Items filtered by date: Monday, 21 September 2026

17-Year-Old Liangmai Naga Youth Shot Dead in Tamenglong

Tamenglong, September 21: A 17-year-old Liangmai Naga youth was reportedly shot dead by unidentified armed men in Tamei Sub-Division of Tamenglong district early today. The deceased, identified as NK Wiphenbou, son of NK Maihinlakbou of Takou Liangmai Naga village, was a Class XI student of Liangmei Higher Secondary School, Tamei. The incident reportedly occurred around 1:30 AM between Malek Village and Upper Takou while he was travelling towards Tamei. He reportedly sustained bullet injuries to his head, shoulder and other parts of the body and died at the spot. Naga sources alleged the involvement of Kuki militants, but the allegations have not been independently verified.

Joint Tribe Council Condemns Killing of Liangmai Youth

Imphal, September 21: The Working Committee of the Joint Tribe Council, Manipur, has condemned the reported killing of 17-year-old Liangmai Naga youth NK Wiphenbou in Tamenglong district. In a press note, the council alleged that cadres of KNF (P), KNF (N) and KRA were responsible for the killing and urged the government to take action against Kuki militant groups currently under Suspension of Operations. The council demanded the arrest and prosecution of those allegedly involved. It also called for stronger security measures in Liangmai Naga villages and other Naga areas, stressing the need to ensure the safety and security of residents.

NRFM Shutdown Cripples Normal Life Across Valley

Imphal, September 21: A total shutdown called by the proscribed National Revolutionary Front Manipur, NRFM, against the ‘Manipur Merger Agreement’ disrupted normal life across the valley districts today. Business activities at major markets, including Khwairamband Market, Paona Bazar and Thangal Bazar, remained suspended. Traffic was largely off the roads, except vehicles carrying people attending religious and ritual ceremonies and those providing essential services. Passenger service operators also observed the shutdown. Government offices remained open but reported low attendance, while schools and colleges were closed. Banks and petrol pumps also remained shut during the shutdown.

Manipur Prisons Department Observes First Raising Day

Imphal, September 21: The Manipur Prisons and Correctional Department observed its first Raising Day today, marking 134 years of prison administration in the state. Speaking at the programme held at Imphal Central Jail campus, 1st Manipur Rifles, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand said the government would expedite recruitment of essential jail staff and implementation of the Die-in-Harness Scheme. Recalling his own detention under the NSA, the Chief Minister said not all jail inmates are convicted persons, as some remain in custody while their trials are pending. He stressed that guilt can only be determined by courts through due legal process. Correctional Service Medal recipient S.K. Bhadrika was also honoured.

Home Minister Calls for Modernisation of State Prisons

Imphal, September 21: Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam said efforts are underway to modernise jails across Manipur’s districts under the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Modernisation of Prisons Programme. Speaking at the first Raising Day of the Prisons and Correctional Department, he said inmates would be provided vocational training and education to help them return to normal life after release. Konthoujam also appealed to society to avoid stigmatising former inmates and instead support their reintegration into the community. He said the department, which has completed 134 years, had remained neglected for a long time, including the absence of Raising Day observances, but is now receiving renewed attention.

93 Beneficiaries Receive Land Resources Department Appointment Offers

Imphal, September 21: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand today handed over offer forms to 93 beneficiaries appointed to the Land Resources Department under the Die-in-Harness Scheme. At a programme held at the Civil Secretariat in Mantripukhri, the Chief Minister said the appointments would help the department clear pending work. He urged other departments with vacancies to expedite appointments under the scheme. Khemchand said 37 appointments had earlier been made in the Excise Department since he assumed office. He assured that appointments would follow prescribed guidelines and that beneficiary lists would be kept transparent, including under the Right to Information Act. The department had received 153 applications, of which 93 were found eligible.

