Teenage Girl Kidnapped in Haryana

Haryana, Dec 31, 2012 [THE OUTLOOK] --- A 17-year-old girl was allegedly kidnapped after being lured by four persons when she was alone at home at Chhatar village in the district, police said today. A case of kidnapping has been registered against Kulvinder, Pardeep, Krishan and Sonu on complaint of the girl's father, police said. Police have conducted raids at several places in search of the alleged kidnappers and further investigation was on, they said.

16-yr-old girl murdered by youth in Andhra, rape suspected

Hyderabad, Dec 31, 2012 (IANS) --- In yet another shocking incident, a 16-year-old girl was murdered by a youth in Andhra Pradesh's Ranga Reddy district. She was suspected to have been raped by the accused before killing her.

The girl, a student of Class 10, was found hanging from a tree Sunday evening in a farm in Dasarlapally village in Ranga Reddy district, about 100 km from here.

According to police, the girl, a student of a school at Kandukur, came to the village on a holiday and went to the field for some work. A few hours later, her body was found hanging from a mango tree.

A police officer said they found a 16-year-old youth in unconscious state nearby.

Police arrested U. Naresh, who allegedly attempted to rape the girl. When she resisted, he brutally assaulted her and hanged her from the tree.

The body was sent for autopsy. The police said they were investigating if the girl was raped before being killed.

The latest incident came even as four incidents of rapes and attempts to rape were reported from different parts of the state in last two days.

A police constable and a Village Administrative Officer (VAO) in Krishna district were booked on charges of raping women in two different incidents.

In another incident, a six-year-old girl was molested by a man in Prakasam district.

In the fourth incident, a police constable tried to kidnap a 16-year-old girl in Nalgonda district with an intention to rape her. Locals foiled the cop's attempt and handed him over to police.

Girl gangraped 9 months back delivers baby, files complaint

Mumbai, Dec 31, 2012 (PTI) --- Police have launched an investigation after a teenaged girl, who recently delivered a baby, lodged a complaint that she was allegedly raped by three men nine months back in the neighbouring Thane district. 

Police today said an FIR was registered on Saturday after the victim complained to city's Bhoiwada police that she was allegedly raped by three persons in a car after being kidnapped by them nine months ago at Kansai in Ambarnath township of Thane district. 

On the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday, the victim delivered a baby boy at KEM hospital in Parel, police added. 

The case has now been transferred to Vithalwadi police station in Thane as the crime allegedly took place in its jurisdiction. 

The alleged offence came to light after the victim was admitted to hospital for delivery on Saturday night and she could not provide the name of her husband to hospital authorities. 

The doctors advised her to register a complaint after she revealed that three persons had kidnapped her from near her home and raped her in a car nine months ago, police said. 

The accused were booked under relevant IPC sections including 376(2)(g) (gang rape), police said adding that further probe was on.

Delhi Gangrape: Draft Chargesheet Ready

New Delhi, Dec 31, 2012 [CNN-IBN] --- The Delhi Police has finalised the draft chargesheet in the gangrape and murder case of a 23-year-old paramedical student in a moving bus in the national capital. According to sources, the Delhi Police is expected to cite 30 witnesses in connection with the case.

As of now, the draft chargesheet is being vetted by legal experts, and in the court, the police would ask for hanging of the accused under the rarest of rare category, said sources.

This comes two days after the Delhi Police said that they would file the chargesheet in the case by January 3, 2013. After the death of the braveheart, the police had said that all the accused in the case would be charged with murder. While one of the accused is a minor, the others are Ram Singh, Pawan Gupta, Vinay Sharma, Mukesh and Akshay Singh alias Thakur.

The five accused who are above the age of 18 years will be charged under Section 302 (murder) and could be given death penalty. Police have also sought the court's permission to get a bone marrow check to ascertain the age of the accused, who is claiming to be minor.

Two of the accused - Mukesh and Akshay Singh alias Thakur - have undergone the test identification parade while the others refused to do so. Both Mukesh and Akshay Singh alias Thakur were identified by the braveheart's male friend, a 28-year-old software engineer, who was with the girl when the horrific crime took place. Her friend was also brutally beaten up by the accused when he tried to defend and save her.

Meanwhile, Supreme Court lawyer Dayan Krishnan has been appointed as the special public prosecutor by the Delhi Police to conduct trial in the December 16 case. Following his appointment, Krishnan had said, "I had given my consent to conduct the trial."

Krishnan has been representing NIA, Delhi Police and other agencies at various judicial fora in many cases including the Nitish Katara murder case.

