Items filtered by date: Thursday, 17 September 2026

CM Reviews Law and Order; Directs Security for Infrastructure Projects

Imphal, September 17: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand chaired a Security Coordination Meeting at the Cabinet Hall of the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in Imphal to review the prevailing law and order situation in Manipur. According to a press note, the meeting discussed stringent measures to maintain peace and security, identification of newly vulnerable areas and deployment of security personnel where required. With the working season approaching, NHIDCL authorities and contractors are preparing to intensify infrastructure development works over the next six months. The Chief Minister directed security agencies to provide necessary support to ensure that ongoing projects are not hindered and are executed smoothly and without interruption.

Another Accused Arrested in Alleged Trafficking Case

Imphal, September 17: A special team of Manipur Police and the Social Welfare Department has arrested another accused in an alleged trafficking case involving minor girls from Manipur. The accused, who was reportedly hiding in Delhi, was arrested based on specific information following the busting of the alleged racket on September 10. He was brought to Imphal on transit remand by the special team. Social Welfare Director Sheikh Abdul Hakim was among the team members who arrived at Bir Tikendrajit International Airport around 1:15 p.m. Police had earlier arrested several persons in connection with the case and subsequently received information about alleged associates hiding in Delhi. Further investigation is underway.

Ibobi Criticises Governments Over Prolonged Unrest

Imphal, September 17: Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee President Okram Ibobi has criticised the BJP-led governments in Manipur and at the Centre, alleging failure to protect people and resolve the prolonged unrest in the state. Speaking at a reception for former Chief Secretary Oinam Nabakishore at Congress Bhavan in Imphal, Ibobi alleged that communal clashes had continued since the BJP came to power in Manipur in 2017 and questioned whether there was a “hidden agenda” to disintegrate the state. He also criticised the government’s handling of the unrest. Nabakishore, who previously contested elections on Congress and JDU tickets, was among several new entrants felicitated at the programme.

DMU Research Scholars Call Off Hunger Strike After Fellowship Assurance

Imphal, September 17: Research scholars of Dhanamanjuri University (DMU) have called off their hunger strike demanding a Non-NET fellowship after the state government agreed in principle to provide the fellowship. A Memorandum of Agreement was signed following a meeting at DMU chaired by Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Higher and Technical Education, Ningthoujam Geoffrey. A committee constituted on September 15 will submit recommendations within 15 days on the fellowship amount, duration, eligibility and other modalities. The state government has assured that disbursement of the fellowship will begin within three months of receiving the committee’s recommendations. The development follows the scholars’ agitation seeking financial support for research students.

NIT Manipur, BIS Sign MoU on Standards, Research and Innovation

Imphal, September 17: The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Manipur and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Government of India, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote cooperation in standardisation, quality, research, training, innovation and capacity building. The MoU was signed at NIT Manipur in the presence of NIT Manipur Director Prof. D.V.L.N. Somayajulu, BIS DDG (East) Dr. Meenakshi Ganesan and other senior officials. NIT Manipur Registrar Prof. Kh. Tomba, Dean of Research and Consultancy Prof. A. Dinamani, faculty members and staff also attended the programme. The agreement is aimed at strengthening collaboration between the institute and BIS in areas related to standards and technical development.

Sugnu Hospital Locked After Death of Pregnant Woman and Unborn Child

Kakching, September 17: An agitated mob locked Sugnu Sub-District Hospital following the death of a pregnant woman and her unborn child while she was being shifted to another hospital. The deceased has been identified as 30-year-old Khaidem Ongbi Malemnganbi of Sugnu. According to her family, she was admitted to the hospital after doctors advised her to do so following a routine check-up. When her blood pressure dropped, the family said hospital authorities advised shifting her elsewhere, but she and her unborn child died while being transported. A JAC has been formed seeking an investigation. JAC Convenor Aheibam Chanthoi alleged negligence by hospital staff and said a complaint had been filed at Sugnu Police Station.

