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Prime accused arrested in Manipur, Hunt is on to arrest other accused

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"Accused arrested in Manipur"

In a shocking incident circulated on social media on July 19, two women were paraded naked and a 21-year-old was gang-raped in broad daylight. The prime accused leading the mob has been identified as Huirem Herodas, aged 32.
According to a statement by Manipur police on Wednesday. A case of abduction, gang rape, and murder has been registered at Nongpok Sekmai police station in Thoubal against unknown armed miscreants.

In response to the heinous crime, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has assured the public that strict action will be taken against all the perpetrators involved. He further asserted that the possibility of capital punishment would be considered for the culprits.

Outrage Erupts After Viral Video Shows Two Tribal Women Paraded Naked and Gang-Raped in Manipur

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"Two Tribal Women Paraded Naked "

In a shocking and deeply disturbing incident, a video has surfaced on social media showing two women from the Kuki-Zo tribal community being paraded naked and gang-raped by a violent mob in broad daylight. The incident occurred on May 4, 2023, in B Phainom village, Kangpoki District, Manipur, during a deadly riot between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.

According to the FIR, the incident took place around 3 pm on May 4 when more than 800 miscreants carrying weapons entered the village. The mob vandalized and burnt down all the houses after looting movable properties, cash, furniture, electronic items, utensils, clothes, grains, and domestic animals, leaving the villagers homeless. Among the victims, a 21-year-old woman was gang-raped in a broad day light.

According to police sources, the horrifying incident unfolded when a small group comprising three women and two men, sought refuge in the forest area while the ethnic strikes were escalating. The group consisted of a 56-year-old man, his 19-year-old son, and 21-year-old daughter. Additionally, two others were accompanying them, one aged 42 and the other aged 52.

As they were making their way to the forest, the group encountered a police team from the Nongpok Sekmai Police Station. However, their path was obstructed by a violent mob. Tragically, the 56-year-old man was killed on the spot, and the 19-year-old boy also lost his life while attempting to protect his sister from the mob’s sexual assault.

During the horrifying ordeal, three women from the group were forcibly disrobed and paraded naked by the mob. The 21-year-old woman  fell victim to a brutal gang-rape carried out by the mob .

The incident occurred after a deadly riot broke out on May 3 between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. The root cause of the ethical violence is the judgement of the Manipur High Court, which directed the state government to consider including the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribes list. This decision led to protests and clashes, resulting in ongoing violence in the region.

The video of the horrifying incident went viral on June 19, triggering widespread outrage across the country. However, it wasn’t until June 21 that an FIR was finally registered, charging the perpetrators with gangrape, murder, abduction, and other offences.

Despite the passage of more than two months since the incident, no arrests had been made until recently. The Manipur Police, facing public pressure, tweeted on July 19, stating that they are making all-out efforts to arrest the culprits involved in the heinous act.

In response to the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday in front of the Parliament building broke his silence for the first time and expressed shame on behalf of the country. He urged all state Chief Ministers to tighten laws to protect the women of India. He also assured that no perpetrators will be forgiven and strict action will be taken against all involved.

The Minister of Women and Child Development Department and the Chief Minister of Manipur also condemned the incident and promised to ensure that the perpetrators face strict action. Smriti Irani on 19 July tweeted “The horrific video of sexual assault of 2 women emanating from Manipur is condemnable and downright inhuman. Spoke to CM @NBirenSingh ji who has informed me that investigation is currently underway & assured that no effort will be spared to bring perpetrators to justice.”

The chief Minister of Manipur Biren Singh on Thursday tweeted “My hearts go out to the two women who were subjected to a deeply disrespectful and inhumane act, as shown in the distressing video that surfaced yesterday. After taking a Suo-moto cognizance of the incident immediately after the video surfaced, the Manipur Police swung to action and made the first arrest this morning. A thorough investigation is currently underway and we will ensure strict action is taken against all the perpetrators, including considering the possibility of capital punishment. Let it be known, there is absolutely no place for such heinous acts in our society.”

The incident has deeply disturbed the nation, and the Supreme Court has taken cognizance of the matter. The court has asked the Centre and Manipur Government to submit a report by July 28, detailing the steps taken to bring the culprits to book and the measures being implemented to prevent such incidents in the future.

