Tag: manipur

Manipur

868 Arms, 11,518 Ammunition Recovered In Manipur

By LokMarg

A total of 868 arms and 11,518 ammunition have been recovered to date from different areas in violence-hit Manipur, Kuldeep Singh, advisor (Security) to the Manipur government, said on Wednesday.

He also said a total of 57 arms, 318 ammunition, and 5 bombs were also seized by the authorities in the last 24 hours.
The recoveries of arms and ammunition were made from Porompat Police Station in Imphal East and Sugnu police station in the Kakching districts of Manipur.

Singh said curfew has been relaxed for 12 hours in five valley districts and for 10 hours and 8 hours in neighbouring hill districts of Manipur.

“There is no curfew in six other hill districts. Movement of essential items along NH-37 is ensured. 244 empty vehicles have left Imphal for Jiribam today. A total of 212 loaded vehicles have left Noney and 212 loaded tankers and trucks left Jiribam today,” said Singh, who was appointed the security advisor to the Manipur government in the beginning of May in view of the spiralling violence in Manipur.

“The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) UG 2023 for entrance to MBBS/BDS Course was conducted yesterday (June 6, 2023) at 22 centres (12 in Imphal West and 10 in Imphal East),” former Central Reserve Police Force chief said, adding, the examination was conducted in a peaceful manner and the attendance was normal.”

He further mentioned that ministers and MLAs of the state are visiting different areas in Manipur and appealing for peace.

“Ministers and MLAs of the state are visiting different areas of the state and appealing for peace and normalcy by meeting the public at large and CSOs. Security forces are also organizing meetings with CSOs, village heads of different villages and making an appeal for peace and normalcy, besides doing their duties of area domination, patrol,” the retired Indian Police Service officer from the 1986 batch said.

After Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s appeal on June 1, a total of 140 weapons were surrendered at different places in Manipur. The weapons then surrendered included SLR 29, Carbine, AK, INSAS Rifle, INSAS LMG, .303 Rifle, 9mm pistol, .32 pistol, M16 rifle, smoke gun and tear gas, locally made pistol, stun gun, modified rifle, JVP and grenade launcher.

The positive development was noted after the Home Minister’s four-day visit to Manipur ended on June 1.

Shah had then warned that strict action would be taken against those found possessing weapons during the combing operation by the police.

He had also appealed to the people in the Northeast state not to pay heed to rumours and maintain peace. On behalf of the central government, the Home Minister also expressed deep condolences to the families of those killed in Manipur violence.

Manipur faced violence on May 3 during a rally organised by the All Tribals Students Union (ATSU) to protest the demand for the inclusion of Meitei in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category.

The march was organised in protest against the demand for inclusion of the state’s Meitei community in the ST category, following an April 19 Manipur High Court directive. (ANI)

Read More: lokmarg.com

Manipur Member-Panel

Manipur: 3 Member-Panel Formed To probe Causes, Spread Of Violence

By LokMarg

The Centre on Sunday constituted a three-member Commission of Inquiry, headed by former chief justice of the Gauhati High Court Ajai Lamba, to investigate into the incidents of violence in Manipur which started in early May.

The Commission shall submit its report to the Central Government as soon as possible but not later than six months from the date of its first sitting.
The Government of India led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has notified a Commission of Inquiry under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952, chaired by Justice Ajai Lamba, former Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court with Himanshu Shekhar Das, IAS (Retd.) and Aloka Prabhakar, IPS (Retd.) as members to inquire into the incidents of violence in the state of Manipur on May 3 and thereafter, the official notification said.

The Ministry of Home Affairs in a release said the commission shall make inquiry with respect to the causes and spread of the violence, which took place in Manipur, and whether there were any lapses on the part of any of the responsible authorities or individuals.

The headquarters of the commission shall be in Imphal – the capital of Manipur.

Meanwhile, a total of 202 arms, 252 ammunition and 92 bombs of all kinds recovered after the visit of Home Minister Amit Shah to Manipur. A total of 789 arms and 10648 ammunition have been recovered till date.

Security Advisor to Government of Manipur Kuldiep Singh said that the situation in Manipur by and large remained under control.

There are reports of blockades at Imphal-Dimapaur National Highway-2. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has appealed to the people to lift the blockade.

In his tweet Home Minister has said, “My sincerest appeal to the people of Manipur is to lift the blockades at the Imphal-Dimapur, NH-2 Highway, so that food, medicines, Petrol/Diesel, and other necessary items can reach the people.I also request that Civil Society Organisations do the needful in bringing consensus. Together only we can restore normalcy in this beautiful state”.

“We hope that people will surely take into account the Home Minister’s appeal and lift the blockade on the Imphal-Dimapaur National Highway-2 at the earliest,” the official release said.

