Imphal, 22 November 2020 ( Evening News ) : 3.5 Collective strongly condemned the incident, which went viral in social media, where a COVID-19 positive drug user who fled from RIMS Covid Care Centre was physically assaulted by RIMS Staffs while restraining him. Speaking to media at Human Rights Alert office in Kwakeithel Thiyam Leikai today, Organisation Convenor- Babloo Loitongbam said those organisations working in field of Drug abuse prevention have been demanding Government to chalk out separate plans for Drug users since the beginning of the pandemic as drug users are most likely to be affected if ever tested COVID-19 positive. He lamented that failure of authorities concerned to take timely actions has led to increase in such unwanted incidents. He demanded the Government to include a special strategy for Drug users in COVID 19 policy.

Imphal, 12 November 2020 ( Evening News ) : Repair of the Irang bridge along National Highway 37, Imphal-Jiribam road is underway after its second collapse yesterday. Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren hopes that the bridge will be ready in one week. Speaking to Impact News during the media briefing at Chief Minister's Secretariat today, the Chief Minister assured that once the route is restored, foundation stone will be laid to convert the Bailey bridge into an RCC Bridge. N.Biren appealed to stop making fun of the army personnel who are putting their best efforts to repair the bridge which re-collapsed yesterday. Acknowledging that the old Cachar road needs to be repaired, N. Biren said those protesting about the bad condition of the road have been called for holding a peaceful dialogue with the Government.

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.

Imphal, 06 November 2020 ( Evening News ) : The Supreme Court has issued an order regarding delimitation in Manipur based on 2001 census. Manipur Democratic Alliance, MDA has demanded an urgent All Political Party meeting to discuss on the apex court's order. Speaking to media at MDA Office in Babupara today, MDA Convenor M. Tombi said the apex court has issued an order on November 2 instructing the state Government to respond within 14 days regrading Delimitation in Manipur based on 2001 census. Stating that there are many errors in the 2001 census, M Tombi urged the Government to convene an all political party meeting at the earliest to take decision against the same and to urge the Supreme Court to extend delimitation in Manipur until 2026. He also demanded to bring both hills and valley regions under the same law instead of the existing Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms Act, 1960 which extends to the whole of the State of Manipur except the hill areas. The MDA Convenor said finalisation of Naga Peace talks is welcomed, however, it should not affect Manipur's territorial integrity. He further espoused granting of Scheduled Tribe Status to Meitei or Meetei community to bring equality among communities in the state. He said they will submit a memorandum including all these demands to the Prime Minister and Home Minister of India through the Governor of Manipur.