Items filtered by date: Sunday, 25 October 2026

Chief Minister Inspects Sinai Camp in Kangpokpi

Imphal, October 25: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand inspected Sinai Camp in Kangpokpi district, designated for Kuki armed groups KLA and KNA, amid demands for its removal. An advance CRPF team arrived early in the morning, followed by the Chief Minister by helicopter. The camp has been taken over by the CRPF's D/189 Battalion, with personnel stationed there since October 24. Security forces had cordoned off and searched the camp on October 20. Of the 159 cadres reportedly accommodated there, only one was found during the checking, while the remaining 158 had not returned. Their whereabouts and the weapons reportedly taken with them remain concerns.

Seventeen Sinai Camp Inmates Remanded to Eight-Day Police Custody

Imphal, October 25: Seventeen individuals arrested from Sinai Camp for allegedly being absent from the official SoO cadre list were produced before a court and remanded to eight days of police custody for further interrogation. A combined team of the CRPF and Manipur Police arrested them during the operation at the designated camp. Meanwhile, three cadres of the Kuki National Front (Nehlun), earlier arrested over their alleged involvement in the October 19 killing of three Meitei civilians at Khongbal Tangkhul, were also produced before the court and remanded to police custody. Further investigation into the cases is underway.

Ashang Kasar Demands Tracking of Missing Sinai Camp Cadres

Imphal, October 25: Social activist Ashang Kasar said the CRPF takeover of Sinai Camp was not a sufficient solution, demanding that authorities trace the missing cadres and weapons. He made the statement during a visit to the families of victims of the Khongbal Tangkhul attack and members of the Joint Action Committee formed in connection with the incident. People's Forum president Achung Makang and other office-bearers also participated. Kasar said only one of the 159 cadres reportedly accommodated at Sinai Camp was present during the security check. He urged Meitei and Naga communities to work together to safeguard Manipur.

Meghachandra Blames Centre's Territorial Council Proposal for Manipur Crisis

Imphal, October 25: Congress Legislature Party leader Keisham Meghachandra alleged that the Centre's commitment to community-based territorial councils for electoral gains was contributing to Manipur's crisis. Speaking at a press briefing at his Babupara quarter in Imphal, he said the core issues behind the violence that began on May 3, 2023, had been sidelined. He questioned the monitoring of designated SoO camps and accused BJP leaders of making misleading promises about territorial councils. Meghachandra criticised the state government for failing to restore peace and called for Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand's resignation, saying fresh elections would benefit the state. Keisham Meghachandra questioned the functioning of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) Monitoring Committee, saying regular inspections of designated camps could have prevented violations of ground rules. Speaking in connection with Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand's visit to Sinai Camp, Meghachandra argued that incidents such as the recent Nongshum killings might have been avoided through routine monitoring. He also questioned the state government's claim that the Home Department had withdrawn from the SoO agreement.

Manipur Indigenous Alliance Demands Abrogation of SoO Agreement

Imphal, October 25: The Manipur Indigenous Alliance has demanded that the government abrogate the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki armed groups and take action against cadres allegedly violating its ground rules. Speaking at the organisation's Tera Khuraijam Leikai office, president Surendra Soiraisham alleged that SoO groups were responsible for continued violence and civilian killings in Manipur. He said the government should act immediately, citing what he described as clear evidence of ground-rule violations during the operation at Sinai Designated Camp. The alliance reiterated its demand for accountability and stronger measures to address the continuing security concerns.

PICK Assures Support for Sunulok Victims' Justice Movement

Imphal, October 25: The Peace and Integrity Committee, Kyamgei (PICK), has condemned the Sunulok killings and assured full support for the movement seeking justice for the victims. In a press release, the organisation said it would stand with the Joint Action Committee formed in connection with the incident. The killings have triggered protests and demands for accountability across Manipur. PICK's statement adds to the growing calls from civil society organisations for justice and effective action against those responsible. The committee reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the victims' families and the public movement seeking justice.

