Items filtered by date: Monday, 05 October 2026

INDIA Bloc to Intensify Agitation Against SIR

Imphal, October 5: The INDIA bloc in Manipur has decided to intensify its agitation against the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The decision was taken at a meeting of INDIA bloc leaders at Congress Bhawan. State convenor Kshetrimayum Santa said the movement would be carried forward under the slogan “Save Democracy, Vote Kansi amadi Leibak Kansi.” He appealed to people across the state to participate, stating that the issue concerns democratic and voting rights. The bloc also urged regional political parties to join the movement and announced plans for protests at the Chief Electoral Officer’s office, district Deputy Commissioner offices and constituency levels.

Meghachandra Criticises BJP Over Government Formation Remarks

Imphal, October 5: Congress Legislature Party leader K. Meghachandra has criticised remarks attributed to some BJP leaders that the party could form the government even if it wins only five or ten seats in the 2027 election. Meghachandra said such statements demonstrate what he described as a lack of regard for democracy. He also criticised the BJP’s approach towards the Constitution and its functioning in Manipur, alleging that the attitude has been evident since the party came to power in 2017. Meghachandra said the people would have an opportunity to respond to the BJP’s actions and conduct through the electoral process.

CM Says Resettlement Process Underway for 30 Houses in Torbung

Imphal, October 5: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand has said the resettlement process is underway for 30 houses under Torbung Gram Panchayat that were deserted following the May 3, 2023 crisis. Speaking at a benefits distribution programme for internally displaced persons holding labour cards at the City Convention Centre, the Chief Minister said the government is taking steps to address the hardships faced by IDPs. He also highlighted concerns over high airfares and said the Imphal-Guwahati passenger bus service had resumed, with around 400 to 500 people travelling daily. Educational assistance under Mission Vatsalya is also being pursued for students from IDP families. Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha MP A. Sarda said BJP aspires to fulfil public expectations and will continue working in line with the sentiments of the people. Sarda said the BJP has consistently upheld what she described as the interests of the people of Manipur and appealed to the public to continue placing their faith in the party.

Biren Calls for Collective Effort to Protect Manipur’s Land

Imphal, October 5: Former Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren has called for collective efforts to protect Manipur’s land and territory, saying outsiders cannot safeguard the state’s interests. Speaking at the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan 2026 programme organised by the Imphal East District Administration at Heingang, Biren said NRC updation followed by the Census would help establish a more accurate picture of the state’s population. He also stressed the need to protect agricultural land and prevent its destruction in different areas. Biren urged concerned departments to strictly monitor land-related matters and called on people to work together to protect the state’s hills, farmland and natural resources.

Protest Held in Wangjing Khunou Over Manipur Crisis

Kakching, October 5: People staged a sit-in protest at Wangjing Khunou in Kakching district, condemning the government over its handling of the prolonged Manipur crisis. Protesters raised slogans demanding that the Government of India stop what they described as a proxy war and take action against terrorist groups. The agitation was jointly organised by the Kakching District United Clubs Organisation, Khunnai Kanba Apunba Meira Paibi Lup and Young Star Social Club under the banner of several civil society and women’s organisations. Participants from Pangal Tabi, Komsen, Kurnungching, Mahou Tera, Nongangching, Sekmaijin and Tokpaching took part in the protest.

Peace Outreach Tour Reaches Meghalaya

Meghalaya, October 5: Social activist Bemlai Maibam has reached Meghalaya as part of an Extension Outreach Peace Tour across the Northeast aimed at raising awareness about the Manipur crisis. The tour began on September 16 and has already covered Nagaland, Assam, Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh. During the outreach, Bemlai has met representatives of political parties, civil society organisations, student bodies and media organisations and shared her perspective on the situation in Manipur. She said the initiative seeks to promote peace and harmony, garner support for displaced people and counter misinformation. The tour is also intended to help people across the Northeast gain a clearer understanding of the crisis.

House Burnt Down at Leimakhong Amid Continuing Tensions

Kangpokpi, October 5: A six-room house owned by Simon Chawang, a Liangmai Naga from Konsakhul village in Kangpokpi district, was reportedly burnt down at Leimakhong Chingman on October 4 night. The incident reportedly occurred around 10:05 pm, with the house and an RCC toilet extensively damaged. Household belongings were also reportedly destroyed. The property is located around 100 metres from the Maharashtra Regiment and about 80 metres from CRPF and Commando outposts. Local residents questioned how the house could be set on fire despite the presence of security personnel. The incident comes amid continuing tensions between Naga and Kuki communities in the area.

JAC Demands Probe Into Death of Paonam Dhaneshwor

Imphal, October 5: The Joint Action Committee on the unnatural death of Paonam Dhaneshwor has demanded an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death and sought justice within four days. The JAC warned of intensified agitation if appropriate action is not taken within the stipulated period. JAC Convenor Konsam Dilip said the Cyber Crime Department had issued a notice to Dhaneshwor on September 28, following which he was detained by police. He was summoned again on September 30 and subsequently consumed poison and died by suicide, according to the JAC. The committee alleged that he faced mental harassment. His family has filed a complaint at Porompat Police Station.

