MLA Wungnaosang Keishing escapes militants’ ambush; 7 security escorts killed, 6 injured

Imphal 15 april, 2011;

Phungyar Assembly constituency MLA Wungnaosang Keishing today escaped militants ambush at Rehang area under Lamlai Police station. Seven of his security escorts including his driver were killed in the ambush while six other personnel were injured. Wungnaosang sustain minor injury at his hand and was immediately made way towards Imphal in an Ambassador car. The ambush happened at around 2.30 pm on his way back to Imphal after attending an awareness campaign on HIV and AIDS at Hera village under Pungyar Assembly constituency. Report reaching here said heavily armed militants numbering around 30 came down heavily using automatic machine guns near Rehang area which is about 2 kilometer from Yainganpokpi towards Ukhrul side. The vehicle at which Wungnaosang Keishing was travelling falls into a gorge. The driver of the vehicles along with one security escort died on the spot however, Wungnaoshang Keishing made a narrow escaped from the militants’ strike. Six other security escort sustained injury during the attacked. All the injured were immediately rush to RIMS casualty and those in critical condition were evacuated at Shija Hospital. The militants reportedly leave the spot after attacking the MLA and his security escort.  Luckily the media team distance themselves from the MLA’s vehicles as they went sometime ahead. Wungnaishang Keishing was on his way back to Imphal after attending an awareness campaign on HIV and AIDS organized by Manipur Legislature Forum on HIV and AIDS at Hera Village. The team of media went along with the MLA for media coverage of the HIV and AIDS awareness campaign. None of the underground group claimed the ambush at the time of filing this report.

Mentioned may be made that Wungnaoshang Keishing has recently supported the demand for establishment of a full-fledged Pungyar District which is presently under Ukhrul district. A memorandum on the regard was submitted to the Chief Minister at which the later gave them positive responses. The demand was however opposed by the Naga Apex Body UNC and called upon the district demand committee to withdraw the representation submitted to the government. The UNC in a press statement said that the demand for a new district is the handiwork of the adversaries to vitiate and derail the Alternative Arrangement process which is in progress peacefully and democratically.

The United Naga Council also said that the Naga people in the State of Manipur have severed all political ties with the Government of Manipur demanding the intervention of the Government of India for an Alternative Arrangement outside the Government of Manipur.

The UNC statement was strongly reacted by Wungnaoshang Keishing saying that the diktat of the UNC is anti development. It is worth mentioning here that UNC is a Naga organization which has been supporting the cause of the NSCN-IM which is currently undergoing peace talk with the government of India.

Those killed in today’s ambush at Rehang village has been identified as one Kunjo of 6^th MR and one Sunil of 2^nd MR. Others are yet to be identified. Those injured currently undergoing treatment at RIMS casualty were identified as MD Ali Rahman and Takhelambam Zilabanta of 1^st MR and Sangthem Mangi of 6^th MR. The other three injured evacuated at Shija Hospital has been identified as Stefen Keishing, Thokchom Sunindro and Voria Keishing of the Manipur Rifles battalions. Most of the injured are stated to be in critical condition and the number of death might increase. 

Upa Pradhan Among 2 Arrested Along With Hand Grenades and Detonators

Two persons including an upa pradhan allegedly came to hurl bomb to civilian residence were arrested by Imphal West Police Commando along with three hand grenade and three detonator.

According to police both were cadres of proscribed PREPAK working under the command of one Chaoba also known as Pakhangba of PREPAK project one. One among the arrested person identified as Khaidem Ibomcha Singh also known as RK or Rohit is the upa pradhan of ward number 6 of Khurai Laishram GP. He is about 38 years old and is a resident of Khurai Kongpal Sajor Leikai. The other arrested person has been identified as 38 years old Leihoarungbam Robinchandra of Khurai Puthiba Leikai of Khurai Lamlong. Both of them along with the articles seized from them were display today to media persons at Imphal west district police commando complex.

