Chapter 27

Demonetisation hits newspaper publication in Manipur

ANI/Business Standard
Imphal (Manipur), November 18, 2016   

The publication of newspapers in Manipur will be stopped from today due to demonetisation. In a joint meeting held yesterday afternoon in Manipur capital Imphal, the All Manipur Newspaper Publishers Association and the All Manipur Newspaper Sales and Distributors Association unanimously decided to stop the publication of newspapers across the state from today. In a joint statement, the associations said the decision to stop publication of newspapers is an after effect of the demonetisation of 500 and 1,000 rupee currencies.

The statement further said that the non-availability of adequate legal tender notes has prevented regular circulation of newspapers. It also said that the inability of newspaper distributors to pay newspaper offices and the latter’s refusal to receive these notes has compelled this action.

Note: It is Nov 20 and the newspaper offices are still closed.

BJP alleges wrongdoings in recruitment

The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 16 2016: BJP Manipur Pradesh has expressed strong suspicion about large scale anomalies committed in the process of appointing seven Committee Officers of the Assembly Secretariat. Speaking to media persons at their Nityaipat Chuthek office today, MLA Kh Joykishan said that the Government should clarify the matter at the earliest. The party received complaints from some candidates who participated in the DPC that all the seven selected candidates were family members/relatives of Ministers and MLAs.

Acting on the complaint, BJP had sought details of all the selected candidates from the Assembly Secretary, Deputy Secretary (Administration) and the Speaker, Joykishan said. Strangely, answer sheets of the written test held for appointment of the Committee Officers were not signed by invigilator(s) concerned and no code numbers were used even though the answer sheets had space designated for code number. The seven posts of Committee Officers were divided between General and ST candidates at the ratio of 5:2.

Of the two selected ST candidates, one is the son of a Cabinet Minister and the other is the son of an MLA. As for the five selected General candidates, one is the daughter of a younger brother of the Chief Minister and one is the wife of a cousin of the Speaker. One is a brother-in-law of a Cabinet Minister, Joykishan alleged.



BJP ministers shirk work to campaign for party: TN Haokip

Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL | November 16

Manipur PCC president today hit out at BJP led NDA government at the Centre for sending Union minister after minister to Manipur to play “politics” for electoral gains keeping in view of the forthcoming Manipur assembly elections.

“Union ministers came here to play drama, spread false propaganda against the present government in Manipur and make false promises. They are not coming in the interest of Manipur, but in BJP’s interest,” MPCC president TN Haokip today said.

The Congress president’s outburst came after Union ministers are making a beeline to visit Manipur ahead of the Assembly election, which is likely to be held before February. Union ministers are visiting Manipur for official purposes as well as party organisational matters.



Students storm Cong and BJP offices

Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | November 16

Volunteers of the Democratic Student’s Alliance of Manipur and the Apunba Ireibak Maheiroi Sinpang Lup stormed both the Congress Bhawan and the state BJP office today demanding action to end the ongoing economic blockade along the national highways. The protesting students also submitted memorandums on the issue to both the Congress and the BJP.

The student volunteers started from the DESAM Keishampat office and simultaneously stormed the two political parties head offices. Speaking to media persons on the sideline, AIMS secretary general Somorjit Huidrom said the economic blockade of the UNC has already completed more than a fortnight, inducing much hardships to the people especially the daily wage earners.

Some educational institutes have already been closed down in Imphal area due to scarcity of fuel and we are demanding the Congress government in the state and the BJP in the centre to solve the problems of the people, he said. He said memorandums have been submitted to the respective presidents of the political parties and warned that is positive steps are not taken up to negotiate with the economic blockade agitations within November 18, the student bodies will launch various forms of agitations which will be more dangerous.


JAC gears up for blockade in Sadar Hills

Imphal Free Press

KANGPOKPI | November 16

The Joint Action Committee for Sadar Hills has given the Congress councilors of Autonomous District Council Sadar Hills and Congress workers and members from Sadar Hills an ultimatum to sever ties with the Congress party. The decisive ultimatum of the JAC Sadar Hills was taken during today’s joint meeting with civil society organisations of Sadar Hills including Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills, SAHILCA and Thadou Inpi Sadar Hills.

The JAC Sadar Hills asked the Congress councilors to tender their resignation from the Congress before 1 pm of November 17 to the concerned authority and submit a copy of their resignation letters to the JAC before 5 pm of the same day.


