Items filtered by date: Tuesday, 11 August 2026

Cabinet Approves Government Medical College in Senapati

Imphal, August 11: The Manipur State Cabinet has taken several key decisions covering education, healthcare, sports, transport and development. Meeting at the CM Secretariat in Mantripukhri, the Cabinet gave in-principle approval for setting up a Government Medical College at Senapati with an annual intake of 100 MBBS students. The district hospital will be upgraded to meet the requirements of the medical college. The Cabinet also enhanced cash incentives for Manipur athletes participating in the 2026 Commonwealth Games, fixing Rs 20 lakh for gold, Rs 15 lakh for silver, Rs 10 lakh for bronze and Rs 4 lakh for participants.

Cabinet Approves Sports Development Foundation

Imphal, August 11: The State Cabinet has approved the formation of a Section 8 government company to mobilise and utilise Corporate Social Responsibility funds for sports development in Manipur. The proposed entity, to be named the Manipur Sports Development Foundation, will include government officials and non-official members from sports, finance, sports science and related fields. The Cabinet also approved the promotion of L. Shushila as Deputy Superintendent of Police (Sports) and the appointment of Olympian and Arjuna Awardee K. Chinglensana as Deputy Director (Sports Promotion). Other decisions included a reduction in delayed vehicle fitness renewal penalties and allotment of land for a Press Club office in Bishnupur.

Cabinet Approves 100 MW Power Procurement

Imphal, August 11: The State Cabinet has approved the procurement of 100 megawatts of electricity from the Farrakka Thermal Power Plant in West Bengal to strengthen power availability in Manipur. A proposal has also been submitted for procuring an additional 50 MW from renewable energy sources. MSPDCL Managing Director Mangsatabam Rabi said the state is taking steps to improve power supply and resilience. The Cabinet also decided to recommend September 2, 2026, as the date for the Governor to summon the Eighth Session of the Twelfth Manipur Legislative Assembly. The decisions were taken during the Cabinet meeting at the CM Secretariat in Mantripukhri.

Government Defends Alternative Site for NIT Manipur

Imphal, August 11: Manipur Government spokesperson Thokchom Radheshyam has rejected Congress allegations that Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand was unaware of land allotted for the permanent campus of NIT Manipur at Lamphel. Speaking to the media, Radheshyam said the previously allotted 300-acre site was found to be highly marshy and unsuitable for construction. He said extensive piling and specialised foundation work would have increased the project cost beyond the sanctioned amount, resulting in cancellation of funding. Radheshyam said the government remains committed to identifying and allotting a suitable alternative site for the permanent campus and accused Congress of spreading misinformation.

Counter Economic Blockade on Imphal-Ukhrul Road Lifted

Ukhrul, August 11: The Kuki community has lifted the counter economic blockade and total shutdown imposed along the Imphal-Ukhrul road following talks with a delegation of the Manipur Government. Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam led the delegation to Sangkai Kuki, where discussions were held with representatives of the Kuki CSO Working Committee and KSO Ukhrul. The government assured necessary steps to ensure safe and free movement along the road. An MoU was signed between the two sides, following which KSO Ukhrul announced the lifting of the agitation from 4:30 pm. Around 450 goods vehicles stranded near Litan Police Station and other locations subsequently resumed movement under security escort.

CM, Home Minister Meet Governor Amid Census Row

Imphal, August 11: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand and Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam met Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Lok Bhavan amid growing opposition to the proposed Census exercise in Manipur. The meeting reportedly followed discussions held on Monday between the Home Minister and representatives of the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation and 14 civil society organisations. The meeting lasted for more than half an hour, although the exact agenda was not immediately known. JFD has been demanding that the Census be conducted only after updation of the National Register of Citizens and rehabilitation of internally displaced persons in their native places.

