Opposition Group Says, No Peace as Long as BJP in Power
Ten Opposition political parties in Manipur on October 16 vehemently condemned the arrest of National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) students in connection with a democratic rally and submission of memorandum to the Governor of Manipur on October 13, terming the arrest as undemocratic, unconstitutional and dictatorial act of the state government.
Speaking to the media on October 16 at Manipur Press Club, former minister Nimaichand Luwang said that the present crisis in the state will be over and peace will return in the state only when the present BJP government is not in power in the state and present Chief Minister of the State Nongthombam Biren is removed.
The present conflict, unrest, demands for separate administration and statehood will be resolved only when the BJP is not in power, he asserted. The demand for Separate Administration and statehood is a gift of the present BJP government with CM N Biren of the state being just a mute spectator, he claimed.
The rally to submit a memorandum to the Governor of Manipur on October 13 was a peaceful one and there was a minor scuffle, which usually happens in such rallies and there was no violence, he said. Under the present government, there can be no democratic movement as 6 Congress supporters who were present in the rally were pursued by the Police, arrested and FIR registered, he added.
Afterwards, the rallyists were blocked at M Sector and representatives of 10 political parties along with former CM Ibobi went in for submitting the memorandum, he mentioned.
After that, on October 14 there was information of arresting six NSUI students under an FIR and they were remanded into police custody till October 18, he said.
Manipur Cabinet Meeting Held at Ukhrul
Despite the ongoing violence, Manipur Chief Minister Nongthombam visited Ukhrul on October 18 amid tight security, held Manipur Cabinet meeting and inaugurated 18 projects while laying foundation stone for a host of new projects.
Chief Minister Biren landed in Ukhrul Wednesday morning and was accorded a warm welcome by Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah and the district administration at the helipad.
Altogether nine cabinet ministers, MLAs, Chief Secretary, top ranking government officers attended the public function at the Ukhrul Mini Secretariat.
Prior to the public meeting, a cabinet meeting was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall where a total of 17 agenda were discussed. Two ministers Letpao Haokip and Nemcha Kipgen were absent.
The Chief Minister and his council of ministers were given a rousing welcome at the District Mini Secretariat by the Tangkhul civil society organisations (CSOs) and Ukhrul district administration, government officials and members of the public.
After the Cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Biren inaugurated 18 completed projects and laid foundation stone for upcoming 22 other projects for the district with a total cost of Rs 64.38 crore.
Addressing the public, Chief Minister Biren announced scores of initiatives aimed at addressing the major issues facing the district particularly water scarcity and roadways.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by his council of ministers including Power and Forests & Climate Change Minister Thongam Biswajit; MAHUD and Rural Development & Panchayat Raj Minister Yumanm Khemchand; Works and Youth Affairs & Sports Minister Govindas Konthoujam; Water Resources Minister Awangbow Newmai; Health and Information Minister Dr Sapam Ranjan; Education and Law Minister Thounaojam Basantakumar; PHED and CAFPD Minister Leishangthem Susindro; Social Welfare and Fisheries Minister Heikham Dingo and Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Minister Khashim Vashum.
Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah delivered the welcome address, while Minister Khashim Vashum proposed the vote of thanks, reports added.
Golmei Gaiphulshillu Kabui as HC Justice
Retired judicial officer Golmei Gaiphulshillu Kabui on October 16 assumed charge of the office of the Judge of the Manipur High Court. She becomes not only among the tribes but also the frist woman judge of Manipur High Court.
Her name was recommended for appointment as a judge by the Supreme Court Collegium in its meeting held on January 10 this year.
The Centre on October 13 notified her appointment and that of two other judges. While Gaiphulshillu, a Kabui Naga, belongs to ST community, the two others are from SC and OBC communities.
“In exercise of the power conferred by clause (1) of Article 217 of the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint Golmei Gaiphulshillu Kabui to be judge of the Manipur High Court with effect from the date she assumes charge of her office,” the notification issued by the Ministry of Law & Justice, Department of Justice (Appointments Division), read.
Gaiphulshillu was also the Manipur High Court’s first woman Registrar and Registrar General. She joined service as a Grade III officer of Manipur Judicial Service in 1995 and retired as the Registrar General of the High Court in March this year.
