Items filtered by date: Wednesday, 23 September 2026

Violence Reported in Noney and Kangpokpi, One Killed

Kangpokpi, September 23: Violent incidents were reported in parts of Kangpokpi and Noney districts today, leaving one person dead and several houses burnt. According to reports, armed men allegedly attacked Chanriupiu village, also known as Makui Khunthak, around 4:30 AM and reportedly set 12 houses on fire. Around 15 houses were also reportedly torched at nearby Changaram village. Heavy gunfire was subsequently reported between armed groups from Makui Naga village and nearby Kuki villages. One person, identified as 36-year-old Poajangam Chongloi of Lasan Kuki Village, was killed in the exchange. Naga villagers alleged he was a KRA cadre, though the claim has not been officially verified. Four Naga houses were also reportedly burnt at Kapningching Mukti Part-5 in Noney district.

Federation of Haomee Condemns Killing of Liangmai Youth

Imphal, September 23: The Federation of Haomee has condemned the reported killing of Liangmai youth NK Wiphenbau, allegedly by Kuki militants. Speaking to the media at the Federation’s office in Dewlahland Kabo Leikai, President Sapamcha Jadumani criticised the Centre and the Manipur government for what he described as failure to take strong action against those responsible. Jadumani demanded justice for the killing of six Liangmai civilians and called for concrete steps for the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons. The Federation alleged that the incidents were part of an attempt to drive Liangmai people out of Kangpokpi district. It also urged the government to ensure the safety of civilians.

Protest Held in Churachandpur Seeking Justice for Kuki Women

Churachandpur, September 23: A protest was held at Tuibong in Churachandpur district today, demanding justice for Kuki women allegedly killed amid the ongoing Naga-Kuki conflict. Organised by the Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights, the protest saw participation from women across the district. KWOHR President Ngaineikim Haokip alleged that 27 Kuki people, including two pregnant women, had been killed by NSCN-IM and ZUF(K) cadres since March. She said the organisation would not claim the bodies lying in the morgue until justice is delivered. A memorandum seeking justice for the deceased was submitted to Union Home Minister through the Churachandpur Deputy Commissioner.

Mass Protest Held in Kangpokpi Seeking Justice for 27 Kuki People

Kangpokpi, September 23: A mass protest was held in Kangpokpi today, demanding justice for 27 Kuki people allegedly killed by NSCN-IM and ZUF(K) cadres since March. The protest was jointly organised by the Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights and the Kuki Women Union, Sadar Hills. A rally was taken out from Kailhang to Brigadier Thomas Ground, with large numbers of people participating. Protesters demanded action against those allegedly responsible for the deaths. A memorandum addressed to Union Home Minister was submitted through the Kangpokpi Deputy Commissioner. The organisers reiterated their demand for justice for the deceased and called for appropriate action according to law.

Jiribam Ningshingkhul Memorial Committee Seeks Public Support

Imphal, September 23: The Managing Committee of the proposed Jiribam Ningshingkhul Memorial Complex has appealed to authorities and Manipuris living outside the state to contribute towards construction of a memorial for victims of the crisis, including women and children. Speaking at Manipur Press Club, Committee Chairman Lamabam Romen recalled the November 11, 2024 incident in which three women and three children from Jiribam were killed after being held hostage by armed Kuki members. He also said six other civilians from the district were killed in separate incidents during the crisis. Romen said the committee is working with stakeholders and experts to construct the memorial. A memorial observance for the six victims will be held on November 11.

Khurai MLA Criticises Government Over Crisis, Announces Welfare Initiatives

Imphal, September 23: Khurai MLA L. Susindro has criticised the present state government, alleging that it has failed to treat all communities equally despite its stated objective of restoring normalcy in Manipur. Speaking at Ipu Mikoi Shanglen, Susindro said the prolonged conflict would make a quick resolution difficult and stressed that development should not be influenced by political affiliations. He also announced welfare measures in Khurai Constituency, including monthly pensions for unmarried women above 40 under the Ichemhal Scheme and proposed coverage for unmarried men above 45 under the Tamohal Scheme. He said beneficiaries entering a new family life would receive assistance for wedding expenses and house construction. Susindro also announced the proposed “Susindro Connect” mobile app.

