KSO questions MFYF’s motive
The Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Dec 3: Questioning the motive of MAFYF in organising a Wakat Mee-pham yesterday to oppose the ongoing army operation at Khengjoi, Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), Khengjoi Block asserted that there is no such organisation called Peace and Development Committee under Khengjoi Block from which MAFYF had collected information.
In a statement, secretary general of the student body Jamlet Haokip said it should be remembered that so far more than 35 persons have been killed or maimed for life in landmines planted by UGs. But none of the valley based social organisations had come forward to condemn such barbaric acts of the outlawed UGs.
Where are the human rights conscious social lea-ders when people of Kheng- joi were fighting against the outlawed UGs who took away the lives of the innocent villagers by planting landmines in the name of self protection against the security forces ?, he questioned, adding that it was only the KCA and KSO who raised their voice against such activities of the UGs.
Appealing to all social leaders not to play the communal card, KSO Khengjoi Block said that if there is any situation concerning the people of Khengjoi Block, the KCA and KSO in collaboration with Kuki Movement for Human Rights will tackle the issue.
The KSO Khengjoi block also urged the security forces to clear the area of landmines so that the people of the area could once again live without fear in their search for daily sustenance. The student body further appealed to both the security forces and the UGs operating in the area to avoid maximum collateral damage and protect the civilian from their ongoing battle.
===========================================================
SF claim killing three UGs in Chandel operations; UNLF counterclaims, says four SF killed
By : A Staff Reporter 12/4/2007 2:01:41 AM The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, Dec 3: Security forces today claimed to have killed at least three militants in a firefight in the vicinity of Old Samtal in the ongoing military operations in the border areas of Chandel district, even as the proscribed UNLF has claimed that four Indian security forces personnel were killed in the same incident, and several others wounded.
Neither the claim nor the counter-claim could be independently verified at this time.
A statement issued by the PRO, HQ, IGAR (South), said troops of the 44 Assam Rifles gunned down three militants in a firefight today in operations in the Old Samtal area.
The bodies could not however be recovered as the remaining militants manged to drag them away under cover of heavy fire, the statement said, without giving more details.
A spokesperson of the UNLF, on the other hand, informed media houses in Imphal four Indian soldiers were killed and some others wounded in a heavy exchange of fire with MPA cadres this evening in the vicinity of Old Somtal village.
The spokesperson also claimed that there had been no casualties among the UNLF/MPA in the firefight.
In the meantime, the Assam Rifles statement went on to say that success is being achieved at all steps in the operations by the AR against the UGs in the Samtal area.
As of today, the security forces have secured and consolidated areas upto Tuitong. 26 more IEDs have been recovered and destroyed, bringing the total number of IEDs recovered so far to 115.
Road till Changjal village has been opened using dozers and till now nine villages have been cleared of the UG presence, it said.
The inspector general, Assam Rifles (South), along with commander 26 sector Assam Rifles visited Sehlon village on November 30, and besides personally directing the operations interacted with the locals.
The locals were surprised and happy to interact with the general officer and expressed their joy and gratitude at the efforts of the AR to rid them of the menace of the militants, the statement said.
=================================================================
Chandel villagers fleeing due to SF shelling, says UNLF
By : A Staff Reporter 12/4/2007 2:00:38 AM The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, Dec 3: The proscribed United National Liberation Front, UNLF, has charged that indiscriminate shelling by Indian forces in the ongoing operations in the border areas of Chandel district have caused hundreds of villagers to flee their homes.
A statement issued in this connection by Ksh Yoiheiba, senior publicity officer, UNLF said some 350 villagers of Old Somtal and S Bongjoy villages have fled their homes, and are living in appalling conditions.
The statement said Indian forces in their current offensive have not been able to progress beyond Tuitung. Instead, they have concentrated at Tuitung and commenced shelling surrounding jungle area with heavy weaponry at the rate of over 200 a day.
This has resulted in local villagers abandoning their homes amidst the harvesting season, it claimed, stating that this was one of the Indian forces’ objectives, in order to coerce the locals into giving up support for the UNLF by making them suffer hardship.
