Northeast Platform

IMPHAL, Oct 7: Four women protestor, including two Gram Panchayat members and a Meira Paibi secretary, allegedly involved in incident of storming at the residence of IFC and YAS minister, N. Biren, have been remanded into the judicial custody till October 21, for failing to furnish insurer for PR bonds. The protestors were produced before the JMIC, Imphal today, as their remands expired. The court considering the case diary pronounced they were not involved in the incident thus bail was granted Rs. 10,000 PR bond each, however failing to produced any insurer for the bond they were remanded into judicial custody till October 21. The protestor were arrested by the Heingang police in the wee hour of October 1, from their respective residences after a complaint was lodge by a guard commander of the 2nd MR deployed at the ministers’ residence, on the matter of attacking the house and sentry post at the Luwangsangbam residence of, IFC and YAS minister. Later, they were remanded into police

IMPHAL, Oct 7: At least three UG suspects were gunnned down in two separate incidents by Assam Rifles in the vicinity of the border town of Moreh and Churachandpur distict. Troops of 3 Assam Rifles gunned down at least two suspected United Kuki Liberation Army Military Council,UKLA(MC) today around 6:30 pm in a reported shootout that occurred at bazar locality near subsidiar training center, Gangpimual, Churachandpur district According to police sources, after receiving tipoff of presence of UKLA (MC) troops surrounded the house where the militants were sheltering. when the troops tried to frisk the house the militants fired upon the troops resulting in an encounter that resulted in the killing of two militants while one of the cadres amnaged to escaped. Further the sources said that two .32 pistols along with four magazine loaded some live live rounds and fired cases, 132 demand letters, three letter heads,, a wrist watch, draft paper, a stmap and one reciept book, were recovered fro

IMPHAL, Oct 7: Failure of the state government to commission the Jawarharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Science, JNIMS, at Porompat by the deadline it set earlier was on account of a shortfall of 20 percent in the recruitment of teaching faculty, a statement by the commissioner health and family welfare said. The statement said last years the government made all out efforts to set up the state government medical college. A team of Medical Council of India, MCI, which inspected the project in July reported that the number of hospital beds had increased to 300 and occupancy was 70 percent which were comfortably within the criterion it set for setting up medical colleges. However, of 55 strong teaching faculty essential, only 44 vacancies could be filled. Likewise, out of 42 residents doctors required, only 41 could be recruited. The statement said the letter of permission,LOP, to start the medical college was not granted by the MCI on account of the 20 percent shortfall in the teaching f

Imphal, June 5: The JAC against the brutal killing of Prof. Islamuddin has charged KYKL of wrong deeds and said that the ONK of KYKL in an attempt to bring quality education has caused the loss of many innocent poor lives as they only support the capitalists. The JAC further said that those capitalists who work against the people were spared by KYKL in exchange with large sum of money and also those who are produced by KYKL in public for their wrong works and made to resign from their jobs were still working in the government office. Some of the instances were, Former Commissioner of Education I.S. Laishram; former Joint Director of Education (S) Geeta Devi; former Director of Education (U) and former Principal of LMS Law College Dr Kiranchand; former Senior Grade Lecturer of Kha Manipur College, Kakching Joy Khaidem. Also the ONK openly announced to give punishment to former MLA of Nambol constituency and also former Union Minister Thounaojam Chaoba but still not a single step had be

IMPHAL, Jun 5: The World Environment Day was observed extensively in the state by various organizations and political parties in separate ways on their own respective themes with an objective to restore a balanced ecosystem in the state. The state level observation of the day was organized jointly by the Loktak Lake Fishermen’s Welfare Society and Loktak Development Authority at Sendra tourist spot this morning with the state chief minister O Ibobi Singh as the chief guest. The chief minister announced a clear policy of the state government to save Loktak Lake by systematic clearance of the floating bio mass (Phumdis). Attending the World Environment Day and Loktak Water Festival occasion as chief guest the chief minister further noted that Loktak is the only fresh water lake surviving in the North Eastern region. And it has become one of the only means for many people in the state. So, it is the duty of everyone to maintain its beauty and not to destroy the lake by planting the floati

