Manipur is caught between Naga, non-Naga protests

Imphal, May 21 (ANI): Commoners in Manipur have been severely affected by the protests launched by non-Naga people against National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) general secretary Thuinhaleng Muivah’s attempt to visit his ancestral village.

Muivah’s decision to visit Somdal, his ancestral village, has been strongly opposed by non-Nagas in Manipur.

They believe the visit would create tensions, as the NSCN (IM) has demanded a `Greater Nagaland’ comprising of Naga-inhabited areas of neighbouring states, including Manipur.

“Muivah might have come very innocently. If he causes threat to territorial integrity, than we oppose it. And, we should protest for it,” said Open Singh, a protestor in Manipur

“It is a sit in protest to show our strong objection and to condemn the NSCN-IM’s terrorist Muivah’s attempt to enter the state to break up Manipur’s integrity,” said Nutan Singh, general secretary, Youth Development Organization.

Manipur is suffering due to a month-long economic blockade spearheaded by Naga groups in protest against the autonomous council elections in the hill districts in April.

After holding talks with the Centre, Muivah has been camping in Viswema village near the Nagaland-Manipur border.

Muivah, a Tanghkul Naga, belongs to Somdal in Manipur’s Ukhrul District.

There is a severe shortage of essential items, including live-saving medicines, petrol and diesel, due to the Naga-sponsored economic blockade.

Hundreds of trucks were stranded in the adjoining state of Nagaland, with Naga protesters laying a siege to the National Highway 39 which is considered the lifeline of Manipur’.

“Now prices have gone up significantly. One bag of rice, which earlier cost Rs. 670, has now gone up to Rs. 980. I can’t afford it. No poor person will be able to buy rice,” said Ahanbi Devi, businesswoman, Manipur

“It has affected us very badly. People are fighting and running around to get fuel, that’s the reason why everyone is standing out here. Now a litre of petrol costs Rs. 150 to Rs. 200. How can we run our vehicles?” said L Loken Singh, a local, protestor

To resolve the crisis, Union Home Secretary G K Pillai and peace interlocutor R S Pandey visited Manipur and Nagaland.

While Pillai held discussions with the Manipur Government about the situation, Pandey met senior Naga leaders to assuage their hurt feelings in the wake of Manipur’s stand.

Pillai also met Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio in Kohima and Muivah to chalk out a broad strategy to ensure that supplies of essential commodities is not blocked from reaching Manipur.

Ethnic tensions between the two communities have stunted progress in Manipur even as other states in the northeast are making their way steadily to a better future.(ANI)

Female teachers beaten at Rajasthan Minister”s residence

Jaipur (Rajasthan), May 14 (ANI): In a shocking display of brutality, over hundred female teachers sitting in protest inside the residence of Rajasthan Minister of Education Bhanwarlal Meghwal were beaten by the police here on Friday.

The police brutally attacked teachers of the Nursery Teachers Training (NTT) course, who had assembled at Meghwal”s residence demanding recognition of the NTT certificate course that would enable them to apply for jobs with the government.

The assault continued unabated as policemen and policewomen kicked the teachers and dragged them along the ground by their hands and hair. Several women fainted as a result.

Meghwal initially claimed that he had ”not seen the police brutality on the teachers. He later said the manner in which the women protested was not right.

“In a democracy, every individual can demand and exercise their rights. However, this should be done in a peaceful manner, and not by shouting in agitations,” said Meghwal.

The teachers staged a sit-in protest in the lawns of Meghwal”s residence, when he refused to entertain them. (ANI)

Manipuri women protest against proposed visit of Naga leader

Imphal, May 14 (ANI): Around 1,000 women staged a sit-in protest here on Thursday against the visit of National Socialist Council of Nagalim”s (Isak-Muivah) leader, Thuingaleng Muivah, to the state.

The protest was carried out by the Advanced Women Society at the Awang Sekmai Bazaar in Imphal.

After the sit-in protest, the women took out a rally in Sekmai area shouting slogans against Muivah”s visit.

