As usual Manipuris inside and outside observe Patriots Day on August 13 in honour of those known and unknown who laid their lives to defend the sovereignty of Manipur in the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891 against the British imperialists.
Bir Tikendrajit (Koireng Yubaraj) and Thangal General were hanged on this day in public in 1891 at Pheidapung, which is now known as Bir Tikendrajit Park near Imphal Pologround.
Pukhrambam Kajao, Chirai Thangal and Niranjan Subedar were also hanged while many unknown soldiers laid down their lives gracefully in order to save the Manipuri nation from colonisation by the mighty British imperial force.
The State function was held at Hicham Yaicham Pat, Yaiskul Janmasthan; Thangal General Complex, Palace Compound and BT Park in Imphal.
Earlier, Manipur Governor La Ganesan, Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren and his cabinet ministers on August 12 extended greetings and well wishes to the people of the state on the occasion of the Patriots’ Day.
In his message, the governor recalled the heroic forefathers namely Bir Tikendrajit, Thangal General, Chirai Naga, Pukhrambam Kajao, Niranjan Subedar and other martyrs who made supreme and selfless sacrifices for the freedom of the motherland. He stated that these freedom fighters along with many others who were banished for life from Manipur believed in the freedom of their motherland. They challenged the British Empire in 1891 embracing death and prison rather than live without freedom, he added.
“Patriots’ Day is observed every year on August 13 in memory of our brave patriots who laid down their lives in the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891,” stated Chief Minister Nongthobam Biren in his message.
Water Resources and Disaster Management Minister Awangbow Newmai also extended his wishes on the occasion, urging the people to fight and support those who stand for the state and unite for peaceful coexistence. “Let us also unite for the development of the state,” he stated in his message.
Comic Book Burnt
The Joint Students’ Coordination Committee (JSCC), a conglomerate of All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU), Manipur Students’ Federation (MSF), Kangleipak Students’ Association (KSA) and Students’ Union of Kangleipak (SUK), burnt the photo copies of a comic book entitled Tribal Leaders of the Freedom Struggle at the head office campus of KSA at Khuyathong in Imphal on August 12 condemning the portrayal of Paona Brajabashi as a tribal leader of Indian freedom struggle.
The comic book was published by Amar Chitra Katha under India’s Ministry of Culture in connection with the 75th year of India’s independence.
A press statement signed by S Bidyananda, Convenor of JSCC said the JSCC also imposed a ban on selling of the comic books in Manipur and also those other books published by the Amar Chitra Katha Pvt Ltd.
The statement said Paona Brajabashi was a war hero of Manipur who laid down his life in the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891 and his patriotic act is not related with the freedom movement of India as Manipur was merged with the Union of India in 1949.
“Portraying Paona Brajabasi as a tribal freedom fighter of India is an act of misleading the significant history of Manipur”, the statement added.
Demanding apology to the people of Manipur by the publisher and the writer, JSCC Convenor S Bidyananda also appealed to all the bookstores in the state to stop selling any such book of Amar Chitra Katha and the public to refrain from reading the books.
Inter-State Drug Cartel
A team of Narcotics and Affairs of Border (NAB) seized 550 grams of heroin powder and arrested one inter-state drug cartel from Hatta Golapati Maning Leikai in Imphal East at around 1.10 pm on August 12.
Repors said the person has been identified as Md Hanif Ahamed, 24, son of Harich Ali of Moreh Ward No. 5, Muslim Nagar Labuk Leikai, Tengnoupal district and is presently staying at Hatta Golapati Maning Leikai near community hall in Imphal East district.
The NAB team, during surprise checking in the said area, detained Hanif from his residence of Hatta Golapati Maning Leikai. On further checking, 44 soap cases containing suspected heroin powder, weighing about 550 grams, an Aadhaar card and a mobile phone were found from his possession. On questioning, he disclosed that the suspected heroin powder was reportedly supplied to him by a person in Imphal. He further revealed that he is an inter-state drug cartel, reports added.