Imphal, June 5: The Democratic Students Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) has expressed surprise on the state DGP trying to avoid involvement of state security forces in the recent killing of Prof Md Islamuddin, despite surrrender by an IRB personnel involved in the killing.  Stating this, a release of the DESAM signed by K.C Ibomcha, secretary publicity and propaganda of the organisation, mentioned that the motive of the state government trying to brand their leaders as underground by detaining them under NSA in connection with the killing of the MU professor was very unfortunate and shows how the state government is trying to supress any form of student movement for bringing a quality eduation in the state. DESAM is still confident of success and as a result their leaders have been facing difficulties in many ways, but the relaity will come out openly, as the recent attempt of the state government to accuse the students’ body in connection with the killing of the professor is a game plan t

Imphal, June 5: The killing of non-local men in the state continued today also with one more non-local barber falling prey to the mischief mongers at Wabagai under Kakching police station, while another is fighting for his life at the JN hospital in Imphal. The toll in the latest spate of killings of non-Manipuris in the state has gone up to four with today’s death. Today’s killing was carried out by unidentified armed persons in front of the barber’s hair cutting saloon near Wabagai Lamkhai under Kakching police station around 7.25 am. The deceased was identified as Lalan Thakur, 49, son of late Gupteshore of Haridaya in Bihar’s Patna district. He was presently a resident of Kakching super market. According to sources, the deceased had been staying at Kakching super market for the last 20 years along with his family and ran the hair cutting saloon. The incident occurred while he was in front of his hair cutting shop around 7.25 am, and two unidentified armed youths came on a Honda Act

Imphal, June 5: The state police has established the identity of the suspects involved in the serial killings of non-locals in the state following the arrest of a sympathiser of the underground UNLF who was involved in the killing of a non-local barber this morning at Wabagai Lamkhai. The arrest was made during extensive operations conducted by the security forces in Wabagai, Hiyanglam, Laphupat Tera, Tokpaching, and Chingjao areas, after a brief encounter this morning. Mentioning this, SP Thoubal, Clay Khongsai, during a press briefing at his office chamber at Thoubal district headquarter this evening disclosed that the Thoubal police had been on alert after directives from the state government over the spate of killings of non-locals in the valley districts. He further said that a strong combined security team of Thoubal district police commandos and personnel of 21 Assam Rifles headed by the SDPO Thoubal, Nimai, after getting information on the shooting of a non-local at Wabagai La

Imphal, June 01 2009: A campaign on utilizing money in proper way was conducted at Sheema Theatre, Thoubal Bazar today as a part of ongoing awareness campaign of the National Alliance for Financial Literacy (NEFA) in collaboration with Bank Project, RDO, Lamshang with the assistance from the City Bank Centre. The occasion was graced by chairperson of the Thoubal Municipal Council, Athokpam Ongbi Manjuri as chief guest, programme officer of the Loyalam Bank Project, RDO, Lamshang,, Longjam Sudhirchand and operational officer of the UBI Thoubal Branch RK Sanajaoba attended as guest of honour. Project coordinator of the Loyalam Bank Project, Hemam Ringo and assistant manager, NABART, L Naocha spoke as resource persons of the campaign. Chief guest, Manjuri said, the campaign is mean for the welfare of the people. As women are taking main role in the family maintenance, they should keep the habit of collecting and depositing the left out money. They should also help family by engaging in ha

Source: Lalmalsawm Sungte * Imphal, June 01 2009: The Hmar National Army (HNA) which claimed to represent the Hmar community has said it will support the Government of India in implementing the controversial Tipaimukh Dam project on the confluence of Tuiruong and Tuivai rivers in Manipur only if their demands are met by the Centre and implementing agencies, among them creation of separate districts for the Hmar people in all northeast States where the community predominantly reside. "The HNA", it said "is willing to employ all means under its disposal to help in implementing the project and at the same time expect the Government of India to meet" their terms and condtitions. In a memorandum (a copy of which is available with Inpui-news&info) submitted to the President of India, Ms Pratibha Patil, on February 7, 2009, the group said that they would not oppose the construction of Tipaimukh dam if the Union government agrees to craved out separate districts for the

From John Basho Pou   SENAPATI, June 1:To regularize the mid-day meal in the Government schools, better school management and for successful implementation of the scheme unlike in the past years, Nidhi keswerwani, D.C Senapati gave surprise visit to some schools today to know the ground reality in the implementation of the scheme. She was accompanied by district school authorities and media persons on her visit to Taphou Nepali, Taphou Naga, Katomai, Karong and Tungam village in Tadubi Block.  Some of the major findings during the visit are irregularity of fund flow for the scheme, inadequate of school text books, furniture, utensils and teaching staff.  The school staffs candidly told the visiting officials that they have not received any fund for the mid-day meal for the current year. And the meal has been served today for the first time this year as there is not fund released by the state government. However, some schools could still manage to provide

