NE not benefitted by Centre's liberalization policy: Ibobi, Call for development of road connectivity
By : A Staff Reporter 12/21/2007 12:46:21 AM
IMPHAL, Dec 20: The north eastern states of the country including Manipur have not benefitted under the Central government's liberalization policy, the state chief minister O Ibobi Singh has said.
A copy of the speech presented by the chief minister at the 54th National Development Committee meeting held yesterday at New Delhi stated that during the Eleventh Five Year Plan period, there is need for strengthening the administration and physical infrastructure to enable the north eastern states to respond appropriately to the liberalization policy.
"The Central government needs to consider a suitable mechanism for directing investments into the less developed north eastern states," it stated.
The CM while dwelling on the issues concerning Manipur and north east states of the country in the NDC meeting at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi on Wednesday emphasised the importance of infrastructure development programme and road development and said that there was need for more extensive road network and improvement of the existing roads especially in the north east.
The road density of Manipur in 2002 was only 51.2 kilometers as against the all India average of 74.73 kilometers. This dismal position is equally true in respect of most of the states of NE region, he said, adding that poor connectivity is one of the root causes for near absence of industrialization and high cost of production making it almost impossible to export most products from the area.
He also observed that the resource starved NE states, with relatively low level of road density, cannot on their own ensure development of the road network system without special Central funding and urged expeditious implementation of the special accelerated road development programmes connecting all the state capitals and district headquarters of the NE region.
While lauding the target for reducing poverty by 10 percentage points during 11th plan period, Singh said that it was certainly a positive step towards ensuring inclusive growth in the country.
He also said that the industrial and service sector have recorded unprecedented growth. Anti-poverty and employment-oriented programmes have gained momentum in the country and it should not only be sustained but also more vigorously implemented, he observed.
Expressing his concern over the retardation of the overall growth rate of 8 percent during the 10th plan period in the agriculture sector, the Manipur CM suggested the need for expeditious completion of irrigation projects by providing adequate funds so that the required modest growth rate of 4.1 percent could be achieved during the 11th plan period.
Talking in the context of the state the CM put down that due to state's narrow resource base it has become extremely difficult for the state government to meet its requirements. The annual plan allocation along with the non-plan funds is inadequate to meet the state government's genuine needs, he stated and requested the Central government to come forward to supplement the resource gaps and to consider converting long and medium term loans to one-time grants.
The Imphal Free Press
========================================
Rs. 15 lakh pension bills passed at gunpoint
By : A Staff Reporter 12/21/2007 12:45:31 AM
IMPHAL, Dec 20: Pension bills amounting to more than Rs. 15 lakhs were forcibly passed at the Moreh sub-treasury at gunpoint by suspected cadres of KNA on December 6.
Regarding the matter, Moreh police station registered a case on December 13 after receiving a complaint from the sub-treasury officer, Moreh, a source said.
As per the complaint, the source said on December 6, KNA activists kidnapped a treasury officer, KSH Ranjit Singh along with five other staffs from the treasury office, Moreh and took them to an unknown place and forced them to sign pension bills for three persons.
The bills that were forcibly passed include two pension bills amounting to Rs. 3,50,000 and Rs. 1,64,617 for one Kimchong, Rs. 35,000 and Rs. 1,15,245 for one Lhingnu Haokip and Rs. 3,50,000 and Rs. 1,77,245 for one Toudhang.
However, after signing the bills for release of the amounts, the treasury officer along with the five other staffs escaped from the kidnappers. After receiving the complaint, the Moreh police registered a case on December 13, the source added.
In yet another case registered with the police after receiving a complaint from the BSNL office, Churachandpur, a man who obtained post paid cell phone connection from the BSNL refused to pay his outstanding dues amounting to Rs. 29,000 to the BSNL.
As per a complaint with the police lodged by assistant general manager Manipur SSA, KV Karauth, one Khailal Gangte of Phalam Road, Chengkonpang subscribed to a post paid mobile no. 9436024863. However, he refused to pay the outstanding amount of Rs. 29,000 stating that he never applied for the mobile phone.
Police have registered a case after receiving the complaint was lodged by BSNL authorities on December 17.