Students Stage Human Chain Against Census

Imphal, August 11: Students from several schools and colleges staged human-chain protests demanding updation of the National Register of Citizens before the Census is conducted in Manipur. The demonstrations were organised under the initiative of the JFD Students Wing. Students of Maharaja Budhachandra College in Imphal East and Pitambara English School, Ratankumar Memorial School and Regular English High School in Kwakeithel participated in the protest along Tiddim Road. Raising slogans including “No NRC, No Census” and “No IDP Settlement, No Census,” the students said conducting the Census under the prevailing circumstances would go against public interests. They demanded rehabilitation of internally displaced persons before the exercise.

RPI-Athawale to Contest 2027 Manipur Polls

New Delhi, August 11: Republican Party of India (Athawale) National President and Union Minister of State Ramdas Athawale has said the party will contest the 2027 Manipur Assembly election. Speaking at the party’s National Executive meeting in New Delhi, Athawale identified NRC updation using 1951 as the base year and Scheduled Tribe status for Meitei/Meetei among the party’s key agendas in Manipur. He also opposed the proposed Census in the state, citing concerns over illegal immigration, and said the issues would be raised with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. RPI-Athawale leader Maheshwar Thounaojam said the party would work to safeguard the issues and aspirations raised by its national president.

Smart Meters Installed in 70,000 Imphal Connections

Imphal, August 11: MSPDCL Managing Director Mangsatabam Rabi has said around 70,000 of the targeted 1.54 lakh smart electric meters have been installed in the Imphal area. Speaking at a Meet the Press programme at the DIPR Auditorium, Rabi clarified that smart meters do not generate higher bills than the previous prepaid meters. He urged consumers with grievances to submit written complaints to MSPDCL. According to Rabi, smart meters can help monitor power consumption and detect electricity theft. He also highlighted the installation of solar panels in 2,900 households under PM Surya Ghar and the use of Rs 59 crore to convert 11-KV lines to Medium Voltage Covered Conductors.

Rally Held Against Indo-Myanmar Border Demarcation

Chandel, August 11: A mass rally was held in Khengjang and Molcham villages of Chandel district against the proposed Indo-Myanmar border demarcation in the Khengjoi sector. Organised under the aegis of affected border-area Kuki chiefs, the rally opposed the proposed realignment of boundary pillars in the area. Organisers claimed that the proposed alignment between Boundary Pillars 65 and 68 does not correspond with the existing ground position traditionally occupied by local residents. They said the affected areas include ancestral homes, agricultural land, burial grounds and customary community land. The Kuki chiefs demanded that the existing boundary position be maintained and said they would oppose any move to part with their land.

Arms and Military Stores Recovered in Kakching

Kakching, August 11: Security forces recovered a cache of arms, ammunition and military stores during a search operation in the Wabagai Turenmamei area under Hiyanglam Police Station in Kakching district. The recovery included one .303 rifle, one 9mm pistol, three single-barrel guns, three carbines, one 51mm mortar bomb, three tube-launching devices and two hand grenades. Eighteen live rounds of ammunition were also recovered. Security personnel additionally seized an INSAS bayonet and military stores, including bulletproof plates, bulletproof covers, communication sets and other miscellaneous items. The operation forms part of continuing security searches in vulnerable areas of the state.

Two Arrested With Suspected Heroin in Bishnupur

Bishnupur, August 11: Bishnupur District Police and central security forces, assisted by Churachandpur District Police, intercepted a Scorpio vehicle at Bishnupur while it was travelling from Churachandpur towards Imphal. According to the police, a search of the vehicle led to the recovery of nine soap cases containing 96 grams of suspected heroin. Two persons, identified as 29-year-old Md. Abdur Rahaman and 24-year-old Md. Saruk Khan, were arrested in connection with the recovery. Police also seized two mobile phones and the vehicle. The arrested individuals are being questioned as part of the investigation into the suspected transportation of the contraband.

