Imphal, 13 May 2018 (Evening News ) : Country head of India, Asian Development Bank (ADB), Kenichi Yokoyama asserted that delay in releasing funds to contractors are hampering progress in Asian Development Bank (ADB) funded projects in Manipur. Speaking to a selected group of senior editors, Kenichi said he was specially in Manipur to see what was causing the delay in projects being funded by the bank. He said he has visited the work sites and also inspected roads and have studied the project management system. Kenich said the works and implementation methods are found to be strong , however, lamented that fund release by the government was slow. He intimated that Chief Minister N Biren and Chief Secretary have assured that the matter would be looked into. The Head pointed out on how the project can progress when contractors are not paid as long as six months. He added that  ADB is currently funding three road projects namely Tupul to Bishnupur, Thoubal to Kasom Khullen and Imphal to Tamenglong via Kangchup. He told the editors that the Bank is also ready to fund the Imphal-Moreh stretch of the Asian Highway and the DPR is ready for the same. Kenichi said the bank is ready to sign the agreement with Manipur government to provide 150 million dollar for Imphal-Moreh stretch this year. He said, Imphal is very critical in connecting India and Bangladesh to the South east Asia and that they are very keen to provide fund however quick decision needs to be taken. He stated that ADB has 400 million dollar in hand.Responding to the question on the ambitious government plan for a ring road around Imphal, he said, ADB is also ready to fund the project, however, the Government needs to send a fresh proposal.

Imphal, 11 May 2018 ( Evening News ) : Chief Minister, Nongthombam Biren has inaugurated the State level Annual Tribal Cultural Festival 2018 today. The Chief Minister appealed to the organiser not to organise the festival just for the sake of it but to organise a substantial and meaningful one. The 2 day Festival organised by Tribal Research Institute under the aegis of Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India under the theme “Tribal Cultural for Peace & Unity” kicked off at  TRI Complex in Chingmeirong. Speaking at the inaugural event, the Chief Minister stated that 34 tribal Communities in the State have their own culture and identity. He said the culture and identities of the different communities form a united identity of Manipur and as such stressed the importance to organise such festival in a grand manner. He said necessary steps will be taken by consulting officials concerned of Tribal Affairs of North Eastern States and Art & Culture Department of the State to celebrate the festival elaborately. Biren also maintained that People of the State are not only good at Sports and known for its Culture but also bring laurels to the Country in various academic fields. The Chief Minister also reiterated that “Go to village” Mission of the State Government will cover all the villages in 60 constituencies of the State. Functional President of the Festival, Tribal Affairs Minister, N. Kayisii said the society can be strengthen and will be more developed when the tribal communities protect their cultural identity. Several Ministers, MLAs, Members of ADCs attended the inaugural event.

Imphal, 10 May 2018 ( Evening News ) : Mathiurongliu Gangmei from Makhuam-3 village, Noney District celebrated her 115th birthday with her family and people in her locality.  Mathiurongliu Gangmei was born in the month of February, 1903. She witnessed the 1917 Thadou-Kuki Rebellion when she was just 14 years. She gave birth to 5 children from her first marriage to Langang Riamei in 1927. After Riamei’s passing, she remarried for the second time to Pouhoulung Gangmei and bore two more children. Altogether, Mathiurongliu Gangmei has 95 descendants at present. Her eldest daughter, Jakhaolu Riamei is 94 years old. She stated that her mother adopted the principle of eating simple food and living a peaceful life, free from violence.

A birthday cum blessings ceremony in honour of Mathiurongliu Gangmei, the oldest living person in the world was held at Mukhuam village today. Children and relatives of Gangmei who had resided in Assam, Nagaland and other parts of Manipur came to attend the event where she blessed them with a healthy and prosperous life. She is currently under the care of her unmarried daughter Majabamliu Gangmei.  It maybe mentioned that as per a report submitted by the Associated Press on April 11, 2018, Masazo Nonaka of Japan at 112 years is documented to be the oldest person in the world.

Imphal, 04 April 2018 ( Evening News ): CAF & PD Minister Karam Shyam asserted that cultural festivals enhance the bond between people of different communities in the state. The minister was speaking on the second day of “Yara Kumhei”, the seed sowing festival of the village organised by Yara Committee Kangkhui at Kangkhui Village, Ukhrul District yesterday. Speaking on the occasion, the minister maintained that culture plays a significant role in binding the different communities together and organising cultural festivals will further strengthen the bond. He assured that he will urge the concern minister to undertake construction works of the the road connecting the village to Ukhrul town at the earliest. He gave his word that he will extend all possible assistance in the construction of public toilets in the village. The minister also inspected the godown of Food Corporation of India (FCI) during the visit.