(In Photo:Above : the grenades and detonators seized ; below the two persons arrested)

Speaking to media persons DSP of Imphal West district Police commando Ibomcha said the two persons were nabbed along with three hand grenade and detonators when they were on their way in an Activa Honda bearing registration number MN01R-8981 to hurl the bomb at Singjamei area by a team of police commando who were conducting duty after receiving specific information about their presence. He said both the persons were used by the PREPAK to transport arms and ammunitions of the outfit besides hurling of bomb to civilians and government employee’s residence. The police also seized two mobile phone, three identity cards and the grey colour Activa Honda that were riding. On further interrogation the police team also learnt that the three hand grenade were collected from a lady at Uripok. 

KCP claims responsibility over the shooting of Reliance tower Caretaker at Wangkhei; JAC against the killing condemn the mindless killing

11.pm 6 April 3011

Armed group KCP today claimed responsibility to the killing of Reliance caretaker Oinam Borobabu at his Wangkhei Wangkheimayum Leirak residence on Monday night. A press statement released through e-mail by one Yaiphaba, of the Information and Public Relation Department of the outfit said Borobabu was awarded capital punishment by the outfit after giving repeated warning. It may be mentioned that Borobabu was shot death in front of his wife and son by an armed assailant.

Meanwhile, JAC against the killing, today accepted dead body of Borobabu and performed last rite after Chief Minister Okram Ibobi had given assurance to fulfill their demand. The JAC has been demanding punishment of the culprits involved in the killing, adequate livelihood to the victim family beside compensation.

A large number people today staged a rally till JNIMS Morgue and brought the dead body to perform last rite at his locality. The deceased Borobabu was shot death by the armed assailant at his bed room in front of his wife Sandhyarani and son Devaraj. He is survived by his wife and three children including a daughter. A JAC formed against the killing had yesterday submitted memorandum to the chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh demanding punishment of the culprits involved in the killing. MLA E. Suraj and Reliance Mobile service provider agent W. Kemchand among others met the Chief Minister on Tuesday afternoon to submit the memorandum. Member of the JAC while speaking to media person question on the nature of freedom struggle that the armed group has been demanding. He said such killing is an act of terrorism and such act should not be repeated.

Meanwhile, Manipur DGP Y. Joykumar has said that all efforts are being made to arrest the culprits involved in the shooting of Oinam Borobobu. In a telephonic conversation with the ISTV News, Joykumar said a meeting for all district superintendents has been convened to strengthened security measures for controlling of the anti social crimes. He said police department has also taken up additional measures to protect the people and their properties. When asked about the deadline provided by an armed group to the non Manipuri, the police chief said the police force has been keeping vigils from before to counter any untoward incidents committed by anti social elements.

At another development a  sit in protest was staged today at Leimapokpam in protest against the bomb attack carried out at the residence of Oinam Angangjao aged 75 of Leimapokpam Awang leikai. The grenade exploded at the court yard and instantly killed one dog and damaged some portions of the roof and wall of the house. Meira paibees of Leimapokpam lambasted such violent acts in the crowded residential areas and sought clarification from the concerned party. A woman who took part in the protest expressed unhappiness over the incident and appealed not to repeat such intimidating act in future. She also maintained that due to the threats from some armed group doctors posted at Leimapokpam primary health centre could not attend for the last two months and have caused immense problems and inconveniences to the locality of the area and appealed to lift the threat imposed to the doctors in the interest of the locality.On the other hands women folk of Haobam Marak Marak Chingtham Leikai today staged a sit in protest against bomb threat to one RK Chitaranjan of the locality. Chitaranjan was around 50 years old and is serving as an inspector in the taxation department. The bomb was handed over by miscreants to a nieghbour by wrapping in an envelope at around 3.30 pm yesterday. Several placards decrying the bomb threat were used during the protest.