Shame Continues: Brother-in-law rapes 13-yr-old girl, boy rapes classmate

Ahmedabad/Kurukshetra/New Delhi, Dec 31, 2012 [CNN-IBN]: Even as India stands outraged, demanding stringent anti-rape laws and more protection for women, and despite the nationwide rage and fury little seems to be changing on the ground and the call for change has failed to deter the rapists. In two recent and separate incidents, while an engineering student raped his classmate in Kurukshetra in Haryana, the brother-in-law of a 13-year-old girl and his friend gangraped her in Ahmedabad.

The engineering student in Kurukshetra in Haryana allegedly raped his classmate on December 28, but a complaint was registered only two days later. The accused, said to be the classmate of the rape survivor, has been arrested. According to the police, the girl was returning home when the accused kidnapped and allegedly raped her.

In a more shocking incident, the brother-in-law of a 13-year-old girl and his friend allegedly gangraped her over a period of four days in Ahmedabad. The 13-year old was left shattered by the incident and even attempted suicide by consuming poison, following which she was admitted to a hospital. Since then, the braveheart has been battling for her life.

The family of the braveheart has alleged that despite their filing an initial complaint with regard to the case, no action was taken by the police. However, after insistence, a case has now been registered by the police.

These incidents are more shocking given the fact that there has been nationwide outrage over the sad demise of the 23-year-old paramedical student, who was gangraped and assaulted in a moving bus in the national capital. Though the Delhi braveheart succumbed to her injuries after battling for over 12 days, she left behind a nation awakened and a nation demanding change.

The braveheart was cremated in Delhi on Sunday after her body was brought back from Singapore, where she was being treated at the Mount Elizabeth Hospital, on a special aircraft.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi were present at the airport to console the parents while Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and Minister of State for Home RPN Singh were among those who attended the cremation. The body of the Delhi braveheart was laid to rest in the national capital amid heavy deployment of Delhi Police and RAF personnel and the media was not allowed at the site.

Meanwhile, prayers, candle-light vigils and rallies as part of spontaneous peaceful protests continued to be held in a somber atmosphere of grief in several cities on Sunday. However, five people were detained after the peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar was marred by violence on Sunday. A group of protestors clashed with the police on being denied permission to take out a march. The protests were confined to a single area, unlike last week when protests raged up throughout the capital.

The Rapid Action Force was called in to manage the crowd and the situation was quickly brought under control. The incident occurred even as a group of protesters sat on a one-day hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in the heart of capital while others shouted slogans holding placards in their hands. A group of protesters also painted slogans and graphics on sheets of paper spread on the road.

Two arrested in gangrape case in Sikkim

Sexaul offences against Sikkimese women increases in 2012

Gangtok, Dec 31, 2012 [SIKKIM EXPRESS] ---Two youths involved in an alleged gang-rape case of a minor girl in an East district forest have been arrested and police are trying to nab the other two accused persons.

A search operation is going on to nab the two absconding persons, Man Bahadur Kami (26) and a 14-year-old teenager. A team headed by Pakyong SDPO searched the forest area of Busuk as the culprits may been hiding the forest, said Pakyong police station in-charge Mahendra Subba.

Purna Kami (19) and Nar Bahadur Kami (26) have been already arrested following the complaints made by the victim's family on Decemb er 28. The 14-year-old girl had on previous day gone to the nearby jungle to graze the goats when the alleged incident took place.

The victim, who did not return back home that night, was found hiding in a jbush next morning by some villagers who had gone to search for her.

The school going girl narrated her nightmare to her mother after which a complaint was lodged with Pakyong police.

Police informed that the victim was sent for medical examination at STNM hospital and report is expected by Monday. The victim is  presently at home with her parents.

Purna Kami has been sent to judicial custody at Rongyek Jail lwhile Nar Bahadur Kami is being questioned at the Pakyong police station. The two other accused persons, Man Bahadur Kami and the juvenile are still at large. A case of rape under section of 376 of IPC has been registered against the four persons.

The teenager works as a vehicle helper while the other three accused persons are casual labourers from Pacheykhani, Pakyong sub-division.

"The victim's family is a middle class family. The family head earns a livelihood by doing farming. It is a shameful act and the accused should be booked under stringent laws. The heinous act has defamed the name of our village", said a panchayat from the victim's village.

State Women Commission chairperson Subadhra Rai assured to provide all help to deliver justice to the victim. "We will meet the victim and family members on Monday. We will see what necessary help the commission can extend to the victim", she said condemning the incident.

According to police records, 28 complaints of rape were registered in different police stations of Sikkim this year till October. Sixteen rape cases had been registered in 2011 reflecting the increase in sexual assaults on women in the State.

