Juvenile mentoring and policing issues discussed

source-The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Dec 30: A "one day consultation on child trafficking and juvenile justice for the police personnel" was held today at the conference hall of MVHA, Wangkei, organized by the Coalition on Children`s Right to Protection (CCRP) Manipur. Many dignitaries, police personnel, NGOs and other civil organizations attended the workshop during which discussion was held on the role and responsibility of the police personnel in combating child trafficking and also in ensuring juvenile justice in the technical session.The first technical session under the topic "Role and responsibilities of police personnel in combating child trafficking" was attended, Superintendent of police Imphal east district, Th. Radhesyam Singh as chairperson, Advocate and Director of Human Rights Law Network, Rakesh Meihoubam, as resource person while in the second technical session under the theme "Role and Responsibilities of police personnel in ensuring Juvenile Justice" S. Paikhomba Singh, Advocate attended as resource person.While delivering the key-note addressing, S. Sharju, convener, CCRP, stated that children or juvenile deviate from the right path, commit crimes, robbery, thefts and such crimes due to poverty, lack of moral totoring and envy of things beyond their reach. She said it is the responsibility of all sections including the police, child right activities and NGOs etc to prevent the juvenile from committing these offences. She also stated that police personnel have been protecting and safeguarding the nation an she appealed them to be more alert and safeguard our child, who will be the builder of our society.Th. Radhesyam Singh, SP Imphal east, stress the need to set up a Juvenile police unit in every district adding that the unit needs to be properly trained on psychology of children, on how to deal and handle them.Further he also appeals to all the NGOs to clearly define the acts, provisions available. And through proper co-ordination and co-operation of police, NGOs, child right activist, media persons the future the children could be safeguard.Rakesh Meihoubam, in his speech, revealed that women and children are vulnerable to trafficking. They are transported against their will, sold and made to travel to an unknown place on the false promise of work, marriage or better jobs and livelihood and added that trafficking of women and children are mainly done for sexual exploitation, petty crimes, organ transplant, forced abduction and many more.Further while stressing the important role of the police, Rakesh staed police should work closely with immigration authorities, BSF, Railways and others transports authorities, social services, child welfare authorities, NGOs etc involved in services delivery for spotting and securing the victims and moreover sensitization programmes or workshops for these organizations is very much essential.Another talker, Advocate M.S. Paikhomba Singh, also highlighted about the J.J Act, 2000 and the role of police in ensuring Juvenile Justice.He also highlighted the bond between Juvenile Justice Board and Child Welfare Committee and their respective functions. Accrding to him JJ board is mainly for the juvenile delinquents, those children below 18 year, who have committed an offence adding that a Juvenile who commit a crime cannot be put in Jail or brought in a court, as well as cant be arrested by the police in uniform. Their should be a special Juvenile Police Unit and the child should produced the Juvenile (in civil dress) before the JJ. Board. Further he said that after thorough enquiry, the child should be kept in an observatory home and given a change to reform his behavior, through proper supervision and council. On the other hand the Child Welfare Committee deals with children in needs of care and protection. Children who are orphaned, destitute, abused and asserted that any NGOs, Child Right Activities, responsible citizens can bring forth such children before a CWC and after a thorough enquiry such children are given shelter, at children homes, shelter home, educational support etc. according to the case, said Paikhomba.

Media needs to be sensitive in covering child rights: meet

source-http://www.ifp.co.in/shownews.php?newsid=6993

IMPHAL, Dec 27: A “one day media workshop on writing for children’s issues” organized by the Children’s Right to Protection (CCRP), was held today at the Manipur Press Club.The workshop was attended by many dignitaries and deliberately discussed on the dos and don’ts to be applied while inviting a report on children issues on news papers, during the technical session held on two topics which includes “freedom of press vis-à-vis right to confidentiality of children”, with AK. Sanaton, former president, AMWJU, attended chairperson and Editor Imphal Free Press, as talker While during the second topic “Legal Provision restricting publication of Children’s identity in media” Sapam Dilip, Lecturer, LMS Law college, attended as talker.H. Rashi Devi, senior member, core group, highlighted on the role of media regarding the publication of child issues. In her key note address, she stated that media personnel should maintain their freedom of expression, and at the same time be sensitive while writing a report on child issues. However, in case of child abuse, child trafficking or such crimes, they should not invade the child’s privacy, revealing their identity, printing their photographs and such, thus invading their right to confidentiality or privacy, in the best interest of the child. She also mentioned that, according to the care and protection of children, Act 2000, in the section 21, it has been stated that, if anyone, be it it a media person or any citizen, if breached this act, revealing names, identities, address and such will be fined with Rupees 25,000.She further stated that, according to the Indian penal court, section 82, the offences committed by the children below 7 years will not be considered as offences. And if the media wishes to disclose the identity of the child involved in an issue, it needs to seek permission from a competent authority such as ‘Law Court’, Child Welfare Committee, Juvenile Justice Board and so on.Pradip Phanjoubam, Editor, Imphal Free Press, in his speech stated that, in trying to solve an issue, one needs to identify its root cause. In this, he mentioned an example children working in workshops. In the general view, such cases were stamped as child labour. But one needs a deep probing, whether it is really child labour or appropriate. If the child working in a workshop is being ill treated, not provided proper care, being taken advantage, then it is a case of child labour. On the other hand, if the child has a tendency, aptitude to handle with mechanical equipments, if he is being sent these by his parents to learn mechanics, so that he can find a way to earn his livelihood in his future, then it can be taken as a sort of education. So such cases need a deep monitoring, he said.With regards to the mentioning of names, identities, address etc. by the media persons on their news on child related issues, there is a debate going on, whether to reveal the identities or hide it. This needs more debate between media persons, experts, psychologist and experts in the field adding that he also held that revealing and hiding the identities have two results. While explaining the results, he said that it creates trauma, invade the privacy and on the other hand hiding the identity may encourage the culprit to commit the crime again and again.In all, the child involved in cases such as rape, abuse etc. are the only one to suffer. They repressed the unwanted trauma from their conscious mind. But it sometimes arises or come out in their dreams in the form of nightmares. So, here, the intervention of experts, psychologist is very much essential.Sapam Dilip, Lecturer, LMS Law College, in this speech said that, children are provided with legal provisions, rights by the constitution, but they are unable to use it. So there lies a gap, vaccum. And here, media’s role plays an important part to fill this gap to raise their voice. Media’s role in the promotion of the child, be it their health, education, all round development. According to him, while reporting about one should consider the three principles which includes freedom to publish freely, to maintain the rights and privacy of the child and to keep in mind the interest of the public and further stated stressed the need to maintain balance while handling the news and also in child friendly way, using proper terminology so as to avoid hurting sentiments of the child.

