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A dignitary carried up to the function venue

Education minister Dr Ratankumar inaugurates KGBV, Imphal West

A sister publication of ‘ Poknapham’

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Regd. No. MANENG/2012/45461 Volume V, Issue 102 Imphal | Wednesday, December 21, 2016 | 10 Pages | `4.50

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Ratankumar inaugurates residential schoolSTAFF REPORTER

IMPHAL: Education minister Dr Kh Ratankumar inaugurated a residential school set up under Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidya-laya (KGBV) scheme in Imphal West district at Lamboikhong-nangkhong on Tuesday.

Speaking at the inaugura-tion function as chief guest, Dr Ratankumar stressed the need for giving thrust to education sector in order to accelerate all-round development.

He said that all the schools, being run under Kastur-ba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) scheme, including the one, which was inaugurated on Tuesday, have residential facility for students up to Class VIII only.

However, he had request-

ed the Union HRD minister to make all these schools ful-ly residential up to Class X as wished by guardians, Ratan-kumar added.

Stating that the state gov-ernment has been developing infrastructures like classrooms,

libraries and toilets of govern-ment schools, the minister ob-served that quality and accessi-bility are keys to bring change in the education sector.

Informing that efforts are being put in to develop more infrastructures in education

sector through schemes like RMSA, SSA and RUSA as well, he said that a recruitment drive is underway to solve the problem of manpower shortage as well.

Maintaining that many stu-dents usually go outside the state to pursue medical and technical studies after Class XII, Ratankumar said that the state government had established JNIMS, IIIT and Manipur Tech-nical University, etc. in order to solve the problem of absence of technical and medical institutes in the state.

Uripok AC MLA L Nanda-kumar attended the function as president while Education (S) commissioner M Lakhs-mikumar and Imphal Munic-ipal Corporation Ward No. 27 corporator N Herojit as guests of honour.

Creation of Kangpokpi dist celebrated

STAFF REPORTER

IMPHAL: Kangpokpi District Celebration Committee host-ed a district hood celebration function at Brigadier M Thomas ground on Tuesday.

Speaking on the occasion, Kangpokpi assembly constit-uency MLA Nemcha Kipgen observed that Kangpokpi dis-trict was created as people had collectively raised the demand.

People celebrated the landmark de-cision by carrying local MLA Nemcha Kipgen and ADC chairman Haokholal Hangshing in two separate litters. They also presented gifts to them as token of appreciation.

People have been demanding for the district over 40 years and they have got their demand as they collectively raised the demand to the government, the MLA said, adding it is a big gift that

the people have received for launching a movement together.

Even if Sadar Hill district is not an-nounced, people should be glad that a new Kangpokpi district has been announced, she said, adding," we all have been successful."

It is our responsibility to defend the district's boundary, she said, urging people to strive for developing the district like other districts.

AMUCO blames inaction by Centre, state for crisis

STAFF REPORTER

IMPHAL: All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO) has condemned the Central and state governments for remaining silent despite un-wanted incidents taking place in Manipur as fallout of the indefinite economic blockade of UNC, which began from November 1.

Addressing media persons at AMUCO office here on Tuesday, president Ph Devan appealed to all organisations and the people to refrain from both economic block-ade and counter blockade. He appealed to the UNC to withdraw its indefinite eco-nomic blockade immediately and organisations in valley areas to cease their count-

er blockade activities. Both activities caused unwanted hardships to the people of the state irrespective of living in the hills or valley, he said.

On the other hand, both the state and central governments are remaining silent over the UNC-sponsored economic blockade despite witnessing hardships faced by the people and the escalating tension among different communities. AMUCO strongly condemned the blame games being played by both the governments, Devan said.

Celebration of Ningol Chakkouba and Kut, which are among the most import-ant festivals of the state, was marred by the indefinite eco-nomic blockade of UNC.

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NPP seeks Centre’s intervention to diffuse tension in state

STAFF REPORTER

IMPHAL: Observing that the indefinite economic blockade of UNC along the national highways in Manipur has caused severe hardships to the people as well as triggered a series of unwant-ed incidents, National People’s Party (NPP) Tuesday urged the Centre to intervene on the matter and resolve the issue at the earliest.

Addressing media persons at the party office in Chingmeirong Mamang Leikai, NPP working president Ch Ajang Khongsai informed that the pre-vailing situation in the state has taken a serious turn, and might affect peace and tranquillity. In such a situation, Centre should take the responsibility to initiate measures to diffuse the tension and restore normalcy in the state. Even though the state government is taking up steps to resolve the issue, Centre too

should intervene and bring a solution before it is too late.