Five cases of rape including the recent Pakyong gang-rape case in November and December take the total number of such alleged instances to for this year. Most of the accused persons are acquainted to the victims as neighbours or relatives. Shockingly, most of the rape victims are minors and of lower economic strata with the recent such case reported in November from West district where a 13-year-old boy was arrested for allegedly raping a 5-year-old girl.

The same month, two school girls were allegedly raped by two youths in a moving vehicle along Pelling-Geyzing road in West district.

Even shocking is the bestiality shown by a 59-year-old villager of Melli who allegedly raped a deaf and dumb woman of 30 years in August this year.  

4 boys gangraped minor girl in Sikkim

Gangtok, Dec 31, 2012 [Sikkim Express] --- At a time when the entire country is enraged with continuous sexual assaults on Indian women. 

The recent gang-rape and her subsequent death of paramedical student in New Delhi being the flashpoint, a case of similar heinous act on a minor has been reported from a Barlang village in East Sikkim.

As per the complaint to Pakyong police, the 14-yeard-old girl was allegedly raped by four men on December 27. The victim had gone to nearby forest with goats for grazing when the incident took place. She did not return back home that day.

Next morning, the victim was found hiding in a bush by some villagers. She later confided to her mother that she was sexually assaulted by four men in the forest.

POlice has registered a rape case under section 376 of IPC. So far two accused persons have been identified as Purna Kami (19) and a teenager. The other two accused remains unidentified.

SHAME INDIA! DELHI Gangrape victim dies IN SINGAPORE

New Delhi, Dec 29, 2012 (IANS) --- A young woman who was brutally gang-raped and tortured in the Indian capital died in Singapore early Saturday. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said it was up to "us all to ensure that her death will not have been in vain". The victim, whose name has not been revealed, "passed away peacefully at 4.45 a.m. (2.15 IST)," with her distraught family and Indian diplomats by her side, Singapore's Mount Elizabeth Hospital's Kelvin Loh said. The 23-year-old woman suffered multiple-organ failure after she was raped by six males, including a juvenile, in a moving bus in Delhi for around 40 minutes Dec 16 and dumped her by a roadside. Her male friend was also badly beaten up and thrown out of the bus. All six accused have been arrested and are in Delhi's Tihar Central Jail. Authorities in India shifted the woman, who had been on ventilator support since her rape, to Singapore Thursday in a last ditch attempt to save her life. "Despite all efforts by a team of eight specialists in Mount Elizabeth Hospital to keep her stable, her condition continued to deteriorate over these two days," Loh said. "She had suffered from severe organ failure following serious injuries to her body and brain. "She was courageous in fighting for her life for so long against the odds but the trauma to her body was too severe for her to overcome." B.D. Athani, medical superintendent of Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital, said the woman had been speaking to her mother and other family members earlier, giving the impression that she would somehow survive. But her condition deteriorated rapidly after a third operation, with a fatal infection spreading to her chest, lungs and intestine, he said. Expressing his deepest condolences, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said it was up to "us all to ensure that her death will not have been in vain" and India becomes "a demonstrably better and safer place for women to live in". He said he joined the nation "in conveying to her family and friends" his deepest condolences at this "terrible loss". "I want to tell them and the nation that while she may have lost her battle for life, it is up to us all to ensure that her death will not have been in vain. India's High Commissioner to Singapore, T.C.A. Raghavan, said the woman's family was "shattered". "It was very trying for the family. The girl of course was unconscious," he said. "I must say they (the family) bore the entire process with a great deal of fortitude and courage." He said her body would be flown to India Saturday afternoon. The prime minister said: "We have already seen the emotions and energies this incident has generated. These are perfectly understandable reactions from a young India and an India that genuinely desires change." It would be a true homage to her memory, he added, if these emotions and energies were channelized into a constructive course of action. "The need of the hour is a dispassionate debate and inquiry into the critical changes that are required in societal attitudes. "The government is examining, on priority basis, the penal provisions that exist for such crimes and measures to enhance the safety and security of women." The horrific gang-rape, in which the rapists used an iron rod to torture her, triggered angry demonstrations across india against growing sexual crimes against women. A policeman died in one such protest in Delhi. The Indian government vowed to fast track the trial of the accused.

