Items filtered by date: Wednesday, 30 September 2026

Manipur Pays Tribute to Hijam Irawat on 130th Birth Anniversary

Imphal, September 30: Manipur observed the 130th birth anniversary of Lamyanba Hijam Irawat with state-level tributes at Irawat Square, Thangmeiband Lilasing Khongnangkhong, Imphal. Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand highlighted Irawat’s contributions to social reform, journalism and the welfare of oppressed sections. He said the present generation should follow the leader’s ideals and work towards a transformed Manipur. Khemchand recalled Irawat’s efforts to promote peaceful coexistence among indigenous communities and his role in journalism through the publication of ‘Meitei Chanura’. Art and Culture Minister Kh. Loken also stressed the importance of translating Irawat’s ideals of community cooperation into action. MLAs, the Chief Secretary and senior police officials attended the observance.

AMUCO Observes Hijam Irawat’s Birth Anniversary

Imphal, September 30: The All Manipur United Clubs Organisation observed the 130th birth anniversary of Lamyanba Hijam Irawat at the Martyrs’ Memorial Complex, Thangmeiband Cheiraoching. Floral tributes were paid to the statue of the late leader as part of the observance. Speaking on the occasion, AMUCO President S. Sanjoy highlighted Irawat’s contributions to social change, politics, culture, economic self-reliance and youth affairs. He said Irawat’s commitment to society and his sacrifices for the people should not be forgotten. Sanjoy urged the younger generation to understand the values associated with the late leader and carry forward his contributions to social development and community welfare.

Hijam Irawat Birth Anniversary Observed at His Birthplace

Imphal, September 30: The 130th birth anniversary of Lamyanba Hijam Irawat was observed at his birthplace, Pishumthong Oinam Leikai. The programme was jointly organised by the Irabot Memorial Charitable Trust and Lamyanba Irabot Khongul Tung Inba Lup. Participants paid floral tributes at the memorial statue complex to honour the late leader. Trust Chairman Khoishnam Chingkheinganba, former member of the Manipur Human Rights Commission N. Nongyai and social scientist L. Dhanabir attended the programme. Members of the Manipuri community from Sylhet, Bangladesh, also took part in the observance. The programme highlighted Irawat’s contributions and his continuing relevance in discussions on Manipur’s social and political history.

MP Bimol Calls for Following Irawat’s Ideology

Imphal, September 30: Lok Sabha MP Dr Angomcha Bimol Akoijam has said merely offering floral tributes to Lamyanba Hijam Irawat will not be enough to build a better Manipur. He was speaking at Lamboikhongnangkhong in Uripok Assembly Constituency after receiving participants of a motorcycle rally organised to spread awareness of Irawat’s ideology. The rally was flagged off from Kangla and passed through various areas of the valley as part of the birth anniversary observance. Dr Bimol said Irawat had given up personal privileges to stand with oppressed and disadvantaged sections. He urged people to move beyond self-interest and incorporate Irawat’s principles into their lives and communities.

NIA Arrests Another Accused in Tronglaobi Rocket Attack Case

Bishnupur, September 30: The National Investigation Agency has arrested another accused in connection with the rocket attack at Tronglaobi Awang Leikai in Bishnupur district on April 7, in which two children were killed and their mother injured. The arrested person has been identified as 48-year-old Thangmang Haokip of Churachandpur. NIA arrested Haokip on September 25 and produced him before NIA Special Court-II in Imphal, which remanded him to 12 days of police custody. He is the second accused arrested in the case. Earlier, S. Pal Thadou-Kuki, identified by the NIA as an officer of the Kuki armed group UKNA, was arrested in August in connection with the investigation.

NIA Arrests Two More in Former CM Biren’s Convoy Ambush Case

Kangpokpi, September 30: The National Investigation Agency has arrested two more persons in connection with the armed ambush on the convoy of former Manipur Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh. The accused have been identified as 44-year-old Jangminlun Singson alias Franky of Bethel and 21-year-old Thangjoel Haokip alias Thangboi of Gamphajang Tuibong, both from Churachandpur. The ambush took place on June 10, 2024, along National Highway 37 near K. Sinam village in Kangpokpi district, injuring two security personnel and damaging government vehicles. The accused were produced before the Special Court for NIA Cases in Thoubal and remanded to eight days of police custody.

