Free Movement Regime helps map 42,000 Myanmar nationals since Dec: Biren Singh
N. Biren Singh says Assam Rifles has mapped biometric data of Myanmarese entering India since December. This is under the new Free Movement Regime. He believes this will regulate entry through the border. It will also help control population growth in Manipur. Assam Rifles Director General shared insights on this policy at Manipur University.
PM did not utter a word on 'vote chori' during visit to Bihar: Rahul Gandhi
Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of attempting to steal votes through the Election Commission during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar. He criticized Modi's silence on alleged irregularities in Maharashtra, Karnataka polls, and the Manipur issue. Gandhi asserted that the BJP is dismantling the Constitution and depriving people of their rights.
Ajay Kumar Bhalla To Be Sworn In As Nagaland Governor On Aug 25
Kohima, Aug 22: Ajay Kumar Bhalla will be sworn in as the new governor of Nagaland on Monday, an official said. Bhalla the governor of Manipur has been given additional charge of Nagaland following the death of La Ganesan on August 15 at a Chennai hospital, the official said. The swearing-in ceremony will take place at Raj Bhavan, Kohima, on Monday, according to an official invitation. Welcoming Bhalla on behalf of the people of Nagaland, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said [] The post Ajay Kumar Bhalla To Be Sworn In As Nagaland Governor On Aug 25 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Manipur Naga Outfits Want Inter-Ministerial Team for Talks
As its ultimatum ends, United Naga Council threatens escalation of action on border fencing, free movement regime.
Speaker irked by disruptions as Monsoon session concludes
NEW DELHI: The Monsoon session of Parliament, the fifth one of the 18th Lok Sabha which saw unprecedented protests over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in poll-bound Bihar, came to a close on Thursday with the presiding officers of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha expressing anguish over the continuous and planned disruptions leading to the total washout. As both Houses were adjourned sine die on Thursday in what was one of the frostiest Monsoon sessions, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in his concluding address said that the public has great expectations from the representatives, and therefore, they should utilise their time in the House for serious and meaningful discussions on issues of public interest and important legislations. While the productivity of the Lok Sabha was pegged at 31%, the Rajya Sabha saw 39%. Out of total 120 hours, the Lok Sabha held discussions only for 37 hours. In the Rajya Sabha, discussions took place for 41 Hours 15 minutes only. The session was marked by continuous disruptions on SIR, the abrupt resignation of Jagdeep Dhanakhar from Vice-President post, an ugly scuffle between the NDA and INDIA members and the impeachment proceedings of High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma among others. The highlight of the session, a two-day special debate on the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor saw high-voltage debates. Except for the 16-hour debate, the House failed to transact any business in the month-long session, which began July 21. Most part of the session was dominated by the protests held by Opposition parties inside and outside Parliament on alleged vote theft and alleged poll rigging by the Election Commission. While the Opposition stuck to their demand for a debate on SIR, the government refuted their demand citing that the exercise is part of the the poll panels administrative action and functioning. The protests also led to high drama in the streets after several top Opposition leaders, including LoP Rahul Gandhi, were detained by the Delhi Police after they took out a march to the EC headquarters in the capital. Another key takeaway is how SIR brought together the Opposition parties in the session to fight against the government unitedly. From the Congress, TMC, AAP and the CPM, more than 25 parties came together to corner the Modi government on SIR and other issues in the session. The session also saw unprecedented events such as the sudden resignation of Dhankhar, citing health reasons. Though there is no official word on the reason behind the resignation, sources say that it is linked to Dhankars acceptance of a notice sponsored by the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha to impeach Justice Varma, who is embroiled in alleged corruption charges. Another takeaway is a three-member committee set up by Birla to probe charges against Justice Varma. Thus, the Speaker has set the ball rolling for the impeachment of the Allahabad High Court judge after admitting a multi-party notice for his removal. The session has also set the stage for a high-stakes election for the vice-presidential elections, in which the NDA and the Opposition fielded candidates from the South. While the NDA picked Maharashtra Governor C P Radhakrishnan as its nominee, the Opposition has fielded former SC judge B Sudershan Reddy who hails from Andhra Pradesh. Bills passed by both Houses of Parliament The Bills of Lading Bill, 2025 The Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025 The Coastal Shipping Bill, 2025 The Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025 The Manipur Appropriation (No.2) Bill, 2025 The Merchant Shipping Bill, 2025 The Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of the State of Goa Bill, 2025 The National Sports Governance Bill, 2025 The National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025 The Income-Tax Bill, 2025 The Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025 The Indian Ports Bill, 2025 The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2025 The Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025 The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025