Peace Rally Held in Khoupum Area

Noney, September 21: A peace rally was jointly organised in the Khoupum area today by the Khoupum Area Villages Authority Council, Rongmei Luh Phwam Khoupum Area and Zeliangrong Students’ Union Khoupum Area. The rally began from Khoupum Gaidimjang Village and concluded at Thanagong Ground. It started with a religious sermon delivered by Gaidimjang Baptist Church Pastor Kagunai Gangmei. Participants carried placards bearing messages including “We Stand for Peace,” “Restore Peace in Manipur,” “Justice Delayed is Justice Denied” and “We Want Communal Harmony.” The organisers appealed for collective efforts to restore peace and communal harmony and urged authorities to take decisive action against violence and antisocial elements.

Meghachandra Meets Rahul Gandhi, Briefs Him on Manipur Crisis

New Delhi, September 21: Congress Legislature Party leader K. Meghachandra met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi and briefed him on the prevailing situation in Manipur. Meghachandra reportedly apprised Gandhi of the continuing crisis, including tensions between Naga and Kuki communities and the conflict involving Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities. He expressed concern over what he described as the absence of a clear and comprehensive roadmap for restoring lasting peace and normalcy. Meghachandra also highlighted the impact of the prolonged crisis on development, governance, infrastructure and the state economy. He called for sustained dialogue, confidence-building measures, rehabilitation of affected people and an inclusive roadmap towards lasting peace and normalcy.

Dr Moirangthem Nara Calls for Protection of Manipur’s Identity

Imphal, September 21: CPI Manipur State Council Control Commission Chairperson and former Minister Dr Moirangthem Nara has called on people to protect Manipur’s culture and identity by upholding the spirit of Jananeta Hijam Irabot’s movement. He was speaking during the 78th Manipur Kanba Numit observance, commemorating the Pungdongbam Incident, at Irawat Memorial Hall in Chalou. The programme was jointly organised by the Irabot Celebration Committee and CPI Lamlai Local Council. Nara recalled the mass movement led by Hijam Irabot in 1948 against the proposed formation of Purvanchal. A bike rally was also held from Yaiskul to Chalou, where participants paid floral tributes at the memorial site.

BJP Leader Seeks FIR Over Alleged Remarks Against PM, Home Minister

Imphal, September 21: BJP Manipur General Secretary K. Saratkumar has filed a complaint with Imphal Police seeking registration of an FIR against three persons from Tamenglong district over alleged inflammatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The complaint names Namsulung Gonmei, Ex-Officio Chairman of the Duigailong Village Authority, former Tamenglong MLA and INC intending candidate Samuel Jendai, and the Tamenglong District INC President. Saratkumar alleged that Gonmei made communal and inflammatory remarks during a political conference at Rangkhung Village earlier this month. He sought legal action against Gonmei and the other two persons over their alleged presence. The allegations have not been independently verified.

Arms and Ammunition Recovered During Lamsang Search Operation

Imphal, September 21: A combined team of Imphal West Commando personnel and 33 Assam Rifles recovered arms and ammunition during a search operation in areas adjoining Akham and Lamdeng villages under Lamsang Police Station today. According to a police report, the recovered items included nine 9mm pistols, one locally made lathe gun and two bolt-action single-barrel guns. Security personnel also recovered one No. 36 HE grenade and five TSM. The recovery was made during the joint search operation in the area. Further details regarding the operation and any arrests were not provided in the available report.

Suspected Brown Sugar Recovered From Abandoned Car in Bishnupur

Bishnupur, September 21: Bishnupur District Police recovered around 2.1 kilograms of suspected brown sugar from an abandoned Maruti Swift at Kwakta Maronglou on September 19. According to police, the vehicle attempted to flee when personnel tried to intercept it during a routine check while it was travelling from Terakhongshangbi Bazar towards Kwakta. The car was later found abandoned and locked. A subsequent search led to the recovery of four packets containing the suspected contraband. Police have launched further investigation into the recovery and the persons linked to the vehicle. No arrests were reported in the available information.