The Imphal Free Press
=======================
Delimitation work to be over in two months
New Delhi, Dec19 : The process for delimitation of constituencies has entered its final leg with the resumption of delimitation work in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Manipur. The work in these North-Eastern States was held up due to the stay order of Guwahati High Court on account of petitions challenging the legality of the 2001 Census. With the stay being vacated by the Supreme Court recently, the delimitation work is going to be over very soon.
The Delimitation Commission of India Chairperson Justice Kul-deep Singh told The Indian Express that the Commission is going to complete the readjustment of constituencies in these States within two months.
“After the vacation of the stay by the SC, the work is going in full speed and we hope to complete it in two months. With this, the work of the Commission will be over,” said Singh.
However, when asked whether the delimitation orders would be implemented in the next general elections, Singh said that it was for the Government to decide whether it wanted to hold the elections on the basis of the readjustment done by the Commission. “The Commission was entrusted with the task of delimiting the constituencies on the basis of the latest Census figures. Except for the delay on account of Court orders, the Commission has completed its work, and whatever is left will be completed very soon. It is for the Government now to notify these orders so that the readjustment can be implemented,” said Singh.
The Commission, constituted in 2002, started its work from June 2004 on the basis of 2001 Census figures, for the readjustment of the territorial constituencies and to refix the seats for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assembly Constituencies of the States.
The report of the Commission has already been laid in the Parliament.
The delay in implementation of the orders has been challenged in the the Supreme Court and the Court has issued notice to the Centre to explain the reasons for the delay. Now, with the Commission saying that it would complete the exercise in next two months, the Government is hardly left with an excuse to delay it any further.
The ‘what’ and ‘when’ of Delimitation literally means the act or process of fixing limits or boundaries of territorial constituencies in a country or a province having a legislative body.
In India, such Delimitation Commissions have been constituted four times — in 1952, 1963, 1973 and in 2002.
The delimitation exercise becomes necessary due to changes in demographic profile. With increase in population and migration of people, the territorial boundaries of constituencies needs readjustment to uniform the population base.
Moreover, change in population of SC/STs also necessitates reservation of new seats.
(Courtesy Indian Express)
==============================
Fact Finding team furnishes details
By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Dec 20 : The Fact Finding Committee constituted to probe the facts and circumstances behind the assassination of 10 KLA cadres by NSCN (IM) men at Tangkhul Hundung village in Ukhrul district on September 3 this year has submitted its report to the president of the Kuki Inpi, Manipur for restoration of peace and justice.
The fact finding exercise was jointly conducted by the Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills, Kuki Women Union, Kuki Movement for Human Rights and Kuki Students’ Organisation, General Headquarters.
The fact finding team said that after recording the statements of many people, ‘the Commission is convinced that the incident is (sic) a preplanned attack carried out in broad daylight at Tangkhul Hundung village football playground.”
A copy of the report submitted by the fact finding team which was made available to the press today said that the NSCN (IM) with its camp at Shingkap, KRA at Saikul in Sadar Hills and the KLA at Bonjang village had established mutual understanding with plans for joint operation a few months before the Tangkhul Hun- dung incident.
The NSCN (IM) camp at Shingkap was under Major Paiso Tangkhul, Co of Kaqchimung Bn said the fact finding team and added that under the order of Major Paiso, Captain Ayo Tangkhul invited the KLA cadres to meet them at Tangkhul Hundung.
Thereafter 12 KLA cadres led by Timothy Kuki left their Bonjang camp on a vehicle, passed through Tangkhul Nungtam village and alighted at Monglham Kuki village. From there they trekked on foot to Tangkhul Hundung on August 31 and reached the designated village on September 1, said the fact finding team.
On September 1 evening the NSCN (IM) cadres led by Captain Ayo Tangkhul arrived at Tangkhul Hundung, said the report and added that while the IM men stayed at the house of the village chief, the KLA cadres spent September 1 and 2 in another house in the same village.
During the day time, they spent the time together in a very cordial atmosphere, claimed the report further.
On September 3, due to the pouring rain, the idea of departing the village was aborted and it was only at about 8 am that the KLA cadres got ready set out on foot.
However Captain Ayo of the NSCN (IM) suggested that they hire two jeeps from Tangkhul Hundung village with the understanding that the KLA would bear the travel expenses.
