The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a person named Paolunmang in connection with the killing of two students who had gone missing on July 6. According to officials, a special investigation team of the CBI arrested the 22-year-old suspect, Paolunmang, in Pune on Wednesday and then took him to Guwahati to be produced before a court. He is believed to be the mastermind behind the abduction and killing of the two students. Manipur Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh confirmed the same during a media briefing held at the Chief Minister's Durbar Hall on Friday evening.

Chairman of Unified Command Kuldiep Singh also mentioned that combing operations are ongoing in both the hills and valleys of Manipur. During these operations, a significant amount of weaponry and items were recovered, including 27 arms, 306 rounds of ammunition, 11 explosives, 85 warlike items, as well as one Maruti Gypsy and a Baleno car were recovered today. In addition, Kuldiep Singh stated that 370 trucks loaded with essential items on National Highway 37 and 250 more on National Highway 2 were ensured safe passage with security.  Several vehicles, arms, and ammunition were also seized in search operations conducted on October 10, 11, and 12. He urged the public not to believe in rumors and to surrender any looted weapons at the nearest police station.

Regarding yesterday's incident where security personnel allegedly manhandled media persons who were reporting the firing incident at Sabungkhok Khunou, Kuldiep Singh assured that actions will be taken against those security personnel who prevented media persons from performing their duties.

Education (S) Director, L. Nandakumar has called for a balanced approach to education, where students not only strive for academic success but also actively contribute to the betterment of society. Students should work for the welfare of people and at the same time focus on their career goals, he said.

The Education (S) Director was speaking at the Silver Jubillee Celebration of the Manipur Students' Federation (MSF) at MSF Office premises in Kwakeithel Thounaojam Leikai, Imphal, on Friday. MSF, a student body which came into existence on 13th October, 1998, evisions an equitable educational set up in and around the state of Manipur. It’s motto is Learn, Excel, and Transmit. Since its inception, MSF has been involved in various social issues ranging from drug-related, human rights and environmental-related issues and for bringing quality education in Manipur.

L. Nandakumar encouraged students to recognize the value of their education in shaping them into better and capable individuals for the future. He said, while every student aspires to excel academically, they can only achieve that goal by avoiding time wastage and dedicating themselves to their studies. The Education (S) Director also highlighted the negative impact of addiction to social media on students' academic and personal development.  Student volunteers donated blood to mark the occasion.

The All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU) and Editors’ Guild Manipur (EGM) strongly condemned the manner in which combined troops of the 20 Jat Regiment and 5/4 GR prevented media persons from doing their duties on 12/10/23 at the Sabungkhok Khunou area, where the media persons had gone to cover an incident of attack on Sabungkhok Khunou village.

In the incident, troops of the Jat Regiment not only prevented a media team consisting of reporters from ISTV, Impact TV, Tom TV, and ISCom from covering the incident but forced them to delete whatever footage was there on their mobiles. Another team of media consisting of Tom TV and Impact TV on the other side of the area was also initially prevented from taking any footage of the incident, says a joint press release from AMWJU and EGM on Thursday evening.

The AMWJU and EGM consider this a direct attack on freedom of speech. It is an effort to muzzle the press, and AMWJU and EGM demand accountability. Further, AMWJU and EGM will submit a memorandum each to the Chairman, Unified Command, Mr. Kuldiep Singh (Security Advisor of the CM), and Hon’ble Governor Manipur Anusuiya Uikey to kindly look into the series of attacks on media since May 3, 2023, and take appropriate action.

The media in Manipur has been working in an extremely difficult situation since the present crisis broke out. We once again appeal to all security forces operating in the state not to target or prevent media personnel from performing their legitimate duties.

Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) Hospital in Porompat has achieved a significant milestone by successfully conducting two kidney transplantations using kidneys donated by deceased persons. The kidney transplants from living donors have reached 28 in total. Late K. Rubenkumar, aged 31 from Kongpal Kshetri Leikai had donated his kidney. Prior to him, late Sarungbam Kenedy, aged 42 from Singjamei Chingamathak had donated his kidneys. Their kidneys have been successfully transplanted to patients at JNIMS and Shija Hospital, saving four lives. Speaking to media, JNIMS Director, Professor L. Deben shared that six more individuals, including four from Langol Old Age Home and one each from Bishnupur and Thoubal, have pledged to donate their organs after their demise to JNIMS hospital. He made a heartfelt appeal to the people of the state to consider pledging their organs for donation after their demise instead of allowing their precious organs to go to waste through cremation or burial.

While, Dr. Kh. Lokeshore, the Medical Superintendent of JNIMS, urged the public to exercise caution and adopt preventive measures as the state grapples with an increasing number of reported dengue cases. He noted that JNIMS hospital has already treated 167 dengue cases, which include 10 infants and a pregnant woman. Additionally, the hospital has admitted 11 new cases. On a positive note, Dr. Kh. Lokeshore mentioned that JNIMS has not reported any fatalities related to dengue this year.