Laipharok Village Authority Alleges Forest Department Damaged Factory Fencing

Laipharok, September 17: Laipharok Maring Village Authority has alleged that the Nonmaiching Forest Range Officer and Forest Department officials damaged the fencing of Marinze Water Factory, located within the village area. The Village Authority claimed that the land on which the factory stands forms part of Laipharok Village and rejected the Forest Department’s alleged claim that the area falls under forest land. It said the village was recognised by the government in 1953 and claimed to possess a 1969 document issued by the Forest Settlement Officer stating that the area does not fall under forest land. The Authority also alleged that the structure was damaged without prior eviction notice and urged authorities to refrain from similar action.

Handloom and Textiles Staff Protest Over Appointment of Director

Imphal, September 17: Employees of the Directorate of Handloom and Textiles at Lamphelpat have launched an agitation demanding continuation of a technocrat as Director and withdrawal of the recent order appointing a bureaucrat to the vacant post. The Handloom and Textiles Employees Union said the protest was taken up following a decision of the union. Staff reportedly locked the office and began a pen-down strike along with a sit-in protest. Union President Ching Luwang said the employees would continue their agitation over the demand. The union has also warned of intensifying the protest if its demand for continuation of a technocrat as Director is not addressed.

Handloom Corporation Calls for Wider Markets for Local Products

Imphal, September 17: Managing Director of the Manipur Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited, Elangbam Jeeten, has stressed the need to improve marketing and create wider opportunities for local handloom and handicraft products. Jeeten said artisans should not limit themselves to producing only for consumers within the state but should develop products based on market demand and buyer preferences. He called for greater focus on markets outside Manipur and exports. Jeeten said the Corporation would support artisans through better market linkages and infrastructure. He also highlighted the need for improved road connectivity to the Urban Haat at Nilakuthi. The Corporation Chairman urged authorities to construct a Bailey bridge linking the Urban Haat with the main road.

State Handloom Expo Opens at Urban Haat, Nilakuthi

Imphal, September 17: A State Handloom Expo has been inaugurated at Urban Haat, Nilakuthi, featuring around 60 stalls showcasing handloom and handicraft products from across Manipur. The expo has been organised by the Manipur Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited under the Development Commissioner for Handlooms, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. The event will continue for 30 days, according to the source. Corporation Managing Chairman and Lamlai MLA Khongbantabam Ibomcha said he would urge the Union Ministry of Textiles to provide a special package for weavers, citing difficulties faced by the sector over the past three years. He also called for greater support and wider use of local products in government offices and institutions.

Chief Secretary Reviews Welfare Schemes During Kangpokpi Visit

Kangpokpi, September 17: Newly appointed Chief Secretary Rajeev Singh Thakur reviewed government schemes and welfare measures during a meeting with district officials in Kangpokpi. The Deputy Commissioner briefed him on initiatives for internally displaced persons, including resettlement, livelihood programmes, PMAY-G housing and compensation for displaced farmers. The Chief Secretary appreciated the black rice cultivation initiative for IDPs and directed officials to extend it to local farmers. He also asked the Zonal Education Officer to explore fee concessions for displaced students in private schools. The meeting discussed supply constraints along key routes as well as operational issues in health and education. Later, Thakur visited the Ngahmun relief shelter and distributed stationery kits and sports materials to children and youth.

CM Launches Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 and Clean Himalayan Hill Cities Initiative

Imphal, September 17: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand launched the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva 2026’ campaign and the ‘Clean Himalayan Hill Cities Initiative’ at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in Imphal. The Swachhata Hi Seva campaign will be observed from September 17 to October 2, focusing on cleanliness drives, waste segregation, Safai Mitra welfare, youth participation and waste-to-wealth initiatives. The Chief Minister appealed to citizens, Urban Local Bodies and other stakeholders to participate actively and make cleanliness a sustained practice. The 100-day Clean Himalayan Hill Cities Initiative will focus on sanitation, waste management and preservation of heritage sites, including Ima Keithel, Kangla Fort, Cheirao Ching, Marjing Polo Statue, Loktak Lake and Andro Santhei Natural Park.