Captain Ayo further suggested that the NSCN (IM) men will travel in the first Jeep so that they can face any eventualities on the way, while the KLA men can travel in the second Jeep, said the report.
On the other hand KLA leader Timothy suggested that he and Ayo should sit together in one vehicle, but this was turned down, it said.
The NSCN (IM) team leader then boarded the Jeep in the front, while his men asked the KLA men to board the second Jeep, said the report and added that 10 KLA personnel got in except Timothy and his body guard.
Then and there, Sergeant Major Alex of the NSCN (IM) gave the order to shoot by using the code word ‘Up, Up’, it claimed and added that all the 10 KLA men were killed on the spot.
Timothy Kuki and his bodyguard managed to run away though Timothy was wounded. His body guard helped him to safety, said the fact finding team and added that the two are eye witnesses to all that happened on the fateful day. The shooting occurred at about 9.30 am of September 3 at the Tangkhul Hundung village playground and the villager also witnessed the incident.
The Fact Finding further claimed that on inquiring all the others who happened to know and witnessed the incident made similar statements, differing only on dates, hours of meeting of both groups and the intention.
==========================
Internal security meet Manipur particularly vulnerable, says PM
By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Dec 20 : Touching on a whole gamut of issues concerning the internal security of the country, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh today said that the problems of the North East States and Jammu and Kashmir are unique and stressed that the situation is vulnerable in Manipur and Nagaland.
Addressing the Chief Ministers’ Conference on internal security at New Delhi today, the Prime Minister said that the North East States and Jammu and Kashmir are unique and added that these regions suffer from poor infrastructure and communication facilities.
“It has been our sincere attempt to improve these facilities so that these States too can benefit from our booming economy,” said the Prime Minister.
However these States have vulnerabilities on the internal security front which needs to be discussed, said Dr Singh and added, “each Sate has its specific nuances and characteristics and we cannot generalise the problems.
“There are many regional and tribal demands which need to be addressed systematically,” said Dr Manmohan Singh and added that if not done soon they can lead to disaffection and law and order problems.
While the Prime Minister admitted that there has been an improvement in the overall situation in all these States, he made an exception and observed “Manipur and Nagaland appear to be particularly vulnerable.”
Pointing out one of the problematic causes for the situation in these two States as well as in the other North East States, the Prime Minister said, “Extortion seems to be a frequent occurrence. We need to put an end to this. We need to enforce the rule of law and create a respect for the State apparatus.
“We need much better leadership at all levels so that militancy is curbed and people feel secure. National considerations and requirements should take over- riding priority. I wish to hear from the Chief Ministers of the North Eastern States, their perception of the situation and how they propose to handle the delicate situation that prevails in some of their States.”
The Prime Minister also touched on the need to improve the police apparatus all over the country and asserted , “I believe that citizens should see policemen as their friends.
“It should be our common endeavour to improve routine policing, policing which affects the day to day life of our citizens, policing which gives them a sense of security and comfort.”
The Sangai Express
===============================
Villagers immensely relieved, claims KSO
By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Dec 20: Informing that the Kuki Students’ Organisation, Chandel district paid a field visit to Dingpi, Khengjoi and some interior parts of Chandel district on December 18 and 19, the student body conveyed that the villagers were found immensely relieved from the alleged bondage of the UG elements subsequent upon Operation New Samtal II.
A press release issued by KSO Chandel district informed that its team on their visit to these areas noted the desperate need of the villagers for food supply and other daily requirements.
Even as the Christmas season is on, the villagers have been enduring the chilly winter season and also ‘every type of mad made disasters’, it conveyed.
Urging the authorities concerned of both the State and Union Governments to dispatch an emergency relief team to the beleaguered villagers, the KSO insisted that the Government should take up immediate measures for reconstruction of insurgency infested parts of the country. It also conveyed gratitude to security forces for launching Operation New Samtal II which has been reportedly fairly successful in liberating the innocent villagers from the clutches of UG elements.
The student body also extended best wishes on Merry Christmas to the people of Manipur in general and the people of Chandel district in particular.
