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Women folk enforcing counter-blockade in a valley area

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CSO leaders address the media after the closed door meeting

Regd. No. MANENG/2012/45461 Volume V, Issue 101 Imphal | Tuesday, December 20, 2016 | 10 Pages | `4.50

Pleasant with sun and some clouds

Sunday SpoilerTuesday Tickle

Labourers robbed in Ukhrul district

STAFF REPORTER

IMPHAL: Unknown armed persons robbed mobile phones and cash from 22 labourers engaged for black-topping work at T Kasom village in Ukhrul district.

As per disclosure of the robbed labourers, they were returning home on two vehicles from T Kasom on Monday afternoon from their work site. At about 4pm, some armed persons who claimed themselves to be cadres of NSCN (IM) stopped the Tata DI and the tipper truck in which they were travelling towards Imphal. The armed men then took them back to T Kasom village and locked them up inside a house till 10pm.

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STAFF REPORTER

IMPHAL: With an eye on preventing unwanted outcomes due to the increasing tension among the different communities living in the state and to make joint effort towards promotion of peaceful co-existence among the peo-ple, 15 civil society organisations (CSOs) of different communities resolved to convene an all com-munity meet at Khwairamband Keithel on December 21.

Tangkhul People’s Organisa-tion, Naga People’s Union, Zelian-grong Union (AMN), Ten Union Social Upliftment (Khurai), HERI-COUN, LIPUN, Komrem Union, ICHAM, CIRCA, Manipur Muslim Welfare Organisation, Manipur Muslim Online Forum, Malem Kanba Lup, Nagaram Women’s Society, KIMACS and women vendors’ organisations of the four Ima Keithel complexes would be organising the all community meet jointly.

It is said that the CSOs would also reach out to representatives

of UNC to take part in the meet.The decision to convene an

all community meet was ar-rived at after these CSOs held a closed door meeting at Naga-ram community hall on Mon-day. The meeting discussed the prevailing situation in the state following the incident of bandh supporters burning 22 vehicles and vandalising several properties at Khurai Heikru Makhong on Sunday. The meeting resolved to initiate a mission under the name and style ‘Goodwill mission for peaceful co-existence’ and nominated Ningthouja Lancha as the convenor.

Later, talking to media persons at Nagaram, Ningthouja Lancha informed that Sunday’s unfor-tunate incident at Khurai Heikru Makhong could have been avert-ed if the government listened to the protesters. On Sunday, the Imphal-Ukhrul road was blocked by counter economic blockade supporters, thereby preventing movement of vehicular traffic along that side. On receiving in-formation about several passen-gers remaining stranded in front of ISBT, some representatives of CSOs went there.

Upon reaching, they found deputy speaker Preshaw Shimray

and MLA Victor Keishing there. The CSO representatives told the MLAs that clubs and organisations of Khurai area are organising a public meeting and it would be prudent to wait for the meet-ing to get over after which they would arrange safe passage for the stranded passengers. How-ever, the MLAs did not listen to their proposition and forced their way through the agitators by arranging security escorts, thus resulting in the unfortunate violent incident, Lancha said.

Terming the arrangement of the government authority as unor-ganised, he asked the government why they should put up such forceful arrangement while the agitators are ready to provide safe passage.

Stating that all the commu-nities in the state love the state, Ningthouja Lancha said that the incident was an outcome of distrust among the different communities and allowing con-tinuation of such distrust would evoke unwanted consequences. So, Monday’s closed door meeting was organised with the objective to clear this distrust and bring about peaceful co-existence through a goodwill mission.

He further informed that the

meeting condemned the fail-ure of both the state and central government to take up initiatives to diffuse the tension and solve the issue. It also urged UNC to withdraw its indefinite economic blockade in the larger interest of the people.

Urging the people of all com-munities not to believe in ru-mours, the meeting further re-solved to prevent incidents like that of Khurai Heikru Makhong, Ningthouja Lancha said.

