Page 9 - Manipur Govt

People shifted from Moreh, Imphal to safer areas to save lives: Manipur CM

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Thursday asserted that his government shifted people from ethnic violence-hit areas such as Churachandpur, Moreh and Imphal to safer places to protect them. Responding to the opposition's queries on shifting of people from Churachandpur and Moreh to Imphal Valley and from the state capital to hills, Singh said, "The night violence broke out (May 3), we couldn't sleep. We were in the office discussing things to be done immediately." "Those affected in Moreh were kept at an Assam Rifles camp and those in Churachandpur were in the Secretariat. Initially, we thought of keeping them there itself but there were constant cries for help and there was pressure from all sides claiming the affected were not safe in their present locations. Hence, with saving lives being our top priority, the government decided to evacuate them," he said. Questions are now being raised as to why they were shifted from Churachandpur and Moreh to Imphal Valley and vice vers

Fake audio clip of CM Biren released to derail peace process: Manipur govt

The Manipur government has said that an audio clip, falsely claiming to be the voice of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, was released on social media in an attempt to derail peace initiatives in the ethnic violence-affected state. The police began an investigation to find out the source of the purported clip in which some offensive comments against a community were heard. "It has come to notice of the government that an audio recording, falsely claiming to be that of the Chief Minister, Manipur, is being circulated on social media platforms. "This doctored audio is a malicious attempt by certain sections to incite communal violence or derail the process of peace that has been initiated at multiple levels," the state government said in a statement. More than 200 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in violence between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and hills-based Kuki-Zo groups in Manipur since May last year. "The Manipur Police are actively investigating the matter a

Fresh violence in Manipur's Jiribam within 24 hrs of peace agreement

Shots were fired and an abandoned house was torched in Manipur's Jiribam, triggering fresh tensions within a day of the Meitei and Hmar communities reaching an agreement to make efforts to restore normalcy in the district, officials said on Saturday. An abandoned house in Lalpani village was torched by armed men on Friday night, they said. "It is an isolated settlement consisting of few Meitei houses, and most of those were abandoned after violence broke out in the district. Miscreants, who are yet to be identified, took advantage of security lapses in the area to commit the arson," an official said. The armed men also fired several rounds of shells and gunshots, targetting the village, he said. Security forces were rushed to the area following the incident, he added. Representatives of the Meitei and Hmar communities reached an agreement in a meeting held at a CRPF facility in adjoining Assam's Cachar on Thursday. The meeting was moderated by Jiribam district administration, Ass

Ignored plight of Manipur amidst flood, violence in Union Budget: Congress

The opposition Congress in Manipur on Tuesday criticised the BJP-led government at the Centre, alleging that it ignored the plight of the state, which not only suffered a major flood but also bore the brunt of ethnic violence, in the Union Budget. State Congress president K Meghachandra alleged that there was a partisan approach in the Budget. "There was a partiality in the budget. The entire Northeast was not taken care of. Manipur was once again neglected. While flood-hit Assam was mentioned, Manipur that witnessed a catastrophic hailstorm and two of the worst floods in more than 20 years was not," he said. "Not providing any aid to more than 60,000 displaced people is also a setback. We are very much disappointed," he said. Meanwhile, the ruling BJP in the state hailed the Budget, asserting that it was dedicated to the holistic and inclusive development of all citizens. In a statement, state BJP spokesperson M Asnikumar said, "To achieve comprehensive social justice, we will em

Rahul urges PM Modi to visit violence-hit Manipur, offers support for peace

PM Modi, during his address in the Rajya Sabha last week, reaffirmed that the central government is making efforts to normalise the situation in Manipur

Rahul Gandhi visits relief camps in Manipur, meets violence hit people

Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Monday visited a relief camp in Manipur's Churachandpur district and interacted with inmates there. People displaced by the ethnic violence in the northeastern state are staying in those relief camps. Gandhi who is accompanied by senior Congress leaders talked to the people staying in the relief camps and listened to their problems. "Rahul Gandhi's visit aims at providing support to people and to assess the situation on the ground. His visit reflects the party's commitment to address the concerns of those affected by the recent violence," state Congres president Keisham Meghachandra told reporters. The former Congress president visited another relief camp in Jiribam district earlier in the day. "His third visit to Manipur post-violence shows his unwavering commitment to the people's cause," the Congress said in a post on X. Ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki communities since May last year claimed more than 200 lives in .

