Items filtered by date: Monday, 26 October 2026

CM Khemchand Visits Sunulok Victims’ Families, Meets Injured at Hospital

Imphal, October 26: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh visited the families of three victims of the October 19 Sunulok attack this morning, expressing solidarity with the bereaved. Accompanied by a security contingent and Lamlai MLA Kh. Ibomcha, the Chief Minister listened to residents’ concerns and assured them that the government would frame rules regulating entry into hill areas for work. He also said Kuki women had expressed gratitude over the arrest of cadres from Sinai Camp. Later, the Chief Minister visited Raj Medicity Hospital to check on people injured in the incident.

JAC Calls Off Statewide Shutdown After CM Visits Sunulok Victims’ Families

Imphal, October 26: The Joint Action Committee (JAC) formed over the October 19 Sunulok attack in Khongbal Tangkhul has called off its statewide total shutdown following Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh’s visit to the victims’ families. Speaking to the media at Nongshum, JAC co-convenor T. Somorjit said the shutdown was suspended after the Chief Minister personally met the bereaved families. However, he warned that further agitation would continue until justice was delivered. The JAC also submitted an 11-point memorandum to the Chief Minister, demanding, among other things, abrogation of the Suspension of Operations agreement with armed Kuki groups and strict action against those involved in the attack.

Artists’ Bodies Extend Solidarity, Financial Assistance to Sunulok Victims

Imphal, October 26: Members of Film Forum Manipur, AMMIK, the Manipur State Shumang Leela Council and the All Manipur Performing Artist Community visited the families affected by the Sunulok incident to express solidarity. The representatives met the victims’ families and extended financial assistance to the bereaved. The visit came amid continuing demands for justice following the October 19 attack in Sunulok, Khongbal Tangkhul, in which three civilians were killed and several others injured. The artists’ organisations joined others in offering support to the affected families during the difficult period.

Langthabal Meira Paibi Condemns Sunulok Killings, Demands Abrogation of SoO Pact

Imphal, October 26: Langthabal Apunba Meira Paibi organised a protest meeting at Langthabal Mantrikhong Community Hall today, condemning the killing of three civilians and injuries to several others in the recent Sunulok attack. The group alleged that armed Kuki militants were responsible for the violence and urged the governments of India and Manipur to take immediate action against those involved. Association secretary Y. Sunibala called for accountability and stronger measures to prevent further attacks. Protesters also demanded the immediate abrogation of the Suspension of Operations agreement with armed Kuki militant groups.

Mera Hou Chongba Celebrated at Sana Konung, Promoting Hill-Valley Unity

Imphal, October 26: Manipur’s annual Mera Hou Chongba festival, symbolising unity and peaceful coexistence between hill and valley communities, was celebrated today. Representatives from different hill districts gathered at Sana Konung, the royal palace, and exchanged traditional gifts. Led by titular King Leishemba Sanajaoba, the procession, joined by members of the royal family, priests, priestesses and the public, proceeded towards Kangla. Sana Konung Wangkheirakpa Laishram Poireiton described the festival as an important tradition bringing Manipur’s diverse communities together. He said the celebration dates back to the time of Nongda Lairen Pakhangba and continues through cultural and festive activities.

‘Meitei-Hao’ Reflects Longstanding Meitei-Naga Ties: Saranamei Village Chief

Imphal, October 26: Saranamei village chief M. Yao of Senapati district highlighted the longstanding relationship between the Meitei and Naga communities while attending the Mera Hou Chongba festival. He said the term “Meitei-Hao” reflects the historical connection between the two communities, which, he noted, share ancestral ties. Yao emphasised that the communities have maintained mutual affection and understanding over generations. His remarks came during the annual festival, which brings representatives from hill and valley areas together to strengthen relationships and promote peaceful coexistence across Manipur.