250 villagers from Old Somtal area have taken refuge at New Somtal, while another 100 villagers belonging to S Bongjoy have fled to Tuileng village, it said.
The villagers, including women and children, are suffering considerable hardship due to the cold and lack of adequate food.
The MPA is extending whatever aid it can, but this cannot be sustained, the statement said, and urged civil society and humanitarian groups to come to the assistance of the refugee villagers.
The statement also reminded that when, last year, Chandel villagers fleeing due to SF shelling, says UNLF villagers of Dingpi and Khengjoi were similarly driven out from their villages due to indiscriminate bombardment by the security forces, the MPA had selflessly extended assistance to them, but this was deliberately misprotrayed by some Kuki groups with the accusation that the UNLF/MPA had kidnapped the villagers.
In this context, the UNLF reminded Kuki groups and organisations that at times of distress, past misunderstandings must be set aside, and each brethen community must come to the aid of the other.
================================================================
Governor calls for ‘barrier free’ environment for the disabled
By : A Staff Reporter 12/4/2007 1:59:26 AM The Imphal Free Press
Imphal, Dec 3: "In order to support the independent functioning of persons with disabilities we have to provide 'barrier free' environment with access to all vital activities such as education, health care, leisure, sports, public transport etc".
This was stated by Manipur Governor Dr. SS Sidhu as a chief guest at the observation of World Disability Day held today at the campus of Spastics Society, Manipur at Ghari in Imphal West. The function was jointly organized by the Manipur social welfare department and Spastics Society, Manipur.
The Governor also said that disabled persons and children are part and parcel of our society as such society and family members should not treat them as a burden. If given opportunity, care and proper training, they can compete with their able counterparts. "They should fight in the battle of life with firm determination and courage," opined Dr. Sidhu.
Apart from the function, an exhibition was also held showcasing the crafts of disabled persons. Art works which depicted scripts like "We may have lost our limbs, but we are armed with confidence", "We may be different; are not we all" were displayed at the exhibition.
Letkhogin Haokip, commissioner, social welfare department and Sushma Rasput, director of Spastics Society of Manipur were also present in the function.
World Disabled Day was also observed at Moirang Khunou Maning Leikai today by the United Voluntary Youth Council, in association with the Moirang Khunou Handicapped Self-Help Group,
K Maharabi Singh, ex-United Nations volunteer, and secretary UVYC, and Dilip Wangkhem, ex-UVV, delivered lectures on the need and importance of people’s participation and taking initiative towards providing care and supprt servce as well as appropriate job facilitation to people with disabilities.
The programme was attended by 135 participants, including 30 people with disabilities.
In the meantime, the Agent for Social Chance is jointly organising disabilities medical camps in association with the state social welfare department for issue of disabilities certificate on December 5 and 7 at ASOC Training Hall, Litan Sareikhong, and Leiyaram village, Yaingangpokpi bazar respectively.
==================================================
Planning Commission likely to block release of further development funds
By : A Staff Reporter 12/4/2007 1:58:25 AM The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, Dec 3: With the inability to submit utilization certificates and physical progress status of the projects under the reconstruction plan of the state to the Planning Commission of India, state authorities now feel doubtful of release of further funds from the Centre.
Interestingly, most works for the current financial year, 2007-08 have not yet started even though funds were released by the government of India, officials observed.
The reconstruction plan for the state was sanctioned during the financial year 2005-06 by the Planning Commission of India for accelerating development of infrastructure and initiating special schemes for employment.
The same was sanctioned considering the need for improving the socio-economic condition of the people of the state apart from bridging the vast gaps in infrastructure that have occurred on account of low plan expenditure, especially during the 10th five year plan period.
Three years are complete since the start of implementation of various priority projects in the state under reconstruction plan (Special Plan Assistance) but with the failure to submit utilization certificates and physical progress reports of projects, there is apprehension of blocking of further release of funds.
