Imphal, 17 May 2018 ( Evening News ) : Socialist Students union of Manipur and Proletarian Feminist movement Manipur demanded BJP Manipur Pradesh to oust the party's Vice President, M. Ashinikumar from the Party alleging that he is protecting one of the accused involved in Thanga Gang Rape case. The Organisations also demanded to expel an alleged rapist, BJP MLA Sekmai, Heikham Dingo from the party. Speaking to media persons at a press meet with the representatives of SSUM and POFM, at SSUM’s office in Keishampat, Convenor of SSUM, Norem Tanoranjan intimated that the organisations visited the Victim’s residence to investigate on Thanga Rape case. He said investigation on the absconding accused out of the 5 rape accused, it was found that the absconding accused is a relative of Vice President, BJP Manipur Pradesh, M. Ashinikumar. Tanoranjan disclosed that Ashinikumar threatened the Police not to arrest the absconding accused. He said the absconding accused is Heisnam Abungo, 26 years, from Thanga Salam Leikai. It may be mentioned that Abungo along with 4 others abducted a minor girl reading in class 9 on Feb 13 on a van and sexually assaulted her. Representatives of SSUM and POFM also stated that unknown individuals threatened the victim’s family on April 25. They also intimated that the girl along with her family members were threatened by showing a gun not to divulge the truth while they were at the Court for the case hearing on April 26. On the other hand, Tanoranjan stated that SSUM will convene an All Political Party on May 20 to discuss on crime against women. He warned of intense agitation if the Government does not produce the absconding culprit by May 20.

Imphal, 15 May 2018 ( Evening News ) : Chief Minister Biren led BJP Government's ambitious 'Go-to Village mission has reached Hiyangthang Govindagram Village in Wangoi Constituency today. The 'Go-to Village mission camp was held at Ibudhou Puthiba Nongshaba Khullem Panthoibi Haraobung of Hiyangthang Govindagram Village. Chief Minister Biren, CAF &PD Minister Karam Shyam and MLA Wangoi, O. Lukhoi attended the camp. Altogether 25 stalls were opened by various state Government departments at the Camp to facilitate various welfare schemes to the villagers.

Imphal, 14 May 2018 ( Evening News ) : A Regional Political Party, the North East India Development Party ( NEIDIP ) has filed a petition at the Supreme Court claiming misconducts during the last 11th Manipur Legislative Assembly elections of March, 2017 at 19-Patsoi Assembly Constituency. NEIDIP has alleged that there were misconducts during the announcement of successful and unsuccessful candidates of 19-Patsoi Assembly Constituency. The party also claimed that Ballot Papers of 19 Patsoi Assembly Constituency were put into Ballot Box of 18-Konthoujam Assembly Constituency which came to light only the next day after the election, due to which the Postal Ballots were not considered for election counting. NEIDIP said the petition was filed at the Supreme Court against violation of the Indian Constitution and the guidelines of the Election Commission of India. The Regional Party further assured the people to continue working to ensure the rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution to every citizen.

Imphal, 13 May 2018 (Evening News ) : Country head of India, Asian Development Bank (ADB), Kenichi Yokoyama asserted that delay in releasing funds to contractors are hampering progress in Asian Development Bank (ADB) funded projects in Manipur. Speaking to a selected group of senior editors, Kenichi said he was specially in Manipur to see what was causing the delay in projects being funded by the bank. He said he has visited the work sites and also inspected roads and have studied the project management system. Kenich said the works and implementation methods are found to be strong , however, lamented that fund release by the government was slow. He intimated that Chief Minister N Biren and Chief Secretary have assured that the matter would be looked into. The Head pointed out on how the project can progress when contractors are not paid as long as six months. He added that  ADB is currently funding three road projects namely Tupul to Bishnupur, Thoubal to Kasom Khullen and Imphal to Tamenglong via Kangchup. He told the editors that the Bank is also ready to fund the Imphal-Moreh stretch of the Asian Highway and the DPR is ready for the same. Kenichi said the bank is ready to sign the agreement with Manipur government to provide 150 million dollar for Imphal-Moreh stretch this year. He said, Imphal is very critical in connecting India and Bangladesh to the South east Asia and that they are very keen to provide fund however quick decision needs to be taken. He stated that ADB has 400 million dollar in hand.Responding to the question on the ambitious government plan for a ring road around Imphal, he said, ADB is also ready to fund the project, however, the Government needs to send a fresh proposal.

Imphal, 11 May 2018 ( Evening News ) : Chief Minister, Nongthombam Biren has inaugurated the State level Annual Tribal Cultural Festival 2018 today. The Chief Minister appealed to the organiser not to organise the festival just for the sake of it but to organise a substantial and meaningful one. The 2 day Festival organised by Tribal Research Institute under the aegis of Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India under the theme “Tribal Cultural for Peace & Unity” kicked off at  TRI Complex in Chingmeirong. Speaking at the inaugural event, the Chief Minister stated that 34 tribal Communities in the State have their own culture and identity. He said the culture and identities of the different communities form a united identity of Manipur and as such stressed the importance to organise such festival in a grand manner. He said necessary steps will be taken by consulting officials concerned of Tribal Affairs of North Eastern States and Art & Culture Department of the State to celebrate the festival elaborately. Biren also maintained that People of the State are not only good at Sports and known for its Culture but also bring laurels to the Country in various academic fields. The Chief Minister also reiterated that “Go to village” Mission of the State Government will cover all the villages in 60 constituencies of the State. Functional President of the Festival, Tribal Affairs Minister, N. Kayisii said the society can be strengthen and will be more developed when the tribal communities protect their cultural identity. Several Ministers, MLAs, Members of ADCs attended the inaugural event.