Imphal, Jun 1: An emergency meeting of the state Cabinet held this evening chaired by chief minister O Ibobi Singh at his official bungalow has approved the eviction of all offices of NGOs and students organisations from inside the campus of government offices and government run educational institutions in the state. A source quoting a senior Cabinet minister said the decision for vacating the offices of the NGOs and students organisations was taken by the state Cabinet in its meeting held this evening at 4 pm as a part of toning up the law and order in the state to prevent any untoward incidents inside government offices and government run educational institutions. The official source further mentioned that the NGOs and students organisations, mainly those not registered and recognised by the state government, would be given 15 days prior notice to vacate their respective offices. Failure to comply with the notice would invite action from the state authorities, for which the state D

IMPHAL, May 30: The Okram Ibobi Cabinet in a marathon meeting this evening decided among other things to reward soldiers of the 57 Mountain Division and Assam Rifles, and police commandos who took part in the Operation Summer Storm at the Loktak Lake for the efficiency with which they executed the mission, as well as their dedication to duty and job. While the army and Assam Rifles are to get Rs. 7 lakhs, the police commandos would be rewarded Rs. 3 lakhs. It may be recalled in the said operation in April this year, the raiding combined team of army soldiers and police commandos killed 12 underground cadres and destroyed many of their hideouts at the Keibul Lamjao National Park at Loktak Lake. In another decision, the Cabinet also decided to raise the ration allowance of jail staff from the existing Rs. 450 to Rs. 485 per month. The Cabinet also decided on an ex-gratia amount of Rs. 50,000 each to the kin of the 20 people killed in the unfortunate accident on May 7 at Sangrungpan about

IMPHAL, May 30: The underground KYKL in a lengthy clarification on the matter of its killing Prof. Islamuddin of the Manipur University, said it understands the outrage of the public in the killing of a teacher, but is saddened by the response of Meitei Pangal organisations that the KYKL had targeted a Meitei Pangal deliberately. It said this was far from the truth and that the KYKL treats Meitei Pangals, Meitei Chistians, Meitei Buddists, Meitei Hindus, Meitei Athiests as belonging to one Meitei community, and this is very much enshrined in its constitution. It said Prof. Islamuddin was killed not because of his ethnicity or community but because he was part of a corrupt clique which was usurping all powers of the Manipur University in order to convert the university into their private fiefdom. It said the KYKL has Meitei Pangal cadres in it and the Meitei Pangal community would realise the party is never against this fraternal community at all in time. It said the MU clique had to be

VIENNA/CHANDIGARH: The Austrian police identified on Thursday the six suspects in  Sunday's attack on a Sikh temple in Austria that killed  one and left 17 injured.  The six men, all from Punjab or other northern Indian states, had given several names to the police, which made their identification difficult, police spokesman Michael Takacs said. All six were in custody, although one of them, believed to be the mastermind behind the attack, was still in hospital in an induced coma after a shot in the head, he added.  Two of the men - named only as S Charnjit, 24, from Uttar Pradesh, and S Hardeep, 33 - had come to Austria illegally in 2001 and 2008. The other four were seeking asylum. S Sukhwinder, 28, from Haryana, arrived in 2001, citing a family feud for fleeing India, while S Jaspal, 34, came in 2008 and requested asylum on religious grounds. S Satwinder, 28, from UP, and S Tarsum, 45, from Gujarat, made only vague asylum claims. None of the men were related or had a prior crimi

NEW DELHI: It was at 9.30pm on Thursday that news finally came - the portfolios were  out. At first look it seemed along expected lines, but  then a few surprises surfaced:  there was a new commerce minister in Anand Sharma with the previous one, Kamal Nath, being moved to surface transport. Veerappa Moily as law minister was also a surprise.  The delay in announcing portfolios betrayed that allocation of jobs wasn't easy. As Sonia Gandhi said, it was a balancing act. Political considerations had to be married with merit to create a team that will deliver. And as Manmohan Singh said, people expected efficiency from the government; ``business as usual'' would not do.  Will the team deliver? Well, here are its key players. For a government for which rural upliftment is a stated priority, the man on the spot is newcomer C P Joshi who has been given the rural development ministry. Another priority, infrastructure, has the effective Kamal Nath in charge of surface transport (alt

