Items filtered by date: Sunday, 18 October 2026

Fresh Arson Attacks Reported in Pilong and Skipe

Kamjong, October 18: Fresh arson attacks were reported in Pilong and Skipe villages early Sunday, hours after security forces controlled a clash between Naga and Kuki groups. Houses were allegedly set on fire around 4:30 am. The previous day’s clash left one Kuki person dead and four injured, while three Nagas sustained gunshot wounds. Around 10 houses were reportedly torched. Additional BSF personnel were deployed, but fresh arson followed. Both villages were uninhabited, and an unmanned police outpost at Skipe was reportedly burnt. Bullets also damaged Chassad Police Station.

MLA Leishiyo Keishing Condemns Kamjong Violence, Seeks Stay on SP Transfer

Kamjong, October 18: Phungyar MLA Leishiyo Keishing condemned the firing in Kamjong and Chassad and subsequent arson in Pilong and Skipe. He appealed to both Naga and Kuki communities to avoid further violence and said he had been working to restore peace. Keishing alleged the clash began when a group led by the chiefs of Chassad and Kachoubung attempted to enter disputed land and establish bunkers. He also demanded a stay on the transfer of Kamjong SP Tholu Rockey, questioning the government’s decision amid the renewed violence.

IPOM Observes Manipur’s Third National Democracy Day

Imphal, October 18: The Indigenous People’s Organisation Manipur observed the third National Democracy Day at JN Manipur Dance Academy, commemorating the first sitting of the Manipur Assembly on October 18, 1948. IPOM General Secretary W. Binoy Luwang highlighted the day’s historical significance and urged communities to set aside differences to address the ongoing crisis. He also called for identifying outside influences allegedly fostering distrust and hatred. Retired Professor W. Nabakumar, Joint Tribe Council Convenor Merajao Kabui, DMU Associate Professor Dr. A. Noni and other prominent figures attended.

CCSK Calls for Unity to Safeguard Manipur’s Identity

Imphal, October 18: Committee of Civil Society Kangleipak President Jeetendra Ningomba called for unity to safeguard Manipur and preserve its distinct identity. Speaking at an observance marking the first sitting of the Manipur Legislative Assembly on October 18, 1948, he stressed the importance of the state’s first elected government after British rule. Ningomba also called for a government that treats all communities equally. Wangkhei MLA Thangjam Arunkumar, retired Commissioner R.K. Nimai, university academics, medical professionals and other dignitaries attended the programme.

MMTU Accuses Forest Department of Failing to Protect Forest Areas

Imphal, October 18: The Meetei Meitei Tribe Union alleged that the Forest Department had permitted illegal settlement by Myanmar nationals in Manipur’s reserve and protected forests. The union also accused the department of failing to curb alleged poppy cultivation involving forest clearance in hill areas. According to MMTU, these activities had contributed to the entry of immigrants into the state, while the department had failed to maintain law in the hills. The allegations were made in a statement by the organisation.

MLA Sushindro Visits Irabot’s Resting Place in Myanmar

Imphal, October 18: Khurai MLA L. Sushindro visited the final resting place of Lamyanba Hijam Irabot at Taungbo-Sedaw in Myanmar to lay the groundwork for a proposed memorial park. A construction committee was formed with Sushindro as convenor, while site acquisition is underway pending approval. He said the riverbank where Irabot was cremated had been washed away. Sushindro also visited the Ibudhou Pakhangba shrine in Mandalay, pledged preservation efforts, attended Rajshri Bhagyachandra’s 228th death anniversary and donated one crore Myanmar kyat for rebuilding temples and mandaps damaged in the 2025 earthquake.

Yairipok Shopkeepers Protest Monetary Demands

Thoubal, October 18: Shopkeepers around Yairipok Bazar staged a protest at the market’s traffic island, demanding the withdrawal of monetary demands allegedly imposed on them by certain individuals and organisations. One shopkeeper said traders had been meeting the demands previously but called for them to stop, citing the prevailing situation in Manipur, declining sales and personal financial pressures. The protesters urged those making the demands to consider the difficulties faced by small businesses.

Two Arrested With 804 Grams of Brown Sugar in Senapati

Senapati, October 18: A joint team of Senapati District Police and personnel from F/142 CRPF and B/109 CRPF arrested two people during frisking and checking at Khongnem Thana village. The accused were identified as 31-year-old Tarsus and 40-year-old Sarah, both residents of Laii village under Tungjoy Police Station. Security personnel seized 45 soap cases containing approximately 804 grams of brown sugar, along with a Scorpio SUV bearing registration number NL01-H6-982. The arrests took place on Saturday.

Classic Table Tennis Academy Inaugurated at Khabeisoi

Imphal, October 18: BABINA Group inaugurated the Classic Table Tennis Academy at BM Auditorium on the BABINA Hospital campus in Khabeisoi. Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Govindas inaugurated the academy, which aims to develop young players through structured coaching and competitive opportunities. The academy will cover 80 per cent of coaching fees, charging players a nominal amount. Dr. Thangjam Dhabali said the initiative would address Manipur’s limited progress in table tennis despite its achievements in other sports. Officials, sports representatives and enthusiasts attended, followed by a friendly match.