Another Drug Lab Busted Moijing
As part of the ongoing War on Drugs, another drug manufacturing lab at Moijing Wangmataba Chingya Leikai in Thoubal was busted on August 11 by the Thoubal District Police.
Reports said a team of Thoubal Police led by Additional SP (Law and Order) Shangkar Dev under the supervision of by SP Jogeshchandra Haobijam rushed at the residence of one Moijingmayum Jaman, 63, son of late Muheiruddin at Moijing Wangmataba Chingya Leikai.
The team destroyed a drug lab found inside the residence and seized 934 grams of drugs along with the items and utensils used in the production of drugs. The drugs were found wrapped in a polythene bag and hidden inside Jaman’s chicken coop, reports added.
Three Drug Peddlers Arrested
A team of district commando, Kakching seized 2.18 kg of suspected opium and arrested three drug peddlers, including two women, along the Indo-Burma Sugnu Road on August 8.
Reports said the arrested persons have been identified as one Ngaineichong Guite, 33, wife of Thangkholal Guite of Phoilen, Chandel district; Hoikhoneng Haokip, 65, wife of Haokholet Haokip of Phaiphengkot, Chandel district and Thangkholal Guite, 36, son of Thongkhopao Guite of Phollen, Chandel district.
The commando team of Kakching District Police conducted the frisking and checking at the tri-junction of Moltichan village near Serou Lamkhai around 7.30 pm on the day. During the activity, one black four wheeler (TUV 300) bearing registration number MN-01AK 2294 was seen coming from Serou side driven by a male with two female occupants. After establishing their identity, the occupants were further searched by the team. During body search, two polythene packets were found wrapping around the waist with a waist belt. On opening, the two packets bearing the logo ‘Nestle Everyday’ suspected to be Opium were found. They were arrested on the spot and the items along with the Rs 3,65,300 cash were seized, reports added.
WY Tablets Siezed
A team of Kakching commando under the supervision of Kakching District Police SP Shrey Vats and the direction of Additional SP (Ops) Binoy Chongtham arrested two individuals travelling in a white Gypsy vehicle without a registration number, along with 9.824 kg of WY tablets at Pallel Laimanai Hill checkpoint.
Reports said the two individuals arrested were identified as Sheikholun Vaiphei, 34, son of Thangpao Vaiphei from Zion Veng of Moreh Part IV, and Th Khaljakham Baite, 30, son of Paonam Baite from Moreh Ward number IX. The police team seized the WY tablets along with Rs 1,25,000 in cash.
Instrument of Accession Discussed
A one-day discussion programme on the ‘Instrument of Accession’ organised by the All Manipur Youth Protection Committee (AMYPCO) was held at Lizard Community Hall in Wangkhei in Imphal East on August 11. The discussion was also attended by Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) Acting Chairperson Khaidem Mani as Chief Guest; President of CCSK Jeetendra Ningomba and Lizard Club President K Bimol as Guests of Honour while President of AMYPCO Thiyam Sharatchandra was the President of the function.
Delivering the keynote address, General Secretary of AMYPCO Thangjam Somorjit said that the present political scenario of Manipur and the situation of the people are the results of the steps taken by the past leaders of Manipur. The Instrument of Accession, 1947 is the political development that took place after the British rule in Manipur after 1891. “It was an agreement signed by a proclaimed King of Manipur without consulting the people of Manipur,” he said.
He further said that the present political status of Manipur is not the political status which was mandated by the people’s decision. He also mentioned that the Rights to Self-Determination have become universal rights, considering that deciding the faith of the people collectively by the public itself is far better than decided by an individual, reports added.
Myanmar Released 10 Indians Prisoners
The Myanmar Government released 10 Indian prisoners through Integrated Check Post at Moreh-Tamu border on August 10.