CRPF DG Concludes Two-Day Manipur Visit

Imphal, August 11: CRPF Director General Gyanendra Pratap Singh concluded his two-day visit to Manipur and departed for New Delhi. During his visit, the CRPF chief inspected the Manipur-Nagaland Sector CRPF camp at Langjing and visited several other locations. He also reviewed the security and law-and-order situation in the state and held discussions with senior Manipur Government officials. The CRPF DG had arrived in Imphal two days earlier as part of the visit. His tour comes amid continuing security and law-and-order challenges in the state. Singh returned to New Delhi after completing the scheduled inspections and official interactions.

Impact News Issues Correction Over SoO Report

Imphal, August 11: Impact News has issued a clarification regarding a report published on August 9 concerning the alleged signing of a renewed and revised Suspension of Operations agreement. The news organisation stated that the report was incorrect and clarified that no such SoO agreement involving the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Government of Manipur and Kuki-ZO insurgent groups was signed. Impact News expressed regret for the error and any confusion caused by the report. The clarification was issued after the earlier report had stated that a revised agreement had been signed involving the concerned parties. The organisation has formally withdrawn the incorrect information.

Woman’s Body Recovered From Wangjing River

Thoubal, August 11: The decomposed body of a woman was recovered from the Wangjing River at Lamding Laikol under Thoubal Police Station. The deceased was identified as 60-year-old Khundongbam Bidhumakhi of Heirok Part 2, Mayai Leikai. According to family members, she had been missing since July 22, and a missing-person report was filed at Heirok Police Station on July 24. Thoubal Police and forensic experts conducted a detailed inspection of the recovered body before taking it into custody. The circumstances surrounding her death are being examined. Police are expected to continue investigation to establish the sequence of events leading to her disappearance and death.

CorCom Announces Independence Day Boycott

Imphal, August 11: The umbrella body of several proscribed organisations, CorCom, has announced a boycott of India’s Independence Day celebrations on August 15. In a statement issued by its media coordinator M. Sakhen, CorCom announced a total shutdown from midnight of August 14 until 6:30 pm on August 15. The statement said essential and emergency services, including medical services, electricity, water supply, fire service, press activities and religious rituals, would remain exempt from the shutdown. The announcement comes ahead of Independence Day celebrations in Manipur. Authorities are expected to maintain security arrangements across the state during the period.

BJP Manipur Targets Congress Over Jharkhand Recruitment Row

Imphal, August 11: BJP Manipur Pradesh has accused Congress and its alliance partners of remaining silent over alleged irregularities, including a reported paper leak, in the Jharkhand State Recruitment Examination. Speaking at Thambal Shanglen in Imphal, BJP State Vice President Nongthombam Nimbush urged the Congress-led Jharkhand Government to address the grievances of protesting students and ensure justice. Nimbush alleged that while Congress supported student protests in New Delhi, the party remained silent when students in Jharkhand raised similar concerns. He called for the state government to respond to the allegations and address the demands of students affected by the recruitment examination controversy.

Committee Opposes Non-Muslim Members in Waqf Board

Imphal, August 11: The Joint Committee Against the Inclusion of Non-Muslim Members in the 8th Waqf Board Manipur has announced protests from August 12 in several Muslim-dominated areas. Speaking at the MMWO office in Hatta, committee chairman Mv. Atuar Rahman said the committee had held discussions with Ulama, civil society organisations and student bodies before submitting a deadline to the State Government seeking resolution of the issue. He alleged that no positive response had been received from the government or the Waqf Board Chairman. The committee warned that protests would be intensified from August 16 if the issue remains unresolved.

Kwakta Groups Welcome Antas Khan’s Waqf Board Reappointment

Bishnupur, August 11: The All Kwakta Youth Voluntary Organisation, All Meitei Pangal Youths Association and AKYVO Student Wing have welcomed the reappointment of former Lilong MLA Y. Antas Khan as Chairman of the 8th Manipur Waqf Board. Speaking to the media at Kwakta Bazaar, AKYVO Student Wing President Md. Anish Khan Aribam urged the government to appoint the remaining members of the Waqf Board. He also demanded representation from Kwakta, citing the sizeable Meitei-Pangal population in the area. The groups further urged that non-Muslims should not be appointed as members of the Waqf Board.

