JFD Warns of Intensified Agitation Over NRC, Census

Imphal, September 19: The Campaign for Just & Fair Delimitation (JFD) has warned of intensified agitation if the state government fails to issue an official notification by September-end on deferring the entire Census exercise in Manipur until updation of the NRC with 1951 as the base year. Speaking at a sit-in organised by the North Imphal Meira and Club Coordinating Committee at Khinghampat Awang Leikai, JFD Convenor Jeetendra Ningomba said the interests of indigenous people and future generations should not be compromised. He warned that the agitation would be intensified from the following day if the government fails to make a clear announcement within the stipulated period.

JFD Task Force Continues Government Office Closure Agitation

Imphal, September 19: The JFD Task Force continued its office-closure agitation, demanding that the Census not be conducted in Manipur before updation of the NRC with 1951 as the base year. Volunteers reportedly locked several government offices as part of the ongoing protest. The offices affected included the Directorate of Settlement and Land Resources at Lamphel, SDC Heirangoithong, CD Block Hiyangthang, the Minority Office for OBC and SC, and the Manipur Municipality Property Tax Board office at North AOC. The agitation is part of the JFD’s broader campaign seeking NRC updation before the conduct of the Census in the state.

MITEC Discusses Resumption of Indo-Myanmar Trade Through Moreh

Imphal, September 19: The Manipur International Trade and Electronic Cooperation (MITEC) held a general body meeting to discuss preparations for resuming Indo-Myanmar trade and commerce through Moreh after restoration of normalcy in Manipur. The meeting was held at Hotel Classic Grande in Chingmeirong and attended by former Moreh-based traders, stakeholders and experts. Speakers included academics and representatives of the Indo-Myanmar Border Trade Union and Manipur Chamber of Commerce and Industries. MITEC Secretary M. Chandrakishwar said the Centre has announced plans to resume trade between Moreh in India and Tamu in Myanmar. He said the meeting focused on key issues involved in restarting international trade.

AITUC Holds Convention on Manipur Crisis and Political Solution

Imphal, September 19: The All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Manipur State Committee, organised a public convention on “Manipur Crisis and Political Solution” at Khwai Bramhapur Community Hall in Uripok Chakrikom. Kongngangthaba University Vice-Chancellor Prof. N. Joykumar, former Manipur Human Rights Commission Chairperson Khaidem Mani, AITUC leaders and intellectuals attended the event. Speaking on the sidelines, AITUC Manipur General Secretary L. Sotinkumar alleged that a “proxy war” had caused immense hardship since May 3, 2023. He said the crisis had particularly affected daily-wage earners, including farmers and labourers. The convention discussed the challenges arising from the crisis and possible measures towards restoring peace.

UNLF Former Chairman Urges Writers to Reflect Manipur’s Present Reality

Imphal, September 19: Former UNLF Chairman RK Sanayaima has urged writers in Manipur to produce literary works reflecting the present reality of the state and helping guide society towards a peaceful and harmonious future. Speaking on the sidelines of the ‘Seireng Gee Kumhei’ poetry festival organised by Apunba Khorirolgi Malemgi Lup at MDU Hall, Yaiskul Police Lane, he said writers should address people’s suffering, social and economic conditions, external challenges and the state’s social ethos. The festival featured sessions on the role of literature in present-day Manipur and the development of Manipuri poetry between 1901 and 1970.

School Founder Appeals for Education to Remain a Free Zone

Imphal, September 19: Prism Higher Secondary School Founder Director T. Kisan has urged organisations to review what he described as excessive monetary demands from educational institutions amid the ongoing crisis in Manipur. Speaking at a felicitation programme for more than 200 students who excelled during the 2025–26 academic session, Kisan appealed to civil society and student organisations to work towards making education a free zone where students can learn without disruption. He said the school provides free education to around 20 internally displaced students every academic session and waives admission fees for Class 11 students from displaced families.

Hand Grenade Recovered at Residence in Kshetrigao

Imphal, September 19: A hand grenade was found at the gate of a residence belonging to Yumkhaibam Fiiroj Khan at Awang Sabal Leikai, Kshetrigao, in Imphal East district. The grenade was reportedly discovered at around 6 a.m. A note bearing the names Jan Muhammed, Haji Din Muhammed and Amar Jan was also found along with the explosive device. Porompat Police, accompanied by the Manipur Bomb Disposal Team, reached the spot and safely removed the grenade. Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the incident. The motive behind placing the grenade remains unknown at the time of reporting.

