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Manipur: Schools From Classes 1-8 Resume After Two Months

By LokMarg 5th July 2023

The schools under the Department of Education (Schools) of the Manipur government on Wednesday reopened and resumed their normal classes for Class 1-8 after more than two months of closure due to ethnic violence that erupted in the hilly state on May 3.

The move was taken keeping in mind the welfare of the students, said sources privy to the positive development, adding the parents and guardians of the students are happy with the opening of schools after prolonged summer vacation.

During an inspection of schools on the first day of resumption of classes, a source said the “students expressed their happiness”.

The schools had extended summer vacation from May 4 till July 4 due to the prevailing law and order situation in Manipur.

Even as normal classes resumed for standards 1-8, 96 of the 4,617 schools could not be opened as the premises are being utilised for relief operations, said sources.

“The students displaced by the recent violence in the state are allowed to get admission free of cost to nearby schools,” the source informed further.

“Further, the requirement of prior permission of Board of Secondary Education Manipur/Council of Higher Secondary Education Manipur (BoSEM/CoHSEM) for Class 9 to Class 12 has been relaxed for violence-affected students opting for a change of school and no fees shall be charged for updation of registration with BoSEM/CoHSEM in such cases,” the source said.

The Department of Education(S) and Samagra Shiksha, Manipur have distributed textbooks, exercise books, pens, pencils, Sports items and School uniforms for the displaced children staying at Relief Camp in both Hill and Valley districts.

“Till now 27,629 textbooks; 20,375 notebooks; 4,955 pencils; 3,483 sharpeners and erasers and 5,171 pens have been distributed to relief camps through concerned ZEOs. Further, 1,536 sports items such as football, carrom board sets, chess and ludo sets have been distributed to the relief camps,” the source added.

It was observed during an inspection on Wednesday that the maximum attendance at schools on Wednesday were recorded by students, who were displaced in the wake of the violence and were shifted to relief camps, the source informed further.

The conflict in Manipur led to many shifting to relief camps while leaving more than 130 people dead.

The ethnic violence and clashes also saw many houses, shops, business establishments and vehicles destroyed. (ANI)

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‘I Am Confused,’ Manipur CM On Reasons Behind Violence

By LokMarg 1st July 2023

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Saturday said he was also confused about reasons for ethnic violence in Manipur, saying his government had not made any recommendations if the Meitei community should or should not be included as Scheduled Tribe and that the answer may be with those who organised solidarity rally after which clashes erupted.

In an exclusive interview with ANI, Biren Singh also targeted the opposition Congress, saying “we are eating the poison fruits, seeds of which were sowed by them” .
“”I am confused as well…I had said a consensus is important…High Court had asked us; my Government had still not recommended if the Meitei community should or should not be included as Scheduled Tribe. There was four-week time. So, I don’t know the reason. It should be the organisation, that organised a solidarity rally to not include Meitei, that should tell the world…They have the answer…,” Biren Singh said when asked about the reasons behind ethnic violence in his state that erupted about two months back.

Asked if an international organisation could have a role to play, in the violence in his state, the Chief Minister said Manipur faces challenges of a border state.

“…Manipur is a neighbour to Myanmar. There is China nearby. 398 km of our borders are porous, unguarded. There are security forces but such a large area can’t be guarded…But going by what is happening, we can neither deny nor vehemently affirm…It seems pre-planned but the reason is not open…,” Biren Singh told ANI.

Biren Singh lashed out at opposition parties particularly the Congress, which has been demanding his resignation over law and order situation in the state.

“…Where did these problems come from? These are deep-rooted. They are not today’s problems. Those who are levelling allegations, like Congress – we are eating the poison fruits, seeds of which were sowed by them…The entire world knows whose mistake was it…The ethnic clash between Kuki and Meitei continued for two-three years, there were losses and deaths. That is why, the Kuki militants rose at that time…they were given a free run from 2005-2018, for 13 years. That is why this is happening…,” he said.

He said the state and Central governments were making all efforts for restoring peace in the state and added that he spoke with Kuki brothers and sisters over the telephone earlier in the day that “let’s forgive and forget”.

“We are making all efforts, at all levels, to restore peace. A few hours ago, I spoke with our Kuki brothers and sisters over the telephone that let’s forgive and forget; reconcile and live together like we always have…Government has only tried to screen the people coming from outside in the wake of Myanmar turmoil and send them back once the situation improves. Our priority is to restore peace normalcy in Manipur,” Biren Singh said.

The Chief Minister also gave a personal message to the people of the state saying all tribes have to live together and he will not allow division of the state.