Kohima, May 28 2009: The Tenyimi People's Organization (TPO), a nine Naga tribes apex body has expressed deep pain and serious concern at the prevailing ethnic unrest and lawlessness in North Cachar Hills, Assam wherein the DHD-Jewel group has unleashed terror upon the Tenyimi Nagas. TPO, an apex organization of the Tenyimi 'blood brothers' consisting of ten Naga tribes - Angami, Chakhesang, Rengma, Pochury, Mao, Poumai, Zeliangrong, Maram, Thangal and Inpui extensively populated over Nagaland, Assam and Manipur in a memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister of Assam, a copy of which was made available to NNN in Nagaland today said that 'a handful of arm banned of the so called DHD-Jewel group has unleashed terror in the NC Hills since the early part of this year, targeting innocent and peace loving Tenyimi communities'. In the process several previous lives have been lost while several others were injured and thousands rendered homeless as their houses and propert

Against the backdrop of the brutal killing of Dr.Th. Kishan, drive Aribam Rajen and a colleague on February 17 in Manipur by one ‘Lt. Col’ H.K.Ningshen(Hopeson)of the NSCN(I-M), which led to an “unprecedented situation” in Manipur besides landing both the government of India and the NSCN(I-M) in a stalemate, the Naga Hoho, with the support and endorsement of various civil societies, organizations and Eastern Naga People’s Organisation, intervened to hammer out an amicable solution that resulted in handing over of the accused, ‘Lt. Col’ H. K. Ningshen to it. Stating this, Naga Hoho president Keviletuo and general secretary P.Chuba Ozükum disclosed that the GHQ of the Naga Army/NSCN (I-M) at Hebron Thursday handed over accused ‘Lt. Col’ H.K.Ningshen(Hopeson) after which a round of discussion was held with representatives of the Government of India.  This culminated in the Government of India sending its representative and airlifting Hopeson to Imphal from Dimapur by a special aircraft. T

Imphal, May 28 2009: Pointing out that MUSU elections are held under election committees constituted by MUSU itself and not under Dean of Students' Welfare, the Manipur University Muslim Students' Union (MUMSU) decried the accusations made against Prof Islamuddin. The brutal murder of Prof Islamuddin within MU campus in front of students smacked of an assumption that Islamuddin belonged to a minority community and that no one would dare fight for him. Such murder aimed at sowing seeds of animosity among different communities was unacceptable to MUMSU, it conveyed. Observing that the posts of Dean of Students' Welfare and Proctor were allotted to Prof Islamuddin by the MU authority, the MUMSU accused the Vice-Chancellor and the Registrar of making Prof Islamuddin their scapegoat. Demanding resignation of the VC and the Registrar on moral ground for their conspicuous inaction, it appealed to all concerned to penalise the two top officials for their irresponsibility. Observing

Imphal, May 28 2009: The last rites of Proctor of Manipur University Prof Md Islamuddin who was shot dead by armed cadres of the proscribed KYKL in the University campus on May 25 was performed today at the Kabrastan of his native birthplace Yairipok Changamdabi Mathak Leikai. The body of Prof Islamuddin was taken back by the family members after an agreement was arrived at between the members of the JAC formed in connection with the killing and the Chief Minister during a meeting yesterday evening. Last tributes paid to the mortal remains of Prof Md Islamuddin by colleagues The agreement was arrived at over some demands that the JAC had placed before the Government. Before performing the last rites, the body of Prof Islamuddin was taken from mortuary of RIMS Hospital to the campus of Manipur University where a large number of faculty members, students as well as general public paid their last respect and offered floral tributes to the departed soul. As the cortege bringing the body of

Imphal, May 28 2009: Reacting to the assassination of Prof Md Islamuddin on May 25 inside the campus of MU, PULF has posed a series of questions to the KYKL and urged for answers to them. In a statement, secretary of publicity PULF Aanish Khan asked in what serial number was Prof Islamuddin slotted amongst those who were working against the interest of MU; how many are there in the hit list after Prof Islamuddin; whether Prof Islamuddin was involved in the wrong doings in all the departments of MU as alleged by KYKL; was Prof Islamuddin the lone final authority in the election of MUSU; what is the core meaning for the KYKL to take such a keen interest in the election of MUSU; how does the KYKL aim to control the groups who act according to their own fancy and whims without respecting the spirit of secularism and democracy which are associated with revolutionary groups; whether the KYKL can provide the list and proof of all the wrong doings allegedly committed by the late Professor; jus

