MRPPCC Calls for Strong Regional Political Platform in Manipur

Imphal, September 20: Manipur Regional Political Parties Coordinating Committee (MRPPCC) Chairman Khaidem Mani has stressed the need for a strong regional political party in Manipur that prioritises people’s interests and safeguards the state. Speaking after the committee’s first meeting at the Peoples Democratic Alliance office in Naoremthong, Mani said the meeting discussed NRC updation with 1951 as the base year before the Census, abrogation of the SoO agreement, rehabilitation and resettlement of internally displaced persons and the possibility of a government led by regional parties. He said the committee would welcome other regional parties and field common candidates in the upcoming Assembly elections.

MRPPCC Lists NRC, Territorial Integrity and IDP Rehabilitation as Key Priorities

Imphal, September 20: PDA President Yumnam Joykumar said the Manipur Regional Political Parties Coordinating Committee (MRPPCC) will give greater emphasis to regional political parties and currently supports conducting the Census only after NRC updation. Speaking at a press meet, Joykumar said safeguarding Manipur’s territorial integrity, protecting indigenous people and securing national highways would be among the committee’s key agendas. He also called for abrogation of the SoO agreement with Kuki militants, while describing demands for separate administration as contrary to the agreement’s ground rules. Joykumar said internally displaced persons should be rehabilitated and resettled with financial assistance and called for sincere efforts by both state and central governments to restore peace.

Meitei Tribe Union Observes Ninth Severance Day

Imphal, September 20: The Meitei/Meetei Tribe Union (MMTU) observed 9th Severance Day at Hotel Nirmala, MG Avenue, Imphal, marking the exclusion of the Meitei/Meetei community from the Scheduled Tribes list. Manipur Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Dr. Basudev, Kabui Union Manipur President Dr. K. Hera Kabui and MMTU President S. Gourakeshwar attended the observance. Speaking on the occasion, MMTU Secretary General Mutum Churamani said the inclusion of the Meitei/Meetei community in the Scheduled Tribes list is constitutionally permissible. He claimed the community was recognised as a tribe from the British period until the merger of Manipur with India. Churamani said several organisations have extended support to the demand for re-inclusion of the community in the ST list. He added that the MMTU has approached the Supreme Court and is preparing for a major agitation ahead of the 2027 general election.

Tension in Kangpokpi After Six Persons Detained Over Chawankining Attack

Kangpokpi, September 20: Tension gripped Kangpokpi district after security forces detained six persons from Khollen Kuki village on the IT Road in connection with the recent attack at Chawankining. According to reports, a joint team of Kangpokpi District Police and CRPF conducted an operation at the village and detained the six persons. Following the detentions, protesters reportedly blocked roads at several locations, including Motbung and Sapermeina, and damaged or set fire to vehicles. Security forces used tear gas shells and rubber bullets to control the situation. A CRPF Casper vehicle was also reportedly attacked with a petrol bomb. The six detained persons were later released unconditionally, following which the protests subsided.

Ayush Minister Urges People to Adopt Yoga and Ayurveda

Imphal, September 20: Union Minister of State for Ayush, Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Ganpatrao Jadhav has urged people to make use of Yoga and Ayurveda to promote healthy living and wellness. He was speaking at the closing ceremony of the five-day Sri Sri Ganesh Puja Celebration at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen. The festival, organised by the Sri Sri Ganesh Puja Celebration Committee Manipur, began on September 15. Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam prayed for equality and communal harmony during the closing programme. Cultural troupes presented religious and traditional dance and music performances. Several political leaders, including Shiv Sena Manipur Pradesh President M. Tombi and MLAs Khumukcham Joykishan and Nishikant Sapam, attended the event.

Handloom Employees’ Union Opposes Appointment of MCS Officer as Director

Imphal, September 20: Handloom and Textiles Employees Union President Chingtam Luwang has alleged that the ongoing issue at the Directorate of Handloom and Textiles is linked to what he described as political interests following the appointment of an MCS cadre as Director. Speaking at Manipur Press Club, Luwang said the union has been urging the government to maintain the convention of appointing a technical person to head the technical department. He said an order appointing an MCS officer as Director was issued on September 15. Luwang alleged that outsiders later created a scene at the Directorate and said the union’s position was in the interest of the department, not to protect any individual.

Textile Centre Official Rejects Claims of Misrepresentation

Imphal, September 20: Officer-in-Charge of the Integrated Textile and Apparel Development Centre at Lamboikhongnangkhong, Bobocha Laishram, has rejected claims that the powerloom sector was being misrepresented by persons from outside the centre. Speaking at a press meet, he said some individuals had visited the centre on a holiday without informing him and created a situation that, according to him, misrepresented the sector. Laishram said the centre has 41 entrepreneurs, with two units currently functioning and seven incomplete units under MANIDCO. He said the centre has not completed three years and faced operational difficulties during the crisis from 2023, but units have been functioning since 2025.

Land Sale Restricted Around Ima Nongmai Lairembi Shrine

Imphal, September 20: A ban has been imposed on the sale of land in Keirao Wangkhem under Keirao Assembly Constituency without permission from the village authority, Meira Paibi, local club and Ima Nongmai Lairembi Ima Apunba Committee. Committee President Luwangthem Tomba said the decision followed allegations that some landowners had begun carrying out activities without consultation. He said a village meeting held on July 11 adopted the resolution. Under the decision, any sale or claim over land located on the upper side of the Wangkhem-Chanam Sandrok road and within 300 metres of the Ima Nongmai Lairembi shrine must be discussed with the concerned village bodies. Residents were also urged not to expand beyond their patta land.

