Imphal, 27 April 2018 ( Evening News ) : President of United Committee Manipur, UCM, Elangbam Johnson has asserted that reaching a conclusion to the Naga Peace accord between NSCN IM and Government of India without consulting the stake holders including UCM would be an invitation for another upheaval in the state. Johnson also maintained if a common cultural body of Autonomous Naga Territorial Council and the Naga people has to be formed in the state then it has to be under the State Government authority. Speaking to Impact News in connection with the news on Naga Framework Accord that appeared on a National Daily, Indian Express, Johnson expressed astonishment  that the news that Naga accord has reached a final stage appeared on the National Daily when it was agreed upon that the CSOs and other stake holders will be consulted before reaching a conclusion to the Framework Agreement. He said it must be explained if it is allowed to bypass the government without establishing a proper structure when regional set up like a territorial council is to be established. Reiterating UCM stand, Johnson maintained that UCM will not tolerate formation of Pan Naga Body within the state territory bypassing the State government and drew the attention of the state Government to be more vigilant in the regard. He said the term State Paramountcy used in connection with the framework has created more confusion.

Imphal, 21 April 2018 ( Evening News ) : Protestors against the arrest of two executive members of Sagolmang Village Development Committee blocked Imphal-Saikul road today. Both Police and people sustained injuries in the scuffles that ensued. On the other hand, women of Khundrakpam Constituency declared various intense agitations including naked protest against the relocation of the proposed Imphal East District Hospital from Sagolmang. People burnt up tyres and blocked the Imphal-Saikul road against the arrest of General Secretary of Sagolmang Village Development Committee, Sorokhaibam Inaobi and committee’s assistant general secretary Laishram Vikram by the police this morning. A police team led by Additional SP of Imphal East rushed at the spot to contain the situation. However, police resorted to tear gas shells and smoke bombs when male protestors pelted stones using catapults at them as they were trying to talk it out with the women protestors. Two police personnel and some protestors sustained injuries in the incident. It maybe mentioned that yesterday afternoon, Sagolmang Village Committee, Women Provision Committee and Progressive Youth Club Sagolmang organised a meeting at Sagolmang Community Hall including the Advisor of PDCC, BC Tekcham and two members of the committee in connection with the construction of the District Hospital at Sagolmang. Sources said, BC Tekcham set aside the interest of the people of Sagolmang regarding the construction of the hospital and gave an indecent respond. Subsequently, the meeting resolved to ex communicate BC Tekcham from any organisations and issues of the locality. Tekcham later filed a police complaint  against the Village Development Committee citing physical harassment by the villagers.The police arrested the two members of the village committee acting on the complaint. Meanwhile agitated people of Sagolmang demanded unconditional release of the two arrested failing which they warned to continue blocking the Imphal Saikul road. They also warned of naked protest similar to the one in front of Kangla Gate a few years ago if the Government does not revoke its decision of shifting the construction site for the District Hospital from Sagolmang.

Imphal, 20 April 2018 ( Evening News ) : Special Judge, POCSO, Imphal West has convicted one Sagolsem Ranbir today under section 6 of Prevention of Children from Sexual Offence (POCSO) Act 2012 for raping a minor girl student of class 5. The Convict, Sagolsem Ranbir, 34 years, Son of  Khagemba from Mayang Imphal Maibam Sagolsem Leikai runs a private boarding at Mayang Imphal Konchak Mayai Leikai. In 2015, Ranbir sexually assaulted a minor girl staying in his private boarding. Ranbir was arrested after the mother of the victim filed a report at Mayang Imphal Police Station and the case hearing was in process under the POCSO Act. After the final hearing on February 5, Ranbir was produced before the court today for sentenced hearing where he was pronounced guilty for his crime. According to the report submitted by the Investigation Officer, the girl was three month pregnant after she was raped by Ranbir. To cover up, Ranbir brought the girl to a private clinic with his mother and aborted the child. The victim informed her mother of the incident in July, 2015 following which her mother lodged a complaint at Mayang Imphal Police station. After hearing from both the parties and considering the statements submitted by the Prosecution witnesses, Ranbir's crime was affirmed under section 5, para 1 (m) and (p) of POCSO Act 2012 for aggravated penetrative sexual assault. The Judge declared Ranbir guilty of the crime under section 6 of the POCSO Act, 2012. And as per section 6 of POCSO Act, 2012,for committing “aggravated penetrative sexual assault” Ranbir may get may get imprisonment of 10 years that maybe extended to life imprisonment. The Sentence order will be announced on April 24.  Family members of the victim present at Cheirap court complex tried to manhandle Ranbir as he came out of the court today.

Imphal, 16 April 2018 ( Evening News ) : Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren has asserted that the centre has ear-marked 1 thousand and 6 hundred crore rupees to upgrade Imphal-Moreh Road into 4 lane road. The Chief Minister was speaking at the flagging off ceremony of “Road To London, 2018”, a car rally across 18 countries from Hotel Classic Grande today. Chief Minister Biren said such road trip will help in promoting North East to the world. He said Imphal-Moreh road is an important gateway to other countries and as such the centre has ear-marked funds to upgrade the road. The Chief Minister encouraged and gave his best wishes to the participants of the road trip. “Road To London, 2018” organised by Adventures Overland which flagged off from Imphal will head towards, Myanmar, Thailand and other Asian countries and finally reach the destination, London on June 2. Twenty Nine participants including 8 women in 15 cars are on the 49 days journey.

Imphal, 14 April 2018 ( Evening News ) : Manipuri Hindus are observing Cheiraoba festival today with traditional fervour and gaiety. As part of the New Year’s festival, traditional Manipuri cuisines are prepared in every household and offered to God. The preparation begins early in the morning with both men and women and even the children of the household lending their helping hands. As per tradition, various cuisines are placed at the entrance gate as an offering to the God for a prosperous year ahead. People will also be climbing the nearby hillocks late this afternoon to pray at the sacred shrine located at the hilltops, especially at Chingmeirong, Cheirao Ching and Pishumching at Singjamei in Imphal Town, while late in the evening through the night, traditional Thabal Chongba dance performances will be held at various places. For the people following Hindu religion, the day is very important and significant.