With the state assembly election likely to be held in the next couple of months, the party met the DG ECI team on Monday and requested the commission to defer the election until the situation returns to normalcy, Ajang said.

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Many appeal for lifting blockade

IMPHAL: Citing severe hard-ships being faced by the peo-ple of Manipur, Indian Na-tional Trade Union Congress (INTUC), Manipur branch has appealed to the UNC to with-draw its economic blockade along the national highways on humanitarian ground.

In a statement, INTUC Ma-nipur branch general secre-tary Yumnam Ranapratap charged the Central gov-ernment of not taking any initiative to resolve the issue despite the fact that more than 30 lakh population of the state are suffering due to the ongoing agitation.

He further asked the state government how long it can manage to fetch essential commodities by using se-curity forces.

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Police avert arson bid in restive Nunggei

STAFF REPORTER

IMPHAL: Nunggei area, under Lilong police station in Thoubal district remained tense owing to misunderstanding between two communities residing in the area.

Amidst the escalating tension, a group of people tried to torch a house on Tuesday morning but police and paramilitary forces deployed in the area intervened and managed to push back the people.

According to sources, some people pelted stones and attempted to torch a house located at the intersection of the two villages. How-ever, police and paramilitary forces deployed in the area reacted swiftly and controlled the situation thereby averting fresh round of violence in the area. Immediately after getting the news, additional police teams from Thoubal led by the SP rushed to the village and pacified villagers of both the sides.

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Zeliangrong Baudi demands PR IMPHAL: Alleging that the state government is backing the ongoing counter economic blockade and harassing the hill people living in the valley area, Zeliangrong Baudi, Manipur has demanded the central gov-ernment to impose President’s Rule (PR) in Manipur to safeguard the minorities.

The Baudi also condemned act of arson at Khurai and Sekmai areas.

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Govt likely to upgrade aided

collegesSTAFF REPORTER

IMPHAL: Even though no ob-jection was raised on the proposal for upgrading some aided colleges to government institutions, the state cabi-net meeting held on Tuesday evening has not adopted any resolution on the issue.

The aided colleges likely to figure among the upgraded institutions include Liber-al, Biramangol, Standard, Pravabati, Kakching Khunou and Thambal Marik colleges.

On the other hand, the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) would be discussing the prevailing situation in the state and explore means to resolve the issues in its meet-ing on Wednesday morning.

Apart from others, the main agenda of the meeting would be the increasing ten-sion in the state following the indefinite economic blockade imposed by UNC and the sub-sequent counter economic blockade activities in some pockets of valley areas.

EGM cautions media houses

CHRONICLE BUREAU

IMPHAL: Pointing out that publication of provocative statements issued by dif-ferent organisations will be detrimental to the interest of Manipur and its people, Ed-itors’ Guild Manipur (EGM) has asked media houses not to entertain press state-ments which are likely to create misunderstanding in the society.

A Guild release issued by its secretary reminded media houses that the tense sit-uation besieging the state merits minute scrutiny of press statements so as to en-sure that the people to live harmoniously. It also to all concerned to refrain from issuing statements that could heighten tension in the state.

Nungba police take custody of UNC leadersSTAFF REPORTER

IMPHAL: UNC president Gaidon Kamei (52) and publicity secretary Shangkhel Stephen (36) have been formally arrested by Nungba police from the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Imphal East on Tuesday in connection with an FIR case of damaging and burning down of vehicles at Noney during the UNC-sponsored economic blockade. The court remanded the two to police custody till January 3, 2017.

Prior to passing the remand order, the investigation officer (IO) of Tadubi police station informed the court that the two UNC leaders were subjected to interrogation during their seven days custody, and that the duo disclosed about two other UNC volunteers namely Dili Mao and Athili Mao were involved in criminal activities.

The IO also conceded that the latter duo is yet to be arrested as their whereabouts are not known.

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Curfew extended in Imphal West district IMPHAL: In view of tense situa-tion prevailing in the state, the district magistrate of Imphal West has extended imposition of curfew under sub-section 2 of 144 CrPC from 6.30pm Tuesday till 4am Wednesday. Police used loudspeakers in key areas in Imphal West district inform-ing people to remain indoors till the end of curfew period. Meanwhile, curfew imposed in Imphal East district has been relaxed from 4.30am till 7pm on Wednesday except Lam-long to Yaingangpokpi stretch of Imphal-Ukhrul road and Lamlong bridge to Pangei along Saikul road and areas lying with-in 300 metres on both flanks of the two roads.

