IMPHAL 13 AUG 2026: Twenty-nine Meitei and Naga candidates appearing for NEET-PG 2026 have reportedly been allotted an examination centre in Churachandpur district, prompting the candidates to seek intervention from the authorities for relocation of the centre.

The candidates have expressed concern over the allotment, stating that the prevailing situation could make it difficult for them to travel to Churachandpur and appear for the examination if the centre remains there.

Seeking a solution, the candidates have submitted applications to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, urging them to intervene and facilitate a change of their examination centre. They have also approached the concerned authorities, requesting that their circumstances be considered and necessary arrangements made.

The candidates have appealed to the authorities to ensure that they are able to sit for the postgraduate medical entrance examination without facing difficulties arising from the location of the allotted centre.

The issue comes amid similar concerns during the recently conducted NEET examination, when some candidates from the valley were allotted examination centres in Churachandpur. On that matter, the concerned authorities reportedly made arrangements for the candidates to appear for the examination at a centre in Imphal.

The candidates are now seeking similar consideration for NEET-PG 2026, saying that shifting the centre would enable them to appear for the examination without disruption.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested S. Palal Kuki alias Lalboi Singson, an alleged Finance Head of the proscribed United Kuki National Army (UKNA), in connection with the April 7, 2026 bomb attack at Tronglaobi Awang Leikai in Bishnupur district, which killed two minor siblings and critically injured their mother.

According to the NIA, the arrested accused is S. Palal Kuki, son of late Letjang of Molnom village in Churachandpur district. He was apprehended on July 23, 2026, from Old Gelmol village in Churachandpur during a joint counter-insurgency operation conducted by Manipur Police, Assam Rifles, Indian Army and CRPF.

During interrogation, Palal allegedly admitted to being the Finance Head of UKNA, according to the police. Investigators subsequently linked him to several cases involving alleged subversive activities in different parts of the state.

Linked to Multiple Cases

According to investigators, Palal has been linked to the December 16, 2025 Torbung bomb blast, firing in the Molnom area during the intervening night of February 3 and 4, 2026, and the July 4 firing in Kaprang ahead of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh’s visit to Churachandpur to attend the funeral of late MLA Vungzagin Valte.

He was also allegedly involved in firing incidents involving CRPF personnel in March 2026, investigators said.

A significant breakthrough came during the investigation when Palal was allegedly found to be one of the key persons involved in the Tronglaobi bomb attack case, initially registered as FIR No. 23(4)2026 at Moirang Police Station and subsequently taken over and re-registered by the NIA as RC-04/2026/NIA/IMP.

Two Children Killed in Tronglaobi Attack

The April 7 attack involved an explosive device allegedly launched towards a civilian house at Tronglaobi Awang Leikai. The blast killed two young siblings—a five-year-old child and a five-month-old infant—and critically injured their mother, Oinam Binita.

The incident had triggered widespread concern and condemnation, with security agencies subsequently intensifying investigations into the perpetrators and the network allegedly behind the attack.

10-Day NIA Custody

Following his arrest by the NIA, S. Palal Kuki was produced before the Special NIA Court in Imphal on August 12. The court remanded him to 10 days of police custody.

The NIA has said that further investigation is underway to identify and apprehend other persons allegedly involved in the Tronglaobi attack and to uncover the wider network behind the incident.

The Teachers’ Association of Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (TA-JNIMS) has released its first White Paper titled “Healthcare Governance, Medical Education and Institutional Excellence in Manipur,” highlighting several challenges affecting the functioning and administration of JNIMS Hospital, Porompat.

Speaking to media at Manipur Press Club on Wednesday, TA-JNIMS General Secretary Pahel Meitei Soibam said the absence of a regular Director and communication gaps among doctors, patients and the public have contributed to difficulties in healthcare delivery at the state run institute. The association alleged that shortages of essential equipment at various departments of the hospital and medicines are affecting patient care and creating difficult working conditions for doctors.

TA-JNIMS also expressed concern over the appointment of a bureaucratic officer as Director-in-Charge following the completion of the previous Director’s tenure. The association claimed that the absence of a regular Director has affected several important administrative and academic functions of the institute. The association further alleged that doctors and employees have not been receiving their salaries properly despite the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission, while financial constraints have also affected the overall functioning of JNIMS.

According to TA-JNIMS, the White Paper No.1 has been brought out to document the challenges facing the institute and initiate discussion on reforms in healthcare governance, medical education and institutional administration. The association said it plans to raise further issues and propose measures aimed at improving the functioning of JNIMS and strengthening healthcare services in Manipur.

The Directorate of Welfare of OBC and SC, Government of Manipur, reportedly disbursed more than ₹7.78 crore under the Economic Development Programme (EDP) scheme between the financial years 2017–18 and 2020–21. However, information obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act has raised serious concerns after the department stated that key records related to the scheme could not be traced.

According to documents obtained through the RTI process, an applicant sought detailed information on the implementation of the EDP Scheme in December last year. After receiving no satisfactory response, the applicant filed a first appeal. Subsequently, in February this year, the State Public Information Officer (SPIO), who is also the Director of Welfare of OBC and SC, furnished a reply.

In its response, the department confirmed that ₹7.78 crore had been disbursed under the EDP Scheme during the period from 2017–18 and 2020–21. It further stated that the names of beneficiaries were available on the Directorate’s official website.

However, the department also disclosed that several crucial records were not available. These included beneficiaries’ application forms and supporting documents, Annual Progress Reports (APRs), Utilisation Certificates (UCs), inspection reports, records detailing the utilisation of funds, and information relating to the firms or agencies involved in implementing the scheme.

Unsatisfied with the incomplete response, the applicant filed a second appeal before the Manipur Information Commission. The Commission subsequently issued summons to both the SPIO and the First Appellate Authority.

Following the hearing, the Director of Welfare of OBC and SC submitted another reply in May this year, stating that the EDP Scheme involved multiple departments and that the relevant files and records could not be traced despite efforts to locate them.

The disclosure has raised serious questions about the implementation and monitoring of the scheme. In the absence of essential official records, it is difficult to independently verify the identities of the beneficiaries, determine whether the funds reached eligible recipients, or assess how the public money was utilised under the Economic Development Programme.

The missing records have also sparked concerns over transparency, accountability, and record management in the implementation of government welfare schemes.

The Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) has taken suo motu cognisance of reports alleging poor conditions at Eklavya Model Residential School, Zeikhuluang Loktak Project, in Churachandpur district. In a directive issued today, MCPCR Chairperson Keisham Pradipkumar said preliminary reports indicate an inadequate supply of food for resident students and staff, resulting in shortages of essential food items. The Commission noted that breakfast was reportedly not served on previous days after food stocks were exhausted, with some students requiring medical treatment while others were taken home by their parents over concerns about their health and well-being. The Commission has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Churachandpur and the Director of Tribal Affairs and Hills to conduct an immediate on-site inquiry, restore adequate food supplies and essential services, fix responsibility for any lapses, and submit a factual report and Action Taken Report within 48 hours. It also instructed the authorities to ensure a safe environment and adequate facilities before evacuated students return to the residential school.