Keithel Ima Convenor Calls for Withdrawal of Security from MLAs, Ministers

Imphal, October 25: Laishram Memma, convenor of the Khwairamband Ima Keithel Joint Coordinating Committee for Peace, has demanded the withdrawal of security personnel provided to MLAs and ministers if the government fails to restore the Pambei-led UNLF-MPA camp at Nongshum. She made the statement during a visit to the families of victims of the Khongbal Tangkhul incident. Memma alleged that the killings occurred because the government ignored public opposition to relocating the camp from Nongshum. Her remarks reflect continuing public dissatisfaction over the camp's relocation and demands for accountability following the civilian killings.

Five Organisations Protest Against 'Bodoland Happiness Mission' Talks

Imphal, October 25: Five organisations—AMUCO, MSF, AMAWOVA, PLMPAM and COHR—staged a sit-in protest at Thangmeiband Pukhri Achouba Mapal, criticising Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand's October 22 discussions on the “Bodoland Happiness Mission.” The organisations said the initiative could threaten Manipur's territorial integrity. PLMPAM president Memcha accused the state and Central governments of failing to act against civilian killings and alleged attempts to disintegrate the state. Protesters held placards demanding an update of the National Register of Citizens using 1951 as the base year, opposing SIR 2026 and seeking early resettlement of internally displaced persons.

Two Arrested in Interstate Drug Trafficking Case

Imphal, October 25: Manipur Police have arrested two men allegedly involved in an interstate drug trafficking network in connection with three cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act at Senapati Police Station. The arrests were made on October 24 by Senapati District Police with assistance from Kangpokpi and Bishnupur district police. One accused, 21-year-old Roman Rai, son of Dhanlal Rai, was arrested in Kangpokpi district. The second accused, 35-year-old Amit Kumar Thapa, son of Dilip Kumar Thapa, was arrested in Bishnupur district. Further investigation into the cases is underway.

37th Loktak Day Celebrations Begin in Manipur

Imphal, October 25: The 37th Loktak Day celebrations commenced under the aegis of the Loktak Development Authority, with a call for stronger public participation in conserving the lake. Manipur's titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba said praising Loktak's beauty alone would not protect it and urged communities to contribute to preservation efforts. Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand flagged off a bike rally from Kangla Western Gate, which culminated at Loktak Lake in Bishnupur district. The inaugural programme was held at Loktak Lairembi Ground in Thanga. MLA T. Robindro said the annual observance aims to raise awareness among younger generations about lake conservation.

Hill Representatives Visit Loktak Lake, Call for Unity and Conservation

Imphal, October 25: Representatives from Manipur's hill areas who arrived in Imphal for the Mera Hou Chongba festival visited Loktak Lake to appreciate its natural beauty and express support for its conservation. The visitors travelled from Imphal in three buses to attend the Loktak Day celebrations. They also called for stronger unity, love and cooperation among the state's indigenous communities ahead of the festival scheduled for October 26. Thanga MLA T. Robindro hosted a feast for the visitors at homestays near Loktak Lake. Their visit highlighted the importance of environmental protection and strengthening relationships between hill and valley communities.

Manipur's Aromatic Rice Wins Global Excellence Award at BIRC 2026

Imphal, October 25: Manipur's aromatic rice has received a Global Excellence Award in the GI rice category at the Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC) 2026 in New Delhi. The award was presented on October 24, the second day of the conference, at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan. The state's Chak-Hao black aromatic rice and white aromatic rice varieties were showcased by a delegation led by Agriculture Director Peter Salam, along with entrepreneurs and Farmer Producer Organisations. Manipur received recognition for Indigenous Product Presentation and Innovation in Value-Added Rice Products, highlighting the state's traditional rice heritage and agricultural potential.

Three Polo Clubs Win Matches in State Tournament

Imphal, October 25: Loyalakpa Polo Club Team A of Sangaiprou, Paradise Polo Club of Wangkhei and Thangmeiband Youth Polo Club Team A won their respective matches in the 9th N. Hazari and Dr. N. Tombi State Polo Tournament at Mapal Kangjeibung. Loyalakpa defeated Nambul Mapal Polo Club of Khagempalli 9–1 in the opening match. Paradise Polo Club secured a 14–1 victory over Khoriphaba Polo Club of Nambol, while Thangmeiband Youth Polo Club Team A beat Thoubal Polo Club 9–0. The tournament is being held under the aegis of the Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association. Three more matches are scheduled for October 26.