Imphal, 28 October 2016 ( Evening News ) : A 41-year-old Manipuri woman, reportedly a beauty parlour owner in New Delhi, has been sentenced to death by the Malaysian High Court for trafficking over 1.6 kg of drugs. Sangeeta Sharma Brahmacharimayum was found guilty of trafficking in 1.6 kg of methamphetamine on October 7, 2013 at the Penang International Airport. She was charged under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries a mandatory death sentence on conviction. The Star Online reported that Sangeeta, who appeared subdued when the decision was conveyed to her by a court interpreter in George Town in Penang State, broke down later. Judicial Commissioner Azmi Ariffin ruled that the prosecution had succeeded in proving its case beyond a reasonable doubt. He said he found Sangeeta, the former sister-in-law of a senior police officer, had knowledge of the drug in the suitcase she was carrying and, hence, was not an innocent carrier as was raised in her defence. Sangeeta was a beauty parlour owner in New Delhi, media reports said. Azmi said  Sangeeta had testified in court that she came to Malaysia to start a business, buying and selling clothes from India to Malaysia, on the encouragement of a Nigerian man named Prince. The Star Online report said Prince had instructed the accused to hand the suitcase containing clothes to his brother and sister-in-law who would meet her at the Penang International Airport upon arrival. Azmi noted that the accused had only known Prince for a year and had met with him several times in that period.

Imphal, 27 October 2016 ( Evening News ) : Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh has been banned by the Tangkhul Naga Long from entering Ukhrul district and from inaugurating the district hospital and other projects. Tangkhul Naga Long has put the ban accusing the govt that the construction of the District Hospital is incomplete and the hospital lacks proper infrastructure. Speaking to the media persons President of Tangkhul Naga Long, Weapon Zimik said even if all the required infrastructure are provided, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh will not be allowed to enter in Ukhrul again. Zimik cautioned that even if all the projects are completed Chief Minister will not be given assent to inaugurate it although it can be inaugurated by other officials. It is learnt that Weapon Zimik and his team inspected the condition of Ukhrul District Hospital and found lack of infrastructures. They claimed that they found beds and other machines which were not installed on the day of CM’s visit to Ukhrul on Oct 24.

Imphal, 25 October 2016 ( Evening News ) : Manipur Governor Dr. Najma Heptulla today condemned the attack on Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh’s entourage in Ukhrul yesterday morning. Terming the incident sad as well as bad, Governor Heptulla appealed to the youths to join hands with the govt for development of the state. It may be recalled that several rounds of gunshots were fired towards the helipad as soon as the helicopter carrying Chief Minister was about to take off. During the visit, Chief Minister was accompanied by Deputy Speaker Preshow Shimray, Home Minister Gaikhangam, Health Minister D Korungthang and Commerce and Industries Minister K Govindas.

Governor Dr Najma Heptulla today launched the National campaign on medicinal plants at the hall of Indian Medical Association, Lamphel. The campaign was organised by Manipur state Medicinal Plants Board, Directorate of Ayush under the sponsorship of Ministry Of Ayush, National Plants Board (NMPB). The governor also inaugurated one day state level buyers-sellers meet on medical plants. In her inaugural address, Dr Najma Heptulla said medicinal plants have been identified and used throughout human history. She maintained that medicinal plant sector has got immense potential along with sustainable agriculture which can provide alternative sources of income to farmers. The governor also appealed to all not to use artificial flowers in decoration. She said cultivation and use of natural flowers and plants should be encouraged to boost plant sector.

Imphal, 25 October 2016 ( Evening News ) : Deputy chief minister Gaikhangam has categorically stated that the Centre must not remained silent when NSCN-IM has broken the ceasefire ground rule by ambushing CM in Ukhrul yesterday. Speaking as Chief Guest at the golden jubilee celebration of Samurou Keithel today Gaikhangam said till now no definite response has came from the Central Govt.  He however expressed confidence that the Centre will take necessary action against the outfit. The deputy chief minister pointed the finger of suspicion at Tangkhul Naga Long for the incident as they have called for boycott of the chief minister's visit. He said it would be better for TNL to apologise to the public instead of making fabricated statement on the incident. Refuting the allegations of TNL, he said the Govt will never ask to fire at the police personnels and there is no lathode bomb in the police arsenal. He also said the govt does not take the incident lightly and will take necessary action. It may be recalled that NSCN(IM) has denied involvement in the ambush while UNC has accused the state govt of stage managing the incident.

Imphal, 24 October 2016 ( Evening News ) : The classes at Manipur University resumed today amid protest by Schedule Tribe students demanding stopping of admission procedure at the University. 3 protesting students were injured in police action while 3 others were detained. The admission process began following a meeting of VC in charge, Deans and Head of Depts of the University on Oct 22. Large number of  Tribal students led by tribal student organisation leaders opposed the admission procedure at the University gate today. Large number of police personnel deployed at the University used smoke bombs to control the crowd. Meanwhile, classes 2 semester upto 6 semester classes at various depts resumed from today.