“Curfew relaxation has been made for 12 hours in the valley and 10 hours and 07 hours in the neighboring hill districts.During the last 24 hours 23 more arms have been recovered. This makes a total of 202 arms, 252 ammunition and 92 bombs of all kinds recovered after the visit of Home Minister. A total of 789 arms and 10648 ammunition have been recovered till date,” the official statement said.

Union Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah had visited Manipur during May 29 till June 1, 2023, and after taking stock of the situation had announced appointment of Commission of Inquiry.

Shah’s visit to the violence-hit state was to take stock of the situation and to hold talks with different stakeholders in a bid to restore a sense of calm in the state.

Amit Shah had urged all communities and sections of society to maintain peace, hold discussions and promote harmony as well as surrender their weapons to the police. He also appealed to the people not to pay heed to rumours and maintain peace and harmony.

Internet services continue to remain suspended and security forces deployed in Manipur after clashes between communities residing in hills and plains districts. The violence apparently started after a Scheduled Tribes reservation was demanded by the plains dwellers, who are predominantly Meiteis and are the majority in numbers.

Against those demands, a rally was organised by the All Tribals Students Union (ATSU) — mostly from Kuki community.

Manipur on Wednesday, which later turned violent and ever since there has been incidents of violence and arson with dozens of lives so far. However, curfew has been withdrawn in some districts.

Earlier today, Home Minister Amit Shah appealed to the people of Manipur to lift the blockades at the Imphal-Dimapur National Highway-2 so that basic food items, medicines, fuels and other necessary items can reach the citizens.

“I also request that Civil Society Organisations do the needful in bringing consensus. Together only we can restore normalcy in this beautiful state,” Shah wrote on Twitter. (ANI)

Read More: http://13.232.95.176/

Kiren Rijiju

Acts Of Force Will Only Exacerbate Situation: Rijiju

By LokMarg

Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday, appealed to people in Manipur to abstain from any form of violence and said efforts are on to work towards restoration of peace and order in the north-eastern State, which has been gripped by violence since May 3.

In an open letter written on behalf of the North East Member of Parliament Forum, Rijiju, who is also chairman of the body extended condolences to families of those who have lost their loved ones in the incidents in the State recently.
“The pain caused by the loss of lives and properties is irreplaceable, and our hearts go out to those who have been affected by these tragic events. We understand that emotions are running high at this moment, and people may be induced to violence. However, we appeal to every member of the community to abstain from the use of force or any kind of violence. Such acts will only exacerbate the situation and cause more harm to innocent people,” the Union minister wrote.

“We believe that every life is precious, and we are committed to working towards the restoration of peace and order in the affected areas. We are aware that our efforts will be incomplete without the cooperation of the public. Hence, we appeal to all members of the society to kindly help us in our endeavours to restore peace and order,” he elaborated.

A curfew was imposed on May 3 after violence broke out in the State. The State government also clamped down on the use of the Internet and mobile phones to ensure the spread of panic and false information could be curtailed.

Throughout this period, Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh had multiple meetings via video conferencing with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and top officials of the Home Ministry to assess the situation and centre sending paramilitary forces to the state.

As per the official figures close to 60 people lost their lives while more than 230 were injured and close to 1700 houses were burnt down during the violence that erupted on May 3.

We urge all members of the community to come together during these difficult times and work towards restoring peace and harmony in our society, the Cabinet Minister appealed.

Members of Parliament from northeastern states cutting across political parties are part of the North East MPs Forum to further the cause of the northeastern region, especially development.

The forum was formed under the guidance of former Lok Sabha Speaker, P A Sangma. His son Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma is also part of this forum. The President of the forum is Kiren Rijiju whereas the secretary is Congress MP Vincent Pala. (ANI)

Read More: lokmarg.com

Amit Shah about terrorist

Modi Transformed Congress’ ‘Act East Policy’: Shah

By LokMarg

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday came down heavily on Congress and said that the slogan for North-East was “Look East”, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi has changed to “Act East” and added that the BJP freed Manipur from terrorism.

“Earlier, the Congres’ slogan for North-East was ‘Look East’, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi has changed to ‘Act East’. We transformed Congress’s ‘Look East Policy’ into ‘Act East Policy’. We do what we promise,” said Amit Shah as he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of several development projects in Manipur.
Shah has laid the foundation stone of Rs 1,400 crore in the state.

He claimed that under the leadership of PM Modi, the northeast, especially Manipur, has become insurgency-free. He also said that PM Modi has increased the connectivity (both aerial and road) among the northeastern states.

“We had promised to make Manipur free from terrorism, today Manipur is completely free from terrorism and is walking on the path of development under the leadership of PM Modi and CM N Biren Singh,” Shah said while addressing the public.

Lauding the work of the party in the past 8 years he said that the BJP government has worked hard towards the development of the state and invested Rupees 3.45 lakh crore for several development projects.

“In just 8 years, PM Modi has visited Manipur 51 times and has invested Rs 3.45 lakh crore for various development projects. This is a proud moment for all of us,” Shah said.

