Imphal, 28 July 2016 ( Evening News) : India has asked Myanmar to act against four top leaders of National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K), including its chief S.S. Khaplang, accused of the ambush on an army convoy in the state in June last year. According to the The Hindu newspaper, the message was conveyed to a Myanmar delegation, led by Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Major General Aung Soe. The team is on a two-day visit to New Delhi. After the Myanmar-based NSCN-K abrogated the ceasefire agreement with the government in March 2015, it has launched a series of attacks on security forces in Nagaland, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh. Besides Khaplang, the other NSCN-K leaders against whom India has sought action are Niki Sumi, Kirichu and Asang. They are believed to have planned and supervised the ambush in which 18 soldiers were killed. Since India and Myanmar do not have an extradition treaty, India’s request to hand over the 4 leaders was revised this time. The NSCN-K has a ceasefire agreement with the Myanmar government. SS Khaplang, a Naga from Myanmar, was undergoing treatment at a hospital in Yangon till a few months ago. He is learnt to have shifted to his base in Taga, considered a haven for anti-India insurgent groups, in north-western Myanmar. The Ministry of Home Affairs said in a statement that at the meeting, security issues, including cooperation to check the activities of insurgent groups along the international border, drug trafficking, smuggling of arms and wildlife articles and exchange of intelligence were discussed.

Imphal, 28 July 2016 : Four students including one girl were injured during the Inner Line Permit System agitation at Singjamei Super Market. Violence erupted between students and police after protesting students blocked the busy Imphal-Moreh road at Singjamei demanding implementation of Inner Line Permit System in the state and removal of Wanted tag on Khomdram Ratan. 23 students of CC Higher Secondary School, Ananda Singh Higher Secondary Academy, Liberal College, Pioneer Academy and Johnstone Higher Secondary School blocked the road and Singjamei Super Market  afternoon around 3 pm. Students pelted stones at the police who retaliated by firing tear gas shells and smoke bombs to disperse the crowd. All the shops at Singjamei Super Market and surrounding areas including other establishments were closed. Meanwhile the Meira Paibi of the locality supported the students in their protest.

Imphal, 28 July 2016 : Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu will be visiting Manipur to lay the foundation of Imphal Railway Station at Malom Bamdiar on the 30th of this month. The Union Minister will also lay the foundation for the longest railway tunnel of the country at Kotlien in Tamenglong district. He will arrive at Imphal International Airport in a special aircraft at 9.30 in the morning and lay the foundation stone of Imphal Railway Station at 10.30am. Suresh Prabhu will meet the MPs, Ministers and MLAs in the afternoon and go to Kotlien to lay the foundation of the tunnel at 4.30 pm. Suresh Prabhu will stay the night at Imphal and leave for Agartala next morning.

Imphal, 28 July 2016 : BJP Member and ex-minister Okram Joy has welcomed the decision of Irom Chanu Sharmila to end her fast. Speaking exclusively to Impact News at his residence at Kakwa Huidrom Leikai O Joy said to build a nation and maintain peace dialogue, debate and discussions are necessary and Sharmila’s decision to become people’s representative to achieve her goal is rightful step under the democracy. It may be mentioned that Sharmila fasted for 16 years demanding repeal of AFSPA. But she will end her fast and contest in the 2017 general election.

Imphal, 26 July 2016 ( Evening News) : Irom Sharmila chanu who is on an indefinite fast demanding repeal of AFSPA from Manipur said she has decided to contest the upcoming assembly polls as an independent candidate. Sharmila is going to break her fast which she has been observing for the last almost 16 years. Frustrated at the lack of support from the people Sharmila today told media persons that she is tired of fighting alone. She expressed her desire to contest the upcoming general election as an independent candidate and her cause will be anti AFSPA. Sharmila has been on fast since Nov 2, 2000 demanding removal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act.