Separate Pungyar District Demanded; Threatens Serious Agitation if Govt. Fails To Fulfill Demand

(7.00 pm 5th April,2011)

Pungyar District demand committee threatened serious agitation if state cabinet fails to resolve Pungyar assembly constituency as a full-fledged administrative district by 15 of April this year.

A meeting of the district demand committee was held today at the residential quarter of Pungyar Assembly Constituency MLA Wungnaoshang Keising. Various social workers of the area including MLA Wungnoashang Keishing, member of the Ukhrul district autonomous council K. Josheph, President of the All Tribal Chiefs Association AS Shimreishang, President of the Southern Thangkhul Students’ Union, S. Jojo, vice president of Kuki Inpi Ukhrul district, T Alum, President of Sambulong kamjong Gideon Zimik and kasom Khullen Chairman K. Lovingson were present in today’s meeting. Justifying the demand of Pungyar region as full-fledged district, speakers during the meeting said Phungyar region cover an area of 2700 square kilometer with a population of around 62 thousands and the region has also been divided into four sub division as Phungyar, Kamjong, Kasom Khullen and Sahamphung. The Pungyar district demand committee had earlier submitted a memorandum regarding the demand to the Chief Minister of Manipur.

MLA Wungnaoshang Keishing who is also the convener of the district demand committee while speaking on the occasion said many people of Phungyar area have died without reaching Ukhrul district head quarter and it is the urgent need of the state to establish a full-fledged district for development of the people of the region. Wungnaoshang Keishing further appealed people of the area to cooperate with the demand.

Reliance Caretaker Shot Death in Front of Wife and Son

(9.00 pm April 5, 2011)

Unidentified gunmen shot dead a reliance tower caretaker in front of his wife and son at Wangkhei Wangkheimayum Leirak on Monday night. The deceased identified as Oinam Borobabu was sleeping at his bed when the armed assailant fired at his head at point blank in-front of his wife and 13 years old son. The gruesome incident happened at around 8.30 pm of Monday night.

According to reports, two gunmen came looking for the deceased Borobabu and his twin brother Sidhababu at around 8.pm last night. One among the two went at the house of Sidhababu and another entered at the house of Borobabu.

Both the twin brother work as care takers of Reliance tower and Airtel tower erected at their respective residences. The armed assailant who went to the house of Sidhababu snatch the key of the Airtel tower room while the one entered at the residence of Borobabu shot him dead in front of his wife Sandhyarani and son Deveraj who is around 13 years old. According to Sandhyarani the armed assailant entered at her house asking for her husband. When she said that her husband had gone to bed as he was not feeling well, the armed assailant straight away went towards her husband and shot him at his forehead at point blank. At the time Sandhyarani and her son was also standing in the same room. The assailants later fled the area after firing another round of gunshot in the air. The bullet riddled body of Borobabu was immediately rushed at JN Hospital where he was declared brought dead.

The deceased Borobabu age about 37 was survived by his wife and three children including a daughter.

Earlier, before entering the houses, the two armed assailants reportedly entered at the club complex of Wangkheimayum Leirak Apunba Committee where five members of the club had been watching TV. The armed assailants allegedly took three mobile phones and a torch light from them and locked them inside the room before committing the gruesome crime. According to family member of the deceased the two armed persons had come earlier on the afternoon and threatened to shut down Airtel tower to Borobabu. This was told to his wife through mobile phone who happened to be at her parental home at the time.

It may be mentioned that during the last week of March the mobile tower erected at the residential complex of late Borobabu was fired upon by unidentified persons. On the following day a person called Yaiphaba Meitei of Information and Public relation Department of KCP claimed responsibility for the attacked.