Children continue to be at the receiving end

source-http://thesangaiexpress.com/News_pages/Local_page-05.html
Kids working to earn a livelihood

IMPHAL, Dec 20 : Not-withstanding Article 45 of the Indian Constitution which guarantees free and compulsory education to all children of the country up to 14 years of age, a large number of children are being deprived of education due to poverty and gender bias on the part of the parents.13 year old Bidyarani is one such girl victimised by gender bias and poverty. In addition to economic woes, it seems Bidyarani’s parents are still caught in the early 20th century mindset of ‘what use is of educating a girl child’.After reading up to just class III, Bidyarani had dropped out. She is now helping her mother in daily chores of the family, looking her younger brothers in addition to assisting her mother in her profession of pottery.Bidyarani’s family are residents of Thongjao, about 60 kms from Imphal and her mother’s profession is pottery. Her father is a casual worker doing different odd jobs from time to time. She has two younger brothers and one younger sister.Though she is just 13, Bidyarani has learned the skill of making pottery. But what she wished is receiving proper education.“It has been three years since I stopped going to school. I could read English when I was studying but now I could not write any English word except my name”, the young girl said.One being asked why she stopped going to school, Bidyarani, then busy making flower-pots at the verandah, said “most of the time I did not attend classes”. “I stayed at home looking after my younger siblings. Then my mother asked me to quit schooling as she could no longer afford it. “Because of my persistent nagging, my mother has agreed to send me to school in class IV this time. My former classmates have already reached class VI. Yet, I don’t mind that”, she said.She quit schooling before giving final examinations of class III at Waikhong High School. His younger brother is reading at class III at the same school. The two younger siblings are yet to attend any school.“When I stayed back at home during the brief period of schooling, my teachers often urged my parents to send me to school regularly. I was also the class monitor”, Bidyarani reminisced. “I have been dreaming of becoming an educated woman but it seems I have to take over the profession of my mother”, the little girl moaned.When asked to Lalita, Bidyarani’s mother, as to why the young girl was pulled out of school, she narrated her helplessness to send her daughter to school as she been struggling very hard to earn a square meal a day.“Nowadays, education has become very expensive. She is a girl and she has learned how to read and write. We thought she should quit schooling so that her younger brother can study”, Lalita said.Cursing her inability to send her daughter to school, Lalita acknowledged that Bidyarani was a good learner.“We are thinking to admit her in class IV, in case we can spare some money this time”, the 30 year old mother said.On being enquired about the earning potential of pottery, Lalita said that a hard-working potter can earn Rs 1000 in a month.“But I cannot make much pottery as I have to look after my small kids too. At the most, I can earn up to Rs 500 in a month”, she said. “As she is no longer going to school, I asked Bidyarani to join in making pottery in spare time. It is also a custom and a necessity for every women of Thongjao to master the skill of making pottery for they no other source of income”, Lalita added.She said that Thongjao women are mostly engaged in making pottery unlike women of other parts of the State who are more active in weaving etc. To another question, Bidyarani said that many of her peers are attending classes on and off. “But it is only two or three of us who have completely quit schooling”, she added.

Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) Needed - Defence Minister A.K. Antony

Army needs special powers to counter terrorism: Antony

2 hours, 45 minutes, 5 seconds ago

New Delhi, Dec 18 (IANS): India's armed forces cannot counter terrorism and insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir and the northeast states without the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), Defence Minister A.K. Antony stated categorically Friday.
'As long as their (armed forces) presence is necessary, they need special provisions. They cannot function without special powers (conferred on them under the act),' Antony told reporters.
'It has been because of the presence of the armed forces that the situation has improved in Jammu and Kashmir.... If police think they can do without the army, we will withdraw the troops. But if they want them to be deployed they need special provisions.'
The minister was speaking on the sidelines of a seminar organised by the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS) on Internal Security: Duties and obligations in upholding Human Rights.
'Whenever we have felt that the situation has improved in Jammu and Kashmir, we have withdrawn troops. Last year, we have withdrawn two divisions and if we see the situation has improved in Jammu and Kashmir we will further reduce the visibility and presence of the armed forces,' he added.
There have been demands from several quarters, including Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, to repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) on grounds that it was leading to violation of human rights.
Abdullah has also met the defence minister to raise his concerns over what he termed as the misuse of the provisions of the AFSPA in the hands of the armed forces.
'Terror in Jammu and Kashmir and northeast and left wing extremism in certain pockets require continuance of dedicating time, resource and efforts. The situation is further complicated due to external support to perpetrators.
'One of the major challenges of the security forces is to preserve the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country. In the process of combating terrorism, they may run the risk of being dubbed as authoritarian,' Antony added.
According to the minister, the AFSPA empowers forces to act in 'difficult situations'. 'We will not hesitate to take action if somebody is found guilty,' he said, addressing concerns about the misuse of the act.

CRY submitted it charter of Demand to Hon. President of India

4 hours, 42 minutes, 50 seconds ago

by Satya Gopal Dey
New Delhi, Dec 18 : A delegation from CRY- Child Rights and You met the President of India Ms. Pratibha Patil in the Capital December 16, to hand over a Charter of Demands on education that was signed by 7.7 lakh people across the country including people from different walks of life from the state of Manipur. 
They drew the President’s attention to the gaps that need to be filled to make sure that the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act 2009 reaches every child in India. The delegation comprised CRY Directors, Ms.Puja Marwah, Ms.Yogita Verma and Mr.Dipankar Majumdar
“Smt. Pratibha Patil acknowledged the fundamental importance of education in human development and the consequent need for it to reach every single Indian child. We shared with her the results of our ‘Sabko Shiksha Samaan Shiksha campaign in which more than 7.70 lakh people from 18 States have signed a charter demanding equal quality education for ALL Indian children. We now want the government to accept these demands as voices from the ground and act upon making education a right for every child,” said Puja Marwaha, CRY’s Director.
The meeting comes in the wake of a public Walk and meeting organized by CRY on December 11 at Bal Bhavan, New Delhi, at which prominent activists like Jean Dreze from the Right to Food Campaign, Nikhil Dey from the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan and Advocate Ashok Aggarwal from Social Jurist spoke out about the urgent need to amend the Act in letter and in spirit, in order for this fundamental right to be attained by all Indian children. “CRY’s on-ground experience in the 6700 villages and slums we work in underscores what the recent Suresh Tendulkar Committee report has recommended to the Planning Commission and we are working on increasing support both within the government and outside, on India’s need to invest in basic rights such as education” said Marwaha. 
From the point of view of India’s children, the landmark Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act 2009 is limited in its scope. The charter seeks three key amendments in order to ensure this right for every one of India’s 440 million children. These amedments are , Inclusion of  children below 6 years as well as 15 to 18 years in the Act, 8th pass-outs are in no way adequately qualified – either for vocations or for life. Similarly, nursery school is the foundation for education. The Act needs to ensure a complete education for every child below the age of 18 years. It needs to build bulwarks to prevent drop outs, especially for girls where the drop out rate is high.   The second amendment is to make sure there is a school with qualified teachers and proper facilities within 1 kilometre of any habitation .No minimum standards have been defined for teachers, school infrastructure and facilities, including basics like drinking water, toilets, classrooms, teacher-student ratios etc. Similarly, even though it has been proven that a child learns best in the language spoken at home, the Act does not specify mother-tongue education as a medium of instruction, in addition to learning other languages. Curricula norms need to spell out that the content of education be relevant to who the child is and where she lives.     
The teacher, who is the key figure in a child’s learning, needs investment in improving qualifications, capacities and attitudes to be inclusive towards all children, and be well paid. The teacher’s role as an integral member of the community needs to be respected by not making these appointments on a short-term, contractual basis. Finally amendment in regards to Spend 10% of India’s GDP to education.Latest revised estimates show 38% of Indians to be under the poverty line. Unless education gets financial backing by the State, the situation of poverty is not likely to change. No country in the world has been able to reach universal education without the State funding schools. For 440 million children, the government’s spending on education has actually reduced. From 3.84% of the Union budget in the year 2008-2009, it is now down to 3.03%. Given that this right is for 40% of India’s citizens, the Act is heavily underfunded. Unless we put the State’s money into education, the Act will remain a paper tiger.
“Sabko Shiksha Samaan Shiksha campaign is a very timely campaign being facilitated by CRY” stated by  P.K. Biju a Member of Parliament from Kerala and member of Standing Committee on MHRD. “Without an appropriate financial memorandum, free and compulsory education would not be possible” Biju further stated while being at one with CRY demand for 10% GDP for education, during a telephonic interaction with the Kolkata correspondent of IFP.