Apropos to "Debates on the origin of Kukis, Meiteis, Nagas and Meitei Pangans" published in The Sangai Express, Dec 24

Imphal, Dec 27, 2012 [OPEN LETTER] --- Dear Sirs, In appreciation to and support of Dr. Khomdon Singh Lisam's letter to the Editor from Southern Palace Compound, Palace Road, Imphal, published by respected Editor of Sangai Express on 24 December 2012, the following few lines are penned down for kind publication in the daily papers by respected Editors in the Spirit of peace, social harmony and in defence of fundamental rights of Indigenous people in the north eastern region of India which is noted as "2nd Kashmir" by the UNPFII Rappourters. Indeed T.C. Hudson's statement in his book clearly stated that he travelled the length and breadth of Manipur and found out one unanimously accepted tradition; Meiteis, Kukis and Nagas are brothers. Their father is said as Ashu, his sons are Kukis, Nagas and Meiteis. This must be accepted as an undeniable truth the British could not conceal against their divide and rule policy. In fact these three communities had been living together in Manipur State harmoniously. They were not in need of any outside power to rule over them. They were and are the owners of the land together, and even the British umbrella Government did not interfere in their land management. The unfortunate betrayal policy is the coercive signatures of His Highness Maharaj Budha Chandra Singh of Manipur and that of her highness the Regent Rani of Tripura, in September and published on 15 October 1949 to merge to India at the cost of Manipur and Tripura valleys. How and why these signatures of Manipur King and Tripura Regent Rani have been forced has been revealing day by day of the happenings in the so-called north east India uptil now. Present negotiators with the Govt. and those asking for integration, supra state, alternative arrangement, and demanding states etc etc. must take maximum care, less they are giving away our ancestral land to people who have not done anything to the Britishers who came tried to take the land. The Meiteis fought bravely in defence of the land, so also the Kukis sacrificed their lives and villages by defending our ancestral land. Our ancestral land has not been given by any known power on earth. The British tried to take it, but failed. Though the valleys have been illegally taken, still 90% of our land remains in the hands of the indigenous people. If care is not taken by negotiators, those who voice for states will be used to give away our land by any means. Let us be reminded that we live in our land, and we need to defend the land together as our forefathers did in the past. Because of their sacrifices we could boldly say that this land is ours. Let us learn to live together with brotherly love and social harmony. Let us recall that there were problems in the past, but all could be settled peacefully without any help from outside. We live as neighbours, brothers and sisters for centuries past, even before and during British colonial regime. At the same time, let us also reason together on what has brought about the present chaos, fighting within, reducing the land into a killing field. The Kuki Inpi has been asking the Government of India to peacefully settle the problems once for all by submitting over 60 Memoranda. Yet, no response is made till date. While trying to talk over the damages done through five Prime Ministers including Shri Manmohan Singhji, no chance was given to meet them. Besides, PIL case has been submitted to the highest Supreme Court of India, but admission to this case was denied without any cogent reason. Whereas the Govt. remains unattended to our plea, the chaotic situation is getting worse that is marked by daily killings, road blockades, indefinite bandh, etc etc. Citizens of this country must hold the Government responsible for all damages or loses. One must also ask whether the Government has abandoned this land. Who and where is the Govt. now? If there is any Government(s), the suffering of the Indigenous people must be settled peacefully without further delay. By:- T. Lunkim Chairman Kuki Movement for Human Rights Manipur ================================================== Letters to Editor THE SANGAI EXPRESS December 24, 2012 Debates on the origin of Kukis, Meiteis, Nagas and Meitei Pangans Sir, Perhaps we should not enter into the debate regarding the origin of Kukis, Nagas, Meiteis or Meitei Pangans. There are four main tribes in Manipur - Kukis, Nagas, Meiteis or Meitei Pangans. Trying to trace the origin of any particular tribe will be like tracing the origin of HIV virus or tracing the origin of Syphilis germ, which unnecessarily led to discrimination of many innocent nations in the past. Let it remain for academic interest only. Let us not fight with the past. If you fight with the past, there will be no future. We have to act in the living present. The fact remains that the Kukis, Nagas and Meitei Pangans took great roles and active part in protecting the sovereignty of Manipur and in personal protection of Manipur kings and princes on many occasions. Now Manipur belongs to Kukis, Nagas, Meiteis and Meitei Pangans. Earlier the arrival of Hinduism has built a wedge between Meiteis and the hill people introducing concept of pollution and Mangba –Sengba culture. Taking advantage of the then Mangba-Sengba culture during the monarchy, the British introduced a policy of further divide and rule in the name of protecting hill people and wooing them to accept Christianity. The British played this policy of "divide and rule" to turn the ethnic, linguistic, cultural, religious differences within Manipur to their advantage to ensure their stability, supremacy and power. The Government of India continues the same "divide and rule policy" started by the British in the name of protecting hill people and inciting one ethnic group against another in the name of Greater Nagaland, Nagalim, Supra State, Alternative Administrative Arrangement, Schedule VI or Kuki state., General, Schedule Tribe, Hill people, valley people etc. The fault is not with NSCN-IM or Muivah. The fault is entirely with the Government of India and discriminatory provisions of the Indian Constitution. Earlier, we have been living in peace and harmony without any differences as one people and one nation. Why should we be allowed ourselves to fight with each on the instigation of some outside agencies just like frogs in the well? We are mature enough to know the hidden agenda of the Government of India to prevent us from being united. Let us forget the past and think for the future . Let us forget our differences. The Meities can not live in isolation without the Kukis or Nagas. The Kukis can not live without Meiteis or Meitei Pangans or Nagas. Let us concentrate on how to build solidarity and unity among all ethnic groups in Manipur and build a strong, united and progressive Manipur for our future generations. Otherwise, our future generations will blame us for not doing anything good for them. While we are fighting, some smaller tribes like Aimol (2643/2001), Chothe (2675/2001), Koirao (1200/2001), Koireng(1056/2001), Monsang- 1634/2001), Moyon (1,710/2001), Ralte (110/2001), Salhte 311/2001) are on the verge of extinction. There is a law in India to prevent extinction of tigers but there is no law in India to prevent extinction of smaller ethnic groups in Manipur. Is it not our duty to protect them from extinction. United we stand and divided we fall. The time for action is today. Tomorrow, it may be too late. Yours faithfully, Dr. Khomdon Singh Lisam Southern Palace Compound, Palace Road, Imphal ==================================================

