Imphal, Apr 30 : As the cases related to swine flu are on rise in Mexico and other countries, authorities here are taking preventive steps on the border with Myanmar.

Manipur''s Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department has barred import of live pigs and pork meat through the India-Myanmar border.

"As far as the husbandry services of the state is concerned, we are under alert and at the same time we have taken certain steps to prevent the transit of animals mainly through international border, that is bordering Myanmar in some of the districts," Thoiba Jiban Singh, director, Veterinary and Animal Husbandry.

Imphal, April 28: A 10-year-old boy recently brought laurels to Manipur by getting the bravery award for showing presence of mind and bravery to save a drowning child’s life who had fallen into an eight-feet deep pond.

The inspiration gumption of Yumkhaibam Addison Singh, a resident of Manipur’s Bishnupur district, was acknowledged with the prestigious National Bravery award.

Brave heart Singh, who has a dream to join Indian Army once he grows up, put his life into danger to save other child’s life.

Imphal, April 28: People in militant-prone Manipur had a pleasant change attending the recently held Tourism Festival 2009 here, which highlighted the rich culture of the state while giving a fillip to its tourism sector.

The ten-day Tourism Festival attracted a large number of people from within the State and neighbouring areas of the region.

Foreign counties like Thailand, Myanmar, Pakistan and Vietnam also participated in the festival showcasing their unique indigenous products.

Loktak Lake (Imphal), April 27: Manipur, literally meaning a jewelled land, has largely remained unexplored much by tourists because of militancy. One of the State’s fascinating places is Loktak Lake.

Loktak Lake, 45 kilometres from Imphal city, is the largest fresh water lake in the Northeast region with the only floating National Park of its kind.

But instead of drawing tourists, the lake has been misused as a safe haven by the militants.

Recently, operation summer storm was launched to flush out the armed militants from the lake region.

Imphal, April 24: Guru G. Gourakishor Sharma was recently conferred the coveted Padamshree award for 2008-2009 to honour his lifetime contribution to Manipuri Martial Art, Thang-Ta.

Born into a family having a long tradition of martial arts, the Manipuri martial art, “Thang-Ta” came naturally to Gourakishor, who since childhood developed deep interest in this art form.

Imphal, April 24 : Theatre art has been known for raising current issues and creating social awareness among people through entertainment.

In Manipur, theatre artistes are highlighting current issues.

This was witnessed recently on the occasion of World Theatre Day 2009 here, which was organised by Theatre Centre in partnership with the Public Theatre Artiste Association and Manipur State Kala Academy at Nambol Phoijing to promote and encourage the art form.