The incident has ignited a call for justice and safety for women across the country. The nation waits with bated breath for a resolution, hoping that such heinous acts will have no place in society, and stringent actions will be taken against the perpetrators.

Aditya Golay chairs the District Level Independence Day celebration coordination meeting

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"District Level Independence Day celebration "

The second District Level Coordination Meeting for the celebration of 77th Independence Day was held here at the auditorium of Government Science College Chakung, today.

Chaired by the MLA, Shri Aditya Golay, the meeting had the attendance of Zilla Adakshya (Soreng district), Smt. Tila Devi Gurung, Advisors, Chairpersons, Zilla Panchayats and Members, DC Soreng cum Chairperson of the Organising Committee, Shri Bhim Thatal, ADM Soreng, ADC (Dev) Soreng, SDM Soreng, SDM HQ, BDOs, HODs, officials from different line departments, Principals from various colleges and schools, and the local public.

It may be informed here that this year, the Independence Day celebration will be organized at Chakung playground under Soreng district.

During the meeting, MLA Shri Aditya Golay firstly, congratulated DAC Soreng and the District for securing first position amongst 112 districts in the country as per NITI Aayog in the Delta Ranking under Aspirational District Program, for the month of May. Hereafter, emphasizing on the celebratory event, he urged for equal participation and shouldering of responsibilities from the respective department. Furthermore, he directed the issuance of volunteer cards to the organizing committee to facilitate work distribution and enhance convenience in managing the Independence Day celebration. He also urged the Zilla Panchayat, Panchayat members of Chakung GPU, and the public to consider the celebration as a great opportunity and make it a grand success.

As a gesture of support, Shri Golay announced to contribute a certain amount of cash for the open football tournament in the memory of his deceased Paternal and Maternal Grandfathers Lt. Kalu Singh Tamang and Lt. Ram Bahadur Pakhrin, respectively.

Informing about Soreng’s achievement in the recent ADP Delta ranking, DC Soreng informed about the parameters which enabled the district to garner the 1st position. Thus, urging the officials in continuing the efforts to maintain the ranking.

Shri Thatal briefed the attendees about the Core Committee members involved in organizing the Independence Day Celebration. The DC also suggested implementing a mandatory criteria for the Open Football Tournament to encourage more sports talents from the district and state. He assigned the Organising Committee the responsibility of ground maintenance, stage decoration, pandals, and sanitation for the event.

The DC also informed the gathering about an interruption in water supplies within Soreng District for two days due to the cleaning of the water reservoir tank. An official notification regarding this matter will be issued soon, and BDOs and Panchayats were directed to circulate the information in their respective areas.

An open house discussion was conducted to distribute work among various line departments. Additionally, cultural activities and the number of schools participating in the events were also thoroughly discussed. Shri Abishek Khewa briefed about the sports activities planned for the celebration, and ARTO Soreng emphasized the importance of traffic management during the event.

The organizing committee proposed an Inter School Competition for Parade, Painting, Dance Competitions, and other activities.

Subsequently, MLA Shri Aditya Golay, DC Soreng, and the Organising Committee visited the venue to inspect and discuss ground maintenance, stage management, decoration, public galleries, and sanitation matters, ensuring that all aspects of the Independence Day Celebration are properly addressed and executed.

District Task Force inspects landslide and flood affected areas under Dentam Sub Division.

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"District Task Force inspects landslide and affected areas"

A detailed inspection was carried out at landslide and flood affected areas under Dentam Sub Division, Gyalshing District.

The District Task Force inspection team was led by the ADC Gyalshing-cum-Chairman District Task Force Shri Khemraj Bhattarai. The team comprised of SDM Dentam as its Member Secretary and all the designated members alongside Zilla and Gram Panchayats.

The inspection, which aimed at reviewing the restoration works being carried out by the line departments and mitigation efforts to be undertaken to avert any monsoon induced disasters at vulnerable areas and to get a detailed assessment of the situation.