Imphal, May 28 2009: The 11th Meira Paibi Numit was observed all over the State today in remembrance of the movement of Manipuri womenfolk who started vigil at night holding torches in their hands endorsing cause of human rights and to save the innocent civilians from the atrocities of armed persons. Under the aegis of Meira Paibi Numit Observation Committee, the day was observed befittingly at many places including Khurai Laikhurembi Laibung, Bamon Kampu PYC ground, Sawombung Bazar, Pukhao Naharup Ereima Community Hall, Andro Bazar, Pureilomba Sanglen, Yairipok Top Chingtha, Takhel Leikai Sangeet Natak Mahavidyalaya, Lairenkabi Community Hall, Yumnam Huidrom Khunyai Leikai community hall, Khumbong Bazar, Lilong Bazar Meetei Keithel, Nambol Sabal Leikai community hall, Nachou Community hall, Thanga Chinga Bazar Committee hall, Kumbi Bazar, YPC community hall (Churachandpur), Wangjing Primary School ground, Wangoo Sandangkhong Thongkhong Mandop, Kakching Khunou Bazar, Pallel Bazar, Jiri

Imphal, May 28: Manipur University professor, Md Islamuddin’s killing by the KYKL was condemned by thousands of rallyists in a protest demonstration at the campus of Manipur University this afternoon. The procession started from the main gate of MU organised by the JAC formed on the issue. Placards and festoons demanding the VC, Prof C Amuba and MU registrar’s resignation, and rooting out of the KYKL and its allies were carried by the protestors. The procession was also participated by people from different communities, MU students and teachers bodies. Floral tributes were offered to the slain professor in front of the life sciences department and MUSU Home during the procession. The main homage was paid along with floral tributes to the deceased at the Community Hall near Girls Hostel, MU. The two youngest MLAs of Manipur K Meghachandra, Wangkhem A/c and M Prithiviraj, Moirang A/c also paid homage and gave floral tributes to the deceased. Later, the last rites of Prof. Islamuddin was

Imphal, May 28: The Guwahati High Court, Imphal, divisional bench issued a notice to the state respondent to submit their status reports of investigation in connection with the killing of Dr. Th. Kishan and his two subordinates within three days. The notice was issued during its third hearing held on Thursday by a divisional bench of the Guwahati High Court, Imphal, under Justice T Nanda Kumar and Justice Maibam Binoy Kumar following a writ petition. PIL number 6 of 2009, filed by the JAC against the brutal killing of SDO Kasom Khullen, Th Kishan, Y Token and A Rajen on April 1, 2009. During the hearing advocate M Hemchandra appeared before the court on behalf of the petitioner, additional GAC, Th Ibohal appeared on behalf of the state respondents and C Kamal CGSC appeared on behalf of the Union of India. As per the notice issued by the court on May 5, 2009, in the second hearing of the said case, the CBI today submitted its investigation reports and the same has been kept under the se

Union council of ministers CABINET   Manmohan Singh Prime Minister  Pranab Mukherjee Finance  Sharad Pawar Agriculture, Food and Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution  A K Antony Defence  P. Chidambaram Home Affairs  Mamata Banerjee Railways  S M Krishna External Affairs  Ghulam Nabi Azad Health and Family Welfare  Kapil Sibal Human Resource Development  Veerappa Moily Law and Justice  Ambika Soni Information and Broadcasting  Anand Sharma Commerce and Industry  S Jaipal Reddy Urban Development  Murli Deora Petroleum and Natural Gas  Kumari Selja Housing, Urban and Poverty Alleviation, Tourism  Sushil Kumar Shinde Power  Vilasrao Deshmukh Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises.  Kamal Nath Surface Transport and Highways  Virbhadra Singh Steel  A Raja IT and Communication  Dayanidhi Maran Textiles  Meira Kumar Water Resources  C P Joshi Rural Development and Panchayati Raj  M S Gill Youth Affairs and Sports  M Azhagiri Chemicals and Fertilize

