Case records pertaining to the Major Shaiza fake encounter case have mysteriously disappeared from the Singjamei police station, while a nurse on Covid duty was attacked by panchayat supporters, and a new VC has been finally appointed for the DM University, even as CM Biren has made an appeal for communal harmony over the Koubru tensions.
VC for Dhanamanjuri University
Manipur’s state university, Dhanamanjuri University which has had no regular and appointed Vice Chancellor except bureaucrats working as VC from time-to-time since its inception has finally got a regular Vice Chancellor appointed from amongst the academics.
Professor Nongmaithem Rajmuhon Singh, Professor of Chemistry of Manipur University has been appointed as Vice-Chancellor of Dhanamanjuri University.
Manipur Governor Najma Heptulla in an order on April 17 announced the appointment.
Prof. Rajmuhon has been appointed as VC for a period of five years with effect from the date he takes over charge or until he attains the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier, the order stated.
Nurse on COVID-19 Duty Attacked
A car of a female healthcare worker who was travelling on a COVID vaccination duty was destroyed by bandh supporters along the Imphal-Churachandpur road in Bishnupur district of Manipur on April 22 during a 48-hour bandh imposed in all Panchayat areas in the state since April 21 by the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) of six districts.
Reports said the attack by bandh supporters took place at Phoubakchao area in Bishnupur district around 10.20 am when Rosy Themboi Haokip, an ANM (Nurse) posted at Leisang Health and Wellness Centre in Churachandpur district, was on her way to Saikot Primary Health Centre where she was assigned duty for vaccination of Covishield. She was travelling in her private car bearing Regd.No.MN01K 9669 driven by her brother, Lalboi Khongsai.
The bandh supporters attacked her brutally despite producing all related documents including identity card for medical duty of COVID-19 vaccination, reports added.
Y Erabot Sworn-in as MLA
Yumkham Erabot of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on April 21 was sworn in as the member of the Manipur Legislative Assembly of 15-Wangkhei Assembly Constituency in the presence of Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren.
Reports said that the new MLA was administered the oath of office in secrecy by Speaker Yumnam Khemchand in the Conference Hall of the Annexe Building of Manipur Legislative Assembly Secretariat, Imphal.
CM Appeals for Communal Harmony
In view of the prevailing tension over Mt. Koubru Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren on April 19 made a public appeal for peace and communal harmony.
“Since communications are ongoing with the various organisations involved to bring a solution to the issue, one should keep in mind that our state is a land inhabited by various communities and show respect for the beliefs and religion of other communities, and try to live together in peace and communal harmony. Therefore, I am making this public appeal for people to put their support and trust in the state government’s efforts to bring an agreement without hurting any particular community,” the appeal added.
Shaiza Killing Records Missing
The Case records pertaining to one FIR registered at Singjamei police station under section 121/121-A/307 IPC and 25 (1-B) Arms Act of 1998 against additional SP Tengnoupal Sh Krishnatombi and three others in connection with the alleged extrajudicial killing of retired Major Shaiza is reportedly missing.
Reports said the missing issue came to light after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) petitioned the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Imphal West to provide the case records for effective investigation of the case.
The charge sheet against additional SP Krihsnatombi and three others was submitted by the CBI in June 2020. Apart from Krishnatombi, those named in the charge sheet include then constable Khundongbam Inaobi of Minuthong Kabo Leikai, then constable Thangkhongkam Lungdim of G Songgel village in Churachandpur district and then constable Md Akhtar Hussain of Yairipok Tulihal Konjil Leikai.
Two other police personnel who are now deceased were also named in the charge sheet. They are Ginkhanlal Vaiphei of Bethel Veng, New Lamka and Naorem Rajen of Samurou Makha Leikai.
As per the charge-sheet submitted by the CBI, Th Krishnatombi had stated that the victims were gunned down in exchange of fire and that weapons were seized from their possession. But, as per the FIR lodged by one Pemla, and subsequent investigation, it came to be known that her husband was killed extrajudicially, which was reportedly corroborated by witnesses, reports added.
Muivah Returns Without Talks
NSCN (I-M) General Secretary Thuingaleng Muivah on April 22 returned to Camp Hebron from New Delhi accompanied by some leaders of the organisation. He was flown to Camp Hebron by helicopter after the flight from Delhi arrived at Dimapur.
Reports said the NSCN (I-M) leader Muivah will go to New Delhi for talks with the Government of India only after the pandemic situation improves.
Tributes on Khongjom Day
Manipur Governor Najma Heptulla, Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren and State Ministers have extended their heartiest greetings to the people of the State on Khongjom Day 2021, April 23, and paid homage to the brave Manipuri soldiers who fought against the British forces in 1891.
Bangladeshi Migrant Held
A Bangladesh citizen Mohammed Ramjan Ali, 35, son of Md Jalaluddin of Piyali Mari Village, PO Manakasha , PS Shibganj , District Chapainawabganj, Bangladesh found living at Lilong area without valid Passport was arrested on April 19.
Nupi Keithels Closed Down
Barely two months after its reopening all three Khwairamband Nupi Keithels and the adjoining temporary market have been closed down yet again in view of the second wave of COVID-19 in Manipur.
Agreement on Mt. Koubru Signed
An agreement over the contentious Mt. Koubru is said to have been signed between two ministers and the Committee on Protection and Preservation of Mt. Koubru (COPPK) on April 20 signed while Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren called for communal harmony in his message to the people of the state.
Reports said Minister of Water Resources and YAS, Letpao Haokip and Forest and Environment Minister, Awangbou Newmai held a prolonged meeting with representatives of COPPK, Chairman Thanglensei Kipgen, General Secretary Lamtinthang Haokip and advisor of the committee Tongmang Haokip to resolve the Mt. Koubru impasse amicably.
MU Holds 9th Court Meeting
A long pending 9th Court Meeting of Manipur University (MU) which has no a regular Vice Chancellor was held on April 19 at the Court Hall of the university after a gap of almost six years.
During the meeting, presentation and discussion on Annual Report, Annual Accounts, Annual Budget and Proceedings of the Executive Council (from the year 2015 to 2020) had taken place, said a release issued by registrar of MU W Chandbabu.
Reports said the Chancellor of Manipur University Prof. Tirupati Rao expressed in his speech the plans and initiatives for the growth and development of the university and for making MU a worlds class university.
PRIs and Job Card Holders Unhappy
Although the Manipur government on April 22 released MGNREGA fund of Rs. 83 crores for the state, Panchayat Parishad functionaries after 48-hour shutdown in Panchayat areas of six districts of Manipur, Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and job card holders are not satisfied.
The Panchayat members called the 48-Hour Shutdown on April 21 and 22 and the Shutdown paralysed the six districts covered by Panchayat Parishad.
Reports further said the fund amount of Rs. 83 crores released by the state government is for two-day work wages for job cardholders. More than 40-day work out of 100-day work has been done on liabilities. The honorarium of Panchayat functionaries was released on April 21 when the protests paralysed normal life.
