The five-day long film residential workshop ‘Psycho Rhythmic Exercise For Acting in Cinema’ kicked off today at St Paul’s Retreat Centre, Mantripukhri. The workshop is jointly organised by Mamikon Academy of Moving Arts and Chingkhuirakpa Arts and Impact TV and E-Partner as media partners. Eminent film personalities such as BM Sanzu, Haobam Pabankumar, Keisham Priyokumar, Yengkhom Roma, Hally Laithangbam and Ningthouja Lancha will share their experiences and conduct classes  at the workshop. The inaugural function was attended by Yumnam Rupachandra, Editor-in-Chief of Impact News, film maker Salam Biren and Chairman of the Workshop Ningthouja Lancha and other various artistes. Speaking at the function, Ningthouja Lancha said there are many potential actors in the state however they lack the acting skills, which hampers the development of the cinema in the state. He added, the present workshop would expose the current trends of acting of cinema in the national and international levels to the participants.

Four-day long art exhibition entitled ‘IMPULSE’ kicked off today at Manipur State Arts Gallery, Konung Lampak. Altogether, 4 sculptures and 21 art works of 11 artists of the state were displayed at the exhibition. Artists including State Kala Awardees and post graduate students of arts are taking part in the exhibition organised by Neo-Gene Contemporary Artist Manipur. Khumanthem Bhubon, Archivist of Manipur State Kala Academy and Sarangthem Kula, President of Neo-Gene graced the opening day function as chief guest and president respectively.  Speaking at the function, General Secretary of  Neo-Gene, Leisangthem Eswor, said Neo-Gene Contemporary Artist Manipur have organised various arts exhibitions. He said the exhibition is being organised to create a platform for showcasing the artworks of many talented artists of the state.

Manipur will host the 6th edition of Eastern India Body Building Championship at Khuman Lampak Auditorium Hall. The championship, which kicks off tomorrow, is jointly organised by All Manipur Gymnasium Welfare Association under the guidance of Eastern India Body Building Association.  A total number of 80 body builders from six states from the East zone would compete in 8 different categories. The championship is sponsored by KFC gym and the teaching and non-teaching staff of JNIMS contributed rupees 60,000. Ajit, General Secretary of All Manipur Gymnasium Welfare Association, said the objective of organising such championship is to make the people aware of  the discipline and also make maximum number of body builders of the state to participate in the championship.

All India Trinamool Congress Manipur Pradesh President MLA Th Shyamkumar lambasted the state govt yesterday as impotent for failing to curb anti-social elements. Citing the example of three bomb blasts in December month alone in which many died and injured, Shyamkumar termed Imphal West District SP and other police officers concerned as irresponsible and should resigned on moral ground. Speaking to media persons Shyamkumar also said those involved in the blasts are cowards and barbarians and AITC Manipur Pradesh condemned the acts in the strongest terms. Th Shyamkumar also blamed the State Home Department for tempering the Closed Circuit Televisions, CCTVs installed in Imphal City for their own vested interest. He sought an explanation from the Govt on the non-functional of the CCTVs in and around Imphal city when CCTV installed in their courtyard are working. Talking on the skeleton remains discovered from the defunct Tombisana High School, Shyamkumar demanded an urgent investigation on the matter saying it is quite possible that the skeletons are of those who had disappeared under disguise of AFSPA. He said instead of merely saying 'we are investigating', 'we are trying', govt must conduct DNA tests to bring out the truth behind the discovery. 

Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) today observed 129th Foundation Day of Indian National Congress at Congress Bhavan. Chief Minister Okram Ibobi, MPCC President and Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, Council of Ministers, Parliamentary Secretaries, Congress MLAs, office bearers of frontal, district and block level committees were present at the observance. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi said Congress seems to be weakening in some states as ups and downs in politics is obvious. However Chief Minister reminded that UPA returned and ruled for 10 years after NDA led govt under Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Ibobi also clarified that there is no question of begging the rightful share of the state from the centre where NDA is ruling.  MPCC President and Deputy CM Gaikhangam said people have time and again tested the Congress govt and they clearly understand those hypocrites who criticise Congress. They have said whatever they wanted and later changed party. He maintained that time will soon come when those who are with BJP will criticise BJP again.