World Alzheimer’s Day Observed at Shija Hospitals

Imphal, September 21: World Alzheimer’s Day 2026 was observed in Manipur today to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia and support people affected by the conditions. The Department of Psychiatry, Shija Hospitals and Shija Academy of Health Sciences, along with the Indian Psychiatric Society, Manipur State Branch, jointly organised the programme at Shija Hospitals, Langol. Speaking at the event, Shija Hospitals CMD Dr Palin Khundongbam said increasing life expectancy is contributing to a rise in Alzheimer’s cases. He stressed the importance of a healthy lifestyle and early awareness. The programme was held under the theme, “The Earlier You Know, The More You Can Do: A Dementia Diagnosis Matters.”

Social Welfare Board Calls for Compassion Towards Alzheimer’s Patients

Imphal, September 21: Manipur State Social Welfare Board Chairperson Dr RK Nayan Sana has called for greater care and compassion towards people living with Alzheimer’s disease. Speaking at a World Alzheimer’s Day programme at Shija Hospitals, Langol, she said Alzheimer’s patients need love, understanding and companionship rather than indifference. Dr Nayan Sana appreciated the organisers for conducting the programme to create greater public awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. She also urged the government to pay greater attention to issues concerning Alzheimer’s patients. The programme was jointly organised by the Department of Psychiatry, Shija Hospitals and Shija Academy of Health Sciences, and the Indian Psychiatric Society, Manipur State Branch.

RIMS Observes World Alzheimer’s Day

Imphal, September 21: RIMS, Imphal, observed World Alzheimer’s Day 2026 today at its New OPD Block. RIMS Director Prof. G. Sunil Kumar Sharma stressed the importance of awareness, early diagnosis, timely intervention, family support and dignity for people living with dementia. The RIMS Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology distributed leaflets and information, education and communication materials on Alzheimer’s disease and dementia to patients, attendants and healthcare workers. Meanwhile, medicines provided under the National Policy for Rare Diseases 2021 were distributed to four children with cystic fibrosis at the RIMS Centre of Excellence for Rare Diseases. The programmes highlighted the importance of awareness and support for patients and families.

Robert Naorem Showcases Manipuri Textiles at Milan Fashion Event

Milan, September 21: Manipuri fashion designer Robert Naorem showcased his collection at an international fashion event held at Melina Milano Hotel in Milan, Italy, yesterday evening. The collection highlighted Manipur’s textile tradition and was presented alongside collections from 27 fashion designers. The international fashion showcase was organised with support from Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand and the Department of Sericulture. Naorem’s participation brought Manipuri textile traditions to an international fashion platform, highlighting the state’s distinctive handloom and fashion heritage. The event featured designers from different backgrounds and provided a platform for showcasing traditional and contemporary fashion collections.

Nagaland Filmmaker Theja Rio’s ‘Angh’ Wins Platform Award at TIFF

Toronto, September 21: Nagaland filmmaker Theja Rio’s debut feature film ‘Angh’ has won the Platform Award at the 51st Toronto International Film Festival, along with a cash prize of 20,000 Canadian dollars. The film was the only Indian entry among 12 titles in TIFF’s competitive Platform section. Set in a remote Konyak village in Nagaland in the early 1960s, ‘Angh’ explores tradition, identity, faith and cultural change through a father-son relationship following the arrival of an American missionary. The film’s TIFF Platform win makes it eligible for consideration in the International Feature Film category at the 2027 Academy Awards under the Academy’s 2026 eligibility rules.

14 Manipur Swimmers Qualify for Asian Masters Aquatic Championship

Imphal, September 21: Fourteen swimmers from Manipur, including 12 men and two women, have qualified for the 2nd Asian Masters Aquatic Championship 2026. According to the Manipur Swimming Association, 11 of the male players are medal winners of the 22nd National Masters Aquatic Championship 2026, held in Haryana from September 11 to 13. Swimmer Tekcham Roshan has also qualified for the Asian championship. The Manipur Swimming Association congratulated the medal winners and all 14 qualified players, appreciating their hard work, dedication and discipline. The association wished the swimmers success as they prepare to represent Manipur and India at the Asian-level championship.