Items filtered by date: Monday, 24 August 2026

Tension Erupts Between Naga and Kuki Communities in Taphou

Senapati, August 24: Fresh tension erupted in the Taphou area following incidents of arson and an exchange of gunfire between Naga and Kuki communities. A Kuki house at Taphou Kuki village was reportedly set ablaze around 2:40 am, followed by the burning of a Naga house around 4 am. Naga residents later blocked roads and staged protests against the incidents. Gunfire was reported around 9 am, prompting security forces, including Assam Rifles and CRPF personnel, to launch operations. A CRPF personnel identified as Pradeep reportedly sustained a bullet injury and was taken to Senapati District Hospital. Additional forces have been deployed and combing operations are underway.

Assam Rifles Personnel Injured in Tengnoupal Ambush

Tengnoupal, August 24: One personnel of the 3 Assam Rifles was injured after suspected armed groups ambushed a security patrol near the Indo-Myanmar border yesterday evening. The incident reportedly occurred around 4 pm between Yangoupokpi and Charingphei villages. According to police sources, Assam Rifles personnel were conducting an area-domination patrol when suspected insurgents triggered a planted improvised explosive device. The security personnel retaliated, resulting in an exchange of fire. The attackers reportedly fled the area following the gunfight. Additional security forces were subsequently deployed and search operations launched. No arrests have been reported in connection with the incident so far.

Arms and Ammunition Recovered in Sagolmang

Imphal, August 24: A combined team of Imphal East Commandos and 28 Assam Rifles recovered a cache of arms and ammunition during a search operation at the foothills of Sinam Kom village under Sagolmang Police Station today. The operation was reportedly conducted based on intelligence inputs corroborated by 4 Mahar. The recovered items included one 7.62 SLR rifle, one 5.56 INSAS rifle with two magazines, a 9mm pistol, a Pompi gun, a country-made lethal gun and two single-barrel guns. Security forces also recovered three No. 36 hand grenades, a mortar shell, 45 rounds of assorted ammunition, bulletproof plates, jackets and helmets.

Alleged RPF/PLA Cadre Arrested in Imphal East

Imphal, August 24: Commando-Kakching arrested an alleged active cadre of the proscribed RPF/PLA during a search operation at Kiyamgei Awang Leikai under Irilbung Police Station today. Police identified the arrested person as 35-year-old Nameirakpam Sanju Meitei alias Nganba, who was apprehended from his residence. Security forces reportedly recovered an AK rifle, an SMG carbine, nine magazines and 737 rounds of ammunition of different calibres. Three bulletproof plates and three bulletproof jackets were also recovered. The arrested individual has been taken into custody for further investigation, while security agencies are examining the circumstances surrounding the alleged possession of the weapons and ammunition.

Man Arrested With Pistol During Checking Operation

Imphal, August 24: Police apprehended a 26-year-old man during a frisking and checking operation at Moidangpok Maning Leikai yesterday. According to the police report, the arrested person has been identified as Oinam Gipson alias Gypsy alias Cheichatpa, son of O. Binod of Kwakeithel Laishram Leikai. Police reportedly recovered a .32 pistol loaded with four live rounds from his possession during the checking operation. The accused was taken into custody for further investigation. Security personnel have been conducting frisking and checking operations at different locations as part of ongoing measures to prevent the movement and use of illegal firearms.

Joint Security Operation Conducted in Kangpokpi

Kangpokpi, August 24: A joint operation involving the CRPF, CRPF Mahila Battalion and Rapid Action Force was conducted at J Songtun village this morning. According to sources, CRPF personnel were deployed around the village on the intervening night of August 23 and 24 before launching the operation at daybreak. Security forces reportedly conducted searches in and around the village as part of the operation. Details regarding any recovery of weapons or arrests were not immediately available at the time of reporting. Further information is expected from the security agencies following completion of the search and verification process.

Jiribam Rally Demands NRC Before Census

Jiribam, August 24: A mass rally was held in Jiribam today demanding updation of the National Register of Citizens before the Census and the return of internally displaced persons to their respective homes before the exercise. Organised by the Jiri United Committee, the rally saw participation from residents from different parts of the district. Protesters marched through Jiribam town towards Irabot Karong before gathering for a public meeting at Jiri Ema Keithel. Participants reiterated their demand that the government should address the NRC issue and facilitate the return and rehabilitation of displaced people before proceeding with the Census exercise.