The Planning Commission of India during the last three years sanctioned and released Rs. 713.07 crores to the state under SPA for the projects under reconstruction plan. The amount released is out of the total of Rs. 1024.75 crores approved so far under the plan. The amount includes those for some projects taken up during the year 2004-05 which the state government could not complete and include under the reconstruction plan.
The planning commission is yet to release the remaining balance funds amounting to Rs. 211.38 crores while the implementing agencies or departments have not furnished utilization certificates (UCs) and physical progress reports for the implementation of schemes and projects taken up during 2004-05, 2005-06, 2006-07 and 2007-08.
Among others, projects and schemes implemented and under implemention under the reconstruction plan include infrastructure development for conversion of Manipur University into Central university, construction of state capitol project, development of district and additional deputy commissioner’s headquarters, special employment generation programmes, upgradation of roads from state headquarters to district headquarters, upgradation of roads from district headquarters to sub-divisional headquarters and other critical gaps.
Various meetings to review the expenditure status and progress reports of the projects/schemes under the plan were held in the last around one month. A meeting under the chair of the chief minister was held today late evening also.
The meetings were held as there is possibility of blocking or delay in the release of the remaining funds (i.e. Rs. 211.38 crores) in the event of non-submission of UCs and physical progress status to the planning commission which are required for further sanction and release of funds, a source observed.
In one of the review meetings held on November 27 last, the source said that all the departments were asked to complete the works taken up by them during 2004-07 within the deadlines given.
============================================================
Anti-Langol NIT lobby threaten to call strike on Dec 7
The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, Dec 3: Civil society organisations campaigning against the plans for setting up the proposed National Institute of Technology, NIT, at the Lamphel Langol area have threatened to call a general strike on December 7 next if the government does not change its mind on the issue.
The 24-hour general strike, proposed to begin from midnight of December 7 and end at midnight of December 9, is being backed by the JAC for protection of 91-Meitei Langol Patta Land Residential Area, Kuki Women`s Union, Manipur, Thadou Students Association, and Hmar Inpui.
Secretary of the JAC, CS Khongsai, addressing a press conference this afternoon also informed that a three member delegation, including ex-MP Kim Gangre, president Hmar Inpui Lalrwalthang and joint secretary of the JAC Kamlianthang Guite have met Congress leader Sonia Gandhi today at New Delhi and submitted a memorandum demanding the immediate intervention for a review of the state government decision to local the NIT at the Lamphel Langol area.
He observed that despite repeated appeals and memoranda submitted to the chief minister to withdraw the decision for setting up the NIT on residential patta land and agricultural land of the Langol area, the state government remains deaf, neglecting the common wisdom of various social organisations.
The JAC with support from various civil society organisations will continue to struggle against the government move, he declared.
The state government by continuing to insist on locating the NIT at the Langol area is inviting the same sort of tragedy that has occurred at Nandigram in West Bengal, he warned, and lamented that the government appears to be only for the chief minister and ministers alone. It has totally failed to act for the welfare of the people, he said.
President, Kuki Women`s Union, Rose Mangsi said the prospect of setting up an NIT in Manipur is a welcome one, but the abrupt decision to locate it at residential and agricultural land at Langol is the wrong one.
The government should think of balanced development by allocating the prestigious project to the hill districts, she said.
President, Thadou Students Association, H Marcel, said the motive of the state government in concentrating major development projects in the Imphal area was highly questionable.
Pointing out that many civil society and student bodies of the hill areas have pledged to provide land for the proposed NIT, he said the government must reconsider its decision choosing the Langol area as the NIT site and examine the possibility of locating it at an appropriate site in the hill areas.
He said, if the government fails to heed their joint appeal and does not withdraw the decision to set up the NIT on residential and agricultural land in the Langol area, they would call a 24 hour state wide general strike from December 7 midnight, he said.
He also said the general strike will be relaxed for essential services and educational institutions.
