Imphal, 25 November 2017 ( Evening News ) : Tobacco use has increased in Manipur, Assam and Tripura against an overall decline in the country between 2009-2017. According to the regional report of the second round of Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2016-17 of North Eastern states, all the states have shown a significant decline to second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure at workplace while it has increased in Assam by 3 per cent. The report highlights that the overall tobacco use prevalence in India has declined from 34.6 per cent to 28.6 per cent between 2009-10 and 2016-17 except for Assam and Tripura where it increased considerably and marginally in Manipur. In Manipur, tobacco use increased from 54.1 to 55.1 per cent when all other states have shown a decline with Sikkim registering a remarkable fall from 41.6 to 17.9 per cent. Exposure to SHS at public places has improved across the region with a sharp decline in Manipur, Meghalaya and Nagaland though slightly above the national average. The initiation age has declined, which means more people began using tobacco at an earlier age in three states — Arunachal, Nagaland and Sikkim — from 17.5 in 2009-2010 to 15.9 in 2016-17. The initiation age has increased in the other five NE states with the most significant being Manipur from 19.1 years to 20.8 years.

Imphal, 24 November 2017 ( Evening News ) : Volunteers of Rising Knowledge Club, Khuyathong Polem leikai caught a person who created fake accounts of girls on Facebook and Whatsapp. Speaking to media persons at the club, Vice President of the Club, Ng. Ghanashyam said the culprit is a 17 year old boy and he created fake accounts of girls on the social media sites and sent obscene pictures from the accounts. Ghanashyam said the boy also clarified on local dailies not to indulge in such activities after he was nabbed by locals on September 29. He said once again it was discovered that the boy has been simultaneously using 5 fake accounts of girls and indulging in unwanted activities. Ghanashyam said he will be handed over to his family members. He appealed to the parents to be cautious while buying expensive mobile phones for their children.

Imphal, 23 November 2017 ( Evening News ) : Laser show and boat torch rally highlighting the life of fishing community of the Loktak lake enthraled the visitors on the second day of the Sangai festival in Moirang yesterday. The  torch rally on boats was held at Takmu in Loktak. Speaking at the Lakeview Cultural show, Consumer Affairs Food and Public Distribution Minister Karam Shyam asserted that the State has witnessed visible improvement in law and order situation and development in basic infrastructure accelerating growth in Tourism sector. Minister Shyam also stated that Manipur Sangai Festival offers a glimpse into the rich cultures and traditions of Manipur. He stated that the cultural diversity, history of age old civilization, beautiful historical places, heritage sites and beautiful landscapes makes the State a unique natural tourist destination. The minister mentioned that a huge investment is needed to tap the potentials. He appealed to large business houses particularly from outside the State to invest and take advantage of the huge potential in tourism, real estate and hospitality sectors. Karam Shyam also disclosed that the Government is working on a large number of tourism projects with financial assistance from the Centre. Song and dance performances including performance by popular Manipuri folk singer Mangka Mayanglambam mesmerised the audience.

Imphal, 21 November 2017 ( Evening News ) : India’s President Ram Nath Kovind has arrived Imphal to inaugurate the North East Development Submit and Manipur Sangai Festival 2017, today. President Kovind launched the two days North East Development Submit at City Convention centre, Palace Gate, today. He will also later kick off the 10 days Manipur Sangai Festival, 2017 organised by Manipur Tourism Department. It maybe mentioned that Corcom, an apex body of some proscribed outfits against the president’s visit has called for 26 hours general strike from 6 this morning to 8 tomorrow morning. A massive number of  police personnel are keeping a strict vigil and security measures have been beefed up in and around Imphal City especially on Tiddim road where the president is expected to be travelling. President Kovind is accompanied by Assam’s CM Sarbananda Sonowal in a special Indian Air force plane which arrived Imphal Tulihal Airport at 11.30 this morning. Upon his arrival,  Governor Nazama Heptulla, Chief Minister N. Biren, Cabinet Ministers and top police and civil officials gave a warm reception to President Kovind and paid him guard of honour as a mark of respect.

Imphal, 18 November 2017 ( Evening News ) : The one day open dialogue on framework agreement between the govt of India and NSCN-IM espoused the concept of protecting Manipur’s exclusiveness, polity and flexibility. All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO), United Committee Manipur (UCM) and Committee of Civil Societies, Kangleipak (CCSK) jointly organised the open discussion on “Possible Outcomes of the Framework Agreement  in the context of Manipur” at Lamyanba Shanglen, Palace Compound, today. The discussion maintained that the framework agreement must not interfere with Manipur’s exclusiveness, polity and flexibility. Speakers at the discussion voiced their concern over the prevailing apprehension among the people of the state due to non revelation of contents of the framework agreement signed between the Centre and NSCN-IM. They also highlighted the vulnerability of Manipur amongst the north eastern states of the country in such a situation. They further stated that if the rumoured Pan Naga Government for Naga inhabited areas is true, this could pose a grave danger and it  becomes inevitable to initiate a political movement against it. Resource persons at the open dialogue also accused the govt of India of conspiring division amongst different communities. They urged the state government and political parties to put pressure on the Centre to make amendment in the Constitution regarding the issue. Representatives of various Civil Society Organisations  and people participated in the discussion. Resolutions will be taken after the discussion.