The Sangai Express
===============================
NSCN-IM concerned over AIDS epidemic
By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Dec 20: Expressing deep resentment against the State Government for its failure to utilize the fund released by the Union Government for control of AIDS epidemic fairly and properly till date, the GPRN/NSCN (IM) Zeliangrong Region has accused the State Government of robbing the backward people of Tamenglong district.
The outfit also took serious note of the alleged misuse of fund meant for various development programmes and non-implementation of welfare schemes in Zeliangrong region.
A statement issued by the NSCN (IM) asserted that out of Rs 10-15 crores released by the Union Government to combat AIDS epidemic in the State, only Rs 6,30,000 was allocated for Tamenglong district.
Stating that the GPRN Zeliangrong Region will not remain a silent spectator any more as far as the welfare and development of the people is concerned, it warned all concerned not to misuse public fund in future but to utilise it properly for the welfare of the people.
Detailing various cases of fund misuse and swindling, the outfit has asked the concerned authority not to release the balance amount of Rs 2.25 crores out of the total amount sanctioned for construction of Tamei-Kunphung road.
Stating that the relevant work is far from complete, the NSCN (IM) Zeliangrong Region warned that the balance should not be released until and unless the work is completed satisfactorily. Defying the warning will result in stern action, it added.
As the fund (Rs 9 crores) for construction of Tousem-Kaiphundai and Tamenglong-Tamei road under SPA/ACA will be reportedly released shortly, the NSCN (IM) appealed to all concerned authorities to implement it in letter and spirit so that the long cherished dreams of the people of the areas are realised.
The outfit further alleged that the rightful people of the Zeliangrong region are not getting their due share with regard to the PMGSY (Bharat Nirman) schemes.
To avoid any fund diversion and misappropriation under any circumstances, the VIth and VIIth phases of this programme will be under strict vigilance of the GPRN Zeliangrong Region, it conveyed.
Maintaining that the two bridges over the Barak river along the Tousem-Tamenglong road and the Tamei-Tening road should be constructed within this season for these two roads are the only lines which connect Tamenglong district with rest of he other North Eastern States, the GPRN observed that any delaying tactics over these works will be a great loss to every one concerned.
It further appealed to all the right thinking people to stand united and fight for development in the service of the nation.
The Sangai Express
==============================
By : A Staff Reporter 12/21/2007 12:46:21 AM
IMPHAL, Dec 20: The north eastern states of the country including Manipur have not benefitted under the Central government's liberalization policy, the state chief minister O Ibobi Singh has said.
A copy of the speech presented by the chief minister at the 54th National Development Committee meeting held yesterday at New Delhi stated that during the Eleventh Five Year Plan period, there is need for strengthening the administration and physical infrastructure to enable the north eastern states to respond appropriately to the liberalization policy.
"The Central government needs to consider a suitable mechanism for directing investments into the less developed north eastern states," it stated.
The CM while dwelling on the issues concerning Manipur and north east states of the country in the NDC meeting at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi on Wednesday emphasised the importance of infrastructure development programme and road development and said that there was need for more extensive road network and improvement of the existing roads especially in the north east.
The road density of Manipur in 2002 was only 51.2 kilometers as against the all India average of 74.73 kilometers. This dismal position is equally true in respect of most of the states of NE region, he said, adding that poor connectivity is one of the root causes for near absence of industrialization and high cost of production making it almost impossible to export most products from the area.
He also observed that the resource starved NE states, with relatively low level of road density, cannot on their own ensure development of the road network system without special Central funding and urged expeditious implementation of the special accelerated road development programmes connecting all the state capitals and district headquarters of the NE region.
While lauding the target for reducing poverty by 10 percentage points during 11th plan period, Singh said that it was certainly a positive step towards ensuring inclusive growth in the country.
He also said that the industrial and service sector have recorded unprecedented growth. Anti-poverty and employment-oriented programmes have gained momentum in the country and it should not only be sustained but also more vigorously implemented, he observed.
Expressing his concern over the retardation of the overall growth rate of 8 percent during the 10th plan period in the agriculture sector, the Manipur CM suggested the need for expeditious completion of irrigation projects by providing adequate funds so that the required modest growth rate of 4.1 percent could be achieved during the 11th plan period.
