Items filtered by date: Wednesday, 14 October 2026

CM Urges Youths to Make Manipur a Global IT Destination

Imphal, October 14: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand has urged young people to help establish Manipur as a globally recognised name in information technology, assuring government support. Speaking at the Bhashini Rajyam Workshop at Cyber Hub, Mantripukhri, he praised AI-based language technologies for overcoming communication barriers and promoting multilingual digital services. Two memorandums of understanding were signed, one between the state government and the Bhashini team and another with Microsoft, focusing on artificial intelligence, digital governance, capacity building and digital skills. The Chief Minister also inaugurated an E-Sewa Kendra at IT Park and distributed certificates to HCL TechBee trainees who secured placements.

Protest Over Allegations Against MP Bimol Akoijam Leads to Tension in Imphal

Imphal, October 14: Tension erupted near BJP Thambal Shanglen, Nityaipat Chuthek, as supporters of Congress MP Dr Bimol Akoijam staged a rally opposing sexual harassment allegations against him. Police stopped protesters marching from Keishamthong and Nupilal Complex, leading to a brief scuffle and traffic disruption. Police reportedly used a stun grenade, which did not explode. The rally later moved towards Keishampat. Protesters alleged that police had treated a recent BJP rally demanding Dr Bimol’s resignation differently. Cyclist Rohan Philem claimed the allegations were politically motivated and intended to damage the MP’s public image and political career.

Sagolmang Residents Protest Allegations Against MP Bimol Akoijam

Imphal, October 14: Residents staged a protest at Sagolmang in Khundrakpam Assembly Constituency against sexual harassment allegations against Lok Sabha MP Dr Angomcha Bimol Akoijam and expressed solidarity with him. Waiton Gram Panchayat chairperson Pukhrambam Surbala criticised BJP state president and Rajya Sabha MP A. Sharda, accusing her of attempting to gain political mileage from the controversy. Surbala also urged the BJP-led government to stop what she described as an attempt to remove Dr Bimol from his professorial position at Jawaharlal Nehru University. She questioned the university vice-chancellor’s actions over the matter.

Patsoi Congress Launches Poster Campaign Supporting MP Bimol Akoijam

Imphal, October 14: The Patsoi Block Congress Committee, led by former minister and MLA A.K. Mirabai, launched a poster campaign opposing sexual harassment allegations against Lok Sabha MP Dr Bimol Akoijam. The campaign began at Mirabai’s residence in Tabungkhok Mayai Leikai and covered several localities in Patsoi Assembly Constituency. Mirabai accused the BJP of exploiting the controversy for political gain and attempting to tarnish Dr Bimol’s image because of his advocacy for the people of Manipur. She alleged that the controversy was diverting public attention from the state’s ongoing conflict and its impact on residents.

Democratic Youth Front Criticises Government Over Continuing Unrest

Imphal, October 14: Democratic Youth Front Manipur president Konsam Premjit has criticised the government for failing to resolve the state’s prolonged unrest and condemned the recent beheading of a villager as barbaric. Speaking at the organisation’s office in Wangkhei Ningthem Pukhri Mapal on October 13, Premjit questioned the response of security forces and alleged that the Centre’s takeover of law and order undermined the state’s authority. He called for strict monitoring of groups operating under the Suspension of Operations agreement and urged the Home Department to take effective measures to protect lives and property and restore peace.

Chandel Naga People’s Organisation Condemns Killing of Makui Villagers

Kangpokpi, October 14: The Chandel Naga People’s Organisation has condemned the killing of four villagers from Makui on October 10, allegedly by members of KNF (P), KRA and KNF-B. In a statement, the organisation condemned the reported beheading of R. Ajinpou, alleged use of his severed head as a shooting target, the burning of four Makui villages, looting of church property and killing of livestock. It claimed the perpetrators’ use of Hindi, Kuki and Burmese dialects indicated a cross-border terrorist nexus. The organisation demanded the return of the severed head for burial according to Naga customs, compensation, security and rehabilitation for affected families, and intervention by government and human rights bodies.

Jiribam Students Lock School Offices Over Teacher’s Transfer

Jiribam, October 14: Students of Jiribam Higher Secondary School locked the administrative block and principal’s room in protest against the transfer of the school’s computer science teacher. Members of the All Manipur Students’ Union, Manipuri Students’ Federation, DESAM and KSA joined the protest. KSA Jiribam District Council president K. Somorjit said students had given the Education Department (Schools) a two-day deadline to address their concerns, but no action had been taken. The protesting students demanded cancellation of the transfer order and warned of further agitation if the department failed to meet their demand.

Youth Groups Flag Biomedical Waste and Staff Shortages at Heirok CHC

Thoubal, October 14: The People’s United Youth Alliance and Foothills Naga Co-ordination Committee have raised concerns over waste management, staffing and facilities at Heirok Community Health Centre. Following complaints from six local bodies, a team inspected the facility. PUYA general secretary Longjam Abothe alleged that blood-stained cotton swabs, gloves and other biomedical waste had been improperly dumped behind the hospital. He also highlighted shortages of specialists and medical staff, a non-functional effluent treatment plant, concerns over diagnostic equipment and medicine stocks, and poor maintenance of the labour room. The groups questioned whether the centre could adequately fulfil its First Referral Unit responsibilities, including newborn care.

