State Cabinet Approves Government Medical College at Senapati

Senapati, September 3: The Manipur State Cabinet has given in-principle approval for setting up a Government Medical College at Senapati. The proposed institution will have an annual intake of 100 MBBS students, while the existing district hospital will be upgraded to meet the requirements of the medical college. The Cabinet also approved enhanced cash incentives for Manipur’s medal winners and participants in the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. For the 2026 Commonwealth Games, the incentive has been fixed at Rs. 20 lakh for gold, Rs. 15 lakh for silver, Rs. 10 lakh for bronze and Rs. 4 lakh for participants. Several other decisions concerning sports, transport and development were also taken.

Government Defends NIT Manipur Land Decision

Imphal, September 3: Manipur Government spokesperson Thokchom Radheshyam has rejected Congress allegations that Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand was unaware of land allotted for the permanent campus of NIT Manipur at Lamphel. Speaking at Sanjenthong, Radheshyam said the earlier 300-acre site was found to be highly marshy and unsuitable for construction. He said extensive piling and specialised foundation work would have pushed up the project cost beyond the sanctioned amount, resulting in cancellation of funding. Radheshyam maintained that the government remains committed to NIT Manipur and is working to identify a suitable alternative site for its permanent campus.

Kuki Community Lifts Blockade on Imphal-Ukhrul Road

Ukhrul, September 3: The Kuki community has lifted the Counter Economic Blockade and Total Shutdown imposed along the Imphal-Ukhrul road following talks with a government delegation. Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam led the delegation to Sangkai Kuki, where government representatives met leaders of the Kuki CSO Working Committee and KSO Ukhrul. The government assured the community that necessary measures would be taken to ensure safe and free movement along the road. An MoU was signed between the two sides, following which the KSO Ukhrul announced withdrawal of the agitation from 4:30 pm. Around 450 goods vehicles stranded near Litan Police Station and other locations subsequently resumed movement towards Imphal under security escort.

CM, Home Minister Meet Governor Amid Census Row

Imphal, September 3: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand and Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam met Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Lok Bhavan amid growing opposition to the Census exercise in Manipur. The meeting reportedly followed discussions held between the Home Minister and representatives of the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation and 14 Civil Society Organisations. The JFD has been demanding that the Census be conducted only after NRC updation and has opposed the exercise until internally displaced persons are rehabilitated in their native places. The meeting between the Chief Minister, Home Minister and Governor lasted for more than half an hour, though the exact agenda was not immediately disclosed.

Students Stage Human Chain for NRC Before Census

Imphal, September 3: Students from several schools and colleges staged a human chain protest under the initiative of the JFD Students Wing, demanding NRC updation before the Census in Manipur. Students of Maharaja Budhachandra College in Imphal East and Pitambara English School, Ratankumar Memorial School and Regular English High School in Kwakeithel participated in the protest along Tiddim Road. The students raised slogans including “No NRC, No Census” and “No IDP Settlement, No Census.” They said conducting the Census under the present circumstances would go against the interests of the people and demanded that internally displaced persons first be resettled in their native places.

RPI-Athawale to Contest 2027 Manipur Assembly Polls

Imphal, September 3: RPI-Athawale National President and Union Minister of State Ramdas Athawale has announced that the party will contest the 2027 Manipur Assembly election. Speaking at the party’s National Executive meeting in New Delhi, Athawale said NRC updation using 1951 as the base year and Scheduled Tribe status for Meitei/Meetei would be among the party’s key agendas. He also opposed the proposed Census in Manipur, citing concerns over illegal immigration. Athawale said the party would raise these issues with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. RPI-Athawale state leader Maheshwar Thounaojam said the party would work to safeguard the issues and aspirations highlighted by its national president.

MSPDCL Says 70,000 Smart Meters Installed

Imphal, September 3: MSPDCL Managing Director Mangsatabam Rabi said around 70,000 of the targeted 1.54 lakh smart electric meters have been installed in the Imphal area. Speaking at a Meet the Press programme at the DIPR Auditorium, Rabi clarified that smart meters do not generate higher bills than the earlier prepaid meters. He urged consumers with complaints to submit written grievances to MSPDCL. According to Rabi, the new meters can help monitor electricity consumption and detect power theft. He also highlighted the Cabinet’s approval to procure 100 MW of power from Farrakka Thermal Power Plant in West Bengal and a proposal to procure another 50 MW from renewable sources.