PM Modi goes to Moscow while Rahul heads for Assam, Manipur, says Cong

The Congress on Monday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying while it will be Rahul Gandhi's third visit to Manipur since violence broke out in May last year, the PM has neither found the time nor even had the inclination to visit the state for even a few hours. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said, "Today, the non-biological PM goes to Moscow while the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha heads for Assam and Manipur." "Of course, the drumbeaters of the non-biological PM have claimed that he stopped the Russia-Ukraine war for some time. Presumably, this Moscow trip will lead to even more bizarre claims," he said. This is Rahul Gandhi's third visit to Manipur ever since the "state blew up" fourteen months ago, Ramesh said. "The non-biological PM has not found the time nor even had the inclination to visit Manipur even for a few hours after the grave crisis erupted on May 3rd, 2023, " he said. "He (Modi) has not even met the CM of the state - who happens to be

Rahul Gandhi to visit Manipur on Monday, meet violence-affected people

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi will visit Manipur on Monday and meet the violence-affected people in different districts of the state. State Congress president K Meghachandra said Gandhi would travel from Delhi to Silchar on a flight, and from there would head to Jiribam district where fresh violence happened on June 6. "Gandhi will visit some relief camps in the district. He will then return to the Silchar airport, and from there, take a flight to Imphal," Meghachandra said. "After landing in Imphal, he will head to Churachandpur district where he will interact with people living in relief camps," he said. From Churachandpur, Gandhi will get to Moirang in Bishnupur district by road and visit some relief camps. He will then return to Imphal where a meeting with Governor Anusuiya Uikey is being planned. "He will then leave the state," Meghachandra said. This is Gandhi's first visit to the state after the Lok Sabha elections, in which the Congress won both the ...

Manipur CM rejects report on resignation, asks media to not spread rumours

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Monday described a report on his resignation as unfounded and asked the media not to spread rumours. Singh also claimed that it is an attempt by political rivals who want to take advantage of the prevailing situation in the state which has been in the grip of violence since May last year. His statement came three days after a media outlet reported that Singh is likely to resign soon. "Manipur is passing through a troubled time. In such a crucial time, the leaders of Manipur can't afford to be weak. We are fully confident of our abilities, the chief minister said. Addressing the Manipur issue is more important, Singh told reporters after attending a programme in Imphal on the implementation of three new criminal laws across the country. The rumours (on resignation) are possibly spread by those who want to be CM and ministers, as well as the opposition, he said. The chief minister said that his government communicates regularly with the PMO a

Manipur CM clears air on Delhi visit by MLAs amid resignation speculation

Recent reports suggested that a faction of BJP and its coalition partners-Naga People's Front (NPF), National People's Party (NPP), and JDU-are pushing for Manipur CM's departure

Manipur: ITLF to stage demonstrations on June 24 for separate UT

The Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF) on Thursday said that its members would stage non-violent demonstrations on June 24 to press for its demand for a Union territory for Kuki-Zo people of Manipur. The ITLF, in a statement, said that they would also protest autonomous district council elections, which the tribal outfit alleged created divisions among the Kuki-Zo people. "We request everyone to join in great numbers in order to demonstrate our political demands," it said. Rallies will be taken out in Pherzwal, Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts, where total shutdown will be imposed on the day. "We have demanded separation from Manipur, and so far, there has been no settlement to our political demands," it said, urging people not to participate in the ADC polls.

Officials should be held responsible for loss of lives: Manipur BJP MLA

In the wake of the ambush on Manipur CM N. Biren Singh's advance security convoy in Kangpokpi district on Monday and the recent surge of violence in Jiribam district, a BJP MLA has raised concerns about security breaches and demanded an inquiry into police officers who received advance intelligence reports regarding the situation in Jiribam earlier this year. In a post on X on Wednesday, BJP MLA Rajkumar Imo Singh said, "The state government has to initiate an inquiry regarding the lackadaisical attitude of the officers who were given advance intelligence report by the state government regarding the situation in Jiribam earlier this year. These officers should be held accountable for the loss of lives and property of all those affected and, pending such inquiry they should be suspended and strict action should be taken against them as per procedures prescribed by law." "Along with their associate officers, they should also be held accountable for the ambush on the state police team .

Suspected militants ambush Manipur CM's advance security convoy, one hurt

Suspected militants ambushed the advance security convoy of Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh in Kangpokpi district on Monday, leaving one personnel injured, police said. The convoy was on its way to violence-hit Jiribam district. Multiple gunshots were fired at the vehicles of the security forces, who retaliated, they said, adding, the shootout is still on near Kotlen village along a stretch of National Highway-53. At least one personnel suffered bullet injuries during the attack, police said. "CM Biren Singh, who is yet to reach Imphal from Delhi, was planning to visit Jiribam to take stock of the situation in the district, an official told PTI. Two police outposts, a forest beat office and at least 70 houses were torched in Jiribam by suspected militants on Saturday.

Situation tense but under control in violence-hit Manipur's Jiribam

The situation in Manipur's Jiribam district remained tense but under control on Sunday, after suspected militants torched two police outposts and at least 70 houses in a fresh bout of violence in the state, police said. Additional security forces have been deployed in the affected areas following the incident on Saturday evening, they said. "The situation is tense but under control in the wake of violent disturbances that broke out in Jiribam district in which miscreants torched two police pickets, a forest beat office... and several houses belonging to both Meitei and Kuki communities, the Manipur Police said in a statement. Police is also actively monitoring social media updates, which may incite communal feelings amongst the communities and requests general public to refrain from spreading unfounded/ unverified information," it said. Violence broke out in Jiribam in the ethnic strife-torn state on Thursday evening, after suspected militants killed a 59-year-old man. The person,

More than 200 people move to relief camp in Manipur's Jiribam district

More than 200 people belonging to the Meitei community have been evacuated from their villages in Manipur's Jiribam district and moved to a newly set up relief camp after violence broke out following the killing of a man allegedly by militants, officials said Saturday. The houses of the people staying in the relief camp at Jiri Sports Complex were burnt in the outlying villages of Lamtai khunou, Dibong Khunou, Nunkhal and Begra in the Jiribam district by suspected militants. Most of the newly displaced people were staying in villages more than 30 km from Jiribam town, an official said, adding "more security personnel have been rushed to the area." The Manipur police have ordered state police commando personnel based in Imphal Valley to proceed to Jiribam on Saturday for duty with immediate effect. Tension erupted in ethnic strife-torn Manipur's Jiribam district on Thursday evening after a 59-year-old man belonging to one community was killed allegedly by militants belonging to ...

