Items filtered by date: Saturday, 31 March 2018

Imphal, 31 March 2018 ( Evening News ) : The 42 hour General Strike called by Manipur Muslim Welfare Organisation commenced from the mid-night of March 30. The General strike affected most of the Muslim inhabited areas in the State. Supporters of the Strike clashed with Police in different parts of the State , Police fired tear gas shells and mock bombs to disperse the protesters. Manipur Muslim Welfare Organisation called the general strike from midnight of March 30 till 6pm of April 1 demanding establishment of a separate directorate for the Minorities, issue of white paper of the enquiry report of schemes under MOBC Department from 2010 to 2017, and  in charge that the MOBC has violated rights to PDS items of the minorities. The General Strike Supporters at Hatta Minuthong, Khsetrigao and Keirao Makting stopped the vehicles and the commuters plying on the roads. Clash broke out between the supporters and the police force at Keirao Makting. The Supporters pelted stones at the Police. The police deployed more forces to control the situation , failing which they resorted to firing tear gas shells and mock bombs to disperse the protestors. There has been no report of casualty so far.  The general strike is being imposed at Lilong Bazar,Thoubal Moijing Mina Bazar,Mayang Imphal Bengoon and,Yairipok.

On the other hand, supporters of the general strike called by Manipur Muslim Welfare Organisation destroyed a school van bearing registration number MN01X2383 carrying students. Stones were pelted at the Van with young students still inside the van causing much panic. The unfortunate  incident occurred around  6.30 early this morning at Hatta Minuthong. The vehicle was carrying students of pre Nursery to class 5 studying at Brighter Academy in New Checkon. The Van Driver Soubam Superman told media persons that around 20 to 30 general strike supporters attacked the vehicle near Hatta Minuthong. He said the protestors paid no heed despite telling them that the vehicle was ferrying school children.  All Manipur School Student’s Transporter Association has condemned the incident as unfortunate and urged the supporters of the General strike to make it very clear if there is any restrictions on vehicles carrying school students. General Secretary of the Association, Jimmy Tongbram strongly condemned such misconducts of terrifying the young children in the name of a general strike.

Imphal, 31 March 2018 ( Evening News ) : Chief Minister Nongthongbam Biren has asserted that  NIA will probe into the missing case of 56 pistols from Arms kote of 2nd Manipur Rifles. Speaking to media persons at CM Secretariat today, the Chief Minister said the case is not only breaching of the State Security but also the National Security. He maintained that the arms kote of 2MR is under strict security vigil 24 hours and that there has not been bigger cheat than this in the history of Manipur. He stated that the situation has made the Government and the people insecure. Biren stated that the arms were brought in to the State in September 2014. An FIR was filed at Imphal Police Station after CO of 2nd MR registered a case for the same. The Chief Minister said 5 persons including 2 personnel of 2nd MR have been arrested. He stated that there is suspicion that there might be political involvement in the case. Biren said  the case will be handed over to the specialised NIA. Cabinet Ministers, BJP MLAs, Police and administrative officials also attended the Press meet.

Imphal, 31 March 2018 ( Evening News ) : Large number of people of the State led by Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren paid homage to the mortal remains of Veteran Politician  RK Dorendrosana who was the Chief Minister of the State for three terms.  Deputy Chief Minister, Joykumar, Speaker, Khemchand, Ministers , MLAs, top police and civil officials of the State offered floral tribute to the deceased leader at his residence in Yaiskul Janmasthan today. Speaking to media persons, Chief Minister, Nongthombam Biren said the former Chief Minister is a highly respected leader national wide and that his death is an immense loss not just for the State but for the whole North Eastern Region. The Chief Minister that the loss will remain as a void in the politics of Manipur. Biren maintained that people of the State must not forget the contributions of the deceased leader. He also wished that the departed soul may rest in peace and that he shares the grief of the bereaved family members. It may be mentioned that RK. Dorendro was the chief minister of Manipur for three times from December 6, 1974 to May 16, 1977, then from January 14, 1980 to November 27, 1980 and from April 8, 1992 to April 11, 1993. He was also elected to the Upper House of the Indian Parliament - the Rajya Sabha from Manipur during September 20, 1988 till March 12, 1990 from Indian National Congress party and also served as the Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly. The senior politician was admitted to the JNIMS special ward on March 17 and passed way last night at the Hospital.