Reports said that the released 10 prisoners included three females and seven males. Five of them are from Tengnoupal district, one each from Ukhrul district, Chandel district and Assam’s Cachar district and two are from Mizoram. They are Amoni Jeet Das, 33 of Moreh Ward No 7; Lunjalal Haokip, 21 of Moreh Ward No 1; Phaningkhul Kapal, 40 of Paoyei, Ukhrul; Thongminlal Baite, 22 of Joldam, Chandel; Thoibi Devi, 49 of Moreh Ward No 2; Laldugkima Kanear, 36 of Sumsul Village, Aizawl; Lalchhnuanawma Mar, 42 of Champhai Mizoram; Ninaghoi, 33 of Moreh Ward No 1; Lal pu Pedimchin,27 of Moreh Ward No 1; Niang Boi, 42 of Moreh Wward No 1.
They were received by DC Tengnoupal Mannuamching, Senior Immigration Officer Y Anand, OC Moreh Police Stationand officials of Land Custom Station Moreh, Integrated Check Post, 5 Assam Rifles and a medical team from Moreh Hospital. Medical team from Moreh Hospital conducted health check up of all the 10 persons at ICP. Later, the Moreh police transported them to Moreh police station and handed them over to their respective families, reports added.
82 Dengue Cases in Moreh
The number of Dengue cases in Moreh town reached 82 with the detection of five more cases on August 9. Dengue test was done for 12 patients out of whom five persons were found positive on August 9. Two are from Ngamkhai Veng, one each from Phaicham veng, Nepali Basti and Prem Nagar. Four of the five new dengue cases were minor. With this, the total Dengue cases since May 29 reach 82 in Moreh, reports said.
GOI Releases Rs 83,534 Cr Tax Devolution for Manipur
As per the statewise distribution of Net proceeds of Union Taxes and Duties for August 2022, the Union Government of India has released ₹ 83,534 crore for Manipur.
The Union Government of India has released two tax devolution instalments amounting to ₹1,16,665.75 crore on August 10, 2022 to state governments as against normal monthly devolution of ₹58,332.86 crore in the effort to strengthen states to accelerate capital and developmental expenditure.
“Govt. releases 2 tax devolution instalments to State Govts. of ₹1,16,665.75 Cr. as against normal monthly devolution of ₹58,332.86 Cr This is in line with GOI commitment to strengthen States to accelerate capital & developmental expenditure,” the Union Finance Ministry tweeted.
This devolution of taxes will enable Manipur to accelerate its capital and developmental expenditure, Manipur Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren said.
“I thank GoI under the leadership of our Hon’ble Prime Minister Sh@narendramodi Ji and Hon’ble Finance Minister Smt@nsitharaman ji, for their continued support to Manipur. This devolution of taxes will enable Manipur to accelerate its capital & developmental expenditure,” Chief Minister Biren tweeted on August 10.
Norwegian Woman with Expired Visa held
A Norwegian woman whose Visa expired two years ago was arrested by 20 Assam Rifles at Khudengthabi checkpoint along Imphal-Moreh Road of Asian Highway-1 in Tengnoupal district of Manipur on August 9.
Reports said the woman has been identified as one Mya Kyay Mon, aged 51. Her Passport was found to have expired on February 16, 2022 and her e-Visa expired on May 21, 2020. The foreigner was detected around 4:30 pm of August 9 while the personnel of 20 Assam Rifles at Khudengthabi were keeping strict vigil ahead of the Indian Independence Day celebration on August 15 and State Assembly session. The woman was handed over to Moreh police station.
The woman was travelling towards Imphal from Moreh in an Ecco Van. She was illegally staying in India and attempting to cross the check point without valid documents. She revealed to AR that she is a Norwegian national and was going to Kolkata via Imphal. When the AR and Moreh police team conducted joint verification, it was found that she had arrived in India on May 24, 2020 and visited various Indian cities and in August 2019 she had visited Nepal and stayed till March 6, 2020 and returned back to India. She also revealed that she had stayed in Agra due to COVID-19 lockdown and started visiting cities after the lockdown was opened and finally came to Moreh town in November 2021, reports added.