“We are one. Manipur is a small state but we have 34 tribes. All of these 34 tribes have to live together…We just have to be careful that not many people from outside should come and settle here so that there is no demographic imbalance…As the CM, I promise you I won’t allow Manipur to break or allow separate administration. I will sacrifice to keep everyone as one,” he said.

Biren Singh slammed Rahul Gandhi who visited Manipur for two days earlier this week and alleged that he had come with “a political agenda”.

“We can’t stop anyone. But the timing – it has been 40 days. Why did he not come earlier? He is a Congress leader but in what capacity was he making the visit? I don’t think the timing was right. He seemed to have come with a political agenda. He came and then there was an incident in the market and BJP office was attacked. Did he come for the situation in the state or for political mileage? I don’t support the manner in which he came,” Biren Singh said.

The Chief Minister also revealed reasons for not deciding to go ahead with the decision to resign, saying he felt the support of people who had gathered outside his residence and that he had earlier felt hurt over actions of a section of people despite the Centre and state governments making a lot of efforts for restoration of peace in the state that has witnessed ethnic violence.

The Chief Minister has come under repeated attack from the opposition, particularly the Congress, over the law and order situation in the state.

Ethnic violence erupted in the State on May 3 after clashes during a rally organised by the All Tribal Students Union (ATSU) to protest against the demand for including Meiteis in the list of Scheduled Tribes (STs).

Home Minister Amit Shah visited the state and announced several measures for the restoration of peace. (ANI)

At This Crucial Juncture, I Will Not Be Resigning: Biren

By LokMarg 30th June 2023

Scotching speculations relating to his resignation, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Friday said he will not resign from his post “at this crucial juncture”.

“At this crucial juncture, I wish to clarify that I will not be resigning from the post of Chief Minister,” the Chief Minister said in a tweet.

The Chief Minister has come under repeated attack from the opposition, particularly the Congress, over the law and order situation in the state. Manipur has witnessed ethnic violence for nearly two months. Congress and some groups in the state have demanded Biren Singh’s resignation.

Earlier today, hundreds of women gathered near the residence of the Manipur Chief Minister to display their support for him. The CM also came outside his residence in Imphal and waved to people.

There were reports that he would meet the state Governor, which led to speculation that he may resign from his post.

Internet services continue to be suspended in the state and a curfew is in force in some areas.

Home Minister Amit Shah had visited the state and announced several measures for the restoration of peace. (ANI)

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Day 2 Of Manipur Visit: Rahul Arrives At Moirang Relief Camp

By LokMarg 30th June 2023

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi arrived at a relief camp in Manipur’s Moirang to meet people affected by violence in the north-eastern staying there. He was seen conversing with people there, enquiring about their health and well-being.

Earlier in the day, in an Instagram post, Rahul mentioned that it was heartbreaking to see and listen to the plight of those who have lost loved ones and homes due to the violence in Manipur.
“There is a cry for help in the face of every brother, sister and child I meet,” he said appealing for peace in the state.

Following his visit to the relief camps in Moirang, Rahul will be back in Imphal where he will meet civil society organisation leaders, United Naga Council’s leaders, 10 like-minded political parties and women leaders, Manipur Congress president, Keisham Meghachandra said.

Earlier on Thursday, the Congress leader met violence-affected people in Manipur’s Churachandpur on the first day of his two-day visit to the state that has seen ethnic violence. Rahul Gandhi in a tweet earlier said Manipur needs healing and peace has to be the only priority.

“I came to listen to all my brothers and sisters of Manipur. People of all communities are very welcoming and loving. It’s very unfortunate that the government is stopping me. Manipur needs healing. Peace has to be our only priority,” he said.

Rahul Gandhi, who landed in Imphal on Thursday, returned to the state capital after local police prevented his convoy from proceeding to Churachandpur. Police said it had been done for “security” reasons and the Congress leader could go by air. The Congress leader’s convoy was stopped at a checkpost near Bishnupur, which is about 20 kilometres from Imphal. (ANI)

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Manipur: Rahul To Meet Like-Minded Party Leaders, Civil Society Members

By LokMarg 30th June 2023

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi who is on his two-day visit to the state, arrived in Moirang on Friday to meet people affected due to violence in the state. He will also meet 10 like-minded party leaders and members of civil society organisation in Imphal.

Manipur Congress president, Keisham Meghachandra informed that the Congress leader will also meet 10 like-minded party leaders and United Naga Council (UNC) leaders and civil society organisation members after returning to Imphal.

“Rahul Gandhi will meet all the affected families and visit the relief camps in Moirang. After that, he will be back in Imphal. At Imphal Hotel he will meet civil society organisation leaders, United Naga Council’s leaders, 10 like-minded political parties and women leaders. He is here only for peace,” Meghachandra said.