Later, today morning, a public meeting was convened at Wangkhei and formed a Joint Action Committee against the gruesome killing. The meeting resolved to urge government to punish the culprit within three days period besides providing a livelihood for the children and wife of the deceased. A memorandum in the regard was submitted to the Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh. Reliance company’s agent of Manipur, Khemchand while speaking at the public meeting said the incident was not the first of its kind. Earlier a caretaker of private mobile tower was shot dead by armed assailants at Bishnupur district besides many similar incident of attacking the mobile towers. He said the mobile service providers tower in Manipur will be shut down totally in protest against such mindless attack and killing.

tension erupts at Samusag after minor scufle between two individuals

(10.30 pm, 4/4'11, Imphal)

Tension erupted at Naoremthong Samushang area under Lamphel police station after a family members allegedly threaten to shoot another family member over minor scuffle.

According to reports available with the ISTV news, a person identified as one Tayenjam Subash aged about 40 years of Samusang Uku Sana Leirak along with his wife another three unidentified person came to the house one Maibam Prasanta of the same locality at around 1 pm today evening.

Later, Subash’s wife allegedly called out for Prasanta at which Prasanta’s wife happened to encounter them. There were heated arguments between them over the whereabouts of Prasanta at which Prasanta who was sleeping inside the house happened to heard and came out. He was allegedly tried to pull away by Subash and his party by pointing a gun at his head. However, Prasanta’s wife continued to shout for help, locals of the area rushed the site and Subash along with his group fled the area. Speaking to ISTV news, wife of Prasanta said there was a minor verbal scuffle between the son of Subash and Prasanta over speeding of motor vehicles. When ISTV team reached the spot hundreds of people of Samusang Uku Sana leikai were seen storming towards the residence of Subash.

A team of Lamphel police led by its Officer in charge Ingocha also arrived in the spot and brought the situation under his control. Later, when the mob along with Lamphel Police OC went to the house of Basanta but could not found them as they seems to have fled after locking their house.

Lamphel OC later broke the lock and found seven cartiges of barrel rifle from inside the house and police uniformed.

 At the time of filing this story, there were no reports of any arrest made in connection with the crime.

CM Directs Court of Enquiry over Saturday night incident at Thoubal

(10.30 pm,4/4/'11, Imphal)

Chief Minister Okram Ibobi has directed Assam Rifles authority to institute a court of enquiry over the incident of Saturday night at which an aged lady was killed after she was hit by a projectile allegedly fired upon by personnel of Assam Rifles while celebrating the India’s victory in World Cup Cricket.

According to a released issued by Principal private secretary of Chief Minister, A Gopal Singh, - O ibobi today convened a meeting with the member of the JAC formed against the dead of the aged Lady at his office bungalow to solve the issues arisen out of the incident. IG AR South and Manipur DGP were also reportedly present during the meeting. After hearing the demands of the JAC, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi reportedly directed the Assam Rifles Authority to constitute a court of enquiry and punish the culprits involved in the mindless firing.

The Chief Minister also directed the security forces not to let such accident happened in future. It may be recalled that Waikhom Ongbi Mani aged about 70 years was killed after a projectile landed at the roof hit her shoulder while she was sleeping at her bed. The locals said the projected was a stray bullet brush by the 15 AR personnel at its Tomjing post of Thoubal while celebrating the victory of Indian team in cricket world cup.

In a press clarification made by the Assam Rifles it is stated that an accidental brush firing was occurred on the night of Saturday while conducting a routine change of guard at 15 AR post at Thoubal. The released further said the house of the deceased was about 800 meter from the AR post and possibility of the accidental discharge by the weapon and causing the death of the aged lady is being investigated into. It said full cooperation and assistance is being extended by the AR post to the family of the deceased, police and local people to investigate into the matter.

 Later, after an agreement has been reached between the Chief Minister and the JAC, body of Mani Devi was accepted to perform last rite today.

President Patil Wishes People on 'Cheiroaba'

(9.pm (3/4'11) Imphal)

The President of India Pratibha Devisingh Patil has extended the greetings to all the Manipuri communities on the occasion of Sajibu Cheiraoba Festival being celebrated tomorrow.