The inspection commenced from Intake (Kundan Hydro Project), where Mr. Bhattarai directed the concerned Panchayats to take written complaints along with photographs of the residents about the reported leakage of canal posing threat to the households and other properties. Further, the Incharge KHP was directed to take up the complaints and repair the canal wherever required to the satisfaction of the local community before the commencement of operation of the Power House.

Further, the team visited Lingay Konabar and Simphok (Sophakha GPU) wherein the ADC directed the concerned department heads to clear all roadside drains in their respective jurisdiction by immediately mobilising equipments and manpower on priority. As been the direction of the state government and the District Administration wherein the specific directions have already been issued to efficiently maintain the drainage systems of the roads maintained by departments and contractors as effort towards mitigating monsoon induced calamity in the vulnerable areas like Sopakha , Lingey Konabar and other interiors. He directed the concerned department to ensure proper supervision of the works being undertaken by the contractors. He further suggested the Panchayats present to make efforts towards mobilising the community in their respective area in a planned manner towards preventive mitigation of calamity.
The community ownership of the assets such as roads and its maintenance including the drainage system will go a long way in minimising the impact of any disaster, he added.

The team, along its route to Dentam. inspected the roadside drainage system and vulnerable areas wherein officials were directed to mobilise the manpower and machinery to clear and maintain the drains.

The next visit was made to the major landslide area (Dentam bridge). The team members explored the possible intervention that may be required to redirect the river to its original course. However, the members of the Task Force were unanimous in their opinion that due to high volume of river at present and the gradient of the current flow of river, any intervention towards changing its course can only be taken up once the volume of water is reduced to at least 50 percent of the current flow. Accordingly, the Task Force decided to review the matter during the third week of August.

Chief Minister of Sikkim called on the Union Minister Nitin Gadkari

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"Chief minister of sikkim meets Nitin Gadkari"

Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang called on the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Mr Nitin Gadkari today at his residence and apprised him about the need of border check-post beside the newly constructed Atal Setu at Rangpo and construction of two-way ramp to connect the proposed composite check-post.

Chief Minister also apprised about the religious sentiment issue regarding the present alignment of NH 510, Legship- Gyalshing which passes through Sirijanga falls and the Holy Cave.
Furthermore, he conveyed to the Union Minister that a new alignment must be undertaken for which the state government has already allocated funds to acquire the land required for the alternative alignment.

Chief Minister emphasized the immense significance of this sacred place, revered by the Limboo Community of Sikkim, owing to its profound sentiments and religious value.

The Union Minister, patiently heard and appreciated the issues and proposal of the Chief Minister, immediately directing the senior officials of National Highways and Infrastructure Development Cooperation Limited (NHIDCL), Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, to undertake a visit and inspection of both the places and provide alternate solution as proposed by the Chief Minister. The Union Minister further assured that both the concerns will be taken up by his ministry completing all the necessary formalities at the earliest.

MLA Sangay Lepcha led a team of officials to Kongri-Labdang to access the damages caused by the recent monsoon rains

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Dy.Speaker (SLA)cum Area MLA Shri Sangay Lepcha visited Middle Labdang Village under Kongri-Labdang GPU (Yuksam-Tashiding Constituency)and inspected the damage caused by recent monsoon rains,today.

Shri Lepcha was accompanied by SDM Yuksam Shri Tshering T. Bhutia,BDO Chongrang Shri Garap Dorjee Bhutia, Zilla Panchayat Member Shri Birendra Gurung, Panchayat President Shri B.B. Gurung, officials and engineers of the concerned department and local gentry.

During the visit,Shri Lepcha, after taking stock of the damage to private property including houses and land of the villagers suggested the concerned panchayats to identify and verify the damages and further instructed to submit a report to the concerned officials at the earliest.

Later,shri Lepcha interacted with the villagers and assured them of all necessary assistance from the state Government and immediate action would be taken to reduce further damages. He also suggested that the villagers should be more alert and aware as there is a possibility of more damage and risk due to the ongoing monsoon in the coming days.

It is to be reminded that due to the sudden cracking of the lower portion of land below Middle Labdang hamlet there is a high risk of landslide and an atmosphere of panic among 27 households.

Shri Gurung,Pan.President (Kongri-Labdang)on behalf of the villagers demanded the provision of extensive protection wall at the lower belt as preventive measure to save the village.

