Items filtered by date: Saturday, 31 October 2026

Thousands Join COCOMI-Naga Bodies’ Rally in Imphal, Demand End to Alleged Proxy War

Imphal, October 31: Thousands of people from different communities took part in a mega rally organised by COCOMI in coordination with four Naga organisations in Imphal on Saturday, demanding an end to what they described as a proxy war by the Government of India in Manipur. The rally began at Tiddim Ground around 11 am and concluded at THAU Ground, Thangmeiband, amid heavy security deployment. Participants included members of the Meitei, Naga, Meitei-Pangal and Nepali communities, as well as non-Manipuris engaged in local businesses. Protesters demanded abrogation of the Suspension of Operations agreement with Kuki armed groups, resettlement of internally displaced persons, withdrawal of Assam Rifles and protection of Manipur’s territorial integrity.

Naga Leader Calls for Abrogation of SoO Pact; COCOMI Urges Government to Heed Public Demands

Imphal, October 31: Foothills Naga Co-ordination Committee Convenor Ng. Akhiu has demanded immediate abrogation of the Suspension of Operations agreement with Kuki armed groups, alleging that it threatens indigenous communities in Manipur. Speaking at a public meeting at THAU Ground, Thangmeiband, he alleged that Assam Rifles was aiding Kuki armed groups by supplying weapons and ammunition. He described the SoO agreement as more oppressive than AFSPA and pledged FNCC’s support for the movement. COCOMI Convenor YK Dhiren urged government leaders to listen to public demands, while Meitei-Pangal representative Dr. Raheijuddin Sheikh stressed the importance of hill-valley unity and protection of Manipur’s territorial integrity.

COCOMI, Naga Organisations Adopt Six Resolutions at Imphal Rally

Imphal, October 31: COCOMI and four Naga organisations adopted six resolutions at a public meeting at THAU Ground, Thangmeiband, on Saturday, urging the Central and state governments to take immediate steps to address Manipur’s crisis. The resolutions called for an end to the alleged proxy war, non-extension of the SoO agreement with Kuki armed groups, dismantling of designated camps and accountability for violations of ground rules. They also demanded permanent resettlement of internally displaced persons with security and rehabilitation, withdrawal of Assam Rifles and deployment of a neutral border security force, and updation of the NRC using 1951 as the base year. The organisers also sought Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen’s removal, warning that the government should resign if the demand was not met.

Naga Organisations Hold Solidarity Rally in Senapati

Imphal, October 31: Several organisations under the United Naga Council, including the Naga People’s Organisation, Senapati District Students’ Association and Senapati District Women’s Association, organised a mass rally at Senapati on Saturday in support of the rally held by COCOMI and Naga organisations in Imphal. The rally was held at Senapati Traffic Point, where participants raised slogans demanding abrogation of the Suspension of Operations agreement with Kuki armed groups, withdrawal of Assam Rifles from border and conflict areas, and removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen from office. The demonstration reflected support for the demands raised during the joint rally in Imphal.

Khongban Tangkhul Incident: Injured Man Succumbs, Death Toll Rises to Four

Imphal, October 31: A 58-year-old man injured during the Khongban Tangkhul Sunulok incident in Imphal East district on October 19 succumbed to his injuries at RIMS Hospital around 10:30 am on Saturday. The deceased, Sorokhaibam Ibomcha of Nongshum Mayai Leikai, reportedly suffered internal bleeding after falling while running for cover during the attack and had not sustained a gunshot wound. With his death, the toll in the incident has risen to four. The Joint Action Committee formed in connection with the incident said the family would not claim his body until justice was delivered. The bodies of three other victims remain at the JNIMS morgue.

Three Kuki Armed Men Reportedly Killed in Gunfight with Naga Village Guards

Imphal, October 31: Three Kuki armed men were reportedly killed in a gunfight with Naga Village Guards in the Tazei Kaiphun area under Nungba Police Station on Saturday. According to information received by Impact News, firing began around 9 am. The incident followed an alleged arson attack on Naga houses in the area on October 29, after which exchanges of fire reportedly continued. Naga Village Guards reportedly recovered five guns, including three AK rifles and one A1 rifle, along with a Katos, two pompis and a drone. Reports also indicated possible injuries on the Kuki side. Security forces had reportedly not reached the site. Kuki Inpi Manipur condemned the reported killing of three Kuki-Zo men in Noney district.