Media Coverage by CCRP

Justice Agarwal conducting a spot assessment at BT Road

IMPHAL, Dec 16 : Two reporters of news magazine Tehelka who were su-mmoned by the Justuce PG Agarwal Commission to give their statement in co-nnection with the July 23 BT Road incident did not appear before the Commission today.  On the other hand, Justice PG Agarwal conducted a spot inquiry at BT Road today, the site of the incident.  The two reporters of Tehelka were summoned by the Commission to give their statement at 10.30 am today and the message was intimated to the Editor-in-chief of the news magazine, Tarun J Tejpal. The news magazine however did not respond to the summon.  Following the failure of the two reporters, another summon will be on them to appear before the Commission on January 4, through the police.  During today's hearing, colleague of P Lukhoi, who was injured in the incident, Thiyam James, an Assam Rifles personnel from Wangoi Thoudam Leikai gave his statement to the Commission.  As per his statement, James said that he had come from Churachandpur to return home on the said day and went to the fruit stalls at Dharamshala. After buying some mangoes, he proceeded to BT Road through the Family Welfare line and was walking on the southern side towards the west, when he heard his name begin called out.  While he was acknowledging the call, coming from Lukhoi, he heard reports of gun fire, said James and added that he ducked for cover.  James said that he did not see who opened the fire and added that after helping Lukhoi to reach RIMS in a van, he returned home.  Golmei Mangal, who was also among the injured persons in the incident could not appear before the Commission today to give his statement as he is at AIIMS undergoing treatment. After recording the statements, Justice PG Agarwal inspected the spots where Th Rabin and Ch Sanjit were killed. After conducting the spot inquiry as well as studying the photographs published in Tehelka, Justice Agarwal asked the owner of Sanapukei restaurant, located at the ground floor of Gambhir Singh Arcade, near Maimu pharmacy to come before the Commission on January 4. Justice Agarwal also questioned the salesmen Social Time Emporium, in whose godown, Sanjit was reportedly shot dead as well as the owner of Maimu pharmacy.

Three kids killed in blast in Ccpur

2009-12-16 | 03:37:16

Hueiyen News Service

Two bombs explode; another one fails

Imphal, December 15: At least three minor children between the age group of five and seven years were killed when a handgrenade they were playing with unknowingly exploded at a village in  interior part of Churachandpur district bordering with Mizoram today.

On the other hand, two of three bombs lobbed by suspected underground cadres exploded at individual homes located in Imphal while another bomb failed to explode.

The blast which claimed lives of three minor children occurred at Senvon village under Tipaimukh police station bordering with Mizoram  at about 11 am today, police said here.

The three children were playing with the bomb they found at an isolated place in their village this morning. Villagers believe that the handgrenade could have been fallen from underground cadres who took shelter at the village recently.

Bodies of the deceased children were badly mutilated, reports received here said. A team of police from Tipaimukh police station has gone to the village after receiving the information. Detailed reports are awaited.

The tragic incident happened two days after a mine-bomb went off at a village in Chandel district bordering with Myanmar on Sunday last. At least four persons including a 15 year boy travelling in a Shaktiman truck were injured in the blast.

The mine-bomb went off at about 12.30 pm near the Holenphai village, about 10 km from Moreh police station. The injured persons have been evacuated and being treated at Moreh community health centre. Reports said that the mine-bomb exploded when a Shaktiman truck loaded with rice-bags was going toward Holenphai village. The Shaktiman ran over the mine-bomb planted by unknown persons on the roadside.

Among the four wounded persons two were villagers of Holenphai while the rest two were the driver and handymen of the truck. Conditions of one of the injure villagers serious, the report added. Meanwhile, in an unrelated incident, suspected militants performed a fail bomb attack at an oil filling station in Imphal east district this afternoon at about 3 pm.

The hand grenade was later defused and disposed off by personnel of the state police bomb squad at an open place.

The hand grenade was deposited at NRL Oil Filling Station located at Khurai Thangjam Leikai on the side of the NH-150 (Imphal-Ukhrul) by the miscreants suspected to be militants. Police suspect the bomb being hurled in connection with monetary demand from the proprietor of the oil filling station.

Another hand grenade was exploded at the house of an individual identified as Mayengbam Binod who is running a shop dealing with mobile recharge couple at Gambhir Singh Shopping Arcade this evening at about 5.40 pm.

The bomb hurled by miscreants went off main door on the roadside. Some damages caused to the house. Wife of Binod fainted when hear the blast sound. She was immediately hopsitalised at a hospital.

Mention may be made that on December 11 last also a bomb was hurled by suspected undergrounds exploded at the house of M Pramod, younger brother Binod.

The third bomb reportedly exploded at the gate of the house of the adhayaksha of Bishnupur Zilla Parishad this evening. The bomb attack was two days after four miscreants identified themselves to be cadres of a particular outfit set ablaze a vehicle (Gypsy) allotted to the Adhayaksha of Bishnupur district Zilla Parishad Sunday night at about 8 pm.

However, police when contacted said that no such incident of blast occurred in the area. But local reports said that the bomb blast at her gate and no human casualty caused.

Mention may be made that the government vehicle bearing registration no. MN5A-2010 allotted to Kshetrimayum Sorojini Devi, adhayaksha of Bishnupur Zilla Parishad was set on fire by the miscreant of Sunday night allegedly for not allowing to lend the vehicle to them.

Four unknown persons who identified themselves to be members of UNLF entered to her house and asked for the key of the vehicle.

DGP Manipur admits that the Arms conflict situation has affected the rights of women and children

Female cdos for CI Ops, says DGP
Irom Ashalata
IMPHAL, Dec 15: The wo-men police commando units which are going to be set up for the first time in Manipur would be also be utilised in the counter insurgency operations, Director General of Police (DPG) Y Joy- kumar has stated.
Talking to this reporter at his office chamber yesterday, DGP Y Joykumar in- formed that at present efforts are being made initially for setting up four women commandos units in each of the four valley districts. Each of the proposed units of the Imphal East and Im-phal West would have one Inspector, four SIs, five ASIs, 10 Head Constables and 60 Police Constables while one Inspector, two SIs, two ASIs, four Head Constables and 41 Police Constables would be in each of the proposed units of Bishnupur and Thoubal.
In response to a series of questions on the activities of the Police Department with regard to the welfare of women and children, the police officer admitted that prevailing law and order and conflict situation has affected women and children in the State. In order to solve these problems and in the hope that the number of crimes against women and children would come down if these cases were handled by women police themselves, steps have been tak- en up to set up women police commando units, wo- men police stations, women police reserve and Mahila Battalion.
Accordingly, nine wom-en police stations would be opened in all the nine districts of the State. In case of the four valley districts, construction of the buildings where these women police stations would be placed have been started and construction work in the five hill districts is expected to begin very soon. In each of these nine women police stations, 30 women police personnel including one in the rank of Inspector would be deployed. There is also plan for recruiting 228 reserved women police who would be attached with the women police stations to be set up in all the nine districts. In addition to this, ef- forts are being made for instituting a Mahila Battalion of 333 personnel, the DGP informed.
The fact that there are women police officers in the Police Department goes to illustrate that there is no discrimination against women police personnel, the DGP added.
He went on to inform that as of now the existing wo-men police personnel are trying their best in handling cases related to women and children. So, it is possible there may be some discontentment on the part of the public. But all these are expected to be resolved soon with more women police joi-ning the Department.
In connection with the is-sue of human trafficking, the DGP maintained that workshops, seminars and dis- cussion sessions are being conducted along with NGOs and law enforcement agencies to understand each other’s activities. NGOs have been extending their co-operation to the po-lice and the SDPOs in all the districts are being directed to take some responsibilities as and when cases of human trafficking are reported.
on how far the prevailing unsettling situation in the State is accountable for the reported involvement of women including lactating mothers in serving demand letters of UGs and transporting their guns, the DGP not- ed that all women victims of the conflict situation are not involved in such unwanted cases. It is those only those who are after easy money.
It is not the duty of the police alone to rehabilitate drug traffickers, commercial sex workers. It is the responsibility of all the agencies concerned in the society, he explained.
With regard to the activities taken up by the Police Department with special attention on children, the DGP mentioned open debate, essay writing and other competitions organised on the occasion of Police Raising Day.
There have been cases of pulling up minor children for their involvement in crimes. If the case is serious, it is referred to the court in accordance to Juvenile Justice Act and if it is that serious, then the parents are summoned for necessary advice.