================================================================
Sonia briefed on NIT site issue
By Our Staff Reporter The Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Dec 3: A delegation led by former MP Kim Gangte today called on UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi at New Delhi to expressed their opposition to the move being made by the State Government to set up the National Institute of Technology (NIT) at Meitei Langol even as the Thadou Students’ Association (TSA) has announced its decision to call a 24-hour State wide general strike with effect from midnight of December 7 over the same issue.
Addressing a press conference convened jointly in this connection at Manipur Press Club here today, secretary of JAC for Protection of 91-Meitei Langol Patta Land and Residential Area CS Khongsai informed that a three-member delegation of JAC led by ex-MP Kim Gangte today called on UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi to exert pressure on the latter to prevail upon the Government to review its decision of setting up NIT at Meitei Langol.
Sonia Gandhi has also given her assurance to the delegation of taking up the issue with the State Government, Khongsai said, adding that failure of the State Govt to cancel its land allotment order for setting up NIT at Meitei Langol would invite Nandi-gram like violence in the State.
The present Government is only for the Chief Minister and his Ministers and not for the people, he alleged.
Kuki Women Union pre-sident Prof Rose Mangshi who was also present at the occasion come out strong-ly against concentration of developmental activities only in the valley areas while neglecting the hill districts completely.
While observing that there should be equal development both in the hills and the valley districts, she questioned why the proposed NIT cannot be set up at a suitable site either in Churachandpur or Sadar Hills instead of the controversial site at Meitei Langol.
Necessary preparations have been made for launching various intense agita- tions along with the support of various like-minded organisations in case the Government is not ready to concede to the demand of the people, she added.
The president of Thadou Students’ Association (TSA) H Marcel who also addressed the press conference announced the deci- sion of the student body to call a 24-hour State wide general strike with effect from midnight of December 7 as first phase of the agitation against the Govt in connection the move being made to set up NIT at Meitei Langol. Water supply, medical, power, press, religious function and educa- tion would be exempted from the purview of the general strike, he said, adding categorically that no transporters should ply on the road during the strike.
=======================================================
CLP impasse reflects on Mahila Cong
By Our Staff Reporter The Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Dec 3: Taking serious note of the protracted impasse within the Congress Legislature Party, the Manipur Pradesh Mahila Congress Committee has conveyed its desire to end the impasse within December 15 and to make someone who has the interest of the Congress workers at heart the CLP leader.
Talking to media persons this afternoon at Congress Bhavan, Mahila Congress Committee president M Priyomala said that the existing impasse within the CLP is causing more difficulties and anxiety to Congress workers. In case, the two rival groups cannot arrive at an amicable solution within December 15, the Mahila Congress will present the case to Sonia Gandhi and urge for her intervention.
During the recent trip to Delhi to attend an AICC session there, the Mahila Congress president appealed to the AICC presi- dent to look into the crisis arising out of the demand for a change in the leadership of the CLP and to send observers to Manipur as soon as possible, she conveyed.
Disclosing that written applications were submitted to Chief Minister O Ibobi, who is also the CLP leader, to take up some welfare programmes for Congress workers, she lamented that the Chief Minister has taken up nothing concrete towards this end till date. Priyomala also claimed that party supporters who have been working for the Congress all their life want to have someone sympathetic to Congress workers including those working at grass root level as the CLP leader.
Reacting to the reported statement issued by the Khangabok Congress Ma-hila Mandal which said that the move to replace O Ibobi as Chief Minister of Mani-pur was unfortunate and ill- timed, Priyomala asserted that no self-styled func-tionaries of the Khangabok Block Mahila Congress should take advantage of the situation when AICC leadership is trying to patch up the rift among the Congress MLAs.
Stating that there is no such body as Khangabok Block Congress Mahila Committee at present, Priyomala denounced the alleged undue remark made by a few self-proclaimed Block Mahila functionaries who appeared to be influenced by other people in the context of the continuing internal crisis of the CLP.
She observed that the act of some unscrupulous ele-ments aimed at reaping per- sonal benefits out of the political crisis is against the rules and established norms of the Congress party which she claimed is a disciplined party.
The Manipur Pradesh Mahila Congress Committee president also warned all Block and District Committees not to act without prior permission from the State Committee.
The Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Dec 3: Questioning the motive of MAFYF in organising a Wakat Mee-pham yesterday to oppose the ongoing army operation at Khengjoi, Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), Khengjoi Block asserted that there is no such organisation called Peace and Development Committee under Khengjoi Block from which MAFYF had collected information.
In a statement, secretary general of the student body Jamlet Haokip said it should be remembered that so far more than 35 persons have been killed or maimed for life in landmines planted by UGs. But none of the valley based social organisations had come forward to condemn such barbaric acts of the outlawed UGs.
Where are the human rights conscious social lea-ders when people of Kheng- joi were fighting against the outlawed UGs who took away the lives of the innocent villagers by planting landmines in the name of self protection against the security forces ?, he questioned, adding that it was only the KCA and KSO who raised their voice against such activities of the UGs.
Appealing to all social leaders not to play the communal card, KSO Khengjoi Block said that if there is any situation concerning the people of Khengjoi Block, the KCA and KSO in collaboration with Kuki Movement for Human Rights will tackle the issue.
The KSO Khengjoi block also urged the security forces to clear the area of landmines so that the people of the area could once again live without fear in their search for daily sustenance. The student body further appealed to both the security forces and the UGs operating in the area to avoid maximum collateral damage and protect the civilian from their ongoing battle.
===========================================================
SF claim killing three UGs in Chandel operations; UNLF counterclaims, says four SF killed
By : A Staff Reporter 12/4/2007 2:01:41 AM The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, Dec 3: Security forces today claimed to have killed at least three militants in a firefight in the vicinity of Old Samtal in the ongoing military operations in the border areas of Chandel district, even as the proscribed UNLF has claimed that four Indian security forces personnel were killed in the same incident, and several others wounded.
Neither the claim nor the counter-claim could be independently verified at this time.
A statement issued by the PRO, HQ, IGAR (South), said troops of the 44 Assam Rifles gunned down three militants in a firefight today in operations in the Old Samtal area.
The bodies could not however be recovered as the remaining militants manged to drag them away under cover of heavy fire, the statement said, without giving more details.
A spokesperson of the UNLF, on the other hand, informed media houses in Imphal four Indian soldiers were killed and some others wounded in a heavy exchange of fire with MPA cadres this evening in the vicinity of Old Somtal village.
The spokesperson also claimed that there had been no casualties among the UNLF/MPA in the firefight.
In the meantime, the Assam Rifles statement went on to say that success is being achieved at all steps in the operations by the AR against the UGs in the Samtal area.
As of today, the security forces have secured and consolidated areas upto Tuitong. 26 more IEDs have been recovered and destroyed, bringing the total number of IEDs recovered so far to 115.
Road till Changjal village has been opened using dozers and till now nine villages have been cleared of the UG presence, it said.
The inspector general, Assam Rifles (South), along with commander 26 sector Assam Rifles visited Sehlon village on November 30, and besides personally directing the operations interacted with the locals.
The locals were surprised and happy to interact with the general officer and expressed their joy and gratitude at the efforts of the AR to rid them of the menace of the militants, the statement said.
=================================================================
Chandel villagers fleeing due to SF shelling, says UNLF
By : A Staff Reporter 12/4/2007 2:00:38 AM The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, Dec 3: The proscribed United National Liberation Front, UNLF, has charged that indiscriminate shelling by Indian forces in the ongoing operations in the border areas of Chandel district have caused hundreds of villagers to flee their homes.
A statement issued in this connection by Ksh Yoiheiba, senior publicity officer, UNLF said some 350 villagers of Old Somtal and S Bongjoy villages have fled their homes, and are living in appalling conditions.
The statement said Indian forces in their current offensive have not been able to progress beyond Tuitung. Instead, they have concentrated at Tuitung and commenced shelling surrounding jungle area with heavy weaponry at the rate of over 200 a day.
This has resulted in local villagers abandoning their homes amidst the harvesting season, it claimed, stating that this was one of the Indian forces’ objectives, in order to coerce the locals into giving up support for the UNLF by making them suffer hardship.