Bomb Recovered From Residence in Thoubal District

Thoubal, September 19: A bomb was reportedly planted at the residence of Md. Abdul Rashid at Phundrei Awang Leikai under Khongjom Police Station in Thoubal district. The device was discovered at around 7:30 a.m. following which a team from Khongjom Police Station and the Manipur Bomb Disposal Squad rushed to the area. The bomb was safely recovered and later detonated at Langathel Ching. Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the incident. The motive behind the planting of the explosive device remains unknown at the time of filing the report.

NRFM Calls Statewide Shutdown on September 21

Imphal, September 19: The proscribed National Revolutionary Front of Manipur (NRFM) has called for a total shutdown across all 16 districts of Manipur on September 21 in connection with the 1949 Manipur Merger Agreement. In a statement, NRFM Information and Publicity Secretary Sanajaoba Meitei claimed that Maharaja Bodhachandra was coerced into signing the agreement on September 21, 1949. The group said the political status of Manipur involves questions of history, constitutional legitimacy, international law and political rights. It further called for principles including self-determination, decolonisation and sovereign equality to be considered in seeking a lasting solution to political issues concerning Manipur.

Powerloom Entrepreneurs Allege Prolonged Neglect of Estate

Imphal, September 19: Entrepreneurs at the Powerloom Estate in Lamboi Khongnangkhong have alleged that prolonged neglect by the Directorate of Handloom and Textiles has affected the functioning of the estate. Entrepreneur Haodijam Devendrajit told the media that the estate’s transformer has remained defunct for three years. He alleged that repeated appeals to the Director-in-Charge to restore power had received no response. According to Devendrajit, the estate was established with around 200 power looms, but some entrepreneurs have been forced to shift their machines elsewhere due to the power crisis. He welcomed the appointment of new Director W. Ibohal, citing his experience in sericulture and the handloom and textiles sector.

Students Demand Early Completion of Jiribam DIET Centre

Jiribam, September 19: Students in Jiribam staged a protest meeting demanding the early completion of the under-construction District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) centre and establishment of a full-fledged DIET centre in the district. The protest meeting was organised by MSF, KSA and DESAM in front of Jiribam Higher Secondary School in Babupara. KSA Jiribam District Council President K. Somorjit said organisations had been urging the authorities for a full-fledged DIET centre for a long time, but there had been no response. He said Jiribam’s distance from Imphal and the absence of a DIET centre create difficulties for students. He added that completion of the project could help address teacher shortages in schools.

Dr Motimala Ngangom Honoured as ‘Mother of Manipur NCC’

Imphal, September 19: Retired NCC Associate Officer Major Dr. Motimala Ngangom has been honoured with the title “Mother of Manipur NCC” by the NCC Alumni Foundation Manipur in recognition of her 34 years of service and contribution to the National Cadet Corps. Dr. Motimala, who served in the NCC from 1984 to 2018, received the Raksha Mantri Padak Award from the Ministry of Defence in 1994. She served as Lady Commander of the NCC North East Region and later held a national-level cultural responsibility. She played a role in promoting Manipur’s cultural identity through NCC cultural troupes. She urged parents to encourage both boys and girls to join the NCC to develop discipline, patriotism and responsible citizenship.

National Nutrition Month Observed at CC Higher Secondary School

Imphal, September 19: The Home Science Association Manipur and CC Higher Secondary School jointly observed National Nutrition Month under the theme “Hamari Anganwadi, Hamari Jimmedari” at CC Higher Secondary School, Sanjenthong. Home Science Association Manipur founding member Th. Bedamani said Home Science, once viewed mainly as a subject for girls, is now gaining wider acceptance among boys. She highlighted the subject’s career opportunities and its practical role in addressing social challenges. Bedamani also stressed the importance of Home Science in promoting food safety, nutrition awareness and healthy eating habits, particularly amid concerns over food adulteration and the increasing availability of packaged food products.

Seminar on Manipuri Folk Narratives Begins at GP Women’s College

Imphal, September 19: The Cultural Forum, Manipur, began a two-day seminar on Manipuri Folk Narratives and Culture at GP Women’s College. The seminar is being organised under the sponsorship of Chief Ministergi Artistsingi Tengbang. During the inaugural session, papers were presented by Dr. Usham Niranjan Kumar, Dr. Kh. Geetarani and Dr. L. Koireng on various aspects of Manipuri folk narratives. The seminar will continue tomorrow with presentations by scholars including Dr. Y. Bhanu, Dr. K. Minaketan, Naorem Julia, M. Thoibi, Dr. W. Romesh, Dr. M. Bidyapati, Dr. M. Nirmala and Dr. P. Lilabati.

First Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery Performed in Manipur

Imphal, September 19: Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery (MICS) has been successfully performed for the first time in Manipur at SKY Hospital on RIMS Road, Imphal. The procedure was conducted on a 29-year-old woman from Ukhrul district. The surgery was led by SKY Hospital Chief Cardiac Surgeon Dr. Ajay Kaul, along with Chief Cardiothoracic Anaesthesiologist and Critical Care Specialist Dr. Sanjeev Popli and the medical team. SKY Hospital Chairman and Chief Cardiologist Dr. Shyamkishore Lairikyengbam congratulated the surgical team on the procedure. The development marks the reported first use of minimally invasive cardiac surgery in Manipur.

India’s First Approved Dengue Vaccine Expected in Private Market in 2027

New Delhi, September 19: India’s first approved dengue vaccine, Takeda’s Qdenga, is expected to become available in the private market during the first half of 2027. The vaccine has received marketing authorisation from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation and has been approved for people aged 4 to 60 years. Japanese pharmaceutical company Takeda has entered into an exclusive agreement with Dr Reddy’s Laboratories for promotion and distribution of Qdenga in India’s private healthcare market. Qdenga is a live-attenuated tetravalent vaccine designed to provide protection against all four dengue virus serotypes. According to the source, the WHO reported more than 14.4 million dengue cases and 11,201 deaths globally in 2024.

IMD Issues Yellow Warning for Isolated Heavy Rainfall

Imphal, September 19: The India Meteorological Department’s Imphal Centre has forecast rainfall in several parts of Manipur over the next two days. A yellow warning has been issued for isolated heavy rainfall in some parts of the state today. Isolated rainfall is expected in Tamenglong, Senapati, Ukhrul and Chandel districts, while other areas may receive light to moderate rain. Tomorrow, isolated rainfall is forecast in Senapati, Jiribam, Noney and Pherzawl districts, with light to moderate rain likely elsewhere. Meanwhile, the ICAR Agrometeorological Unit at Lamphelpat reported that Manipur recorded a maximum temperature of 32 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 22 degrees Celsius today.

20th Asian Games Begin in Aichi-Nagoya

Nagoya, September 19: The 20th Asian Games officially began with a grand opening ceremony at Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The two-hour ceremony was attended by Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, Prince Akishino, Princess Kiko and OCA President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani. India’s double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker and kabaddi player Pawan Sehrawat led the 501-member Indian contingent during the athletes’ parade. Manipur has 35 athletes in the Indian contingent, competing in Sepaktakraw, rowing, cycling, fencing, canoeing and kayaking, boxing, weightlifting, wushu, judo and hockey. Athletes from more than 45 countries and regions are competing across 43 sports. The Games will continue until October 4.

CM Extends Best Wishes to Manipur Athletes at Asian Games

Imphal, September 19: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand has extended his best wishes to sportspersons and coaches from Manipur representing India at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The Games began today and will continue until October 4. The Manipur contingent is representing India in several disciplines, including Sepaktakraw, rowing, cycling, fencing, canoeing and kayaking, boxing, weightlifting, wushu, judo and hockey. The Chief Minister conveyed his wishes to the athletes and coaches competing at the continental sporting event. Manipur has sent athletes across multiple disciplines as part of the Indian contingent competing at the Asian Games.

Manipur Powerlifter Maibam Gulubi to Compete in Türkiye

Imphal, September 19: Manipur powerlifter Maibam Gulubi will represent India at the Asian Junior Classic and Equipped Bench Press Championship in Istanbul, Türkiye, from September 21 to 25. Gulubi will compete in the Junior Women’s 57-kilogram category in both the Classic and Equipped Bench Press events as part of the Powerlifting India team. She is a trainee of the Manipur Powerlifting Association and is currently a student of Kamakhya Pemton College, Hiyangthang, Imphal West. Gulubi’s participation adds another international opportunity for a young athlete from Manipur, as she prepares to compete in both formats of the bench press championship.

Manipur Equestrian Association Seeks Equestrian Course at NSU

Imphal, September 19: The Manipur Equestrian Association (MEA) has urged the National Sports University, Imphal, to introduce equestrian as an academic subject. The appeal was made during a visit by NSU Vice-Chancellor Daljit Singh Chawdhary to the Manipuri Pony Breeding Farm at Lamphelpat, where he inspected facilities related to the breeding and preservation of the Manipuri Pony. MEA Secretary General N. Ibungochoubi renewed the association’s earlier request, stressing the need for systematic training and greater opportunities for young Manipuri riders to compete at national and international levels. The Vice-Chancellor responded positively and said the university could invite MEA and allied organisations for consultations on developing the proposal.