IMPHAL, Aug 26 - The eighth session of the 11th Manipur Legislative Assembly began on Monday, with a major decision to rename the Imphal International Airport as Bir Tikendrajit International Airport. Chief Minister N Biren Singh, who is also the Leader of the House, moved a resolution and it was supported by Leader of Opposition O Ibobi Singh.
The Imphal airport, located about 7 km south of the state capital, is the second largest and second busiest airport in the North East after Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati. More than 10 flights operate from Imphal daily. Bir Tikendrajit was a prince of the then kingdom of Manipur who was sentenced to death for waging war against the British in 1891.
The Assembly session began on Monday with obituary references to three former members � Holkhomang Haokip, Dr Mashangthem Horam and M Chungkhosei, and former Assembly secretary A Halim Chowdhury.
Chief Minister N Biren initiated the obituary references by highlighting the important roles played by the former MLAs in their political careers. He said Holkhomang was �friendly, jolly, soft, mature and a popular lawmaker�, while Dr Horam was a �noted scholar and politician�. The death of the three former MLAs and former Assembly secretary was a big loss for the entire state.
Former chief minister O Ibobi Singh, who is the Leader of Opposition, recalled his association with the late MLAs. He termed Holkhomang Haokip as a �man of words�. Ruling party MLAs Khashim Vashum, TT Haokip, K Leishiyo and S Bira and Opposition MLAs TN Haokip, K Gobindas and AK Mirabai also spoke in the Assembly.
Meanwhile, replying to a call attention motion by Opposition member Kh Joykisan on the death of a schoolgirl, Chief Minister N Biren Singh, who holds the Home portfolio, said that the death was �very unfortunate and has shocked everyone�. The government was making necessary efforts to ascertain the truth, he said, adding that the government has handed over the case to the CBI as demanded by the public.
In another call attention motion by Opposition MLA K Meghachandra on the frequent seizure of drugs, Chief Minister N Biren Singh informed the House that the government was taking the issue seriously.
N Biren Singh also laid The Manipur Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Rules, 2019 and the Annual Report of the State Vigilance Commission for 2018-19.