Families of fake encounter victims pour out anguish before people’s panel

2 days and 13 hours, 30 minutes, 9 seconds ago

IMPHAL, Dec 11: The aggrieved family members of the victims of extrajudicial killings poured out their heartfelt anguish and grievances before the independent people’s tribunal on torture, extrajudicial executions and enforced disappearances which began today at the conference hall of the Retreat House, Mantripukhri.
The three days tribunal is being organized by Human Rights Law Network, HRLN, Manipur, in association with other human rights organizations like Extrajudicial Executions Victims’ Families Association, Manipur, Human Rights Alert, Human Rights Initiative, All Manipur NGOs Forum, Eastern Rural Development Centre, Kanglei Young Women’s Social Cultural organization and New Vision Manipur.
A panel of legal experts, namely justice KK Usha, former chief justice of Kerala High Court, justice DK Basu, former judge of Calcutta High Court, justice Moloy Sen Gupta, former acting chief justice of Sikkim, C. Upendra, retd. district and session judge of Manipur, Lisham Rabindra, retd. district and session judge of Manipur, and Yambem Laba, former member of Manipur Human Rights Commission, along with other human rights activists will arbitrate.
Meihoubam Rakesh, director HRLN, expressed deep concern over frequent occurrence of fake encounters eliminations in the state which has claimed about 350 lives during this year alone and added that this tribunal is a platform where the aggrieved family members of the victims can share their grievances with legal experts freely and openly.    
One elderly woman, who is the mother of a victim of extrajudicial killing sobbed bitterly before the tribunal adn expressed her burning desire to take revenge upon the killers of his son. 
She cried out that she only wants to take revenge upon those commando personnel who had killed her lone son so inhumanely.
Kh. Subadani, the widow of (late) Khamnam Shantanu, who was killed in an alleged fake encounter at Naharup, said in distress that the inhuman security personnel have not only taken her husband’s life but also made the lives of her children miserable. 
She further added that her family has not received any sort of help from the government and the futures of her children are totally blurred without the husband who was the backbone of the family.
Laishram Prema, wife of  (late) Surjit, who was killed by combined forces at Moreh, strongly condemned the selfish motive of security personnel who can easily destroy someone’s life for a mere sum of money. 
She said that her husband was killed only for the reason that he possessed some amount of money for business purposes and added this heinous act of the security personnel has adversely impacted upon her kids whose futures have dimmed.
Many others from the victims’ families expressed discontent over the present administration which has led to such widespread atrocities in the state and made a clarion call to everyone to do everything to stop the inhumanity of extrajudicial executions and tortures which have totally marred the tranquility of the state.

 

AFSPA should be reassessed: MU VC

7 hours, 6 minutes, 48 seconds ago

IMPHAL, Dec 9: The vice-chancellor of Manipur University, Prof. C. Amuba has said that the AFSPA has to be discussed thoroughly by all sections of the people with respect to the Article 7 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948, which says that all are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. 
The VC of Manipur University made this observation while speaking at the function releasing a poster in connection with the observation of International Human Rights Day 2009 at the Centre for Human Rights and Duties Education, Manipur University.
He further stated that the people should have a thorough idea of various rights enlisted in the UN charter of human rights and to cater such needs. The Manipur University is imparting human rights education through various short-term courses and in due course of time new PG and other courses will be added he added.
Prof. Ksh. Bimola, coordinator, Centre for Human Rights and Duties Education, said the observation is important as the state has too many unresolved issues related to human rights violation. She also urged people to get adequate knowledge on human rights so that the whole society can stand united to uphold human rights in the state.
Prof. HNK Sharma, pro-VC of Manipur University, Prof. N. Lokendro, registrar, Dr. N. Shyamjai, finance officer and students attended.

Every 50 Manipuris are under the barrel of one CPMF man's gun

2009-12-09 | 03:38:21

Hueiyen News Service

Over 51,000 CPMF, 10,000 Army, 15,000 MR/IRB, 1,600 Cdos and 5000 civil police operating in state

Imphal, December 08: An approximate 51,000 Central security men are assisting 5,056 civil police to guard an estimated 25 lakh heads in trouble riddled state of Manipur where around 10,000 armed cadres of more than 39 militant outfits are operating. This can be estimated as a security man for every 50 heads.

The security man per head can be estimated at a security man for every 36 if state armed security and police are also counted. The total security men and police can be estimated at around 20,000 newly inducted police and IRB personnel. The number included civil police, police commandos, Manipur Rifles and Indian Reserved Battalions.

According to the latest security deployment chart available from various sources, a total of 41 battalions of Central Paramilitary Force (28 battalions of Assam Rifles, six battalions of Border Security Force and seven Central Reserved Police Force (CRPF) are deploying at as many as 229 posts open across the state.

More over 10 more battalions of Army (Maratha Light Infantry, Gokha Rifles and Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry are also in assisting the Assam Rifles and Manipur Police Commandos in the counter insurgency operation and internal security of the state.

An estimated 28,000 (1000 per battalion) personnel of 28 battalions of Assam Rifles who are taking major role in counter insurgency as well as guarding the international border with the Myanmar are opening their posts at as many as 133 posts across the state as per the latest deployment chart.

Battalions of the forces deploying in state are 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 11th, 12th, 16th, 17th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 28th, 29th, 30th, 31st, 32nd, 33rd, 34th, 36th, 39th, 42nd, 43th, 32/11 Field Regiment and 10 sector “B” Range, 27 sector Rear  are deploying in the said 133 posts.

The force has highest number of 34 posts in Chandel district, a border district of Manipur with Myanmar. Most of the posts located near the international borderline. Churachandpur district, another district bordering with Myanmar has the second with 24 posts.

With 16 posts, Ukhrul district has the third highest number of AR posts. This district also has border with Myanmar. It has 14 posts in Senapati districts, nine posts in Tamenglong, 13 in Thoubal district, 10 in Imphal east district, six in Imphal west district, seven in Bishnupur district.

These Assam Rifles are operating under the commands of the Inspector General of Assam Rifles (South)- IGAR (S) and 57th Mountain Division. The IGAR (S) covers Ukhrul, Chandel, Imphal east and west districts while 57th Mountain Division has its operations in the rest districts.

Assam Rifles are deploying with other Army establishments, Maratha Light Infantry, Gorkha Rifles and Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry under the 57th Mountain Division.

Seven battalions (32th, 69th, 86th, 88th, 109th, 143th and 172nd) of the Central Reserved Police Force (CRPF) are also deploying in as many as 70 posts in the state. CRPF are mostly utilized in guarding VIP and VVIP and important installations and in the protection of national highway 53 from Imphal to Jiribam.

Border Security Force (BSF) has also six battalions in Manipur and they have 26 posts at various places mostly in valley areas and Jiribam sub division of Imphal east bordering with Assam state. Some of its posts also located along the Imphal-Jiribam section of the NH-53.

The six battalions of BSF deploying in the state are 88th, 112nd, 140th, 133th, 55th and 193th. These Central Security Forces is above the state’s six battalions of Manipur Rifles and Indian reserved battalions of manpower strength of 10,396 to assist the various civil police units of 5,056 strength.