Gaiphulshillu pursued her school, college and law (LLB) education in Manipur capital Imphal where she was born. Her husband is an Indian Police Service officer who is serving as an Inspector General in Manipur Police. The couple has three children.
All Manipur Nupi Marup, in a release on October 16 congratulated Golmei Gaiphulshillu Kabui on being appointed as the first tribal woman judge of the Manipur High Court.
It praised Golmei for her previous endeavours as a Judicial Officer, adding that she is well equipped with legal skills. It maintained that her appointment as a judge of the Manipur HC is a pride for the entire womenfolk of the state.
Justice Siddharth Mridul Sworn in as Chief Justice
Justice Siddharth Mridul was on Friday, October 20 sworn-in as the 7th Chief Justice of Manipur High Court at the Darbar Hall of Manipur Raj Bhavan in Imphal. The oath of office was administered by state Governor Anusuiya Uikey in the presence of Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren.
Posting to X (Twitter), Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren termed the swearing-in of Justice Siddharth Mridul a “significant moment” for the judiciary in Manipur, while congratulating the new chief justice.
“Attended the Swearing-in-Ceremony of Hon’ble Justice Siddharth Mridul at the Darbar Hall, Raj Bhavan in Imphal. I congratulate Hon’ble Justice Siddharth Mridul on taking oath as the 7th Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court. It’s a significant moment for the judiciary in Manipur.
The Supreme Court Collegium led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud had proposed senior most Judge of Delhi High Court Justice Siddharth Mridul for the post of Chief Justice of Manipur High Court on July 6.
Throughout his career, Mridul practiced law in original civil and appellate jurisdictions, including the Delhi high court, as well as other renowned courts and tribunals, according to people familiar with the matter.
He was also appointed by Delhi HC as member in various committees for issues of rehabilitation of children after the abolition of child labour, illegal constriction in contravention of municipal byelaws, and to suggest, supervise and implement measures for efficient and hygienic functioning of the Safdarjung hospital.
Mridul was appointed as an additional judge of the Delhi HC in 2008 and later became a permanent judge on 26 May 2009.
Justice Mridul was appointed as the chief justice of the Manipur HC on October 16, more than three months after his name was recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium, due to the ethnic turmoil in the northeastern border state, reports added.
132nd Manipur Police Raising Day Celebrated
The 132nd Manipur Police Raising Day was celebrated on October 19 at the Parade Ground of First Battalion Manipur Rifles in Imphal. During the celebration, Manipur Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren announced that over Rs 24 crore for ration money allowance for state police personnel will be increased by Rs 500 each and a Women Police Battalion will be established soon.
Biren, who is also state home minister in charge, said the state government gives important consideration to the activities of the police personnel; however, a sum of Rs 500 will be increased for each police personnel as ration money considering the financial constraints faced by the state government.
On the sidelines of the celebration, he told the media that there are 35 ethnic tribes in the state but all the police personnel should consider themselves as Indian first and a Manipuri later regardless of all ethnic belongingness. Only then equal services can be provided in the state for each person, and law and order can be maintained.
Stressing further on the role of the police, he said that lawbreakers take advantage when the police fail to discharge their duties properly.
He said regarding the law and order situation in hill districts including Moreh, more state forces have been deployed, and they have already reached their destination to start enforcing the law and order.
The government duly takes notice of the challenges and sacrifices made by the State Police, he said. Highlighting that there are no personnel or officers in the State Police who have not taken extra duty during the past five or so months, he said the government has been putting efforts to maintain quality and transparency in supplying uniforms or ration to the State Police, reports added.
Governor Visits Relief Campat Phubala High School and Churachandpur
Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey, on her return from visiting Churachandpur relief camps for third time, visited the relief camp at Phubala High School in Bishnupur district on October 18.
Anusuiya Uikey paid her third visit to Churachandpur since the outbreak of the violence in Manipur since May 3, 2023, reiterated the commitment of the Central and State governments to bring back normalcy.
The Governor visited two relief centres at ECA Premises, M Songgel and ECA compound, Tuibong, Churachandpur District on October 18, the Raj Bhavan said in a press release.
