Items filtered by date: Monday, 28 September 2026

Skipe Village Deserted Amid Security Concerns

Kamjong, September 28: Skipe village along the Indo-Myanmar border in Kamjong district has reportedly been deserted amid continuing militant activities and security concerns. An Impact News team accompanying Phungyar MLA Leishiyo Keishing during a visit found no residents in the village. The Skipe Police Outpost, established in June 2022, was also found locked, with personnel reportedly withdrawn. The development comes amid reports of movement by Myanmar-based KNA-B cadres in the area. Villagers have reportedly fled to safer locations fearing attacks and alleged cross-border movement. MLA Leishiyo Keishing raised concerns over the withdrawal of security personnel and urged authorities to restore the outpost and deploy additional forces.

Governor Calls for Prompt Action on Workplace Sexual Harassment

Imphal, September 28: Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has called for timely action under the law when complaints of sexual harassment against women employees are received at workplaces. He was speaking at an inter-departmental workshop on the Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013, held at the City Convention Centre in Imphal. The workshop was organised jointly by Manipur Police Training College, Pangei, and the Social Welfare Department. The Governor stressed the need for dignity, respect and a safe working environment. He said Internal Complaints Committees should handle complaints sensitively and ensure prompt action. A short awareness film was also released.

IT Department Holds Workshop on AI for Governance

Imphal, September 28: The Information Technology Department, Manipur, organised a one-day workshop on “Artificial Intelligence for Governance” for government officials at the Civil Secretariat in Mantripukhri. IT Director G. Robert Sharma said the workshop was aimed at helping departments use artificial intelligence effectively to improve government functions and service delivery. He stressed the importance of understanding available AI tools and learning from external experts about their practical applications. The workshop also focused on AI tools and prompt engineering, with officials encouraged to develop skills that can be applied in their day-to-day work. The programme sought to familiarise government personnel with emerging technologies and their potential applications in governance.

NITI Aayog Member Calls for Environment-Friendly Research

Imphal, September 28: NITI Aayog Member Dr Joram Aniya has stressed the need for research that protects the environment while addressing societal needs. She was speaking at a Societal Development Lecture on “Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Viksit Bharat 2047” at BRIC-IBSD, Takyel. Dr Aniya said research is essential for development but must not harm the environment. She urged Northeast states to pursue development while remaining connected to nature and incorporating indigenous knowledge systems. She also called for collective efforts towards building a developed India by 2047 and urged BRIC-IBSD to extend support towards the goal. The programme was attended by researchers, students and faculty members.

BJP Manipur Defends Special Intensive Revision Process

Imphal, September 28: BJP Manipur Pradesh has defended the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls conducted by the Election Commission of India, saying the exercise is aimed at ensuring accurate electoral rolls. Speaking at a press meet at Thambal Shanglen in Imphal, BJP State General Secretary K. Saratkumar said allegations raised by some political parties against the process were baseless. He claimed that no complaints were received during the SIR exercise in Manipur. Saratkumar said eligible persons left out of the final electoral roll and new voters can apply for inclusion through Form 6. On the next Assembly election, he said the final decision rests with the Election Commission.

Home Guard Association Suspends Proposed Agitation

Imphal, September 28: The Manipur Home Guard Employees Welfare Association has temporarily suspended its proposed agitation from September 30 over demands for implementation of rights and benefits under the Home Guards Act and Rules. Speaking at a press meet in Luwangshangbam, Association President Yanglem Mangi said the organisation has been demanding a separate Commandant General, seniority list, promotion guidelines and reservation for Home Guards in Group C and D posts. He said the government has issued an order fulfilling four of their demands following representations and intervention by the High Court of Manipur. Mangi warned that the agitation would resume if the remaining demands are not addressed within the stipulated period.

Rashtriya Poshan Maah Programme Held in Wangoi

Imphal, September 28: The ICDS Wangoi Project, in collaboration with the Manipur Social Welfare Department, organised the ninth Rashtriya Poshan Maah programme at Wangoi under the theme “Our Anganwadi, Our Responsibility.” The programme was held at Thana Awang Leikai, Mayang Imphal, and Khuman Multipurpose Hall as part of the month-long Poshan Maah campaign being observed from September 9 to October 8. Anganwadi workers from four constituencies under the ICDS Wangoi Project, along with ICDS Wangoi Block CDPO Yumnam Surjeevan, participated in the programme. Social Welfare Department SO (SNP) Huidrom Mitabina said the initiative aims to help Anganwadi workers better understand how to engage effectively with children.

