Imphal, 24 February 2018 ( Evening News ) : As part of the “interactive sessions” with renowned persons of the state on inclusion of Meetei/Meitei in the ST List , representatives of Co-ordinating Committee of Schedule Tribe Demand Committee and Schedule Tribe Demand Committee Manipur  met Retd. Vice Chancellor of Manipur University, Prof. H. Tombi on its 13th edition of the Interactive Sessions at his residence, in Tera Yengkhom Leirak today.  Speaking on why Meetei/Meitei should be included in ST List, Prof. Tombi said unchecked influx of migrants from Myanmar and Bangladesh has endangered our race. He said the migraints will increased with the coming of railway into the state. Tombi maintained that, if Meetei/Meitei comminuty is included in the ST list, the constitution of the country will protect the region. He said, Meetei/Meitei constitutes only 46 percent of the population in the State, and that there is apprehension of Meitei/Meetei becoming minority like Tripuri in Tripura if the population of Meetei/Meitei decreases. Tombi said, Meetei/Meitei qualifies all the criteria of ST as per the constitution of India however the forefathers had mistaken  identity of Meetei/Meitei and acquired general status after following Hinduism. He maintained inclusion of Meitei/Meetei in the ST list will improve relationship between the people of the hills and valley.

Imphal, 22 February 2018 ( Evening News ) :  The 3rd Annual Convention of North Eastern Region, India, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN FOCUS CLMV Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam on the theme “Tapping Potential of Service Sector Catering to Domestic & International Demands Service Export” commenced today. Inaugurating the two day convention at Hotel Classic Grande, Chief Minister, Nongthombam Biren expressed a desire for the people of the state to create a welcoming atmosphere for outsiders into the state.  Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Biren further maintained that he and his government is waiting for an innovative change in the state. He further disclosed that his government is making efforts to purchase 100 acres of land in Tengnoupal District to build tourist spots and attract more tourists in the state. He called on the need for the State to also start using online platforms for business transactions just like investors in the UP.  The two day Convention is being organised by International Chamber for Service Industry(ICSI) and Manipur Infrastructure Development Agency (MIDA) under the aegis of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI), Government of India. Ambassador of Union of Myanmar, Moe Kyaw Aung, top officials of MCI, ICSI, MIDA ,Top Officials of Manipur Government, leaders of tourism & hospitality sector, medical sector in the state and many other people attended the opening day of the Convention today.  Chief Minister, Biren presented mementos to Ambassador of Union of Myanmar, Moe Kyaw Aung and other officials present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador of Union of Myanmar, Moe Kyaw Aung expressed that  there is significant change in the relationship between India and Myanmar especially in business, health sector, education and tourism sectors. He said emphasis is now given not only for business transactions but also in the capacity building sector. He asserted that the advent of democracy has brought significant changes in his country. The Ambassador acknowledged that the North Eastern states of India is at the heart of the Act East Policy as they are closer to major cities of the ASEAN countries offering major advantages. He opined that if importance is given not only to land connectivity but also to the airways and waterways, both the countries will witness positive changes. Establishment of Centre of Excellence for Media Entertainment Industry, tourism, education, service and health sectors, provisions for home-stay facilities for tourists, Information Technology etc. will be discoursed on the first day of the convention today.

Imphal, 19 February 2018 ( Evening News ) : State’s Higher Secondary Examination, 2018 conducted by Council of Higher Secondary Education Manipur commenced today peacefully with English as the first paper of the examination.  Altogether twenty eight thousand and twenty four students are appearing in the examination including twenty thousand three hundred and twenty-seven students in the science stream, seven thousand one hundred and ninety students in the arts stream and five hundred & seven students in the commerce stream. Examination was held at 91 exam centres across 14 districts of the state except in Kamjong and Pherzawl. Following the declaration made by COHSEM yesterday, Supervising officer opened the the seal of the Question papers in the presence of  OCs and the invigilators 45 minutes before the commencement of examination.  Tight security measures were in place to prevent use of any unfair means by the students and outsiders were not allowed within 500 metres of each examination centre and parents waited for their children 500 metres away from the examination centres. The higher secondary examination 2018 will conclude on March 29.

On the other hand, tensions erupted among the students appearing the Class 12 examination conducted by Council of Higher Secondary Education Manipur, COHSEM which began today on the account that the question paper was leaked. An alleged question paper of General English was circulated on a whatsapp group this morning. Upon investigations by the officials of COHSEM and after thorough cross-checking of the paper, it turned out to be a fake question paper. Speaking to media persons, Chairman of COHSEM, L. Mahendra said the Cyber Crime Unit was reported to probe the forged question paper at the earliest and actions will soon be taken against those involved. Mahendra appealed to those concerned not to repeat again such acts which can create confusion among the students.

Imphal, 18 February 2018 ( Evening News ) : Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren extended his best wishes to the students in class 10 and 12 examinations 2018 conducted by BOSEM , COHSEM and CBSE. In his message, the Chief Minister said the examinations serve as important steps towards shaping students' carreer and achieving their ambition. He urged parents and teachers to guide the students to perfom with ease and confidence. Biren also appealed to the students to study with calm minds and not to stress out.

Education Minister, Thokchom Radheshyam also gave his best wishes to the students appearing in class 10 and 12 examinations 2018 conducted by BOSEM and COHSEM, which is scheduled to commenced on February 19 and 20 respectively during a press meet at his office chamber at New Secretariat, Babupara yesterday. The minister urged the students to work hard to be successful in life and also appealed to the parents to refrain from pressuring their children. The Minister further appealed  to all to help in conducting the examinations in free and fair manner.

Imphal, 12 February 2018 ( Evening News ) : The 42- hour State wide bandh called by Kangleipak Communists Party (KCP) Military Council affected normal life in Manipur. The proscribed outfit imposed the 42 hours bandh in the state from 6 this morning allegedly against the government’s failure to address the charter of demands submitted by the MoU signatory group in the ongoing assembly session till last Saturday, the stipulated time given by the outfit. Although the bandh does not have much effect in the hill districts, it hits the valley districts. Major markets in the valley districts wear a deserted look with shops, schools and colleges remaining closed.  No passenger service vehicles are seen plying on the major roads of the Imphal City except for some private vehicles. The State government is keeping a strict security vigil to prevent any untoward incident during the bandh as the Assembly Session is also underway.