Experts Call for Stronger Post-Rehabilitation Support

Imphal, August 11: MAMTA Health Institute of Mother and Child, in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department, organised a Data Dissemination Programme on “Post Treatment of Substance Users in the State of Manipur” at Hotel Imphal. Speaking at the programme, Social Welfare Director L. Dhaneshwar said the growing number of people returning to substance use after leaving rehabilitation centres highlights the need for stronger post-rehabilitation support. He said skill-development programmes would be introduced to help rehabilitated individuals build stable, drug-free lives. The department also plans to strengthen post-rehabilitation initiatives to support people in sustaining recovery and reintegrating into society.

Cleanliness Drive Held in Thoubal

Thoubal, August 11: The District Administration Thoubal and Thoubal Municipal Council jointly organised a cleanliness drive at the Thoubal Mini Secretariat Complex ahead of Patriots’ Day and Independence Day. District-level officers and staff participated in the cleanliness campaign. The initiative aimed to improve cleanliness and maintain a hygienic public environment in preparation for the upcoming national and state observances. Officials and employees took part in cleaning activities within and around the Mini Secretariat complex. The drive forms part of local preparations for Patriots’ Day on August 13 and Independence Day on August 15, with authorities encouraging public participation in cleanliness and civic responsibility.

DESAM Demands Disturbance-Free Educational Zones

Imphal, August 11: A “Disturbance Free Educational Zone Demand” campaign was held at Johnston Higher Secondary School and Wangoi Higher Secondary School in Imphal West under the aegis of DESAM. Speaking during the campaign, DESAM General Secretary Thoudam Shyamjai attributed the deterioration of Manipur’s education system to what he described as inadequate government attention. He demanded revival of the Manipur Education Service and appointment of people from the teaching community to key positions in the Education Department. Students participating in the campaign also raised slogans demanding disturbance-free educational zones. The organisation called for measures to protect educational institutions from disruptions.

DM University NSS Holds Drug-Free India Programme

Imphal, August 11: The DM University NSS Cell organised a programme on “Nasha Mukta Viksit Bharat” at GP Women’s College under the aegis of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Regional Directorate NSS, Guwahati. Programme Coordinator K. Sanaton urged young people to stay away from drugs and focus on sports, skill development, discipline and education. He said active participation of youth in constructive activities would contribute towards the goal of building a developed India by 2047. The programme sought to create awareness among students about the harmful effects of substance abuse and encourage them to adopt healthier and more productive lifestyles.

BJP Holds Tiranga Yatra in Sugnu

Kakching, August 11: BJP Sugnu Mandal organised a Tiranga Yatra at Chairel in Sugnu Assembly Constituency of Kakching district as part of the nationwide Har Ghar Tiranga campaign. BJP leaders and local residents participated in the march, carrying the national flag and appealing for unity among people. Participants stressed the need to rise above differences based on caste, community and religion. The Tiranga Yatra forms part of activities being organised across Manipur ahead of Independence Day on August 15. The campaign seeks to encourage citizens to display the national flag and participate in programmes highlighting patriotism and national unity.

Blood Donation Camps Planned for Patriots’ Day

Imphal, August 11: The Association of Voluntary Blood Donors, Thoubal District, will organise its third voluntary blood donation camp on August 13 in connection with the 135th Patriots’ Day. Announcing the programme at a press meet at Imphal Polo Ground, association secretary Th. Nabakumar said the Imphal camp will be held under the Imphal West District Administration in collaboration with Manipur Police Headquarters, DM University, various associations and the Department of Transfusion Medicine, RIMS. A second camp will be held at District Hospital Thoubal, Khangabok. People aged 18 to 60 years and weighing above 45 kilograms have been urged to donate blood.