Traditional Rituals Mark Mera Hou Chongba 2026 at Kangla

Imphal, October 26: Mera Hou Chongba 2026 was marked by traditional rituals at Kangla Uttra Shanglen, where titular King Leishemba Sanajaoba led members of the royal family, Amaiba and Amaibi, representatives of the Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple Board, and chiefs from hill and valley districts. The participants arrived from Sana Konung for the celebration. Rituals including Men Tongba, Mera Wayungba and Yen Khong Tamba were performed at the sacred Kangla shrine. Leishemba Sanajaoba expressed hope that the festival would strengthen mutual trust, affection and peaceful coexistence among the people of Manipur.

CM Khemchand Calls Mera Hou Chongba a ‘Day of Integrity’

Imphal, October 26: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has called for stronger bonds between Manipur’s hill and valley communities, describing Mera Hou Chongba as a “Day of Integrity”. Speaking at the state-level celebration at Kangla, he said the centuries-old festival symbolises brotherhood, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence, tracing its origins to the reign of Nongda Lairen Pakhangba. He recalled the shared history of communities in defending Manipur and stressed the need to preserve their common heritage. The programme featured a traditional exchange of gifts, the release of a souvenir, presentation of the Mera Hou Chongba Award 2026 and cultural performances. The Chief Minister also praised titular King Leishemba Sanajaoba for facilitating a Hill Chiefs’ Guest House.

CM Inaugurates Regional College Building, Lays PHC Foundation Stone

Imphal, October 26: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh today inaugurated a new building block at Regional College in Lilong Chajing and laid the foundation stone for a Primary Health Centre at Langthabal Kunja Toupokpi in Imphal West. Addressing the gathering, he said the government was working to restore peace, improve connectivity and promote development in Manipur. Referring to the recent killing of three people, the Chief Minister said he had visited their families at Nungsum and met injured persons at Raj Medicity Hospital. On demands to withdraw the Suspension of Operations arrangement, he said security forces had occupied Sinai Camp in Kangpokpi district following an operation. Langthabal MLA Karam Shyam appealed to the public to support development initiatives.

Thokchom Radheshyam Urges Parents to Nurture Values of Unity and Compassion

Imphal, October 26: Manipur Government spokesperson and Heirok MLA Dr. Thokchom Radheshyam has stressed the importance of love, unity and positive thinking in building a peaceful and progressive society. He was speaking at the inauguration of a newly constructed public community hall at Heirok Part Mayai Leikai in Thoubal district. The building was constructed under the MLA Local Area Development Programme for 2025–26. Expressing concern over the decline of values such as compassion, gratitude and concern for others among children, Radheshyam urged parents and elders to nurture mutual respect and collective responsibility among the younger generation.

Wangkhei MLA Calls for Preservation of Meitei Culture and Traditions

Imphal, October 26: Wangkhei MLA Th. Arunkumar has emphasised the need to preserve the culture, traditions, language and script inherited from Meitei forefathers. He was speaking at the annual Mera Cheng Heiba and Apokpa Luklen Katpa rituals organised by Meetei Marup at Meitei Sanglen, Thambalkhong, today. During the event, statues of Laininghal Naoriya Phulo, Pukhrambam Surchand, Pukhrambam Ibomcha and Takhellambam Bokul were unveiled, along with memorial stones honouring 35 disciples. Kshetrigao MLA Sheikh Noorul Hassan and members of Meetei Marup attended the programme.

Manipur Police Reunites Missing 50-Year-Old Man With Family

Imphal, October 26: Manipur Police has reunited a 50-year-old man from Nambol Phoijing Awang Leikai with his family after he was found at Thanglongbung village in Kangpokpi district. The man, identified as Nandeibam Nilamani, was reportedly mentally unwell when a team from New Keithelmanbi Police Station came across him at around 6.30 pm yesterday. The team was led by Officer-in-Charge Inspector Rajib. Following his discovery, police took steps to reunite him with his family. The case highlights the role of police in assisting vulnerable individuals who become separated from their families.

Social Welfare Department Rescues Child, Arranges Shelter for Mother and Elderly Man

Imphal, October 26: The Manipur Social Welfare Department has rescued a child and identified the child’s mother following a viral social media post concerning an elderly man and a child at Polo Ground, Maning. According to the department, the mother and child were initially assisted at a One Stop Centre before being shifted to Shakti Sadan for continued care and shelter. The elderly man was reportedly moved to the New Life Foundation Rehabilitation Centre for care and rehabilitation. The department urged the public to report cases involving vulnerable people rather than merely sharing them online. Assistance is available through Child Helpline 1098, Women Helpline 181 and Elderline 14567.