Chandel Residents Oppose Proposed Indo-Myanmar Border Demarcation

Chandel, September 3: A mass rally was held at Khengjang and Molcham villages in Chandel district opposing the proposed Indo-Myanmar border demarcation in the Khengjoi sector. The rally was organised under the aegis of affected border-area Kuki chiefs, who objected to the proposed realignment of boundary pillars in the area. Organisers claimed that the proposed alignment between Boundary Pillars 65 and 68 does not correspond with the existing ground position traditionally occupied by local residents. They said the affected areas include ancestral homes, agricultural land, burial grounds and customary community land. The Kuki chiefs demanded that the existing boundary position be maintained and rejected any move to surrender their land.

Arms and Ammunition Recovered in Kakching

Kakching, September 3: Security forces recovered a cache of arms, ammunition and military stores during a search operation in the Wabagai Turenmamei area under Hiyanglam Police Station. The recovery included one .303 rifle, one 9mm pistol, three single-barrel guns, three carbines and one 51mm mortar bomb. Security personnel also recovered three tube-launching devices, two hand grenades and 18 live rounds of ammunition. Other items seized included an INSAS bayonet, bulletproof plates and covers, communication sets and military fatigues. The operation forms part of continuing security efforts to recover illegal weapons and military stores from vulnerable areas of Manipur.

Two Arrested With Suspected Heroin in Bishnupur

Bishnupur, September 3: Bishnupur District Police and Central security forces, with assistance from Churachandpur District Police, intercepted a Scorpio vehicle travelling from Churachandpur towards Imphal. During a search of the vehicle, security personnel recovered nine soap cases containing 96 grams of suspected heroin. Two persons, identified as 29-year-old Md. Abdur Rahaman and 24-year-old Md. Saruk Khan, were arrested in connection with the seizure. Police also confiscated two mobile phones and the vehicle used for transporting the suspected contraband. Further investigation is underway to establish the source and intended destination of the seized substance and determine whether others were involved.

CRPF Director General Concludes Manipur Visit

Imphal, September 3: CRPF Director General Gyanendra Pratap Singh concluded his two-day visit to Manipur and departed for New Delhi. During his visit, the CRPF chief inspected the Manipur-Nagaland Sector CRPF camp at Langjing and visited several other locations. He reviewed the security and law-and-order situation in the state and held discussions with senior Manipur Government officials. The visit comes amid continued security challenges in Manipur and ongoing efforts to restore peace and normalcy. The CRPF has maintained a significant presence in the state, with personnel deployed at several sensitive locations to assist local authorities in maintaining security and facilitating movement.

Impact News Issues Clarification on SoO Report

Imphal, September 3: Impact News has clarified that a report published on August 9 regarding the signing of a renewed and revised Suspension of Operations agreement was incorrect. The clarification states that no such SoO agreement involving the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of Manipur and Kuki-ZO insurgent groups had been signed. Impact News expressed regret for the error and any confusion caused by the report. The clarification has been issued to correct the earlier information and ensure that viewers and readers have an accurate understanding of the status of the reported agreement.

Woman’s Decomposed Body Recovered From Wangjing River

Thoubal, September 3: A decomposed body of a woman was recovered from the Wangjing River at Lamding Laikol under Thoubal Police Station. The deceased was identified as 60-year-old Khundongbam Bidhumakhi, daughter of late Khundongbam Paibi of Heirok Part II Mayai Leikai. According to her family, Bidhumakhi had been missing since July 22, with a missing person report filed at Heirok Police Station on July 24. Police and forensic experts conducted a detailed inspection of the site before taking the body into custody. The circumstances surrounding her death are yet to be established, and further investigation is underway.

BJP Manipur Accuses Congress Over Jharkhand Recruitment Issue

Imphal, September 3: BJP Manipur Pradesh has accused Congress and its alliance partners of remaining silent over alleged irregularities, including a paper leak, in the Jharkhand State Recruitment Examination. Speaking at Thambal Shanglen in Imphal, BJP State Vice President Nongthombam Nimbush urged the Congress-led Jharkhand Government to address the grievances of protesting students and ensure justice. Nimbush alleged that Congress had supported students protesting in New Delhi but remained silent when students in Jharkhand raised similar concerns. He called on the Jharkhand authorities to investigate the allegations and take appropriate action to protect the interests of candidates who participated in the recruitment examination.