Joykishan alleges nepotism in assembly appointments

Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL | November 16

BJP MLA from Thangmeiband Assembly constituency Khumukcham Joykisan has charged the Congress government of gross misconduct in the recruitment of committee officers of Manipur State Assembly. Addressing a press conference at the BJP head office today, the MLA said all those appointed for the seven posts are relatives of the CM, Congress MLAs and ministers.

Stating that he has received complaints in this regard, he claimed that the seven selected candidates include daughters of a cabinet minister and a Congress MLA, a nephew of the Chief Minister, sons in law of cabinet minister and a cousin of the Speaker’s wife. He said the BJP will not allow such misconduct in government recruitment.

Joykisan continued the MLA has submitted a written document seeking information in this regard from the Assembly secretariat through deputy secretary administration, Assembly secretary Meghajit and Speaker Th Lokeshor on November 14, but is yet to receive any reply.


Rishang Keishing asks UNC to call off eco-blockade

Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL | November 16

 “Economic blockade is not the right way, it will create hatred among us, stop it”, said former Chief Minister and Rajya Sabha MP Rishang Keishing. The veteran Congress leader Rishang Keishing was reacting to questions posed by reporters on the ongoing economic blockade at National Highways of Manipur by United Naga Council since November 1.

Rishang Keishing was at the Manipur Press Club today to attend a book release function today.  Rishang urged UNC to call off the economic blockade and to talk with the state government. He further urged the state government not to wait for intervention from outside (read, Centre) while settling matters relating to the state. Viewing the ever widening gap between different communities in Manipuri society, he earnestly urged the people of Manipur to work together in restoring the peace and harmony in the state.


Chaoba appointed as chairman

Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL | Nov 16

Former union minister Thounaojam Chaoba has been appointed as Chairman cum convener of the state election management committee of BJP Manipur, according to an official order of state unit president Ksh Bhabananda. The state election management committee consists of 14 members with new entrant and former Congress leader N Biren as Co-convener of the committee.

The other members of committee are Y Erabot, Kh Joykishan, Th Biswajit, V Hangkhalian, Francis Ngajokpa, M Asnikumar, S Premananda Sharma, Adim Pamei, AR Khan, A Sarda Devi, RK Ranjan and Khadge Tamang.



UNC talk with MHA fails, NH blockade on

Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL| November 15

The United Naga Council (UNC) met officials of the Union home ministry today on the issue of the ongoing economic blockade along the state’s highways, imposed by the Naga organisation. After the meeting no indication came from the UNC that the blockade will be lifted. The Centre had asked the Manipur government to send a representative to the talks over the phone.

However, the Okram Ibobi Singh government did not send any representative to the talk. An informed source said the home ministry had invited the state government to the talk. However, the state government could not send any representative because the invitation came over the phone at the eleventh hour, the source said.


BJP, Cong mum, Quint report denied

Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL | November 15

Both the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee and the Bharatiya Janata Dal Party Manipur refused to comment on the report “Centre bends backward to transfer freshly minted cash to the NSCN-IM” which was originally carried by the web journal The Quint and reproduced in the local media today. When asked to comment on the issue, both the MPCC president TN Haokip and BJP Manipur president K Bhabananda refused while questioning the authenticity of the report.

Haokip told this reporter, the news cannot be authenticated as of now and as such the Congress has no comments to make on it. Bhabananda replied on a similar note and said despite the report being widely carried in the local dailies we cannot authenticate it and so we cannot make any comments at the moment. He, however, said the BJP Manipur will certainly discuss the issue with party leaders soon.

Meanwhile, a source from Ukhrul said if the chopper which reportedly carried the money from Guwahati landed at Ukhul then it was meant for the people of Ukhrul and not for the NSCN (IM).


Ibobi non-committal on district creation

Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL | November 15

Manipur chief minister O Ibobi Singh has reportedly refused to reveal government’s clear cut stand on the declaration of Sadar Hills and Jiribam as full-fledged revenue districts of the state. Representatives of JAC Sadar Hill, Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), United Committee Manipur (UCM), All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO) and Committee of Civil Society Kangleipak (CCSK) met with the state chief minister O Ibobi Singh late this evening. After the meeting, the representatives told reporters at a press conference held at Kuki Inn, Imphal that the chief minister refused to make commitments on the Sadar Hills and Jiribam demand.