Later,shri Lepcha also inspected some partially damaged houses of Labdang village and assured them of all possible support from the state Government.

One-day media workshop “Vartalap” organized by PIB Sikkim

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PIB Organise one day Media Workshop in Sikkim on Vartalap of 9 Years of Seva, Sushan & Garib Kalyan

In an effort to raise awareness about various government schemes and initiatives, THE PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA conducted a one-day media workshop at the  Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Deorali, in the capital city of Gangtok, Sikkim. 

The workshop, themed ‘MEDIA WORKSHOP – VARTALAP: 9 Years of Seva, Sushan & Garib Kalyan,’ brought together media personnel from Sikkim, high-ranking officials from PIB, and other government representatives.

The event commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial diya, followed by a warm welcome speech. Shri Sanjay Kumar Gupta, General Manager NABARD Sikkim, delivered a significant speech on ‘Ensuring Farmers’ Welfare on the perspective of Sikkim.’ He highlighted NABARD’s contributions to rural development and shed light on various schemes introduced by the Indian government to support the agriculture sector. These initiatives included the Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) and the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, which have significantly benefited farmers across the country.

Dr. LP Sharma, Sr Director, National Informatics Centre, presented on ‘Digital Transformation – India Marching Ahead,’ discussing the positive impact of digitalization in the state. He highlighted the success of projects such as E-District, Transport Services, and Financial Management facilitated by the National Informatics Centre.

Ms. Jane Namchu, Additional Director, PIB, Guwahati, provided insights on “Mainstream Media and Regional Media – A Comparison,” emphasizing the interdependence of both and how the advent of AI has influenced journalism.

Dr. AN Shankar shed light on the topic of “North East: A Growth Engine,” outlining various developmental projects in the region, including the establishment of Central Universities, advancements in the Health Sector, and improved connectivity, contributing to the region’s progress.

As the Chief Guest, Ms. Pabitra Bhandari, Chairperson, Sikkim Commission For Backward Classes, Government of Sikkim, stressed the importance of digital platforms in communicating with rural populations and encouraged citizens to visit NABARD offices and the Press Information Bureau to stay informed about available schemes.

The program successfully concluded with Smt. Nita Nirash, Sikkim Reporter, addressing the topic “Women Journalists in Media.” She discussed the challenges faced by women in media, particularly in regards to pay parity, and applauded the remarkable work done by national and local female journalists such as Barkha Dutt, Asha Mathur and many more.

Throughout the workshop, healthy discussions were held with reporters, providing valuable insights into their profession.

The event showcased the Indian Government’s commitment to serving the people and uplifting the nation through various schemes and initiatives, fostering a sense of responsibility and awareness among media personnel and government officials alike.

Press Club Of Sikkim honour three Journalist on 21st Foundation Day

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Press Club of Sikkim 21 foundation day

The Senior Journalist from Sikkim Shri Rajendra Pradhan has been conferred with the ’17th Kanchenjunga Kalam Puraskar 2023′, on the occasion of the 21st Press Club of Sikkim foundation ceremony held at Manan Kendra, here today.

Similarly, the Laganshil Yuva Patrakar Puraskar 2023 was awarded to journalist young Journalist Isabella Gurung of Sikkim Express. PCS also felicitated Varishtha Patrakar Samman 2023 to veteran journalist Radha Pradhan.

The award was presented by the hand of Arun Upreti, Speaker SLA in the presence of Power Minister, Shri M.N. Sherpa, as guest of honour. Other dignitaries, journalists from Sikkim, Darjeeling, Kalimpong and other invited guests.

Press Club of Sikkim also honoured two “UNSUNG HERO” Shri Mahendra Dhakal in recognition of his tireless efforts to promote chess in Sikkim and environmentalist and Smt Priyadarshinee Shreshtra in recognition of her tireless efforts towards ‘zero waste Himalaya’, reducing plastic pollution and environment protection.

Chief Minister of Sikkim who was on official tours to Delhi and Uttarakhand could not attend as Chief Guest of the event, instead Shri Upreti reiterated the Chief Minister’s acknowledgement of the Press fraternity’s role in State building.

