Imphal, 27 January 2017 ( Evening News ) : Congress MLA RK Anand today denied the news report that he is joining the BJP. Denying the news to media at his residence at Kwakeithel Akham Leikai, the Naoriya Pakhanglakpa MLA also spoke about the govt's next step regarding the economic blockade. He reiterated that the govt will never surrender to the demands of the UNC. RK Anand said if necessary the govt may declare UNC as an unlawful organisation. He alleged that the UNC and NPO act under the instruction of the NSCN -IM and their sole agenda is to disintegrate Manipur. He also maintained many Congress MLAs have been pressured to leave the party because of their stand on the integrity of Manipur. The MLA alleged that the BJP has an understanding with NSCN-IM, UNC, NPO and NPF. He questioned the claim by Assam minister to end the Economic Blockade immediately if the congress government resigns. He asked if the centre is inviting a June 18 like incident after imposition of the president's rule in Manipur. RK Anand said the centre cannot solve the problems facing the people due to economic blockade by airlifting some Petroleum Products. He also questioned why the Security Personnel did not respond to the attacks by NSCN IM. He asked why the Frame Work Agreement between the centre and the NSCN-IM has not been made public.

MLA Anand termed the news report on 11 Congress MLAs including him joining BJP as baseless and the news created confusion among the people. He said he never wanted to join the BJP. He also said if necessary Legal Action might be taken against the newspaper.

Imphal, 26 January 2017 ( Evening News ) : Despite the tight security measures taken by the police to prevent untoward incidents during the Republic Day celebrations, a bomb exploded this morning. However there was no report of casualty. The explosion occurred this morning around 8 near the western wall of Manipur College near Pishum bridge. The blast created a big hole of about 3 feet diameter on the fence wall. Police and IRB personnel who were on duty rushed at the spot and inspected the damage. Police suspect that the bomb was not a powerful IED. The explosion took place when people were trying to save a drunkard from the Nambul river about 10 feet from the spot. Fortunately the blast caused no injury. No one has claimed responsibility for the blast. It may be recalled that some underground outfits have called for boycott of the Republic Day celebrations.

Imphal, 26 January 2017 ( Evening News ) : The nation is celebrating its 68th Republic Day today. The day honours the date on which the Constitution came into force on this day in 1950 replacing the Government of India Act (1935) as the governing document. The country's military prowess and achievements in different fields, state-of-the-art defence platforms, and diverse culture was in full display at the Republic Day parade at Rajpath in the national capital. Crown Prince Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was the Chief Guest of the ceremony. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the three service chiefs paid tributes to soldiers at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate by laying wreaths in the morning. The parade commenced after unfurling of the National Flag, followed by a 21-gun salute. President Pranab Mukherjee awarded Ashok Chakra to Havaldar Hangpan Dada posthumously for selfless service to nation.  A contingent of UAE soldiers marched down the Rajpath. For the first time, a contingent of the National Security Guard, popularly known as the Black Cat Commandoes, also took part in the parade. The Indian Army’s missile firing capability, T-90 ‘Bhishma’ tank, Infantry Combat Vehicle BMP-2K, Mobile Autonomous Launcher of the BrahMos Missile System, Akash Weapon System, and Dhanush Gun System were the main draws this year. The Manipur float depicted 'Lai Haraoba' which is one of the oldest ritualistic theatres. Lakshadweep tableaux participated in the parade after 26 years, showcasing its potential as an unexplored destination. The grand finale was a spectacular flypast by the Indian Air Force. Awe inspiring formations such as Chakra, Hercules, and Trishul as well as the vertical Charlie manoeuvre won the hearts of the viewers. The ceremony culminated with the national anthem and release of balloons, which lit up the cloudy sky with merry colours.

Manipur today celebrated the 68th Republic Day amid the boycott call by various underground outfits. Celebrations of the day were held in several district headquarters. The main event was held at the Kangla with Governor Dr. Najma Heptulla as the chief guest. The governor inspected the guard of honour and unfurled the tricolour. She took the salute of the march past. Chief Minister, Okram Ibobi and his cabinet colleagues, Parliamentary Secretaries, MLAs, officials of civil, central force and police attended the celebrations.

CID Technical SP, Mamata Wahengbam commanded the Parade. 64 Contingents from various schools and colleges, Ex- Servicemen, Civil Police, Central Forces, Para-Military, Fire Service, Home Guard and NCC, Bharat Scout, Disabled Persons, Manipur Police Sport Club Polo Team, Manipur police dog squad and 12 police and student band, 19 Cultural Troupes participated in the parade. 13 tableaux of various departments were also displayed during the celebration.

The governor presented President’s Fire Service Medal for Distinguished service to Divisional officer Nabachandra Singh Laishram and Fire Service Medal for Meritorious Service to Sub officer Ajit Singh Seram.

The day was also celebrated in Imphal east district. The celebration was held at the DC office complex Imphal East District in Porompat. DC Imphal East DC, Ningthoujam Geoffrey unfurled the tricolour at the event. He also took salute from the contingents of the march past commanded by SI Pradip Ningombam. Traditional dances also highlighted the march past.

Imphal, 26 January 2017 : The Election Commission has asked political parties and leaders not to use the pictures of President, Vice President and State Governors in their election posters. In a letter to the leaders of political parties, the poll body has asked them to advise their candidates and leaders to desist from such acts in their election campaigns. The Commission said, President, Vice-President and Governors are Constitutional Authorities and are completely apolitical and they should not be associated with any poll campaign. The direction came after recent letter by the President's Secretariat to poll panel about the reports of use of photographs of President Pranab Mukherjee by political parties in Punjab Assembly elections.

Imphal, 26 January 2017 : As part of the 7th National Voter’s Day celebration, an android based mobile app called E-Manipur Election has been launched. The 7th National Voter’s Day was celebrated across the country under the theme “Empowering Young & Future Voters”. Chief Electoral Officer, Manipur organised the event at City Convention Centre in Palace compound to mark the day.  Chief Secretary O. Nabakishore, who was the Chief Guest at the event, stated that the people need to elect the right candidate to achieve development in the state. He further appealed to the people not  to misuse their voting rights which they get to exercise every 5 years to choose the right representative. Nabakishore emphasised the role of the younger generation in electing the right and eligible candidates to govern the state with new progressive ideas on development. He reminded that misusing the voting rights in exchange of money will be a great hindrance towards the state’s development. As part of  Voters’ Education Programme, a comic book on Systematic Voter Education & Electoral Participation (SVEEP) was also launched. A photo exhibition on the Voters’ Education Programme was also held in various districts since early this month. Prizes were distributed to the winners of the State level Drawing Competition organised by Chief Electoral Officer Manipur on the 21st of this month under the theme ‘Every Vote Counts’ and the one organised on the 22nd of this month by the CEO Manipur and Editors Guild Manipur as part of the 7th National Voters Day celebration