CM Gives 15-Day Deadline to Surrender Illegal Weapons

Imphal, August 12: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand has appealed to anyone possessing illegal weapons in the hills and valley to surrender them within 15 days through their respective MLA or Superintendent of Police. Speaking at a programme on “Initiatives towards Bringing Normalcy in Manipur” at the 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles Parade Ground, the Chief Minister warned that those failing to surrender the weapons would face legal action. More than 1,400 weapons recovered since February 5 were displayed during the programme. DGP Mukesh Singh said security forces had recovered 1,422 firearms, over 7,000 rounds of ammunition and 1,137 explosives between February and August.

Government Warns of NSA Action Against Highway Extortion

Imphal, August 12: Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam has warned of strict action against individuals and organisations allegedly involved in extortion, intimidation and harassment of transporters along National Highways. Speaking at the programme on “Initiatives towards Bringing Normalcy in Manipur,” the Home Minister said the government is considering booking such offenders under the National Security Act. The programme also featured the distribution of the Department of Information and Public Relations publication “Manipur Marches to Peace” and screening of a short video highlighting government initiatives. Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, Minister Khuraijam Loken, MLAs and senior civil and police officials attended the programme.

Nine Houses, Church Reportedly Burnt in Tokpa Naga

Kangpokpi, August 12: Heavy gunfire and arson were reported at Tokpa Naga village near Tumnoupokpi Thangal village in Kangpokpi district at around 9.30 pm on Tuesday. According to information received by Impact News, the attack was suspected to have been carried out by Kuki militants. The Tokpa Naga Village Authority alleged that armed men opened indiscriminate fire and torched nine residential houses, a church and other properties, affecting several families. The Village Authority and Liangmai Naga Council condemned the incident and called for an immediate investigation, FIR and arrest of those responsible. They also sought adequate security, relief and compensation for affected families.

KSO Kamjong Raises Concern Over Alleged Economic Embargo

Kamjong, August 12: The Kuki Students’ Organisation, Kamjong District, has raised concern over what it described as the continuation of an economic embargo against Kuki civilians for more than five months. The organisation claimed that the situation has affected patients and other vulnerable sections of the community, alleging that Kuki residents remain unable to access District Hospital, Kamjong. KSO urged the government and district administration to ensure non-discriminatory access to healthcare facilities. The organisation also demanded the establishment of a separate hospital at Chassad for the Kuki population. The demands come amid continuing tensions and restrictions affecting movement and access to essential services in parts of the district.

JFD Students’ Wing Disrupts Enumerator Training in Nambol

Bishnupur, August 12: Members of the JFD Students’ Wing interrupted a training session for Census enumerators and supervisors at SK Women’s College, Nambol, ahead of the house-listing exercise scheduled to begin on August 17. The training session was scheduled to be conducted in four phases until August 25. Protesters reportedly asked the trainees to stop the session, following which they left the conference hall. The hall was later locked, while protesters demonstrated outside the college gate carrying pamphlets with slogans including “NO NRC, NO CENSUS.” Police and commando personnel arrived at the site and arrested some protesters following a reported scuffle.

Grenade Found at FCI Member’s Residence in Koirengei

Imphal, August 12: A hand grenade was reportedly found at the gate of the residence of Gurumayum Kanakumar Sharma, a Ministry-appointed member of the Food Corporation of India, at Koirengei Nepali Basti in Imphal East. The grenade was reportedly accompanied by a note carrying a warning and demanding that certain alleged demands be fulfilled. The incident was reported to Heingang Police Station at around 6 am. Police inspected the site before the Manipur Bomb Disposal Team removed the explosive. The grenade was subsequently taken to Heingang Chingol, where it was safely disposed of at around 10 am. Police are investigating the incident and the circumstances surrounding the threat.

Bihar Man Reportedly Found Dead at Construction Site

Imphal, August 12: A man from Bihar was reportedly found dead under suspicious circumstances near an under-construction house at Mayang Imphal Chirai Makha on Tuesday night. The deceased, identified as Manoj, was engaged in construction work at the residence of Oinam Joymangol. He was reportedly found dead near the under-construction building at around 8.30 pm. Police have arrested another Bihar native, identified as Md Manzhar, who was working with Manoj and is suspected to be involved in the incident. Police have launched an investigation, while the deceased’s body has been kept at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences morgue for post-mortem examination.