Earlier on Thursday, the Congress leader met violence-affected people in Manipur’s Churachandpur on the first day of his two-day visit to the state that has seen ethnic violence.

Rahul Gandhi in a tweet earlier said Manipur needs healing and peace has to be the only priority.

The Congress leader’s convoy was stopped at a checkpost near Bishnupur, which is about 20 kilometres from Imphal. (ANI)

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Manipur: Armed Rioters Open Fire Towards Haraothel Village, Casualties Reported

By LokMarg 29th June 2023

Armed rioters began unprovoked fire towards village Haraothel in Manipur on Thursday morning and swift action by the Army resulted in cessation of firing, said the Indian Army, adding that some casualties were also reported.

“Unprovoked firing by Armed Rioters towards village Haraothel in Manipur commenced at 5.30 AM. Own troops deployed in the area immediately mobilised to prevent escalation of the situation. While enroute to the site, own columns drew effective fire from armed rioters. Own troops responded in a calibrated manner to prevent any collateral damage. Swift action by troops resulted in the cessation of firing. Unconfirmed reports indicate some casualties. A build-up of large crowds in the area also reported”, the statement of the Army said.
Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s convoy which was on its way to Manipur’s Churachandpur was stopped by local police at a check post near Bishnupur, which is about 20 kilometres from the State capital Imphal.

Gandhi who had landed in Imphal earlier today for a two-day visit was on his way to Churachandpur where he planned to meet people displaced by the recent clashes at the relief camps.

Ethnic clashes broke out in the State nearly two months ago on May 3 after clashes erupted during a rally organised by the All Tribal Students Union (ATSU) to protest against the demand for the inclusion of Meiteis in the list of Scheduled Tribes (STs). (ANI)

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Women Activists In Manipur Are Deliberately Interfering In Ops Of Security Forces: Army

By LokMarg 27th June 2023

Noting several incidents in past of women-led mob interfering in operations of security forces in Manipur, the Indian Army has said that “blocking” movement of security personnel is not only unlawful but also detrimental to their efforts towards restoring law and order.

In a tweet on Monday, the Spear Corps of the Indian Army posted a video, showing several incidents of women activists “deliberately” interfering in the operations of the security forces, ranging from “blocking” their route to “accompanying armed rioters”.
“Women activists in #Manipur are deliberately blocking routes and interfering in Operations of Security Forces. Such unwarranted interference is detrimental to the timely response by Security Forces during critical situations to save lives and property. Indian Army appeals to all sections of the population to support our endeavours in restoring peace,” Spear Corps of the Indian Army said in a tweet.

A recent such instance happened last week when security forces had to “release” 12 cadres of the proscribed extremist outfit, including self-styled Lt Col Moirangthem Tamba, who is the mastermind of the 6 Dogra ambush case of 2015, which had killed 18 army personnel.

On June 24 operation, 12 cadres of the Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) were apprehended along with arms, ammunition and War like stores.

The army said that the officer on the ground made a considerate decision to hand over all 12 cadres to the local leader, after a mob of approximately 1200-1500, led by women and the local leader immediately surrounded the target area and prevented Security Forces from continuing with the operation, which was launched in Village Itham (06 km East of Andro) in Imphal East district. (ANI)

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Manipur: Internet Ban Extended Again Till June 30

By LokMarg 25th June 2023

The Manipur government on Sunday extended the ban on internet services in the state for five more days to prevent any disturbances of peace and public order.

According to an official release, the ban on internet services in the Northeast state, which has been racked by ethnic clashes and violence, has been extended till 3 pm on June 30 to “prevent any disturbances of peace and public order in the jurisdiction of the State of Manipur”.
The government release informed further that the ban on mobile internet services in the state was extended due to the “persisting unrest”.

“Director General of Police, Manipur vide letter No.IC/11(163)/2008-PHQ(Pt) dated 24-06-2023 reported that there are still reports of incidents of violence, attacks and arson of houses and premises including exchange of firing,” the release stated.

“There is apprehension that some anti-social elements might use social media extensively for the transmission of images, hate speech and hate video messages inciting the passions of the public which might have serious repercussions for the law and offer situation in the State of Manipur,” it added.

This is the third straight extension of the ban on internet services in the state.

Earlier, on May 3, the Manipur government suspended mobile internet services in the state, amid the spiralling ethnic violence, and the ban has remained in force ever since.

The government extended the ban on June 11, till June 15, and then again, for five more days, from June 20 to June 25.