250 villagers from Old Somtal area have taken refuge at New Somtal, while another 100 villagers belonging to S Bongjoy have fled to Tuileng village, it said.
The villagers, including women and children, are suffering considerable hardship due to the cold and lack of adequate food.
The MPA is extending whatever aid it can, but this cannot be sustained, the statement said, and urged civil society and humanitarian groups to come to the assistance of the refugee villagers.
The statement also reminded that when, last year, Chandel villagers fleeing due to SF shelling, says UNLF villagers of Dingpi and Khengjoi were similarly driven out from their villages due to indiscriminate bombardment by the security forces, the MPA had selflessly extended assistance to them, but this was deliberately misprotrayed by some Kuki groups with the accusation that the UNLF/MPA had kidnapped the villagers.
In this context, the UNLF reminded Kuki groups and organisations that at times of distress, past misunderstandings must be set aside, and each brethen community must come to the aid of the other.
================================================================
Governor calls for ‘barrier free’ environment for the disabled
By : A Staff Reporter 12/4/2007 1:59:26 AM The Imphal Free Press
Imphal, Dec 3: "In order to support the independent functioning of persons with disabilities we have to provide 'barrier free' environment with access to all vital activities such as education, health care, leisure, sports, public transport etc".
This was stated by Manipur Governor Dr. SS Sidhu as a chief guest at the observation of World Disability Day held today at the campus of Spastics Society, Manipur at Ghari in Imphal West. The function was jointly organized by the Manipur social welfare department and Spastics Society, Manipur.
The Governor also said that disabled persons and children are part and parcel of our society as such society and family members should not treat them as a burden. If given opportunity, care and proper training, they can compete with their able counterparts. "They should fight in the battle of life with firm determination and courage," opined Dr. Sidhu.
Apart from the function, an exhibition was also held showcasing the crafts of disabled persons. Art works which depicted scripts like "We may have lost our limbs, but we are armed with confidence", "We may be different; are not we all" were displayed at the exhibition.
Letkhogin Haokip, commissioner, social welfare department and Sushma Rasput, director of Spastics Society of Manipur were also present in the function.
World Disabled Day was also observed at Moirang Khunou Maning Leikai today by the United Voluntary Youth Council, in association with the Moirang Khunou Handicapped Self-Help Group,
K Maharabi Singh, ex-United Nations volunteer, and secretary UVYC, and Dilip Wangkhem, ex-UVV, delivered lectures on the need and importance of people’s participation and taking initiative towards providing care and supprt servce as well as appropriate job facilitation to people with disabilities.
The programme was attended by 135 participants, including 30 people with disabilities.
In the meantime, the Agent for Social Chance is jointly organising disabilities medical camps in association with the state social welfare department for issue of disabilities certificate on December 5 and 7 at ASOC Training Hall, Litan Sareikhong, and Leiyaram village, Yaingangpokpi bazar respectively.
==================================================
Planning Commission likely to block release of further development funds
By : A Staff Reporter 12/4/2007 1:58:25 AM The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, Dec 3: With the inability to submit utilization certificates and physical progress status of the projects under the reconstruction plan of the state to the Planning Commission of India, state authorities now feel doubtful of release of further funds from the Centre.
Interestingly, most works for the current financial year, 2007-08 have not yet started even though funds were released by the government of India, officials observed.
The reconstruction plan for the state was sanctioned during the financial year 2005-06 by the Planning Commission of India for accelerating development of infrastructure and initiating special schemes for employment.
The same was sanctioned considering the need for improving the socio-economic condition of the people of the state apart from bridging the vast gaps in infrastructure that have occurred on account of low plan expenditure, especially during the 10th five year plan period.
Three years are complete since the start of implementation of various priority projects in the state under reconstruction plan (Special Plan Assistance) but with the failure to submit utilization certificates and physical progress reports of projects, there is apprehension of blocking of further release of funds.
