Page 2 - Manipur Govt

Postal services resume in Manipur's Churachandpur after over two years

Postal services resumed in Manipur's Churachandpur, with a mail van entering the district for the first time since the ethnic violence broke out in Manipur in May 2023, officials said on Saturday. The vehicle reached the district headquarters at 11.30 am on Friday, unloaded letters, parcels and other consignments, and returned to Imphal around 12.40 pm, they said. Regular mail delivery had remained suspended in Churachandpur since the onset of the violence, in which over 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless. The resumption of service marks a significant step towards restoring normal communication channels in the region.

LAC, China on mind, PM Modi to visit Northeast for second time this month

Modi's visit to Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura comes amid the Centre's renewed focus on the region, with India's neighbouring nations Bangladesh and Myanmar in ferment. Archis Mohan writes

'Manipur land of courage, valour', says PM Modi; launches ₹7.3K cr projects

PM Modi calls for peace and harmony in Manipur, emphasising a new dawn for development and prosperity in the state

PM Modi interacts with violence-hit people in Manipur's Churachandpur

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Imphal on Saturday on his first visit to Manipur after ethnic violence broke out in May 2023. Modi was received at the Imphal airport by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel. He will also inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for development projects worth Rs 8,500 crore. In view of Modi's visit, security has been tightened in state capital Imphal and the Churachandpur district. Both state and central forces' personnel were deployed in large numbers in and around the nearly 237-acre Kangla Fort in Imphal and the Peace Ground in Churachandpur, the venues of the PM's rallies. In a statement, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on Friday said, "In line with his commitment to inclusive, sustainable and holistic development of Manipur, the PM will lay the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth over Rs 7,300 crore at Churachandpur." Modi will also inaugurate multiple development projects worth more than

PM's Manipur visit 'merely symbolic', not aimed at bringing peace: Congress

Manipur Congress president Keisham Meghachandra on Friday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the ethnic violence-hit state is "merely symbolic", and "not aimed at bringing peace and ensuring justice". Modi is scheduled to set foot in Manipur on Saturday, over two years after a deadly ethnic violence swept the northeastern state, and unveil projects to the tune of Rs 8,500 crore, Meghachandra, in a video message, claimed, "I take the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as merely symbolic and a show-off. The people, who have been suffering for months, including internally displaced persons staying in relief camps, had expected a concrete roadmap for peace, rehabilitation, and justice." The state Congress chief also alleged that Modi's visit is hollow. "It would have been better if they had let it be known that the visit is related to bringing peace and justice. Very upset with the absence of discussions with all stakeholders," the Wangkhem legislator said. The ..

Stage set for PM's maiden visit to Manipur since 2023 ethnic clashes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to set foot in Manipur on Saturday, over two years after a deadly ethnic violence swept the northeastern state, and unveil projects to the tune of Rs 8,500 crore, officials said. Modi will lay foundation stones for various development projects worth Rs 7,300 crore from Peace Ground in Churachandpur, where Kukis are in the majority. The PM will also inaugurate infrastructure projects totalling Rs 1,200 crore from Meitei-majority Imphal, they said. The prime minister's visit comes amid repeated criticism by opposition parties for not coming to the state following the ethnic strife between the Kuki and Meitei communities, which has left over 260 people dead and thousands homeless since May 2023. The Manipur government had on Thursday evening put up a large billboard, announcing the PM's programmes at Churachandpur's Peace Ground and Kangla Fort in Imphal on Saturday. The hoarding came up at Keisampat Junction, a key location in Imphal, which i

PM Modi's Manipur visit marks start of long peace process: Gaurav Gogoi

Senior Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's likely visit to Manipur should not be seen as the end of a goal, but rather as the start on a long journey to bring peace back to the state. Gogoi, the deputy leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, on the sidelines of a programme here on Friday, said, "We cannot say that normalcy has returned to Manipur... there is no elected government, so Modi's visit should not be seen as the end goal." It is only a start on a "long journey to bring peace, justice, reconciliation and democracy back to Manipur", the Congress MP said. Emphasising that the relationship among the people of Manipur must heal, their aspirations must be met, he said, "I hope that the BJP understands that the PM's visit is not the end but only a beginning which has come very much delayed". The likely visit of the PM should have been planned two years ago, and there are still many more milestones to overcome, the Assam Congress president ...

