Demographic Profile Seminar

Imphal, August 7: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand inaugurated a two-day Consultative Meeting-cum-Seminar on “The Demographic Profile of Manipur” at Classic Grande, Chingmeirong. The seminar has been organised by the Home Department and the State Population Commission to deliberate on demographic issues facing the state. Speaking at the inaugural function, Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam said the meeting would help dispel misconceptions surrounding demographic concerns and facilitate evidence-based recommendations from experts and stakeholders. He said such recommendations would help shape government policy within the constitutional framework.

CM Appeals Against Bandhs and Blockades

Imphal, August 7: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand has appealed to the people of Manipur to avoid bandhs and blockades, saying such actions increase the difficulties faced by ordinary citizens, particularly daily wage earners. Speaking during the two-day Consultative Meeting-cum-Seminar on the demographic profile of Manipur, the Chief Minister said concerns and recommendations raised by civil society organisations and the public over the years would be examined strictly within the constitutional framework. He said the government would consider the concerns raised by different sections of society while ensuring that any measures taken remain within the provisions of the Constitution. The Chief Minister also appealed for cooperation from the public in addressing issues affecting the state, stressing the need to avoid actions that could further burden people already facing hardships.

JFD Demands NRC Before Census

Imphal, August 7: Pioneer Club Lamdeng Makha Leikai, Lamdeng Apunba Clubs and Meira Paibi, under the aegis of the Joint Forum for Demographic concerns (JFD), organised a protest meeting demanding updation of the National Register of Citizens before the Census exercise in Manipur. JFD leaders K.C. Romio and Meghachandra said several ultimatums and reminders concerning the NRC issue had already been submitted to the Governor and the Chief Minister. The protesters demanded identification of illegal immigrants, saying the step was necessary to address demographic concerns in the state.

Home Minister Silent on Territorial Exchange Report

Imphal, August 7: Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam declined to comment on reports regarding an alleged proposal for a territorial exchange between Manipur and Myanmar. The issue was raised by media persons on the sidelines of the Consultative Meeting-cum-Seminar on NRC and Census organised by the Home Department at Hotel Classic Grande, Chingmeirong. When asked about the reported proposal, the Home Minister did not provide a direct response. He remained silent and covered his mouth as reporters sought clarification on the government’s position. Pressed further for a response, Konthoujam said he needed some time before giving an appropriate reply. The Minister’s remarks came amid questions from the media regarding the reported proposal and its possible implications for Manipur. No further details or official clarification on the matter were provided during the interaction.

Manipur Observes National Handloom Day

Imphal, August 7: The Department of Textiles, Commerce and Industries, Government of Manipur, observed the 12th National Handloom Day at the City Convention Centre in Palace Compound. Speaking at the programme, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla called for a sustainable ecosystem involving the government, financial institutions, designers, educational institutions, entrepreneurs and weavers to strengthen the state’s handloom sector. He said the sector supports around 2.44 lakh weavers and artisans and highlighted government initiatives focusing on infrastructure development, technology adoption and welfare schemes. The Governor also noted the growing recognition of GI-tagged textiles such as Saphee Lanphee, Moirang Phee and Wangkhei Phee. State Awards were presented to M. Mohini in handicrafts and Pangeijam Tamu, Tongbram Rina and Golmei Bamdinliu in handloom. Financial assistance and recognition certificates were also distributed.

CM Calls Handloom Sector Backbone of Household Income

Imphal, August 7: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand has described Manipur’s handloom sector as a backbone of income generation for many households in the state. Speaking at the National Handloom Day programme at the City Convention Centre, the Chief Minister highlighted the important role played by women weavers in supporting family income and contributing to their children’s education. Khemchand stressed the need for greater participation of men in the production and promotion of handloom products, saying collective efforts are essential to strengthen the sector. The programme was attended by Governor’s wife Jyoti Bhalla, Chief Secretary Dr. Puneet Kumar Goel, Additional Chief Secretary Anurag Bajpai, Padma Shri awardee M. Muktamani, NIFT Shillong Associate Professor Aurineeta Das, designer and exporter Ch. Indira, along with senior officials, weavers and artisans.