Bill on tainted PM, CMs and ministers sent to JPC amid din
NEW DELHI: Amid loud protests in the Rajya Sabha, the House on Thursday approved a motion to send three important bills to a Joint Committee for detailed scrutiny. Key among them is the one that proposes that the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, and other Ministers arrested on serious criminal charges be removed from office for 30 days. The other two bills deal with amendments to the Government of Union Territories Act, 1963, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. Home Minister Amit Shah moved the motion, and the House also approved the nomination of ten members to the committee, which is expected to submit its report during the Winter Session in November. Deputy Chairman Harivansh said he was disappointed over frequent disruptions marring House business. He said the Rajya Sabha functioned for just 41 hours and 15 minutes, with a productivity rate of 38.88%. Members raised 285 Questions, 285 Zero Hour submissions, and 285 Special Mentions, but only a small fraction 14 Questions, seven Zero Hour submissions, and 61 Special Mentions were discussed. The House also managed to pass or return 15 government bills, including the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2025, the Manipur GST (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2025.
42,000 Myanmarese nationals biometrically mapped under new free movement regime: Assam Rifles Chief
Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera reported that 42,000 Myanmarese nationals entering India have been mapped biometrically since December under the new FMR policy. These individuals, seeking temporary refuge in Northeastern states due to the Myanmar crisis, are monitored and expected to return. Former Manipur CM N.
Lok Sabha passed 12 bills, Rajya Sabha 15 in Monsoon session amid disruptions and walkouts
NEW DELHI: Twelve bills were passed by the Lok Sabha and 15 by the Rajya Sabha during the month-long Monsoon session of Parliament, which witnessed repeated disruptions, adjournments and walkouts. Barring discussions on Operation Sindoor in both House, the session has seen little business ever since it began on July 21 due to repeated disruptions and adjournments initially due to opposition demand for discussion on Operation Sindoor and then over demands for a discussion on the Special Intensive Revision exercise in Bihar. The Monsoon session came to an end on Thursday. The bills passed by the Lok Sabha are The Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of the State of Goa Bill, 2025, The Merchant Shipping Bill, 2025, The Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025, The Manipur Appropriation (No.2) Bill, 2025, The National Sports Governance Bill, 2025, and The National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025. Other bills passed by the Lok Sabha are The Income-tax Bill, 2025, The Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025, The Indian Ports Bill, 2025, The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2025, The Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025 and The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The bills passed or returned by the Rajya Sabha are The Bills of Lading Bill, 2025, The Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025, The Coastal Shipping Bill, 2025, The Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025, The Manipur Appropriation (No.2) Bill, 2025, The Merchant Shipping Bill, 2025 and The Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of the State of Goa Bill, 2025 Other bills passed by the Rajya Sabha are The National Sports Governance Bill, 2025, The National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025, The Income-tax Bill, 2025, The Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025, The Indian Ports Bill, 2025, The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2025, The Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025 and The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. This time in Parliament, there was so much ruckus and opposition didn't cooperate. Due to this obstinate behaviour, opposition missed participating in discussions on several important bills which were passed, a government functionary said. In the Rajya Sabha, except for The Bills of Lading Bill, 2025, which was passed without any disruption on the first day of the Monsoon session, the other bills were passed after some discussion amid din or only after the Opposition parties staged a walk out, the functionary said.