Awareness Programme on Drug Abuse Held in Jiribam

Jiribam, September 28: The Anti Narcotic Drug Organisation, Kangleipak, organised an awareness programme on drug abuse at Jiribam Higher Secondary School, Babupara. The programme was held under the theme “For a Better Future, Let Us Unite Against Drug Abuse.” ANDOK President Chingkhei Luwangcha said many young people are increasingly vulnerable to drug abuse, affecting their lives and families. The programme aimed to sensitise students about the harmful effects of drug abuse and the challenges posed by the illegal drug trade. School Principal Kh. Endikumar and Jiribam District Police Sub-Inspector Ch. Somorjit attended the programme. The organisers appealed for greater awareness and collective efforts to prevent drug abuse among young people.

World Rabies Day Observed in Imphal

Imphal, September 28: The Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Services observed World Rabies Day at the Farmers Training Hall, Sanjenthong Veterinary Complex, under the theme “Stronger, Together.” Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Secretary Dr Rangitabali Waikhom stressed that rabies prevention requires coordination among veterinary services, health authorities and local bodies. She said rabies deaths are preventable and highlighted the One Health approach involving dog vaccination, responsible pet ownership, bite prevention, public awareness and timely post-exposure treatment. The department is working towards the goal of a Rabies-Free Manipur by 2030. Director Dr Laishram Arunkumar said anti-rabies vaccines are available free of cost throughout the year at veterinary hospitals and dispensaries.

World River Day Observed in Chandel

Chandel, September 28: World River Day was observed in Chandel under the theme “No Forests, No River, No Water, No Life” at Angam Memorial School, Liwachangning. The programme was organised by the Divisional Forest Officer, Chandel, and attended by students, teachers and Forest Department personnel. DFO Dr N. Munal stressed the need to protect rivers from plastic pollution, encroachment and other human activities. He said a National Green Tribunal report had identified 18 polluted rivers in Manipur, including the Nambul, while the Chakpi and Maha rivers in Chandel also face pollution concerns. He urged students to contribute actively towards protecting forests and rivers and preserving water resources.

New Consumer Store Inaugurated in Yairipok

Thoubal, September 28: Manipur Co-operative Societies Registrar W. Ibohal inaugurated a new consumer store of Yairipok Yambem Makha Leikai Yambem GP Level Multipurpose Co-operative Society. The programme was organised by the Yambem GP Level Multipurpose Society and attended by Manipur State Co-operative Bank President P. Ranjit and Imphal East District Cooperative Officer Y. Rohenjit, among others. Speaking at the event, W. Ibohal said the cooperative movement can contribute to the overall development of the state. He urged people to make use of cooperative services to strengthen the state’s economy. The new store is expected to provide food items and other daily necessities to local consumers at subsidised rates.

Manipur University Faculty Member Receives Research Award

Imphal, September 28: Manipur University faculty member Dr Pukhrambam Lilabati has received the Naad Nartan Excellent Research Paper Award 2025. The award was presented during the Nartan Festival of Dance and Music in Bengaluru. Dr Lilabati presented her research paper at an international conference and concert on “Indian Knowledge System and Its Relevance to Performing Arts,” held at Janseva Vidya Kendra in Bengaluru from September 24 to 26. She is also a recipient of the National Award to Teachers of Higher Educational Institutions and Polytechnics 2026, recognising her contributions to teaching, research and the development of performing arts. The latest award adds to her recognition in the field of research.

‘Tarao – A Vanishing Tribe of Manipur’ Selected for Film Festival

Imphal, September 28: Documentary film “Tarao – A Vanishing Tribe of Manipur,” directed by Prof. Dr Thokchom Chandramani, has been selected for screening at the National Tribal Film Festival 2026 – Tribal Frames Manipur 2026. The documentary has been produced under the Directorate of Regional Indian Languages and Research, Manipur International University, Imphal. The National Tribal Film Festival is being organised by the Tribal Research Institute, Manipur, under the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs, in collaboration with the Manipur State Film Development Society. The festival is scheduled to be held from November 12 to 15 at the MSFDS Complex in Palace Compound, Imphal. The film focuses on the Tarao community of Manipur.

Manipur Bodybuilder Rikhikanta Wins Overall Champion Title

Bangkok, September 28: Manipur bodybuilder Laitonjam Rikhikanta has emerged as the Overall Champion at the 58th Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championship in Bangkok, Thailand. Competing in the Senior Men’s 90-kilogram category, Rikhikanta of United Gym, Naoremthong, won the gold medal and was declared the Overall Champion. Another Manipur athlete, Pritam Nahakpam of Khongbu Manga Fitness Centre, Kumbi, also won gold in the Junior Bodybuilding Up to 75-kilogram category. The championship began on September 22 and featured male and female athletes from 24 Asian countries competing in different weight categories. Rikhikanta hails from Patsoi Part 4.