Imphal, 15 August 2016 ( Evening News )  : The 70th Independence Day of India was celebrated at state level at the Parade Ground, 1st Manipur Rifles. Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, his Council of Ministers, MLAs, top civil and police officials and others attended the state function. Chief Minister inspected the parade along with Commandant of 4th IRB, Ningshen Worngam who led the parade and unfurled the tricolour. Chief Minister then took the salute of march-past participated by 40 contingent of Ex-Servicemen, BSF, CRPF, Manipur Rifles, Mizoram police, Civil, IRB, Jail, Home Guard, Fire Service, NCC and students from different Schools and Colleges. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh paid homage to the freedom fighters of the country and respect to their supreme sacrifice for the country. Chief Minister stated that India is respected worldwide as it is rapidly progressing. Chief Minister said he is proud to be a citizen of India. Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh also added that Manipur have also excelled in various fields including participation of large number of sportspersons in Olympics which we are very proud of. Maintaining that the govt have already sought suggestions and comments on the new draft bill for the protection of the indigenous people of the state available on govt’s website, Okram Ibobi Singh said enacting a bill acceptable to all sections of the people of Manipur is a desire of the govt and the govt will pass a consensus bill.

Meanwhile in the state the Normal life has been badly hit by the general strike called by CoRCOM today from 1 in the morning till 6 in the evening boycotting India's 70th Independence Day celebration. Business hub of the state, 3 Khawairamband Ima Markets, Paona Bazar and Thangal Bazar remained shut for the day. All the major roads in and around Imphal city wore deserted look as all sort of vehicles were off the road except for essential services, religious and emergency cases. Police were seen in every pockets of Imphal City keeping strict vigil to thwart any untoward incident.

Imphal, 15 August 2016 : In the first of its kind in the history of Manipur politics, around 100 members of Naga People Front - NPF joined BJP Manipur Pradesh yesterday. BJP President Kshetrimayum Bhabananda welcomed the NPF members to the party. Welcoming the new entrants to BJP, Bhabananda said the party welcomes everyone. He said the party is optimistic of winning  the upcoming assembly election and forming the next government in the state after joining of the NPF members from Tamenglong. Lungsonggai Pamei - who contested the ADC election on NPF ticket said utilisation of the central funds meant for the hills during the tenure of the 15-year-long Congress govt in the state will be probed.

Imphal, 15 August 2016 : Prizes were distributed to winners of “Catch them litter” photo competition jointly organised by Impact TV, Manipur Urban Development Agency (MUDA) and Imphal Municipality Corporation. IMC Mayor S. Sunil, Managing Director of Babina Diagnostic Centre, Dr. Th. Dhabali, Managing Director of Shija Hospitals & Research Centre, Dr. Kh. Palin, MUDA Secretary M. Gitkumar, MUDA  Deputy Secretary S. Peter and MAHUD joint secretary Ng. Uttam were among those present at the event held at Imphal Hotel yesterday afternoon. The competition was initiated by Impact TV with the objective to keep Imphal city clean. Naharol Thoudang’s senior reporter Nimol Ningombam also bagged a consolation prize. Speaking on the occasion MUDA secy M. Gitkumar said the agency has been continuously  making effort to maintain the city clean with people's cooperation since 2009 and as a result Imphal city bagged the 15th position  under Swachh Bharat Mission last year. He also mentioned that Imphal is the second city after Mumbai to collect the highest fine  for littering each year. Gitkumar also assured that the agency will do its best to perform better than the last year in the upcoming Swachh Sarvekshan and also appealed to the people and the IMC for their cooperation.

Imphal, 15 August 2016 : People yesterday celebrated Manipur Independence Day  to mark the end of the British Raj in the state. Manipur University Students Union observed the Day on the University Campus. The students hoisted the flag bearing the image of Pakhangba near the office of students welfare to mark the day. They chanted the slogan “Manipur emana yaiphare”. Today Manipur  celebrate India's Independence day at the 1st Manipur Riffles Ground. A number of militant outfits has already announced general strike.

Imphal, 13 August 2016 ( Evening News ) : 12 Assam Rifles seized a huge quantity of Ginseng on 10 August at Khudengthabi in Chandel district. The PRO Assam Rifles in a press release said acting on a tip off that contraband forest products are being transported on NH-102, troops of the 12 Assam Rifles checked the vehicles on the national highway at Khudengthabi and recovered a huge quantity Ginseng on the 10th of this month. A red TATA truck bearing Registration Number MN 07C – 3745 was carrying 48 bags of Ginseng weighing about 1,928 Kilograms estimated to be worth Rupees 1.15 crores. The owner of the Ginseng was identified as Kamboi Khongsai, S/o Thaangjakhup, from Jangoutubi,  Moreh. The recovered item has been handed over to the Forest Department.