Protest Announced Over Non-Muslim Waqf Board Members

Imphal, September 3: The Joint Committee Against the Inclusion of Non-Muslim Members in the 8th Waqf Board, Manipur has announced protests in Muslim-dominated areas over the inclusion of non-Muslim members in the Board. Speaking at the MMWO office in Hatta, committee chairman Mv. Atuar Rahman said the decision followed discussions with Ulama, civil society organisations and student bodies. He claimed the committee had already given the State Government a deadline to resolve the matter but had received no positive response. The committee warned of intensified protests if the issue remained unresolved. It maintained that the composition of the Waqf Board should reflect the interests of the Muslim community.

Kwakta Youth Organisations Welcome Antas Khan’s Reappointment

Bishnupur, September 3: The All Kwakta Youth Voluntary Organisation, All Meitei Pangal Youths Association and AKYVO Student Wing have welcomed the reappointment of former Lilong MLA Y. Antas Khan as Chairman of the Manipur Waqf Board. Speaking at Kwakta Bazaar, AKYVO Student Wing President Md. Anish Khan Aribam urged the government to appoint the remaining members of the Waqf Board at the earliest. He also demanded representation from Kwakta, citing the significant Meitei-Pangal population in the area. The organisations further opposed the appointment of non-Muslims as members of the Waqf Board, saying the Board should adequately represent the interests of the Muslim community.

Post-Rehabilitation Support Needed for Substance Users

Imphal, September 3: MAMTA Health Institute of Mother and Child and the Social Welfare Department organised a data dissemination programme on “Post Treatment of Substance Users in the State of Manipur” at Hotel Imphal. Social Welfare Director L. Dhaneshwar said the growing number of people returning to substance use after leaving rehabilitation centres highlights the need for stronger post-rehabilitation support. He said skill development programmes would be introduced to help rehabilitated individuals build stable, drug-free lives. The department also plans to expand post-rehabilitation initiatives in the future. The programme focused on strengthening support systems and helping people who have completed rehabilitation successfully reintegrate into society.

Thoubal Administration Conducts Cleanliness Drive

Thoubal, September 3: The District Administration Thoubal and Thoubal Municipal Council conducted a cleanliness drive at the Thoubal Mini Secretariat Complex as part of preparations for Patriots’ Day and Independence Day. District-level officers and government employees participated in the cleanliness campaign. The initiative aimed to maintain cleanliness and improve the surroundings of the government complex ahead of the upcoming national and state observances. Officials and staff took part in clearing and cleaning the premises as part of the civic initiative. Such cleanliness drives are being conducted at various locations to promote public hygiene and encourage community participation in keeping public spaces clean.

DESAM Demands Disturbance-Free Educational Zones

Imphal, September 3: A campaign demanding disturbance-free educational zones was held at Johnston Higher Secondary School and Wangoi Higher Secondary School under the aegis of DESAM. Speaking during the campaign, DESAM General Secretary Thoudam Shyamjai said the state’s education system has suffered due to what he described as inadequate government attention. He called for revival of the Manipur Education Service and demanded that members of the teaching community be appointed to key positions in the Education Department. Students participating in the campaign also raised slogans demanding a disturbance-free educational environment. DESAM said a stable and focused education system is essential for the future of students and the state.

Youth Urged to Stay Away From Drugs

Imphal, September 3: The NSS Cell of DM University organised a programme on “Nasha Mukta Viksit Bharat” at GP Women’s College under the aegis of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and Regional Directorate NSS, Guwahati. Programme Coordinator K. Sanaton urged young people to stay away from drugs and focus on sports, skill development, discipline and education. He said responsible and healthy youth participation would contribute to the vision of building a developed India by 2047. The programme aimed to create awareness among young people about the harmful effects of substance abuse and encourage them to adopt productive lifestyles centred on education, sports and personal development.

BJP Sugnu Mandal Holds Tiranga Yatra

Kakching, September 3: BJP Sugnu Mandal organised a Tiranga Yatra at Chairel in Sugnu Constituency as part of the nationwide Har Ghar Tiranga campaign. BJP leaders, party workers and local residents participated in the march carrying the national flag. Organisers appealed to people to promote unity and harmony beyond caste, community and religion. The Tiranga Yatra was organised to encourage public participation in the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign and highlight the significance of the national flag. Participants also called for greater unity among communities and urged people to contribute towards strengthening the spirit of national integration.