“We are opposing Muivah”s attempt to enter Manipur with an intention to destroy Manipur. We are expressing our anger. We have decided to close down all our business establishments and have stopped our daily errands as well. And so we have been staging today”s sit-in protest,” said Memcha Devi, a protestor.

The protestors also allege that Muivah”s homecoming is only a ploy to cause communal crisis in the state.

“Even though he was born in Manipur, he has never spoken for Manipur and instead supports Nagaland. He has made Manipur suffer a lot,” said Amubi Devi, secretary of Advanced Women Society.

Earlier, violent clashes between Muivah”s supporters and security forces at the border town of Mao resulted in the death of two women protestors and left over 50 others injured.

The NSCN-IM had agreed to a ceasefire in August 1997 and launched a peace process with the Central Government to bring an end to the longest-running insurgency in India.
The rebel group has participated in several rounds of talks with central officials since the start of the ceasefire.

But talks between the two sides have not made progress over the rebels”” main demand of unification and eventual independence of Naga-dominated areas in northeast India. (ANI)

Home Secretary Pillai meets Nagaland Governor, Chief Minister

Imphal, May 12 (ANI): Union Home Secretary G K Pillai today met Nagaland Governor Nikhil Kumar and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio in the wake of Manipur government opposing NSCN (IM) T Muivah”s visit to his hometown.

Pillai was accompanied by Naga peace interlocutor R S Pande.

He will meet Muivah at Viswema village on the Nagaland-Manipur border later today.

Earlier, Pillai met Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh to discuss the situation in the State.

Meanwhile, the Kakching Bazaar Business Welfare Association took out a rally in support of the state government”s decision to stop Muviah from entering the state.
Thousands of people, including women and children, participated in the rally and also staged a sit-in protest in the Kakching-Pallel Lamkhai market area.

All business establishments of Kakching market remained closed for the day to mark the protest.

“A rally is being organized in order to protest to end of the prolonged economic blockade called by some organizations along the National Highways 39 and 53. The economic blockade has severely affected the public, and that”s why we have organized this protest rally. Our demand is to end the economic blockade as early as possible. We will not allow Muivah to enter this state,” said Biren Singh, President of the Joint Non-Government Voluntary Organization.

Violent clashes between Muivah”s supporters and security forces at the border town of Mao resulted in the death of two women protestors and left over 50 others injured.

Earlier, the All Manipur United Club Organisation (AMUCO) had called for a two-day shutdown in the state.

The NSCN-IM had agreed to a ceasefire in August 1997 and launched a peace process with the Central Government to bring an end to the longest-running insurgency in India.

The rebel group has participated in several rounds of talks with central officials since the start of the ceasefire.

But talks between the two sides have not made progress over the rebels” main demand of unification and eventual independence of Naga-dominated areas in northeast India. (ANI)

Farmers protest against hike in petrol and diesel prices

New Delhi, Mar 5 (ANI): Hundreds of farmers from northern Indian states of Punjab and Haryana converged in the national capital to stage a mass protest rally against the UPA Government’s policies on Friday.

This rally by farmers vented their ire at the steep rises in the prices of fuel and fertilizers and demanded that the federal government should give them adequate rates for their farm produce.

Farmers from the northern states of Haryana and Punjab owning allegiance to the Bharatiya Kisan Union commenced their rally from the Ramalila Grounds in the national capital and culminated it at Jantar Mantar in the national capital.

Later, the police personnel stopped them near Patel Chowk from proceeding ahead. The protestors then staged a sit-in protest on the road, leading to traffic jams to jams.

“We are taking out this rally because the farmers are upset with the federal government”s plans and policies. By reducing the prices of wheat and hiking the prices of fertilisers and diesel, the government has burdened us heavily and this protest is in regard to the same,” said Sewa Singh Arya, General Secretary, Bharatiya Kisan Union, Haryana.

“We want that the hiked rates of fuels and fertilisers should be rolled back and we should get profitable prices for our produce so that the consumer and the producers are both satisfied.