Patriots’ Day Public Function Set for August 13

Imphal, August 11: Celin Digital Manipur, Patriots’ Day Observance Committee Manipur, Athletic Association Manipur, Lamyanba Hijam Irabot Ningshing Lup, United Club Yaiskul and Yaiskul Athletic Club will jointly organise Patriots’ Day Public Function 2026 on August 13. The programme will be held at Yaiskul YAC Ground as part of observances marking Patriots’ Day. Participants of the Athoubashing Gee Khongul Leeba First State-Level Half Marathon Race for men and women have been informed to report at Leipung Junior High School at 7 am. The organisers have appealed to the public to attend the programme and participate in the commemorative activities.

National Handloom Day Observed in Bishnupur

Bishnupur, August 11: The 12th National Handloom Day was observed at Ningthoukhong Kha-Khunou Community Hall in Bishnupur district under the theme “Celebrating India’s Weaving Heritage.” The programme was jointly organised by NABARD Manipur Regional Office and the Manipur Apex Handloom Weavers and Handicrafts Artisans Cooperative Society Limited. The event highlighted the importance of preserving and promoting Manipur’s rich handloom and handicraft traditions. Gifts were presented to weavers and artisans during the programme in recognition of their contribution to the sector. The observance also sought to encourage greater appreciation and support for the state’s traditional weaving heritage and artisan communities.

Parliament Passes Taxation and Other Laws Amendment Bill

New Delhi, August 11: Parliament has passed the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, after the Rajya Sabha returned the Money Bill to the Lok Sabha following discussion. Replying to the debate in the Rajya Sabha, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman clarified that the legislation does not impose any tax or transaction charge on UPI users. She said digital payments will continue to remain free for consumers and explained that the UPI-related provision is only an enabling provision and does not itself introduce a tax. Sitharaman also clarified that the government does not intend to impose Merchant Discount Rate charges on small merchants.

Colombia Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 132

Bogota, August 11: The death toll from a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck western Colombia has risen to 132, with more than 570 people injured. According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake was centred near San Jose del Palmar in the Choco region, around 400 kilometres west of Bogota. Hundreds of buildings were damaged, while rescue teams continued searching for people reportedly trapped under debris. President Abelardo de la Espriella declared an emergency to speed up relief and recovery operations. More than 20 municipalities, including Pereira, Quibdo, Cali and Manizales, were reportedly affected. Authorities have warned of possible aftershocks.

Manipur Karate Gold Medallist Jenison Welcomed

Imphal, August 11: Moirangthem Jenison, who won gold in the Sub-Junior Boys category representing Manipur at the All India Karate Championship 2026 in Siliguri, West Bengal, received a warm welcome in Imphal. The championship was held on August 9 and organised by Tanmoy Karate Academy, West Bengal, under the aegis of the Modern Shotokan Karate Do Association of India. Family members welcomed Jenison with garlands at Bir Tikendrajit International Airport upon his arrival. He was later felicitated by the Super Social Development Club at Thoubal Mayai Leikai. Jenison, a Class 8 student, is the child of Moirangthem Dorendro and Moirangthem Sanjuta.

India Wins Two Bronze Medals in Sepaktakraw

Bangkok, August 11: The Indian men’s team has won two bronze medals at the 39th ISTAF World Sepaktakraw Championship Thai King’s Cup 2026 in the Hoop event. The championship began on August 4 at Fashion Island Mall in Bangkok, Thailand. In the Quad matches, India defeated Sri Lanka 2-0, Vietnam 2-1, Pakistan 2-0 and Iran 2-0 to reach the semi-finals. India then lost to hosts Thailand 2-1 in the semi-final, with Thailand winning the deciding contest. The Indian team’s performance in the championship earned the country two bronze medals in the World Championship Hoop event.