ATSUM STANDS FOR MANIPUR TRIBALS

Imphal, Dec 27, 2012 [PRESS RELEASE] --- The All Tribal Students' Union, Manipur (ATSUM) is shocked at the Christmas gift presented by the Meitei community to the tribal community. Indeed, the tribal community has been greeted with such Christmas gifts on regular basis, thereby causing untold miseries to the tribal communities residing in Manipur. The ATSUM strongly condemned the Napet Chingol incident of 24th December, 2012 in which 13 tribal students were ruthlessly assaulted and tortured. To add salt to the injury a young girl was ruthlessly molested, outraging the modesty of an innocent tribal girl. The ATSUM un-equivocally condemned such inhuman conduct and prefers not to remain a silent spectator to such communal agenda perpetrated by the Meitei community. It may be recalled that the Meitei community indulges in mass rape of tribal women at Parbung in the past. And again, on December 11, 2011, Mrs Hatkholhing aged 42 was raped and murdered at Yaiphakol, Churachandpur, such incidents have been reported time and again. Why was the Meitei community silent when such shameful incidents occurred? Why were the Meitei community and the Government of Manipur, insensitive towards the sufferings of the tribal community? The atmosphere of insecurity created towards the tribal communities would compel the ATSUM to explore every possible course of action for political survival of the Tribal in Manipur. The ATSUM also strongly condemned the stone pelting on Tribal Christians, desecration to their place of worship and harassment caused to the Christmas shoppers by Meiteis. Which why their Christmas spirit was fully dampened. This nothing but terrorizing the Tribal communities, sowing the seed of religious intolerance among the various communities living in Manipur. The ATSUM at this critical juncture, gave a clarion call to the tribal community to stand united against the onslaught of the dominant community in Manpur. It is high time we shed our petty difference and strive for the unity and integrirt of the tribal community. The ATSUM would spare no effort to safeguard the dignity and birth rights of the tribal in Manipur. ~ MUAN TOMBING | President, ATSUM

MANIPUR: CHURCH SET ON FIRE ON CHRISTMAS MIDNIGHT, FIR FILED

'Church is worshiping place, not for setting on fire' Imphal, 27 Dec,2012 [Source: Hueiyen Lanpao]: Pastor of Rongmei Baptist Church, Lamphel (RBC), Namga Gangmei has stated that Church is a worshiping place and attack on Church is condemnable. Speaking to media persons at the premises of RBC, Namga said that RBC is a common worshiping place for all the Christian people of all communities residing in Lamphel area. However, some miscreants torched the front door of the church on December 25 midnight. Their intention to attack the Church on the occasion of Christmas is condemnable. Instead of attacking the holy place, anyone can directly approach the church authority to express his or her discontentment, Namga added. He also appealed all not to repeat such incidents in future. In connection with the incident, Church authority has filed an FIR with Lamphel Police.