About 42,000 Cross-Border Entrants Documented in Manipur Since December 2024: Assam Rifles DG
Ex-Manipur CM Biren Singh says influx of outsiders from Myanmar 'real' and 'ongoing'
Centre invites Manipur Naga bodies for talks on FMR, Myanmar border fencing
The discussion scheduled for August 26 follows a meeting between a United Naga Council team with the States Governor
Manipur Police Ensure Safe Return of Meitei Man Stranded in Kangpokpi
HT DIGITAL IMPHAL, AUGUST 21: Angom Yumjao (50), from Sekmai Makha Leikai under Imphal West district belonging to the Meitei community, was rescued and brought back home safely after he remained stranded in Sapermeina, Kangpokpi district. He is said to have alighted from an inter-district Senapati-bound bus before being rescued by local authorities. Based on []
Lok Sabha passed 12 bills, Rajya Sabha 14 in Monsoon session amid Opposition protests
NEW DELHI: Twelve bills were passed by the Lok Sabha and 14 by the Rajya Sabha during the month-long Monsoon session of Parliament, which has witnessed repeated disruptions, adjournments and walkouts. Barring discussions on Operation Sindoor in both House, the session has seen little business ever since it began on July 21 due to repeated disruptions and adjournments initially due to opposition demand for discussion on Operation Sindoor and then over demands for a discussion on the Special Intensive Revision exercise in Bihar. The Monsoon session is scheduled to end on Thursday. The bills passed by the Lok Sabha are The Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of the State of Goa Bill, 2025, The Merchant Shipping Bill, 2025, The Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025, The Manipur Appropriation (No.2) Bill, 2025, The National Sports Governance Bill, 2025, and The National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025. Other bills passed by the Lok Sabha are The Income-tax Bill, 2025, The Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025, The Indian Ports Bill, 2025, The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2025, The Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025 and The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The bills passed or returned by the Rajya Sabha are The Bills of Lading Bill, 2025, The Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025, The Coastal Shipping Bill, 2025, The Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025, The Manipur Appropriation (No.2) Bill, 2025, The Merchant Shipping Bill, 2025 and The Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of the State of Goa Bill, 2025 Other bills passed by the Rajya Sabha are The National Sports Governance Bill, 2025, The National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025, The Income-tax Bill, 2025, The Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025, The Indian Ports Bill, 2025, The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2025 and The Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025 This time in Parliament, there was so much ruckus and opposition didn't cooperate. Due to this obstinate behaviour, opposition missed participating in discussions on several important bills which were passed, a government functionary said. In the Rajya Sabha, except for The Bills of Lading Bill, 2025, which was passed without any disruption on the first day of the Monsoon session, the other bills were passed after some discussion amid din or only after the Opposition parties staged a walk out, the functionary said.
Ex-Manipur CM Biren Singh says influx of outsiders from Myanmar 'real' and 'ongoing'
Former Manipur CM N Biren Singh commended the Assam Rifles for collecting biometrics of individuals illegally entering India from Myanmar, acknowledging the ongoing influx. Assam Rifles DG Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera reported mapping 42,000 entrants since December 2024, assuring they are closely monitored in secure locations. Singh emphasized the Northeast's awareness and proactive measures in addressing the situation.
On 34th Manipuri Language Day, A Renewed Call For Classical Status
The 34th Manipuri Language Day Celebration in commemoration of the inclusion of the Manipuri language in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution was held on Wednesday.
