Items filtered by date: Monday, 17 August 2026

Manipur Assembly Session Summoned for September 2

Imphal, August 17: Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has summoned the 8th Session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly from 11 am on September 2. According to a notification issued today and signed by Assembly Secretary Rohit Sapam on behalf of the Governor, the session will be held at the Assembly Hall in Imphal. The session has been summoned under Article 174(1) of the Constitution of India. The upcoming Assembly session is expected to bring legislators together for discussions on matters concerning the state and government business.

JFD Calls Two-Day Statewide General Strike

Imphal, August 17: The Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation has called a two-day statewide general strike beginning midnight today, demanding that the Census in Manipur be halted until the National Register of Citizens is updated. The decision followed discussions between JFD and leaders of various Naga, Meitei and Meitei Pangal organisations at WAL Club Ground, Wangkhei Angom Leikai. JFD has been intensifying its campaign against the Census, insisting that NRC updation must precede the exercise. The organisation has also been urging the government to address concerns surrounding the resettlement of internally displaced persons before proceeding with the Census.

Indigenous Organisations Support JFD Strike

Imphal, August 17: Several indigenous community organisations have extended support to the two-day general strike called by the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation against conducting the Census without prior NRC updation. Among those supporting the agitation are the Chandel Naga Peoples Organisation Working Committee, Zeliangrong Peoples Union Manipur and Nagaland, Foot Hills Naga Coordination Committee and United Meitei Pangal Committee Manipur. Their representatives expressed solidarity with the JFD’s demand and its campaign against the Census exercise. The organisations have called for the government to consider concerns surrounding NRC updation before moving ahead with Census-related activities.

JFD Students Disrupt Census Training at DM College

Imphal, August 17: Members of the JFD Students’ Wing disrupted training for Census enumerators and supervisors at DM College of Teacher Education today. The protesters reached the training venue at around 11 am but were stopped by police and CRPF personnel deployed at the site. A brief scuffle reportedly broke out after some protesters attempted to push through the security cordon, leading to a tense standoff. Security personnel later resorted to baton charging when protesters allegedly attempted to force their way through the college gate. The students have been opposing Census-related activities and demanding NRC updation before the Census is conducted.

JFD Students’ Wing Holds ‘No NRC, No Census’ March

Imphal, August 17: The JFD Students’ Wing organised a protest march today under the slogan “No NRC, No Census.” The march began at Kwakeithel Tiddim Ground and proceeded towards Keishampat. Police stopped the protesters near Hodam Leirak, after which the marchers continued towards Keishampat Junction before being pushed back by police near Hodam Leirak. The protesters demanded that internally displaced persons be returned to their original homes before the Census is conducted. They also called for action against police personnel accused of using force against demonstrators. The march formed part of the ongoing agitation demanding NRC updation before the Census.

Conflicting Claims Over Census Training at Mahabali

Imphal, August 17: Women members of the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation reportedly interrupted Census enumerator and supervisor training at Mahabali LP School in Imphal East today. According to the report, JFD members disrupted the session despite the presence of police and security personnel. However, Imphal East Police later clarified that there was no instance of JFD members interfering with the training. Police said the trainees vacated the premises after the scheduled training session ended. The conflicting accounts came amid continuing protests by JFD and its affiliated groups against the Census and their demand for NRC updation before the exercise.

JFD Students Stage Anti-Census March in Thoubal

Thoubal, August 17: The JFD Students’ Wing staged a protest march in Thoubal today, demanding that the Census not be conducted before updation of the National Register of Citizens. A large number of students participated in the march, which began from Wangmataba Devi Mandop and proceeded along NH-102 towards the Thoubal Deputy Commissioner’s office. Protesters raised slogans including “No NRC, No Census” during the demonstration. Police personnel were deployed near the DC office to prevent any untoward incident. The march was part of the continuing statewide agitation led by JFD and its student wing against the proposed Census exercise.