Three Arrested With 142 Bottles of Codeine-Based Contraband

Imphal, August 12: A joint team of Heingang Police Station and Imphal East Commandos arrested three persons during an anti-narcotics operation at Mantripukhri Bazar on Tuesday. Acting on reliable intelligence, the security team intercepted the suspects and recovered 142 bottles of codeine-based contraband. Police identified the arrested persons as 28-year-old Mohammad Akilur Rahaman, 21-year-old Aribam Iftar and 44-year-old Md Iqubal Khan. The seized items reportedly included 116 bottles of Cody Late and 26 bottles of DelStal. A Hyundai i20 car was also seized during the operation. Police said the arrests were made as part of ongoing efforts to curb the illegal trade and distribution of narcotic substances.

Woman Arrested With 22.75 Kg Suspected Ganja

Imphal, August 12: Imphal East Commandos, along with women police personnel and in coordination with 28 Assam Rifles, arrested a 27-year-old woman in connection with an alleged drug-peddling case on Tuesday. The woman, identified as Oinam Ongbi Tenden Devi of Sekta Awang Leikai, Imphal East, was arrested during an operation based on information available to the security personnel. Police reportedly recovered 22.75 kilograms of suspected ganja and a mobile phone from her possession. The arrest forms part of continuing anti-narcotics operations being conducted across Manipur. The seized substance and other materials have been taken into custody as investigation into the alleged drug-peddling activities continues.

Stolen Creta Recovered in Churachandpur

Churachandpur, August 12: Churachandpur Police recovered and handed over a stolen black Hyundai Creta to a Delhi Police team following a request from Delhi Police. The vehicle was recovered at Kangvai in Churachandpur district and subsequently handed over to a personnel of Uttam Nagar Police Station under Dwarka District, Delhi. Police identified the vehicle through its chassis and engine numbers during the recovery and handover process. The operation highlights coordination between police authorities in Manipur and Delhi in tracing and recovering stolen vehicles. The recovered vehicle was formally handed over to the visiting Delhi Police personnel for further legal proceedings and investigation in connection with the theft case.

JNIMS Teachers’ Association Releases White Paper

Imphal, August 12: The Teachers’ Association of Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences has released its first White Paper titled “Healthcare Governance, Medical Education and Institutional Excellence in Manipur,” highlighting concerns over the functioning of JNIMS. Speaking at Manipur Press Club, Association General Secretary Pahel Meitei Soibam alleged that the absence of a regular Director and communication gaps have affected healthcare delivery. The association also raised concerns over shortages of essential equipment and medicines, working conditions and salary-related issues. It further questioned the appointment of a bureaucratic officer as Director-in-Charge. TA-JNIMS said the White Paper seeks to highlight existing challenges and suggest measures to strengthen healthcare governance and medical education.

Churachandpur Records Highest Dengue Cases in Manipur

Churachandpur, August 12: Churachandpur district has reported the highest number of confirmed dengue cases in Manipur this year, with 105 positive cases detected among 442 people tested so far. District Malaria Officer Dr Liangoumuan Samte said the health department has intensified preventive measures in response to the increase. Thermal fogging operations are being carried out from house to house, covering areas within a 50-to-100-metre radius. The department is also conducting source-reduction drives and door-to-door awareness campaigns in coordination with civil society organisations, village chiefs, youth clubs, ASHA workers and church leaders. No dengue-related deaths have been reported in the district so far this year.

Infant’s Body Recovered From Athokpam Dam

Thoubal, August 12: Police recovered the body of a few-days-old infant from Athokpam Dam above the Arong River in Thoubal district on Wednesday morning. According to a notice issued by Thoubal Police, the infant’s body has been kept at the JNIMS Mortuary. Police have appealed to family members or anyone who can establish the identity of the infant to come forward and claim the body within 48 hours. Authorities have assured that the identity of any claimant will be kept strictly confidential. Police are seeking information that could help establish the identity of the infant and determine the circumstances under which the body was found at the dam.

