Imphal, 27 April 2017 ( Evening News ) : In pursuant of the decision made by Nagaland cabinet in a meeting, the recognition of Rongmei tribe as one of the indigenous Naga tribes of Nagaland which was notified by Nagaland government on August 4, 2012, has been withdrawn with immediate effect. According to an official statement, “A total of 1,313 people belonging to the Rongmei tribe, already identified by the Nagaland Government through special enumeration process as having permanently settled in the present territory of Nagaland prior to 01-12-1963. The notification further said the Rongmei tribe along with their legitimate descendants, would continue to enjoy the status, privileges and entitlements of indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland, unlike the ones being enjoyed by members of other indigenous inhabitants, who had permanently settled in the present territory of Nagaland prior to 01-12-1963, as notified by the State Government by Notifications dated 06-07-1973 and dated 28-04-1977.

Imphal, 27 April 2017 ( Evening News ) : Thousands of people today took out a protest rally against the April 14 Phaknung gang rape in Imphal. CSOs, Student organisations, women organisations and people belonging to different communities participated in the rally  chanting slogans against the incident. The rally was organised by  Core Committee of Phaknung Gangrape of 2 minor Girls, began from Ima Khunthok-hanbi on DM College campus and passed through Khoyathong, Dingku Road, Lamlong and Minuthong before concluding at Ima Khunthok-Hanbi Shanglen to hold a public meeting. Convenor of the Core Committee, N. Jibanmala condemned the rape of two minor girls and demanded stern actions against the culprits at the earliest. She urged the ICPS, Child Welfare Committee, Social Welfare Department and National Commission for Women to take necessary actions. Jibanmala also appealed to the Government to deliver justice to the victims. It may be mentioned that a gang of 7 had raped the 2 girls on April 14, Cheiraoba evening at Phaknung. One of the 7 accused involved was produced before the CJM Imphal East, POCSO (Special Court) on the 25th of this month and was remanded to 4-day police custody for further questioning. 6 other accused in the case have already been sent to Juvenile Home.

Imphal, 25 April 2017 ( Evening News ) : In an unfortunate police firing incident late last night around 10 PM, a person has been killed in Ukhongsang Mayai Leikai, Kangjeibung under Nongpok Sekmai police station in Thoubal district. The victim has been identified as a 25 year old Khangembam Santosh Singh, son of Kh Ibohal Singh from Thoubal Athokpam Awang Leikai. He is a teacher at IRE School, Wangjing. He died at Thoubal hospital around midnight where he was taken for treatment. The dead body is at JNIMS for post mortem. The Constable driver who opened the fire is identified as a 30 year old, Elangbam Rajesh, son of Elangbam Achou from Ukhongsang Mamang Leikai. He is currently under police custody and police has also seized a service pistol from him. According to sources, there was a Thabal Chongba organised at the Ukhongsang Mayai Leikai, Kangjeibung last evening and there were few people playing the dice game in the area. A team of police arrived at the dice game and had some heated arguments, later Rajesh opened fire at Santosh. Meanwhile irate mob has burnt down the house of Rajesh. Imphal-Moreh road near Thoubal Athokpam was blocked in protest against the killing since early morning. They also damaged a bolero car, 4 diesel autos and 2 two wheelers. A JAC formed against the killing has condemned the killing and termed the firing of 3 bullets at Santosh as a cold blooded murder. They resolved to not claim the dead body until the culprit, Rajesh is dismissed and a capital punishment awarded and also punish all other police personnel involved in the killing. A public meeting held at Ukhongshang also resolved to expel Rajesh and his family from the locality. Khangabok MLA, Surajkumar condemned the killing and demanded actions within 24 hours.

Meanwhile constable Rajesh has been suspended from his service. SP of Thoubal, Maharabam Pradip ordered his suspension. SP, Maharabam Pradip termed the incident as unfortunate and stated that the department has taken up necessary measures to look into the matter.

Imphal, 24 April 2017 ( Evening News ) : The scientific name of the historic "Kombirei flower" will now be "iris laevigata fisch". The scientific name or Botanical name of the traditional Manipur Kombirei has been identified and authenticated by the Royal Botanic Garden, Kew in London. Addressing media persons at CSIR North East Institute of Science and Technology, Lamphelpat, Prinicipal Scientist, Dr H Birkumar expressed apprehensions that Kombirei which used to be available in abundance in the state, will now be extinct. He further said due to lack of research, there has not been a scientific name given to Kombirei that has grown in Manipur since ages and associated with songs like Yaral Patki Kombirei. In 1961, renowned Indian botanist, DB Deb had identified Kombirei as Iris baker Wall, however upon research, it turned out to be invalid. Dr H Birkumar said the original Kombirei is 2 and a half to 3 foot tall and has pointed leaves and that the ones grown in the farms is Iris senguinea and not the original Kombirei.

Imphal, 23 April 2017 ( Evening News ) : Manipur today saluted and paid befitting tributes to its martyrs who had laid down their lives to safeguard the freedom of the land during the 1891 Anglo-Manipur war also known as the Khongjom War. The State government today organised the main observation at Khongjom War Memorial Complex at Kheba Ching in Thoubal district. Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren, Deputy Chief Minister, Yumnam Joykumar, Speaker, Yumnam Khemchand, cabinet ministers ,MLAs and former chief minister, Okram Ibobi paid homage at the memorial. Top civil and police officials were also present on the occasion. A team of Manipur Rifles gave a gun salute in honour of the martyrs. Governor, Najma Heptulla lead a team in paying floral tributes at the bust of Paona Brajabasi below Kheba ching and the Manipur Rifles team gave a gun salute too. Later, the Governor and Chief Minister lead a team to pay floral tributes at the Khongjom river where the blood of martyrs were washed away on the same day. The Governor, Chief Minister and others also took part in the cultural programme in honour of the martyrs. Rain did not stop people from all age groups from paying floral tributes to the martyrs. Speaking on the occasion, Governor, Najma Heptulla asserted that the day is being observed in memory of those martyrs who wanted a change in the society. She said there are many more wars to be won. Governor Heptulla reminded that we need to collectively fight the war on poverty, torment and knowledge.