No question of relaxing strike: JAC
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 24 2012:
The newly constituted JAC Against Chandel Incident has stated that there is no question of relaxing the ongoing general strike.
The JAC was constituted after a joint of film artistes and local organisations at Ghari today.
The meeting resolved to carry on the general strike unless NSCN-IM's Lt Col Livingstone who is accused of molesting a film actress and firing at two other artistes at Chandel on December 18 is awarded exemplary punishment.
Notably, an indefinite general strike was called all over the state since the midnight of December 21 in protest against the Chandel outrage.
The same general strike was purportedly relaxed for 72 hours in view of Christmas festival.
However, the JAC's convenor Ng Milan maintained that the general strike would not be called off until and unless Livingstone is booked.
The ongoing strike is not targeted against Christmas or Christians.
It is against the criminal act of Livingstone who have no respect for women's dignity as well as the law, Milan said.
The general strike is not poised against any particular community, he added.
The victim of the Chandel outrage said that she is indebted to the people of Chandel district for their relentless struggle to bring Livingstone to book.
Appealing to all the people to carry on with the agitation until Livingstone is awarded exemplary punishment, the actress condoled the demise of journalist Thangjam Dwijamani (Nanao) who was killed in police firing while on duty.
Other artistes too maintained that they cannot accept the decision of Film Forum Manipur, Shumang Leela Council and AMMIK.
They contended that the decision was taken in the interest of some individuals without considering the wish and sentiments of the people.
Delhi NE Media Forum condemns Imphal incident
Source: The Sangai Express / Ninglun Hanghal
Imphal, December 24 2012:
The Delhi based North East Media Forum (NEMF) condemned the killing of journalist Thangjam Dijwamani in Imphal on Sunday during the police firing against protesters over the molestation of an actress by an NSCN (IM) cadre.
The Forum also extended condolence to the bereaved family and friends of the journalist and stands by them in this difficult time.
The message issued by the Forum President Utpal Borpujari and General Secretary and Nishit Dholabhai stated that media persons in Manipur have been braving attacks and threats from a medley of resistance groups.
However, the indiscriminate firing by the police on Sunday shows that the Government neither has a mechanism in place to ensure safety of media persons nor the police and security personnel were sensitized to deal with the media, especially with reporters and photographers covering the spots.
Expressing solidarity with journalist in Manipur , The NEMF demands that the State Government initiate an independent probe into the Sunday incident in Imphal and assure that the guilty are punished and such an incident is not repeated.
The Forum also condemn police brutality in New Delhi on Sunday when media persons and photo-journalists were beaten up by police while covering the protest against the gang rape of the 23 year old.
The NEMF demanded that an independent probe be initiated by the Manipur Government into the shameful incident and the Government assure the vibrant media of Manipur that the guilty are punished and such an incident is not repeated.
ZC (Zomi Council) and ZSF (Zomi Students' Federation) condemn
Source: The Sangai Express / S Singlianmang Guite
Lamka, December 24 2012:
While condemning the molestation of a film actress at Chandel by an NSCN (IM) cadre, Zomi Council and Zomi Students' Federation have stated that they are equally unhappy with the violent forms of protest and the insensitivity of the protestors towards the Christian community.
It is unfortunate that the modesty of women has repeatedly been violated in the State.
There are heinous crimes committed against women in the past which remain unsolved and this particular incident is expected to make the Government act without any delay, said the ZSF.
Nevertheless the federation expressed annoyance at the manner in which the protest is being continued without any considerations
whatsoever.
"This is the time where every Christian, from near and far, comes to celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace along with their near and dear ones.
Unlike any other state festival, Christmas is a national and international festival and today, our inability to respect tribal sentiments has completely undermined the spirit of Christmas,' states the federation and ponder if, '..
this the kind of Christmas Gift to be given to the minority community in the state?' .
The manner in which the protest is taken up has the propensity to further disturb the state's integrity, it added.
The Zomi's apex body, Zomi Council was as well upset that the significance of Christmas to the Christian community has been completely ignored by the protesters.
State Govt has failed : RK Meghen
Source: The Sangai Express
Guwahati, December 24 2012:
UNLF Chairman RK Meghen alias Sanayaima was produced at the NIA Special Court, Guwahati along with other 12 accused.
Speaking to media persons before the appearance, the chairman said that the incident (Chandel outrage) was very unfortunate in that a woman was physically assaulted in full view of the public.
He said that one must not take that the crime was committed against a particular woman but must be taken as an insult against women society.
He stated that the incident was strongly condemnable.
He further said that such heinous act is strongly condemned by the entire communities of Manipur.
The UNLF chairman said that the most important thing to understand is that cease fire fire pact between the Govt of India and NSCN is not extended to Manipur and questioned why a NSCN-IM cadre who is also said to be the finance secretary of the outfit was roaming freely attending public functions where Assam Rifles and State forces were present.
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He said that it is act of deceiving the people of Manipur from the GoI side.
He also said that it is unfortunate for the state Govt.failing in handling emotive issue by firing live bullets that killed one of the journalist.
He instanced of the ongoing protest against a rape case in Delhi, where no live bullets are used against the protesters.
RK Meghen appealed to all the people of Manipur particularly the Meitei community not to be communal in their action.
He elaborated that in 2001 June uprising and before, the Meiteis were never communal and expressed hope that this time also it will not be communal.
He further appealed to let the innocent hill people travel to their native villages to attend Christmas festival.
Sanayaima stated that the people of Manipur will rise above communal sentiment and come together and act against wrong doers.
The Naga peace talks issue, demand of supra state, demand of statehood from the Kukis leading to the entire communities of Manipur being played against one another is a part of conspiracy of GOI to destabilise the situation in Manipur he said.
He warned that the people of Manipur must be alert and not trapped into the communal situation.
Today, 12 arrested UNLF members out of 18 were produced before the NIA Special Court.
The 3 accused who are on bail were represented by their counsel Advocate Gunedhor Moirangthem.
Next appearance is fixed on January 8, 2013 .
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