Keishamthong Women Stage Sit-In Over NRC Demand

Imphal, August 24: Meira Paibi members of Keishamthong Moirangningthou Leirak Nambul Mapan staged a sit-in protest today demanding updation of the National Register of Citizens before the Census. The protest was jointly organised by Sana Janmasthang Club and Keishamthong Leirak Ahum Meira Paibi in support of the ongoing JFD movement. Protesters also demanded that internally displaced persons be resettled before the Census. A participant said people would not accept the Census without NRC updation and IDP resettlement. She also expressed concern over the alleged settlement of outsiders in Manipur and its possible impact on the indigenous population.

14 CSOs Meet Union Minister Kiren Rijiju in Delhi

New Delhi, August 24: A delegation of 14 civil society organisations representing different communities in Manipur met Union Minister Kiren Rijiju at his official residence in New Delhi today. The meeting began around 3:20 pm and lasted nearly an hour. Manipur Government spokesperson and MLA Thokchom Radheshyam was also present. The delegation urged the Centre to properly identify Indian citizens before conducting the Census in Manipur. It submitted a memorandum seeking NRC updation with 1951 as the base year before the Census. The delegation also demanded that delimitation be kept on hold until NRC updation is completed and public concerns are addressed. Convener Santa Nahakpam said Rijiju assured them that the demands would be discussed with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Shiv Sena Manipur Seeks NRC Before Census

Imphal, August 24: Shiv Sena Manipur Pradesh has submitted a memorandum to Union Home Minister Amit Shah demanding completion of NRC updation in Manipur before conducting the Census. State President M. Tombi said the memorandum was submitted during his recent visit to New Delhi, where he met Central leaders. Speaking to the media at the party’s State Office in Babupara today, Tombi said NRC updation was essential to address the issue of alleged illegal immigration. He said the memorandum also highlighted data concerning the increase in the number of unrecognised villages in Manipur. Tombi appealed to political leaders to work collectively to safeguard the interests of the state and its people.

Farmers Raise Concern Over Loktak Irrigation Disruption

Bishnupur, August 24: Farmers have raised concerns over the disruption of water supply from the Loktak Lift Irrigation system following a strike by departmental staff. The strike reportedly began after daily-wage and muster-roll employees above 60 years of age were terminated. Farmers said the disruption has affected agricultural activities during the crucial fertilisation season. Speaking at the Loktak Lift Irrigation Pump House, farmer representative Irengbam Newton urged the authorities to revoke the termination orders and extend the service period of the affected employees. He said uninterrupted water supply was essential for agricultural fields and appealed to the authorities to resolve the issue at the earliest.

Manipur University Professor Selected for National Award to Teachers

Imphal, August 24: Manipur University Department of Dance and Music Assistant Professor Dr Pukhrambam Lilabati has been selected for the National Award to Teachers 2026 by the Union Ministry of Education. According to an official notification from the Department of Higher Education, Dr Lilabati is among 21 teachers selected from higher educational institutions and polytechnics across the country. The prestigious award will be presented on September 5 at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi during the Teachers’ Day celebration. The honour includes a Certificate of Merit, Silver Medal and a cash award of Rs 50,000. Her selection has been welcomed by the Manipur University community as a matter of pride for the state and Northeast.

Manipur Technical University Inducts First M.Tech Batch

Imphal, August 24: Manipur Technical University at Takyelpat conducted its induction programme for the university’s first M.Tech batch today and also launched a Disaster Risk Reduction Club. Speaking at the programme, MTU Vice-Chancellor Professor W. Chandbabu said several initiatives have been introduced under the PM-DevINE scheme to strengthen infrastructure and academic programmes. He said the university has expanded its academic offerings and infrastructure since introducing its PhD programme in 2025. Four M.Tech programmes have now been introduced, while training programmes will be conducted using infrastructure at the Engineering College in Heirok. The university is also working towards NAAC accreditation and UGC Section 12(B) status.

Capacity-Building Programme Begins at Manipur University

Imphal, August 24: A six-day capacity-building programme on “Ethnic Conflict, Land, Resources and Development in North East India” began today at the Department of Anthropology, Manipur University. The programme is being organised by the Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Centre of Manipur University under the Ministry of Education. Manipur University Vice-Chancellor Professor R.K. Hemakumar, Professor M.C. Arunkumar, Professor Haobijam Vokendro and MMTTC-Manipur University Director R.K. Bhubon were among those who attended the inaugural programme. The initiative is aimed at strengthening academic understanding and professional capacity in areas concerning ethnic conflict, land, resources and development in the Northeast.