Blood Donation Camp Planned in Imphal and Thoubal

Imphal, September 3: The Association of Voluntary Blood Donors, Thoubal District will organise its third voluntary blood donation camp in connection with Patriots’ Day. The camp will be held in Imphal under the Imphal West District Administration in collaboration with Manipur Police Headquarters, DM University and other organisations, with support from the Department of Transfusion Medicine, RIMS. A second camp will be held at District Hospital Thoubal, Khangabok. Association Secretary Th. Nabakumar appealed to eligible people to participate. Individuals between 18 and 60 years of age weighing more than 45 kilograms have been encouraged to donate blood and support patients requiring transfusion services.

Patriots’ Day Public Function Planned at Yaiskul

Imphal, September 3: Celin Digital Manipur, Patriots’ Day Observance Committee Manipur, Athletic Association Manipur and other organisations will jointly organise Patriots’ Day Public Function 2026 at Yaiskul YAC Ground. As part of the programme, participants in the first State-Level “Athoubashing Gee Khongul Leeba” Half Marathon Race for men and women will report at Leipung Junior High School at 7 am. The organisers have appealed to members of the public to attend the programme and participate in the observance. The event will commemorate the sacrifices of Manipur’s patriots and is expected to feature various activities dedicated to remembering the state’s historical resistance and martyrs.

National Handloom Day Observed in Bishnupur

Bishnupur, September 3: The 12th National Handloom Day was observed at Ningthoukhong Kha-Khunou Community Hall in Bishnupur district under the theme “Celebrating India’s Weaving Heritage.” The programme was jointly organised by NABARD, Manipur Regional Office and Manipur Apex Handloom Weavers and Handicrafts Artisans Cooperative Society Limited. Gifts were presented to weavers and artisans during the observance. The programme highlighted Manipur’s rich handloom and handicraft traditions and the contribution of local artisans to preserving indigenous weaving heritage. Organisers stressed the need to promote traditional craftsmanship and provide greater support and opportunities to the state’s weavers and artisans.

Parliament Passes Taxation and Other Laws Amendment Bill

New Delhi, September 3: Parliament has passed the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 after the Rajya Sabha returned the Money Bill to the Lok Sabha following discussion. Replying to the debate in the Rajya Sabha, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman clarified that the legislation does not impose any tax or transaction charge on UPI users. She said digital payments would continue to remain free for consumers. The Finance Minister also explained that the UPI-related provision is only an enabling measure and does not itself introduce any tax. She further clarified that the government does not intend to impose Merchant Discount Rate charges on small merchants.

26. Colombia Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 132

Colombia, September 3: The death toll from a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck western Colombia has risen to 132, with more than 570 people injured. According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake was centred near San Jose del Palmar in the Choco region, around 400 kilometres west of Bogota. Hundreds of buildings were damaged, while rescue teams continued searching for people believed to be trapped beneath debris. President Abelardo de la Espriella declared an emergency to accelerate relief and recovery operations. More than 20 municipalities were reportedly affected. Tremors were also felt in neighbouring Ecuador and Panama. Authorities have warned residents about possible aftershocks.

27. Thoubal Karate Athlete Jenison Welcomed After Gold Medal

Thoubal, September 3: Manipur karate athlete Moirangthem Jenison of Thoubal Mayai Leikai received a warm welcome after winning a gold medal in the Sub-Junior Boys category at the All India Karate Championship 2026 in Siliguri, West Bengal. The championship was held on August 9 and organised by Tanmoy Karate Academy under the aegis of the Modern Shotokan Karate Do Association (India). Jenison was welcomed at Bir Tikendrajit International Airport by family members before being felicitated by the Super Social Development Club at Thoubal Mayai Leikai. The Class 8 student was congratulated for bringing laurels to Manipur through the achievement.

India Wins Two Bronze Medals in World Sepaktakraw Championship

New Delhi, September 3: India’s men’s team won two bronze medals at the 39th ISTAF World Sepaktakraw Championship Thai King’s Cup 2026 in the Hoop Event. The championship began on August 4 at Fashion Island Mall in Bangkok, Thailand. In the quad matches, India recorded victories over Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Pakistan and Iran before entering the semi-final stage. India lost the semi-final 2-1 to hosts Thailand after a closely contested match. The Indian team had earlier defeated its opponents convincingly in the quarter-stage fixtures, securing its place among the top teams in the competition. The bronze medals mark a notable achievement for Indian sepaktakraw.