He also said that India’s first sports university of 325 acres and Olympians Park is being constructed in Manipur which will inspire the youth of the state.

He claimed that under Biren’s leadership, citizens of the state are getting benefits under various schemes like Ayushman Bharat Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana etc.

“Manipur, which used to be the hub for insurgency and terrorism, is now been seen as the hub of hope, peace and stability,” Amit Shah said.

Amit Shah also unveil a 165 feet long Tiranga, the tallest in North East at the historic ‘Azad Hind Fauj’ headquarters in Moirang, where Netaji’s INA hoisted the Tiranga in 1944.

“Immensely proud to unveil a 165 feet long Tiranga, the tallest in North East at the historic ‘Azad Hind Fauj’ headquarters in Moirang, where Netaji’s INA hoisted the Tiranga in 1944. The Tiranga will keep reminding us of the heroes of our freedom struggle and inspire the youth,” tweeted Shah.

Underlining the commitment of the Modi government to honouring the true heroes, he said the Modi government is committed to honouring the true heroes of the Indian freedom struggle so that coming generations can know about their sacrifices.

“This is a befitting tribute to legendary Netaji Subash Babu, INA and all the brave hearts of Manipur, who fought for our Independence. Modi govt is committed to honouring the true heroes of the Indian freedom struggle so that coming generations can know about their sacrifices,” tweeted Shah.

Earlier today, Shah and Biren Singh inaugurated Churachandpur Medical College in Churachandpur and hoisted 175 feet tall National flag at INA Headquarters in Moirang. (ANI)

Read more: http://13.232.95.176/

Discrimi-Nation I

Discrimi-Nation I: Northeastern Distress

By LokMarg


Our Constitution makes us all equal, but India remains a land of all sorts of discrimination—caste, gender, religion, race. For all its melting pots and cosmopolitan bravado, New Delhi is no different. Thirteen years ago, Alana Golmei, a Ph.D. from Manipur, came to the Capital in search of a better life. Her story:

Every man and woman from the Northeast is distressed with the way they are treated in the capital city. They survive rapes, face sexual advances, brave physical assaults from locals and what have you. The worst-case scenario is for the girls who work late hours, or are employed at spas, massage parlours or other unconventional means to make a living.

My first job here was with a charity organisation in Nehru Place. I would commute from Dwarka to Nehru Place in a jam-packed bus. Men took opportunity whenever there was one to pass lewd comments or touch inappropriately. They would call me names (that I would prefer not to mention here as I still find them demeaning). Some bluntly made jokes about my Mongoloid features.

With poor job opportunities in Manipur and big responsibilities on my shoulders, I had come to Delhi in 2005. That was the time when there was a ban on women employment back home. Despite being a Ph.D in Sociology, I could not find a decent job. No matter how educated you were, in Manipur you would not get more than a ₹4,000-job to begin with.  Like every girl from the Northeast, I stepped out in want of a better financial future. I always wanted to teach. After coming to Delhi, I started applying to colleges. Not being well-versed in Hindi was a major handicap. I would be called for interviews, but the language barrier spoiled my prospects.

Harassment and racial slurs are common. I still believe that men and women from the northeastern part of the country are relatively more stylishly dressed. This is not to do with money or class; it is a cultural thing. And because we have a strong style statement, many people take us to be women of easy virtue.

On the rare occasions that I approached police, I could notice them jeering and sharing jokes about me with other colleagues right in front of me, for I didn’t know Hindi. Such experiences on a daily basis could break any aspiring youth. But the need for a better life and opportunity kept me going.  Two years after moving to Delhi, I met a group of boys and girls who shared their experiences of sexual abuse and racial slurs in Delhi. We decided to form a support group so that others from Northeast do not have to suffer what we did. Or at least, they have someone to approach for redressal of their issues. I soon realised the magnitude of the challenge before the group.   

Our support group would constantly face threats from the locals for approaching police. The local community would even resist our intervention and help. People would not give us accommodation on rent; those who did would charge us more than water and electricity bills. Indecent advances were common even at the time of negotiations for housing or work.  

Dealing with the police initially proved a huge challenge. They would not take our complaints seriously and more often found fault in our conduct. We often needed to pull strings to push the police take us seriously.

But I find satisfaction in what I am doing now. Our foundation helps the community in distress and also assists them in the tiresome process at court or police station to get them justice. Apart from my job as a researcher, my regular day includes holding sensitization workshops with the locals and the police.  Political statements are one thing but we have to make people realise that the Northeast is a part of India and we are Indians, just like them.

 

(Alana Golmei, 42, is a researcher and the founder of the North East Support Centre & Helpline)

More from Discrimi-Nation
Part II: The Dalit life sentence
Part III: ‘Caste is a dormant volcano’

 

—With editorial assistance from Lokmarg