Weavers’ Service Centre Observes National Handloom Day

Imphal, August 7: The Weavers’ Service Centre in Imphal observed National Handloom Day at its office in Porompat, highlighting the potential of Manipur’s handloom and handicrafts sector. Speaking at the programme, General Manager-in-Charge of DIC Imphal West, L. Dwijamani, said the sector has significant potential for growth but noted that the unrest since 2023 has severely affected marketing activities. He said Manipur’s handloom and handicraft products could generate greater income and achieve wider recognition once normalcy returns. Head of the Weavers’ Service Centre, Sarbeswar Das, urged weavers and artisans to make full use of schemes implemented by the Ministry of Textiles. The Centre also highlighted its support to artisans from the production stage through marketing. E-Pehchan Cards and Yarn Passbooks were distributed during the programme, while National Award-winning weavers and artisans were felicitated.

Eight Online Portals and LR Manipur App Launched

Imphal, August 7: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand launched eight online portals and the “LR Manipur” mobile application aimed at making services of the Land Resources Department more accessible and transparent. The platforms were launched at the MSFDS Auditorium in Imphal. Speaking at the event, Khemchand said the digital initiative would simplify land-related services, improve transparency and ensure timely delivery of government services. Land Resources Secretary Th. Kirankumar said more than 90 per cent of the department’s land records have already been digitised, paving the way for a paperless system. The newly launched platforms will facilitate several services, including land allotment, land dispute-related services, registration, land-use change, revenue payment and land acquisition.

DM College Students’ Union Alleges Financial Irregularities

Imphal, August 7: The Students’ Union of DM College of Science has levelled allegations of financial irregularities and administrative lapses against the college Principal and some faculty members. Speaking to the media, representatives of the Union alleged a lack of transparency in the utilisation of the college budget and raised concerns over alleged irregularities in the processing of scholarships. The students’ body demanded the resignation of the Principal on moral grounds. It also urged the Vice-Chancellor of Dhanamanjuri University, the Education Department and the State Government to conduct an immediate inquiry into the allegations.

UKNA Hmar Leader Arrested, Arms and Explosives Recovered

Churachandpur, August 7: Security forces arrested the self-styled Army Chief of UKNA Hmar, RC Singson, from Old Gelmol Village under Churachandpur Police Station on August 5. According to the information provided by security forces, the arrest was followed by a recovery operation based on Singson’s disclosure. Security personnel recovered one AK-47 rifle along with a magazine, one 9mm pistol with a magazine, three improvised explosive devices and two Baofeng radio sets from a forest area near Thingchawm Village in Churachandpur district.

Man Drowns in Pond at Takyel Kolom Leikai

Imphal, August 7: A 55-year-old man reportedly drowned in a pond at Takyel Kolom Leikai under Lamphel Police Station in Imphal West district. The deceased has been identified as Wakanthem Jadeshor, son of Mocha and a resident of the locality. According to reports received by Impact News, the incident was reported to the Manipur Fire Service after Jadeshor was suspected to have fallen into a large pond near the Community Hall at around 1 pm. A Fire Service rescue team rushed to the location and launched a search operation. The team recovered Jadeshor’s body from the pond at around 3:30 pm.

Ibobi Seeks Clarity on Reported NIT Manipur Campus Shift

Imphal, August 7: MPCC President and MLA Okram Ibobi has sought an explanation from Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand over the reported proposal to relocate the permanent campus of NIT Manipur from Langol. Addressing a press conference at Congress Bhavan, Ibobi questioned the need to shift the existing campus. He recalled that the institute was established after the then Congress Government in Manipur urged the Centre, under Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, to establish an NIT in the state. He said the institute initially operated from Government Polytechnic, Takyel, before the State Government allotted 341.5 acres at Langol between 2013 and 2015 for its permanent campus. Ibobi also sought clarification regarding a water body near the campus and alleged dumping of excavated soil on NIT land.