Observing that both the eco-nomic blockade and counter economic blockade are un-lawful and affects human rights, Lancha conveyed that the meeting denounced both form of agitations and resolved to organise an all community meet at Khwairamband Kei-thel on December 21 to take up initiatives for bringing about peaceful co-existence among the different communities living in the state.

Calling upon the people not to support the economic blockade as well as the counter economic blockade, he appealed to all to refrain from any act that might heighten communal enmity among the ethnic people.

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Villagers flee, more vehicles torchedSTAFF REPORTER

IMPHAL: Well-armed unknown persons forced stranded truckers as well as villagers of Golarthol and Leingangpokpi villagers in Jiribam district to vacate the area even as sus-pected supporters of both the indefinite economic block-ade and counter-blockade torched at least eight vehicles at different parts of the state on Monday.

According to a source, armed persons showed up at the Jiribam villages, where the loaded trucks were awaiting arrival of security escorts, and threatened the drivers of dire consequenc-es in case the vehicles defy orders to vacate the place.

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All community meet endorses peaceful co-existenceCSOs To Campaign Along Imp-Ukhrul

Road

4 die in Tamenglong road accident

CORRESPONDENT

TAMENGLONG: Four persons, including an infant girl, have been killed while six others suffered injuries of varying degrees as the Tata Sumo passenger carriers they were travelling in fell into a deep gorge near Bhalok Part-II village in Tamenglong district.

The incident occurred at about 2.30 pm Monday close to Bhalok Part-II village.

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Stop electioneering: CSOs to pol parties STAFF REPORTER

IMPHAL: Asserting that it is not pleasing to listen to rhetori-cal statements from political parties at this crucial junc-ture, different civil society organisations have asked all the political parties to sus-pend all forms of election campaigning until normalcy returns in the state.

International Peace and Social Advancement (IPSA), People Action for National Democratic Movement (PAN-DAM), Kanglei Apunba Mei-

ra Lup (Kanglamei), Kanglei Ima Lup (KIL), Kangleipak Students’ Association (KSA), Chanura Lamchinglen Kan-gleipak (CLK) and All Clubs Organisations Associations and Meira Paibi Lup (ACOAM-Lup) conducted a joint press conference at IPSA office, Keishampat on Monday.

Speaking at the press con-ference, Kanglamei president Leirik Leima pointed out that the state is currently on the verge of going up in flames due to the prolonged economic blockade imposed by UNC on

the national highways.Observing that even a slight

carelessness may lead to seri-ous consequences, Leirik Lei-ma said that political parties should not toy with this highly sensitive issue and indulge in blame games.

Stating that it is not the time to think for garnering votes, she asked leaders of all the political organisations to immediately put on hold all modes of electioneering until there is semblance of normalcy in the state.

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Curfew relaxed in IE, extended in WestIMPHAL: Prohibitory orders en-forced in Imphal West district as pre-emptive measures to contain escalating tension has been ex-tended from 6.30pm Monday till 9.30am Tuesday while the same restriction imposed in Imphal East district has been relaxed from

9.30 am till 6.30 pm on Tuesday.Orders issued by Imphal East

and West district magistrates asked people not to venture out of their homes during the curfew period and to take prior approval from authority concerned for religious and other ceremonies.

ANSAM reacts to KSO assertion, defends NSCN (IM), UNC

CHRONICLE BUREAU

IMPHAL: Reacting to al-legation leveled by Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO) against NSCN (IM) on the current crisis, All Naga Students’ Associa-tion, Manipur (ANSAM) has stated that the protracted Indo-Naga political imbro-glio needs to be resolved through political dialogue between the Government of India and the Nagas.

"KSO accusing NSCN (IM) for the present crisis in the 'failed state of Manipur' is indeed unfortunate."

"If there is anyone to be blamed for the prevail-ing crisis, then all fingers should point towards the state government and no one else," ANSAM said in

a statement issued by its publicity wing.

The KSO should know its own limitations and thereby refrain itself from meddling in the business of their friendly neighbours.

