Land of Jewels (Sana Leibak)

Fitting tributes paid to martyrs: Imphal, Apr 23: Khongjom Day was observed today in commemoration of the brave fight put up by the soldiers of Manipur to against the British imperialist in 1891 along with offering Tarpan and paying befitting tributes to Paona Brajabashi, the chief army commander of the Manipuri forces and numerous other soldiers who laid down their lives for the sake of safeguarding the sovereignty of their motherland. Governor Dr SS Sidhu and Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh led the people in paying homage at the memorial of the martyrs located at Khongjom Kheba hillock in Thoubal district as well as in offering floral tributes to the statue of Paona Brajabashi installed at the foothill of Kheba. A contingent of the Manipur Rifles gave the guard of honour, general salute, reverse arms, slope arms, order arms and gun salute amidst trumpeting of the last post. The observance function was organised by the Government of Manipur. In his address as chief guest of the function,...

Cong MLAs to sit together despite differences: Imphal, Jan 31: The third session of the 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly which will have three sittings over a span of five days till February 5 will commence from Friday with the state Governor’s address to the House. An interesting point to be witnessed in Friday’s sitting of the Assembly would be ruling Congress MLAs sitting together at the treasury bench even though the leadership crisis within the party is yet to be settled. Mention may be made that the dissident MLAs of the ruling state Congress who were camping in New Delhi for nearly three months, with a few breaks, returned to the state capital to take part in the Assembly session after withdrawing their threat to boycott the session if chief minister O Ibobi Singh is not replaced. As there are no plans from the Opposition side to put up a no confidence motion against the Ibobi led SPF government despite the leadership crisis in the ruling side the session is likely to continue s...

UBI strike off: The ceasework strike launched by the employees of all branches of the United Bank of India since January 8 following a heavy monetary demand from one militant outfit has been called off with immediate effect. Informing this on Friday, the co-convenor of the United Forum of Bank Unions said that the ceasework programme earlier scheduled to be held on January 14 has also been called off. The decision to withdraw the cease work stir was taken after the outfit concerned conveyed that they have withdrawn the monetary demand, said the statement and added that branches of the United Bank of India will start normal transactions from Saturday. The United Forum of Bank Unions, on behalf of all the working employees of the Bank, also expressed its regret to the customers and general public for the closure of UBI branches. It also acknowledged the support extended by the fraternal trade unions of other banks, leading civil organisations, media and news agencies. Inspection drive of...

Dr Sidhu greets people: Imphal, Dec 31: On the occasion of New Year's Day 2008, Governor Dr SS Sidhu has conveyed best wishes to the people of Manipur. In his message, the Governor said that New Year's Day is not only an occasion for introspection but also for searching and evolving new resolutions for the coming year. Dr Sidhu also wished every one a new year full of peace, happiness, contentment, progress and prosperity. Greeting the people on the occasion of New Year's Day, Chief Minister O Ibobi called upon all to make a firm resolution to fight and defeat the evil designs of divisive and disruptive forces. The Chief Minister further appealed to the people to join hands in the noble task for restoring peace and prosperity in Manipur. MPCC president Gaikhangam wished that the New Year may bring about peace, harmony and prosperity for all. "Let violence and conflict give way to love and peace in the State with the arrival of 2008," said Lok Sabha MP Dr T Meinya ...

Peace, festivity mark birth of Lord Jesus: Imphal, Dec 25: Christmas is being celebrated in Manipur on Tuesday with festive gaiety. The houses were decorated with colourful stars and singing of Christmas carols can be heard in every streets. Special Christmas games, sports, cultural programmes were organised in every parts of the state. Governor Dr S S Sidhu in a message said, ''Lord Jesus -- the son of God, was born to build a new world based on peace, justice and equality of mankind. In celebrating his birth, we, besides paying our obeisance to this outstanding apostle of peace, have to rededicate ourselves to the ideals, principles and eternal values espoused by him.'' Chief Minister, O Ibobi Singh said, “The birth of Christ on this earth heralds peace, goodwill and love among mankind and also between the mankind and the Almighty God. Every person who believes in God irrespective of caste, creed and religion should be a messenger of peace, goodwill and love.'...

Guv extends greetings: Imphal, Dec 20: Greeting the people of Manipur, particularly the Muslim community on the occasion of Idul Zuha, Governor Dr SS Sidhu has wished that the festival will be celebrated in its true spirit. In his message, Dr Sidhu said that the message of Idul Zuha is peaceful coexistence setting aside differences if caste, creed or religion. Joining the people of Manipur in celebrating Idul Zuha, Chief Minister prayed that this festival may bring love, peace, unity and prosperity in Manipur. In his Idul Zuha greetings, Speaker Dr S Budhichandra wished that this festival may increase love, sacrifice, harmony and unity among the people of the State. Extending best wishes to the people of Manipur on the occasion of Idul Zuha, MPCC president Gaikhangam prayed that this festival may foster clo-ser relationship among various communities. In his Idul Zuha message, MP Dr T Meinya wished that the festival may herald pros-perity by way of resolving conflict situation facing th...

NPA, Rio fight battle of Kohima in Delhi: Dimapur: With the state plunging into political uncertainty following the December 13 vote of no confidence motion and subsequent political developments in Nagaland, the Union Cabinet is expected to decide on the report of the Governor K.Sankaranarayanan by Thursday. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Nephiu Rio has rushed back to the state after attending the National Development Council meeting in New Delhi, where he also held a series of discussions with leaders of UPA partners -- NCP, LJP and the Left. CPI general secretary AB Bardhan was reportedly opposed to President’s Rule in the state. On Tuesday, a delegation of the Nagaland Progressive Alliance (NPA) led by its leader I. Imkong, CLP leader, had also met several central ministers and AICC functionaries demanding installation of an alternative government by the newly formed NPA. In Dimapur, the Dimapur District Congress Committee had reportedly resolved at a meeting held on Wednesday that par...

Governor decries blast: Imphal, Dec 19: Joining the outcry against the December 16 bomb blast which claimed eight lives besides injuring more than 20, Governor Dr SS Sidhu has termed it a sheer act of barbarism. Stating that the act deserved strong condemnation from all sections of the Society, the Governor conveyed deep pain at the cowardly act of planting and setting off the bomb. He also advised the State Government to take up effective action against the perpetrators of the heinous crime so that the rule of law and respect for authority is ensured. The BJP Manipur Pradesh has also come out strongly against the December 16 bomb blast at Pourabi. BJP termed the bomb blast an act of terror. The Senior Citizens for Society has also condemned the blast in the strongest terms. Source: The Sangai Express Related Story:

Prithviraj Chauhan arriving Imphal on Tuesday: Imphal, Dec 10: Amidst heightened suspense surrounding the month long hectic campaign by the rebel MLAs to replace O Ibobi as Chief Minister of Manipur, AICC North East in-charge Prithiviraj Chauhan will be arriving at Imphal on Tuesday afternoon as the Central observer to take stock of the existing political situation personally. According to information received from the dissident camp, a series of meetings have been held among the rebel MLAs and necessary political strate-gies chalked out ahead of the arrival of the AICC observer. On the other side, in view of the AICC observer’s arrival, Congress MLAs and MPCC/DCC leaders and Congress candidates defeated in the last Assembly elections supporting O Ibobi have been mobilising themselves with three camps opened at the officials quarters of IFC Minister N Biren, Social Welfare Minister N Loken and Works Minister K Ranjit. Chauhan will be accompanied by Lok Sabha MP Dr T Meinya and MPCC exe...