Imphal, 02 November 2020 ( Evening News ) :  Communist Party of India, CPI Manipur State Council has reiterated its stand of not taking part in the upcoming Bye-election in 4 Assembly Constituencies on November 7.  Speaking to media at Irawat Bhavan in Imphal today, CPI State Executive Member H. Robindro said CPI State members will not take part in the election in any manner.  He said that the CPI condemns the upcoming bye-election which is being conducted because of some self centric MLAs who had resigned amid the COVID-19 pandemic. He asserted that not a single CPI member have taken part in any of the election campaigns held in the 4 constituencies. H. Robindro said that they have also resolved not to exercise their franchise on the election day. He further refuted Wangjing Tentha Assembly Constituency INC candidate's claim during an interview with Impact News that the Congress party will get all the votes from CPI members, as unfounded. He appealed to stop misleading the public.

Imphal, 02 November 2020 ( Evening News ) : Puya Meithakhibagi Apunba Ningsing Lup observed the 288th Puya Mei Thaba Ningsing Numit at Kangla Uttra Shanglen today.  Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chairman of Puya Meithakhibagi Apunba Ningsing Lup S. Sanjit narrated how the sacred manuscript of the Meitei Community was set ablaze in front of the Kangla Uttra during the reign of King Pamheiba in the heat of the fanatic wave of Hinduism introduced by Shantidas Gosai. He said various organisations came together as Apunba Ningsing Lup this year to observe the dark day in the history of Manipur held every year on the 17th day of Mera in Manipuri Lunar Calendar. He opined that Manipuri civilisation could have been far advanced if the sacred scriptures were not destroyed.

Imphal, 01 November 2020 (Evening News ) :  An important iron Bailey bridge along National Highway-37 (Imphal-Jiribam Road) over the Irang river at Taubam village in Noney District collapsed this morning. Impact News source said the Irang Bridge collapsed when a 10 Tyre Tipper Truck loaded with sand crossed the weak bridge at around 7:25 AM. The bridge caved in right in the middle taking along with it the truck and its occupants, a driver and a handyman. People of nearby Taubam village and CRPF personnel rushed to the spot and rescued the handyman however the driver died in the incident. According to Impact News source, the truck bearing registration number NL-07A-89-37 belongs to a private company which deals in Railways construction works and was carrying sand from Dimapur and was on its way to Jiri side. Many loaded trucks coming from Jiri stranded near Taubam, Khongshang and in other places along the Highway, empty trucks and passengers vehicles coming from Imphal have returned back for alternate routes. According to DC Armstrong Pame, an amount of 32 crore rupees has been sanctioned by the relevant Ministry to repair the bridge under NHIDCL but no contractors are ready to take the contract at the rate though tender has been floated around three times already. He also mentioned that due to the long issue over land acquisition in the area, a permanent bridge could not be constructed till date. He assured that the relevant authorities will take a decision on the matter at the earliest.

Imphal, 30 October 2020 (Evening News ) : Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren today announced the drafting of a new COVID-19 related SOP  to combat coronavirus pandemic in Manipur. He further claimed that following the new SOP for 14 to 20 days will eliminate coronavirus pandemic from the state. The Chief Minister also declared one year life insurance for Covid-19 frontline warriors till 2021. N Biren was speaking today at the distribution of COVID-19 awareness banners and leaflets to State Health Department, a nodal department under the Jan Andolan Campaign at CM secretariat. The Banners and leaflets will be pasted on every vehicle plying on the streets and the same have been given to the Agriculture department, ASHA and Anganwadi workers. Chief Minister N Biren also said that State level Coordinating committee has been formed comprising of representatives of CSOs, Student Bodies, Health Department, Police and others working at the local level. The committee office will be opened for 24 hours with a toll free helpline number. He added that so far 62 Crore rupees have been utilised from CM Relief fund to combat the pandemic.

Responding to Impact News Query about setting up a dedicated Infectious Disease Hospital in Manipur, Chief Minister N. Biren said, setting up of a 100 Bedded infectious disease ward at JNIMS has already begun some months ago. He disclosed that a proposal has also been submitted to the Centre for establishing a dedicated Infectious Disease Hospital and discussions are underway to select an appropriate site in Imphal West District. Regarding re-imposition of complete lockdown in Manipur, Chief Minister N. Biren said, the central team is taking stock of the current situation in Manipur and as per their report it will be decided later whether to re-impose total lockdown or not. He assured that Government is increasing the number of patient beds at RIMS & JNIMS as well as increasing Ventilators, PPEs and other necessary equipments at Districts level in the wake of surging number Covid-19 confirmed cases. Biren said there are altogether 2 Thousand 247 beds for COVID-19 patients and more beds will be added at Shija hospital and RAJ Medicity. Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren also announced that COVID-19 treatment will be covered under CMHT and Ayushman Bharat Health schemes.

Imphal, 26 October 2020 (Evening News ) : Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren has urged the people of Wangoi Assembly constituency not to waste their votes on uncertain candidates. He has assured that the BJP led State Government will never create fear and anxiety to the people unlike the previous Congress led Government. He was speaking today at the flag hoisting ceremony of Minister Oinam Lukhoi who is a BJP Candidate of Wangoi A/C for the upcoming by-election. The event was held at the candidate's residence in Yumnam Huidrom Thiyam Leishangkhong . The Chief Minister said that the Central leaders acknowledged the sacrifices made by Oinam Lukhoi who had even resigned from his MLA post to save the state government and hence accorded him with a ministerial berth. He claimed that there is no such valiant act in the Political history of Manipur and across the North East. The Chief Minister asked the residents of Wangoi Constituency whether they will cast their votes to a proper Minister or to some uncertain Candidates who do not possess the true qualities of a leader. Stating that  BJP Central leaders are loyal and devoted, N. Biren mentioned that the Central Leaders implemented the ILP system in the State without any chaos and conflicts. He also claimed that the law and order of the State has much improved and bandh & blockades have been abated with the coming of the BJP Government. Biren also said that the Government has carried out dredging of rivers in many parts of the State thus preventing flash floods during monsoon this year. He asserted that various Centrally sponsored minor irrigation schemes and other welfare schemes have been launched in the State. The Chief Minister urged the public to cast their votes wisely considering all these things.