO) and the Zomi Student Federation (ZSF) also supported the shutdown.
In a release, ATSUM stated that RIMS Authority has disgraced the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed on April 3 2023 between RIMS Authority and ATSUM in the presence of the Government of Manipur.
ATSUM demanded to follow the DoPT’s OM for a reservation quantum of 34 per cent for ST since 2005 instead of central reservation norms, to which the RIMS Authority and the Government of Manipur conced in the MOA signed on April 3.
Heroin Powder Worth Over Rs 30 Crore Seized in Imphal
A team of Imphal East district police commandos on April 23 seized 3.51 kilogram of contraband heroin powder worth over Rs 30 crore in international market value and arrested a drug transporter along National Highway-2 from Mantripukhri Bazar in Imphal.
The arrested drug transporter has been identified as one Md Samir, 23, son of Md Hefajuddin of Lilong Chaobok Mairenkhun, Thoubal District.
Superintendent of police, Imphal East, Ksh Shivakanta told media at his conference hall located at Porompat, Imphal East on April 24 that based on a reliable input about transportation of contraband items along NH-2, the district commando team led by officer-in-charge, commando, Imphal East unit, Kh Henery Singh and officer-in-charge, Kh Pathou Meitei, under the command of additional superintendent of police (Ops), Imphal East, Kh Herojit Singh, and under his supervision took position at Sangakpham along NH-2 at around 4 pm.
Khongjom Day Observed
As in every year, Manipur on April 23 observed the Khongjom Day with State honours, paying fitting tributes to the heroes of the Khongjom War. The main event was held at Kheba Ching at Khongjom in Thoubal district, Manipur. The observance began with the laying of wreaths led by Governor Anusuiya Uikey and Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren at the Khongjom War Memorial.
Speaking as the Chief Guest of the function, Governor Anusuiya Uikey said today is the day of remembering the heroes of Manipur and paying homage to those patriots who laid down their lives fighting against the British in 1891.
While observing this day, we need to remember that foreign powers become active only when there are internal conflicts, the Governor said. She explained that the Khongjom War is the most important event in the history of Manipur.
Delivering his presidential speech, Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren said that we are remembering those who had sacrificed their lives, 132 years ago in 1891 for their motherland.
Imphal-Yairipok Road Blocked
All requests to maintain a black top all weather road along Imphal-Yairipok Road fall on deaf ears of the State Government, the irate locals along the Imphal-Kongba Road have launched an indefinite road block strike along the Imphal-Yairipok Road from April 25 morning.
The locals residing along the stretch of Imphal-Yairipok Road from Kongba Bazar to Keirao Bitra Khunou, under the aegis of the All Kongba Road United Clubs Organisation (AKRUCO), came out on the streets and blocked the road with obstacles and by ways of burning tyres.
Speaking to the media, Convenor of AKRUCO, Lenin Hirom, said that it is not hot news to the State Government that the Imphal-Kongba Road is in a very deplorable condition. Due to the bad road condition many had lost their precious lives while many had sustained injuries due to frequent accidents along this road stretch.
The convenor drew the attention of the competence authority and the state government to black top the road at the earliest. Remaining a silent spectator to their demand will compel them to intensify the agitation, he cautioned.
Commemorative Plaque Unveiled
A commemorative plaque honouring the Japanese soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War II at Maibam Lotpa Ching (Red Hill) was unveiled at the old tomb (Ireito) at Maibam Lotpa Ching Nambol in Bishnupur district on April 27.
Chairman of Indo-Japan Friendship Association (IJFA), Tokyo, Nakajima Keiji, and former union minister of state Youth Affairs and Sports, Thounaojam Chaoba Singh, formally unveiled the plague in the ceremony organised by Indian National Army Japanese Reception Association, Nambol, in association with Indo-Japan Friendship Association, Tokyo & Numit Otentousama Chata.
Speaking on the occasion, Thounaojam Chaoba urged the Japanese authorities to set up a proper Japanese school in Manipur that can help in exposing people of the state to Japanese language and culture.