CM Says Irawat’s Ideals Remain Relevant

Imphal, September 30: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand has described Lamyanba Hijam Irawat as a leader who sacrificed personal interests for the welfare of the people and the motherland. He was speaking at a 130th Irawat Day observance organised by the team of Keishamthong MLA S. Nishikant Sapam at Sega Road Thoda Bhabok Leikai. Khemchand highlighted Irawat’s contributions to journalism, social transformation and unity between the hills and valley. He also recalled the role of Irawat’s journals in shaping public awareness. Keishamthong MLA Nishikant Sapam, Thangmeiband MLA Kh. Joykishan and local residents attended the programme, which also featured cultural performances.

Keirao MLA Calls on Youth to Follow Irawat’s Ideals

Imphal, September 30: Keirao MLA Lourembam Rameshwor has urged young people to follow the ideals of Lamyanba Hijam Irawat through action rather than limiting the birth anniversary observance to functions and floral tributes. He made the remarks during a cleanliness drive at Urup Khunou organised by the Urup Khunou Youth Club. MLA Rameshwor and club members participated in cleaning the surrounding areas as part of the observance. He said Irawat’s vision of social transformation should inspire the younger generation to contribute to society. The cleanliness drive combined the commemoration with a community service activity aimed at improving the local environment. Speaking during the cleanliness drive, Rameshwor cited concerns over illegal immigration linked to instability in neighbouring Myanmar. He said NRC updation is necessary to safeguard the interests of future generations.

RPI Athawale Leader Urges People to Follow Irawat’s Spirit

Imphal, September 30,: RPI Athawale National Secretary Maheshwar Thounaojam has said people who honour Lamyanba Hijam Irawat should also follow his spirit of sacrifice and service to the motherland. Maheshwar made the remarks after paying floral tribute to Irawat’s statue at Pishum Oinam Leikai and attending a birth anniversary observance at the RPI Manipur State office in Haobam Marak. He said Irawat made significant contributions to the development of Manipur and dedicated his life to the people. Maheshwar urged the present generation to draw inspiration from Irawat’s courage, sacrifice and commitment to the welfare of society.

Chirag Paswan Scheduled to Visit Manipur in October

Imphal, September 30: Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) leader and Union Minister Chirag Paswan is scheduled to visit Manipur in October, according to LJP Ram Vilas Manipur State President Khoirom Deepu. Speaking during a 130th birth anniversary observance of Lamyanba Hijam Irawat at the party office in Keishampat, Deepu said Paswan would meet youths and women during his visit. He said the Union Minister is expected to interact with women vendors at Ima Market and people staying in relief camps. Deepu said the visit would also focus on discussing the role of youth and women in politics and the party’s position on issues concerning Manipur.

UMPCM Observes Irawat Birth Anniversary, Highlights ‘Idea of Manipur’

Imphal, September 30: The United Meitei Pangal Committee Manipur observed the 130th birth anniversary of Lamyanba Hijam Irawat at Hotel Classic Grande, Chingmeirong. Speaking at the programme, former UNLF chairman RK Sanayaima said the present situation in Manipur has created serious concerns over the future of the state and relations among communities. He stressed the importance of the “Idea of Manipur” in the prevailing circumstances. UMPCM President Alhaj Moulana Maheiyuddin Mazahiri, Manipur University Anthropology Professor W. Nabakumar, Moirang College Principal Dr Raheijuddin Sheikh and other representatives of Pangal civil society organisations attended the observance.

Manipur University Law Department Observes Irawat Birth Anniversary

Imphal, September 30: The Department of Law and Centre for Human Rights and Duties Education at Manipur University observed the 130th birth anniversary of Lamyanba Hijam Irawat. Speaking at the programme, Head of the Law Department Dr Yumnam Premananda described Irawat as a social reformer and a figure widely regarded as the Father of Modern Manipur. He said Irawat envisioned a society based on liberty, equality and justice through the rule of law. Dr Premananda urged people to uphold Irawat’s ideals rather than merely remembering his struggles. The programme also featured felicitation of PhD awardees and UGC-NET qualifiers and a poetry session involving 22 poets.