Govindas Konthoujam Calls for Concrete Action to Protect Loktak Lake

Imphal, October 26: Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam has stressed that observing Loktak Day alone is insufficient and called for sustained, practical action to conserve Loktak Lake. He was speaking at the third Loktak Day 2026 celebration organised by the Youth Development Association at Ningthoukhong Higher Secondary School under the theme “Save Loktak, Save Our Future”. The programme featured a rally and painting competition, with citations and cash prizes presented to winners. Meira Paibi members, local residents and NCC students joined a rally from the school through roads along the lakeside to spread awareness about protecting the lake.

Three Poetry Collections Released at Manipuri Seireng Numit

Imphal, October 26: The Fiction and Poetry Club, Imphal, observed Manipuri Seireng Numit at the DIRP Auditorium in Keishampat today, releasing three poetry collections. The books were Hithangpham and Ithak Machasing, written by Tahir Ssajambam, and Thamoi Gi Meehutthong, authored by Lenin Khumacha. The club also posthumously presented the Mahakabi Anganghal Seireng Mana 2026 to noted theatre personality Ratan Thiyam for his poem Eibu Nungshibiyu Haide. Khundrakpam MLA Th. Lokeshwar, former Manipur University School of Humanities Dean Professor Chungkham Josobanta and club president Thoudam Netrajit attended the programme.

Manipur Trade Fair Opens at Mapal Kangjeibung, to Continue Till November 15

Imphal, October 26: The Manipur Trade Fair began at Mapal Kangjeibung today in connection with Ningol Chakkouba, featuring 150 stalls showcasing products from local entrepreneurs, including internally displaced persons. Kombirei Exhibition Firm general secretary Y. Tokendrajit appealed to all sections of society not to disrupt the fair, which is scheduled to continue until November 15. He clarified that the event has no gambling or entertainment stalls. Tokendrajit said the fair would remain closed during general strikes, bandhs and public movements, and urged the public to support the initiative to help revive Manipur’s economy.

Trade Fair Offers Lifeline to Small Businesses Amid Continuing Hardship

Imphal, October 26: Stall owner Sanasam Pemma has appealed to the public to support the Manipur Trade Fair, saying prolonged violence has caused widespread hardship, unemployment and economic losses across the state. Speaking to Impact News, Pemma said small business owners continue to face difficulties sustaining their livelihoods amid the challenging situation. The trade fair, which began at Mapal Kangjeibung in connection with Ningol Chakkouba, features 150 stalls promoting products from local entrepreneurs, including internally displaced persons. Organisers have urged the public to support the event as part of efforts to help businesses recover and revive Manipur’s economy.

NIT Manipur Begins Vigilance Awareness Week 2026

Imphal, October 26: The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Manipur began Vigilance Awareness Week 2026 at its Langol campus today under the theme “Probity for Prosperity”. The week-long observance will continue until November 1, with activities aimed at promoting integrity, transparency and accountability. NIT Manipur Director Professor Khumanthem Manglem and Registrar Professor Khumukcham Tomba highlighted the importance of ethical conduct, preventing corruption and ensuring the proper use of public resources. The inaugural programme included an integrity pledge by participants. Expert lectures and awareness activities are scheduled during the week, which will conclude with a valedictory session on November 1.

CRPF Launches Under-18 Football Tournament in Kangpokpi

Imphal, October 26: The 94 Battalion CRPF has launched an Under-18 men’s football tournament at Damdei Christian College in Kangpokpi district under the Khelo India initiative. Organised under the theme “Sports for Peace and Development”, the tournament aims to promote physical fitness, sportsmanship, social harmony and peace. Sixteen local teams are participating in the competition. The CRPF also provided the participating teams with jerseys, shorts and football boots to support young players. The inaugural programme was attended by 94 Battalion CRPF Commandant Ashok Kumar Singh and Damdei Christian College Vice-Principal Parmoi Haokip.