He also appealed to Japanese authorities to dispense necessary resources required to enact a proper Japanese hospital in the state. Chaoba maintained that construction of such infrastructure would strengthen the deep historical bond between the two countries, reports added.
Meanwhile, chairman of Indo-Japan Friendship Association (IJFA), Tokyo Nakajima Keiji pointed out that Manipur and Japan shared a deep historical bond. He maintained that increasing awareness about the shared historical connection would aid in strengthening this connection.
“Even though it is my first time in Manipur, the warmth and hospitality of the people has exceeded my expectations; I will convey this message of generosity to my friends and encourage them to visit this state,” he said.
IJFA General Secretary Miura Mamoru, President of Manami Japanese restaurant Tomiyama Ryuji, General Manager Manami Japanese restaurant Oishi Takenari along with President of Indian National Army Japanese Reception Association, Nambol L Budhachandra among others attended the ceremony, reports said.
Internet Shutdown in Churachandpur and Pherzawl
In the violent outbreak in Churachnadpur from April 27 night, in order to prevent any disturbances of peace and public order in the jurisdiction of Churachandpur and Pherzawl Districts in Manipur mobile internet services have been suspended for the next 5(five) days with immediate effect from April 28.
It is to be mentioned here that the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF), Churachandpur in a press release dated 27-04-2023 has announced non-cooperation of all Government related programmes and called for a total shutdown in Churachandpur District on April 28 from 8 am to 4 pm in protest against the land and forests survey carried out by the State Government.
In the evening at about 8:30 PM on April 27, suspected volunteers of ITLF and supporters in large numbers came and vandalised the Open Gym at PT Sports Complex Churachandur which was to be inaugurated by the Monble Chief Minister, Manipur on April 28.
An order of State Home Department said, in exercise of the powers conferred under Rule 2 of Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017, having satisfied that the above situation is likely to cause serious disturbances to the entire peaceful co-existence of the communities and maintenance of public order, do hereby order suspension/curbing of mobile data services in the territorial jurisdiction of Churcahndpur and Pherzawl Districts of Manipur.
Meanwhile, the District Magistrate (DM) of Churachandpur district has clamped indefinite prohibitory orders under 144 CrPC in Churachandpur district as a report has been received from the Superintendent of Police, Churachandpur that there is the likelihood of a breach of peace, disturbance to public tranquillity and grave danger to humans and properties within the revenue jurisdiction of Churachandpur District.
Moreh Shutdowns Over Suspicious Death of Seiminthang Lupheng
A total shutdown affects normal lives in Manipur’s border town Moreh, Tengnoupal district over the suspicious death of a 22-year-old youth, Seiminthang Lupho, son of late Sehlal Lupheng and Lhingneikim Lupheng of Canan Veng, Moreh Ward No 7.
Seiminthang was found dead in Khujailok River under a bridge connecting Moreh Bazar Ward No. 6 and Turel Wangma/Canan Veng, Ward No. 7 in the morning on April 27. The body was recovered just 500 metres away from Moreh police station, reports said.
A Joint Action Committee was constituted against the alleged murder of Seiminthang Lupheng. It demanded the authority concerned to nab the culprit(s) within 24 hours and imposed a total shutdown from 6 am to 6 pm on April 28.
All banks, offices, schools, markets, shops and services apart from religious activities, and emergency and essential services remained closed.
Further, the ‘JAC Against Murder of Seiminthang Lupheng’ resolved to continue its agitation by enforcing a shutdown along the Moreh to Imphal road from April 29 after the total shutdown till 6 pm on April 28 ends, reprts added.
Meanwhile, the District Magistrate of Tengnoupal imposed CrPC 144 in the whole area of Moreh town for two months restricting the assembly of five or more persons, which is likely to turn unlawful. The order also restricted the carrying of sticks, stones, firearms without valid licenses, weapons, or objects of any description which can be used as offensive weapons.
