Items filtered by date: Tuesday, 10 November 2026

While Ningol Chakouba brings joy to women across Manipur, the festival remains painful for many displaced women who cannot return to their native homes or visit their maternal families. For around 50 occupants at Urup Higher Secondary School Relief Camp in Keirao Constituency, the festival brings back memories of homes and loved ones left behind since the violence that began on May 3, 2023.

The displaced women have appealed to government to facilitate their return, saying it would be their most cherished Ningol Chakouba gift. Families at the camp continue to live in cramped rooms that serve as both living spaces and kitchens. An elderly woman also expressed disappointment over the daily allowance of just 100 Rupees per head, saying the hardship becomes more painful during festivals.The residents share one common wish — to return to their native homes and reunite with their cherished memories.

Meanwhile, Arambai Tenggol Unit-29 hosted Ningol Chakouba at Kyamgei on November 8 for displaced women unable to celebrate the festival at home or visit their maternal families. Women at the Urup relief camp expressed gratitude for the gesture.

CM calls for preservation of indigenous sports and traditional arts

Senapati, November 9: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand has called for collective efforts to preserve and promote indigenous sports and traditional arts practised by different communities in Manipur. He was speaking at a demonstration of Naga Indigenous Wrestling, or Pyacha, organised by the Senapati District Wrestling Association at Astro Turf Ground, Senapati. Comparing Pyacha with the Meitei wrestling form Mukna, he said every community had unique traditional sports deserving recognition and promotion. The event, which saw participation from 25 communities, also marked Janjatiya Gaurav Divas in honour of tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda. Sports kits were distributed to local players, and the Chief Minister inaugurated an exhibition football match between Senapati FC and the Hills Academy Under-15 team.

Meghachandra accuses BJP of failing violence-affected women

Imphal, November 9: Congress Legislature Party leader K. Meghachandra has criticised the BJP over its alleged failure to release the promised financial assistance of Rs 10,000 to each eligible woman affected by the violence in Manipur before Ningol Chakkouba. He accused the party of misleading the public while claiming that peace had been restored despite continuing violence and civilian killings. Meghachandra also alleged that beneficiaries were being blamed for the delay on the grounds of incomplete documentation. Referring to recent tensions between Naga and Kuki communities, he alleged a breakdown of the state machinery and expressed concern that violence-affected Naga civilians had not been recognised as internally displaced persons.

MANITEX 2026 concludes with sales exceeding Rs 1 crore

Imphal, November 9: The five-day MANITEX 2026 concluded at Urban Haat, Nilakuthi, with around 30,000 visitors and sales exceeding Rs 1 crore, according to Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam. Speaking on the sidelines of the closing ceremony, he said memorandums of understanding had also been signed with national and international companies. Eleven stalls were allotted to internally displaced persons, and the Manipur Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited will purchase their unsold products. Govindas said the government was making efforts to rehabilitate displaced families in their homes while acknowledging concerns over their safety amid recurring violence. He also said financial assistance to IDPs had begun to be released ahead of Ningol Chakkouba.

Tribal film and cultural festivals scheduled from November 12

Imphal, November 9: The Department of Tribal Affairs and Hills, Manipur, will organise the second National Tribal Film Festival, “Tribal Frames Manipur 2026”, alongside the State Level Tribal Cultural Festival 2026 and Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas celebrations. Tribal Affairs and Hills Director R. Rang Peter said the four-day film festival would be held from November 12 to 15 at MSFDS Auditorium, Palace Compound, in collaboration with the Tribal Research Institute and with support from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. It will showcase films from Northeast India, Ladakh, Jharkhand and other tribal regions, alongside masterclasses, discussions, cultural performances, a photography exhibition and a filmmaking workshop. Filmmakers from Australia and Sweden are also expected to participate. The state-level cultural festival will be held from November 15 to 18 at City Convention Centre.

Imphal West SP urges public to celebrate Diwali and Ningol Chakkouba safely

Imphal, November 9: Imphal West District Police Superintendent Ksh. Shivakanta has appealed to the public to celebrate Diwali and Ningol Chakkouba responsibly and avoid incidents that could endanger lives. In an interview with Impact News, the SP urged people not to burst loud firecrackers on roads, warning that such activities could lead to road accidents. He also appealed to parents not to hand over vehicle keys to underage children. Motorists were advised against carrying passengers beyond vehicle capacity and driving under the influence of intoxicants. The police extended festive greetings and urged residents to cooperate in maintaining public safety during the celebrations.