Items filtered by date: Thursday, 29 October 2026

Fresh Tension Erupts in Tamenglong, Houses Set Ablaze

Imphal, October 29: Fresh tension erupted in Tamenglong district on Thursday following a brief lull in incidents involving Naga and Kuki communities. According to Impact News sources, armed miscreants allegedly belonging to the Kuki community entered Tazai Kaiphun Part-3 under Nungba Police Station around 3:30 pm and set fire to several Naga houses. Naga Village Guards reportedly rushed to the area, triggering an exchange of fire from around 4 pm in Kekru Naga and Tazai Kaiphun village areas. Automatic weapons were reportedly used. No casualties or injuries had been reported at the time of reporting. Sources said security forces had yet to reach the remote area.

CM Seeks Enhanced Central Assistance for Manipur

Imphal, October 29: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at Kartavya Bhawan in New Delhi on Thursday and sought enhanced central assistance to address Manipur’s financial crisis. The Chief Minister highlighted the state government’s efforts to maintain fiscal discipline, ensure timely payment of salaries and pensions, and implement Externally Aided Projects and Centrally Sponsored Schemes. He also sought additional funding under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment scheme, citing revenue losses suffered by Manipur over the past three years. Sitharaman reportedly assured him of all possible assistance. Khemchand presented her with a traditional Lengyan and a painting of Radha-Krishna.

Delhi Court Extends Interim Protection to MP Bimol Akoijam

Imphal, October 29: A Delhi court has extended interim protection to sitting MP Dr. Angomcha Bimol Akoijam in connection with FIR No. 309/2026 registered at Vasant Kunj North Police Station. The next hearing has been scheduled for November 2. During Thursday’s proceedings, the prosecution questioned the court’s jurisdiction, arguing that the matter should be heard by the Special Court for MP/MLA cases at Rouse Avenue. The defence maintained that the court could consider the bail application before the chargesheet was filed. The court granted both sides time to submit further arguments supported by case laws and directed the investigating officer to file a reply. Interim protection will continue until the next hearing.

Pukhao Women’s Wing Questions Reported Arms Recovery

Imphal, October 29: The women’s wing of United Pukhao, Makeng Dolaithabi Gram Panchayat, has disputed the reported recovery of a large cache of weapons at Pukhao Terapur in Imphal East district on Wednesday. Speaking to the media, women’s wing Secretary Nongmeikapam Bimota claimed that security personnel reached the area but returned after proceeding only up to the foothills, without conducting a search operation. She said Pukhao Terapur lies adjacent to Kuki villages and that residents have been unable to carry out farming activities. Bimota demanded clarification from 33 Assam Rifles and the Special Commandos regarding the reported arms recovery.

Maring Organisations Demand Unconditional Release of Leader

Imphal, October 29: Maring organisations staged a protest at Tuishimi Keithel near Pallel on Thursday, demanding the unconditional release of Maring Uparup Assembly General Secretary Charanga Merungkham, who was detained by Manipur Police on October 27. The protest was jointly organised by Pallel Apunba Meira Paibi Lup, Maring Napuya Yinglam, the Maring Uparup Assembly and the Maring Students Union. Maring Napuya Yinglam President Adim described the detention of a key leader of the community’s apex body as unacceptable. MUA President W. Hangshing Maring termed the allegations against Merungkham baseless. Protesters appealed to Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand, Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho and Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam to ensure his unconditional release.

CRPF Director General Concludes Three-Day Manipur Visit

Imphal, October 29: Central Reserve Police Force Director General Gyanendra Pratap concluded his three-day visit to Manipur on Thursday. During his stay, he visited the CRPF Manipur and Nagaland Sector headquarters at Langjing and held a high-level security meeting with officials. He also met Governor, Security Advisor and Police Director General at Lok Bhavan to review the law-and-order situation in the state. As part of the visit, the CRPF chief travelled to the CoBRA camp at Chil Chil in Kangpokpi district, where he met personnel of the elite force. The visit included engagements with security officials amid the continuing law-and-order challenges in Manipur.

Imphal East Health Staff Protest Against Extortion Demands

Imphal, October 29: Health services staff of Imphal East district staged a sit-in at SAYC Ground, Soibam Leikai, on Thursday, protesting against groups allegedly making exorbitant monetary demands from healthcare institutions. AMN staff member S. Radharani said the demands had created fear and insecurity among healthcare workers and appealed to the groups concerned not to disrupt their duties. The staff also highlighted their heavier workload and longer working hours compared with colleagues in other districts. Doctors under the Chief Medical Officer of Imphal East, nurses and Grade-IV staff participated in the protest, calling attention to the difficulties faced by healthcare personnel while carrying out their responsibilities.

