Five Village Volunteers Released on Bail One Re-Arrested by NIA
Of the five village protection volunteers who were arrested by police on September 16 from Kongba in Imphal East, one has been re-arrested by the NIA while the four others have been released.
Earlier on September 22, all the five village protection volunteers were granted bail by the Court of Special Judge, NIA Imphal East.
Following the Court order, Athokpam Kajit aka Kishorjit, 39 son of Athokpam Dhananjoy of Kongba Nongthombam Leikai; Loukrakpam Michael Mangangcha, 30, son of Loukrakpam Iboton of Khurai Ahongei; Konthoujam Romojit Meitei, 28, Konthoujam Meghajit of Sagolband Sayang; Keisham Johnson, 35, son of Keisham Ibomcha of Singjamei Makha Sorokhaibam Leikai; and Moirangthem Anand Singh, 45, son of late Moirangthem Achou Singh of Singjamei Makha Sorokhaibam Leikai were released at around 6 pm.
However, Moirangthem Anand was re-arrested by the NIA in connection with another case at about 5.40 pm on the same day.
Learning about the Court’s order, families of all the five village protection volunteers and a large number of people waited for their release in front of Imphal police station from 4 pm.
As the crowd becomes bigger, police used PA system and asked the crowd to leave the place. Later, police drove away the crowd by firing two/three mock bombs.
Later, Imphal East SP Ksh Shivkanta said that all the five persons except Anand have been handed over to the respective families but Anand has been re-arrested by the NIA in connection with a case registered earlier.
Anand’s wife who was among the crowd who gathered in front of Imphal police station said she was told by the Imphal West SP that her husband has been taken to Delhi this evening in connection with a case.
“It is absurd that my husband has been re-arrested by the NIA on the charge that he was once a member of an insurgent group”, said the worried wife.
Utterly shocked and devastated by the news that her husband had been taken away by the NIA to Delhi, the wife collapsed momentarily, reports added.
Earlier in the day, the five village protection volunteers were produced before the Special Judge, NIA Imphal East by a team of Imphal East district police along with a prayer for judicial custody remand for smooth investigation of the case. The Court, after hearing the submission of the IO, the Special PP and the defence counsels in length, ordered release of the five village defence volunteers on bail on furnishing PR bond of Rs 50,000 each and one surety of the same amount with the condition that they shall cooperate with the investigation and make themselves available before the investigating authority as and when required. The accused shall not influence prosecution witnesses, they shall not leave the State of Manipur without prior permission of the Court and they should appear before the IO of the case every 15 days as well, said the Court order.
During the Court proceedings, a large number of womenfolk gathered in front of the entrance gate of Cheirap Court complex and shouted ‘Long Live Manipur’, ‘Release five village volunteers” and others. One of the defence counsels later read out the Court order to the womenfolk who gathered in front of Court using megaphone about the release of the five village volunteers on furnishing PR bonds, reports added.
Protests Erupted After Re-arrest
Taking strong exception to the re-arrest of a village protection volunteer from Singjamei Makha Sorokhaibam Leikai, large numbers of people staged strong protests at Keishamthong, Kwakeithel, Singjamei, Kakwa and Porompat.
On learning about the re-arrest of the village defence volunteer, a large number of people started blocking Tidim Road by burning tyres in the middle of the road between Keishamthong Top Leirak and Kwakeithel at around 8 pm.
Soon after, a police team led by an Additional SP came to the scene and asked the people to go back to their homes using a PA system.
As the people continued to block the road demanding release of the man from Singjamei Makha Sorokhaibam Leikai, police resorted to firing numerous rounds of tear gas shells and mock bombs.
As the large number of people gathered at Keishamthong were driven away by police, protests continued in the Kwakeithel area. Police again fired several rounds of tear gas shells and drove away the crowd.
Large crowds started blocking Imphal-Moreh highway at around 8.30 pm at Singjamei parking, Singjamei Mayengbam Leikai, Waikhom Leikai, Kakwa and Naorem Leikai. There too, police resorted to the similar tactic of firing several rounds of tear gas shells and mock bombs.
A strong protest erupted at Porompat too where police fired tear gas shells as well as rubber bullets. Sounds of firing tear gas shells and mock bombs can be heard, reports added.
Internet Ban Lifted From September 23
Manipur Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren on Saturday, September 23 announced that the internet ban will be lifted in the state from today. The state government had imposed a ban on internet services in Manipur after the violent conflict between Kuki-Zomi militants and Meiteis erupted on May 3. The government after months lifted the ban partially, allowing broadband services to function with certain conditions.
Announcing the lifting of the internet ban in the state in a press conference held on September 23 at CM Bungalow, Chief Minister Nongthomba Biren said, “As a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of rumours and videos, photos, messages and hate speeches, which might affect the law and order situation of the state, the state government imposed a ban on the internet. But from today onwards the internet ban will be lifted.”