State government is going revamp modernization under the Centre sponsored scheme, modernization of police force.

Manipur government has also recently decided to open nine more police stations above the existing 93 police stations.

According to the 2001 census report, the population of Manipur is 2,388,634 which now expected to 25 lakhs.The state is bounded by the states of Nagaland to the north, Mizoram to the south and Assam to the west. It also borders Myanmar to the east. It covers an area of 22,347 square kilometres (8,628 sq mi).

A total of 39 different underground outfits including those 18 Kuki militants enjoying ceasefire with the security forces under the trilateral Suspension of Operation are operating in the state. Among then six outfits- Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL), Manipur People's Liberation Front (MPLF), People's Liberation Army (PLA), People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) and United National Liberation Front (UNLF) are banned outfits.

Intelligence section of the state police department estimated around 10,000 armed cadres of these different outfits are operating actively in the state.

Manipur schools closure: boycott enters third month

source-http://www.indiatogether.com/2009/nov/edu-lockdown.htm

For over two months, young Manipuris have boycotted schools and colleges in the state. Two killings in broad daylight in Imphal, including one allegedly custodial, have resulted in the deadlock. Thingnam Anjulika Samom has more.


“When death is hanging over the head of all the people including students, it has become a big question whether the student community should continue with their studies or join the people's movement. -- All Manipur Students Union

25 November 2009 - Imphal - The question, which is more important ‘Right to Education’ or ‘Right to Life’ might sound like seeking an answer to which comes first, the egg or the chicken. Yet, for the past two months the people of Manipur in the northeastern periphery of the world's largest democracy have been entangled without a hope in the clutches of this riddle.

More than 3.59 lakh students from primary to higher secondary levels in 4136 schools in the valley districts of the state have stopped attendance in a mass confrontation with the state government. The non-attendance is a consequence of the conflict situation and counter-insurgency measures such as the impunity granted to security forces under the AFSPA, 1958.
Protestors burning effigies of Chief Minister Ibobi and the Director General of Police. Pic: Sobhapati Samom.

While the academic calendar each year is also often thrown asunder in the state by frequent public agitations against human rights violations and state's imposition of curfew in response, it was the fake encounter killing of a former insurgent and a pregnant housewife in broad daylight in the middle of busiest marketplace in Imphal on July 23 this year that has resulted in the current education deadlock in the state.
The figures are based on 2007-8 numbers from the Planning and Statistics Section of the State Directorate of Education. The actual number of students staying home could be much higher. They do not include students enrolled in 71 colleges listed with the Directorate of Education (U) as well as the Manipur University. Student details for the current academic year are still not available with both the Directorates.

While announcing the boycott, the All Manipur Students Union (AMSU) emphasised the necessity of joining the agitation in view of the insecurity of life in the state.

What made the event different from the 'normalcy' defined by the routine of daily killings both by state and non-state forces, was that the killing of former insurgent Chungkham Sanjit was captured on the lens of a photographer who still remains anonymous for obvious reasons of safety. Manipuris claim after seeing the photographs that it was a case of custodial killing. Seven months-pregnant Thokchom Rabina, also killed in the same incident, was shopping for bananas in the crowded market with her two-and-half year old son. Five other civilians were injured in the incident.

Police placing Chungkham Sanjit's body besides Thokchom Rabina's (not seen). Pic: Sobhapati Samom.

The event might have met the same fate and ended after a round of fruitless dharnas and demands as is the case of most conflict related deaths in Manipur, but for the publication of the series of pictures by New Delhi-based magazine Tehelka showing that Sanjit was in police custody when he was killed.

The pictures reproduced in the local papers became new evidence and catalysed the Manipuri fire, made long dormant by continuous killings, denial of justice and systems of reparation. The result was a public movement demanding resignation of Chief Minister Okram Ibobi on moral grounds, punishment to the involved policemen and repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958.

For it's part, the government has not adopted measures of dialogues and negotiations. It responded with curfew and by detaining as many as eight public leaders including three women under National Security Act (NSA) which allows for preventive detention without trial for six months but extendable for up to one year. Bandhs, sit-in-protests and torch rallies were met by stern police action in the form of rubber bullets and tear gas shells.

When all efforts were thus brutally subdued, three major student bodies in the state – All Manipur Students Union (AMSU), Manipuri Students Federation (MSF) and Kangleipak Students Association (KSA) joined the public outcry and called an indefinite class boycott in the state starting from September 9 last in an attempt to pressurise the state government.

While announcing the boycott, the All Manipur Students Union (AMSU) emphasised the necessity of joining the agitation in view of the insecurity of life in the state. Adding that many innocent persons including students have fallen victim to frequent cases of fake encounters, it stated, “When death is hanging over the head of all the people including students, it has become a big question whether the student community should continue with their studies or join the people's movement. Rather than waiting to be killed in fake encounters, the student community too will join the mass movement for a secure future.”

Closure widespread in three valley districts
The present boycott has mostly affected the schools and colleges in three valley districts of the state – Imphal East, Imphal West, and Bishnupur. Of the 785 schools recognised by the Board of Secondary Education, Manipur, as on February 2, 2009, Imphal West and Imphal East districts have the highest concentration of 183 and 142 schools respectively. Bishnupur has 71 recognised schools.

Of the 785 schools mentioned above, 224 are government schools, 85 are government aided while 476 are private schools. The BSEM conducts the high school leaving certificate examinations. On the other hand, the Council of Higher Secondary Education, which conducts the higher secondary exams, recognises 138 institutes in the state including colleges and higher secondary schools providing higher secondary courses.

The fourth valley district of Thoubal which has 123 recognised schools remains mostly unaffected perhaps because it is the home district of not only chief Minister Okram Ibobi, but also that of PWD minister K Ranjit who is one of the most influential persons in the state cabinet.
Classes in the five hill districts – which have altogether 266 schools recognised by the BSEM -- are continuing as usual. But there is the fear that if the boycott continues and the state board exams are affected (rescheduled), the hill districts' efforts in keeping schools running might come to nought. This apprehension is fuelled also by the fact that most of the educational institutes in the state are concentrated in the valley districts.
Signs of tiring out, as attempt to end impasse fails

But even while students in Manipur spent the last two months catching up with their games, TV and friends when they should have been preparing for or even giving their final examinations, the government has sat adamantly in a silent vigil waiting for the protestors to tire out.
Indeed, tired out by the impasse, various guardians’ organisations, and private school bodies as another students group Democratic Students Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) started appealing for resumption of classes. What ensued was a debate which became increasingly acidic with each press release and public meeting. The AMSU, MSF and KSA in their defense questioned which one is more important – ‘Right to Life’ or ‘Right to Education’. They asked whether there would be a guarantee for their lives if the class boycott was suspended.

Taking advantage of the developing fracas, on November 7, the Secular Progressive Front (SPF) government led by chief minister Ibobi called for resumption of classes from November 9 onwards with policemen guarding the schools. But as the matter was still unresolved, the boycott continued, and attendance in both government and private schools was minimal. At the time of writing, the boycott stands and schools are still closed.

The Apunba Lup, a conglomerate body of numerous organisations, as well as the three agitating students’ bodies rejected the call for resumption of classes. The body said that main agenda of the SPF government seems to not only confuse the people by pretending to welcome negotiated settlement of the issues at hand but also reflects lack of seriousness and commitment to find solutions.