JFD Calls for Non-Cooperation Against Census

Imphal, August 17: Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation Organisation Secretary Longjam Ratan has urged people to launch a non-cooperation movement against the Census. Speaking at a public meeting at Khwairamband Ima Market today, Ratan described the government’s decision to proceed with the Census as an insult to the people of Manipur. He appealed to government employees assigned Census duties not to participate in the exercise. Ratan also urged people to oppose online self-enumeration, which began today, and door-to-door enumeration scheduled from September 1. He warned that democratic protests would be intensified if the demand for NRC updation using 1951 as the base year is not addressed.

JFD Students’ Wing Condemns Use of Force

Imphal, August 17: The JFD Students’ Wing has condemned the alleged use of excessive force by security personnel during protests against Census training at DM College of Teacher Education. The student organisation appealed to police and security forces to refrain from using excessive force against protesters, maintaining that the demonstrations are being conducted in the interest of the people. The Students’ Wing also demanded action against a DSP whom it accused of behaving improperly towards student protesters during Sunday’s demonstration at the Census Operations Office in Porompat. The organisation reiterated its opposition to the Census without prior NRC updation and said it would continue its democratic agitation.

JFD Delegation Meets Kakching Officials

Kakching, August 17: Members of various civil society organisations under the banner of the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation were stopped by Kakching Police while marching towards the Kakching DC Complex today. The group was initially stopped at around 11 am, after which six representatives were permitted to meet district officials. The delegation submitted an appeal demanding that Census-related activities, including training programmes, be halted. The representatives subsequently met the Additional District Magistrate and reiterated their demands. A JFD Students’ Wing representative urged the Centre and State Government to defer the Census until NRC updation and the resettlement of internally displaced persons in their native places.

Five Arrested With Suspected Opium in Imphal East

Imphal, August 17: Five persons were arrested and more than one kilogram of suspected opium seized during a drug operation at Khergao Awang Sabal Leikai in Imphal East today. The operation was conducted by a combined team of Imphal East District Police ANTF, CRPF Manipur-Nagaland Sector QAT and YADAM members. The arrested persons were identified as Ramesh Bhattarai, Tej Bahadur Bhandari, Raju Bhattarai, Abisek Karki and Mahesh Rizal, reportedly from Senapati and Kangpokpi districts. Acting on intelligence inputs, the team intercepted a Hyundai Eon bearing registration number MN01AK2862. The suspected contraband was recovered during a search conducted in the presence of a gazetted officer.

Aimol Road Committee Warns of Protest Over Road Delay

Kakching, August 17: The Aimol Road Management Committee has warned of intensified protests if repair and construction work on the Pallel–Aimol Tampak road does not resume by September. Committee Chairman Sialloa Bonny Aimol said the road is a vital link not only for the Aimol community but also for people from other communities using the route. He alleged that construction has remained stalled over land compensation issues despite funds reportedly being sanctioned for the project. The committee urged Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand and the concerned departments to intervene and ensure that work resumes by September. It warned that further protests would follow if the issue remains unresolved.

Uchathol Residents Protest Delay in Road Construction

Jiribam, August 17: Residents of Uchathol in Jiribam district staged a sit-in protest today against the delay in construction of the Gularthol–Uchathol road. The protest was organised by the Uchathol Pioneer Club and local residents at the Uchathol Lamlong waiting shed. Club President M. Premchandra said repeated appeals to the concerned authorities to complete the road have failed to produce any result. Residents expressed concern over the condition of the road and its impact on transportation and daily life. The organisers warned that the agitation could be intensified if construction work is not resumed soon and urged authorities to take immediate action.

AMPSA Alleges Irregularities in Mid-Day Meals

Imphal, August 17: The All Manipur Progressive Students’ Association has alleged irregularities in the distribution of mid-day meals at Uchiwa Government High School. AMPSA claimed that meals are being served only five or six times a month, instead of being provided regularly under the government scheme. Following a complaint, members of the organisation conducted a surprise inspection of the school and said they found the allegation to be true. AMPSA President Mutum Chinglemba urged the Wangoi ZEO to conduct a detailed investigation into the matter and take appropriate action if irregularities are established. The organisation called for proper implementation of the mid-day meal scheme.