Commission to Probe Soldier Death
The Manipur government has constituted a One-Man Inquiry Commission to ascertain the facts and circumstances leading to the death of one Serto Thangthang Kom, 41, son of Serto Aphun Kom of Litan Village, Chandel district, a soldier of the Indian Army.
“The Manipur governor is pleased to appoint IPS, IP(Zone-1), Manipur Themthing Ngashangva to conduct the inquiry,” stated an order issued on September 18.
The inquiry will be committed to ascertain the facts and circumstances leading to the incident, and analysis of the facts and circumstances. It will report findings based on the analysis of facts and circumstances and make recommendations (if any) to avoid such incidents in future, it mentioned.
The inquiry report shall be submitted to the government within one month from the date of issue of this order, it stated.
The president of Kom Union Manipur (KUM) reported that Serto Thangthang Kom was abducted by some unknown miscreants from his present residence at Happy Valley Road near Neikanlong under Lamphel PS Imphal West district around 10.15 am on Saturday while he was on medical leave, it mentioned.
Thereafter, the family members got the news that his body was found near Khuningthek under the Sagolmang Police Station, Imphal East about 8 am on Sunday, it stated.
The Manipur government is of the opinion that it is necessary to institute a One Man Inquiry Commission to ascertain the facts and circumstances leading to the death, it added.
MPCC Asks BJP to Shift Focus To Peace Restoration
Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) vice-president Loitongbam Tilotama criticised the government’s handling of the ongoing violence, attributing it to a lack of coordination and differences in tuning within the ruling “double engine” government.
The MPCC on September 19 asked the BJP-led government to prioritise peace restoration over political disputes.
The remarks came in response to the BJP’s mention of comments from former Congress personnel, where BJP Manipur leader Elangbam Johnson brought up statements made by Congress leaders from Nagaland and Mizoram to level charges against the Congress in the current crisis.
Speaking to the media in Imphal, MPCC vice-president Tilotama pointed out that several BJP members, including CM Biren and minister K Govindas, were former Congress personnel themselves and highlighted the need to focus on the real issues at hand rather than engaging in political rhetoric.
Tilotama criticised the government’s handling of the ongoing violence, attributing it to a lack of coordination and differences in tuning within the ruling “double engine” government.
She stated, “It seems like BJP doesn’t know on what channel they are in, during this ongoing crisis,” citing the demand for separate administration by eight BJP MLAs, including two cabinet ministers, and two other BJP-supporting MLAs, reports added.
Four Arms, 138 Ammunition Recovered
Four more arms and 138 ammunitions have been recovered during search operations conducted in Imphal East district, the Manipur Police said on September 17.
According to a press note issued by the Manipur Police on Sunday, security forces continued search operations in the fringe and vulnerable areas of Imphal West, Imphal East and Bishnupur districts.
The police also stated reports of extortion threats, misuse of police uniform and impersonation by armed miscreants. In view of this, the Manipur Police has been making all-out efforts to curb the same, it stated.
In one such operation, on September 16, Manipur Police arrested five persons with sophisticated weapons in camouflage uniform.
The arrested five persons are being proceeded legally, the police said, adding that in response to the arrest, a large number of people came out to protest and tried to storm Porompat Police station demanding release of the arrested persons.
Joint security forces repelled the attack by firing tear gas. In this, a few persons received minor injury, including an RAF personnel, the police said.
These five arrested persons were produced before the Judicial Magistrate and they have been remanded into further police custody. Strict legal action is being taken against these anti-social elements, the police said.
The Manipur Police said it is determined to continue such raids and operations and make all-out efforts to bring peace and normalcy in the state.
It appealed to the general public to refrain from holding protests and cooperate with the law enforcement agencies in bringing peace and normalcy in the state.
‘Zo United’ Forms Cabinet in Aizawl
Recently formed new and common organisation for Kuki-Chin-Mizo-Zomi-Hmar tribes in Manipur called ‘Zo United’ has constituted its Cabinet at Center YMA Hall at Aizawl on September 20.
The event was led by the Manipur cabinet minister Letpao Haokip and all other Zomi-Kuki-Hmar’s MLAs and 48 delegates from the “Zo” descendants in Manipur.
The different Kuki-Zomi organisations and representatives from Manipur had set up the Zo United since September 6. The forming of the cabinet was taken from all stakeholders that will spearhead the movement of the so-called Kuki-Zomi-Hmar demand for a ‘Separate Administration’ in Manipur.
The appointed Zo United committee members include MPC Consultant Alber Rentlei as Convenor; Zomi Council Chairman John K Ngaihte as Co-convenor; Kuki Inpi Manipur Chairman Ajang Khongsai as Co-convenor; Acting President Hmar Inpui Hrilla Hmar as Secretary; Helen Kipgen of COTU as Finance Secretary; all tribe presidents as executive members, and Chairman ITLF PaGin Haokip as information Secretary, reports added.