In honour of the 21st formation day of the Press Club, the State government made some key announcements:

  1. Allotment order for the Press Club Bhawan at MP Golai, Tadong was issued. This has been a long long pending demand of the press fraternity.
  2. One ‘Traveller’ vehicle as logistical support to the Press Club was handed over.
  3. The Annual cash awards to journalists excelling in various fields have been enhanced.
    Apart from these, the State government has been extending all possible medical support to members and member families of the Press Club of Sikkim.
    Also, exposure trips and various other skill enhancement programmes are also being envisioned by the State government.

The event also had Advisor, IPR Department, Shri Birendra Tamling, Advisor IT Department, Shri Tenzing Norbu Lamtha, Chairperson, Film Board, Smt. Pooja Sharma, Press Advisor to HCM, Shri C.P. Sharma, IPR Secretary, Ms Namrata Thapa, Secretary Tourism, Shri. Prakash Chettri as the resource person.

A cultural event by the members of PCS also followed during the celebration with dance and poem recites.

Massive protest in Sikkim over 21-yr-old student leader’s death

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Protest In Namchi for Padam Gurung

People gather to protest outside South Sikkim’s Namchi regarding the death of a student leader late Padam Gurung who was found dead by a local nearby drain in Namchi’s Kazitar area on June 28. 

A huge crowd was seen gathered in Sikkim’s Namchi on Friday to protest the death of a Student leader who was found in a drainage on the 28th of June morning at 4:30 AM near the Kazitar area of Namchi. Till now no one has been arrested in connection with the case which caused massive protests demanding Justice for the late student’s leader. People were seen holding a demonstration outside the police station and demanding justice for the Late Padam Gurung.

On July 14 afternoon, protesters led by the All Sikkim Gurung and Tamu Association staged a strong protest in Namchi demanding Justice for Late Padam Gurung, they also blocked the highway for several hours which was later controlled by local Police. 

Protestors were seen carrying a poster and shouting “Justice for Padam Gurung”. Padam Gurung’s family members and some representatives from the Gurung and Tamu community joined the protest joined by the large local community. 

Anger over slow investigation case by police, In one video statement they said, they have declared a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh to anyone who’s willing to provide evidence and information to them. Gurung Member also questioned the police’s investigation into the case, while Namchi Police have appealed to anyone with information and evidence about the late Gurung’s case to come forward and tell them.

Last day, Sikkim Chief Minister PS Golay visited Padam Gurung’s family and said his government to conduct an independent judicial inquiry. Addressing a Family member in Perbing, south Sikkim, he said: “ The panel will submit a report to the state government within one month.”

His family members including his elder brother Prem Kumar Gurung who was seen in protest have alleged that his brother was murdered. 

On 28th June 2023, a body was found in Kazitar Drainage, which also led to suspicion among the public that he was murdered. The police have so far maintained that the case appears to be swept by the overflowing drainage due to heavy rainfall on June 27 night. The victim’s family has alleged that he was murdered. “It was not at all an accident. What sort of accident is this when this small-sized drainage can sweep away my brother? We want a complete investigation,” his Brother Prem Kumar Gurung, said while staging on Protest in Namchi. 

Road Minister visit landslide area in Byepass

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Samdup lepcha visist landslide area

Road& Bridge Minister Samdup Lepcha visited the Byepass Road landslide spot on Friday. He Inspected a landslide in Bypass and instructed the department to work 24 hours and restore the road.

The minister interacted with the department team working at ground zero. He said that the rescue team is working tireless and doing every possible effort to restore the road which is also the main connectivity to the city’s largest Hospital.

On the 14th of July Morning, a heavy downpour caused a landslide in the Bye pass near Arithang Fatak which cause road connectivity towards Sochaygang Hospital.

During, the visit Minister directed the department officials to look for the necessary and immediate measures to restore the road and also instructed that good quality work should be done to prevent further incidents.

He further stated that the road will be restored with in four days.

Since the last two days heavy rain has triggered multiple landslides in Sikkim and snapped several roads in Mangan district.

Some Minor landslides also occurred along the JN Road that connects popular destinations like Changu) Lake, Nathu-la and Baba Mandir with Gangtok.