The Planning Commission of India during the last three years sanctioned and released Rs. 713.07 crores to the state under SPA for the projects under reconstruction plan. The amount released is out of the total of Rs. 1024.75 crores approved so far under the plan. The amount includes those for some projects taken up during the year 2004-05 which the state government could not complete and include under the reconstruction plan.
The planning commission is yet to release the remaining balance funds amounting to Rs. 211.38 crores while the implementing agencies or departments have not furnished utilization certificates (UCs) and physical progress reports for the implementation of schemes and projects taken up during 2004-05, 2005-06, 2006-07 and 2007-08.
Among others, projects and schemes implemented and under implemention under the reconstruction plan include infrastructure development for conversion of Manipur University into Central university, construction of state capitol project, development of district and additional deputy commissioner’s headquarters, special employment generation programmes, upgradation of roads from state headquarters to district headquarters, upgradation of roads from district headquarters to sub-divisional headquarters and other critical gaps.
Various meetings to review the expenditure status and progress reports of the projects/schemes under the plan were held in the last around one month. A meeting under the chair of the chief minister was held today late evening also.
The meetings were held as there is possibility of blocking or delay in the release of the remaining funds (i.e. Rs. 211.38 crores) in the event of non-submission of UCs and physical progress status to the planning commission which are required for further sanction and release of funds, a source observed.
In one of the review meetings held on November 27 last, the source said that all the departments were asked to complete the works taken up by them during 2004-07 within the deadlines given.
============================================================
Anti-Langol NIT lobby threaten to call strike on Dec 7
The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, Dec 3: Civil society organisations campaigning against the plans for setting up the proposed National Institute of Technology, NIT, at the Lamphel Langol area have threatened to call a general strike on December 7 next if the government does not change its mind on the issue.
The 24-hour general strike, proposed to begin from midnight of December 7 and end at midnight of December 9, is being backed by the JAC for protection of 91-Meitei Langol Patta Land Residential Area, Kuki Women`s Union, Manipur, Thadou Students Association, and Hmar Inpui.
Secretary of the JAC, CS Khongsai, addressing a press conference this afternoon also informed that a three member delegation, including ex-MP Kim Gangre, president Hmar Inpui Lalrwalthang and joint secretary of the JAC Kamlianthang Guite have met Congress leader Sonia Gandhi today at New Delhi and submitted a memorandum demanding the immediate intervention for a review of the state government decision to local the NIT at the Lamphel Langol area.
He observed that despite repeated appeals and memoranda submitted to the chief minister to withdraw the decision for setting up the NIT on residential patta land and agricultural land of the Langol area, the state government remains deaf, neglecting the common wisdom of various social organisations.
The JAC with support from various civil society organisations will continue to struggle against the government move, he declared.
The state government by continuing to insist on locating the NIT at the Langol area is inviting the same sort of tragedy that has occurred at Nandigram in West Bengal, he warned, and lamented that the government appears to be only for the chief minister and ministers alone. It has totally failed to act for the welfare of the people, he said.
President, Kuki Women`s Union, Rose Mangsi said the prospect of setting up an NIT in Manipur is a welcome one, but the abrupt decision to locate it at residential and agricultural land at Langol is the wrong one.
The government should think of balanced development by allocating the prestigious project to the hill districts, she said.
President, Thadou Students Association, H Marcel, said the motive of the state government in concentrating major development projects in the Imphal area was highly questionable.
Pointing out that many civil society and student bodies of the hill areas have pledged to provide land for the proposed NIT, he said the government must reconsider its decision choosing the Langol area as the NIT site and examine the possibility of locating it at an appropriate site in the hill areas.
He said, if the government fails to heed their joint appeal and does not withdraw the decision to set up the NIT on residential and agricultural land in the Langol area, they would call a 24 hour state wide general strike from December 7 midnight, he said.
He also said the general strike will be relaxed for essential services and educational institutions.
================================================================
Sonia briefed on NIT site issue
By Our Staff Reporter The Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Dec 3: A delegation led by former MP Kim Gangte today called on UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi at New Delhi to expressed their opposition to the move being made by the State Government to set up the National Institute of Technology (NIT) at Meitei Langol even as the Thadou Students’ Association (TSA) has announced its decision to call a 24-hour State wide general strike with effect from midnight of December 7 over the same issue.
