Land of Jewels (Sana Leibak)

CM, Gaikhangam turn up, no Debendro: Imphal, Dec 28: The 122nd Foundation Day of the Indian National Congress was observed on Friday by the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee, in the absence of several MLAs including some senior ministers, a reflection of the unresolved crisis in the Congress over the demand for replacement of Okram Ibobi Singh as chief minister. However, Okram Ibobi, and MPCC chief Gaikhangam, whom many observers see as the mastermind behind the rebellion in the Congress, were both present, sitting next to each other in all appearance of bonhomie. The pair shook hands before the gathering and were seen chatting amicably. Prominent absentees on the other hand included senior minister Th Debendro, tribal welfare minister DD Thaisii, and most of the other rebel MLAs. FCS minister Y Erabot was however present. The chief minister, in his address to the assembled party workers, said it was natural to have disagreements in a large family like the Congress, but at the same ti...

CM calls for saving ponies: Imphal, Dec 27: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh on Thursday strongly advocated contributions from all sections of the society in ensuring survival of the endangered Manipuri ponies. Inaugurating the National Tent Pegging Championship at Imphal Pologround, the Chief Minister recalled history of the erstwhile kingdom of Manipur wherein rulers strived for protecting the ponies as the animal species had been associated with the role in protecting and expanding the kingdom. Stating that Manipur has history of State support to equestrian games, the chief guest of the inaugural programme also reminded that kings in the past ensured that polo remained a people's sports which automatically entailed wellbeing of ponies. Besides recounting exploits of sportspersons of Manipur in various sports disciplines, he also maintained that as a part of the State Government's determination to save the indigenous ponies from extinction 30 acres of land at Lamphelpat had b...