General Secretary of United Committee Manipur, Joychandra Konthoujam today stressed the need for introduction of Manipur Legislative Council to safeguard the interests of minority communities of the state. Speaking at the Christmas celebration at Khongnangpokpi village in Senapati district, Joychandra said Manipur, although small, is inhabited by  different communities and it is not an easy task to bestow the rights of every community equally. Hence, state govt must enact a different policy for the communities to protect them.Performance of cultural dances and songs and sport competitions were the highlights of the celebration. UCM also presented goodwill gifts to the elderly persons of the village. Village Chief of Khongnangpokpo, S Boilen Kom reciprocated the gesture of the UCM to the village which has been long neglected by the authority concerned and the state govt. The village chief also appealed to the UCM to help the village in times to come.

The 47th foundation day of Manipur Peoples’ Party (MPP) was held today at its head office near Imphal Polo Ground. MPP’s chief adviser and former Deputy chief minister Dr L Chandramani, President of the party N Sovakiran, leaders of the frontal organisations of MPP, party workers and sympathisers attended the function. Gifts were presented to senior workers of the party and kids of Tera Children Home. Speaking at the function, N Sovakiran said number of deaths and crimes has increased despite state govt’s claim that law and order has improved. He said there is suspicion that state government is taking percentage in compensatory amounts by not controlling the crimes in the state. Sovakiran also said the govt denied compensation to MPP’s former vice president Haobijam Manisana who was killed by gunmen.  Sovakiran further said MPP is India’s third oldest regional party and oldest in North East. North-East regional political party front has extended greetings on the 47th foundation day of MPP and also appealed to the party to strongly support in forming regional force. He said regional party has been promoting regionalism as national parties exist only in Delhi’s interest. He said MPP will continue to play a major role in forming regional force.

IMPHAL: JAC against land acquisition of Lairen Pat Sports Complex, Bamon Kampu has boycotted Congress Govt and Kshetrigao MLA Amin Shah for failing to meet their demands. JAC has been demanding to stop construction of electricity godown at Larien Pat Sports Complex, Bamon Kampu. Speaking to media persons at the Manipur Press Club yesterday, JAC President Sougrakpam Khogen said the complex has produced many renown players and if this complex is vanished youths of the areas will be forced to go in wrong path. Khogen also maintained that JAC had submitted a memorandum on September 30 to the Chief Minister regarding the matter. Local MLA Amin Shah came on November 3 and promised to arrange an alternative area for the construction of the godown.  However, there has not been let up in the construction so far. JAC vowed to continue their agitation as the ultimatum given till yesterday has lapsed.

IMPHAL: Dhanamanjuri University Manipur Bill 2014 and Sangai National University Manipur Bill 2014 were introduced in the Manipur state assembly. Education Minister M Okendro introduced the two Bills on the second day of winter session today. Chief Minister Okram Ibobi introduced the Manipur Interests of Depositors (in Financial Establishments) Bill 2014. The chief minister also introduced the annual report of Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission for Manipur and Mizoram 2013-14. Replying to a starred question by MLA Kh Joykishan on developing other religious places, chief minister Okram Ibobi told the House that the government does not provide funds to any of the religious institutions in the state. He said the renovation work of Shri Shri Govindaji Temple was entirely carried out by revenues generated by the Temple Board. Replying to a question by MLA Th Shyamkumar during Question Hour, Education Minister M Okendro informed the House that there are enough teachers in schools under SSA and RMSA. He said the process of rationalisation will be completed soon. In reply to a question by MLA Kh Joykishan, Works Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar said expansion of Keishampat to Malom road will be completed at the earliest possible. Responding to discussion on a matter of public interest on the failure to fill the vacant posts in four govt aided colleges raised by  Dr Irengbam Ibohalbi, Education Minister M Okendro said the state government will try to fill up the vacancies by March 2015.  Replying to a Calling Attention motion moved by Dr Irengbam Ibohalbi on the threat to peace due to lack of transparency in surrender policy for UGs, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam who also holds the Home portfolio said there is proper rehabilitation policy for surrendered UGs in the State. He said about 2600 cadres have surrendered so far under Suspension of Operation and Memorandum of Understanding. Gaikhangam told the House that accommodations will be provided to them once the construction of rehabilitation centres is complete. 

The 23rd state level Nupi Lal Memorial race was held this morning as part of the Nupi Lal observance. The race was flagged off from the Nupi Lal Memorial complex by president of State Level Nupi Lal Ningshing Lamjel and Ningshing Thouram, NK Dashini. A large number of women took part in the race held in three different categories.After the runners reached Singjamei Super market a memorial function was also held there to pay tribute to those brave women who took part in Nupi Lal. K Soniya of Thiyam Konjil bagged the first position in the age group of 36-45 years, Saikhom Bedisini of Khangabok Awang leikai in the age group of 46 to 58 and Th Ibemhal of Khongjom Bazar stood first in the age group of 59 and above.