Manipur Observes National Anti-Ragging Day

Imphal, August 12: Manipur joined the observance of National Anti-Ragging Day as the nationwide Anti-Ragging Week was launched on Wednesday. The Anti-Ragging Committee of Dhanamanjuri University organised an awareness programme at the DM College of Arts Multipurpose Hall. DMU Professor W. Chandbabu said the university, with around 12,000 students, has reported no incidents of ragging and has maintained a conducive academic environment. He urged students, teachers and staff to pledge their commitment to preserving the peaceful atmosphere. Professor Chandbabu also encouraged senior students to adopt a caring attitude towards juniors and called upon junior students to respect their seniors and maintain cordial relationships.

DMU Professor Calls for Separate Directorate for Libraries

Imphal, August 12: Dhanamanjuri University School of Humanities Dean Professor S. Lanchenba has called for the establishment of a separate Directorate for Libraries in Manipur. He made the appeal while attending a National Librarian’s Day programme organised by the Department of Art and Culture and State Central Library at Nityaipat Chuthek. Professor Lanchenba said separating library administration from the Department of Art and Culture and establishing a dedicated directorate could improve the functioning and condition of libraries across the state. He described libraries as important repositories of human knowledge and stressed the need for their systematic preservation and development.

BJP Defends Government’s ₹10,000 Assistance to Women

Kakching, August 12: BJP Manipur Pradesh General Secretary P. Premananda has criticised what he described as attempts to misinterpret the State Government’s initiative to provide ₹10,000 financial assistance to women. Speaking at a one-day Mandal Sammelan organised by BJP Sugnu Mandal at Chairel in Kakching district, Premananda said the assistance was initiated following Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand’s appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said the ₹10,000 payment is the first instalment of assistance expected to total ₹50,000 in three instalments for financially constrained women affected by the prevailing crisis. Premananda alleged that some ineligible persons were attempting to misuse the scheme and portray the government negatively.

Tiranga Concert Held at MSFDS

Imphal, August 12: Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla attended the State-level Tiranga Concert 2026 at the Manipur State Film Development Society in Imphal as part of the Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign. Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand, Deputy Chief Ministers Losii Dikho and Nemcha Kipgen, ministers, MLAs, the Chief Secretary and other dignitaries attended the programme. The Governor felicitated the writer, composer and artistes of Roop Raag, who premiered Manipur’s State Song “Sana Leibak Manipur” in 1967. Patriotic performances were presented by artistes of Shri Shri Bal Mukunda Dev Music College and Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy. Bhalla urged citizens to hoist the national flag with pride and make it a symbol of unity and responsibility.

Patsoi MLA Calls for Dialogue to Restore Peace

Imphal, August 12: Patsoi MLA Sapam Kunjakeshor, popularly known as Keba, has said lasting peace cannot be restored in Manipur without dialogue and discussions. He made the statement while speaking at a Har Ghar Tiranga rally organised in Patsoi Assembly Constituency. Kunjakeshor appreciated initiatives being taken by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand towards addressing the situation in the state. He also called for those responsible for the prevailing crisis to be punished according to law. The MLA appealed to people across Manipur to work collectively towards restoring normalcy and creating a peaceful environment. He stressed the importance of cooperation and dialogue in bringing lasting stability to the state.

Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign Held in Hiyanglam

Kakching, August 12: BJP Hiyanglam Mandal organised a Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign programme at the residence of Hiyanglam MLA Dr Yumnam Radheshyam in Langmeidong. The programme began with the hoisting of the national flag at the MLA’s residence and the Langmeidong Dramatic Union Hall. A rally was subsequently organised, with participants carrying the Indian tricolour through the area. The programme forms part of the nationwide Har Ghar Tiranga campaign being held ahead of Independence Day on August 15. Participants highlighted the importance of displaying the national flag and promoting patriotism and national unity as part of the celebrations marking India’s 80th Independence Day.