“Today, the main problem is that the farmers and consumers are both unhappy because the vegetables are bought at very low prices in the market from us and the intermediaries earn a hefty amount by selling it at much higher prices to the consumer,” added Sewa Singh.

It may be recalled that the UPA government had announced an increase of only rupees 20 (45 cents) per quintal for wheat for the 2010-11 season.

However, the farmers contended that the amount spent on producing the commodity is much more and the farmers want that the minimum support price (MSP) of wheat (per quintal) should be fixed at 2436 rupees.

They also demanded for loan waivers for farmers with less than 10 acres of cultivation land and also to provide government jobs for marginal farmers who do not have sufficient agricultural piece of land.

“Our farming expenditure has increased manifold. So much so that we may be forced to leave the profession of agriculture. We will then just produce for ourselves. There is such a heavy burden of loans on us and that is why we, the farmers are forced to compelled to resort to committing suicides,” observed Kuldeep Singh, a farmer from Punjab. (ANI)

Farmers protest against Hydro Power Project in Himachal

Rampur (HP), Sept 18 (ANI): Hundreds of residents and farmers here protested against the construction of run-of-river hydropower plant project on the river Satluj.

The campaigners called for Save Satluj drive and complained that the hydropower plant would disturb the ecological balance of the region.

“Our protest is to save our environment and our natural resources. They are being affected by the project. Because of this, the Sutlaj river will dry up, water mammals will die and the temperature of the region will also rise,” said Mohan Singh, a farmer.

Environmentalists believe that the 412MW Rampur hydropower project is not suitable to the fragile ecology of the region.

“The project will divert this river through the tunnel leaving the river bed dry which will disturb the ecological balance. This will not only affect the course of river but will also harm the crop grown in the area,” said Jai Chand, head of the Village Committee for Environment Protection.

The activists were protesting against the Rampur hydropower project authorities and the district administration.

The campaigners later staged a sit-in-protest outside the office of Sub-Divisional Magistrate demanding his intervention into the matter.

Rampur Hydropower Project will provide renewable and low carbon energy to the country’s over-stretched Northern Electricity Grid. (ANI)

Killing of a bus driver evokes protest, causes outrage in public of Manipur

Imphal, Sep.16 (ANI): Life was paralysed after bus drivers stopped work in protest against the killing of a driver in Manipur. The killing was condemned by several organizations in the state.

Unidentified gunmen shot dead 28-year-old driver Ngangam Basanta alias Momo from Nambol in Imphal. He was killed along Tiddim road near Phabakchao Ithai Bus Stand the gunmen pulled him out of the bus.

The wife and two children of the driver are still in a state of shock.

“I have two small children, a five-year-old child and the other child is not even two years of age. I don’t know what to do. I want to know who the culprits are,” said Tombi, victim’s wife in Imphal.

Following the incident, family members and residents of Nambol staged a sit in protest. They also blocked vehicles plying along Tiddim road at Nambol Chingmang.

The Imphal-Churachandpur Bus Owners and Workers Association, All Manipur Roads Transport Drivers and Motor Workers and Tiddim Roads Drivers Union submitted a memorandum to the State government.

They demanded that the guilty should be punished according to law.

“We are hurt by this incident. We work for the welfare of people of Manipur, day in and day out transporting passengers and essential commodities to all the remote areas of the State. We do not want this to happen again. We condemn it,” said N.D Singh, a driver.

“As civilians, we do not agree with anyone attacking drivers or for that matter attacking anybody. We condemn such attacks. All sections should come forward for peaceful talks,” said Khumchand, a passenger.

However, after the killing of the bus driver, Basanta, Bishnupur district police commandos launched an operation after they received information that some Military Defense Force (MDF), a faction of the KYKL militant outfit were operating in the area.

The police commandos gunned down three cadres of the Military Defense Force (MDF), of whom; one was involved in killing of the bus driver. Several arms and ammunition were also recovered during the operation. (ANI)

Schoolteachers baton-charged in Lucknow on Teachers’ Day

Lucknow, Sep 5(ANI): At least 12 primary schoolteachers suffered injuries during a demonstration to demand confirmation of their jobs and increments on Teachers’ Day.