Talking in the context of the state the CM put down that due to state's narrow resource base it has become extremely difficult for the state government to meet its requirements. The annual plan allocation along with the non-plan funds is inadequate to meet the state government's genuine needs, he stated and requested the Central government to come forward to supplement the resource gaps and to consider converting long and medium term loans to one-time grants.
The Imphal Free Press
========================================
Rs. 15 lakh pension bills passed at gunpoint
By : A Staff Reporter 12/21/2007 12:45:31 AM
IMPHAL, Dec 20: Pension bills amounting to more than Rs. 15 lakhs were forcibly passed at the Moreh sub-treasury at gunpoint by suspected cadres of KNA on December 6.
Regarding the matter, Moreh police station registered a case on December 13 after receiving a complaint from the sub-treasury officer, Moreh, a source said.
As per the complaint, the source said on December 6, KNA activists kidnapped a treasury officer, KSH Ranjit Singh along with five other staffs from the treasury office, Moreh and took them to an unknown place and forced them to sign pension bills for three persons.
The bills that were forcibly passed include two pension bills amounting to Rs. 3,50,000 and Rs. 1,64,617 for one Kimchong, Rs. 35,000 and Rs. 1,15,245 for one Lhingnu Haokip and Rs. 3,50,000 and Rs. 1,77,245 for one Toudhang.
However, after signing the bills for release of the amounts, the treasury officer along with the five other staffs escaped from the kidnappers. After receiving the complaint, the Moreh police registered a case on December 13, the source added.
In yet another case registered with the police after receiving a complaint from the BSNL office, Churachandpur, a man who obtained post paid cell phone connection from the BSNL refused to pay his outstanding dues amounting to Rs. 29,000 to the BSNL.
As per a complaint with the police lodged by assistant general manager Manipur SSA, KV Karauth, one Khailal Gangte of Phalam Road, Chengkonpang subscribed to a post paid mobile no. 9436024863. However, he refused to pay the outstanding amount of Rs. 29,000 stating that he never applied for the mobile phone.
Police have registered a case after receiving the complaint was lodged by BSNL authorities on December 17.
The Imphal Free Press
=======================
Delimitation work to be over in two months
New Delhi, Dec19 : The process for delimitation of constituencies has entered its final leg with the resumption of delimitation work in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Manipur. The work in these North-Eastern States was held up due to the stay order of Guwahati High Court on account of petitions challenging the legality of the 2001 Census. With the stay being vacated by the Supreme Court recently, the delimitation work is going to be over very soon.
The Delimitation Commission of India Chairperson Justice Kul-deep Singh told The Indian Express that the Commission is going to complete the readjustment of constituencies in these States within two months.
“After the vacation of the stay by the SC, the work is going in full speed and we hope to complete it in two months. With this, the work of the Commission will be over,” said Singh.
However, when asked whether the delimitation orders would be implemented in the next general elections, Singh said that it was for the Government to decide whether it wanted to hold the elections on the basis of the readjustment done by the Commission. “The Commission was entrusted with the task of delimiting the constituencies on the basis of the latest Census figures. Except for the delay on account of Court orders, the Commission has completed its work, and whatever is left will be completed very soon. It is for the Government now to notify these orders so that the readjustment can be implemented,” said Singh.
The Commission, constituted in 2002, started its work from June 2004 on the basis of 2001 Census figures, for the readjustment of the territorial constituencies and to refix the seats for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assembly Constituencies of the States.
The report of the Commission has already been laid in the Parliament.
The delay in implementation of the orders has been challenged in the the Supreme Court and the Court has issued notice to the Centre to explain the reasons for the delay. Now, with the Commission saying that it would complete the exercise in next two months, the Government is hardly left with an excuse to delay it any further.
The ‘what’ and ‘when’ of Delimitation literally means the act or process of fixing limits or boundaries of territorial constituencies in a country or a province having a legislative body.
In India, such Delimitation Commissions have been constituted four times — in 1952, 1963, 1973 and in 2002.
The delimitation exercise becomes necessary due to changes in demographic profile. With increase in population and migration of people, the territorial boundaries of constituencies needs readjustment to uniform the population base.
Moreover, change in population of SC/STs also necessitates reservation of new seats.