Spokesperson of the delegation and AMUCO president Ph Deban said that the delegation went to meet the chief minister to apprise him of the impact of economic blockade and counter blockade on Sadar Hills and Jiribam issue.


Blockade and counter blockade hits life in hills

Imphal Free Press

KANGPOKPI | November 15

The indefinite economic blockade called by the United Naga Council along the national highways in the state since November 1 and the counter blockade called by valley based associations since November 12 at different locations of the state capital have inflicted hardships on the general public in the hill districts. Sources said counter blockade supporters have allegedly seized any essential commodities meant for the hill districts even if it were a small quantity at Khuyathong.

Kangpokpi bound passengers have alleged the counter blockade supporters of seizing even medical items at Khuyathong today. A woman from Sapormeina in Sadar Hills alleged that they went to Imphal for medical treatment and bought some medicine related items as prescribed by the doctor but the counter blockade supporters at Khuyathong seized all the items.

She said that even if medical related items were not spared it is no less than intentionally killing the patients. The counter blockade supporters need to understand the necessity of an emergency service and items on humanitarian ground, she added.

Another passenger complained that even eatables of small children were seized by the counter blockade supporters inside the bus. An enraged leader of one prominent Sadar Hills civil body said that “amidst their disappointment and sorrow over the repeated betrayal of the state government, we have patiently bear the economic blockade and the counter blockade burden for long and if it is not suspended at the earliest it will definitely compel us to take another drastic step.”

Another passenger of a Kangpokpi bus opined that it will be wise on the part of counter blockade supporters to sensibly implement the counter blockade. Meanwhile, commodities price at Kangpokpi are skyrocketing due to the economic blockade and counter blockade while petrol price reach Rs. 250-300/- per litre, diesel oil rose to Rs. 120-150/- per litre. Many essential commodities are drying up in the wholesale market and retail market respectively rendering complete vertigo to the innocent people apart from the untold misery face by the people due to demonetisation.


NPP decries

The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 15 2016: National People’s Party (NPP), Manipur State unit has decried the State Government’s deafening silence even as all sections of people have been enduring extreme difficulties on account of the protracted economic blockade. Speaking to media persons at their Wahengbam Leikai-Jiri parking today, NPP State unit president Thangminlen Kipgen remarked that the Government’s inaction smacks of sheer irresponsibility.

Different organisations may undertake different modes of agitation but agitation of such which challenges humanity itself is not acceptable. The Government ought to take up some concrete actions rather than keeping a stoic silence, Thangminlen said. NPP has been working for a strong and vibrant Manipur. The future of Manipur should be decided by her people, not by Delhi. Five persons who joined NPP anew after leaving other political parties were also felicitated at the gathering. NPP working president Ch Ajang Khongsai remarked that UNC’s vehement objection to creation of districts for administrative convenience lacked rationale.


Centre, Manipur government and UNC to hold tripartite talk in Delhi tomorrow
Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL | November 1

The Centre, Manipur government and representatives of the United Naga Council (UNC) will hold a tripartite talk in Delhi tomorrow on the agenda of the ongoing economic blockade along Manipur’s supply lines by the Naga organisation. A six member team of the UNC led by its president Gaidon Kamei will represent the Naga organisation while state chief secretary O Nabakishore Singh will represent state government. A team of the Union home ministry will play the mediator’s role during the talk.

Seven LJP leaders join MNDP
Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL | Nov 14

Seven leaders of Lok Jan Shakti (LJP) from Sadar Hills and Ukhrul district today joined the Manipur National Democratic Front (MNDP). The seven leaders are Letjam Singson, J Kilong, Johnson Keishing, MS Thadou, Henjapao Vaiphei and Mangboi Chongloi from Sadar Hills and Ukhrul district.

They were welcomed in a simple function held at MNDP office, Babupara. Speaking at the function ex-MLA and senior vice-president Bijoy Koijam said, MNDP has no alliance with any major party and the party will go alone in the ensuing assembly elections by contesting at least 30 seats in both the valley and hills.

He clarified that MNDF is not a B Team of the Congress party and did not receive Rs eight crores for setting up the party as alleged by some sections.


