Imphal, 25 June 2017 ( Evening News ) : After a gap of 15 long years, Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren launched the Inter District Bus Service and City Bus Service today. Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister asserted that the beginning of public transport systems will lead to cordial relationships between the hills and the valley. He flagged off the Imphal-Pherzwal Express, the first public transport service, also known as Manipur State Transport-MST from MSRTC Complex, Moirangkhom. Ministers Thongam Bishwajit, Th. Shyamkumar, Karam Shyam, Th. Radheshyam, parliamentary secretaries, top officials of civil and police were among those present at the flagging off ceremony. Later, the Chief Minister, Ministers, Parliamentary Secretaries and government officials launched the low floor buses for City Bus Service at ISBT, Chingmeirong. Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren termed the beginning of public transport system as giving life to the dead. Public transport will help reduce the pain of a common man who pay a lot of money for transportation purposes. The chief minister said MST will prosper only when its employees work transparently. Inter district Bus Service was launched on Imphal- Noney, Imphal-Moreh, Imphal-Pherzawl, Imphal-Yairipok, Imphal-Kakching and Imphal-Moirang. Public transport for the remaining districts will also be launched at the earliest.

Imphal, 24 June 2017 ( Evening News ) : Although Universities across the globe do not allow entry of men in arms on the university campus, it is totally the opposite in case of Manipur University. There is an Assam Rifles military post on the university campus. Students have the feeling of entering a military zone when they see armoured vehicles and army personnel roam around with weapons in hand. Speaking to media persons, president of Manipur University Students Union (MUSU), Buchi Mayanglambam alleged that the security personnel manning the main gate of the university check all students when they enter the campus, however the armed forces enter and exit the campus at their will without going through any checks. He said MUSU and CSOs of the state have been demanding shifting of Assam Rifles post for the last 30 years. Buchi vowed to press for its removal this time around. He also appealed to CSOs, Student Unions and people living in and around the University to extend all possible support in their demand. The MUSU president also expressed dissatisfaction over negligence of the new vice chancellor in the academics of the university. He stated that although the university is centralised, it does not feature in the top 100 universities of the country. He held the vice chancellor responsible for the university's failure to feature in the top 100, while Mizoram and Assam universities in neighbouring states feature in the list. He alleged that due to the VC's negligence the teachers have begun to neglect their duties as well. Buch said the VC not only arrives late, but he is on frequent leaves. MUSU has been demanding for a pro VC, but in vain. Buchi threatened of closure of VC office and non cooperation movement by the students, if he does not arrive on time. He also said students are dissatisfied over the working style of engineering cell of the university. He alleged that many buildings that were constructed years ago, are still in a non functional state and said MUSU will look into their work.

Imphal, 24 June 2017 ( Evening News ) : A mother and her minor daughter were killed in a road mishap at Nongren Mayai Leikai under Lamlai Police Station. The unfortunate incident occurred this  morning around 7.45 am. The victims are identified as Khumanlambam ongbi Bijenti, 30 years, wife of Tombisana and 3 year old Ebethoi from Nongren Mayai Leikai. According to sources, a Tata Truck bearing registration number MN0-7C-3588 hit the two wheeler they were riding as they were coming out of their house. Both the mother and daughter died on the spot while Tombisana escapeed unhurt. The owner of the truck, Lourenbam Sarat from Moirangpurel Khunou Bazar was driving the truck. Lamlai Police has registered a case.

Imphal, 23 June 2017 ( Evening News ) : Social Welfare Minister, Nemcha Kipgen today launched the -Women Helpline number 181 to fight crimes against women in the state. Minister Nemcha inaugurated the office of the helpline at the office of Manipur State Commission for Women in  DC complex, Imphal West. Speaking at the event held at Kuranga Nayani Hall, DC Complex, Minister Nemcha Kipgen asserted that all the persons who assault women physically or mentally deserve to be punished. She said violence against women is not new, however it has been increasing  nowadays.  A toll free 24/7 telecom services will provide assistance to women affected by violence, seeking support and information on schemes and programmes related to women empowerment and protection will be disseminated. The minister maintained that women should be respected, not humiliated. She expressed the hope that the helpline service will provide help to women. Chairperson of Manipur State Commission for Women Dr. K. Sobita, Principal Secretary, JC Ramthanga, Social Welfare Director Jacintha Lazarus, DC Imphal West N. Geoffrey were among those present at the launch of the helpline.

Imphal, 23 June 2017 ( Evening News ) : Forest and Environment Minister, Thounaojam Shyamkumar has vowed to ban air guns and barrel guns to preserve and protect wild life in Manipur. Speaking at the state level stakeholder workshop for ‘Management Planning of Keibul Lamjao National Park and Conservation of Sangai jointly organised by Forest Department and Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun at Classic Grande today, the minister said as a first step, the state Govt will keep an eye on the holders of gun license. He said wild animals including birds are mostly killed with air guns and barrelled guns. Shyamkumar asserted that wildlife can be protected if these guns are banned. Disclosing that the state Govt is planning to convert Keibul Lamjao into an eco- tourism park, the minister stressed the responsibility of the people to protect wildlife in the state. The minister also assured that all possible assistance will be provided to the department concerned to save wildlife including Sangai. Additional Chief Secretary, Forest and Environment, Shambu Singh, officials of state forest department and Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun and several scientists attended the event.