Thoubal Holds Full-Dress Rehearsal for Independence Day

Thoubal, August 12: The District Administration Thoubal conducted a full-dress rehearsal for the 80th Independence Day celebration at the Mini Secretariat Complex on Wednesday. Thoubal Deputy Commissioner Yumnam Robita hoisted the national flag during the rehearsal. SDPO Yairipok Haobam Rima led the parade as Parade Commander, with contingents from the 3rd IRB, District Police, Home Guard, Women Police and NCC cadets taking part. Various cultural troupes also participated in the rehearsal. District Police Superintendent Manoj Prabhakar and senior civil and security officials attended the programme. The rehearsal was conducted to ensure preparedness for the district’s Independence Day celebrations on August 15.

CRPF Organises Vande Mataram Programme at Chingkhu

Imphal, August 12: The 232 (M) Battalion of the CRPF Imphal organised a mass singing of “Vande Mataram” at Cosmopolitan High School, Chingkhu. Students, teachers, CRPF personnel and officials participated in the programme, which was organised as part of activities marking 150 years of Vande Mataram and the upcoming 80th Independence Day. The event sought to promote patriotism, national unity and respect for the nation while strengthening ties between security personnel and the local community. Students and members of the CRPF joined in the rendition of the national song, with the programme also serving as an opportunity to promote greater community participation in Independence Day-related activities.

Vande Mataram Programme Held at Lilashing Khongnang Khong School

Imphal, August 12: A special programme commemorating 150 years of Vande Mataram and the 80th Independence Day was held at Lilashing Khongnang Khong School. The programme was organised jointly with personnel of the 169th Battalion of the CRPF. Students presented a rendition of the national song and participated in activities under the Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign. The programme sought to encourage patriotic spirit among students and strengthen awareness of India’s national heritage. The observance comes ahead of Independence Day on August 15 and forms part of a series of programmes being held across Manipur to mark the occasion and promote national unity and civic participation.

NCC Annual Training Camp Concludes in Kakching

Kakching, August 12: The 10-day NCC Combined Annual Training Camp for 2026-27 concluded at Kha-Manipur College, Kakching. The camp was organised by the 14 Manipur Battalion NCC from August 3, with around 500 NCC cadets participating. The training programme focused on personality development, physical fitness, drill and firing, along with other activities designed to build discipline, leadership and teamwork among cadets. The camp provided participants with practical training and opportunities to develop confidence and a sense of responsibility. The conclusion marked the end of the 10-day training programme attended by NCC cadets from across the state.

Indonesia Battles Widespread Wildfires

Jakarta, August 12: Indonesia is battling widespread wildfires that have reportedly burned more than one lakh hectares of land across the country. Authorities have deployed cloud-seeding aircraft to assist firefighting operations, while schools in some affected provinces have suspended classes for three consecutive days. Indonesia and other parts of Southeast Asia are experiencing a prolonged hot and dry season linked to a stronger El Niño event. Smoke and haze have also spread to parts of Malaysia, with the air pollution index in one Sarawak town reaching an unhealthy 195. Firefighting operations are focused on six provinces, while a fire at Mount Bromo National Park destroyed around 550 hectares before being brought under control on Monday.

Leaders Pay Tribute to Patriots Ahead of Patriots’ Day

Imphal, August 12: Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand, Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen and Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam paid tribute to Manipur’s brave patriots on the eve of Patriots’ Day. The Governor remembered Bir Tikendrajit, Thangal General and other patriots and called upon people to uphold unity, peace, integrity and selfless service. Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen urged citizens to preserve Manipur’s heritage and dignity. Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam paid homage to Bir Tikendrajit, Thangal General, Pukhrambam Kajao, Chirai Naga, Niranjan Subedar and other martyrs. He called for renewed commitment to peace, unity and the integrity of Manipur.

Manipur Karate Medallists Receive Warm Welcome

Imphal, August 12: Five Manipur karate athletes and their team manager, who represented India at the 2nd South Asian Open International Karate Championship 2026 in Kathmandu, Nepal, received a warm welcome at Imphal International Airport on Wednesday. The championship was held at Dasharath Stadium on August 7 and 8. Korounganba Khaidem and Chingakham Dumbraj won gold medals, while Sanasam Yaiphaba, Yaiphaba Thokchom and Laishram Maninganba secured bronze medals. Team Manager Sanjit said the young athletes had brought pride to Manipur through their performances. He, however, highlighted the financial difficulties faced by athletes travelling for competitions and appealed to the government to introduce airfare concessions for state-level athletes.