Statehood day observed in Manipur
Imphal:Manipur on Wednesday celebrated its 43rd Statehood day at Banquet Hall of First Manipur Rifles here on Wednesday. Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam highlighted the achievements of the government during the celebrations. Governor Dr KK Paul said in a message that ‘Manipur attained statehood 43 years ago on January 21, 1972 and a long cherished dream of the people of Manipur was fulfilled. Manipur became equal partners with other states in the country in building a modern India and along with it came the responsibilities and opportunities. Though the state has made rapid strides in the field of development and sustained effort is being made to keep pace with the rest of the country, it is still lagging behind and there is need of a renewed effort for the welfare of its citizens and the growth and development must be based on equity where all citizens of the State irrespective of caste, creed or religion feel the sense of belonging to an egalitarian society.(UNI)
Hand-raised small-clawed otter released in KNP
Guwahati:For the first time in Assam, a hand-raised small-clawed otter was released into the wild in Kaziranga National Park here. Oliver, raised at the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC), run by International Fund for Animal Welfare(IFAW)-Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), was released on January 18, WTI Deputy Director Rathin Barman said on Wednesday. The CWRC has rehabilitated several animals in the past but this is the first time that a hand-raised otter is being released back into the wild by it. DFO Kaziranga National Park S K Seal Sarma said the CWRC team will monitor the animal’s behaviour and interaction with nature for a period of time. This particular otter pup and two others were rescued in September 2013 by fishermen who found him floating on hyacinth leaves when floods had inundated Kaziranga National Park.(PTI)
MNF blames Cong govt of failure in fiscal management
Aizawl:Main opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) on Wednesday announced rallies in Mizoram against the Congress government, alleging failure by them in financial management resulting in acute fiscal crisis. MNF Vice-President R Lalthangliana told media persons that the Congress government headed by Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla had made a complete mess of financial management resulting in unreasonable hike in tax and non-tax revenue segments. Lalthangliana said the MNF would hold rallies across the state tomorrow protesting against the sufferings being faced by the people. MNF legislator Lalruatkima alleged that while the chief minister declared 2015 as the year of austerity measures, he travelled to Mimbung village on Tuesday by a helicopter, thus causing a heavy burden on the state exchequer.(PTI)