Three Manipur militants arrested for extortion
Security forces arrest three militants for extortion in Imphal East; ongoing combing operations to catch more criminals
Transgender doctor can change name and gender from male to female: HC
GUWAHATI: Dr Beoncy Laishram, a trans person, was relieved on Tuesday as the Manipur HC directed authorities to issue fresh academic certificates to her under a new name and gender. Born as a biological male, Boboi Laishram had undergone gender reassignment surgery in 2019 and completed legal process to become Beoncy Laishram, a female. She had no problem in changing her name and gender in her Aadhaar, Voter and PAN cards. However, when she approached the Board of Secondary Education Manipur, the Council of Higher Secondary Education Manipur and the Manipur University, they refused to entertain her. This made her take legal recourse. Justice A Guneshwar Sharma, in an order, directed the authorities to issue fresh education certificates under the new name (Beoncy Laishram) and gender (female) in place of the original birth name Boboi Laishram and gender as male in terms of the provision of Sections 6, 7, 10 & 20 of the Transgender Act, 2019 and Rule 2(d) read with Annexure-I of the Transgender Rules, 2020 and on the basis of certificates issued by District Magistrate, Imphal West under the provision of Sections 6 & 7 of the Transgender Act, 2019 within a period of one month. In all existing act/bye-laws/rules/regulations of any establishment within the meaning of Section 2(b) of the Act within the territory of State of Manipur, the provisions of Sections 6 & 7 of the Right of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 shall be incorporated, the court ordered. It did not find any merit in the argument that the correction and updating of the name and gender should start from the matriculation certificate and only then, the new particular of the petitioner can be updated in the Class-12 certificate. Laishram, the first recorded doctor from the transgender community in the Northeast, was overjoyed. This landmark judgment will ease similar problems being faced by transpeople, she said.
Manipur HC orders State to issue academic certificates with changed name, gender to transwoman
Beoncy Laishram, born male, had challenged the education authorities refusal to make changes in her certificates
NE's 1st trans doctor wins legal battle to have new identity in academic certs
Beoncy Laishram, Northeast India's first transgender doctor, secured a Manipur High Court victory, affirming her right to update academic certificates to reflect her female identity. The court mandated authorities to reissue certificates within a month, citing the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. This ruling allows Beoncy to pursue her medical career without identity concerns.
Assam job panel to drop controversial question on Manipur crisis
The Meitei Heritage Society had objected to a malicious question in an examination conducted by the Assam Public Service Commission on August 8 to recruit agricultural development officers
State Directed To Provide Certificates With Changed Name, Gender To Transwoman
The Manipur High Court has directed the state educational department to immediately issue fresh academic certificates reflecting the new name and gender identity of transwoman doctor Beoncy Laishram.
Assam Rifles and IIIT Manipur collaborate to enhance drone technology for defence and security
Assam Rifles and IIIT Manipur are collaborating to enhance defence capabilities through drone technology, signing an MoU and launching advanced training for personnel. This initiative aims to bolster surveillance, reconnaissance, and logistics in light of recent attacks involving drones equipped with explosives in Manipur. The collaboration addresses the need for hi-tech warfare solutions in the region.
A Meitei organization in Manipur reported that the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) has cancelled a question about the Manipur crisis from a recent exam after the organization claimed it maligned their community. The APSC stated that the question papers were set by external educators and couldn't be pre-screened. The organization has expressed its appreciation for the APSC's action.
Partnership between EC-BJP; we'll not allow even one vote to be stolen in Bihar: Rahul Gandhi
NAWADA: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday alleged that a partnership has been going on between the Election Commission and the BJP to steal votes, and asserted that the Mahagathbandhan will not allow even a single vote to be stolen in Bihar. Addressing a gathering at Bhagat Singh Chowk on the third day of his Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar, Gandhi said the right to vote has been given to the people by the Constitution, and alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and the Election Commissioners are snatching it away from them. This is your right, given to you by the Constitution, and Modi, Shah, and the Election Commissioners are snatching it away from you. (RJD's) Tejashwi (Yadav), I, and the other (Mahagathbandhan) leaders standing here want to tell them that we will not let you steal even a single vote in Bihar, Gandhi said. He alleged that the EC-BJP nexus has stolen elections in Haryana, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh. In Maharashtra, about 1 crore voters were mysteriously added between the Lok Sabha and Assembly polls, Gandhi claimed. He said the Congress asked the EC to provide a machine-readable voters' list and CCTV footage, but the poll body refused. Now in Bihar, they are carrying out 'vote chori' in a new manner. They are doing this chori (theft) right before your eyes, but we will not let them steal votes, said the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. Opposition holds protest against