IMPHAL, May 28: The Democratic Students’ Alliance Manipur (DESAM) has cautioned the state government that if the students arrested by the state police with regard to recent assassination of Md Islamuddin, the proctor of Manipur University, are not released by the 31st of this month the apex body will hold a 120 hours state-wide bandh and further organize mass agitations and also impose emergency in the state. Talking to media persons, the secretary general of the students’ organization Yumnam Ratankumar maintained that the state government should immediately release the students as the said students were not involved in the murder case of Md Islamuddin since the real culprits were the underground outfit KYKL. He also mentioned that the recent killing of Md Islamuddin is the responsibility of Manipur University authority as it is the responsibility of the authority to end the crisis which occurred in the Manipur University recently. Everyone thinks this is the main reason why the profes

With the impact of global warming and other eco-factors being tremendously felt all over the globe now, preservation of the fragile ecosystem has been the clarion call for the last many years.  In such circumstances, the little contributions that are being made towards creating awareness is necessitated in every possible platform by various organizations and groups. One such example of preserving the threatening ecosystem was made today by the Lanu Zunga of Chuchuyimpang village under Mokokchung.  The members of the Lanu Zunga today released more than 100 local breed of chicken and three different breeds of rabbit (Grey Giant, New Zealand White and Russian Chinchilla), about 20 in numbers, back to the forest. The forest Kongyongpang has been demarcated as reserved and strict rules have been imposed for the protection of the forest and its inhabitants by the village council with heavy penalties to be imposed upon defaulters.  The animals were released in presence of officials from the V

Kohima, May 28 2009: The 9th IFMA India National Muaythai Championships 2009 will be held from July 10-12, 2009 at Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata. The West Bengal Muaythai Association (WBMA), which is an affiliated unit of Muaythai Federation of India (MFI), is organizing this mega national Muaythai Championships. Over 300 players and about 50 officials from 30-MFI-affiliated Units from across the country will be taking part in this historic Championship. This Championship is also a qualifier for the upcoming IFMA World Muaythai Championships to be held from November 26-December 5, 2009 at Bangkok. Oken Jeet Sandham, MFI President, will conduct the Championships, while MFI Secretary General, O Manglemjao will supervise Referee and Judges throughout the Championships. There will also be three-day Referee and Judges Seminars which will be addressed by MFI President Oken Jeet Sandham, besides there will be Muaythai training sessions during the Championships. Officials from Indian Olympic Asso

New Delhi, May 27 (IANS): She is young, confident and raring to "bridge the gap" between her home region, the northeast, and the rest of the country. Agatha Sangma, the youngest minister of the Manmohan Singh government, may not be "choosy" about her portfolio, but is sure geared up to work for grassroot development. Looking confident as she handled scores of media queries in near-impeccable Hindi right after the news broke, 27-year-old Sangma said that in all probability she will get the rural development ministry.   "I am privileged and since this is my first opportunity, I will not be choosy. Whatever position I am given, I will be happy," the first time minister, who hails from Meghalaya and is the daughter of former Lok Sabha Speaker P A.Sangma, told IANS.   "Like last time, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leaders Parful Patel got the civil aviation ministry and Sharad Pawar got the agriculture portfolio. Therefore if the status quo is maintai

Imphal, May 27: Alleging constant disturbance and harassment by the security personnel in the aftermath of the killing of Prof Islamuddin of the Manipur University, students started vacating their respective hostels since Thursday. About 600 students from the boys hostel number 1, 2 and 3 left their hostels after the Vice Chancellor failed to give assurance on the action by the security personnel. Speaking to media persons in this connection a hosteller, who is also spokesperson of the Manipur University Students’ Union (MUTSU), Tingjinlung Panmei, informed that a joint meeting was held between the MU authority including the Vice Chancellor and the hostellers, during which the students demanded an end to the follow up action by the security personnel which had caused constant disturbance and harassment day and night to the hostellers. He also informed that this was despite the fact that the semester examination was going on. Panmei further stated that the Vice Chancellor informed that

New Delhi, May 27 (IANS): After three days of intense negotiations, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's new coalition government took final shape Wednesday with 78 ministers including 33 in the cabinet and with the Congress party accounting for three quarters of the three-tier ministry. The selection of ministers -- a blend of youth and experience, first-time winners and veterans -- showed the touch of an assertive Manmohan Singh who was clear who he wanted in the government and who should be kept out. Congress president Sonia Gandhi gave him her full backing.  Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi finally did not make it -- on his own choice, disappointing many in the Congress who wanted to see his stamp in the government too. With the average age of the ministers put at 57, Agatha Sangma, daughter of former Lok Sabha Speaker P.A. Sangma, is the youngest at age 27. The oldest is External affairs minister S.M. Krishna (77), one of 19 cabinet ministers who took oath May 22 and one of

