First case of COVID-19 variant "Omicron" in the North East detected in a Tanzania Returnee from Imphal West District in Manipur; patient being treated at JNIMS Covid Ward; condition stable

Zomi Students' Federation (ZSF), General Headquarters, Thadou Students' Association, TSA Tengnoupal branch and The Joint Tribe Students' Association (JSTA) resolve not to endorse 24 Hr bandh called by All Tribal Students' Union (ATSUM) from November 20 in connection with The Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Councils Bill, 2021 though they support the bill

Zomi Students' Federation (ZSF), General Headquarters resolved not to endorse and support the proposed 24 hours total shut down called by All Tribal Students' Union (ATSUM) from November 20, 2021. ZSF says it would like to make it clear that The Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Councils Bill, 2021 requires more consultations and eliciting of opinions and comments from legal and constitutional experts before it is tabled at the House. Press release from ZSF says, No doubt, the bill aims at the equitable and just development of the people of Manipur irrespective of valley and hills. However, resorting to shut down and economic blockade to achieve our demands where democratic means are yet to be exhausted may turn counter-productive. It may also be mentioned that calling of bandhs and total shutdown at this juncture is wrong-timed, ill-conceived and uncalled for as festive season is approaching which will only bring hardships to the poor and daily wage labourers. It may also be noted that ZSF is neither consulted nor taken into confidence to call the shutdown. Therefore, ZSF will not support the total shut down called by ATSUM and will remain ineffective within the jurisdiction of ZSF. All offices and shops shall remain open as usual, the press release added.

Thadou Students' Association, TSA Tengnoupal branch has also unanimously resolved not to endorse ATSUM shutdown in all the Thadou inhabitant areas of Tengnoupal District. Press release from the student body stated that, when livelihood is approaching normal from being lock down due to COVID-19 and people are striving hard to earn more for Christmas celebration such type of Shutdown, Economic Blockade at this time is not acceptable. The students body appeals to leaders of ATSUM to re-consider their propose Shutdown and Economic Blockades in the interest of the people particularly of Hills. It also says, though we understand and support the motive of the Bill we are totally against the proposed Shutdown and Economic Blockades at this juncture. Therefore, the proposed Shutdown and Economic Blockades call by ATSUM will not be effective in all Thadou areas of Tengnoupal District. 

After a prolong discussion on the 24 hours total shut down called by ATSUM in connection to HAC ADC Bill 2021, The Joint Tribe Students' Association (JSTA), a conglomerate of students' bodies consisting of All Inpui Students Union (AISU), Liangmai Naga Katimai Ruangdi (LNKR), Rongmei Naga Students Organization Manipur (RNSOM) and Zeme Students Organizations Manipur (ZSOM) along with advisors also resolved not to endorse the 24 hours Total Shut Down called by ATSUM. Press release from the body says, it supports the endeavours of the bill and appeal the Government also to take necessary best action at the interest of the Tribal at the right time. While Festive season is approaching, every walks of life earning for their daily bread, and educational institutions beginning to open after a prolonged lockdown, ATSUM's total shutdown and economic blockade are deemed unsuitable, untimely and uncalled for. Therefore, the ATSUM's 24 hours declared bandh will remain ineffective along the full stretch of NH-37. Also all National Projects under JTSA jurisdiction shall remain working in full swing. All shops and offices shall remain open to public, added the press release.

On the other hand, Kuki Students' Organisation, Tengnoupal District, Kuki Students' Organisation, Jiribam and Tamenglong District, Kuki Students' Organisation, Ukhrul District,  Joint Student Bodies Churachandpur and Kuki Students' Organisation Sadar Hills have supported the bandh called by ATSUM.

Chief Minister N. Biren graces joint Passing Out parade; CM reminds core duty of Police is to ensure public safety by preventing all forms violations of law

Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren has emphasised that the core duty of Police is to ensure public safety by preventing all forms of violations of law. He was speaking at the joint Passing Out parade of the 48th Batch of Civil Police Constables (Male/Civil) and 55th Batch of Riflemen (MR/IRB) at Manipur Police Training College, Pangei in Imphal East District today. 2,722 newly recruited personnel passed out from the College.

MPTC Director Smt. R.K. Tutusana administered oaths to the newly recruited Constables and Riflemen and presented reports of the two training batches. Speaking at the event, Chief Minister N. Biren said that police should be always vigilant to prevent all sorts of unwanted incidents. He added that there is no point in wearing a police uniform if they do not protect people or stand as a silent spectator when any scuffle happens or any suspicious crowding comes into sight. He also said that the State has been able to concentrate on development works since the past four and half years due to restoration of peace, and Manipur police has played a great role in making it possible in the last 4 years. N. Biren said State police has effectively fought against drug menace, felicitated in bridging the gap between hills and Valley people and leading the State in the path of progress. He encouraged police personnel to continue their service in safeguarding the people and their properties.

Chief Minister N Biren handed over the trophy and certificate of Best in Physical Training to Shri Yanglem Bishorjit of Toubul Mamang Leikai (Bishnupur District), Best in Musketry to Shri Azhoni Pfozhe of Pungdong Village (Senapati District), Best in Law to Shri R. Tharmi of Chingjaroi Khullen (Ukhrul District), Best in Allied Subjects to Shri Akoijam Banky Singh of Mongshangei Mayai Leikai (Imphal West), Best in Drill to Takhellambam Sushil Singh of Keinou Thongkha Mamang Leikai (Bishnupur District) and Best in Overall to Shri SN Darung Lamkang of Charang Ching Khunou (Chandel District)

Deputy Speaker K.Robindro, Education Minister  S.Rajen, Consumer Affairs Minister Thokchom Satyabrata, Tribal Affairs & Hills Minister Vungzajin Valte, Chief Secretary Rajesh Kumar, DGP LM Khaute, top officials of Police Department, high ranking civil officers and a huge number of parents, guardians, family members and friends of passing out personnel were present on the occasion. 

MLA K Ranjit urges Chief Minister to take action against Chief Engineer of Minor Irrigation for asking 10 percent for releasing work order of 3 projects in Sugnu A/C

Sugnu MLA K. Ranjit has demanded Chief Minister Nognthombam Biren to immediately release work order for the remaining 3 out of 5 projects for Sugnu Constituency. Speaking at the One Day Political Conference held at Kakching Khunou Thongam Leikai today, organised by Congress Election Campaign Committee Kakching Khunou and Kakching Khunou Development Committee, Congress MLA K. Ranjit alleged that the Chief Minister has instructed Chief Engineer of Minor Irrigation Department not to release work order for the 3 projects unless 10 percent commission is given first.

The Congress MLA said that he tried his best and completed tender process for the three projects worth around 3 Crore rupees to facilitate agricultural activities at Kakching Khunou, Umathel and Umathel Heipi Ching foothill, unfortunately, Chief Engineer of Minor Irrigation Department was allegedly instructed by the Chief Minister who is also in-charge of the Minor Department, not to release any work order unless 10 per cent commission is given first.

MLA K Ranjit said that he had personally called up the Chief minister to clarify the matter upon which he was told that no such instruction was ever given. He raised question as to why then no action has been taken against the Chief Engineer for abusing the chief minister's name and why the work order has not been released till date.

Congress party accorded a warm reception to around 200 new party entrants on the occasion.