Addressing a press conference convened jointly in this connection at Manipur Press Club here today, secretary of JAC for Protection of 91-Meitei Langol Patta Land and Residential Area CS Khongsai informed that a three-member delegation of JAC led by ex-MP Kim Gangte today called on UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi to exert pressure on the latter to prevail upon the Government to review its decision of setting up NIT at Meitei Langol.
Sonia Gandhi has also given her assurance to the delegation of taking up the issue with the State Government, Khongsai said, adding that failure of the State Govt to cancel its land allotment order for setting up NIT at Meitei Langol would invite Nandi-gram like violence in the State.
The present Government is only for the Chief Minister and his Ministers and not for the people, he alleged.
Kuki Women Union pre-sident Prof Rose Mangshi who was also present at the occasion come out strong-ly against concentration of developmental activities only in the valley areas while neglecting the hill districts completely.
While observing that there should be equal development both in the hills and the valley districts, she questioned why the proposed NIT cannot be set up at a suitable site either in Churachandpur or Sadar Hills instead of the controversial site at Meitei Langol.
Necessary preparations have been made for launching various intense agita- tions along with the support of various like-minded organisations in case the Government is not ready to concede to the demand of the people, she added.
The president of Thadou Students’ Association (TSA) H Marcel who also addressed the press conference announced the deci- sion of the student body to call a 24-hour State wide general strike with effect from midnight of December 7 as first phase of the agitation against the Govt in connection the move being made to set up NIT at Meitei Langol. Water supply, medical, power, press, religious function and educa- tion would be exempted from the purview of the general strike, he said, adding categorically that no transporters should ply on the road during the strike.
=======================================================
CLP impasse reflects on Mahila Cong
By Our Staff Reporter The Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Dec 3: Taking serious note of the protracted impasse within the Congress Legislature Party, the Manipur Pradesh Mahila Congress Committee has conveyed its desire to end the impasse within December 15 and to make someone who has the interest of the Congress workers at heart the CLP leader.
Talking to media persons this afternoon at Congress Bhavan, Mahila Congress Committee president M Priyomala said that the existing impasse within the CLP is causing more difficulties and anxiety to Congress workers. In case, the two rival groups cannot arrive at an amicable solution within December 15, the Mahila Congress will present the case to Sonia Gandhi and urge for her intervention.
During the recent trip to Delhi to attend an AICC session there, the Mahila Congress president appealed to the AICC presi- dent to look into the crisis arising out of the demand for a change in the leadership of the CLP and to send observers to Manipur as soon as possible, she conveyed.
Disclosing that written applications were submitted to Chief Minister O Ibobi, who is also the CLP leader, to take up some welfare programmes for Congress workers, she lamented that the Chief Minister has taken up nothing concrete towards this end till date. Priyomala also claimed that party supporters who have been working for the Congress all their life want to have someone sympathetic to Congress workers including those working at grass root level as the CLP leader.
Reacting to the reported statement issued by the Khangabok Congress Ma-hila Mandal which said that the move to replace O Ibobi as Chief Minister of Mani-pur was unfortunate and ill- timed, Priyomala asserted that no self-styled func-tionaries of the Khangabok Block Mahila Congress should take advantage of the situation when AICC leadership is trying to patch up the rift among the Congress MLAs.
Stating that there is no such body as Khangabok Block Congress Mahila Committee at present, Priyomala denounced the alleged undue remark made by a few self-proclaimed Block Mahila functionaries who appeared to be influenced by other people in the context of the continuing internal crisis of the CLP.
She observed that the act of some unscrupulous ele-ments aimed at reaping per- sonal benefits out of the political crisis is against the rules and established norms of the Congress party which she claimed is a disciplined party.
The Manipur Pradesh Mahila Congress Committee president also warned all Block and District Committees not to act without prior permission from the State Committee.
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