ASI Manipur Holds Surgiquiz and Robotic Surgery CME

Imphal, August 24: The Association of Surgeons of India, Manipur State Chapter organised the Prof. S. Rajendra Singh ASI Surgiquiz 2026 along with a CME programme on robotic surgery at the BMI Auditorium, Babina Hospital Complex, Khabeisoi. Postgraduate surgery students from RIMS, JNIMS and SHRI participated in the quiz, with Dr Nongmaithem Yaipha Meitei of JNIMS and Dr Nirav Rupareliya of SHRI emerging as winners. They will represent Manipur at the National ASI Surgiquiz during ASICON 2026 in Ahmedabad. The CME featured experts from MAX Healthcare, Delhi, who discussed robotic and minimally invasive surgery, including robotic HPB, colorectal and thyroid procedures.

Manipur Filmmaker Selected for International Film Lab

Imphal, August 24: Manipur filmmaker and audiovisual artist Tushar Nongthombam has been selected among nine filmmakers from India for the international programme “Intuitive Film Lab 2026.” The programme will be held in Beirut, Lebanon, during October and November this year. As part of the residency, the nine selected Indian filmmakers will develop and produce short films. The programme will provide participants an opportunity to engage in an international creative environment while developing new audiovisual works. Tushar’s selection places a filmmaker from Manipur among the Indian participants chosen for the international initiative and highlights the growing presence of filmmakers from the region in wider creative platforms.

Paonilkhon Daily Marks 36th Foundation Day

Imphal, August 24: Evening daily Paonilkhon celebrated its 36th Foundation Day today at Usha Hall Complex in Imphal. AMWJU President Asem Bhakta, Paonilkhon Daily Legal Advisor Advocate Chongtham Romen and Editor Ch. Meghabarna attended the function. Speaking on the occasion, AMWJU President Asem Bhakta highlighted the challenges faced by journalists and media professionals in Manipur and stressed their responsibilities in society. He also commended the Paonilkhon team for completing 36 years of service to the people. The celebration comes at a time when the media sector is undergoing rapid changes due to the expansion of digital platforms and evolving news consumption patterns.

IMD Forecasts Rain, Issues Yellow Warning

Imphal, August 24: The India Meteorological Department’s Imphal centre has forecast rain at several places across Manipur over the next two days and issued a yellow warning for isolated heavy rainfall today. Widespread rain is expected in parts of Senapati, Ukhrul, Kamjong, Tengnoupal and Chandel, while isolated rainfall is likely in Tamenglong, Kangpokpi, Imphal West, Imphal East, Jiribam, Noney, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Churachandpur and Pherzawl districts. More rainfall is forecast in Tamenglong, Jiribam, Noney and Pherzawl tomorrow. The ICAR Agromet Unit at Lamphelpat recorded 0.1 mm of rainfall, with the maximum temperature at 30°C and minimum at 23.5°C.

State-Level Jawaharlal Nehru Hockey Tournament Begins

Imphal, August 24: The State-Level Jawaharlal Nehru Hockey Tournament began today at Khuman Lampak Hockey Stadium under the aegis of the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, Manipur. YAS Secretary N. Praveen IAS, Director Dr M. Veto MCS, Arjuna Awardee and Olympian K. Chinglensana, Deputy Director Th. Mangichand and District Youth Affairs and Sports Officers attended the inaugural programme. In the opening Under-15 Boys League match, Lamjao High School of Kakching defeated Hill Cross English School of Jiribam 7-1. Lanchenba Thongam scored four goals for Lamjao, while M. Guneshwor, Y. Chingkheinganba and Th. Malemthoiba added one each.

East Bengal Lift Durand Cup After 22-Year Wait

Kolkata, August 24: East Bengal FC lifted the Durand Cup for a record-equalling 17th time after defeating arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant 4-1 in the final at Salt Lake Stadium last evening. Bipin Singh opened the scoring for East Bengal in the 10th minute before Edmund Lalrindika struck twice in the 12th and 23rd minutes. Mohun Bagan reduced the deficit through Manvir Singh in the 33rd minute, but Lalrindika completed his hat-trick in the 44th minute. East Bengal comfortably defended its advantage in the second half to secure the title after a 22-year wait. The victory also marked another chapter in the historic rivalry between the Kolkata clubs.

34 Manipuri Athletes Named in India’s Asian Games Contingent

Imphal, August 24: A total of 34 sportspersons from Manipur have been selected to represent India in 11 disciplines at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The Games are scheduled from September 19 to October 4. The Indian Olympic Association has finalised a contingent of 492 athletes, comprising 265 men and 227 women, under the Olympic Council of Asia. The Manipuri athletes will compete in boxing, canoeing, kayaking, cycling, fencing, men’s and women’s hockey, judo, rowing, sepaktakraw and weightlifting. Among them are six athletes in men’s sepaktakraw and seven in women’s sepaktakraw, while two athletes each will represent India in women’s kayaking and weightlifting