Insurgency / Manipur

IMPHAL, Jan. 11. — An all-party ‘peace-talks monitoring cell’ was set up here today with chief minister Mr O Ibobi Singh as its convener following what is viewed here as disturbing signals regarding the territory of Manipur emanating from the NSCN (I-M)-Centre talks.

“I will even give up my chief ministership if it would save the territory of Manipur from being divided,” Mr Ibobi Singh said. “We are are ready to meet the eventuality at any cost,” he added at the em-ergency meeting of all state political parties that was hastily convened at 10.30 a.m. at the CM’s conference hall here. It was...

Imphal, January 11: An all-party emergency meeting presided over by Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh today conveyed to the Centre that the territorial integrity of the state would be maintained ‘at any cost’.

The meeting was held in the wake of the NSCN (I-M) leaders’ demand for formation of ‘greater Nagaland’ placed during the ongoing peace talks with the Centre in Delhi.

The resolution adopted at the meeting said the people of Manipur would ‘‘unitedly oppose attempt by any authority to disintegrate the state’’.

‘‘The territory of Manipur belongs to Manipuris (different communities...

Imphal, January 10: Opposition DPA constituent partner Manipur Peoples' Party said it will take up arms, if necessary, if Government of India concedes to the demand of NSCN (IM) to amalgamate all Naga inhabited areas under one administrative umbrella. Addressing news persons at the MPP office today, president of the party and firebrand leader O Joy said the present peace talks between Govt of India and the NSCN (IM) to solve the Naga issue is based on four points put forward by the underground outfit. While pursuing a solution to the vexed issue, drastic measures should not be taken that could...

Imphal, January 10: The BSF and MPLF battle which began on January 8 morning is still continuing. Heavy reinforcement has been sent to Sajik Tampak area. Security personnel are pouring in at Keithelmanbi, Serou Lamkhai, Sajik area. The Manipur People’s Liberation Front (MPLF) today said that it is ready to face any challenge and is preparing for the next battle. It claimed that no one from its side was injured. Last night, MPLF forces attacked at the MR post at Irilbung, AR post at Keirak, AR post at Khongjom, CRPF camp at Loktak Project, BSF camp located at Moirang power station, Sangaikot...

Imphal, Jan. 10: The gunbattle between guerrillas of the Manipur People’s Liberation Front (MPLF) and jawans of the Border Security Force continued for the third day today in Sajik Tampak area of Manipur’s Chandel district, bordering Myanmar. In yet another show of firepower, the MPLF last night launched simultaneous attacks on security forces at eight separate places in Manipur. Though the attacks did not result in any casualty, they did trigger confusion among law-enforcing agencies.

The rebels attacked Assam Rifles outposts at three places — Keirak, Kongjom and Wabagai — in Thoubal...

Imphal, January 09: Heavy fighting has been reported at Sajik Tampak between MPLF and BSF personnel resulting in the death of six personnel of BSF including a Captain. Sources said Captain Vivek Saxena from Lucknow was among the six BSF personnel who perished in the exchange of fire which took place at Sajik Tampak area, about 100 kms from here. The encounter which began yesterday and continued till this evening left several BSF personnel injured, they said. PTI adds that about three militants died in the encounter. A spokesman of MPLF, however, claimed there was no casualty on its side...

Imphal, January 09: The KYKL today said it has not been able to do anything for the people rather than collecting money and giving hardships. The organization has been collecting money from the people and it is not expecting any support from abroad which is unlikely it said. The organization is not involved in any activities which can be considered bad like drug and narcotics. It is against its principles K Koireng Finance Secy today said in a press statement. There is no organization which does not take support from the people it said. It would be a wrong step if collection of taxes is...

Kolkata, January 9: On a day when the Central government talked peace with the NSCN (IM) leaders in New Delhi, Manipur was rocked by violence and bloodshed.

In one of the fiercest encounters between security forces and north-eastern extremist groups in recent times, the Manipur Peoples Liberation Front (MPLF), an umbrella organisation of three underground outfits of Manipur, shot dead four BSF personnel and seriously injured several others. The BSF casualty included an assistant commandant.

The militants also took away a couple of AK 47s and a wireless set from the slain jawans. Three...

Imphal, January 08: A BSF jawan was killed and an Ak 47 and a bullet proof vest taken away by the MPLF militants today according to an MPLF spokesperson who informed the press today. With the insurgents belonging to the Manipur People's Liberation Front (MPLF) near Sajik Tampak in Chandel district bordering Myanmar. According to a press release issued today around 5 pm by MPLF it was stated that heavy firing between MPLP and BSF personnel ensued near Sajik Tampak around 9.30 am. The BSF personnel came towards Molnom side. The BSF personnel suffered heavy casualties and compelled to withdraw...

Imphal, January 08: Thousands of people marched in a procession in the state capita] here today against any move to disintegrate Manipur during the first over Naga peace talks on Indian soil between the centre and the NSCN(IM) in New Delhi tomorrow. The processionists gathered at Thau ground. Around 12.45 pm the rallyists marched towards Khuyathong, then proceeded towards Nagamapal and passed through Wahengbam Leikai, Keishamthong, Yaiskul and marched on at Thambuthong and Thangapat areas, it proceeded towards Wangkhei, New Checkon, Minuthong and culmianted at Khuman Lampak. where a public...