DYF Alleges Financial Irregularities in PHED Projects

Imphal, October 5: The Democratic Youth Front has alleged financial irregularities in the Public Health Engineering Department, claiming that Rs. 1.25 crore was allocated for projects without issuance of work orders or tender notices. Speaking at the Manipur Press Club, DYF President Konsam Premjit said the organisation had filed an RTI seeking details of works under the PHED Minor Civil and Electrical Work Division for the first quarter of the 2026-27 financial year. According to the RTI reply cited by the DYF, no work orders or tender notices had been issued and no tender committee had been formed during the period. Premjit questioned how funds could be allocated under such circumstances and sought clarification.

Traffic Police Clear No-Parking Zones Along Nagamapal-RIMS Road

Imphal, October 5: Traffic Police and City Police Station conducted a drive to clear vehicles and roadside items occupying no-parking zones along the Khawai Bharmapur Nagamapal to Nagamapal-RIMS Road stretch. The operation was led by Additional SP Bishorjit under the supervision of the Traffic Control Police Wing SP. Personnel removed vehicles parked along the Nagamapal Machin to RIMS Road stretch. Traffic OC Th. Robindro Brown appealed to the public to avoid parking in designated no-parking areas and use authorised parking spaces. The drive was carried out as part of efforts to improve traffic movement and reduce congestion along busy stretches of Imphal.

Imphal West DC Appeals for Public Cooperation With Fire Services

Imphal, October 5: Imphal West Deputy Commissioner M. Rajkumar has appealed to the public to cooperate with the Manipur Fire Service Department during its operations. He was speaking at the launch of the ninth Basic Fire and Life Safety Training Programme, organised to train staff from eight government departments and private institutions in fire prevention, safety and control measures. Imphal West SP Ksh Shivakanta, Fire Services Director L. Nabachandra and other officials attended the programme. The training aims to strengthen awareness and preparedness among participating institutions and equip personnel with basic knowledge of fire safety and emergency response procedures.

RTI Week Workshop Highlights Need for Transparency

Imphal, October 5: The Manipur Information Commission organised an RTI Week Celebration-cum-State Level Workshop at the DIPR Auditorium to create awareness about the Right to Information Act among stakeholders. Speaking at the programme, AR/MAHUD Principal Secretary RK Dinesh stressed the need for applicants and Public Information Officers to have a clear understanding of the provisions of the RTI Act. He said public authorities should provide proper and timely responses to RTI queries to avoid unnecessary disputes and strengthen transparency in democratic governance. Government officials and other stakeholders attended the workshop, which focused on improving awareness and understanding of the rights and responsibilities associated with the RTI framework.

Wildlife Photography Competition Highlights Conservation Awareness

Imphal, October 5: Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Anurag Bajpai has stressed the need for public support to protect and conserve wildlife and birds. He was speaking at the Wildlife Photography Competition-cum-Exhibition 2026 organised as part of Wildlife Week at Nupilal Complex in Imphal. A total of 17 competitors participated in the competition, displaying 76 photographs. The exhibition provided a platform to showcase wildlife and nature through photography while promoting greater public awareness of conservation. Bajpai emphasised that protecting wildlife and birds requires active participation and support from the wider community.

Awareness Programme Highlights Medicinal Value of Shatavari

Imphal, October 5: Khongnangthaba University, Imphal, and the National Medicinal Plants Board jointly organised a one-day awareness programme on Shatavari, locally known as Nungarei, at the university auditorium in Khurai Sajor Leikai. YAS Director Dr Mayengbam Veto called for greater promotion of traditional healthcare practices based on medicinal plants found in Manipur. He said the state lies within the Indo-Myanmar Biodiversity Hotspot and is home to around 1,200 plant species believed to have medicinal value. Veto said MASTEC has identified around 400 medicinally valuable species and undertaken documentation. He stressed that conservation and documentation could support healthcare, value-added products and the rural economy.

Mayang Imphal MLA Proposes State Festival Status for Loktak Festival

Imphal, October 5: Mayang Imphal MLA Kongkham Robindro has proposed elevating the annual Loktak Festival to the status of a State Festival. He made the statement at a recent booth-level political conference organised by the BJP Committee, Uchiwa Hayel, at Uchiwa Mamang Leikai Community Hall. According to the report, people from around 45 households associated with several polling stations joined the BJP on the occasion. Robindro said Loktak Lake, being a freshwater lake, should be protected from activities that could adversely affect its environment. He also referred to the growth of the Shirui Festival and suggested that the Loktak Festival could similarly benefit the people.

Heirok JAC Seeks Bank Branch and ATM Facility

Thoubal, October 5: The Heirok Joint Action Committee for Banking Infrastructure has appealed to the authorities to establish a bank branch and ATM booth in Heirok. Committee member Shinthangamba Laishram said residents of the area require access to banking facilities at the earliest. The committee appealed to the authorities concerned to take necessary steps to make banking services available locally. The demand comes amid the need for easier access to financial services for residents, particularly those who currently have to travel outside the area for routine banking requirements.

Sushila Pukhrambam, Bichu Kharibam Receive Grand Welcome in Imphal

Imphal, October 5: Manipur hockey stars Sushila Pukhrambam and Bichu Kharibam received a grand welcome at Imphal International Airport after helping the Indian women’s hockey team win gold at the 20th Asian Games in Japan. The reception was organised by Manipur Hockey, Posterior Hockey Academy Manipur and local clubs and organisations. The two players were greeted with traditional honours and felicitated with gifts. Olympian and Arjuna Awardee Sushila Pukhrambam and Asian Games bronze medallist Bichu Kharibam were part of the Indian team that defeated China 1-0 in the final to win gold after a 44-year gap. The victory also secured India qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.