NSCN (IM) Says no Kuki-Zo Land in Naga areas
Reacting sharply to the statement made by former Nagaland Minister K Therie on the demand of the Kuki-Zo community in Manipur, the NSCN (IM) said that “not even an inch of Naga territory should be touched in the name of geopolitical arrangement for the Kuki-Zo community in Manipur”.
“The statement issued by K Therie on the controversial Kuki-Zo’s demand for a separate administration in Manipur is not surprising as he is a person who always found himself the odd man out,” the NSCN (IM) statement issued to Newmai News Network on September 19 night said.
According to the NSCN (IM), K Therie’s statement also “reflects his poor knowledge of the geopolitical issue in Manipur”.
The statement then said, “Given the sensitivity of the issue involved, the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) has stayed away from getting involved in any manner other than to make the stand sharp and clear that not even an inch of Naga territory should be touched in the name of geopolitical arrangement for the Kuki-Zo community in Manipur”.
The NSCN (IM) also said that the “unmerited” concern of K Therie for the Kuki-Zo community for separate administration is like a “voice crying in the wilderness” for the Kuki-Zo community.
The NSCN (IM) further said that K Therie needs to look at the Kuki-Zo demand for separate administration within the larger context of the Nagas’ geopolitical issue and not from the Kuki-Zo geopolitical perspective.
The NSCN (IM) then said that K Therie is, moreover, a person who has lost the representative status of his people consecutively, making his voice irrelevant anywhere on any issue.
The NSCN (IM) then advised that it is better for K Therie to “stay low and cool his heels” and stay away from the Meitei-Kuki-Zo ethnic issue. “He should therefore, avoid giving any comment/statement that is bigger than what he can chew,” it cautioned.
Five Injured in Lightning Strike in Bishnupur
At least five persons sustained injuries after a lightning strike at Keimang Loupham located in the border area of Moirang Khunou and Keirenphabi in Bishnupur district on September 20.
According to sources, they were struck by lightning that hit Keimang Loupham around 2 pm.
The injured persons have been identified as one 25-year-old Meikam Naocha, son of late Achouba from Phougakchao Ikhai Mayai Leikai, presently staying at a Relief Camp in Moirang Khunou Mayai Leikai; 30-year-old Phairenbam Boy, son of Borbabu; 38-year-old Laiphrakpam Hongba, son of late Mangi; 40-year-old Hemam Bashanta, son of Ingocha, all three from Moirang Khunou Mayai Leikai and 30-year-old Maibam Britamjit, son of M Bikram from Moirang Khunou Makha Leikai. All five of them were rushed to Moirang CHC for further treatments, the reports said.
Governor Visits Relief Camps in Kakching, Thoubal Districts
Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey on September 17 visited three relief camps in Kakching and Thoubal districts and distributed relief materials to 1,231 Internally Displaced People (IDPs) staying in the camps through the district Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) team led by Dr. Rajkumar & Dr. Ksh. Manglem Singh.
According to a press release by the Governor’s Secretariat, Raj Bhavan, relief packages consisting of blanket, mosquito net, hygiene kit and tarpaulin were distributed to each of families staying in the relief camps. Financial assistance of Rs.1000 each was also distributed by the Governor to the pregnant, lactating women & patients with serious ailments. Eatables were also given to the children in the camps.
The Relief Materials were sent by IRCS, Delhi Headquarters which is being distributed to IDP families through IRCS, Manipur under the leadership of Governor.
The Governor first visited Khomdonbi Memorial English School relief camp in Kakching district where she was welcomed by K. Ranjit Singh, MLA Sugnu A/C, Th. Lokeshwore Singh, MLA and Deputy Commissioner, Kakching, the Raj Bhavan said. The Governor enquired about the grievances faced by 291 IDPs, mostly from Sugnu, Serou, Chakpikarong, Napat and Kumbi areas sheltered there. She enquired about the facilities extended to the IDP in the camp which includes health, sanitation, education, food etc.
The Governor then went to the relief camp opened at Indoor Stadium in Kakching district headquarters where she met IDPs and enquired about the facilities provided to 270 IDPs of 68 families from Moreh, Serou and Churachandpur who have been staying there, as per the Raj Bhavan.
On her way back to Imphal, the Governor visited the Kodompokpi Sports Complex relief camp, at Wangjing in Thoubal district and heard about the grievances and issues of 730 IDPs of 213 families of Moreh and Serou areas. She patiently heard the tearful testimony of IDPs from Moreh and assured to extend all possible support to enable them to return to their respective places. She also enquired about the facilities like health, education etc. being provided to them and directed the district administration to provide all their requirements, the release added.