In her message released from Rashtrapati Bhavan here today on the occasion of Chaitra Sukladi, Ugadi, Gudi Padava, Chetti Chand, Navreh and Sajibu Cheiraoba which shall be celebrated tomorrow, Smt Pratibha Devisingh Patil said: "On the joyous occasion of Chaitra Sukladi, Ugadi, Gudi Padava, Chetti Chand, Navreh and Sajibu Cheiraoba, I convey my greetings and good wishes to all my fellow citizens. May these festivals bring prosperity, peace and happiness and also promote a spirit of oneness and harmony".

Governor Gurbachand Jagat, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi, Congress President G. Gaikhangam and MP Dr. Meinya among others greet the people people of Manipur on occasion of the Sajibu Cheiraoba. Sanamahi Thougal Kanglup and other organizations, individuals also greet the people on occasion of the Sajibu Nongma Panba Cheiraoba.

Meanwhile, traditional religious body today distributed holy water to the people of the state to bring prosperity and happiness in the state.

Works Minister Assures Strenthening of Judiciary in the State

(9 pm (3/4/'11) Imphal)

Works Minister K. Ranjit today assured to complete all infrastructures construction works of law courts in the state to strengthen judiciary in the state.

Speaking at the inaugural function of the newly constructed office building of the All Manipur Bar Association at Chierap Court complexes K. Ranjit said the construction works at Lamphel Court complexes with an estimated cost of rupees 2.5 crores will be completed before 15^th of April. The office building was constructed with an estimated cost of rupees 56 lakhs.

The works minister further said that works for the construction of separate high court is progressing even though it has to stop for sometimes in midway. The works Minister said this underlining the importance of strengthening the judiciary in the state. He said in a state like Manipur Judiciary needs to be strengthened as crimes which do not happened in other country happened here. And for that developing of court infrastructures is a much, he added.

The inaugural function was also attended by Health Minister L. Jyantakumar, President of All Manipur Bar Association S. Brajabihari, Advocate general Koteshore, Justice Binoykumar and Justice Ashok Potsangbam as dignitaries. General Secretary of All Manipur Bar Association said the newly constructed building of the Bar Association was laid foundation on February 19 2010. He expressed his gratitude to the SPF government for fulfilling the dream of the Bar Association. Health Minister L. Jayantakumar who also spoke on the occasion lauded the role of the state lawyers. Being a person, who began careers from the profession stress on the needs for strengthening the judiciary system for strengthening of democracy in the country.

Celebration for India’s victory in World Cup Cricket turns bloody in Manipur; stray bullet kills woman in Thoubal district

(9.00 pm 3/4/2011, Imphal)

Celebration for India’s victory in World cup on Saturday night turn bloody in Manipur after a woman was killed by a stray bullet at Thoubal district. The projectile which landed on the woman was allegedly fired upon by personnel of 15^{th Assam Rifle post at Thoubal Tomching to celebrate India’s victory in the final World cup cricket match on Saturday. The incident allegedly happened on the previous midnight and the woman was at her bed when the projectile hit her. The deceased lady has been identified as Yaikhom Ongbi Mani Devi of Thoubal Nongmaikhong. She is about 70 years old. Speaking to ISTV News locals said after India won the final match on Saturday night Assam Rifles soldiers, who joined the massive celebrations, fired many rounds after which the seventy year old woman died. Several other stray bullets also landed at many houses Thoubal Nongmaikhong area. Police have begun a probe to ascertain the incident's veracity. Camp Commander of the 15th Assam Riffles Post of Thoubal Tomching also took stock of the situation today morning. The woman's body has been deposited at RIMS morgue for autopsy. Meanwhile, locals of the area today convened a public meeting in protest against the death of the woman. The meeting resolved to urged government authority for shifting of the Assam Riffles post from the area besides demanding a judicial probe into the incident. They also resolved not to accept the dead body if the demands were not fulfilled by the authority. A sit-in-protest was also staged at Thoubal Bazaar.}