MEDIA CONDEMNS MANIPUR POLICE FOR KILLING TV JOURNALIST

Scribe bodies join hand in condoling Dwijamani MANIPUR HILL JOURNALISTS UNION CONDEMNED THE KILLING OF TV JOURNALIST BY STATE POLICE Imphal, Dec 24, 2012 [TSE]: Expressing shock over the demise of TV journalist Thangjam Dwijamani alias Nanao in police firing, Manipur Hill Journalists Union (MHJU) said that it is very unfortunate that a journalist died at the hands of police. Saying that the callousness of the police has taken a precious life, the union in a press release said that the incident was a grim reminder of the insecurity of the media persons in Manipur. While the police are expected to provide security to the media persons, yet, many a time, the police or the security forces became the killers, the press release said. It is alarming that the journalists are being targeted while discharging their daily duties. The ugly incident has clearly reflected the insecurity of State journalists at the times of crisis or violence. The State Government must provide security to the journalists, who are often caught between security forces and underground outfits. Condemning the killing of the journalist at its strongest term, Manipur Hills Journalist Union (MHJU) also demanded for stringent action against involved police personnel. The union also urged the Chief Minister to order a probe into the incident and provide compensation to the family of the slain journalist. The union also extended deep condolences to the bereaved family. However, Manipur Hill Journalists Union (MHJU) has not been allowed to attend the condolence of Nanao by the bandh supporters which indeed is a disrespectful act for the media voice and its freedom, added the press release. The union also appealed the Film Forum Manipur and Manipur State Shumang Leela Council to lift the indefinite bandh in view of the Christmas festival. All Jiribam Working Journalists' Union (AJWJU) while convening an emergency meeting condoled the death of Dwijamani. While demanding the Government that all necessary assistance be provided to the bereaved family, AJWJU also shared grief with the family members. The Senapati District Working Journalists Association has also deeply mourned the untimely death of DDK news stringer Thangjam Dwijamai alias Nanao while on duty In a press release, the association said that he was a promising journalist of the State. The media fraternity would miss him in the venture to inform and bring justice to the society. The association also condemned the Home Department, and the involved police personnel in connection with the incident. Delhi NE Media Forum condemns Imphal incident New Delhi, Dec 24, 2012 [TSE]: 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. Journalists Unions mourns scribe Imphal, Dec 24, 2012 [IFP]: The Manipur Hill Journalists Union (MHJU) has in a statement expressed its shock over the brutal killing of a TV journalist Thangjam Dwijamani Singh alias Nanao on Sunday (December 23) during the police firing in the state capital of Imphal. A press release from the Union said that that the manner of Nanao's death is a grim reminder of the insecurity of the media persons in Manipur. "It is alarming that journalists are being targeted while performing their daily duties. The ugly incident clearly reflects the insecurity of state journalists in times of crisis or violence." the statement said. Calling for  stringent action to be taken against the police who cold bloodedly shot dead the journalist, the Union urged the Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, to order a probe into the incident and to give compensation to the family of the slain journalist. The statement further said that the Manipur Hill Journalists Union (MHJU) has not been allowed to attend the condolence of its fraternity  by the bandh supporters which indeed is a disrespectful act for the media voice and its freedom. It further appealed to the Film Forum Manipur (FFM) and Manipur State Shumang Leela Council to lift the 'indefinite bandh' which has disrupted the Christmas moods and activities in the State. Meanwhile, the Senapati District Working Journalists Association has deeply mourned the untimely death of Thangjam Dwijamai alias Nanao while on duty saying that he was a promising and upcoming journalist of the state. In its statement, the Association has condemned the home department and the police personnel involved in the firing that led to the death of Nanao. JU condemns Manipuri scribe's death in police firing Hyderabad, Dec 24, 2012 [IFP]: The Indian Journalists Union (IJU) today expressed profound shock over the death of Manipuri journalist Thangjam Nanao Singh, allegedly in police firing, while covering the face-off between protesters and police over molestation of a local actress by a Naga militant. In a statement issued here today, IJU President S N Sinha and Secretary General Devulpalli Amar expressed doubts over the official version and wondered how only the journalist wounded while not even a single alleged agitator injured in the police firing. Thangjam Dwijamani Singh alias Nanao, a journalist with 'Prime Time' news channel who also contributed pictures to Doordarshan, was killed in the police firing yesterday while taking pictures during the strike at Thangmeiband area in Imphal West district over the molestation incident. "We have our own apprehensions. We demand that a credible and independent inquiry should be held to find out the cause and circumstances leading to police firing and the resultant death of journalist. We also demand that the police should immediately return the camera of Nanao Singh in which he had captured the happenings on the spot before he fell to the police bullet", they said, adding the snaps in the camera might lead to unravel the cause of the firing. Sinha and Amar demanded that the family of Nanao Singh should be adequately compensated by the governments of India and Manipur. They called upon the working journalists in the country to protest against lack of safety to journalists in the country.

ZC & ZSF condemns Momoko Molestation Case

Lamka, Dec 24 [TSE] : 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.