The teachers alleged they were staging a peaceful protest when the police, for no fault of their own, baton-charged them.

“The teachers had staged a peaceful protest. During the demonstration, the police baton-charged the teachers on the orders Chief Minister Mayawati. This is the gift to all the teachers on the occasion of Teachers’ Day,” said Suraj Yadav, a teacher.

Meanwhile, the police said they had to use force to disperse the protestors after they blocked the road.

“Today, in front of Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly) teachers had staged a sit-in protest. Some people tried to block the road. They were requested to clear the road. Stones were pelted in which our ADM (Additional District Magistrate) and SP (Superintendent of Police) city and others have been injured. They were chased away by the police,” said R N Dwivedi, police circle officer.

The police further claimed that no one was seriously injured in the incident. (ANI)

Wife of 1965 India-Pakistan war hero calls off protest

Lucknow, Aug 31 (ANI): Rasoolan Devi, wife of the winner of Param Vir Chakra Havaldar Abdul Hamid has called off her sit-in protest three days after the State Government of Uttar Pradesh assured her and asked for ten days time to get her grandson a job.

Old and frail octogenarian Rasoolan Devi along with her grandson Mohammed Shameem started a sit-in protest on August 28, demanding that the State Government should fulfill its promise to get her grandson a job.

She accused the State Government for forcing her to come out of her house.

“My grandson is going through a lot. Why should I stage a sit-in protest if my grandson gets a job?” said Rasoolan Bibi, Abdul Hamid’s wife.

She called off the protest on August 30 after getting the government’s assurance.

However, her grandson Shameem continues his hunger strike until he gets a job.

“A job and five lakhs rupees as financial aid were announced on September 22 through Veer Shankar Pandey. I have got the money but I’m still waiting for the job. For this, I have gone on a hunger strike. My grandmother has come to ask about my well-being. She assured me that she will support me until my demands are met. We have to get this job,” he said.

Abdul Hamid was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra in the 1965 India-Pakistan war.

In 2007, the Bahujan Samjwadi Party of Uttar Pradesh promised a job for her grandson but nothing has been done until now. (ANI)

Militants kill labourers in Agricultural University of Manipur

Imphal, June 23 (ANI): Students and teaching faculty of Manipur’ s Central Agricultural University recently conducted a sit-in to display anguish over a violent incident.

Two gunmen made their way inside the Central Agriculture University campus and shot six labourers engaged in construction work at the university. Three of them died on the spot, while others sustained bullet injuries.

The incident has created a sense of fear among students and staff.

Denouncing the violent act, students and the teaching staff staged a sit-in protest.

“Such unfortunate incidents that too within the campus, in front of student hostel is very unfortunate. It shouldn’t have taken place. We all are very concerned about it because students are coming here from different parts of North East for study purposes. Such incidents would definitely affect their morale. That can affect their studies,” said S.N.PURI, Vice Chancellor of Central Agriculture University.

“We condemn the killings. Such incident disturbs the academic atmosphere of this campus. We do not want those things happen. We want a peaceful academic atmosphere,” A. Herojit Singh , Associate Professor of CAU.

Students were busy preparing for Bachelor of Science in Agriculture examination that was scheduled for June 22 when the incident occurred.

The killings at the university have caused concern among the people of the State who have been appealing that educational institutions should be made a militancy free zone.

The incident has also caused fear and panic among students staying in the hostel.

“Now they are killing the laborers. After sometimes, they may kill us also. That is why we want safety for all of us,” said Susmita, a student. CAU

It has been pointed out to the militants who claim to represent the interests of the people that they are causing by targeting educational institutions. (ANI)

Manipur University executive engineer’s residence attacked by militants

Imphal, May 13 (ANI): Various social organizations in Manipur recently criticised the incident of bomb attack at the residence of an executive engineer of Manipur University.

Militants targeted residence of Shyamchandra, who is an Executive Engineer with Manipur University and advisor of Thongju Chigonglei Makhong Development Club (TCMDC) in Imphal.