Imphal City Police Round Up 12 Drug Users for Rehabilitation

Imphal, October 29: Imphal City Police rounded up 12 drug users from different parts of the city on Thursday and handed them over to rehabilitation centres for treatment. Four individuals were sent to Anouba Mangal Trust Centre, five to New Born Rehabilitation Centre at Leikinthabi Santipur, and three to New Dawn Centre at Langol Type-II. Anouba Mangal Trust Centre Project Coordinator Hijam Kishorchand said treatment would be provided free of cost, beginning with a 45-day course that could be extended by up to two months if required. He added that efforts would be made to trace their families and support their rehabilitation. One of those taken into care was reportedly seen consuming drugs in public at Nagamapal in a viral video.

Churachandpur Police Seize Over 7.7 Kg of Brown Sugar

Imphal, October 29: Churachandpur Police have arrested a 29-year-old man and seized 7 kilograms and 732 grams of brown sugar during an anti-drug operation at Valpakot Village in Churachandpur district. According to a police report, the arrested person has been identified as Lunminlal Mate, a resident of Longja Village in Chandel district. The seizure was made during the operation as part of efforts to curb the illegal drug trade. Police have not provided further details in the information available for this report regarding the suspected source or intended destination of the seized substance.

SSUM Accuses Government of Inaction Over COHSEM Examination Concerns

Imphal, October 29: The Socialist Students’ Union of Manipur (SSUM) has criticised the state government for allegedly failing to act against the Controller of Examinations of the Council of Higher Secondary Education, Manipur (COHSEM), over a purported breach of examination confidentiality. Speaking at its Lalambung office in Imphal on Thursday, SSUM President S. Yaima alleged that the newly appointed Controller met teachers assigned to prepare question papers for next year’s examinations to discuss examination confidentiality. He claimed the meeting violated examination norms and could undermine fairness while raising concerns over possible question paper leaks. Yaima said the union had earlier locked the office and submitted memorandums to the Chief Minister and Governor, demanding action against the Controller.

CPI, Nupi Marup Demand Resettlement of IDPs and Better Law and Order

Imphal, October 29: The CPI Imphal East District and All Manipur Nupi Marup staged a protest at Khurai Sajor Leikai on Thursday, demanding the resettlement of internally displaced persons, strict enforcement of law and order in hill and valley areas, and protection of Manipur’s territorial integrity. A protest rally was later taken out up to Lamlong Market. CPI State Council spokesperson R.K. Amusana accused the BJP-led government of failing to protect lives and property and resolve the ongoing crisis in the state. He urged people to withdraw their faith in the government and demanded that its leaders resign on moral grounds. The organisations called for measures to address displacement and restore stability.

Only 15,000 Weavers Buying Subsidised Yarn: Handloom Corporation MD

Imphal, October 29: Manipur Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation Managing Director Th. Basanta said only around 15,000 weavers are purchasing subsidised yarn provided by the Corporation, despite more than four lakh weavers and approximately 70,000 artisans holding Pehchan Cards. He was speaking at a seminar held at Palace Compound, Imphal East, in connection with the Mera Hou Chongba Festive Fair organised by District Handlooms and Textiles, Imphal. Basanta said clusters had been established in 16 districts to improve workspaces for women weavers. Support includes free yarn, looms, work sheds and solar lamps, while a mobile app is being launched to facilitate yarn procurement. He added that efforts were underway to secure Geographical Indication tags for additional traditional products.

Vigilance Official Raises Concern Over Normalisation of Corruption

Imphal, October 29: Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Department Additional SP M. Bishorjit has expressed concern over what he described as the normalisation of corruption in Manipur, saying many people have come to accept practices such as paying bribes as routine. He was speaking on the sidelines of a one-day Anti-Corruption Awareness and Preventive Vigilance Workshop held at the Civil Secretariat, Mantripukhri, on Thursday as part of the nationwide Vigilance Awareness Week. Bishorjit said the department receives very few corruption complaints, limiting its ability to take effective action. Retired CBI Joint Director (Training) N. M. Singh attended the workshop as a resource person.

Mahila Kavya Manch Holds 30th Poetry Competition

Imphal, October 29: Mahila Kavya Manch, Manipur, organised its 30th Poetry Competition at Dosuyali Hall, Kwakeithel Moirang Purel Leikai, on Thursday. MPCC General Secretary Seram Niken, Mahila Kavya Manch Manipur President Dr. Ksh. Subhadani and renowned writer Th. Binapani attended the event as chief attendees. Former Convenor of the Manipuri Language Advisory Board, N. Kirankumar, served as moderator. The competition provided a platform for participants to present their poetry and promote literary expression. The programme brought together individuals associated with literature and cultural activities in Manipur.