The government’s decision to prise open educational institutions deploying security personnel was against the spirit of efforts to sort out differences through negotiations, opined the Working Committee of the Apunba Lup, through the local press. This was a clear demonstration that the government would use all its resources to dilute the three months-old movement, said the committee. The All Manipur Recognised Private Schools' Welfare Association (AMRPSWA) has also decried the government's attempt to open educational institutions rather than sorting out and ending the impasse through mutual consultation and amicable settlement.
Parents impacted, school administrators speak out

Both the government’s failure to resolve the issue as well as the continued boycott have irked a sizeable section of the population. Mother of two school-going students, S Tombi Devi of Singjamei in Imphal West district says about the impasse, "When it is hard to cope up when my children does not attend school for even a single day, how will they (parents) ever be able to manage with this boycott for over two months now? We are paying extra for private tuitions now, and above that spending so much time overseeing their studies and their time at home that we can't go about our normal societal and daily duties.”

Dr K Nabachandra, principal of privately-owned Herbert School in Imphal West District states, "We feel that the government has failed to take the initiative they ought to have taken to resolve the current impasse. In all seriousness and sincerity required in dealing with the present imbroglio, they should first create an amicable atmosphere for talks. Only then will this situation be normalised.”

Two lone schoolchildren attending class in a school in Thoubal district. Pic: Sobhapati Samom.
“We are pained by this hardened stand of the government. On the other hand, we don't want the students alone to suffer on a public issue. When all other sections of the society, be it businesspersons, office employees or industrialists are going on with their normal routine, why should only the students who are young, innocent and too immature to understand the pros and cons of the public issue, be penalised," he said, reiterating his appeal for a dialogue between the two parties to speed up resumption of normal classes.

AMRPSWA further appealed to both the government and the agitators to make concerted effort for resolving the crisis within November 19 so as to enable resumption of normal academic activities. The government has ignored this deadline too, and the agitating parties are continuing their protests. One can only wait and see whether both sides will work in sincerity to settle the matter, but it goes without doubt that a stitch in time probably would have saved nine.
If the government had acted firmly and judiciously two months ago by booking those involved in the July 23 case -- one of the most atrocious cases of custodial killing -- perhaps things would not have come to this pass. Young Manipuris are now forced to choose between the ‘Right to Life’ and ‘Right to Education’ -- a choice which probably no one, especially one living in a democratic state like India, should be forced to make. ⊕
Thingnam Anjulika Samom 25 Nov 2009

LEELA ON CHILD RIGHTS ISSUES

Coverage by local media on right to education

Right to life stir shuts Manipur educational institutions for 2 months

sources- Times of India, New Delhi

NEW DELHI: In the time of Right to Education Act, Innovation Universities of world class, public-private partnership and all the excitement in the Capital about the big education revolution in the offing, one thing has gone unnoticed: for nearly two months all educational institutions -- from schools to university -- in Manipur are shut.

In fact, agitationists protesting against the extra-judicial killing of 27-year-old Chongkham Sanjit by security forces in July have tweaked the motto of Right to Education. The new slogan is, `No right to life, no right to education'. While the Central government, especially HRD ministry, has the standard excuse of education being part of the concurrent list, the state government's attempt to negotiate with various agitating groups has borne no fruit so far. HRD minister Kapil Sibal says, "Whatever be the situation children's education should not suffer. These are vital years." State government officials are not willing to come on record. Few who agree to talk only say, "Schools and colleges in the valley are closed but those in hill districts are functioning." As per 2007-08 data, Manipur has 2,751 primary and upper primary schools. Leaders of All Manipur Students Union, Kangleipak Students Association and Manipur Students Federation mock at government's claim that schools outside the valley is functioning. "Government schools in the valley are open but no child is attending them," says one student leader.

Pradip Phanjoubam, editor of the `Imphal Free Press', the state's largest circulated English daily, makes a similar point. "The state government is at loss on what to do next. Parents are insecure and no one wants to send their children to school." He also does not agree with the state government's view that schools and colleges in the hill districts are unaffected. According to him, schools in the hills are equally paralysed. An attempt by Democratic Students Alliance of Manipur, All Manipur Students' Guardians Organisation (AMSGO) and All Tribal Students Union of Manipur for resumption of classes has not borne any fruit. A few days back, some schools opened but were burnt down.

CRY calls for immediate action

Source-The Sangai Express
http://www.thesangaiexpress.com/News_pages/Local_page-09.html

IMPHAL, Oct 4: CRY called for immediate action primarily from the State as well as civil society organisations to stop the violence due to insurgency and counter insurgency operations in Manipur in view of the negative impact on children. Children are paying the price of the decades long violence in Manipur, either directly from bullets or indirectly by being pushed into poverty, illiteracy and malnourishment because of a combined failure of basic facilities such as schools and health centres, said a press release.Commenting on the recent bullet injury of 16 years old Irengbam Itamba, who got caught in an Army-insurgent crossfire, CRY’s director Dipankar Mazumdar said, “We can clearly see that children are becoming the most direct victims of violence in Manipur. Because there are no schools, they are getting recruited as child soldiers and child labours, suffering lives of malnourishment and growing up without protection and education. The State has the responsibility, along with the public, to stop it.”CRY called for the National bodies such as National Commission for the protection of rights of children and the respective Ministries to step in, to resolve the situation while keeping children’s needs at the top.It added that the extra judicial powers vested to the Army needs to be thoroughly re-examined to ensure that children do not suffer from violence and trauma. Effective implemen-tation of Juvenile Justice System as per the provisions of Juvenile Justice Care and Protection Act, 2000 and its amendments enacted in 2006, CRY added.It demanded the State authorities to invest in public facilities, infrastruc-ture and rights-related services such as primary healthcare, provision of Anti Retroviral Therarpy (ART) for children and schooling. This approach needs to prioritised above the military approach to problem-solving in Manipur, it added. CRY is working in three most violence affected districts of Chandel, Thoubal and Churachandpur in the State.

for urgent action for kids affected by violence in Manipur

Source-Imphal Free Press
http://ifp.co.in/shownews.php?newsid=5802

by Satya Gopal DeyKolkata,

Nov 3: Child Rights and You, CRY through a nationwide press release called for immediate action by the state as well as civil society groups to bring an end to violence resulting from insurgency and counter insurgency operations in Manipur in view of the negative impact on children. It said Children are paying the price of the decades-long violence in Manipur, either directly from bullets or indirectly by being pushed into poverty, illiteracy and malnourishment because of a combined failure of basics such as schools and health centers.Commenting on the recent bullet injury of 16 years old Irengbam Itamba, who got caught in an army-insurgent crossfire, CRY’s Director Dipankar Mazumder said, “We can clearly see that children are becoming the most direct victims of violence incontd on page 4CRY for urgent action for kids affected by violence in Manipurcontd from page 1Manipur. Because there are no schools, they are getting recruited as child soldiers and child labourers, suffering lives of malnourishment and growing up without protection and education. The State has the responsibility, along with the public, to stop this.” On being apprised about the CRY’s Press release and while talking over phone to the Kolkata correspondent of Imphal Free Press, Mr. A.B. Bardhan, General Secretary of Communist Party of India stated “in any kind of conflict situation the victims are general people and among them the worst sufferers are Children and women”.CRY is working in three of the most violence affected districts in Manipur, Chandel, Thoubal and Churachandpur, to form children’s protection groups and conduct play-workshops to inspire confidence and instil trust among the multi-ethnic groups. Ashim Ghosh Head of Manipur state from CRY stated, “Children are bought up in an environment predominantly governed by fear, secrecy, uncertainty and violence which is not conducive for them to think, decide, speak and act positively. Our workshops are a first step try and create safe spaces for children.” The problems of Manipur compounding the difficulties are the non-existent social services: roads that have been blown up, no schools or schools are being closed, non functioning anganwadis, very few hospitals and almost no equipped health centers. Most deliveries are home births without trained dais or medical attention. Births are not registered and birth certificates are not in place. Increasing number of orphan children and children of dysfunctional families, due to recurrent conflicts and effect of HIV/AIDS. Children do not have safe spaces to play or interact. Through the press release CRY highlighted some demands and calls for the National bodies such as the National Commission for the Protection of Rights of Children and the respective Ministries to step in, to resolve the situation while keeping children’s needs at the top. The extra judicial powers vested with the army needs to be thoroughly re-examined to ensure that children do not suffer from violence and trauma. Effective implementation of Juvenile Justice System as per the provisions of Juvenile Justice Care and Protection Act, 2000 and its amendments enacted in 2006.State authorities must invest in public facilities, infrastructure and rights-related services such as primary healthcare, provision of Anti Retroviral Therapy (ART) for children and schooling. This approach needs to be prioritized above the military approach to problem-solving in Manipur.