Congress Leader Rojit Backs NRC Updation With 1951 Base Year

Imphal, September 23: MPCC Sports Department Chairman Wahengbam Rojit, alias Bullet, has said people have lost faith in the BJP-led state government’s ability to deliver justice to all communities. Speaking at the 42nd foundation day of Ching Tam Social Workers’ Union at Bamonkampu Makha Leikai, Rojit said the Congress supports the demand for NRC updation in Manipur with 1951 as the base year. He criticised the BJP for not providing clear information on NRC updation despite claiming to support the demand. Rojit also expressed concern that the issue could be raised ahead of elections without a clear stand. The programme was attended by local representatives and members of the social workers’ union.

MPSC Recruiting 430 College Teachers to Address Shortage

Imphal, September 23: The Directorate of University and Higher Education has said efforts are underway to address the shortage of teachers in Manipur’s colleges. Speaking at the 45th Foundation Day celebration of Kamakhya Pemton College at Hiyangthang, Joint Director A. Ramasanker said Manipur has 51 colleges, including 34 government and 17 aided colleges. He said the Manipur Public Service Commission is in the process of recruiting 430 college teachers, which is expected to help address vacancies in government colleges. Kamakhya Pemton College has introduced the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme in all 18 subjects offered by the institution. Merit awards were also presented to students who secured top positions in Manipur University examinations.

Wangoi Students Lock School Offices Over Teacher Shortage

Thoubal, September 23: Students of Wangoi Higher Secondary School today locked the offices of the Principal and Vice Principal, protesting the government’s failure to send the required teachers within 24 hours. The students also staged a protest at the Wangoi ZEO Office. They warned of intensified agitation if their demand is not addressed within the stipulated period. The students threatened to blockade Mayai Lambi as part of further agitation. The protest was centred on the shortage of teachers at the school and the demand for immediate intervention by the authorities. The students urged the education department to take prompt steps to address the issue.

Khurai Lamlong Students Raise Concern Over Manipuri Teacher Shortage

Imphal, September 23: Students of Khurai Lamlong Higher Secondary School have raised concern over a shortage of Manipuri teachers following the transfer of teacher Meisnam Chanchan to Sangaiyumpham Higher Secondary School on September 17. Students said the school was already facing a shortage of Manipuri teachers and that repeated appeals to the Commissioner of Education (S) to revoke the transfer and post additional teachers had yielded no positive response. They expressed concern ahead of the Class 10 Pre-Board Examination and appealed to Wangkhei MLA to intervene. The students called for immediate steps to ensure adequate teaching staff at the school.

Handloom Stakeholders Protest Appointment of Director

Imphal, September 23: Handloom entrepreneurs, textile technocrats and primary weavers’ cooperative societies under the Joint Committee for Protection of Handloom and Textiles Directorate, Manipur, staged a protest at the Directorate in Naoremthong today. The protesters demanded withdrawal of the August 28 Gazette Notification concerning the post of Director. Handloom entrepreneur S. Bhubon alleged that appointing an MCS Category-I officer as Director goes against the existing Recruitment and Rules notified on July 6, 2022. He said the move could affect the handloom and textile sector, which provides employment to many people. The committee maintained that the Directorate has functioned as a technical department since 2016 and called for technical experts to be considered for leadership positions.