SIR in Parliament complex Warning the people, he said, First, your voter card will go. Then your ration card will go. And finally, your land will be handed over to Adani and Ambani, Gandhi alleged. This country belongs to farmers, labourers, small traders, and the youthnot to a few billionaires like Adani and Ambani, he added. Gandhi said all the wrong laws, including GST and demonetisation, were aimed at benefiting a few billionaires. You give money and resources, and yet the country cannot give you employment. This has to change, and that is why we have started this Voter Adhikar Yatra, he said in his address to the people, standing atop his vehicle, flanked by RJD's Tejashwi Yadav and CPI(ML) Liberation's Dipankar Bhattacharya. At the start of his address, Gandhi invited a person whose name had been removed from the voters list to speak. The person said he had been a polling agent in the Lok Sabha polls, but his name had been removed during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. There are lakhs of such people in Bihar who voted, but their names have now been cut from the voters list, Gandhi said. There is a partnership going on between the BJP and the Election Commission. They are colluding to indulge in vote chori, he charged. Asserting that vote chori is an attack on Bharat Mata , Gandhi on Monday had warned the Chief Election Commissioner and the two Election Commissioners of stern action once the INDIA bloc forms the government. Intensifying his attack on the Election Commission, Gandhi also said the whole country would demand an affidavit from the poll body and, if given time, his party would expose the vote chori in every Assembly and Lok Sabha constituency. On Tuesday, the Yatra began from Wazirganj in Gaya and entered Nawada later in the day. The Yatra will conclude with a rally in Patna on September 1. It is being undertaken in a hybrid modeon foot and by vehiclesimilar to Gandhis Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from Manipur to Mumbai ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. The Yatra will also pass through Nalanda, Sheikhpura, Lakhisarai, Munger, Bhagalpur, Katihar, Purnea, Araria, and Supaul. Rahul Gandhi will become PM after next Lok Sabha polls: RJD's Tejashwi at Bihar rally
Meitei organisation seeks clarification from APSC over Manipur crisis question
IMPHAL/GUWAHATI, Aug 18: Manipur-based Meitei Heritage Society (MHS) has requested the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) to issue a clarification regarding a question related to the Manipur crisis that was allegedly included in the recently held Agricultural Development Officer Examination. In a statement on Monday, MHS said a mischievous question on the Manipur crisis to []
The Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) has on its part denied any mala fide intent in including a controversial question on the Manipur violence in a paper for selecting agricultural development officer.
North East Students' Organisation demands for policy to deal with illegal migrants, refugees
GUWAHATI: The North East Students Organisation (NESO) on Monday urged the Centre to formulate a comprehensive policy to deal with the problems of illegal migrants and refugees. In a memorandum submitted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi after holding protest demonstrations across the region, NESO said a great part of the present problem facing the Northeast was relating to the unabated influx of illegal migrants that resulted in a serious demographic change. The continued influx of refugees and undocumented migrants from different countries has created a sense of insecurity and apprehension among the indigenous people that their culture, tradition, political identity, control over land and existence will be swallowed by the outsiders, the memorandum read. According to NESO, the unguarded and porous international border has been used by militant fundamentalist groups to infiltrate into the region, thereby further threatening the existence of indigenous people. There is every reason to believe that there are already a considerable number of fundamentalist groups operating in the NortheastThe region is presently facing an acute economic crisis because of the burgeoning population. There is low per capita income while poverty is on the rise. The problem of unemployment is also on the rise, NESO said. The student body asked the Centre to not view it as a humanitarian problem but a security problem. Time has come to deal with it assertively with renewed and effective bilateral relations with the neighbouring countries, it stressed. NESO suggested the extension of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system to the whole of Northeast. An offshoot of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873, ILP is an official travel document that an outsider is required to carry while visiting the protected states of Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh for a limited period. Further, NESO urged the Centre to prepare a register of citizens. It demanded the early resettlement of Chakma and Hajong refugees of Bangladesh at any place outside the Northeast. These refugees are settled in Arunachal. it is observed that their prolonged settlement and the initiative of the Government of India to grant Indian citizenship and voting rights to these refugees has been strongly resented by the indigenous people of the state as it has not only created demographic imbalances but a serious political implication, NESO wrote in the memorandum. The other demands include special constitutional safeguards for the indigenous people of Tripura, Meghalaya and Assam; and constitution of a special commission to undertake extensive revision of electoral roll aimed at detecting and deleting the names of foreigners and illegal immigrants within a stipulated time.