Centre, Manipur govt ink peace pact with Kuki-Zo groups to restore peace

The Centre, Manipur government and Kuki-Zo groups have signed a Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement to restore peace, secure NH-2, and tighten oversight of armed groups in the state

Law and order situation improved, under control in Manipur: Governor

Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Friday asserted the overall law and order situation in the state has improved tremendously in recent months and it is stable and under control. The northeastern state, which is under President's Rule, has made remarkable progress across various sectors from social welfare, infrastructure development to economic empowerment, said Bhalla. He was addressing a gathering at Ist Manipur Rifles ground on the occasion of Independence Day. "The overall law and order situation in the state has improved tremendously and is stable and under control. Security forces continue extensive search operations and area domination activities in vulnerable and fringe areas across districts as well as check extortion and other criminal activities, the governor said. More than 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in the ethnic strife between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023 in Manipur. Despite the challenges of recent years, the state i

Berries, blooms: Manipur startups venture beyond caffeinated drinks

Aiming to present tea lovers an alternative to caffeine-based beverages, a number of young Manipur entrepreneurs are experimenting with indigenously grown plants to produce flavoured herbal drinks. Sumac berries, gooseberries and banana peels are among the ingredients that go into the making of these unconventional beverages. For Elizabeth Yambem, the founder of 'Dwellers Teas', the longingness for home and the desire to reconnect with childhood memories prompted her to launch her own brand of beverages. "We produce more than 10 varieties of herbal tea and employ 20 women at our Uripok manufacturing unit in Imphal West district. Our products are sold outside the state, too," Yambem told PTI. She said her company procures locally grown indigenous plants cultivated by farmers from various villages and hill districts, including Phayeng in Imphal West, and Ukhrul. "I wanted to relive the childhood memories of Sumac berries, gooseberries, the vibrant Red Roselle, and the bittersweet ..

Manipur extends internet ban in five valley districts till June 13

The Manipur government has extended the suspension of internet and mobile data services in five valley districts Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur until 6 am of June 13, an official statement said on Thursday. The state government had ordered for temporary suspension of internet services and mobile data services including broadband, VSATs and VPN services in the territorial jurisdictions of Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur districts on June 7 following protests that erupted after the arrest of a Meitei outfit Arambai Tenggol leaders. An order issued by the Commissioner and Secretary Home department on Thursday said the suspension of internet and mobile data services in five valley districts has been extended till 6 am of June 13. Authorities have urged all internet users to refrain from any activities that may lead to further disruptions or suspensions, it said and directed telecom service providers and law enforcement agencies to

Meitei group member held for firing at forces, 19 more detained in Manipur

A member of the Meitei outfit Arambai Tenggol was apprehended for allegedly firing at security personnel during the recent protests in Manipur over the arrests of a leader of the organisation and four others, police said on Wednesday. Nineteen others were also detained for their alleged involvement in violence during demonstrations in Imphal, a senior officer said. The Arambai Tenggol member was arrested on Tuesday as he was accused of firing at security personnel when they were trying to clear a roadblock in Tera Sapam area in Imphal West district on June 9, the officer said. "The assailant, an Arambai Tenggol cadre, namely Raj @Boinao Pangeijam (39), was arrested by Manipur Police along with the weapon of offence (pistol)," the police said, adding that he was produced before a magistrate and has been remanded to police custody for eight days. "Protesters, belonging to Arambai Tenggol, attacked security forces while they were trying to clear the roadblock at Tera Sapam, in Imphal

Protests against arrest of Arambai Tenggol leader continues in Manipur

Manipur continued to witness protests as demonstrators defied prohibitory orders and clashed with security forces across several districts of Imphal valley demanding the unconditional release of the arrested Arambai Tenggol leader Kanan Singh and four others, police said on Tuesday. Clashes erupted in Khurai Lamlong area of Imphal East district on Monday night, prompting security personnel to fire several rounds of tear gas shells and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd. At least one four-wheeler was reportedly torched by the protesters, police said. Protests, such as roadblocks and burning of tyres, were also held in Thoubal and Kakching districts. Tensions also flared in Tera area of Imphal West district on Monday evening when unidentified miscreants fired at security forces. "At least seven rounds from small firearms were fired in Tera area when CRPF personnel were clearing roadblocks put up by protesters. Paramilitary forces along with state police rushed to carry out search .