Trying to impede the Naga issue without know-ing the reality will prove to be too costly for the KSO, it said, while adding that ANSAM expects KSO to act as a mature students’ organisation for peaceful co-existence of all the com-munities.

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TRYING TO IMPEDE THE NAGA ISSUE WITHOUT KNOWING THE REALITY WILL PROVE TO BE TOO COSTLY FOR THE KSO

BJP MLAs criticise UNC, Cong govt

IMPHAL: BJP legislature wing leader Kh Joykisan and Thongju MLA Th Biswajit have lashed out at the Unit-ed Naga Council (UNC) and the Congress government for the escalation in tension in the state.

Addressing a press confer-ence at BJP office, Nityaipat Chuthek here on Monday, Joykisan asked UNC to im-mediately stop giving misery to the common people on the pretext of mounting pressure upon the state government.

Cautioning that UNC must be held responsible if their stir ignites communal flare-up in Manipur, he said the Naga apex body should immediately stop creating rift among people.

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Manipur situation under Naga Hoho scannerNEWMAI NEWS NETWORK

DIMAPUR: The Naga Hoho while expressing its dismay by the Sunday incident said that it been closely observing the developments taking place in Manipur "against the Na-gas". The Naga Hoho also said the attack on the Christian institutions and "innocent passengers" and burning down of vehicles by "state sponsored criminals cannot be tolerated" by the Nagas at any cost.

"We have been living to-gether as good neighbours in the past and we wish to do so in the days to come. However, it has proved be-yond doubt that Nagas and Meeteis to live separately is becoming inevitable as the

action and attitude of Meeteis towards Nagas speak volumes of hatred," the Naga Hoho stated, adding, "The war like situation created by the people of Manipur is beyond imagination".

The Naga Hoho then stated that it has been repeatedly

appealing the Government of Manipur and the Government of India to respect the genuine rights of the Naga people "but it has turned a deaf ear to the genuine cry of the people till today by allowing to exploit the common people".

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Tangkhul bodies, CNPO meet condemnIMPHAL: Tangkhul Katamnao Long Imphal (TKLI), Tangkhul People’s Organisation Imphal (TPOI) and Imphal Tangkhul Shanao Long (ITSL) have strongly condemned the ‘barbaric’ action of torching vehicles and goods of Ukhrul-bound passengers at Khurai Heikru Makhong and Seijang areas on December 18 and 19 respectively.

The rioters have caused un-

told suffering to the people, par-ticularly passengers heading home for Christmas. Seizure of personal belonging, burning of luggage that contained Christ-mas gifts for parents and dear ones is an act of savagery too much to bear in this civilized world, said a joint statement issued by TKLI, TPOI and ITSL functionaries.

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CM pledges to safeguard citizens, properties

CORRESPONDENT

THOUBAL: Chief minister O Ibobi Singh has stated that it is the bounden duty of the government to protect lives and safeguard public properties apart from maintaining law & order.

Development will come naturally when Manipur becomes a peaceful state and law & order is maintained effectively, he said, adding that the never ending bandh and blockades will hinder development and no project could be completed on time.

The chief minister was speaking at the inauguration of three police stations in the newly created Kakching district on Monday.

After inaugurating Arong Nongmaikhong, Hiyanglam and Wangoo police stations, the CM said all the three police stations existed earlier but could not register cases. "From now on, all these police stations could func-tion effectively and people living in far off places could lodge complaint apart helping in maintaining law & order."

He also inaugurated the 11/33kv power substation at Wangoo Santhel in Bishnupur district.

The inauguration function organised by state police department was also attended by deputy CM Gaikhangam, MLAs A Dwi-jamani and K Ranjit, DGP LM Khaute and other top police officials.

All the police stations inaugurated Monday have 58 police personnel each led by one inspector acting as the OC.

