Items filtered by date: Wednesday, 16 September 2026

AMWJU Foundation Day: CM Announces Proposed Hike in Journalists’ Pension

Imphal, September 16: The All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) observed its 52nd Foundation Day at the Manipur Press Club in Majorkhul, Imphal. Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand announced that the journalists’ pension amount is proposed to be increased from Rs. 8 lakh to Rs. 10 lakh, while the family pension would rise from Rs. 5 lakh to Rs. 7 lakh. He said journalists who could not make pension contributions during the conflict would be given a one-time relaxation to reactivate their pension accounts. The Chief Minister said the proposals would be placed before the Cabinet for consideration. He also said around Rs. 1 crore in pending advertisement bills had been disbursed, with a follow-up meeting scheduled for September 25.

Wangkhei MLA Says Government Supports Demand for NRC Updation

Imphal, September 16: Wangkhei MLA Thangjam Arunkumar has said the state government supports the demand raised by the Joint Forum for Democracy (JFD) and civil society organisations for updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur. Speaking on the sidelines of the inauguration of a Vocational Education Classroom-cum-Workshop at Lamlong Higher Secondary School, Arunkumar described the demand as a correct step towards identifying illegal immigrants. He said the previous government led by former Chief Minister N. Biren had passed an Assembly resolution on the NRC, while the present government has also adopted a resolution seeking its updation. Arunkumar added that a team of MLAs led by Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam is camping in Delhi to submit the people’s demand to the Government of India.

JFD Students’ Wing Protests for NRC Updation, Census Deferral

Imphal, September 16: The Joint Forum for Democracy (JFD) continued its agitation demanding that 1951 be adopted as the base year for NRC updation and that the entire Census exercise in Manipur be deferred. As part of the agitation, students under the JFD Students’ Wing staged protests at CC Higher Secondary School, Sanjenthong, and Millennium Institute of Science, Kwakeithel. A JFD Students’ Wing member said the agitation seeks to urge the Manipur government to press the Centre to begin the process of identifying foreigners through NRC updation. The protests form part of the ongoing campaign by JFD and other groups seeking action on their demands concerning the NRC and Census exercises in the state.

Petroleum Drivers’ Association Thanks Supporters, Appeals Against Targeting of Tanker Drivers

Noney, September 16: The All Manipur Petroleum Product Drivers Association has expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand, EOI and RO dealers, IOCL officials and the JTC Women Wing, Noney, for providing financial assistance to drivers affected by the recent attack on petroleum tankers along the Imphal-Jiribam route. The attack took place during the economic blockade at Noney. The Association said the assistance would provide support to drivers affected by the incident. It also appealed to organisations enforcing bandhs or blockades not to target petroleum tanker drivers in similar incidents in the future, highlighting the need to ensure the safety of those involved in transporting essential petroleum products across the state.

Wangkhei MLA Calls for Better Government Schools

Imphal, September 16: Wangkhei MLA Thangjam Arunkumar has stressed the need to improve the condition of government schools so that students from conflict-affected families can receive quality education. Speaking at the inauguration of a Vocational Education Classroom-cum-Workshop at Lamlong Higher Secondary School under Samagra Shiksha (Secondary), Arunkumar said the performance of students in various examinations despite difficult circumstances was encouraging. He said the government is giving greater attention to the education sector, which he described as crucial for students’ future and career opportunities. Arunkumar added that efforts are being made to improve school infrastructure and prevent students from being adversely affected by the prevailing situation. He also appealed to communities to work together towards restoring peace and normalcy.

Wabagai Students Begin Indefinite Class Boycott Over Vacant Posts

Kakching, September 16: Students of Wabagai Higher Secondary School have launched an indefinite class boycott, protesting the alleged failure of the government to fill vacant posts of the Principal, Vice Principal and teachers. Speaking to the media, School Students’ Union Finance Secretary Rani Moijing said the union had earlier demanded immediate appointments and submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand during his visit to the school. She said the union had also appealed through the media for teachers to be posted by September 15, but no action had followed. According to the students’ union, the absence of a Principal has created difficulties in filling forms, applying for scholarships and completing other official work requiring the Principal’s signature.