Chandel MLA Highlights Media Role in PM-JUGA Awareness

Chandel, August 7: Chandel MLA S.S. Olish has highlighted the role of the media in creating awareness about government schemes and ensuring that benefits reach eligible beneficiaries. Speaking at a Varta Media Workshop on the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PM-JUGA), organised by the Press Information Bureau in Chandel, Olish urged journalists to disseminate accurate information. She also cautioned against the misuse of social media for spreading misinformation.

Four Manipur Crops Receive GI Tags

Imphal, August 7: Four agricultural and horticultural products from Manipur have received Geographical Indication (GI) tags, while the process is underway for six more crops. Director of Horticulture and Soil Conservation K. Devdutta shared the information during a Meet the Press programme at the DIPR Auditorium in Imphal. He said Chakhao Poireiton has received GI recognition under agriculture, while Tamenglong Orange, Kachai Lemon and Shirarakhong Hathei (Chilli) have received GI tags under horticulture. Devdutta said the department is taking steps to secure GI tags for six additional crops from the state.

Horticulture Department Pushes Schemes to Boost Farmers’ Income

Imphal, August 7: Department of Horticulture and Soil Conservation is implementing several Central and State-sponsored schemes aimed at strengthening horticulture and improving farmers’ livelihoods in Manipur. Director K. Devdutta said major initiatives include the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for the North Eastern Region and the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture. The schemes focus on expanding vegetable and floriculture cultivation, strengthening post-harvest infrastructure and improving processing facilities. Devdutta said 76 Farmer Producer Companies have been formed in the state, while around 300 to 400 processing units have been established.

MOMA Showcases Manipur Organic Products at BIOFACH India 2026

Imphal, August 7: The Manipur Organic Mission Agency (MOMA) is participating in BIOFACH India 2026, a major trade fair focusing on organic and sustainable food products, being held in Greater Noida, New Delhi. MOMA has set up a stall showcasing a range of organic products from Manipur, including aromatic black rice or Chakhao, King Chilli, ginger, turmeric, pineapple, passion fruit and Kachai Lemon. More than 150 stalls representing 12 states from across India are participating in the expo. The event has been jointly organised by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and NürnbergMesse. MOMA’s participation provides a platform to showcase Manipur’s organic and indigenous agricultural products to a wider market.

Manipur Gorkha Organisations Extend Flood Relief to Assam

Imphal, August 7: A team from the All Manipur Gorkha Ex-Servicemen Association visited flood-affected areas of Assam to extend assistance to victims of the floods in the neighbouring state. More than Rs 4.50 lakh has been collected as relief assistance by the All Manipur Gorkha Motor Workers Welfare Union and the All Manipur Gorkha Ex-Servicemen Association. The assistance is aimed at supporting people affected by the floods in Assam.

Manipur-Born Entrepreneur Receives NRI Achievers Award 2026

Singapore, August 7: Manipur-born Singapore-based entrepreneur and international business strategist Yumnam Sanajaoba has received the NRI Achievers Award 2026 for Global Business Leadership with Impact on Northeast India. The award was presented during the fifth NRI Achievers Awards ceremony held at The St. Regis Singapore on July 31. The recognition honours Sanajaoba’s international business achievements and his efforts to promote investment, mentorship and global partnerships for Manipur and Northeast India.

IMD Issues Yellow Warning for Heavy Rainfall

Imphal, August 7: The India Meteorological Department (IMD), Imphal Centre, has issued a Yellow Warning for heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms in parts of Tamenglong and Noney districts for Friday and Saturday. The IMD forecast indicates widespread rainfall tonight in Tamenglong, Senapati, Jiribam, Noney and Pherzawl districts. Light to moderate rainfall is expected in Kangpokpi, Imphal West, Imphal East, Ukhrul, Kamjong, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Tengnoupal, Chandel and Churachandpur. A similar weather pattern is forecast for Saturday, with widespread rainfall likely in Tamenglong, Senapati, Jiribam, Noney, Chandel and Pherzawl, while showers may occur at some places in the remaining districts. Meanwhile, the ICAR Agromet Unit, Lamphelpat, reported 0.2 millimetres of rainfall in the state during the past 24 hours. The maximum temperature was recorded at 30.4 degrees Celsius and the minimum at 22.5 degrees Celsius.