BJP goes hammer and tongs against Cong Govt

The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 14 2016: While all sections of people have been reeling under severe hardships on account of the prolonged economic blockade, the Congress Government has been spending their time and energy on management of black money, said BJP Manipur Pradesh spokesman Dr Nimaichand Luwang. Speaking to media persons at their Nityaipat Chuthek office today, Dr Nimaichand pointed out that prices of all essential commodities have escalated and even school van service has been ceased due to the economic blockade.

Even harvesting of paddy has been affected as fuel to run agricultural machinery are no longer available. Yet, the Congress Government has done nothing to get the economic blockade lifted. Dr Nimaichand said that he welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative of demonetising Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes. Even though the 11th State Assembly election is due in the next two/three months, the State Government has been carrying out massive recruitment drives with an ulterior motive to amass huge amounts for the election.

Counter blockades launched in some pockets of the valley in response to the economic blockade is not a good sign. It can widen the rift between the hills and the valley, Dr Nimaichand said. He then appealed to the UNC to lift the economic blockade as well as those people imposing counter blockade to call of their agitation.


Kim Gangte demands PR

The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 14 2016: While denouncing the State Government’s lack of initiative to resolve the indefinite economic blockade being imposed on National Highways by the United Naga Council (UNC), Manipur Pradesh Trinamool Congress (MPTC) had demanded imposition of President’s Rule in the State. Speaking to media persons at their Mahaballi office today, MPTC president and former MP Kim Gangte decried that Congress and BJP have been engaging in political mudslinging rather than working toward resolving the issue of economic blockade.

The Central Government’s invitation to the UNC to talk about the economic blockade only exposed that the State Government is helpless. The State Government ought to highlight the crisis being endured by the people of Manipur to the Central Government and explore all possible avenues so as to resolve the issue. The Governor too need to do something rather than maintain a stoic silence, Kim asserted.


BJP takes political conference to Henglep AC

The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 14 2016: A one day political conference of the BJP under Henglep Assembly Constituency covering six polling booths of Phoijang, Kangvai, Torbung, Matijang and Teijang was held today at 11 am. The political conference was organised by the Election Campaign Committee of former Deputy Speaker of the State Assembly T Thangzalam Haokip (TT Haokip) and was held at Gothol Community Hall.

Senior BJP leaders including former Minister Salam Ibohal Singh, former MLA Meinam Bhorot and National Council Member for Senior Citizens of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and former vice president and senior BJP leader I Mangiton attended the political conference. Altogether 263 BJP supporters and 23 village chiefs from the six polling stations under Henglep AC attended the one day political conference.

All the speakers at the conference, including intending BJP candidate TT Haokip, stressed on the need to have the BJP candidate (whoever the ticket is given to) elected from Henglep AC in the coming Assembly election. The Congress Government has failed to deliver the goods to the public of Henglep for the last 17 years, the speakers claimed. Salam Ibohal and Meinam Bhorot highlighted the various achievement of the BJP Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi within a span of just two years and pointed out the failures of the Congress Government on all fronts.



Cash crisis continues to dog NE

The Sangai Express / IANS

Agartala/Aizawl, November 14 2016: The cash crisis bedevilling the people after the November 8 demonetisation continued to persist for the sixth day on Monday in several North Eastern States, especially in rural and remote areas.

“We are yet to get sufficient new Rs 2,000 denomination currency as well as old Rs 100 and smaller denomination notes, causing serious problems in dealing with the people.

We are in touch wth the RBI to get sufficient notes of varied denominations,” a top official of United Bank of India (UBI) told IANS on the condition of anonymity. “No bank in the North East has as yet received the new Rs 500 note,” he added.

In Manipur too, people continue to reel under severe cash crunch with the banks unable to meet the demand for new notes. Many of the ATMs were without cash today too. The State-owned UBI is a lead bank in several North Eastern States and has the largest number of chests to stock the currencies. The cash crisis is serious in remote and rural areas, where most banks have no currency notes and automated teller machines are non-functional.

As majority of ATMs either remained closed or functioned at a very slow speed due to technical problems on Monday for the sixth consecutive day in the entire North Eastern region, people thronged banks since early morning to exchange the scrapped currency notes with new ones or to withdraw money.


Election committee office opens

The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 14 2016: An election committee office for the 15 Wangkhem Kendra Ward No 22 Congress party was inaugurated today at Soibam Leikai near Citizens’ Club, Imphal East, today.