(Courtesy Indian Express)
==============================
Fact Finding team furnishes details
By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Dec 20 : The Fact Finding Committee constituted to probe the facts and circumstances behind the assassination of 10 KLA cadres by NSCN (IM) men at Tangkhul Hundung village in Ukhrul district on September 3 this year has submitted its report to the president of the Kuki Inpi, Manipur for restoration of peace and justice.
The fact finding exercise was jointly conducted by the Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills, Kuki Women Union, Kuki Movement for Human Rights and Kuki Students’ Organisation, General Headquarters.
The fact finding team said that after recording the statements of many people, ‘the Commission is convinced that the incident is (sic) a preplanned attack carried out in broad daylight at Tangkhul Hundung village football playground.”
A copy of the report submitted by the fact finding team which was made available to the press today said that the NSCN (IM) with its camp at Shingkap, KRA at Saikul in Sadar Hills and the KLA at Bonjang village had established mutual understanding with plans for joint operation a few months before the Tangkhul Hun- dung incident.
The NSCN (IM) camp at Shingkap was under Major Paiso Tangkhul, Co of Kaqchimung Bn said the fact finding team and added that under the order of Major Paiso, Captain Ayo Tangkhul invited the KLA cadres to meet them at Tangkhul Hundung.
Thereafter 12 KLA cadres led by Timothy Kuki left their Bonjang camp on a vehicle, passed through Tangkhul Nungtam village and alighted at Monglham Kuki village. From there they trekked on foot to Tangkhul Hundung on August 31 and reached the designated village on September 1, said the fact finding team.
On September 1 evening the NSCN (IM) cadres led by Captain Ayo Tangkhul arrived at Tangkhul Hundung, said the report and added that while the IM men stayed at the house of the village chief, the KLA cadres spent September 1 and 2 in another house in the same village.
During the day time, they spent the time together in a very cordial atmosphere, claimed the report further.
On September 3, due to the pouring rain, the idea of departing the village was aborted and it was only at about 8 am that the KLA cadres got ready set out on foot.
However Captain Ayo of the NSCN (IM) suggested that they hire two jeeps from Tangkhul Hundung village with the understanding that the KLA would bear the travel expenses.
Captain Ayo further suggested that the NSCN (IM) men will travel in the first Jeep so that they can face any eventualities on the way, while the KLA men can travel in the second Jeep, said the report.
On the other hand KLA leader Timothy suggested that he and Ayo should sit together in one vehicle, but this was turned down, it said.
The NSCN (IM) team leader then boarded the Jeep in the front, while his men asked the KLA men to board the second Jeep, said the report and added that 10 KLA personnel got in except Timothy and his body guard.
Then and there, Sergeant Major Alex of the NSCN (IM) gave the order to shoot by using the code word ‘Up, Up’, it claimed and added that all the 10 KLA men were killed on the spot.
Timothy Kuki and his bodyguard managed to run away though Timothy was wounded. His body guard helped him to safety, said the fact finding team and added that the two are eye witnesses to all that happened on the fateful day. The shooting occurred at about 9.30 am of September 3 at the Tangkhul Hundung village playground and the villager also witnessed the incident.
The Fact Finding further claimed that on inquiring all the others who happened to know and witnessed the incident made similar statements, differing only on dates, hours of meeting of both groups and the intention.
==========================
Internal security meet Manipur particularly vulnerable, says PM
By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Dec 20 : Touching on a whole gamut of issues concerning the internal security of the country, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh today said that the problems of the North East States and Jammu and Kashmir are unique and stressed that the situation is vulnerable in Manipur and Nagaland.
Addressing the Chief Ministers’ Conference on internal security at New Delhi today, the Prime Minister said that the North East States and Jammu and Kashmir are unique and added that these regions suffer from poor infrastructure and communication facilities.
“It has been our sincere attempt to improve these facilities so that these States too can benefit from our booming economy,” said the Prime Minister.
However these States have vulnerabilities on the internal security front which needs to be discussed, said Dr Singh and added, “each Sate has its specific nuances and characteristics and we cannot generalise the problems.
“There are many regional and tribal demands which need to be addressed systematically,” said Dr Manmohan Singh and added that if not done soon they can lead to disaffection and law and order problems.
While the Prime Minister admitted that there has been an improvement in the overall situation in all these States, he made an exception and observed “Manipur and Nagaland appear to be particularly vulnerable.”