The forceful debris coming out of the bomb caused injuries to Shyamchandra along with the publicity secretary of TCMDC Longjam Meghachandra.

“We had just finished our dinner and was were resting when the bomb blast occurred. There were some injuries in my body,” said Kharibam Shyamchandra, the Executive Engineer.

“We are facing lots of tension, because of such incidents. We are not able to concentrate in our studies. We are always in a fearful state. We want to appeal that such activities should not happen again,” said Engineer’s daughter in Imphal.

The incident triggered Local residence and Meira Paibis staged a sit-in protest condemning the brutal act and appealed the militants not to wage any attack in the locality considering the welfare of the people.

“Militants are continuously harassing the public and this has created fear among the people. We are suffering a lot. We cannot understand the intentions of the militants. They should come to a mutual understanding. Only then we can bring development to the state,” said Pishak, a local resident in Imphal

“We are protesting against frequent bomb and gun attacks by militants in our locality. It is our appeal that they should stop such activities which is causing great suffering among the people,” said Mema, a local resident.

Such protest in the state is a reflection of people’s fury against militant groups who have made life difficult for the people from Manipur. (ANI)

Vendor women protest grenade attack at Mayang Imphal Bazar

Imphal, April 13 (ANI): The unabated violent incidents by various militant groups in Manipur are creating uncertainty in people’s lives.

Various women vendors staged a sit-in protest at a blast site to protest and express anguish against the recent grenade attack at Mayang Imphal Bazar, which wounded eight persons.

The incident occurred after some unidentified persons threw a grenade inside a grocery shop at Mayang Imphal Bazar.

However, a major tragedy was averted after Preety, the 12-year old daughter of the shop owner, picked up the grenade and threw it away before it blew up.

The girl suffered minor injuries and is presently taking medical treatment while other wounded persons were taken to RIMS hospital.

“They are hurling bombs everywhere, hurting innocent people in the process. Whenever their demands are not met, they resort to such disgraceful acts. They are self-centered and think only of hemselves, which is not good for the people. We should all live together peacefully,” said M. Preety, the victim, Imphal

The attack sparked off protests in the state yet again.

Around 300 people participated in the sit-in protest organized by the women vendors and the womenfolk of the state.

A meeting was held in protest, people appealed to all concerned not to indulge in such activities, which cause suffering to the innocent people.

“We are undergoing big hardship. We aren’t able to perform day-to-day activities and work efficiently. If they keep on throwing bombs in such public places, People will be afraid to come out of their houses and work for a livelihood. People are always scared. We want some sort of solution for all these problems,” said Tamphasana Chingtham, a resident.

“If such incidents continue, people of Manipur will face lots of problems. Consequently, the law and order situation of the state will deteriorate,” said N.Gunindro Singh, a social worker.

All business establishments at Mayang Imphal Market were closed for a day to express solidarity with protestors. (ANI)

People want peaceful polls in Manipur

Imphal, April 10 (ANI): People in Manipur fear that with political parties gearing up for the 15th Lok Sabha elections, militants are trying to vitiate the atmosphere and create a fear psychosis amongst political leaders and workers.

Suspected militants recently bombed the residence of Congress worker and the President of Imphal West District Jilla Prishad Soibam Subhaschandra at Ningombam village under Singjamei police station.

Though Subhaschandra was not at home at the time of blast, his wife Binodini sustained splinter injuries on her head.

A number of residents have registered protest against the bomb attack.

The incident has created panic among people and family members of victims.

“Such activities that disturb the public are hampering the work we are doing for the welfare of the society. It is my appeal that we shun the path of violence and live together in harmony. This is my earnest appeal,” said Soibam Subhaschandra Singh, Adhayaksha, Imphal West.

“I feel really unhappy and such incidents like throwing of bombs at the residence should not occur.” Sotinkumar Singh, victim’s Son.

Local residents staged a sit-in-protest at the community hall at Ningombam in Imphal, condemning the attack and demanded that such attacks should be stopped immediately.