Land Records Department Plans Technology-Driven Surveys, Especially in Hill Districts

Imphal, October 14: Manipur’s Settlement and Land Records Department plans to use modern technology to speed up land surveys, particularly in the hill districts. Department director David Elangbam shared the plans during a DIPR Meet the Press programme in Imphal. He said eight services, including land allotment, registration permissions and land acquisition, were available online through departmental systems and the LR Manipur mobile application. Under the Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme, digitisation of land records in Manipur began in 2020–21. Elangbam said utilisation certificates for ₹6.78 crore had been submitted to the Centre against ₹6.99 crore released for land survey-related activities.

RIMS Forms Committee to Investigate Woman’s Death After Childbirth

Imphal, October 14: The Regional Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal has formed a four-member committee to investigate the death of 25-year-old Thokchom Ongbi Binaroi following childbirth. A post-mortem examination was scheduled for October 14, while the committee is expected to submit its findings within three working days. RIMS expressed condolences to the bereaved family and condemned damage to public property amid the incident. The hospital also appealed for peace as the investigation proceeds. The death had prompted protests, with the family seeking clarity over the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death.

Manipur Marks Wildlife Week With Call for Stronger Conservation Measures

Imphal, October 14: Manipur’s Forest Department concluded the 72nd Wildlife Week Celebration 2026 at City Convention, Palace Compound, with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla calling for stronger protection of wildlife and action against illegal hunting and trafficking. He stressed coordination among government agencies, researchers and local communities to conserve biodiversity, including the endangered Sangai and its habitat at Keibul Lamjao National Park. Deputy Chief Minister and Forest Minister Losii Dikho reaffirmed the government’s commitment to habitat protection and enforcement. The event featured the release of rescued wild animals, two books, new clouded leopard and vulture conservation projects, and awards for Wildlife Week competition winners.

Agriculture Department Seeks Higher Production of Certified Seeds

Imphal, October 14: Agriculture director Peter Salam has said the department plans to ensure that farmers benefit from government budget support for seed production. Speaking at a training programme on strengthening seed quality control at Sanjenthong, Salam stressed the need to increase production of high-quality, certified seeds to improve crop yields and reduce dependence on supplies from outside the state. He said stronger collaboration among seed farmers, scientists and the department could help expand certified seed production and strengthen Manipur’s agricultural sector. The programme focused on improving seed quality and supporting farmers through better production practices.

White Canes Distributed to Students of Government Ideal Blind School

Imphal, October 14: Sixty white canes were distributed to students of Government Ideal Blind School in Takyel, Imphal West, through a joint initiative involving several Lions Clubs and Manipur Technical University’s Disaster Risk Reduction Club and Disaster Management Cell. Separately, the Social Welfare Department organised a White Cane Awareness Rally from Kangla Western Gate to its office at North AOC. Students from the blind school, university faculty members, disaster risk reduction volunteers and Lions Club members participated in the rally. The activities aimed to promote awareness of visual impairment and highlight the importance of support and accessibility for persons with visual disabilities.

Luwangpokpa, Khurai and Thangjing Win State Polo Tournament Matches

Imphal, October 14: Three matches were played at Mapal Kangjeibung in Imphal during the 39th N. Hazari and Dr N. Tombi State Polo Tournament. Luwangpokpa Polo Club Team B of Luwangsangbam defeated New Vision Polo Club of Yairipok 9–4 in the opening match. Khurai Polo Club then secured a commanding 12–0 victory over Southern Polo Club of Thongjao. In the third match, Thangjing Polo Club Team A of Khongman beat Loyalakpa Polo Club Team B of Sangaiprou 5–0. The tournament is being held under the aegis of the Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association. The next three matches are scheduled for October 16.

Manipur Thang-Ta Team Heads to South Korea for International Contest

Imphal, October 14: Three martial arts athletes and an official from Manipur have left for South Korea to participate in an international contest organised under the World Martial Arts Union. World Thang Ta Federation president Dr Huidrom Premkumar is accompanying athletes Konjengbam Yaiphaba, Ningthoujam Loyamba and Asem Mithoiba of the Huyel Langlon Tha Ta Association of Manipur. The contest is scheduled to begin on October 15 in Chungju, Chungcheongbuk-do. Premkumar will also attend the World Martial Arts Union’s 25th annual general meeting as a full member, where discussions are expected to include the promotion of Thang-Ta.

NEROCA FC Reaches Final of Manipur Police Football Cup

Imphal, October 14: NEROCA FC of Sangakpham advanced to the final of the first Manipur Police Football Cup after defeating Classic Football Academy, also of Sangakpham, 3–2 in the first semi-final. The match was played at the Artificial Turf Ground in Lamlong Thongkhong as part of the tournament organised under the aegis of the All Manipur Football Association to mark the 135th anniversary of Manipur Police. Raengdai FC of Noney will face KRYPHSA FC of Naoremthong in the second semi-final on October 16 at 2 pm. The winners will compete for the inaugural tournament title.