Pherzawl Administration Steps Up Preparations for 2027 Assembly Polls

Imphal, October 29: The District Election Office and district administration of Pherzawl have intensified preparations for the 2027 Manipur Legislative Assembly elections, focusing on advance planning, coordination among departments and essential facilities at polling stations. A review meeting was held at the conference hall of the Deputy Commissioner’s Camp Office under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer Anunay Anand. ADC and Additional District Election Officer Zosanglur Joute and district-appointed nodal officers attended the meeting. Discussions centred on election preparedness, particularly the provision of minimum assured facilities at polling stations. The administration is seeking to ensure that necessary arrangements are made well ahead of the elections.

DM College Hosts First Aid Training for Volunteers

Imphal, October 29: A one-day first aid training programme was held at DM College Hall on Thursday, jointly organised by the NSS, Red Cross Society Manipur and Research Club of DM University. Volunteers from the Red Cross Society Manipur demonstrated first aid techniques during the programme. NSS Programme Officer Dr. L. Sanjoy stressed the importance of first aid, noting that everyone may encounter injuries or illness at some point. DM College of Science Principal Professor Ksh. Birbal, DMU Dean of Life Science Professor L. Hemchandra, Dean of Students’ Welfare Professor Th. Rabikanta, Indian Red Cross Society Manipur State Branch General Secretary A. Nabachandra and Research Club Secretary General Naorem Wangamba attended the event.

Blood Donation Camp Held Ahead of National Unity Day

Imphal, October 29: CID (Security), JNIMS Blood Centre and Indian Red Cross Society units of Thoubal and Imphal East jointly organised a blood donation camp at the CID (Security) office complex in Babupara on Thursday, ahead of National Unity Day on October 31. A total of 52 people, including CID (Security) SP Saklemba Rajkumar, security personnel and Red Cross members, donated blood. SP Saklemba said blood donation was a meaningful way to observe the occasion, which commemorates the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. JNIMS Blood Centre In-charge Dr. Geetchandra said the growth of donor groups had helped ease Manipur’s blood shortage.

KCP (PWG) MC Unification Extends Ningol Chakouba Greetings

Imphal, October 29: KCP (PWG) MC Unification has extended greetings to the women of Manipur on the occasion of Ningol Chakouba 2026. In a statement signed by its PRO Chingkheinganba, the outfit wished the people a peaceful and joyful celebration while expressing concern over the hardships faced by residents amid the prevailing situation. It appealed to the public to avoid excessive spending and instead purchase locally made food items, clothing and gifts. The statement said supporting indigenous producers would help strengthen the state’s economy. Ningol Chakouba is an important traditional festival in Manipur, centred on family reunions and the bond between married women and their parental families.

NPPA Revises Prices of 543 Anti-Cancer Medicine Brands

Imphal, October 29: The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has released a list of 543 anti-cancer medicine brands with revised maximum retail prices, effective November 9. The list incorporates information submitted by companies up to October 27 and will be updated as manufacturers provide revised prices for non-scheduled anti-cancer drugs. According to the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, several brands have recorded substantial price reductions. RPG Life Sciences’ Fulbreca has reportedly seen its MRP reduced from more than Rs. 26,000 to Rs. 5,049, while Abbott Healthcare’s BEVACIZAB has been cut from over Rs. 21,767 to around Rs. 5,930. The revision follows the NPPA’s October 17 announcement on trade margin rationalisation for 137 non-scheduled anti-cancer drugs, aimed at making cancer treatment more affordable.

Manipur Police, Ex Polo Club Advance in State Polo Tournament

Imphal, October 29: Manipur Police Sports Club Team B and Ex Polo Club Wangkhei advanced in the ongoing 39th N. Hazari and Dr. N. Tombi State Polo Tournament at Mapal Kangjeibung, Imphal. In the quarter-final matches played on Thursday, Manipur Police Sports Club Team B defeated Youth Polo Club 4–2, while Ex Polo Club Wangkhei registered a 14–4 victory over Tekcham Polo Club. The tournament is being organised under the aegis of the Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association. Luwangpokpa Polo Club Luwangsangbam is scheduled to face Chingkheihunba Polo Club Kongpal, while Manipur Police Sports Club Team A will take on Assam Rifles Polo Team A in the remaining quarter-finals on Friday.

State Powerlifting Championships Begin in Imphal

Imphal, October 29: The 16th Manipur State Sub-Junior, Junior, Senior and Masters Men’s and Women’s Powerlifting Championship, along with the first Manipur State Physically Challenged Men’s and Women’s Bench Press Championship, began at Keishamthong Elangbam Leikai Leirak Achouba Community Hall on Thursday. Organised under the aegis of the All Manipur Powerlifting Association, the championship will continue until October 31. A total of 82 players from 11 units across Manipur are competing in different age groups. Six physically challenged athletes—four men and two women—from four units are also participating. Joymala Yumnam, better half of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand, attended the opening ceremony and urged stakeholders to avoid forming rival associations and focus on producing quality athletes. Wangkhei MLA Th. Arunkumar highlighted the association’s record of organising state championships since 1992 and producing medal-winning athletes at national and international levels.