“As public, we are really deeply unhappy and concerned about such incidents. We fear that we may be targeted and shot. We also fear for the lives of our children. We are really troubled,” said Prabha Leima Devi.

Workers of various political parties have condemned frequent targeting of the political leaders and workers in the state.

“This present situation, attacking, killing and threatening the candidates and political workers is a matter of great concern,” said Dr. H. Borobabu Singh, President, BJP, Manipur Pradesh.

The violence unleashed by militants has been strongly condemned by the people. It has severely disrupted the economic growth of the region. (ANI)

Thousands will march backing Tamils

Thousands of people are set to gather in London this weekend for a major protest march over the Sri Lankan government’s offensive against Tamil Tiger rebels. Skip related content
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Tamil demonstrators protest in Westminster, London, demanding an immediate ceasefire in …

Hundreds of Tamil demonstrators currently occupying Parliament Square will see their numbers swell on Saturday, say supporters.

The protesters say the lives of thousands of civilians in Sri Lanka are in danger and want the UK Government to take action.

Former aid worker Tim Martin, director of the Act Now campaign group aimed at stopping the war in Sri Lanka, said around 100 civilians were dying in the country each day.

Sources have told him that poisonous gases are being used in combat, with victims suffering vomiting, blisters, breathing problems and extreme pain.

“This is why everyone is protesting,” he said.

“The protesters are really upset at what’s happening in Sri Lanka. They are really upset that the government there is using illegal banned weapons. They will protest in London until a ceasefire is agreed.”

The march, which Mr Martin expects could comprise 200,000 people, is planned to start at the Embankment, central London, at 1pm on Saturday and will progress to Hyde Park during the afternoon.

A sit-in protest by up to 5,000 people – including women and babies – forced the closure of Westminster Bridge on Monday night.

Assam-Nagaland border villagers demand solution to border dispute

Udaipur Notun Gaon, Mariani (Assam), Apr 8 (ANI): As general elections draw closer, the border dispute between Assam and Nagaland has come to the fore again and has become a poll issue.

The border near Jorhat and Mokokchung has been on the boil for the past two decades.

Both the States have been periodically accusing each other of violating the agreement.

While Assam claims that its neighbour has encroached upon its land, Nagaland accuses Assam of setting up police outposts in several “disputed areas.”

“We are living in the Nagajanka area, border of Assam and Nagaland. Our border region is the most neglected area. We are facing lot of problems and this time election is round the corner. We have decided that we will cast our votes to the leader who is committed in solving this border issue,” said Rupna Sarwa, a resident of Nagajanka.

The All Assam Student Union (AASU) on April 4 organised a peaceful sit-in protest at Titabor town, against the encroachment on the Assam land by Nagaland during the election campaign.

Leaders of the Union criticised the Assam Government for not solving this issue. They also discussed matters pertaining to the solving of border dispute.

“The government in the past has failed to solve the long drawn Nagaland-Assam border dispute. We thought Assam Chief Minister would take important steps to solve this border dispute. Both the Central and State Governments are under Congress, they are doing nothing about it. We want answer from the government,” said Nilofor Rehman, Assistant General Secretary, AASUentral Committee.

The first clash between Nagaland police and Assamese villagers residing at the Doyang forest reserve broke out in 1968. Similar incident took place at Rengma forest reserve of Karbi Anglong on January 5, 1979.

The worst clash occurred on June 4, 1985, when over 100 people died in firing between Assam and Nagaland police at Merapani.

The two sides later signed an interim agreement to maintain status quo along the border.

But the people continue to live under uncertainty and insecurity due to the periodic clashes. They have appealed to leaders to give a permanent solution to the dispute, so that people in both states co-exist peacefully and harmoniously in future. By Apam (ANI)

People in Manipur question the purpose behind mindless violence

Imphal, March 29 (ANI): People from all walks of life in Manipur have condemned the recent spate of kidnappings and killings in the state. With each passing incident they feel they are becoming targets of a mindless violence, serving no one’s interest.

