Imphal, 13 August 2016 ( Evening News ) : Manipur today paid homage to the martyrs, Thangal General and Tikendrajit who sacrificed their lives for the freedom and sovereignty of Manipur at Hicham Yaicham Pat. Chief Minister, Okram Ibobi led the people in offering tribute to freedom fighters this morning. His council of Ministers, MLAs, top civil and police officials offerred floral tribute at the Tikendrajit Memorial located at Yaiskul Janmasthan at 8 in the morning. A 2 minute silence was also observed as mark of respect to the martyrs. A gun salute was given by the personnel of Manipur Rifles on the occasion. Later, the people led by Chief Minister also paid tribute at the Thangal General Memorial in Palace Compound. The main function of the Patriots’ Day will be held at Pheidapung, popularly known as BT Park at 3 in the afternoon. Mention may be made that the British hanged Thangal General and Bir Tikendrajit at Pheidapung on August 13, 1891 for waging war against the mighty British Empire.

Imphal, 13 August 2016 ( Evening News ) : Arambam Robita Leima who announced her decision to follow in the footsteps of Irom Sharmila and undergo fast demanding repeal of the Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) 1958 from the state began her fast at the office of the Indian Women against crime in Canchipur on national highway around 1.30 in the afternoon. Earlier she failed to turn up at the proposed venue for her fast at 10 this morning. Yesterday Robita, a mother of two, announced at a Press meet that she will undergo fast at  Keishampat Leimajam Leikai Community Hall, where the volunteers of JCILPS are on a relay hunger strike demanding implementation of ILPS in the state. When our reporters went to cover her story, she was not present at the venue. On the other hand SALAI Nupi Lup in a press release had claimed yesterday that Robita has been currently detained at their office at Singjamei Chinga-makha.

Imphal, 12 August 2016 ( Evening News ) : International Youth Day was celebrated today at Manipur University. The event was held on the theme - The Road to 2030: Eradicating Poverty And Achieving Sustainable production and Consumption. The celebration was jointly organised by Rajiv Gandhi National institute of youth development, Tamil Nadu, National Service Scheme Cell, Manipur University and Community Development cell. Students of Manipur University and various colleges under MU took out a rally on the university campus on the occasion. The event was held at the centenary hall. Zonal Director, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan Imphal, Sahib Singh said the celebration of  International youth Day will create awareness among the younger generation about their role in the society and encourage them work towards building a peaceful and prosperous state.

Imphal, 12 August 2016 : In a major breakthrough Thoubal police rescued three minor girls while they were being taken to Myanmar, Singapore and Thailand via Moreh and arrested two child traffickers including a woman. The girls were taken in a Maruti Suzuki ECCO when Thoubal police intercepted the traffickers at Kakching Lamkhai during frisking and searching yesterday. Additional SP, law and order, Thoubal Rakesh Balwa today told the media persons at the SP Thoubal conference room that Thankhumi Mizo @ Thangi, 56 years wife of late Sanga Mizo from Moreh ward number 3 and Lalbai Kliana from Khawmawi in Churachandpur were taking the children to Myanmar in the Maruti Suzuki ECCO bearing registration number MN01 5273. Lalbai Kliana was the driver of the vehicle. Rakesh Balwa said Thankhumi Mizo was involved in trafficking of girls from Churachandpur to other south east Asian countries including Thailand and Singapore. Both of them were produced in the court of CJM Thoubal and remanded to police custody for 10 days.  The additional SP also appealed to the parents to remain vigilant against the child traffickers.

Imphal, 11 August 2016 ( Evening News ) : Chief Minister Okram Ibobi today inaugurated newly constructed houses of January 4 earthquake victims at Chalbung and Charhajare villages in Senapati district. Speaking on the occasion O. Ibobi expressed satisfaction over the peaceful coexistence among Kuki and Nepali communities in the villages. He also lauded the Deputy Commissioner of Senapati for the construction of new houses for the earthquake hit families on time using the funds available. The chief minister appealed to the people to remain united to achieve development and progress in the state. Mention may be made that 1055 houses were completely destroyed and 622 houses were partially destroyed in the earthquake that rocked the state on January 4 this year. Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, RD & PR Minister M. Okendro, IFCD Minister Ngamthang Haokip, Saikul MLA Yamthong Haokip and Kangpokpi MLA Nemcha Kipgen among others also attended the function.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam said natural calamities are beyond man's control, but all must put maximum efforts to minimise the damage caused by natural calamities. Gaikhangam also stressed the need for imparting adequate skills in facing the eventuality of any natural calamity.

Media persons tried to ask questions to the Chief Minister, however, Okram Ibobi avoided media query. Instead, Govt’s spokesperson and Minister M Okendro replied to the queries asked by media on the sidelines of the function. Replying to a query Minister Okendro said Manipur Govt will bear the expenses incurred in the treatment of Irom Chanu Sharmila at JNIMS for the time being.