Imphal, 12 November 2020 ( Evening News ) : Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren has assured of sending Health Department Surveillance teams to those Assembly Constituencies where bye-elections were held recently. Speaking to media at Chief Minister's Secretariat today, the Chief Minister expressed regrets that COVID-19 SOPs were violated by many voters during the poll rage. He added that with the Centre's assistance, Manipur received 95 ventilators, 400 oxygen concentrated machines and 500 D-Type oxygen cylinders recently to combat COVID-19 pandemic in the state. He took no time to add that the recent by-poll election results show the support and trust that people have in the BJP Government.  Responding to Impact news query, N.Biren assured that the State Government will assist those bereaved families of patients who had died of COVID-19. He said auditing of COVID-19 deaths could not be conducted properly earlier as the doctor leading the audit committee tested positive for COVID-19. He announced that the State Government has formed a new committee called ’Covid Death Audit Committee’. Upon being asked about the construction of the National Centre for Disease Control and increasing the number of ICU rooms, Chief Minister N.Biren said Government has acquired land in Konthoujam. However, work has been delayed due to inadequate funds sanctioned by the Centre. He said estimated budget will be apprised to the relevant Union Minister. He also said the State Government has already urged the Centre to entrust the responsibility of the construction to the State Government. Regarding ICU rooms, N.Biren said that efforts are full on to increase ICU rooms at RIMS, JNIMS, Shija and Raj Medicity to fight COVID-19.

Rumours are around that Centre has invited Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren and Opposition leader Okram Ibobi to hold talks about culmination of Naga peace talks. Chief Minister N. Biren today disclosed that Union Home Minister Amit Shah is most likely to visit Manipur this Month. His visit is possibly to discuss about the finalisation of the ongoing Naga Peace talks between the Indian Government and NSCN-IM. However, speaking to media at Chief Minister's Secretariat today, Chief Minister N. Biren clarified that there is no official intimation yet, even though NEDA Chairman Hemanta Biswa Sarma during his recent By-poll related visit in the state had mentioned that Manipur’s Chief Minister and Opposition leaders will be invited to discuss about the culmination of the Naga Peace Talks. The Chief Minister said Hemanta Biswa Sarma's statement has been already apprised to CLP Leader Okram Ibobi. He added that nothing is decided yet whether the discussion with stakeholders concerned will be held in Manipur or in Delhi.