MU students protest postponing of MUSU pollIMPHAL: Large number of students of Manipur University Tuesday protested decision to postpone the election of the Manipur University Students’ Union (MUSU) from its earlier schedule to December 28, citing prevailing situation in the state. P3

Keirao locals suspend road blockadeIMPHAL: The stir of blocking Imphal-Yairipok road imposed by Keirao villagers in connection with the death of N Ebemu has been temporarily lifted following an understanding. P3

Moreh commando complex attacked, no casualty

IMPHAL: A bomb fired by some unknown armed persons from a rocket launcher exploded right in the middle of complex of com-mando unit of Moreh police. The rocket bomb believed to be fired from atop a nearby hill exploded at about 5.30pm Tuesday but no casualty was reported though some vehicles parked inside the complex were partially damaged. The police commando complex falls under the newly created Tengnoupal district. Additional forces have rushed to the area after the attack and conducted a search operation but there is no report of any arrest.

AGENCIES

NEW DELHI: The Centre has rushed around 4,000 paramilitary personnel to Manipur in the wake of violence following economic blockade on National Highways connecting the state.

While around 1,500 paramilitary personnel were rushed in to Mani-pur in last two days, around 2,500 paramilitary were dispatched to the state last week, a senior Home Ministry official said on Tuesday.

The security personnel were sent to the north-eastern state keeping in view the security situation in the state in the wake of violence following the economic blockade imposed by the United Naga Council on two National Highways since November 1.

The UNC has imposed the economic blockade on NH-2 (Imphal-Dimapur) and NH 37 (Imphal-Jiribam) that serve as lifelines for the landlocked Manipur.

Amid the volatile situation in Ma-nipur, Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang has sought the intervention of both the Centre and Manipur govern-

ment in securing the lives and property of Naga people in the Imphal valley.

Zeliang in separate letters to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Manipur Chief Minister Ibobi Singh on Monday drew their attention to the plight of hundreds of Nagas who are stranded in the Imphal valley and claimed that they were prevented from proceeding to their respective villages in the hills.

“It is reported that several buses and other vehicles carrying Nagas have

been stopped and torched. It appears that the law enforcing authorities in Imphal are not in a position to check or stop such lawless and violent activities which is endangering the lives of the Nagas in Manipur,” Zeliang wrote in a letter to the Union Home Minister.

Seeking immediate intervention of the Union Home Minister to ensure that the lives and property of the Nagas in the Imphal valley are secured, Ze-liang assured that all steps were being taken by his government to safeguard

the safety of Manipuris residing in or travelling through Nagaland.

In a separate letter to the Prime Minister, lone Lok Sabha MP from Nagaland Neiphiu Rio alleged that the Naga community had been specifi-cally targeted and there was obvious political motivation behind the well-planned attacks.

He regretted that thousands of people including students who are returning home for the festive season have been impacted.

Unfortunately, there was no sem-blance of law and order or presence of any law enforcing agencies to protect the innocents from the unlawful and anti-social elements, he alleged.

Stating that the Central government can no longer remain a silent specta-tor, Rio demanded that a "high-level investigation team by an appropriate agency should be formed so that the spirit of democracy was retained and the culprits were punished as per laws of the land."

Centre rushes 4000 paramilitary personnel to stateNeiphiu Rio

Demands High Level Investigation

NSF imposes ‘total blockade’ of Manipur-bound vehiclesKOHIMA: Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has decided to impose a ‘total blockade’ on all Manipur-bound ve-hicles, including passenger and goods carriers, in all Naga-inhabited areas till the Manipur government gave its assurance to Naga people about their safety and security in that state.

Many innocent Naga travellers in Manipur were assaulted, their vehicles set on fire and luggage damaged on the highways in the past few days, NSF president Subenthung Kithan alleged on Tuesday.

A mob had vandalised 22 vehicles on Imphal-Ukhrul Road on December 18.

In this regard, Kithan said, the de-cision to impose a total blockage on Manipur vehicles, including passenger

and good carriers, was taken.The NSF president also cautioned that

anybody travelling from Naga-inhabited areas to Manipur would be doing so at his or her own risk.

Kithan, however, said NSF would exempt students travelling back to Manipur from their vacations.

The United Naga Council (UNC) has imposed an indefinite economic blockade on the National Highways of Manipur since November 1 hampering supply of essential items.