SIR new weapon for 'vote chori', will protect 'one person, one vote': Rahul
NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday said the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is a ew weapon for vote chori and vowed to protect the one person, one vote principle by stopping vote theft. Gandhi made the remarks in a post on his WhatsApp channel while talking about his meeting with a group of people who had cast their votes in the previous Lok Sabha election but their names were deleted from the electoral rolls during the SIR exercise in Bihar. The leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha met the group at the launch of his Vote Adhikar Yatra in Bihar's Sasaram on Sunday. In his post in Hindi along with a picture of the meeting, Gandhi said, The SIR is a new weapon for vote theft. Coincidentally, these people standing with me in this picture are a 'living' proof of this theft. All of them had cast their votes in the 2024 Lok Sabha election -- but by the time the Bihar Assembly polls came, their identity, their existence were erased from the democracy of India, he said. Do you know who they are? Raj Mohan Singh (70): Farmer and retired soldier; Umravati Devi (35): Dalit and labourer; Dhanjay Kumar Bind (30): Backward class and labourer; Sita Devi (45): Woman and former MGNREGA labourer; Raju Devi (55): Backward class and labourer; Mohmuddin Ansari (52): Minority and labourer, he said. The collusion of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Election Commission (EC) is punishing them for being Bahujan and poor -- even our soldiers were not spared -- Gandhi said. Neither will they have a vote nor identity or rights, he added. Due to social discrimination and economic conditions, they are unable to fight against the conspiracy of the system. We stand here with them to protect the most basic right of 'one person, one vote', the Congress leader asserted. This is a question of rights and of everyone's participation in a democracy, he said, adding that we will not let it end under any circumstances. Later, in Aurangabad, Gandhi met another set of people who had voted in earlier elections but their names were deleted from the new draft voter list. Sharing an over-four-minute video of his interaction in Aurangabad, Gandhi said, The votes of people who voted in the last four-five elections were also stolen in Bihar. And, when asked for the reason, the only answer received was -- an order has come from above. This is a fight for the rights of the poor -- we will not stop. We will stop vote theft, he said. In the video, Gandhi is seen interacting with people whose names have been deleted from the voters' list. He was accompanied by RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, Vikassheel Insan Party's Mukesh Sahani and CPI(ML) Liberation's Dipankar Bhattacharya. Gandhi told the group that the Narendra Modi government brought in a law in 2023 to ensure that no one can take action against those who run the EC and it was completely wrong. Meanwhile, Gandhi, Yadav and Sahani also prayed at the Devkund Surya Mandir in Aurangabad as their Voter Adhikar Yatra entered its second day. Travelling from Kutumba, the yatra reached Gayaji on Monday evening. Embarking on the 1,300-km Voter Adhikar Yatra from Sasaram, Gandhi accused the EC on Sunday of stealing elections in collusion with the BJP and asserted that the INDIA opposition bloc will not let their latest conspiracy to steal the Bihar polls through the SIR exercise succeed. After 16 days, the yatra is scheduled to conclude with a rally in Patna on September 1. The yatra is being undertaken in a hybrid mode, on foot and by vehicles, as was Gandhi's Manipur-to-Mumbai Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. It will pass through Aurangabad, Gayaji, Nawada, Nalanda, Sheikhpura, Lakhisarai, Munger, Bhagalpur, Katihar, Purnea, Araria, Supaul, Madhubani, Darbhanga, Sitamarhi, East Champaran, West Champaran, Gopalganj, Siwan, Chhapra and Ara.