Speaker Urges Protection of Benefits Meant for Genuine Cultural Practitioners

Imphal, September 23: Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker Th. Satyabrata has urged people who are not involved in cultural activities to stop availing benefits provided by the state and Central governments for genuine cultural practitioners. He was speaking at the 17th Foundation Day celebration of Manipur Cultural Ashram at the Multipurpose Hall of Naharol Sintha Kanglup, Wangkhei Keithel Asangbi. Satyabrata said culture plays an important role in promoting Manipur’s identity and provides livelihoods to many people. He expressed concern that some non-practitioners allegedly use cultural credentials to access government benefits. Wangkhei MLA Th. Arunkumar and other cultural personalities attended the programme, which also featured a performance of Nupamacha Pungyam Yeiba.

15-Day Holi Eshei Workshop Concludes in Irilbung

Imphal, September 23: A 15-day workshop on the traditional Holi Eshei music tradition, organised by the Academy of Indigenous Music, Bamon Kampu, concluded today at the auditorium of Huiyen Lallong Manipur Thang-Ta Cultural Association in Irilbung. Held under the Chief Ministergi Artistsingi Tengbang scheme, the closing ceremony featured a new Holi Eshei production by artistes of the Academy. AIM Secretary Irengbam Shyamchand said the traditional music form is declining and stressed the need to revive and preserve it for future generations. He said the Academy, recognised by the Ministry of Culture, has been working to promote indigenous art and culture. The Academy’s troupe will perform Basanta Raas at the Bhagyachandra National Festival in Kolkata on October 10.

Babina Group Calls for Greater Focus on Private-Sector Jobs

Imphal, September 23: Babina Group of Companies CMD Dr Th. Dhabali has said the government alone cannot provide employment to all job seekers in Manipur and urged people to explore opportunities in the private sector. Speaking at a certificate distribution and appointment letter handing-over programme at Homeland Academy of Tactical Security and Fire Safety in North AOC, Imphal, Dhabali stressed the need for skill development to improve employment prospects. The 20-day professional security training course was conducted under 9 Sector Assam Rifles’ flagship initiative and had 50 participants, including IDPs and people from economically weaker sections. Appointment letters were handed over to trainees for jobs in Kolkata, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

Arms and Ammunition Recovered in Thoubal

Thoubal, September 23: A combined team of Thoubal Commando Unit and 31 Assam Rifles recovered a cache of arms and ammunition during a search operation at Haokhong near Phouoibi village under Nongpok Sekmai Police Station today. According to the police report, the recovered items included one AK-56 rifle with magazine, one locally made lathe gun and three .32 pistols. Security personnel also recovered two 9mm pistols with magazines, two .32 magazines, seven No. 36 HE hand grenades, six lathe-gun shells and 40 rounds of ammunition of different calibres. The recovery was made during the joint search operation. Further details regarding arrests or the circumstances leading to the recovery were not provided.

Two Arrested With Over 2 Kg WY Tablets in Mantripukhri

Imphal, September 23: A combined team of Heingang Police Station and the Quick Action Team of 86 Battalion CRPF seized more than two kilograms of WY tablets from two men at Mantripukhri yesterday. According to police, the arrested persons were identified as 37-year-old Md. Anish Khan of Lilong Usoipokpi and 36-year-old Korimayum Nurul Haque of Lilong Haoreibi Makha Leikai. The two were reportedly travelling in passenger bus MN-03 T-2080. During a check at Mantripukhri, security personnel recovered around 2.1 kilograms of WY tablets, numbering approximately 20,000 tablets. The two men were arrested in connection with the seizure.

Lilong Police Arrest Man With Contraband

Thoubal, September 23: Lilong Police have arrested a 50-year-old man in connection with the seizure of contraband items from the Lilong area. According to the police report, the arrested person was identified as Ghulam Sayed Azad, son of late Md. Abdul Samad of Lilong Nungei Ningthibi Bazar. Police said he was apprehended in the Lilong area during an operation. Details regarding the quantity and nature of the contraband recovered were not available in the supplied bulletin. Further investigation into the case is underway. Police are expected to ascertain the source of the suspected contraband and its intended destination as part of the investigation.