Pointing out one of the problematic causes for the situation in these two States as well as in the other North East States, the Prime Minister said, “Extortion seems to be a frequent occurrence. We need to put an end to this. We need to enforce the rule of law and create a respect for the State apparatus.
“We need much better leadership at all levels so that militancy is curbed and people feel secure. National considerations and requirements should take over- riding priority. I wish to hear from the Chief Ministers of the North Eastern States, their perception of the situation and how they propose to handle the delicate situation that prevails in some of their States.”
The Prime Minister also touched on the need to improve the police apparatus all over the country and asserted , “I believe that citizens should see policemen as their friends.
“It should be our common endeavour to improve routine policing, policing which affects the day to day life of our citizens, policing which gives them a sense of security and comfort.”
The Sangai Express
===============================
Villagers immensely relieved, claims KSO
By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Dec 20: Informing that the Kuki Students’ Organisation, Chandel district paid a field visit to Dingpi, Khengjoi and some interior parts of Chandel district on December 18 and 19, the student body conveyed that the villagers were found immensely relieved from the alleged bondage of the UG elements subsequent upon Operation New Samtal II.
A press release issued by KSO Chandel district informed that its team on their visit to these areas noted the desperate need of the villagers for food supply and other daily requirements.
Even as the Christmas season is on, the villagers have been enduring the chilly winter season and also ‘every type of mad made disasters’, it conveyed.
Urging the authorities concerned of both the State and Union Governments to dispatch an emergency relief team to the beleaguered villagers, the KSO insisted that the Government should take up immediate measures for reconstruction of insurgency infested parts of the country. It also conveyed gratitude to security forces for launching Operation New Samtal II which has been reportedly fairly successful in liberating the innocent villagers from the clutches of UG elements.
The student body also extended best wishes on Merry Christmas to the people of Manipur in general and the people of Chandel district in particular.
The Sangai Express
===============================
NSCN-IM concerned over AIDS epidemic
By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Dec 20: Expressing deep resentment against the State Government for its failure to utilize the fund released by the Union Government for control of AIDS epidemic fairly and properly till date, the GPRN/NSCN (IM) Zeliangrong Region has accused the State Government of robbing the backward people of Tamenglong district.
The outfit also took serious note of the alleged misuse of fund meant for various development programmes and non-implementation of welfare schemes in Zeliangrong region.
A statement issued by the NSCN (IM) asserted that out of Rs 10-15 crores released by the Union Government to combat AIDS epidemic in the State, only Rs 6,30,000 was allocated for Tamenglong district.
Stating that the GPRN Zeliangrong Region will not remain a silent spectator any more as far as the welfare and development of the people is concerned, it warned all concerned not to misuse public fund in future but to utilise it properly for the welfare of the people.
Detailing various cases of fund misuse and swindling, the outfit has asked the concerned authority not to release the balance amount of Rs 2.25 crores out of the total amount sanctioned for construction of Tamei-Kunphung road.
Stating that the relevant work is far from complete, the NSCN (IM) Zeliangrong Region warned that the balance should not be released until and unless the work is completed satisfactorily. Defying the warning will result in stern action, it added.
As the fund (Rs 9 crores) for construction of Tousem-Kaiphundai and Tamenglong-Tamei road under SPA/ACA will be reportedly released shortly, the NSCN (IM) appealed to all concerned authorities to implement it in letter and spirit so that the long cherished dreams of the people of the areas are realised.
The outfit further alleged that the rightful people of the Zeliangrong region are not getting their due share with regard to the PMGSY (Bharat Nirman) schemes.
To avoid any fund diversion and misappropriation under any circumstances, the VIth and VIIth phases of this programme will be under strict vigilance of the GPRN Zeliangrong Region, it conveyed.
Maintaining that the two bridges over the Barak river along the Tousem-Tamenglong road and the Tamei-Tening road should be constructed within this season for these two roads are the only lines which connect Tamenglong district with rest of he other North Eastern States, the GPRN observed that any delaying tactics over these works will be a great loss to every one concerned.
It further appealed to all the right thinking people to stand united and fight for development in the service of the nation.
The Sangai Express
==============================
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