Local militant groups recently bombed the SUBA Hospital of Imphal, killing four and injuring one critically.

The incident evoked widespread condemnation from local residents and they came out on streets in protest.

People from all sections of society, shopkeepers of the Kombirei keithel (market) of RIMS road, staff of SUBA Hospital, Local residents, Meira Paibis, staged a sit-in protest in protest against the atrocity,

The Kangleipak Communist Party- Military Council (KCP MC) claimed responsibility for the blast. They said they attacked the hospital as a ‘warning’ to government doctors not to work in private hospitals.

“As a member of public, I condemn the attack at the hospital. Patients come here for treatment and I do not agree with their attempt to kill innocent people. Militants targeting hospitals where peace of mind is essential, is something we the public strongly condemn,” said K. Subash Singh, a local resident.

“Militant activities are increasing everyday. They are harming innocent public who are struggling to make ends meet and it has become very difficult for us. We are unable to cope with such activities,” another local resident W. Ashalata Devi in Imphal.

Shops, including pharmacies and private hospitals remained closed in protest against the bomb attack.

The worst affected as usual when such incident takes place, were the common people.

“I express my deep sorrow on the blast to the people of Manipur. I request them not to attack in future not only on any hospital but also everywhere in Manipur,” said W. Nimai Singh, Managing Director of Imhpal’s Suba Hospital.

Rising militant activities have made life extremely difficult for the people in Manipur. Innocent people today live in fear and are tired of militant activities. Everyone here seeks peace and normalcy.

In another incident, militants recently abducted a Public Works Department’s Assistant engineer M. Janaki and his wife in Imphal.

It so happened that militants broke into the house of the engineer, who was on leave because of poor health, and abducted him and his wife.

Their abduction sparked off protests in the State.

The children are in utter shock. They don’t know what would happen to their parents. They want their parents be released safely.

“Our parents look after us and the incident has disturbed us a lot. I am in the middle of my exams and not able to concentrate on my studies. My younger sister has just finished her exams. We are not able to eat. We are upset to think about their welfare, ” said Jecy Moirangthem, victim’s daughter.

The kidnapping of the engineer and his wife was strongly condemned by residents of Singjamei, Imphal.

Relatives of the victims, PWD employees, and local residents staged a protest demonstration in front of PWD office, demanding safe release of Janaki and his wife at the earliest.

“Such incidents cause us pain. They happen frequently and it is becoming difficult to live like this. We have been repeatedly appealing for an end to such activities,” said Kh. Ahilya Devi, local resident.

“People have been affected by frequent bomb attacks and kidnapping and if this continues how will our society progress? How will the future generation survive? Where is the hope for a better future?,” said Sanahanbi Devi, local resident.

People in Manipur want an end to kidnapping and threats that are being made against engineers among others. Such incidents are disruptive and affect normalcy in the state.

People in Manipur have increasingly got fed up of incidents of killings, abduction, and extortion demands by militants here.

Every incident leaves the residents here with questions like how could individuals of their state terrorise their own brethrens. (ANI)

Manipur residents, traders hold sit-in protest against rebels

Imphal, Mar 20 (ANI): Scores of residents and traders here took part in a sit-in protest against militants.

Suspected militants exploded a bomb in front of the Hospital and Assisted Reproductive Centre in Imphal on Wednesday, damaging parked vehicles and severely injuring four persons, including two women.

Carrying placards that read, “Bomb attack at crowded area is an act of terrorists,” “We condemn gun culture,” and “Bomb is not a toy,” The protesters condemned the attack, shouting, “We want peace.”

Protesters said innocent people were being targeted and the situation had become intolerable.

“The attacks they have been carrying out are innumerable. Poor and helpless people, who are toiling hard for their livelihood, are always their victims. This is really difficult and hard to bear anymore,” said W. Ashalata Devi, president of Kombirei Keithel Meira Paibi Apunba Lup, a traders’ organisation.