Normal Life Affected in Kangpokpi on Second Day of CoTU Shutdown

Imphal, October 31: Normal life remained affected in Kangpokpi district on Saturday as the second day of the Committee on Tribal Unity’s 48-hour total shutdown continued. The shutdown, which began at 5 pm on October 29, was extended for another 24 hours. Markets, shops, educational institutions and government and private offices remained closed, while passenger vehicles stayed off the roads. Only a few essential service vehicles were seen operating. CoTU called the shutdown demanding the release of two Kuki youths, Thangginlun Chongloi, 21, and Paoginlal Hangsing, 20, who were allegedly abducted near the Hengbung–Taphou Kuki village area on October 28. Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen and Taphou Kuki Village Authority separately appealed for their release.

Three Accused in Rakesh Death Case Remanded to Judicial Custody

Imphal, October 31: Three persons arrested in connection with the death of Laishram Rakesh of Khangabok Mayai Leikai were remanded to judicial custody by the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Thoubal, on Saturday. Rakesh allegedly died after being shot during a confrontation at a venue in Sangaiyumpham Cherapur on the night of October 18. The accused are Md. Khurshid Ahamed, 29, Md. Abdul Rahman alias Apik, 45, and Md. Sherkhan, 38. The first two were arrested on October 20, while Sherkhan was arrested on October 21. A large number of women from Khangabok gathered outside the court, demanding severe punishment for those responsible. A Mangani Leihun ritual and public procession were also held in memory of Rakesh.

CM Calls on 36 Communities to Work Together for United Manipur

Imphal, October 31: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand has appealed to all 36 communities in Manipur to rise above divisions and work together towards building a united and progressive state. He made the appeal during the National Unity Day celebration at the 1st Manipur Rifles Parade Ground on Saturday, marking the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Recalling Patel’s role in integrating princely states, the Chief Minister said no community in Manipur should think or act in isolation. He cautioned that divisive thinking could weaken social harmony and economic progress. The programme featured a march-past by different contingents and a choreographic presentation titled “Akhoigi Apunba Saktam” by Government Dance College.

Around 780 Participate in Run for Unity at Khuman Lampak

Imphal, October 31: Around 780 boys and girls from different age groups participated in the Run for Unity organised by the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, Manipur, at Khuman Lampak Sports Complex on Saturday. The event featured 5-km and 10-km runs and was attended by YAS Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Secretary N. Praveen, Director Dr. M. Veto, Dronacharya Awardee L. Ibomcha and hockey Olympian Ksh. Thoiba, among others. Speaking at the event, Minister Govindas recalled the contributions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, born on October 31, 1875, and said the run was organised to commemorate his birth anniversary and honour his role in the integration of India.

Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla Extends Kut Festival Greetings

Imphal, October 31: Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has extended greetings to the Kuki-Zo communities and people of Manipur on the occasion of Kut Festival 2026, which falls on November 1. In his message, the Governor described Kut as a harvest festival reflecting gratitude for nature’s bounty, togetherness and the rich cultural heritage of the people. He said the festival celebrates the fruits of hard work and offers an opportunity to strengthen friendship, peace, harmony and mutual understanding among communities. The Governor wished the people happiness, prosperity and renewed hope, and called for collective efforts to preserve cultural traditions and build a peaceful, united and prosperous Manipur.

CM Yumnam Khemchand Extends Kut Festival Greetings

Imphal, October 31: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand has extended warm greetings to the Kuki-Zo communities and people of Manipur on the occasion of Kut Festival 2026. In his message, the Chief Minister described Kut as a celebration of the harvest season, gratitude and the state’s rich cultural heritage. He said the festival promotes unity, friendship and harmony among communities. Khemchand also called for collective efforts towards peace, mutual respect and prosperity, where every community can live with dignity and contribute to Manipur’s progress. Kut Festival will be celebrated on November 1.

The Gym LYS, PBBPTC Win Overall Team Titles at State Powerlifting Championship

Imphal, October 31: The Gym LYS Kwakeithel and PBBPTC Elangbam Leikai emerged overall team champions in the men’s and women’s categories respectively at the 16th Manipur State Powerlifting Championship and the 1st State Physically Challenged Men’s and Women’s Bench Press Championship. The event was organised by the All Manipur Powerlifting Association at Keishamthong Elangbam Leikai Leirak Achouba Community Hall. The Gym LYS won 14 medals to claim the men’s team title, while PBBPTC secured 21 medals, including 18 gold, to win the women’s title. Moirangthem Jenith of The Gym LYS was named Best Lifter in the men’s category, Maibam Gulubi of PBBPTC in the women’s category and Senjam Kakanti of ICON Gym in the physically challenged category.