Health Department Calls for Greater Awareness of Ayurveda

Imphal, September 23: Health and Family Welfare Commissioner-cum-Secretary Suman Singh has stressed the importance of greater awareness and proper adherence to Ayurvedic practices to increase their acceptance among people. Speaking at the 11th Ayurveda Day observance at Classic Grande, Chingmeirong, he said many people prefer allopathy for quick relief but maintained that the benefits of Ayurveda can be better understood through proper practice and awareness. He also underlined the importance of following recommended dos and don’ts, citing fasting as an example. The programme was held under the theme “Ayurveda for Healthier Tomorrow.” Health Services Director Dr N. Hemantakumar, AYUSH Director Dr Akoijam Lokendro and others attended.

Workshop Explores Use of AI in Teaching

Imphal, September 23: Ibotombi Institute of Education organised a one-day international workshop on “The Use of AI in Teaching” at its seminar hall in Naorem Leikai, Canchipur, today. Speaking on the sidelines, IIE Principal Dr R.K. Bijen highlighted the potential of Artificial Intelligence to enhance teaching and learning experiences and improve assessment methods. Former Tripura Central University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ganga Prashad Prasain, Joint Director of the Directorate of University and Higher Education A. Ramashankar, and IIE Professor of English and Cultural Studies Dr Irom Gambhir attended the event. Technical sessions were conducted by experts from Queen’s University, Canada, Kathmandu University and Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade.

Miss Manipur Icon 2026 to Begin Registration

Imphal, September 23: Miss Manipur Icon 2026 will be organised by DCH under NBM Humanitarian Trust on the theme “Rise With Hope, Lead With Purpose, More Than a Crown, A Voice for Hope.” Registration for the pageant will begin tomorrow, while auditions are scheduled from October 25. The grand finale is planned for the first week of December, with the venue to be announced through the organisers’ social media platforms. Speaking at Manipur Press Club, Chairman and Chief Advisor Dr Manganba Phairenbam said the pageant aims to promote personality development, communication skills and overall growth while empowering women. He said the winner will receive direct entry to the North East India Super Model contest.

IMD Issues Yellow Warning as More Rain Expected in Manipur

Imphal, September 23: The IMD Imphal Centre has forecast more rainfall in Manipur over the next two days and issued a yellow warning for isolated areas where heavy rain and thunderstorms may occur. According to the ICAR Agro-Meteorological Unit, Lamphelpat, the state received 29.3 millimetres of rainfall during the past 24 hours. Widespread rain is expected in Tamenglong, Senapati, Ukhrul, Jiribam and Pherzawl districts, while isolated rainfall is likely in several other districts. Tomorrow, isolated rainfall is expected in Tamenglong, Senapati, Kangpokpi, Jiribam, Noney and Pherzawl, along with parts of the valley and other hill districts. Residents in vulnerable areas have been advised to remain alert.

Odisha and North Andhra on Alert Over Deep Depression

Imphal, September 23: A deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has placed Odisha and North Andhra Pradesh on alert. According to the IMD bulletin cited in the report, the system is expected to move west-northwestwards and make landfall between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur, close to Kalingapatnam, while maintaining deep depression intensity. Odisha has ordered the closure of schools in seven districts, cancelled leave for government employees and pre-positioned rescue teams in anticipation of heavy rainfall. At least 5,000 people were reportedly moved to safer locations after heavy rain affected southern and coastal Odisha. The bulletin also states that the next cyclone forming over the North Indian Ocean is expected to be named Arnab.

Mirabai Chanu Wins Silver at Asian Games

Nagoya, September 23: Manipur weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu has won a silver medal in the women’s 49kg category at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. According to the supplied report, she became the first Indian weightlifter to win an Asian Games silver medal and secured her first-ever medal at the continental event. Mirabai lifted 87kg in the snatch and 111kg in the clean and jerk for a total of 198kg. North Korea’s Ri Song Gum won gold with a total of 215kg, while Indonesia’s Luluk Daina took bronze with 191kg. Mirabai’s silver ended India’s reported 28-year wait for an Asian Games weightlifting medal.