Interacting with the IDPs at the two camps, Anusuiya Uikey said that she feels the sentiments of the IDPs and she is very much aware of their wishes and aspirations to be back home and lead normal life. She conveyed that the Governments at the Centre and State are fully committed to bring back normalcy.
Anusuiya, in collaboration with Indian Red Cross Society, Manipur unit distributed relief items to the inmates of both camps including blankets, pillow, mattresses, hygiene kits, kitchen utensils, mosquito nets. She also gave monetary assistance to pregnant women, lactating mothers and patients with serious ailments. A total of 755 inmates from 167 families benefited with the relief items distributed today, the Raj Bhavan release said.
The Governor, on her return from Churachandpur District, visited Phubala High School relief camp, Bishnupur district where she met and interacted with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and heard their grievances. She said that her purpose of visiting the relief camp is to give a healing touch and instill a confidence in the minds of the affected people, the Raj Bhavan said in the release.
While speaking with the inmates, the Governor assured them that they will be shifted to their respective homes permanently once normalcy is restored in the state. She informed that central and state governments are continuously working for peace and rehabilitation to their permanent residence. The relief and rehabilitation committee headed by Justice Geeta Mittal has also visited the state to look into this matter, she informed.
Being the president of Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), Manipur, the Governor distributed relief packages received from the IRCS HQ, New Delhi, consisting of blanket, mosquito net, kitchen set and hygiene kit to the IDP families. She also extended financial assistance to the pregnant women, lactating mother and patients with serious ailments in the camp.
She also distributed eatables and blankets to the affected families from her side as well. A total of 358 inmates from 105 families benefited with the relief items distributed today during her visit, the Raj Bhavan release added.
First Sitting of Independent Manipur Assembly Remembered
In remembrance of the day when the first elected government was enacted in the then sovereign Manipur nation on October 18, 1948, the Ahanba Leingak Leikhiba Ningsing Thouram (Remembrance Day), organised by the Committee of Civil Societies Kangleipak (CCSK), was observed at Iboyaima Shumang Lila Shanglen on October 18.
Speaking on the occasion, CCSK president Jeetendra Ngingomba highlighted that Manipur was the first sovereign nation in South East Asia to have its own constitution under the Manipur Constitution Act 1947.
Under the Act Manipur adopted the universal adult franchise and enacted the first elected Manipur Legislative Assembly, he added.
Speaking on the occasion, RK Nimai stated that Manipur was ahead of various nations in several aspects when it came out with the Manipur State Constitution in 1948.
Commander of SoO Militant Held With Drugs
Security forces arrested a commander of SoO group with drugs and seized a number of weapons in search operations conducted in the fringe and vulnerable areas of Imphal-East, Kakching, Bishnupur, Churachandpur, Thoubal and Imphal West districts on October 17.
The seized items included eight arms (Assault Rifle-1, 303-1, SMG Carbine-3, Sten Gun-1, 9mm Pistol-2), 62 ammunition, 18 explosives, one country-made local bomb launcher (Pompi), two wireless sets (KENWOOD), two Tube Launching, one Smoke Grenade and five BP Jackets were recovered in Imphal-East district, said a release from the Manipur Police Control Room.
Moreover, two arms (one 9 mm Pistol with mag and one local made single barrel), one 12mm bore live round, 21 heavy caliber machine gun rounds, one heavy Mortar (10ft), one country-made improvised Bomb, and one rocket propelled grenade were recovered in Old Dampi village, Churachandpur.
Earlier on October 16, one person was abducted by unknown miscreants from Ithai, Bishnupur following which the district police conducted a search in various areas of Bishnupur and rescued the abducted person. During the rescue, the Bishnupur district police also recovered one arm (SLR Rifle), 10 ammunitions, one Tear Gas Gun, seven munition shells and two smart phones allegedly used by the miscreants, the release said.
On October 15, upon receiving specific information of the presence of some UG cadres at Phaitol village, security forces launched an operation. During the operation, the team came across a white coloured Bolero bearing registration no. MN03P 1934 near the community hall playground of Phaitol village.
On verification, the driver was identified as Lamtinsei Singson, 50 @ Seipu @ Ishael, S/o Letkhosich Singson of Chiengkwnpang, Churachandpur and revealed that he is the Commander in Chief of UTLA/KNO (Seipu group) presently in SoO camp of Chongkhujou in Henglep of Churachandpur district.