The UNC has been agitating against the Manipur government's decision to create Sadar Hills and Jiribam into full-fledged districts, claiming it would bifurcate ancestral land of Nagas in the state.

UNC team meets Home Minister Rajnath SinghDIMAPUR: United Naga Council (UNC) has urged the Central Government for imposition of President's Rule in Manipur.

According to the leaders of UNC, they met Union Home minister Rajnath Singh this morning in New Delhi and placed their demand.

Rajnath Singh has said that the Cen-tral Government is "seriously looking into Manipur situation", UNC leaders informed Newmai News Network over the phone from New Delhi.

According to UNC, Rajnath Singh told them that the Central Government is fully aware of the situation in Manipur. "We will do what is needed to be done," the Union Minister was quoted by the UNC leaders as saying.

During the meeting with the Union Minister, the UNC leaders urged the former to immediately intervene into the prevailing situation in Manipur and for unconditional release of their president Gaidon Kamei and publicity secretary SK Stephen. The UNC team told the Union Home minister that the "Nagas have no faith" in Manipur Government. "So, we have demanded immediate intervention of the Centre into the situation," the UNC leaders added. The UNC team also told Rajnath Singh that the Nagas in Manipur cannot accept creation of the 7 new districts.

Meanwhile, sources said that the UNC team is likely to meet President Pranab Mukherjee soon to apprise him on the situation in Manipur.

Road blocks enforced on the Imphal-Ukhrul road at Khurai area

Bike torched, many vehicles damagedSTAFF REPORTER

IMPHAL: One motorcycle has been torched while wind-shields of many vehicles, in-cluding two belonging to SP Senapati, were damaged by supporters of counter-eco-nomic blockade on Tuesday.

According to a source, supporters of counter blockade set afire 20 bales of second hand clothes which were found loaded in a BRTF vehicle in the wee hours Tuesday at Khonghampat area along Imphal-Dima-pur road. The clothes were unloaded from the vehicle and set afire on the roadside, the source said, adding that a convoy of SP Senapati was also attacked at the same area at about 11am.

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Two firemen hurt in stone peltingIMPHAL: Two personnel of Imphal Fire Station sustained injuries after unknown persons pelted stones on their way to Pangei to salvage a fire incident on Monday night. The injured firemen have been identified as sub-officer T Oken and fireman T Ningthem.

Manipur Fire Service divisional officer L Nabachandra told media persons that the fire tender was on its way to Pangei Nepali Basti On the way, unknown persons pelted stones towards the fire tender and injured the two fire-men.

Fuel crisis deepens, 1000 trucks strandedSTAFF REPORTER

IMPHAL: IOC has stopped al-locating diesel and petrol to fuel stations as the stock level has fallen alarmingly low due to intensification of economic blockade on the national highways.

The IOC depot now has pet-rol stock for only two days and diesel for five days, said a source.

As such, the govern-ment-run oil company has suspended allocation of fuel for public distribution, the source added.

Regarding the questions raised by different sections on the current status of Malom oil depot, an IOC source in-formed that all the mandatory processes and tests required for stocking transport fuel in the depot had been com-

pleted.However, the UNC-spon-

sored economic blockade came into effect before IOC could stock oil in the depot, the source added.

Another source said that in view of the present volatile situation, the government is withholding the arrangement of sending tankers to ship in petrol and diesel or escorting back oil tankers stranded at Jiribam to Imphal.

The situation is unlikely to improve any sooner as there is no plan of the state gov-

ernment to bring back the stranded trucks loaded with essential commodities.

It was on December 12 that the state government brought back goods trucks to Imphal under tight security. Since then, there is no arrangement to bring back the stranded trucks.

It is said that the recent attacks on security forces and the series of unwanted acts carried out by economic blockade supporters might be the reason for the state gov-ernment to refrain from mak-ing security arrangements for escorting the stranded loaded trucks back to Imphal.

Information received from Jiribam said that around 1000 petroleum tankers and 500 other goods trucks are wait-ing for security escort at the newly created district HQs.

MORE THAN 100 OIL TANKERS INCLUDING 35 PETROL CARRIERS AND 65 DIESEL TANKERS APART SOME KEROSENE CARRIERS AND ATF TANKERS ARE BEING STRANDED AT JIRIBAM

A meritorious student being honoured with certificate during 3rd convocation of NIT Manipur held Tuesday at its Langol complex

An artiste receiving prize from government consultant RK Nimai during valedictory function of state youth festival at Khuman Lampak