IMPHAL: BJP Manipur Pradesh spokesperson RK Shivachandra held the Congress govt responsible for the excessive acts committed by 24 Assam Rifles on Imphal-Moreh road. Speaking to media persons at the BJP office at Nityapat Chuthek, Shivachandra said the party supports the agitation by people of Tengnoupal against the Assam Rifles and condemn the action of AR personnel.  He alleged that the people cannot move freely on the said road as the personnel create unnecessary troubles for the people and this will have serious impact on Look East Policy and Act East Policy. He also said the party will soon send a report on the problem to home ministry and defence ministry. 

IMPHAL: Janata Dal (United) Manipur State Unit today strongly condemned the Kadangband encounter on the 28th of this month that killed 2 persons and injured 3 others. The party also demanded an enquiry into the incident. Speaking to media at the party’s Head Office in Babupara, JDU State Unit President M Tombi criticised the tactless behaviour of security forces. He said 8 AR has been creating problems on Imphal Moreh road by restricting civilian movement after 6 pm. M Tombi demanded the state government to take stringent actions against those security personnel instead of keeping the issue at rest. Although the people of Kadangband claimed the victims to be innocent, security forces said that all the persons who were killed and injured in the alleged encounter were KNF (Nehlun) cadres.  Tombi further said the attack by security personnel on militant outfit which is under Suspension of Operation will create hindrance in peace process. 

IMPHAL: CPI Manipur State Council along with its frontal organisation Manipur Loumi Marup today took out a rally against implementing anti-farmer laws and building of Nathuram Godse’s statue, killer of Mahatma Gandhi. Ex-MLA N Mangi, who is the leader of CPI Manipur State Council and Comrade L Sotin led the rally from Irawat Bhavan passing through Family Welfare Line, Allu Galli, MG Avenue, Kanglapat and then to GM Hall where it finally ended. Protesting the policy programmes of government, protestors shouted slogans against implementation of The Right To Fair Compensation And Transparency In Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation And Resettlement (Amendment) Ordinance 2014 and building of Nathuram Godse’s statue.  N Mangi, President of Manipur Loumi Marup, said Narendra Modi-led NDA government has become a government for corporate and capitalist only. He further said the rally was organised against Government’s initiative to acquire land from the poor at cheaper rates and Centre’s idea of portraying Nathuram Godse as a patriot.

IMPHAL: The Martyrs Day was observed at Gandhi Memorial Hall. Led by Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, several ministers, MLAs, civil and police officials offered flowers at the statue of the father of the nation. They stood in silence as mark of respect to the leader when the siren was sounded at 11.05 am. Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee also observed the day at Congress Bhawan. MPCC president Gaikhangam, Social Welfare Minister AK Mirabai, several Congress MLAs and party workers offered flowers at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi.  Replying to questions by media persons, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam said security and police personnel often conduct search and combing operations to prevent untoward incidents and maintain law and order. He also said the frequent operations cause inconveniences to the public and the govt is considering installation of scanner machine as part of police modernisation. 

IMPHAL: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi said central projects and other developmental works in Manipur are facing frequent disturbances which is hampering the work progress. He was speaking on the last of three-day observation of Rani Gaidinliu’s 100th birth anniversary organised by Kabui Mothers’ Association Manipur at MFDC Auditorium, Palace Compound. Okram Ibobi who graced the function as chief guest said, a statue of late freedom fighter Rani Gaidinliu will be installed at a proper place in recognition of her contribution. Ibobi admitted the Central projects in the state face frequent interruptions. He appealed for public support so that these projects can be completed on time. The chief minister said Jiribam-Tupul Railway project is one of the major projects which is underway at full swing. He said kidnapping of 3 workers by unknown gunmen has created panicky situation for the other workers and officials. Ibobi  appealed to the kidnappers to release the abducted 3 workers unharmed. Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam who was the president at the function said the Central and State Government have always recognise the bravery and contribution of the late freedom fighter Rani Gaidinliu. He said recognising her contribution to the nation the Central Government released coins of Rs 100 and Rs 5 denominating her picture to mark the 100th Birth Anniversary of Rani Gaidinliu.