Manipur's bizarre Action: Rape victim paraded in public view

Rape victim tonsured and paraded in public by mob in Moirang Imphal, Sep 23, 2012 [IMPHAL FRESS PRESS] --- : Leima wore a scarf to cover her tonsured head from the blazing afternoon sun as she came out to gather dried clothes hanging inside the compound of Glory Children Home located at Moirang today. Leima (real name withheld) is about 15 years of age. She was sexually violated by a construction worker at a room inside the Indian National Army (INA) Museum complex located at Moirang bazar on September 17 afternoon. Afterwards, the local Meira Paibis in the name of moral policing further victimized Leima by tonsuring her head and parading her as an immoral woman. The police have registered a case in the regard (98/9/12) MPGPS. According to the investigating officer of Moirang Police Station, a mason identified as one  Bhumeshwor, 38, son of Khoibi Devi, a resident of Khangabok Mayai Leikai coaxed the girl inside the INA complex and committed the act. Leima is unlike a normal teenager and she remains mentally unresponsive at times, according to report culled from police and a counselor of the Glory Children Home. Some women who were at the nearby area had seen her going inside the complex with Bhumeshwor and suspected foul play. They gathered other women and found them in a room. It still remains unclear to the police on how the rapist managed to flee from the scene, but the women caught hold of Leima and had tonsured her. The rapist Bhumeshor is still absconding. Yet the Moirang Police OC claimed that they are on the trail of the rapist. Leima was rescued by officials of the Child Welfare Committee, Bishnupur on the evening of the mentioned date. She was later taken for a medical examination at Moirang Hospital where doctors diagnosed Leima of being mentally unsound and evident of a sexual act having occurred. Superintendent of Glory Children's Home and chairman of Bishnupur CWC, Pishak told this reporter that Leima is being counseled at the home. However, there is a need to shift her to another institution or to the custody of a relative as her father is also mentally deranged and the present Home is only for boys. Leima's mother supports the family by selling betel leaves at Moirang bazaar. "She is a juvenile and cannot be held liable for her actions. She has been victimized twice ", Pishak said. He voiced concern for such abused children. Despite the police investigation, the act of the so-called Meira Paibis in tonsuring a girl child of unsound mind and victim of rape is yet to become a matter of public debate. IFP spoke to some rights activists in this regard. Former member of Manipur Human Rights Commission Yambem Laba said, "The police should immediately take steps to arrest the rapist as well as the so called meira paibis who have tonsured the victim. He added. "It should be borne in mind that no person can have sexual relation with a minor, there is no question of whether she was willing or not. The matter should be reported to the National Commission for Women and the National Human Rights Commission so that they can monitor the case and bring to book the guilty persons." Keisam Pradipkumar, Convener of Manipur Alliance for Child Rights and state representative of NCPCR said, "It reflects the sheer insensibility and immaturity of the so called local Meira Paibis. How could one assure justice, when you fail to distinguish the perpetrator and the victim of a crime? He added that activists and civil society organisations should respect human rights, child rights and right to privacy of the victims. Special protection should be given to the girl children. Secretary of Wide Angle, Montu Ahanthem also in a similar note voiced that if a child in involved in a crime then he or she should be handed over to Child Welfare Committee or the Juvenile Justice Board. Dr L Debabrata Roy of CORE said, "The news is shocking, but not surprising! Shocking, because such kinds of crime have become a phenomenon. It reflects the total dysfunctionality of our society today. It is not surprising because the institutions and legal system have let us down again and again." Member of High Level Committee on the Status of Women in India, Nandini Thockchom said, "Sex with a minor is statutory rape. Period, no ifs and buts about it." Exploring the legal aspect, advocate I Bobby said that both the rapist and the Meira Paibees may be held liable under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) Act 2000.  The women can be arrested and held for a time of six month in judicial custody .The Protection of Children from Sexual Offence Act, 2012 also mentions that the rapist be made punishable for a term of 7 years without bail.