On checking of the vehicle, 10 soap cases containing brown sugar weighing around 124 grams in total were found. The person with the vehicle along with the recovered items was handed over to Jiribam police station for further legal action, the release added.
CBI Files Chargesheets in Naked Parade Case
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on October 16 filed a chargesheet against six accused and a report against one Child in Conflict with the Law (CCL) before the Special Judge, CBI Court at Guwahati in connection with the viral video which showed two tribal women being paraded naked in Manipur.
CBI had registered a case on the request of Manipur government and further notification from Government of India and took over the investigation of the Case Crime No. 110(06)/2023 dated June 6, 2023 of NSK Police Station, District-Thoubal, the agency stated.
It was alleged that on May 4, a mob of approximately 900–1000 individuals, armed with sophisticated weapons, entered B Phainom village in the Kangpokpi district of Manipur, vandalised and set houses ablaze, looted properties, assaulted villagers, committed murders, sexually assaulted women, it mentioned.
It was further alleged that two family members of one of the victims were also killed in the incident. CBI investigation revealed that the accused were involved in the said incident, it stated.
A chargesheet was filed on Monday (October 16) before the Special Judge, CBI Court, Guwahati designated as per the orders of the Supreme Court, it stated.
It further stated that the public is reminded that the above findings are based on the investigation done by CBI and evidence collected by it. Under the Indian Law, the accused are presumed to be innocent till their guilt is finally established after a fair trial, it added.
Former BJYM President Barish’s Home Stormed
Decrying the shooting of innocent people and acts of goondaism, a Sit-in-Protest was staged at Sega Road, Imphal West along Tiddim road, after which a huge number of people along with youths stormed the residence of former president of Bharatiya Janata Party Yuva Morcha (BJYM) Manoharmayum Barish Sharma on October 16.
The Joint Action Committee (JAC) members along with locals of Sega Road and volunteers of youth of Manipur took part in the demonstration.
Participating in the protest a meira paibi told the media that the shooting and threatening people at gunpoint is highly condemnable. Any issues could be solved on the negotiating table. In the act of goondaism, those miscreants sprayed bullets towards the public, injuring five people including one woman, she added.
JAC Convenor Chongtham Iboyaima said the armed miscreants are attempting to murder the innocent people and the government should deal with them seriously. He said Barish is reportedly behind the crime and the government should book him immediately along with those accused persons who were directly involved in the incident.
JAC cautioned the state government that intensified agitations will be launched if the accused are not arrested in time.
Meanwhile, state police have arrested two persons involved during the incident. The arrested have been identified as one Ningombam Alex, 24, and Gurumayum Rayban, 27 both from Bhramapur Laljilakpa Leikai, Imphal East.
Six Student Bodies Resolve To End Narco-Terrorism
A joint meeting of the six student bodies of Manipur on October 19 resolved to end all forms of narco-terrorism and fight with all means to stop the influx of illegal immigrants into Manipur.
Six student bodies namely, All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU), Manipur Students Federation (MSF), Democratic Students Alliance of Manipur (DESAM), Kangleipak Students’ Association (KSA), and Apunba Ireipakki Maheiroi Sinpanglup (AIMS) jointly organised the meeting.
The meeting of the joint students’ bodies also resolved to intensify the agitation for implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC). Nine other resolutions which include fighting tooth and nail against all attempts to distort the territorial integrity of Manipur and taking a major role to ensure an economically self-sufficient state were taken during the meeting.
COCOMI Demands Law and Order in Moreh
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) on October 19 called upon the government to ensure the maintenance of law and order in the border town of Moreh. This appeal comes in the wake of a concerning news report that state forces were prevented from taking action against those challenging law enforcement and disturbing law and order in Moreh.
The report even highlights the possibility of state forces withdrawing themselves from Moreh if they are not allowed to exercise their authority in maintaining law and order.
COCOMI coordinator Jeetendra Ningomba addressed the media at their office in Imphal, emphasising the importance of disclosing the names of the leaders responsible for hindering state forces in carrying out their duty. This, he suggests, will allow the public to hold these leaders accountable.