PUYA Ready to Face Defamation Case

Thoubal, August 17: People’s United Youth Alliance General Secretary Longjam Abothe has said the organisation stands by its statements and is prepared to respond if Andro MLA Th. Shyamkumar files a defamation case. Abothe was speaking during a joint inspection rally organised by PUYA and the Foothills Naga Coordinating Committee to review healthcare facilities in hill areas and Thoubal District Hospital. He said PUYA has sufficient evidence to substantiate its claims concerning healthcare facilities. The organisation had earlier raised concerns over the condition and functioning of Moirangpurel Community Health Centre. Abothe maintained that the issues raised by PUYA were made in the public interest and should be addressed accordingly.

FNCC Flags Staff Shortage at Thoubal District Hospital

Thoubal, August 17: Foothills Naga Coordinating Committee Convenor Akhui Ngaomei has highlighted staff shortages and infrastructure-related problems at Thoubal District Hospital. Speaking during a joint healthcare inspection, Ngaomei said the hospital receives around 500 to 600 outpatients every day, while shortages of nurses and other personnel are creating difficulties in providing services. He also pointed to the poor condition of the hospital building, saying major repairs have not been carried out for nearly two decades. Concerns were also raised over the Effluent Treatment Plant and waste management. Ngaomei appreciated the hospital staff for continuing to provide services despite the infrastructure and manpower challenges.

644 Goods Trucks Leave Jiribam for Imphal

Jiribam, August 17: As truck operations along NH-37 resume, 644 goods-laden vehicles stranded in Jiribam began moving towards Imphal this morning under the escort of three security convoys. Among the vehicles, 175 trucks were carrying essential commodities and supplies including LPG, petrol, diesel and cement. The movement follows the Transporters and Drivers Council’s decision to resume operations on the highway. The transporters’ union expressed gratitude to the State Government for fulfilling its commitment to provide security cover for the movement of goods. The escorted convoy is expected to help ease supply concerns in Imphal and other parts of the state following the prolonged disruption.

WAMA to Mark 35 Years of Meitei Language in Eighth Schedule

Imphal, August 17: Wakhallon Mannaba Apunba, WAMA, Kangleipak will observe the 35th anniversary of the inclusion of Manipuri/Meitei language in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution at GP Women’s College on August 20. The programme will honour five PhD scholars in Meitei language with the organisation’s top language award, along with cash prizes and citations. Around 50 writers and poets are also expected to participate in a themed poetry session titled “Hingminnashi Eikhoi Ema Leibak-ki Damak.” WAMA President Moirangthem Naokhamba has appealed to the public to participate in the programme and support efforts to promote and preserve the Meitei language.

JCRE Launches Medical Service App

Imphal, August 17: Home healthcare provider JCRE has launched a new medical service application, “JCRE Meds,” aimed at making professional healthcare services more accessible to people at home. The app was launched at Classic Grande by JCRE Managing Director L. Niranjan. He said the organisation has been providing home nursing, doctor consultations, emergency ambulance services, medical oxygen support and laboratory sample collection since March 2021. According to JCRE, the new app is intended to make these services easier to access and improve the delivery of reliable healthcare at patients’ homes. The company said the initiative will strengthen its home-based healthcare network across Manipur.

Wangkhem Election Aspirant Raises Drinking Water Concerns

Thoubal, August 17: Wangkhem Assembly Constituency election aspirant Mutum Robindro has highlighted inadequate drinking water facilities and other development-related problems in the constituency. Addressing residents of 32/1 A and B Haokha Mamang Polling Station at Haokha Mamang Community Hall, Robindro said several areas continue to face basic infrastructure problems due to inadequate attention. He assured residents that, if elected, he would work to address their concerns and accelerate development in the constituency. Robindro said improving basic amenities, including drinking water supply, should be among the priorities for ensuring better living conditions and balanced development across the Wangkhem Assembly Constituency.

NTA Announces Re-Test for Three UGC-NET Papers

New Delhi, August 17: The National Testing Agency has announced a re-test for three UGC-NET June 2026 papers following complaints over errors in the question papers. The affected subjects are English, Commerce and Sociology. The English paper will be conducted on September 9 from 9 am to noon, while the Commerce paper will be held the same day from 3 pm to 6 pm. The Sociology re-test is scheduled for September 10 from 9 am to noon. The NTA said the decision followed a review by a committee, which recommended re-conducting the three papers to ensure a fair and error-free examination process for candidates.