Manipur has been in the throes of ethnic violence for a month, in the wake of a directive of the high court asking the state government to consider including the Meitei community in the list of Scheduled Tribes (STs).

The Centre had to deploy paramilitary forces as violence escalated in the Northeast state.

Violence gripped Manipur on May 3 after clashes erupted during a rally organised by the All Tribals Students Union (ATSU) to protest against the demand for the inclusion of Meiteis in the list of Scheduled Tribes (STs). (ANI)

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Manipur Returning To Normalcy, Not One Life Lost Since June 13: Shah

By LokMarg 24th June 2023

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said that Manipur is returning to normalcy as no life was lost since June 13.

“The situation in Manipur is slowly returning to normal. Since the late night of June 13, not a single person has died in violence in the state. So far 1,800 looted weapons have been surrendered,” Shah said after chairing an all-party meet in New Delhi to discuss the prevailing situations in Manipur.
Talking about the measures taken regarding the situation in Manipur, he further said that 36,000 security personnel are deployed in the state, 40 IPS officers and 20 medical teams have been sent to the state and the supply of all essential items including medicines is being ensured.

“Fencing work of 10 km of Myanmar-Manipur border has been completed, tendering work for 80 km of border fencing has been completed and survey of remaining border is underway,” he added.

The meeting was called by Amit Shah to take stock of the situation in the violence-wracked state. BJP national president JP Nadda, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and CPI(M) MP John Brittas among other leaders were present in the meeting.

Violence gripped Manipur on May 3 after clashes erupted during a rally organised by the All Tribals Students Union (ATSU) to protest the demand for the inclusion of Meiteis in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list.

Union Home Minister also said that all political parties sensitively and apolitically gave their suggestions for restoration of peace in Manipur and the government will consider these suggestions with an open mind.

Shah said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been constantly monitoring the situation in Manipur since day one and guiding us with full sensitivity to find a solution to this problem.

“Modi government is committed to solve the Manipur problem by taking everyone together. The priority of the Modi government is that no more lives should be lost due to violence in the state,” the minister added.

The Home Minister solicited the cooperation of all the political parties to help defuse the situation and restore peace and trust among various communities in Manipur at the earliest.

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President JP Nadda said that all possible steps are being taken by the central government for a quick solution to the Manipur problem.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been keeping an eye on this whole incident since day one. Manipur issue is very sensitive and needs to be handled with sensitivity. We discussed with an open mind the useful suggestions given by all political parties and assured the government will take all possible steps to solve the Manipur problem,” Nadda said.

The BJP chief also said that the issues of Manipur are rooted in many old factors which have also led to the flare-up of the present violence.

“Home Minister Amit Shah himself discussed in detail with all the different groups in Manipur for 4 days. The Home Minister also visited the relief camps there, Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai stayed there for more than 20 days. The Modi government is making every possible effort to normalize the situation. We are confident that peace will return to Manipur very soon,” he added. (ANI)

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Situation Tense But Under Control In Manipur: State police

By LokMarg 24th June 2023

The Manipur Police on Saturday said that the situation in the violence-prone state is tense but under control. Though some sporadic incidents have been reported in some districts, in most districts the situation is normal.

The police said in a statement that district security coordination committee meeting is held at the districts regularly. Patrolling, flag marches and cordon and search operations are also conducted in vulnerable areas, they said adding that special emphasis is given on fringe areas in both hill and valley districts.
A combined team of District Police Imphal-West and Central Forces along with Executive Magistrates conducted search operations at two locations in Imphal West District on Saturday.

Earlier on Friday, the Manipur Police conducted a search operation by a joint team of Kangpokpi District Police and Central forces across four locations in Kangpokpi in which four bunkers were destroyed. Six bunkers have been occupied by security forces.

In the press statement, the police said that the movement of essential items along NH-37 is being ensured with strict security measures. Curfew has been relaxed for 12 to 15 hours in five valley districts, Pherzawl and Jiribam districts, eight to ten hours in Tengnoupal, Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts and no curfew in the remaining six Hill Districts.

The Manipur police said that on Friday evening at 8:35 pm a warehouse at Kangla Sangomshang was set under fire. The Imphal-East under Heingang PS was set on fire by a mob. Imphal East District Police dispersed the mob and the fire service controlled the fire.

Incidents of arson also took place at two other locations in Imphal East District, the police said. The State Police and Central Forces controlled the situation and dispersed the mob by using tear gas and smoke shells.

The Manipur police said that during the last 24 hours, five arms have been recovered from Imphal East districts. A total of 1100 arms, 13,702 ammunitions and 250 bombs of different kinds have been recovered to date, they added. (ANI)

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