Senior theatre artiste VG Pal passes away in Mangaluru hospital
Mangaluru: Senior theatre and movie artiste Venugopal, popularly known as VG Pal, died at a private hospital in the city on Wednesday night. He was 78.
He is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter. His son Sachin Pal has said that the artiste's body will be kept at their residence for people to pay their last respects, before conducting the funeral rites.
Born in Bokkapatna in 1946, Venugopal had been an employee of the Karnataka State Fisheries Development Corporation but was actively involved in theatre and movies for more than 60 years. He had acted in more than 3,000 shows of plays and mentored several young artistes over the years, all of which earned him the name 'VG Pal'.
He was also honoured with several awards and titles for his achievements and contribution to performing arts.
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Manipur CM pledges action against poppy growers
Imphal, Nov 24: Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Sunday said action will be taken against poppy planters and their accomplices following an ultimatum by a Naga village authority.
Singh's assurance came after a police team, led by an additional SP, and village volunteers were allegedly targeted by armed planters when they attempted to destroy poppy cultivation in Kangpokpi district recently.
In a post on X, Singh said, "I appreciate the Makhan Village Authority for taking a strong stand against poppy cultivation in their villages. Let me assure you that central security forces and state police are always on standby, ready to take necessary action against poppy cultivation and its accomplices."
He also urged everyone to "come forward and join this movement to eliminate drugs from Manipur."
On Saturday, the Makhan Village Authority issued an ultimatum to the Manipur government, demanding action within four days against poppy planters in Kangpokpi district.
In a statement, the village authority said on November 20, volunteers and a police team were confronted by armed men while attempting to destroy poppy cultivation in the hill areas of the district.
"Wielding guns and weapons, the poppy planters attacked the volunteers and the police team and damaged the equipment brought to cut poppy plants, thereby incapacitating the mission," the statement added.
The village authority also criticised the police team, accusing them of "literally running away from the poppy planters," calling the act "a complete mockery of their arms and uniform."
Meanwhile, police said "they are investigating the incident and will provide information when the report is clear.
I appreciate the Makhan (Makhen) Village Authority for taking a strong stand against poppy cultivation in their villages. Let me assure you, agencies such as the NCB, NAB, central security forces and state police are always on standby, ready to take all necessary actions against… https://t.co/pehGaWFssp
— N. Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) November 23, 2024