19-Year-Old Man’s Body Recovered from Imphal River

Kakching, September 16: A body was recovered from the Imphal River at the Uchiwa Nasto area under Mayang Imphal Police Station in Kakching district. Locals spotted the body floating in the river at around 12:30 p.m. and informed the police. The deceased was identified as 19-year-old Md Ariyan, son of Md Talha of Lilong Awang Leikai. According to reports, Ariyan had been missing since the evening of September 14 after leaving his home. Police recovered the body and sent it to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) Morgue for postmortem. Further details regarding the circumstances surrounding his death were not immediately available.

Ozone Layer Day Observed with Quiz and Recycling Competitions

Imphal, September 16: Manipur observed the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer 2026 under the theme ‘Global action for a cooler planet’. The Samagra Shiksha State Implementation Society, Manipur, organised the programme under the Eco Club for Mission LiFE at Chanura Leikol, Imphal East. A state-level quiz competition and a waste-recycling competition on the theme “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Solid Waste” were held as part of the observance. State Coordinator H. Nomita said participants were selected through zonal and district-level competitions. More than 100 primary and upper-primary students took part. She said the activities aimed to promote awareness of solid waste management, relevant rules and guidelines, while giving students an opportunity to showcase their creativity and skills.

Governor Calls for Eco-Friendly Ganesh Puja Celebrations

Imphal, September 16: Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has called for greater adoption of eco-friendly practices, including reduced use of plastic, during religious celebrations. Speaking at a Ganesh Puja organised by the Sri Sri Ganesh Puja Committee Manipur at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen in the Palace Compound, the Governor urged devotees to use idols made from natural clay and biodegradable materials and avoid harmful paints. He also stressed the need to prevent pollution of rivers caused by idol immersion. Bhalla encouraged people to support local artisans and products during festivals. He prayed for peace, prosperity and harmony in Manipur and called for greater environmental responsibility while observing religious and cultural festivals.

Kh. Ibomcha Welcomed as Chairman of Handloom and Handicrafts Corporation

Imphal, September 16: Newly appointed Chairman of the Manipur Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited, MLA Kh. Ibomcha, was accorded a warm welcome at the Corporation office in Paona Bazar, Imphal. Weavers, artisans, officials and staff attended the welcome programme. Speaking on the occasion, Ibomcha thanked Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand for reappointing him and assured that he would take up the concerns of weavers and artisans with the government. He said Manipur’s handloom and handicraft products have demand in national and international markets. Ibomcha urged weavers and artisans to focus on improving quality and expanding exports, saying this could help improve livelihoods while contributing to the state’s economy.

Manipur Named Best Performing Hilly and Northeastern State in IEMI 2025

New Delhi, September 16: Manipur has emerged as the Best Performing State among Hilly and North-Eastern States under the India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI) 2025. The award was presented at the launch of the India Electric Mobility Index 2025 by NITI Aayog in New Delhi. In the Open Category, Delhi topped the ranking, followed by Maharashtra, Karnataka and Chandigarh. The award for Manipur was presented in recognition of the state’s role in electric mobility, according to the information provided. The award was received on behalf of Principal Secretary, Transport, R.K. Dinesh, by a team comprising Special Secretary Laltanpuii, Director of Transport Kh. Diana, Priyoranjan of MSPCL and Imphal West DTO Kh. Sanjeevkumar.

NIA Drops Anti-Terror Charges Against US National, Six Ukrainians

New Delhi, September 16: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has dropped charges under the anti-terror law against American national Matthew Aaron VanDyke and six Ukrainian nationals arrested in March this year, according to media reports. The seven were initially accused of training ethnic armed groups in Myanmar allegedly linked to insurgent organisations operating in India. In its latest chargesheet, the NIA has instead invoked Sections 21 and 23 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, alleging violations related to the entry, movement and stay of foreigners in India. The agency said the accused entered India on valid visas, travelled to Mizoram and later crossed into Myanmar. It also alleged that they transported drones from Europe to Myanmar through India and were involved in an attack on a civilian aircraft.