2,835 Beneficiaries Receive PMFME Subsidies

Imphal West, September 17: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand distributed subsidies to 2,835 beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme at Yumnam Leikai Yumjao Lairembi Lampak. The assistance was provided in connection with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday. While some beneficiaries received cheques, others received the subsidy through Direct Benefit Transfer. Eligible Self Help Group members engaged in food processing had earlier received Rs. 5,000 as the first instalment, with applications submitted between 2022 and 2024. The Chief Minister said the assistance would help small food-processing businesses upgrade and expand. He also appealed to people to avoid bandhs and blockades and support efforts towards restoring peace and normalcy in Manipur.

BJP Manipur Holds Blood Donation Camp

Imphal, September 17: BJP Manipur Pradesh organised a blood donation camp under the nationwide Seva Sankalp Abhiyan. The programme was held to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 25 years of public life and service. The camp was jointly conducted with the Department of Blood Transfusion at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS). More than 30 donors participated in the blood donation drive. Rajya Sabha MP and BJP Manipur Pradesh President A. Sarda also donated blood at the event. The programme was part of the party’s wider activities under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan and focused on voluntary blood donation and community service.

MLA Says NRC Cut-Off Year Needs Thorough Discussion

Imphal, September 17: A month-long 6th Langbal Keithel cum Expo 2026, organised by DS Enterprises, began at Hapta Kangjeibung in the Palace Compound. Speaking at the inaugural programme, Keirao MLA Lourembam Rameshwor said the cut-off year for updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC) requires thorough discussion. He said the government has adopted a resolution to update the NRC with 1951 as the base year, but stressed that the cut-off year is also an important issue that needs further deliberation. Rameshwor also highlighted concerns over the entry of outsiders into Manipur. The expo is scheduled to continue for a month.

JNIMS Professor Selected for ACOIN National Lady of the Year Award

Imphal, September 17: Head of the Department of Ophthalmology at JNIMS, Imphal, Prof. Rajkumari Vidyarani, has been selected for the “ACOIN National Lady of the Year 2025” award by the Association of Community Ophthalmologists of India (ACOIN). The award recognises her contribution to community eye-health services in India. Prof. Vidyarani will receive the honour during the ACOIN Silver Jubilee, 25th International Assembly and 16th Annual Conference in Kolkata from September 24 to 27, 2026. ACOIN has also invited her to attend the event as a Guest of Honour. The award is being conferred in recognition of her reported contribution to dedicated community eye-health services.

Thang-Ta Association Observes Pisatao Eratpa at Irilbung

Imphal, September 17: Huyen Lalong Manipur Thang-Ta Cultural Association, a Thang-Ta school at Irilbung, observed Pisatao Eratpa, worshipped as the deity of tools, machines and craftsmanship. As part of the observance, artistes displayed traditional Thang-Ta weapons, Chunggoi and other tools associated with craftsmanship and offered prayers seeking excellence in their work. Artistes and teachers also presented gifts to Association Director Padma Shri K. Sanathoiba and paid obeisance. The annual observance brings together practitioners to honour the traditional belief associated with tools and craftsmanship. The programme also highlighted Manipur’s indigenous martial arts tradition and cultural practices.

India’s Cheetah Population Reaches 52

New Delhi, September 17: India’s cheetah population has reached 52, four years after the animals were translocated from Namibia, South Africa and Botswana. According to the report “Four Years of Cheetahs in India”, 32 cubs have been born in India since the reintroduction programme began. Of the current 52 cheetahs, 49 are in Kuno National Park and three are in Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary. Of the 12 cheetahs brought from South Africa in 2023, eight have survived along with 10 India-born offspring. Kuno National Park said the presence of breeding females and survival of second-generation cubs indicate a consolidation phase in the cheetah reintroduction programme.

Junior Women’s Asia Cup Hockey Captain Shileima Chanu Arrives in Imphal

Imphal, September 17: Khundrakpam Shileima Chanu, captain of the Indian team that won the Junior Women’s Asia Cup Hockey title, arrived in Imphal today. Members of Manipur Hockey and others accorded her a warm welcome at Imphal International Airport. Speaking to the media, Shileima said she was happy to represent India as captain and contribute to the team’s title victory. She said she would continue working hard for further achievements. Posterior Hockey Academy coach Kshetrimayum Romesh said hockey has strong potential in Manipur and expressed hope that more players from the state would emerge at the national level. India defeated hosts China in the final to win the Junior Women’s Asia Cup.