IMPHAL, Mar 28: The independent candidate for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Valley Rose Hungyo today filed her nomination for fighting the Outer Manipur seat, while seeking the votes of the people of Manipur and promising to fulfill their expectations.Speaking to media persons, Valley Rose maintained that successive governments had failed miserably to govern on all fronts during the last few decades and had not safeguarded the lives and properties of the citizens. The social fabric had been fragmented to pieces and the seeds of hatred sown deeply among different groups of people, she said. The weak and the poor have been discriminated and further marginalised with the gap between the rich and the poor widening, she said adding that the land has been ruled by lawlessness and rights violation is the least concern for any group perpetrating it.She further promised that if she gets elected with the love and support of the people she would work for the repeal of the Armed Forces Special

IMPHAL, Mar 29: Many agitations and protests have been held to bring quality education but where is that quality education gone, asked education secretary of the DESAM, Arambam Thoithoi at a press conference held at its head office at Keishampat today.He further said that on March 4 at around 5 pm an unbelievable and cowardly act was carried out by two teachers named Meisnam Binoy Singh, vice principal, 40 years, son of late M Biramangol and another assistant teacher named Thokchom Romen Singh, son of Th Raghumani Singh, 40 years, at the hostel of Budhachanddra Academy, Kongba Laishram Leikai.On that particular day the warden went for a wedding ceremony and both the teachers forced the students, specially the girl students, to take alcohol and M Binoy tried to molest the students.When the DESAM came to know of this incident it took certain strong decisions which include that M Binoy, who is the vice principal, cannot take charge in the Budhachandra Academy and also cannot work in othe

IMPHAL, Mar 29: After the recent announcement of the Manipur People’s Party (MPP) candidate for the Inner Manipur constituency for the upcoming 15th Lok Sabha elections, the party has today changed its candidate and announced another candidate in place of the previous one.The candidate for the Inner seat announced earlier by the party was Prof. N Mohendro and the newly announced candidate is Th Chaoba, ex-Union minister. Regarding the change of candidate, MLA O Joy stated today that the decision was taken after the party held a meeting and the decision was approved by the working committee.He further said that with the new candidate contesting the Bishnupur area would be a vote bank of the MPP. He also added that the matter of the present law and order situation in the state and territorial integrity would be taken up strongly as issues in this election.Meanwhile, a meeting of the JD(U) held today at the residence of RK Dorendro, former chief minister at Moirangkhom, announced that the

TAMENGLONG, Mar 29: As many as 345 Zeliangrong people from eight villages of Haflong force fled and are camping as refugees at Tousem sub-division of Tamenglong district of Manipur. The incident took place after the recent violence in Haflong areas of North Cachar Hill district in Assam in which five persons were killed and another three persons were injured by armed cadres of DHD (Jewel) faction few days back.Out of 345 Zeliangrongs who are taking shelter at Tousem sub-division as many as 220 people are sheltered at Mandeu village, 55 at Tousem headquarters, 50 at Njunkuak village and 20 more at Zenning village. They are staying at their relatives, a source said.Many Zeliangrong organizations, communities, NGOs and relatives have condemned the incident. Among the Zeliangrong organizations, the Zeliangrong Students Union Manipur (ZSUM), Zeliangrong Students Union Tamenglong District (ZSUTD), Zeliangrong Students Union Tousem Area (ZSUTA), Zeliangrong Pui Baudi and Zeliangrong Baudi Tam

IMPHAL, Mar 17: The state budget estimate of Rs. 4550 crore for the year 2009-10 was tabled before the Manipur State Assembly by the finance minister in charge, chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh today.However, the chief minister qualified his statement saying that the provisions under plan are tentative as the plan outlay for the state for 2009-10 has not yet been finalised as the final round of discussions with the deputy chairman, Planning Commission, are pending on account of the announcement of the elections.Under the circumstance, the estimate would have to be revised through supplementary demands when the outlay is finalised, he said.The chief minister said of the total of Rs 4550 crore total estimated expenditure, Rs. 1733 crores would be under plan, Rs. 2592.79 crores under non-plan and Rs 224.21 crores under Centrally sponsored schemes, Central plan schemes and NEC schemes.“As these estimates will be subject to the finalisation of the Central Budget for Non-Plan, Plan and CSS