Cong slams PM Modi's 'insensitivity' to Manipur crisis, calls it 'shocking'

With fresh violence rocking parts of Manipur, the Congress on Sunday targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his "insensitivity" to the suffering of people in the state. In a post on X, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said the pain, distress, and agony of the people of Manipur continues unabated as five districts of Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Katching, and Bishnupur in Manipur have been rocked by violence in the last 24 hours. A day after violent protests erupted in Manipur over the arrest of a leader of Meitei outfit Arambai Tenggol, the situation remained tense on Sunday with the administration imposing prohibitory orders and suspending internet services in five Imphal valley districts, police said. Prohibitory orders have been clamped in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur and Kakching districts, while internet and mobile data services, including VSAT and VPN facilities, have been suspended in these valley areas. Hitting out at the government, Ramesh

Prohibitory orders in Manipur districts amid protests over Tenggol's arrest

Prohibitory orders have been clamped in five Imphal valley districts of Manipur following intense protests in the state capital late on Saturday night over reports claiming that a leader of Meitei outfit Arambai Tenggol was apprehended. A total curfew was imposed in the Bishnupur district. The protesters torched tyres and old furniture in the middle of the road in Kwakeithel and Uripok, demanding the release of the leader. The situation remained tense on Sunday morning. Security has been enhanced along the roads leading to the Raj Bhavan with additional deployment of personnel from the central forces. In view of the protest in the restive northeastern state, an order issued by the district magistrate of Imphal West stated that the "superintendent of police in Imphal West... has reported serious breach to peace, disturbance to public tranquillity, riot or affray in the area, and grave danger to human lives and properties due to unlawful activities of anti-social elements." It infor

Manipur suspends internet services for 5 days amid law and order situation

The Manipur government has ordered suspension of internet and mobile data services, including VSAT and VPN, in the territorial jurisdiction of five valley districts for five days with effect from 11.45 pm on Saturday, an official statement said. The districts include Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur and Kakching. The order issued by Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home), N Ashok Kumar, said, In view of the prevailing law and order situation, especially in Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur districts, there is apprehension that some anti-social elements might use social media extensively for transmission of images, hate speech and hate video messages to incite the passion of the public, which might have serious repercussions on the law and order situation of the state. The order is being passed ex-parte in view of the emergent situation. Any person found guilty of violating the order will be liable to face legal action, it added. The order followed ...

Manipur flash floods: Over 56,000 people affected, 10,477 houses damaged

Over 56,000 people have been affected by flash floods triggered by overflowing rivers and embankment breaches in Manipur, an official statement said on Tuesday. It said that 10,477 houses have been damaged and 56,516 174 people affected by the floods. One person went missing after being swept away by a river in Imphal East district on Monday, it said, adding that 2,913 people have been evacuated from the affected areas. A fresh breach of embankment was reported at Bashikhong in Imphal East district after the Kongba river breached its embankments on Monday, officials said. At least 57 relief camps have been opened for affected people mostly in Imphal East district, which is the worst flood-affected district in the state. Ninety-three landslides have been reported in the last five days across the state. Several localities in the state's capital Imphal, and many parts of Imphal East district have been inundated after a swollen river breached embankments and overflowed in Khurai, Hei

Heavy rain lashes Manipur, waterlogging reported in several areas of Imphal

With heavy rain lashing Manipur for the past two days, waterlogging has been reported from different parts of the state capital Imphal on Friday affecting normal life, an official said. Waterlogging was reported from Kakwa, Thangmeiband and Sagolband areas in Imphal West district affecting traffic movement, he said. The water level of several rivers including Imphal river and Serou river which flows across Imphal valley also witnessed a significant rise. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier forecast heavy rainfall in parts of Manipur, including southern districts of Chandel, Churachandpur, Pherzawl, and portions of Kakching and Thoubal districts. According to the IMD's Meteorological Centre in Imphal, the border town of Moreh recorded the highest rainfall of 102 mm in the state on Thursday followed by Kamjong (96 mm), Chandel (76 mm), and Ukhrul (60.8 mm). Deputy Commissioner of Senapati district issued a public notice stating that the National Weather Forecasting

Protestors lock offices, smear signs as Manipur simmers over bus sign row

Protests erupt across Manipur over removal of state's name from govt bus; offices locked, signboards defaced; women-led groups demand apology, resignations of top officials

48-hour bandh by Meitei org affects normal life in Manipur's Imphal valley

The 48-hour state-wide bandh called by Meitei organisation Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) in protest against the removal of the state's name from a government bus affected normal life in the five districts of Imphal Valley for the second day on Friday. All business establishments, educational institutions, government and private offices remained closed and public transport remained off the roads. Except for medical emergencies and those seeking to go to Ukhrul district to attend Shirui Lily festival, no other private vehicles are allowed to ply on the roads. Several women bandh supporters stopped vehicles of central security forces in different parts of Bishnupur and Thoubal districts and pasted "Manipur/ Kangleipak" on the windshields of security vehicles. Kangleipak is the ancient name of Manipur. On Friday morning roadside vegetable vendors had opened their stalls at Andro Parking, Kongba and Khurai areas in Imphal East district but bandh supporters told th