Imphal, 24 March 2016 : The five day Yaoshang, the festival begins today in Manipur. People today burnt the small huts, Yaoshang specially erected for the day in different localities in the evening signalling the beginning of the five day festival of colours. The main function was held at the Shri Shri Govindajee Temple in Palace Compound. Believers offered fruits and aarti at the idol of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu after it was placed inside the well decorated Yaoshang. Later they set fire to the Yaoshang.  Similar scenes are also seen in different localities where people burnt  the huts in the evening. Children went door to door asking for Nakatheng in the evening.

The festival of colours, Yaoshang, which is considered as one of the most important festivals of Manipur begins today. The five day festival will be celebrated with traditional and religious fervour and gaiety in various parts of the state. This morning a large number of people including young boys and girls from different localities came to the sacred Kangla to light the torch for the Yaoshang sports being held during the festival. They came to the historic fort from the southern and western gate to light their torches at the Kangla Utra.

Imphal, 22 March 2016 : Sahitya Thoupang Lup Manipur organised World Poetry Day today at the Dave Literature Centre located at DM college. As part of the function, Sahitya Akademi awardee Khumanthem Prakash was awarded Gopal Sharma Award. During the function a book titled ‘Nungsi Laman’ authored by Sougaijam Kulabidhu was released today. The attendees at the function recalled the great works of Samurailatpam Gopal Sharma - founder of Poknafam Daily.

Imphal, 22 March 2016 : A meeting was held in connection with the 6th All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) Journalists’ Sports Meet to be held from tomorrow in view of the Yaosang Festival at Manipur Press club today. AMWJU President Wangkhemcha Samjai said a torch rally would be led by Manipur Legislative Assembly’s Speaker Th. Lokeshwor from the sacred Kangla at 7:30 in the morning tomorrow. After lighting the torch, the rally will head to the Press Club following which the Sports meet would begin at Hall No.1 of the club. He also appealed to all the Journalists of the state to take part in the rally. Further AMWJU Sports Committee’s Chairman M. Romen added that the sports meet has been organised in the vision to unite all the journalist of the state and to keep them healthy. He also added that the meet should be considered as an opportunity to get to know the other fellow journalists and also appealed to all the participants in the meet to abide by all the international rules while taking part in any discipline. It may be mentioned that the AMWJU Journalists Sports Meet is held every year since 2011 without fail.

Imphal, 22 March 2016 : In connection with the 2017 general election a discussion was held on Systematic Voter Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) campaign at Old Secretariat, Babupara. Chief Secretary Oinam Nabakishore also the Chief Election Commissioner of the state along with the representatives of various local clubs participated in the discussion. Representatives of local clubs raised questions on presentation of various items to woo the voters at the time of election and sought suggestions on how to prevent such practices. They also lamented that despite timely report been given to the concerned authority for free and fair election yet the Election Commission failed to act in time. Answering to the queries, Chief Election Commissioner, Oinam Nabakishwor said voters also have no knowledge about the candidates. He appealed to lodge written complaints along with evidences to the commission if any candidates or workers violates the free and fair election code of conduct.

Imphal, 22 March 2016 :  The Passing Out Parade of first batch of Sub Inspector and Asst Sub Inspector of Manipur Police Training College was held today. Addressing the gathering, Director General of Police L.M. Khoute said Manipur police have played a major role in maintaining law and order in the state. DGP Khoute said since past 15 years, govt. has provided equipments to Manipur Police as part of police modernisation. He also said the trainees passing out today must discharge their duties with discipline. Altogether 378 male and female SI and ASI were administered oath by MPTC director Kh. Chandramani.