Manipur Police, Security Forces Arrest KCP-PWG Cadre in Joint Operation
HT DIGITAL IMPHAL, AUGUST 18: In a 36-hour quick operation, the combined team of Manipur Police and central security personnel arrested a person associated with insurgent groups, arms trafficking, and extortion rackets, said officials on Monday. The arrested individual was 33-year-old Yumnam Milanjit Meitei, a working cadre of the proscribed Kangleipak Communist PartyPeoples War Group []
Whole country now knows EC 'stealing' elections in collusion with BJP: Rahul
SASARAM: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday claimed the whole country now knows that the Election Commission is stealing elections in collusion with the BJP and asserted that the INDIA bloc will not let their latest conspiracy to steal Bihar Assembly polls succeed, as he embarked on his 1,300 km 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in the state. Gandhi alleged that assembly and Lok Sabha polls were being stolen across the country and there was a conspiracy in Bihar to do the same through the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Addressing the gathering here at the launch event of the yatra covering over 20 districts in Bihar, Gandhi said while he was asked to submit an affidavit after his press conference exposing vote chori, no such demand was made from BJP leaders who made claims in their presser. In the whole country, assembly and Lok Sabha elections are being stolen and their latest conspiracy is to delete and add voters through SIR to steal the elections in Bihar, Gandhi charged. We have come here to tell you that we will not let them steal the election in Bihar. People of Bihar will not let them steal elections. The poor only have the power of vote and we will not let them steal polls, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said. He said the whole country now knows what the EC is doing and the Congress showed how it is carrying out this heft. Wherever this theft is happening, be it Bihar, Maharashtra, Assam, West Bengal, we will catch their theft and put it before the people, Gandhi said. He also alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi runs the government along with billionaires. Your vote is stolen and then your money is handed over to 5-6 billionaires...the truth of SIR, the vote chori in Bihar, we will put it before the people, Gandhi said. He asserted that it is a fight to save the Constitution. Gandhi alleged that the RSS and the BJP are trying to erase the Constitution. In every election the BJP wins. In Maharashtra, all opinion polls said the INDIA bloc will win the assembly polls. In the Lok Sabha polls, our alliance won but after four months in the same Maharashtra, the BJP alliance swept the assembly polls as one crore voters were added through magic and wherever such additions happened, the BJP won, he claimed. Gandhi said the INDIA bloc parties complained to the EC and asked for video footage but the poll body refused. He said the Congress had shown that over one lakh votes were stolen in one assembly segment of a Lok Sabha seat in Karnataka in 2024 and the BJP won that parliamentary seat. The Congress leader said the EC asked for an affidavit from him over his press conference but did not ask the BJP leaders to do so when they held their presser and made claims. They say submit an affidavit on the data I had put forward when it is their data that I cited, Gandhi said. The yatra launch event here was attended by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, RJD chief Lalu Prasad, Leader of Opposition in Bihar Assembly Tejashwi Yadav, Vikassheel Insaan Party's Mukesh Sahani, CPI(ML) Liberation general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya, CPI(M)'s Subhashini Ali and CPI's P Sandosh Kumar. With the Assembly polls barely three months away, Gandhi, along with RJD's Tejashwi Yadav and other Mahagathbandhan leaders, launched the yatra from BIADA Ground, Sasaram. After 16 days, the yatra will conclude with a rally in Patna on September 1. The yatra will be in a hybrid mode, on foot and by vehicle, as was Gandhi's Manipur to Mumbai Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, party leaders said. It will pass through Aurangabad, Gaya, Nawada, Nalanda, Sheikhpura, Lakhisarai, Munger, Bhagalpur, Katihar, Purnea, Araria, Supaul, Madhubani, Darbhanga, Sitamarhi, East Champaran, West Champaran, Gopalganj, Siwan, Chhapra and Ara.
Manipur governor Bhalla to hold additional charge of Nagaland
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to hold additional charge of Nagaland
Mr. Bhalla has been given the additional charge in the wake of the demise of Nagaland Governor La. Ganesan on August 15
Manipur Governor Ajay Bhalla gets additional charge of Nagaland Governor
Following the passing of Nagaland Governor La. Ganesan, President Droupadi Murmu has appointed Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to assume the responsibilities of Governor of Nagaland, alongside his existing duties. Bhalla, a former Home Secretary, was sworn in as the Governor of Manipur earlier this year. This decision comes as Manipur is currently under Presidents Rule since February, following N.