There has been a marked rise in attacks in the run up to the polls with political activists being targeted in a bid to keep them off the upcoming general elections. (ANI)

Sit in protest for abducted engineer bore fruit

Imphal, March 18 (ANI): People in different areas of Manipur have been voicing concern at frequent incidents of kidnapping, extortion and killings for a long time. All of them want that peace should be allowed to prevail.

The recent abduction of Mohammed Liaqat Ali, an assistant engineer with the Irrigation and Flood Control Department (IFCD) and a ransom demand of Rs. 1.5 million rupees caused panic and anguish among his family members and office colleagues.

A sit-in protest, which was organised to highlight commoners’ concern over worsening situation here, bore results when his abducters released Ali on humanity grounds.

The captors — the People’s United Liberation Front (PULF)– released the captive unhurt.

It was conducted in front of Public Works Department complex, where the Irrigation and Flood Control Division is located.

” We want to live in peace without any disturbances. We want to work in peace and we don’t want such things to happen in future,” said Samin Bhanu, one of the protestors.

“He is a good person, and very important and useful person for the department and such harm caused to him is not satisfactory.

He does not have property as well. He does not take into mindless activities as well,” said Mohd. Abdul Hakim, Chairman of the JAC

For a long time, militants have been constantly targeting engineers, harassing them with monetary demands and when the demands are not met they cause physical torture.

Such disturbances caused by militants have become a major roadblock in the path to progress in Manipur. (ANI)

PML-N protesters clash with Police during ‘Long March’

Lahore, Mar 15 (ANI): The police lobbed tear gas and returned stones at defiant supporters of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) here on Sunday after protesters began a sit-in on the main road near the High Court.

The former Pakistani Prime Minister and PML-N Chief Nawaz Sharif has vowed to continue the ‘Long March’ and reach Islamabad to stage a sit-in protest there for the restoration of sacked judges, including the former Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhary.

Protesters including lawyers and the members of PML-N threw stones at police outside the Lahore High Court, where Sharif is due to address a rally provoking the police to resort to use tear gas and baton charge.

Some protesters set tires on fire on the road compelling the police officers wielding sticks to shoo them away.

Earlier in the day, Nawaz Sharif was placed under house arrest at his Model Town residence on Sunday.

Restrictions on Sharif’s movement in and around the country were imposed a day before a planned “Long March” by politicians and lawyers’ into Islamabad from various parts of the country.

The Pakistan capital was under a state of high alert ahead of the march, and the government has asked the Army to remain on stand by.

Sharif, however, denounced the crackdown as illegal and said he would defy his own detention order.

Soon afterward, Sharif, who had planned to address the demonstration, left his house in a convoy of cars that broke through a ring of barriers, including barbed wire and parked buses that had been placed by the police.

Sharif had earlier exhorted all Pakistanis to come out onto the streets and make the ‘Long March’ of politicians and lawyers a grand success.

Addressing PML-N leaders and supporters outside his Multan Road residence here, Sharif appealed to all right-thinking Pakistanis to shed their inhibitions and fears in their quest to deliver a message of change in the leadership of the country. (ANI)

Protest against engineer’s abduction in Manipur

Imphal (Manipur), Mar 11 (ANI): A Joint Action Committee (JAC) has launched an intensive sit-in-protest over the abduction of an assistant engineer of the Irrigation and Flood Control Department (IFCD).

Mohammed Liyaqat Ali was abducted on March 3.

JAC members along with the engineer’s relatives staged the sit-in-protest before the heavily guarded Public Works Department Complex, where the IFCD is located.

JAC Chairman Mohammed Abdul Hakim strongly condemned the act and sought a clarification from the abductors and the State government.

“We are sitting here to protest against the abduction of an IFCD assistant engineer by unidentified persons. We are seeking a clarification from the abductors,” Hakim said.

Sabara, the wife of the abducted engineer said she received a call from a militant outfit claming to be the People’s United Liberation Front (PULF).

“We got a call at 9 p.m. from a person claiming to be a PULF member. He told us that it was a not personal demand, but a demand for the department. I want to appeal to them to release my husband,” Sabara added. (ANI)