Manipur: Over 188K affected by floods, more than 24,000 houses damaged

A total of 1,88,143 people have been affected by floods in Manipur following incessant rainfall in the aftermath of Cyclone Remal, a state minister said on Thursday. It has also damaged at least 24,265 houses in the last few days, he said. Altogether 18,103 people have been evacuated and 56 relief camps were set up, Minister for Water Resources and Relief & Disaster Management Awangbou Newmai informed. In a post on Facebook, he said: "Held a brief meeting with Additional Chief Secretary, Deputy Commissioner Imphal West & East, Directorate Relief and Disaster Management to review the flood situation, and strategising for immediate action on relief, search and rescue operations." Around 401 hectares of crop have been affected, too, he said. Relief materials have been distributed to Imphal East, Imphal West, Bisnupur, Noney, Churanchanpur, Senapati and Kakching, the minister said. Newmai said three persons have died and nine people suffered injuries, while one is missing due to ..

5,457 'illegal immigrants' detected in Manipur's Kamjong, says CM Singh

The Manipur government has detected 5,457 illegal immigrants in the Kamjong district and measures are being taken for their deportation, Chief Minister N Biren Singh said. The biometric data of 5,173 people have been collected, he said on X. "The biometrics of those staying at Phaikoh, Huimi Thana/Sangkalok refugee camps are being obtained, an official said. The CM said his government has been providing humanitarian aide to all the illegal immigrants. We have been handling this situation with utmost sensitivity," he said. Earlier this month, at least 38 more illegal immigrants from Myanmar, who had crossed over to Manipur, were deported through Moreh town in Tengnoupal district, Singh had informed. A total of 77 such immigrants were deported in the first phase, he said.

Over 15,000 houses damaged in hailstorm in Manipur: CM Biren Singh

Over 15,000 houses were damaged in the hailstorm that hit Manipur on Sunday, Chief Minister N Biren Singh said. Addressing a press conference on Monday, Singh said several vehicles were also damaged in the disaster. "The state sustained massive damage in yesterday's hailstorm. Further assessment is going on. So far, 15,425 houses have been severely damaged. The Imphal West district is worst affected with 6,053 houses being damaged," Singh said. "A total of 5,600 houses were damaged in Imphal East, while in Churachandpur district, 540 houses were damaged," he said. The hailstorm damaged 1,179 houses in Bishnupur, 800 houses in Thoubal, 292 in Kangpokpi, and 200 in Ukhrul, he added. Singh said 42 relief camps were opened following the disaster, and relief materials were being provided through the deputy commissioners. "A total of Rs 6.19 crore has been sanctioned to meet the relief expenses, of which Rs 50 lakh each for the valley districts and Rs 40 lakhs each for the hill distric

In conflict-torn Manipur, youngsters take up arms to 'protect' villages

Every day in shifts, morning and night, a group of armed youngsters patrol roads around Manipur's Koutruk village. Their objective: Keep residents safe from the warring factions of Meitei and Kuki, two communities that have been in conflict since last year. These youngsters, mostly in their late 20s and early 30s, identify themselves as volunteers and say they have taken up the responsibility to keep their own safe as security forces "could not do enough to protect us". Kotruk in the Imphal Valley is one of the many villages in the state that is "protected" by such groups which identify themselves as "Village Volunteers", "Village Volunteer Force", "Village Defence Force" and "Village Protection Force". These groups, officials say, are not associated with any security agency or the armed forces. Trained in basic combat tactics, the village forces have vowed to keep their areas safe from the ethnic violence that has left many dead, injured and displaced. Their presence in villages

Manipur unrest: Modi govt apathetic, remorseless, alleges Congress

The Congress on Friday attacked the Modi government over the situation in Manipur, accusing it of being apathetic and remorseless. In a post on X, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge noted that Manipur started burning exactly a year ago on May 3, 2023. "Humanity perished in Manipur The cruel combination of an apathetic Modi Government and an inept BJP State Government have virtually divided the state into two halves. "A remorseless PM Modi has not set foot in this border state, for it exposes his rank incompetency and absolute indifference. His ego has damaged the social fabric of a beautiful state," he charged in a post on X. Kharge noted that the people of Manipur, from all communities now know how the BJP made their lives miserable. "People of Northeast, now know that Modi Government's shameless drumbeating about so called development drowned the voices of humanity in the region. People of India, now know that PM Modi and his Government has no iota of sympathy for the countle