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Items filtered by date: Thursday, 22 October 2026

Thursday, 22 October 2026 18:57

News in Brief 22 October 2026

Missing Cadres Yet to Return to Sinai Camp

Kangpokpi, October 22: Cadres reportedly remain absent from Sinai Camp, a designated camp for the Kuki Liberation Army (KLA) and Kuki National Army (KNA), despite a deadline issued by the CRPF for their return. According to Impact News sources, only 18 people were present when security personnel cordoned off the camp on October 20, although it is reportedly meant to accommodate around 150 cadres. Only one of those present was reportedly on the Suspension of Operations (SoO) cadre list. The remaining 17 are undergoing verification. The camp remains under security cordon as joint security teams continue their operation.

COCOMI Launches Campaign Against SoO Agreement

Imphal, October 22: The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), along with hill-based organisations, has launched a campaign demanding the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups. A public rally involving hill and valley residents is scheduled for October 31 to oppose what COCOMI describes as a proxy war and the SoO agreement. Speaking during a protest outside the United Committee Manipur office at Lamphel, convenor YK Dhiren accused the state and central governments of prolonging the crisis. He cited the recent killing of three Nongshum residents and injuries to three others, demanding accountability.

Protests Across Manipur Over Nongshum Killings

Imphal, October 22: Protests were held across Manipur following an appeal by the Joint Action Committee formed over the Nongshum killings, urging people to cease work and stage demonstrations. In Imphal East, residents held protests at several locations along the Imphal-Ukhrul Road. Shops at Lamlong Bazar and adjoining areas remained closed. Members of Napet Palli Meira Paibi and local clubs organised a sit-in at Napet Palli Mayai Leikai Community Hall. Similar demonstrations were reported at Lamlai Bazar, Pungdongbam Lamkhai, Yourabung, Itam Nungoi, Sawombung, Tejpur, Kangla Road and parts of Khurai.

Khwairamband Women Vendors Protest, Demand Justice

Imphal, October 22: Women vendors of Khwairamband Ima Market joined protests demanding justice for the victims of the Khongbal Tangkhul attack. The vendors suspended their day’s work, raised slogans condemning the government’s handling of the security situation and demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand and other leaders. They also organised a rally from Shamu Makhong towards Nagamapal, passing through Mall Road via Kasturi Bridge before returning to the starting point. City Police made security arrangements during the march. Market representative Ksh. Shanti criticised the government’s leadership, holding it responsible for the continuing violence in Manipur.

PDA President Calls for Withdrawal From Tripartite Talks

Imphal, October 22: People's Democratic Alliance president Yumnam Joykumar has said restoring peace in Manipur would be difficult unless the state government takes a decisive stand and withdraws from tripartite talks involving Kuki armed groups, the Centre and the state. Visiting families affected by the Khongbal Tangkhul attack, Joykumar cited reports of missing weapons and cadres from the designated Sinai camp, describing them as possible violations of SoO ground rules. He said local residents believed the attack could have been prevented if the MPA battalion had remained at Nongshum after its withdrawal in June. He warned that continued violence could trigger a major public uprising.

Local Residents Question Government’s Claims of Restored Peace

Imphal, October 22: Social worker Heikrujam Rajeshwar has questioned government claims that peace has returned to Manipur, saying the situation on the ground tells a different story. He suggested that restoring the MPA camp at Nongshum and ending the Suspension of Operations agreement with Kuki militant groups could help restore security in the area. Local resident Konjengbam Abung also criticised the response of the Assam Rifles during the Khongbal Tangkhul attack. He alleged that personnel failed to provide immediate assistance to the victims and prevented others from reaching them. The allegations have added to public demands for accountability following the killings.

CPI Criticises Government Over Law-and-Order Situation

Imphal, October 22: Former CPI Manipur State secretary L. Sotinkumar has criticised the state government over its handling of the ongoing law-and-order crisis. Speaking during a protest meeting organised by the CPI Manipur State Council at Irawat Bhawan, he said the government’s authority had become ineffective amid continuing violence and unrest. Sotinkumar accused political leaders of focusing on inauguration and unveiling ceremonies instead of taking coordinated action to resolve the crisis. The protest was organised under the banner “Protest Meeting Against the Failure of Law and Order in Manipur,” with demands for stronger government intervention to restore peace.