The inaugural function was attended by Ward No 22 Congress president Aftab Hussain, intending candidate Okram Henry, Wangkhei Kendra Block Congress Committee president Laishinga Daimei, Manipur Mahila Congress Committee vice-president Thiyam Puina, Wangkhei Kendra Election Committee Working Chairman Ngangbam Dinamani, vice-president Oinam Priyokumar, Wangkhei Kendra Block Mahila Congress Committee president RK Rita, Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee election member Akhtar, Wangkhei Kendra Block Congress Committee Minority Cell chairman MA Mannan and Wanghei Block Congress Committee executive member Sayed Sirajuddin attended the function.


Battleground Manipur: Elections, integrity and rhetoric

Imphal Times Editorial 15 November 2016 

Neighbours Manipur and Nagaland have not been on good terms from the times when Congress ruled both the states and at the Centre.  Now that Congress is alone, which is to say BJP is in office at the Centre and NPF in Nagaland, with the latter two parties having made an alliance, the Ibobi-government of Manipur seems to have little say whenever Nagaland does something in the interest of Manipur, be it ‘forced’ resignation of MLAs after instigations by leaders from across the state’s border.

At the same time, a landlocked state like Manipur has been put at the mercy of Nagaland as the “only transportable road” to the outside world passes through the neighbouring state. Like an enemy state, at the behest of Naga leaders in Nagaland, hill residents of the state have been declaring the war-like strategy of economic blockade many a times and hold the Manipur people to ransom. Gradually, the state’s integrity seems to be eroding with nothing concrete done to stop it.

While Manipur had a clear cut boundary since time immemorial, Nagaland was carved out from Assam.  Now, this age-old boundary of Manipur seems to be under attack time and again even during the 21st century, and people from Nagaland are spreading misleading information as if this 2000-year-old history of Manipur never existed.  It seems like, if India has a thorn in the form of neibouring Pakistan; Manipur, a mini-India, has a Pakistan-like neighbour in Nagaland.

As the state elections get closer, the battle has now been partly focused on getting maximum of the 20 reserved seats of the hill districts to the Assembly so that those MLAs can speak up for “Southern Nagaland”.  This term has been introduced to Manipur when some signboards were put up in Senapati district nearly two decades ago to describe the Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur as part of the present day Nagaland. This time around, Nagaland CM T R Zeliang led the missive with an address to a huge gathering at the first ever conference of ‘Naga Village Authority of South Nagalim’ at the local ground of Tagaramphung in Senapati district on Wednesday.

Indeed, Zeliang has done what NSCN-IM leader Th Muivah could not. While Muivah was not allowed entry into the state, Zeliang was accorded the status of a state guest. The intention of Zeliang and other Naga leaders could be interpreted as against the interest of Manipur, the long-term strategy of the Nagas and that of Zeliang is indeed laudable.  In his own state, Zeliang has his own tribal problems. The Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) in an earlier statement had said it never objected the Rongmeis being accorded the Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland state to those qualifying the norms of the Nagaland government notification dated the 28th of April 1977, No.AR-8/876.

“However, the CNTC also makes the stand of the three tribes of CNTC clear to whomever concerned, that the recognition of Rongmeis with a tribal status of Nagaland state will be opposed and objected together with all the other Naga tribes of Nagaland till it is revoked. On the ongoing tussle involving the Rongmei recognition as an Indigenous Tribe of Nagaland, the CNTC takes this step in opposing the recognition of the mentioned tribe in the larger interest of the people of Nagaland and for the sake of our future generations.”

Despite problems like these, Zeliang has been able to display a view of ‘United Nagas’ at least in Manipur. Manipur needs to learn a lot from a chief minister like Zeliang who could wield influence in neighbouring states. It is unthinkable of the Manipur chief minister going to Manipuri localities in neighbouring states and hold public meetings in the interest of Manipur, notwithstanding the fact that many problems exists in the state.  Local and regional parties of Manipur are also unable to spread their wings beyond the boundary of the state, unlike the NPF, which is in office in Nagaland and targeting to get a double-digit figure in the upcoming Manipur Legislative Assembly elections.  In view of the above, it is high time that people of Manipur leave aside their differences for the better good of the state, at least for once and continue till stability comes to the state.