MUSU election rescheduled on Dec 28IMPHAL: Election of Manipur University Students' Union scheduled on December 20 has been deferred to December 28 due to prevailing situation in the state. According to a statement issued by returning officer professor S Dorendrajit Singh, the decision to defer the election was taken at a meeting of election committee and election observers held Monday. The meeting deeply discussed the prevailing law & order situation in the state and decided not to hold the election at the juncture.

11th state assembly poll date likely by Dec 24IMPHAL: The date for conduct of election to the 11th Manipur Legislative Assembly is most likely to be announced before December 24 by the Election Commission of India. P3

Many appeal for lifting blockade, counter-blockadeIMPHAL: Manipur People’s Party, Kabui Development Club, All Meitei Christians Art and Culture Observation Council and Manipur Pastoral Develop-ment Fellowship have called for lifting the economic blockade imposed by UNC and fervently appealed to all concerned to maintain communal harmony in the state. P3

MCPM condemns mob violenceIMPHAL: Deeply concerned by escalating tension between dif-ferent communities in Manipur, Maoist Communist Party Mani-pur (MCPM) said the UNC and the state government should be held responsible for any untoward in-cidents arising out of the current situation. P3

Internet/ data service to remain off for a week

IMPHAL: Mobile service providers op-erating in the state are going to stop offering internet and data service for a week to prevent rumours which could create communal clashes from being circulated in social media in the aftermath imposition of an econom-ic blockade by United Naga Council (UNC) along the national highways and counter blockade carried out in some areas of the valley districts. Full report on page 3

Understand divisive game-plan: CorCom CHRONICLE BUREAU

IMPHAL: Expressing deep con-cern over escalating tension between different communi-ties living in Manipur due to economic blockade and count-er blockade, the Coordination Committee (CorCom) said both agitations are crime against humanity and alleged that it a part of Union government’s game-plan to divide Manipur.

Sharing its view on the vol-atile situation, the conglom-erate of underground groups operating in Manipur said en-tire people of the erstwhile sovereign Manipur have been severely affected by block-ade and counter blockade. As long as people of Manipur (Kangleipak) and the WESEA

region remain under the rule of India, there is no hope for people of the region to lead a peaceful and meaningful life, a CorCom statement issued by its publicity committee said.

Since time immemorial, different indigenous people living in Manipur have been maintaining peace and har-mony among themselves and collectively defended the land as a sovereign nation at times of intrusion and challenges from neighbouring nations/kingdoms, CorCom reminded to the people and appealed people not to fall prey to di-visive policies being imple-mented in Manipur by India. The outfit further reminded to the people that divisive forc-es are trying their level best

to separate the age old bond that indigenous communities of Manipur have been main-taining.

Asserting that the Centre has been utilising the NSCN (IM) and their followers to cre-ate enmity between different communities while taking ad-vantage of peace-talk between them, it appealed to all to un-derstand divisive game-plan of common enemy.

CorCom further appealed to the people not allow com-munal clash to recur or any incident which might threaten good relation between hill and valley people and cautioned that no single community could survive or develop with-out the help and support from other communities.

MNPF appeals for peace

IMPHAL: While terming the ongo-ing economic blockade imposed by United Naga Council as crime against humanity, Manipur Naga People’s Front (MNPF) has asked the Naga body to relax the blockade before Christmas. An MNPF state-ment issued by assistant public-ity secretary Thomas Numai also warned that the outfit will take befitting action against UNC if the blockade is not lifted.

While condemning both eco-nomic blockade and count-er-blockade, the outfit also con-demned mob violence at Khurai area on Monday wherein goods of people going for Christmas were torched and damaged. It also con-veyed Christmas and New Year wishes and prayed for peace and communal harmony in Manipur.

Sarita Devi turns professional but wants to continue in amateur too P10

MHRPA president S Buddhachandra Singh inaugurating riding arena of Horse Riding and Polo Club at Sainik School Imphal, Monday

CM O Ibobi inaugurating newly constructed 11/33kv power sub-station at Wangoo Santhel in Bishnupur district on Monday