US Consulate Workshop for Manipur Women Entrepreneurs
A Five-day ‘Train The Trainer Workshop’ for women entrepreneurs of Manipur conducted by US Consulate General Kolkata, in partnership with Regional English Language Office (RELO) of the US Embassy in India has been started on August 10 at JCRE Global College located at Bapupara in Imphal.
The five-day ‘Train The Trainer Workshop’ for women entrepreneurs of Manipur scheduled to conclude on August 16 is conducted is to polish the business communication and presentation skills of women entrepreneurs of Manipur, with a focus on their networking, negotiating, elevator pitches and formal pitches for specific audiences.
Rs 6 Crore Gold Biscuits Seized
Gold biscuits worth more than Rs 6 crore were seized by Anti-smuggling team, Customs Division, Imphal from a Maruti Eeco Van at Thamnapokpi on August 10.
A release issued by DC, Customs Division, Imphal Keerthishri S stated that on August 9 the Anti-smuggling team received specific information that gold biscuits concealed inside a vehicle will be transported. Based on the information, a police team rushed to Thamnapokpi and at around 7.45 pm, a Maruti Eeco Van without registration number was intercepted and stopped by coordinating with the customs preventive force of Pallel.
The driver of the van has been identified as one Md Wahidur Rahman, 51, son of Md Habibur Rahman from Lilong Haoreibi, Mayai Leikai, Lilong Sub Division, Thoubal district. The value of the 69 gold biscuits along with the vehicle is estimated at Rs 6,02,96,644, the release added.
Irang Bailey Bridge Reopens For Light Vehicles
The Irang Bailey Bridge along Imphal-Jiribam Road of National Highway-37 was reopened for light vehicles by chairman of Taobam village Tangamang Kamei around 11 am on August 10, after a gap of almost three months. Besides light vehicles, including small trucks like Tata 407, all other types of empty vehicles are allowed to cross the newly reopened bridge as of now.
It may be mentioned that NHIDCL had on August 9 said that the Irang Bridge on National Highway-37 will be reopened to public and commercial use on August 15.
COCOMI and UNC Hail NRC Decision
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) and the United Naga Council (UNC) on August 9 commended the members of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly for unanimously adopting resolution to enforce National Register of Citizens (NRC) and set up a state population commission.
In press release jointly signed by COCOMI Coordinator L Ratankumar and UNC Secretary S Milan, said that a joint meeting was convened at HERICOUN office at Konung Mamang to discuss the resolution adopted by the assembly.
Saying that COCOMI and UNC welcomed the move, it urged the government to take all the necessary steps to implement NRC and set up population commission without further delay.
The two powerful bodies appealed to the government to institute the population commission at the earliest since the state has the power to do so.
COCOMI and UNC had earlier raised concern over the demographic imbalance caused by influx of illegal immigrants in the state and they had also submitted memorandum to the Chief Minister on June 4 this year to initiate necessary steps for checking influx of illegal immigrants in Manipur.
They also submitted the same memorandum copy to the Prime Minister as well as Union Home Minister on June 10 seeking immediate steps to protect the interests of the indigenous communities.
Gender Crimes Rise
With the excessive degrading of moral values as one of the undeniable factors, crime against women has been increasing in the state, Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW) Chairperson Salam Ulka on August 9.
Addressing a one-day awareness programme on menstrual hygiene held at Keishamthong High School Imphal, Ulka said the state is endowed with a rich, unique culture and tradition. But unfortunately, it has been gradually disappearing due to the heavy influence of other cultures and traditions in due course of time. Besides, moral values of the society have also lowered to a great extent resulting in occurrence of many barbaric incidents or crimes, she added.
The MSCW chairperson lamented that crime against women in the state is increasing each day and the various women-related cases filed at MSCW shows that the “society is full of pain and sorrow”, reports added.