Manipur Crisis: UNC calls 72-hrs bandh in Naga areas on Dec 26

72-hours bandh to be observed in Naga areas of Manipur from 26 Dec 2012 Tahamzam, Dec 24, 2012  [UNC Press Note] ---  We are constrained to reiterate the Naga people's position on the reported manhandling incident at Chandel that the law of the land must act upon the guilty. Nagas have requested for lifting the bandh and given public statement that left without option we would take our own course of action. The communal Government of Manipur pretends to restore law and order through a police force that refuses to enforce it. Meanwhile the insult & humiliation; destruction of personal belongings, commodities and vehicles and physical assault on Nagas continues unabated in the capital of Manipur. This time it is a direct attack on the celebration of Christmas and Christianity. Even churches have not been spared and set on fire.  The Government of India has been asked to intervene as there is no government or rule of law and the mob of communal forces in Imphal valley have taken over vide the memorandum dated 23rd December, 2012 addressed to the Prime Minister of India. Government of India therefore is also responsible for the continuation of the anarchy in Imphal valley and the targeting of Nagas in particular. This mayhem has continued more than 68 hrs in full view and knowledge of the Government. Heinous crimes of rape and murder which abounds in Manipur have not seen such systematic communal campaign.  Even after the Film Forum Manipur & Manipur State Shumang Leela Council had called off the indefinite bandh with effect from the midnight of 23rd December, 2012, the tribals heading for respective villages for Christmas on 24th December, 2012 from outside the state and from Imphal valley with state police escorts were attacked, their belongings seized and destroyed and physically assaulted and this continues to this hour. The earlier camouflage of the Chandel manhandling issue has now been discarded as the organisers of the bandh have lifted it off. There is no more issue behind the agitation targeting Nagas and is now purely a communal campaign.  Now the whole world knows that this onslaught is premeditated and has been wilfully done and not through an error in judgement. The unbridgeable difference between the Tribals in Manipur and the Meiteis - historically, culturally, socially and even in religion has been brought out in greater clarity. Starting from the Chief Minister, political parties, social scientists and civil society organisations of the Meiteis, these differences have been affirmed with their persistent utterance of "civil war", "bloodbath" and "time bomb" in public platforms in relation to communal inter-relationship.  In view of the given situation where the communal Government of Manipur has allowed communal forces to persistently attack the Nagas in particular, it is our demand that the Government of India intervene immediately with an alternative arrangement outside the Government of Manipur.  In pursuance of this urgent demand to the Government of India and to register our protest against the unabated communal attacks, a 72(seventy-two) hours bandh will be observed in the Naga areas with effect from the midnight of 26th December, 2012 to the midnight of 29th December, 2012. All Manipuri video and music CDs/cassettes, dramas and leelas will also be banned in Naga areas with immediate effect.  All Tribes Councils, frontal organisations and general Naga public will strictly enforce the above in their respective jurisdictions.  Publicity Wing United Naga Council

MHJU Condemns Killing of Journalist in Imphal

Office of the
Manipur Hills Journalist Union (MHJU)
Lamka: Manipur
------------------------------------------------

PRESS COMMUNIQUE
Lamka, the 24th December, 2012
 
Condemning the killing of TV Journalist Thangjam
Dwijamani Singh by the State Police

 

The Manipur Hills Journalist Union (MHJU) is shock to hear over the brutal killing of a TV journalist Thangjam Dwijamani Singh alias Nanao on Sunday (December 23) during the police firing in the state capital, Imphal. 

Nanao Singh (29), a reporter of Guwahati-based, ‘Prime News’ channel sustained bullet injuries and succumbed to his injuries at the Regional Institute of Medical Science and Hospital the same evening. It is sad that a journalist died at the hands of the police. The callousness of the police has taken a precious life. This is a grim reminder of the insecurity of the media persons in Manipur. 

While the police are expected to provide security to the media persons, yet, many a time, the police or the security forces became the killers. It is alarming that the journalists are being targeted while performing their daily duties.  The ugly incident clearly reflects the insecurity of state journalists in times of crisis or violence. 

The State Government must provide security to the journalists, who often struggles between the deep seas -- army and underground outfits.  It is sad that the lives of the journalists are not safe at all in any violence related situations in the State of Manipur. The media, which is considered to be the fourth pillar of democratic country, is at stake now, which shows the journalists are in great threats and dangers. 

We, Manipur Hills Journalist Union (MHJU) condemned the killing of Nanao Singh in the strongest possible term.  It is an unspeakable and unpardonable action. Stringent action should be taken against the police who cold bloodedly shot dead the journalist and must be punished accordingly. We urged Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh to order a probe into the incident and to give compensation to the family of the slain journalist. We send our deepest condolences to the bereaved family. 

While condemning the molestation on actress Momoko by one NSCN-IM cadre named Livingstone Anal on December 18 at a public event in Chandel district, we also urged the Film Forum Manipur (FFM) and Manipur State Shumang Leela Council to lift the ‘indefinite bandh’ which disrupted the Christmas moods and activities in the State. As we all know Christmas is the greatest festival of the Christians all over theworld, it may not be healthy to disrupt or disturb the Christmas festival. 

Issued in public interest
S. NENGKHANLUN
Secretary,
Manipur Hills Journalist Union (MHJU)
Lamka, Manipur