State Devt report moots repeal of AFSPA, toe Reddy Commission report

Sources- the Sangai Express

http://www.thesangaiexpress.com/News_pages/Local_page-01.htm

IMPHAL, Oct 31 : The Manipur State Develop-ment Report, prepared by the State Planning Commi-ssion has come out with a number of significant re-commendations, which if implemented in letter and spirit could have far reaching impact. The draft report prepared by the State Planning Commission was discussed with Chief Secretary DS Poonia in the chair today and attended by top ranking Government officials. After going through the minutes of the draft report, the Chief Secretary instructed that if any Department wants certain changes or modifications in the report, then the same may be intimated to the Planning Department, said a source while speaking to The Sangai Express today. The draft report, a copy of which is available with The Sangai Express deals with core areas for immediate intervention in order of priority and covers a whole range of subjects such as infrastructure development, food security, sustai- nable natural resource management, employment and social security, decentralisation and governance etc.

Under decentralisation and governance, the draft report has recommended the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act as per the Justice Jeevan Reddy Commission recommendation.The Jeevan Reddy Commission was instituted following the huge demand to repeal the Army Act following the custodial killing of Th Manorama in 2004.The formation of the Commission was announced by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, when he visited the State in 2004.Other than this, the draft report also recommended extension of a more democratic and representative version of the Sixth Schedule to all the hill areas of Manipur. The 6th Schedule has been a long pending demand of a number of tribal civil society organisations. To give a boost to infrastructure and minimise room for incompetency, the draft report also suggested banning private contractors from constructing infrastructure. It was also recommended that each village be provided one telecom tower, reduce restrictions on provision of cellular services in border areas to the extent feasible in order to promote communication through cellular services (a Home Ministry order) and extending and improving broadband services in all districts.To improve road quality, monitoring the use of adulterated bitumen was also mooted. On economic development, special emphasis was placed on the power sector, with the draft report suggesting that strategies to reduce cost be adopted. This include reducing Transmission and Distribution losses and utilising capacity to its optimum level. The report also suggested making the idle plants operational reactivating the non-functional plants as most of the capacity created in the State are lying idle and serve as mere standbys to the regional grid. To avoid further cost and time over runs, the report also suggested providing adequate funding to complete ongoing small and medium power projects that are acceptable on eco-sociological grounds. Constituting a State electricity regulatory commission capable of evolving a fine balance between recovering cost and encouraging the use of power, has also been suggested. Protecting bio-diversity also figures in the draft report and towards this it has suggested stopping rampant exploitation by illegal traders and contractors. On agriculture, the report has suggested the setting up of a Land Commission to protect the access of women and other weaker sections to productive resources, land and forest. Taking on the entire expenditure on growth centres as Central assistance, with a ceiling of Rs 15 crores per centre, to promote industrialisation has also been mooted in the draft report. The draft report also suggested tapping the creative, traditional legacy of Manipur along the lines of countries such as China and Thailand and to penetrate international markets.The State must spearhead India's economic links with ASEAN and South East Asia, mooted the report. Encouraging adventure tourism such as rafting expeditions on the Barak river and trekking across frozen rivers on the way to Dzuko valley are some other suggestions mooted in the draft report. The report has also suggested adopting the mother tongue as the medium of instruction at the primary level, development of books in the mother tongue, increasing the State's budget in Education etc.

Pvt school teachers not given salary

2009-10-27 | 08:44:49

Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, October 26: Teachers of private schools have suffered a lot as they were not paid due to prolong closure of the schools owing to the indefinite class boycott stir of the three students’ bodies.

They had not get the pay for September payable in October as parents and guardians of the students had not clear monthly fees as schools remained closed without class. They are feeling apprehension of not getting for the month of October which would be disburse in November.

The meager income they got as salary every month, hundreds of private school teachers are maintaining their families. At the same time, they have been told of not enabling to afford the funds needed for payment of salaries by the school authorities.

School authorities told them that unless parents and guardians of the students clear the monthly fees which private school authorities utilized in the payment of salaries, some private school teachers said. On the other hand parents are facing problems in taking care of their children who remained 24 hour with them. They now could not able to advice their children for reading books.

When they were asked to read book, the only reply they got was how they can remain reading without assignments, the children inquired, parents said. On received of complaints from teachers on the non getting of their salaries, the central committee meeting of the All Manipur Recognized Private Schools Welfare Association discussed the matter today.

The meeting after threadbare discussion on the matter arising out of the deadlock has decided to convene a meeting of the private schools on October 10 at Manipur Dramatic Union (MDU). The meeting is scheduled to start from 10 am.

Principals and headmasters of the private schools will be asked to attain the meeting and discussed on the complaints of the private teachers. The meeting also resolved not to consider any complaints coming up from those schools which do not send their representatives in the meeting, source said.

Child Rights Delegate from Manipur meet Kolkata Community Police Officer

AFSPA and its impact on children - Sumang leela (street play) org. by MACR

Which is precious: right to education and right to life

by Keisam Pradipkumar-

source- Imphal Free Press

Recently a study report of Manipur Alliance for Child Rights (MACR), appeared in few local newspapers, unveiled the failing situation of government schools in Manipur. The study report revealed certain statistics of typical government schools virtually plagued with scourges like students less schools, teacher less classes, room and toilet less schools, collapsing huts, the so called kitchens for serving midday meals etc. The abysmal photographs of the schools without walls and those toilets without doors simply made mockery of the recently passed right to free and compulsory education bill of incredible India, which is celebrating the 62 years of independence. However, such an appalling report is not a new thing in the saga of education department, which has appeared in media with the largest fake appointment scams in the state.

The study report induced us to take stoke of the prevailing situation of education in the state, in the wake of the ongoing indefinite class boycott stance. MACR report perhaps unveiled the infrastructural snags and administrative seepages, as the rights body’s underlying objective was to bring quality education. However, any suggestion made for quality education is now seemed to be irrelevant and oblivious to a citizen of Manipur, at least for the present juncture, when education in the state remains under complete siege for the last two months. Now the common worry is not for the quality education but for utter failure of assessing to education. Some says the ongoing boycott agitation is not a state issue, since students’ bodies’ dominance is limited upon the four valley districts only which has no impact in hill districts. Geographically speaking it might be true that valley constitutes merely the ten percent of the whole state. However, it is also a fact that the valley portion of the hilly state, is harboring a large population, which is nearly the seventy percent of the total population of the state. We need to redefine the issue of total stoppage of classes, as a political issue, beyond any geographical and ethnocentric barriers, because it is the issue that would perpetually give a long term effect on several lives of children.Now, the two basic inherent rights – right to education and right to life, literally pull the opposite ends of the academic career of thousands of students, that supersede the spectrum of the ongoing agitation, in the aftermath of 23/7 shootout incident. Campaigns for not to stop education for children even in war time and making it a free zone from any interference, has been a universal voice, and Manipur is not an exception. History has proven that education made the children equipped with more about human rights, culture, humanity, ethical values and self dignity besides academic knowledge, it empowers a person to exercise his inalienable rights and liberties. Education inculcates the sense of duties and to respect to others rights and liberties. So, it is reasonably relevant that right to life is defined as much important as right to liberty and right to life.