New Irawat Statue Unveiled at Konthoujam

Imphal, September 30: The Irabot Foundation Committee of Konthoujam Lairembi Leikai observed the 130th birth anniversary of Lamyanba Hijam Irawat by unveiling a newly erected statue of the late leader. Committee member Konthoujam Bira spoke about the peasant movement led by Irawat and its impact on social change in Manipur. He said the movement played an important role in bringing changes to society during Irawat’s time. Bira called upon the younger generation to understand and uphold Irawat’s ideals. The programme formed part of the state-wide observances marking the 130th birth anniversary of the leader and his contributions to social transformation.

Meiteis in Tripura Observe Hijam Irawat’s Birth Anniversary

Agartala, September 30: Manipuri organisations and members of the Meitei community in Tripura observed the 130th birth anniversary of Lamyanba Hijam Irawat at different locations. Organisations including the Leikol Manipuri Cultural Organisation, Patriotic Writers Forum Tripura, Manipuri Literature and Cultural Forum, Tripura, and Manipuri Sahitya Parishad jointly paid floral tributes to Irawat. Similar programmes were also held in Dharmanagar, where participants remembered the late leader and his contributions to society. The observances formed part of programmes organised by Manipuri organisations outside Manipur to commemorate Irawat’s birth anniversary and highlight his role in the social, political and cultural history of the Manipuri community.

Faculty Development Programme Held on Revised B.Pharm Curriculum

Imphal, September 30: Khongnangthaba University, Imphal, and the Pharmacy Council of India, New Delhi, jointly organised a one-day Faculty Development Programme on the revised B.Pharm Curriculum 2026 at Hotel Imphal, North AOC. PCI President Dr Montukumar M. Patel said the revised curriculum is aligned with the vision of NEP 2020 and introduces areas including artificial intelligence and medical devices. He said the programme would help pharmacy educators understand the changes and improve teaching and learning outcomes. Khongnangthaba University Vice Chancellor Professor N. Joykumar said the university was the first institute in Manipur to receive PCI accreditation and outlined plans to expand its campus and infrastructure.

State Handloom Expo Concludes at Urban Haat

Imphal, September 30: The 14-day State Handloom Expo, or Hathkargha Mela, organised by the Manipur Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation at Urban Haat, Nilakuthi, concluded with a closing ceremony. Corporation Chairman Kh. Ibomcha highlighted the importance of the handloom and handicraft sector, which he said provides the second-highest employment after agriculture. He assured that efforts would be made to ensure eligible weavers and artisans receive benefits under state and Central schemes. Ibomcha also announced steps to address travel allowances and withheld funds. Handloom and Textiles Director Waikhom Ibohal stressed the need to explore new markets and adopt technical inputs to expand the reach of Manipur’s handloom and handicraft products.

Security Forces Destroy Suspected NSCN-IM Bunker in Noney

Noney, September 30: Security forces have destroyed a bunker suspected to have been used as a hideout by NSCN-IM cadres at Taodaijang under Nungba Police Station in Noney district. A combined team of the CRPF and state forces conducted the operation on Tuesday afternoon and torched the bunker. According to sources, the occupants of the bunker managed to escape before security personnel reached the location. The operation was carried out as part of security measures in the area. Further security assessment of the location and surrounding areas is expected as authorities continue monitoring suspected militant activity.

IMD Issues Yellow Warning for Heavy Rainfall in Manipur

Imphal, September 30: The India Meteorological Department, Imphal Centre, has issued a Yellow Warning for isolated heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms in several parts of Manipur over the next one to two days. Heavy rainfall is likely in Tamenglong, Senapati, Ukhrul, Kamjong, Jiribam, Tengnoupal and Chandel districts. Rainfall is also expected at many places in Tamenglong, Senapati, Kangpokpi, Ukhrul, Kamjong, Jiribam, Noney, Tengnoupal, Chandel, Churachandpur and Pherzawl, while isolated showers are forecast in the remaining districts. Similar rainfall activity is expected to continue tomorrow, with showers likely in several hill districts and isolated areas of the valley.

Minister Calls for Sports to Remain Free From Political Interference

Bishnupur, September 30: Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Govindas Konthoujam has said political interference in sports can negatively affect the development of athletes and sporting institutions. He made the remarks at a reception for Arjuna Awardee Naorem Roshibina, who won a silver medal at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The reception was organised by the Kwasiphai Apunba Reception Committee at Kwasiphai Mayai Community Hall in Bishnupur district. The Minister felicitated Roshibina and presented gifts in recognition of her achievement. He said sports federations should remain free from political involvement and stated that the government would raise the issue with the concerned federation.