Three Arrested With Over 2 Kg of WY Tablets in Senapati

Senapati, September 20: A combined team of Senapati District Police, CRPF and Assam Rifles arrested three persons in connection with the seizure of more than two kilograms of WY tablets. Police identified the arrested persons as 23-year-old Rohim Ali and 48-year-old Anowar Hussain Laskar, both from Goalpara district of Assam, and Md. Nawaz Khan from Mayang Imphal. According to police, a Bolero travelling from the area was intercepted and checked, leading to the recovery of 10 packets of WY tablets weighing over two kilograms. The vehicle, contraband and Rs. 5,000 in cash were seized. Nawaz Khan was arrested during further investigation. A case has been registered under the NDPS Act.

Three Manipur Hospitals Receive National Recognition at AHPI Awards

Imphal, September 20: Three healthcare institutions from Manipur have received national recognition at the AHPI Leadership Awards 2026 held in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Mother’s Care Children Hospital and Research Centre received the “Leadership Excellence in Patient-Centered Service Quality” award, while Babina Specialty Hospital and American Oncology Institute received awards for “Excellence in Nursing Leadership and Professional Practice.” The honours were presented during the fourth AHPI Leadership Summit organised by the Association of Healthcare Providers (India) under the theme “Sustainable Healthcare Leadership: Balancing Quality, Cost and Trust.” The AHPI Manipur Chapter said the recognition could encourage healthcare institutions in the state to strengthen quality systems, patient safety, accreditation, nursing excellence and patient-centred practices.

Seminar Explores Postcolonial Discourse in Manipuri Literature and Culture

Imphal, September 20: Critics Forum Manipur and Kanglei Mime Theatre Repertory jointly organised a one-day seminar on “Postcolonial Discourse in Manipuri Literature and Culture” at the DIPR Auditorium, Nityapat Chuthek. The seminar was sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Manipuri Sahitya Parishad President Dr. Longjam Joychandra, Kanglei Mime Theatre Repertory Director Dr. Yumnam Sadananda, Critics Forum Manipur President Nongthombam Premchand and several writers, scholars and students attended. Dr. Sadananda called for research into different aspects of Manipuri theatre, including Aryan Theatre, NT Theatre and Kanglei Mime Theatre. He also urged innovative research into both prominent and lesser-known personalities in literature, music and culture.

National Nutrition Month Programme Held in Keibi

Imphal, September 20: The ICDS Project Imphal East-1 Sawombung organised a programme marking the ninth Rashtriya Poshan Maah at Keibi Heikak Mapal Community Hall. The programme is part of the nationwide National Nutrition Month being observed from September 9 to October 8 under the theme “Poshan Abhiyaan: Our Anganwadi Our Responsibilities.” A painting competition for students was also organised as part of the event. Imphal East ICDS Cell District Programme Officer RK Malasana, CDPO Kangujam Devananda Meetei and Poshan Tracker State Coordinator N. Guneshor attended the programme. CDPO Devananda said the initiative aims to promote health and wellness among children and women through proper diet and nutrition, with experts providing guidance to young mothers on childcare.

Little Flower School Past Pupils Felicitate 1973 Matric Batch

Imphal, September 20: The Little Flower School Past Pupils Association organised a programme at the school premises along Ghari Airport Road, Imphal, to distribute certificates to newly enrolled members of the World Confederation of the Past Pupils of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. The association also felicitated the first batch of students from Little Flower School Imphal to pass the Matric examination under BOSEM in 1973. Sister Superior Rose Mary Adaphro, Headmistress Sister Mercy Gangei and former students attended the programme. Members of the 1973 batch were presented with mementos and gifts. Enrolment certificates from Rome were also distributed, while members discussed ways to strengthen the past pupils’ association.

Bichu Devi Kharibam Wins FIH Poligras Magic Skill Award

Imphal, September 20: Manipur hockey goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam has won the prestigious Poligras Magic Skill Award presented by the International Hockey Federation. Bichu represented India at the Women’s Hockey World Cup jointly hosted by the Netherlands and Belgium this year. She played a key role in India’s qualification from the pool stage with a series of saves against England. India eventually finished fifth, its best result in the women’s World Cup in 52 years. Members of FIH Global Suppliers Polytan voted for the award, with Bichu securing 52 percent of the votes. Posterior Hockey Academy Manipur, where she trained from the grassroots level, congratulated her on the achievement.

Three Manipur Swimmers Selected for Asian Masters Championship

Imphal, September 20: Manipur swimmers Laikhuram Lenin, Huirem Gojen and Nongmaithem Narjit have been selected for the Indian national team for the second Asian Masters Swimming Championship. The championship will be held in Karnataka from October 4 to 10 under the Asian Aquatic Federation. The event is being hosted by the Karnataka Swimming Association under the aegis of the Swimming Federation of India. The selection of the three swimmers gives Manipur representation at the continental masters swimming championship. They will compete as part of the Indian team at the event, which brings together masters-level swimmers from across Asia.