Day: November 1, 2015

IMPHAL, Nov 1: The Kangleipak Communist Party-Military Council (KCP-MC) Liberation, endorsing the decision taken by the Maoist Communist Party Manipur to impose a ban on the upcoming `Sangai Festival`™ has said that it would extend full co-operation to ensure that the ban is effective.

A statement issued by Lanchen Meitei, secretary Information and publicity Military Affairs of the outfit, said the Manipur Government in the name of promoting tourism potential and save `Sangai` has been organising `Sangai festival`™. However, in reality the festival is nothing but money minting platform for those who are in power and their associates.

It further claimed that the `Sangai Festival`, which is officially declared to be aimed at bringing pride to the state, will end up ruining the reputation of Manipur and its tourism potentials.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/11/kcp-liberation-fully-endorses-ban-on-sangai-festival/

IMPHAL, November 1: Education Minister, Moirangthem Okendro has said that the medias has a crucial role to play in maintaining peace and harmony in the state citing the fragile situation prevailing which he claimed was incited by some vested interests.

The Minister stated this during the 66th Information and Public Relation Day observed by the Directorate of Information and Public Relation today at its office premises.

The Education Minister further appealed the media fraternity to refrain from sensationalising news that are likely to have a negative influence on the fragile situation, especially if the matter involved are trivial and can be resolved amicably.

Acknowledging the selflessness character of the journalists, he said that the Government in close co-operation with AMWJU has been working for the welfare of the journalists.

As one of the measures to avail benefits to journalists, plans are afoot to develop the IPR Department, a Government department dealing with the journalist affairs after AMWJU, continued Okendro.

Okendro also lauded the IPR for organising the foundation day and bringing together all the pensioners of the department and also organising a photo competition which showcased varieties of photos.

Parliamentary Secretary, I PR Department, K Meghachandra said that IPR plays a vital role in informing the public about the benefits of various schemes, projects taken up by successive governments for the welfare of the people.

Without categorizing the urban, rural and hills, the IPR meets its mandate set by the government and informs the public from time to time through different media channels, he stated adding that `IPR is a bridge between government and people.`

He said his frequent persuasion with the Chief Minister for the expansion and development of IPR as borne result and the cabinet recently has given its nod to such an expansion, he asserted.

The dignitaries of the function gave away certificate, mementos and cash awards to winners of the photo competition cum exhibition organised by the IPR department.

The competition was held under four theme `Unity in Diversity,` `Manipur Marches Ahead,` `Environment, Ecology and Ecotourism of Manipur,` `Candid from the Streets of Manipur.`

The pensioners of IPR were also presented with gift as token of honour by the dignitaries.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/11/media-crucial-in-maintaining-peace-and-harmony-says-minister-okendro-on-ipr-day/

IMPHAL, November 1: At least two individuals were injured when militant suspects exploded a hand grenade inside a restaurant along the Uripok Kangchup road today under Lamphel police station.

According to official sources, the grenade explosion took place around 3.40 pm this afternoon.

The restaurant has been identified as Sky Golden Cafe run by one Thongam Nanao Singh, 23, son of Th Gokulchand Singh Iroisem Ahanthem Leirak.

The sources further informed that only two customers were present inside the restaurant when the blast took place. Fortunately both the customers escaped with minor injuries at their legs.

The blast however inflicted some damages to the properties of the restaurant, it added.

Soon after the blast, a team of Singjamei police came and inspected the blast site.

On the other hand, a powerful Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was found planted near the 109 Battalion CRPF head quarter along the Imphal-Mayang Imphal road (Mayai Lambi) under Singjamei police station today.

Sources said that the IED was discovered early this morning around 6.19 by morning joggers adding that the bomb was planted just about 50 feet south from the main gate of the Battalion.

After receiving the information of the presence of the IED the concerned police station along with bomb experts reportedly removed and safely defuse the IED around 9.36 am.

Later the IED was detonated at a safe place at Langthabal Mantrikhong area around 10.19 am.

The IED weighing over two kilogram approximately was a remote control device.

Following the detection of the IED the regular traffic along the Mayai Lambi was disrupted for over two hour, further informed the sources.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/11/two-injured-in-grenade-attack-inside-restaurant-ied-discovered-near-crpf-bn/