Former Education Minister Questions Continued Violence in Manipur

Imphal, October 22: Former Education Minister Dr. Khumujam Ratankumar has criticised the government for failing to resolve Manipur’s prolonged crisis. Speaking at a blood donation camp organised by the Mayang Imphal Block Youth Congress Committee in association with Helping Hands for People’s Mayai Lambi Chapter and Shija Hospitals, he expressed concern over the attack on civilians following a brief period of relative calm in valley areas. He questioned why such incidents continued despite the deployment of additional central security forces. Around 50 people donated blood at the camp.

Samajwadi Party Alleges State Government Has Lost Authority

Imphal, October 22: Samajwadi Party Manipur president Konthoujam Bishorjit has alleged that the Centre has deprived the state government of its authority. Speaking after visiting families affected by the Nongshum incident, Bishorjit criticised political leaders for remaining silent while civilians continue to be killed. He said lasting peace would require equal application of the law in both hill and valley areas. He also alleged that militants were moving freely in the hills while strict enforcement measures were being applied in valley areas. Bishorjit called for a fair and consistent approach to security and law enforcement across the state.

Governor Reviews Indo-Myanmar Border Fencing Progress

Imphal, October 22: Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla reviewed the progress of ongoing Indo-Myanmar border fencing works during a meeting at Lok Bhavan in Imphal. The meeting was attended by the Chief Secretary, Security Advisor, Director General of Police, Additional Chief Secretary, Commissioner (Home), Border Roads Task Force officers and Assam Rifles representatives. Officials from Churachandpur, Chandel, Kamjong, Tengnoupal and Ukhrul districts participated virtually. Colonel Dev, Commanding Officer of the 25 Border Roads Task Force, delivered a detailed presentation on the progress of the fencing project. The meeting reviewed the status of work along the international border.

DGP Mukesh Singh Reviews Security Situation in Kamjong

Kamjong, October 22: Manipur Director General of Police Mukesh Singh visited Kamjong district to assess the ground situation and review the prevailing law-and-order conditions. He was accompanied by the Additional Director General of Police in charge of Law and Order and the Deputy Inspector General of BSF, Manipur headquarters. During the visit, Singh interacted with police personnel and reviewed security arrangements. Officials from the 11 Assam Rifles and the Border Security Force also participated in a review meeting. The DGP later met representatives of Kuki and Naga civil society organisations to discuss the situation in the district.

Manipur University Hosts Recruitment Drive for Jobs in Japan

Imphal, October 22: Manipur University hosted a recruitment drive offering employment opportunities in Japan, with representatives from six Japanese social welfare corporations participating. A 20-member Japanese delegation arrived at the university ahead of the recruitment process. The drive was organised by the university’s Department of Vocational Studies and Skill Development in collaboration with NSDC International and other participating organisations. The Japanese organisations involved were Fukushi Gakudan, Life No Gakkou, Gasshoen, Mineyama, Kuneikai and Goshiki. The initiative aimed to connect candidates with potential employment opportunities in Japan’s social welfare sector.

KVK Thoubal Launches Khet Bachaao Abhiyaan for Rabi 2026

Thoubal, October 22: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Thoubal launched its “Khet Bachaao Abhiyaan – Rabi 2026” campaign at Thoubal Pakhangkhong Leirak Community Hall. The programme will include technical sessions on soil-test-based nutrient management, balanced fertiliser use, natural farming, rabi crop seed production, Kisan Credit Cards and Soil Health Cards. A farmer-scientist interaction programme is also planned. KVK Thoubal senior scientist and head in-charge Dr. Kh. Premlata highlighted concerns over declining soil fertility and said the campaign would involve government departments, scientists, Central Agricultural University experts and KVK specialists to promote sustainable farming practices.

Red Cross Training on Crisis Preparedness Concludes in Bishnupur

Bishnupur, October 22: A training programme on “Crisis Preparedness and Response” for volunteers of the Indian Red Cross Society’s Bishnupur District Branch concluded at Kiyamba Ningshing Shanglen. The programme was jointly organised by the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Indian Red Cross Society National Headquarters and the Manipur State Branch. The closing event was attended by Manipur State Branch chairman Narendra Ningomba, vice-chairman Dr. Laishram Manglem, treasurer Premjit Naoroibam and Bishnupur District Branch chairperson Meinam Ibemhal, among others. The training focused on strengthening volunteers’ preparedness and response capabilities during emergencies.

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