Those children who got education through UNESCO,s Teacher‚s Emergency Pack( T.E.P) known as “School-in-a box” used in Somalia in 1992 and later in Rwandan refugee camp at Ngara Tanzania, found to be better-off than children who have not been given such facilities. Under the present situation of Manipur, are we really facing that great threat or warlike situation which compelled us to close our schools? Or is there any alternative way for safeguarding the right to life of the students without sacrificing the right to education or right to attend classes? These are the common questions being pouring out.

Students bodies say students’ right to life (including everyone’s right to life) under the prevailing tyrannical regime of CM O. Ibobi is no longer safe and secured, hence there is no meaning for going to educational institutions if students are to be killed mercilessly when they are grown up. That means Right to life must be safeguarded first and foremost since Right to education can be obtainable only by a living man not by a dead man.

Students’ bodies step for indefinite class boycott is a kind of an utmost self penance or somewhat identical with indefinite huger strike or fasting unto death. It can be taken as the most extreme form of agitation. It shows the psychological level of their anguish and frustration, of course the gravity of the turbulence. Fasting unto death, to the state authority, is an offence which is tantamount to committing suicide, however it is the bravest non violent agitation (Satyagraha Andholan) to an indefinite hunger striker like Sharmila, the iron lady. Herein, the most agony is that, government remains adamantly indifferent to her demand even she is completing the eight years of hunger strike, together with global solidarity. Similarly, in the case of indefinite class boycott, the government is apparently tuning a blind eye to the lasting solution of the crisis, but applying a policy of repression which would rather aggravate the situation. Forcing for an unnatural death of the boycott agitation or Apunba Lup’s unbending protest, without resolving the main issue, i.e. delivering justice to 23/7 incident, will not be a wise policy.

Call to shield kids from media glare

Source-The Sangaie Express
IMPHAL, Sep 29: Coalition on Children’s Rights for Protection (CCRP), Mani-pur has appealed to all the individuals and organisa-tions concerned to respect the dignity of the children staying in children homes and not to bring them out under media glare at the time of asking donations.Addressing a press conference in this connection at Manipur Press Club here today, State co-ordinator of children’s rights body, K Pradipkumar, pointed out that in accordance with the provisions under Article-III of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, any organisation or individual concerned, who intend to take up developmental related programmes for the children should first of all understand that the programmes should be in the interest of the children concerned and it should not affect the dignity of the children.However, it has been observed in Manipur that the children in children homes are being forced to come out under media glare to sing, dance, take part in stage programmes in the name of charity show or fund drive as well as in film shooting. All these activities are against the interest of the children, apart from discouraging them and creating a false impression in their minds that they can survive without the donation of others, Pradipkumar said.So, even if any individual or organisation want to donate something for the children, they should not be exposed to the media glare, he said.Convenor of the children’s rights body, S Sarju said children of children homes should not be forced to take part in protest rally, sit-in-protest or any other public movements. Moreover, they should not be imparted vocational training in unorganised sectors or adopted. Along with these measures, entry of people inside the campus of children homes and consumption of liquor, drugs and tobacco products should be stopped, she added.Member of the Core Group H Rashi stated that all the points that CCRP highlighted should be strictly observed in all the existing children homes in Manipur.She further pointed out that words like orphan or relinquish should not be used against the children staying in children homes.Another Core Group member Sanaton said that the Government should ensure adequate protection and care for the children in children homes and increase their daily food allowance. This should also be reflected in the budget allocation of the State.

Dont use Children Home for propaganda mileage’

Source-Imphal Free Press

Imphal, Sept 29: The Manipur Mahila Kalyan Samiti, Dewlaland, Imphal has appealed to all the visitors and donors not to come along with media and also not published photographs or broadcast video clips for these have an adverse impact on the sentiments of children staying at the special home.In this regard a press meet was held this evening at Manipur Press Club was organized by Coalition of Children’s Rights and Protection (CCRP), Manipur in which the state co-ordinator of the CCRP Keisham Pradeepkumar noted that donors are requested not to directly distribute food items to the children and food items should be served to the children of MMKS Children Home by the members and staff only.He further noted that the donors should not invite the children of MMKS Children Home for meal outside the Children Home even in the name of religious observation and individuals and donors should also not force the MMKS Children Home committee to accept donation either in cash or in kind which contradicts to the home’s rules and regulations.The member of CCRP S.Sarju also noted that using of children in rallies, dharnas, sit-in-protests as part of people’s movement should be avoided and donors and visitors should not pressurise children for presentation of extra curricular activities like song, recitation, acting, monologue, etc to entertain prohibited.She also noted that exposure of the children of MMKS Children Home in charity shows, donation, fund drive, film shooting, etc. even in the name of nurturing them are strictly prohibited.She requested all concerned not to ask for employment of the children in unorganized sectors either in the name of imparting vocational training or adoption.Persons with arms and ammunitions are strictly prohibited from entering the children home as well as using of all forms of intoxicants (liquor, drugs, tobacco products, etc.) are prohibited inside the children home campus, she said.

Cartoon on status of Education in State

Education in Manipur, No toilets for 23 schools

http://www.thesangaiexpress.com/News_pages/Local_page-01.htm

IMPHAL, Sep 27 : Out of 50 Government schools located in Imphal East district, 23 schools have no toilet facility while 20 schools have toilets in shabby conditions, says a report compiled by the Institute of Social Work and Research.According to the report of the Situational Analysis of Children in Government Schools conducted by the Institute of Social Work and Research with funding from the Manipur Alliance for Child Rights, students studying in Government schools in Imphal East district have been facing a lot of inconveniences due to absence of toilets or unserviceable conditions even if some schools have toilets. The research work was conducted in 50 Government schools of Imphal East district. The report was released at a simple function at Hotel Nirmala today.The 50 schools selected for the survey work included Lower Primary, Primary, Upper Primary and High Schools. Out of these, 10 schools are exclusively for boys while eight others are exclusively for girls. Of these total 50 schools selected as samples for the survey work, only two schools have toilet facilities. Five other schools have usable toilets.The absence of toilet facilities or shabby conditions of the toilets have been serious inconveniences to both students and teachers, more particularly lady teachers and girl students. Headmasters and Headmistress of seven schools have already approached the concerned ZEOs to build toilet complexes but there has been no response till date. In addition to the problem of toilets, many of these schools have been facing several other problems such as inadequate classrooms, buildings, absence of compound fencing, lack of playground, unavailability of electricity and computer facilities etc, mentioned the report.32 schools, out of the 50 selected for survey, do not have safe drinking water facility. 13 schools have the luxury of potable water while two schools use water from wells. The report release function was graced by retired Chairman of the Council of Higher Secondary Education Manipur Chaoba as chief guest and former Principal of the DM College of Teachers’ Education S Gyaneshwar as functional president Speaking at the occasion, Chaoba noted that worsening condition of Government schools in the state. While schools located away from Imphal are suffering teacher shortage, there are surplus teachers in schools located in Imphal, he said.Reminding that all children between 6 to 14 years have the right to compulsory education, Gyaneshwar said that the survey work was aimed at ascertaining whether all the children are enjoying this fundamental right. Absence of toilets in schools was a big problem for the students as well as teachers. It was also one primary reason for students particularly girls to stay away from schools, he observed.Convenor of the Manipur Alliance for Child Rights, Montu Ahanthem said that several major issues plaguing Manipur have seriously threatened the rights of children.While concentrating on these major issues, people didn’t find time and space to pay any attention to children related issues. Noting that the right to education is one of the fundamental rights entitled to all the children, Montu said that the research work was carried out to find out whether the children were receiving proper education under the same fundamental right.