No Nagas want separation from Manipur: Chand

The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 13 2016: While asserting that vast majority of the people of Manipur do not want to break away from Manipur, Congress MLA E Chand has stated that Naga people are unable to speak against anti-Manipur elements because they are always kept under immense pressure and threats. He was speaking at the inaugural function of a Meira Paibi shed at Wangkhei Durga Puja ground today.

He said that he was able to discern clearly while talking with fellow Naga MLAs that Naga people do not want separation from Manipur. Taking serious of the adverse impacts of the ongoing economic blockade on all sections of people, the State Government has been exploring several options to neutralise the blockade. While appealing to the people not to fall in line with BJP’s propaganda, Chand pointed out that BJP has allied itself with NPF which is determined to disintegrate Manipur.

People never heard any BJP leader speaking a single word against NPF. He went on to allege that all the people who have been seeking BJP tickets are supporters of the Framework Agreement signed between NSCN-IM and the Government of India on August 3 last year. Chand also admitted that not all Congress MLAs are holy cows.


BJP asks CSOs to opt for dialogue instead of blockades

The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 13 2016: Asserting that the ongoing indefinite economic blockade on the National Highways has adversely affected the life of the common people rather than targeting the Government, the BJP, Manipur Pradesh today asked the UNC to immediately lift the blockade. It also appealed all to turn away from counter economic blockade stating any form of blockade is against humanity.

In a statement, the party’s general secretary Thongam Bishwajit urged all to opt for mutual discussion and come to the line of mutual understanding adding this will be more effective to resolve issues, including that of Churachandpur, UNC, Sadar Hills and Jiribam.

He also accused the Government of indulging in vote bank politics and polarising the voters on ethnic lines in connection with the ensuing Assembly election. Instead of trying to mitigate the woes of the public caused by the economic blockade and counter blockade, the State Government is busy eyeing the ensuing Assembly election, it added.


Dr Nara announces Left democratic front

Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL | November 13

In the run-up to the ensuing 2017 Assembly elections, left parties alongwith the JD (U), Aam Aadmi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party has finally managed to cobble together an alliance in the form of Left Democratic Front, Manipur. The alliance at the state level was announced today before the media by LDF convenor Dr M Nara at the residence of Salam Yaima Singh, Singjamei Chinga Mathak Chongtham Leikai and office of the MSC/CPI, Singjamei Local Council).

A manifesto of the new front comprising Communist Part of India, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Janata Dal (United), Aam Adami Party and Bahujan Samaj Party was also released before the media.


Don’t play politics in sports and culture: Ibobi

Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL | November 13

Chief Minister of Manipur Okram Ibobi today warned Bharatiya Janata Party not to play politics in matters of sports and culture of the Manipur people. The Chief Minister was speaking at the one day political conference of Sawombung district Congress committee at Ibudhou Marjing Chingya ground Heingang Imphal East District today.

CM Ibobi said, everyone knows that Manipur is a powerhouse of games and sport in India and Manipur culture is appreciated for its high standards. Manipuris are highly talented in these two fields particularly. In the early part of NDA government, Prakash Javedkar when he was union minister of information and broadcasting proposed a cultural university along with a film and television centre in Manipur, but afterwards the film and television institute was shifted to Arunachal Pradesh as BJP was a partner in the government there, he alleged.

While Arunachal Pradesh produces two or three films annually, Manipur produces 60/70 films a year which is even more than that of Assam.


Ibobi decides to bring in supplies along both highways

Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL | November 13

After oscillating for 12 days, and as fuel stock dries up, Okram Ibobi Singh government has finally decided to use both Imphal-Jiribam (NH-37) and Imphal-Dimapur (NH-2) routes to restore supply of essential commodities to ease the crisis triggered by the indefinite economic blockade. The supply of all kinds of daily requirements is running low and prices of commodities have soared after the United Naga Council (UNC) imposed an indefinite economic blockade along the state’s two supply lines of Imphal-Dimapur (NH-2) and Imphal-Jiribam highway (NH-37) completely shut out supply trucks.

Price of petrol at black market reached Rs. 250 per litre today. Hundreds of loaded trucks and oil tankers are remaining stranded along Imphal-Dimapur highway, beyond Manipur including at some parts in Assam.

“The chief minister is reviewing the situation with concerned officials everyday and the government is working out a plan to restore the supply by bringing the stranded trucks to Imphal with security escorts,” transport minister Kh Ratankumar Singh today said.