Nagaland government declares seven-day state mourning for Governor La Ganesan
Nagaland mourns the loss of Governor La Ganesan. The state government announced seven days of state mourning. National flags will fly at half-mast. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio expressed deep condolences. He praised Ganesan's dedication and service to Nagaland. Ganesan also served as Governor of Manipur and West Bengal. His contributions to the nation will be remembered.
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla Gets Additional Charge As Nagaland Governor
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla was on Saturday given additional charge as the Nagaland Governor, according to a communique issued by the President's office.
The 80-year-old leader, who had earlier been Governor of Manipur and also held additional charge of West Bengal after getting gubernatorial assignments under the present Union Government, was associated with the RSS since his youth and remained unmarried.
Nagaland Governor and former BJP leader L. Ganesan passes away at 80
He had earlier served as the Governor of Manipur and held the additional charge as the Governor of West Bengal
Nagaland Governor La Ganesan passes away at 80
CHENNAI: Governor of Nagaland and former MP and State president of Tamil Nadu BJP La Ganesan passed away here at a private hospital on Friday evening. He was 80. Ganesan has been in the hospital since August 8 after he reportedly sustained a head injury at his residence in T Nagar. He was rushed to the hospital in an unconscious state, following which he underwent a surgery as well. His mortal remains will be placed at his T Nagar residence for the political leaders and others to pay their last respects. Born on February 16, 1945, in Thanjavur, Ganesan was attracted at an early age by the ideologies of the Rashtriya Swayam Sangh (RSS) since his father and brothers were associated with the RSS. In 1970, Ganesan became a full-time Pracharak of the RSS, and for about 20 years, Ganesan served the Sangh in various capacities in Nagercoil, Madurai and other places. He joined the BJP in 1991 and became an organising secretary of the State unit. Through this position, he played a key role in shaping the affairs of the Tamil Nadu BJP. After 10 years, Ganesan was elevated as the national secretary of the BJP. Besides, he also served as one of the national vice presidents for two years. Between 2006 and 2009, Ganesan served as the president of the Tamil Nadu BJP. For nearly two decades, Ganesan has been heading Portramarai, a literary and cultural organisation which organises speeches by well-known personalities on literary topics. In 2016, Ganesan was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Madhya Pradesh. He was appointed as the Governor of Manipur on August 27, 2021 and served in the post till February 19, 2023. He was also given an additional charge as the Governor of West Bengal between July 2022 and November 2022. From February 2023, Ganesan has been serving as the 21st Governor Governor of Nagaland. Although deeply rooted in the ideologies of the BJP and RSS, Ganesan was known for maintaining cordial and friendly relationships with leaders across the political spectrum, including both the Dravidian parties in Tamil Nadu. Due to his literary leanings, he maintained a close relationship with late Chief Minister and DMK president M Karunanidhi in particular
Wanted inter-state criminal killed in police encounter in Bihar, constable injured
PATNA: An interstate criminal carrying a bounty of Rs.50,000 on his head was killed in a fierce encounter with police in Bihars Vaishali district on Friday. Arvind Sahni, 30, had escaped from a court lockup after evading police in Samastipur district on May 28 this year and had been on the run since. According to police, he was involved in at least 22 cases of murder, loot, dacoity, and arms deals across Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Samastipur, and East Champaran districts. A police constable was injured during the exchange of fire. Based on a tip-off, a joint team of the Special Task Force (STF) and district police surrounded Chintamanipur village under Vaishali police station limits on Thursday evening to search for Sahni. On seeing the police, Sahni and his accomplices opened fire. Sahni sustained gunshot injuries, while his accomplices managed to escape. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was declared dead. Superintendent of Police, Vaishali, Lalit Mohan Sharma, said, While Sahni was killed, a police constable sustained injuries in the exchange of fire. The deceased, a member of an inter-state gang, was wanted in at least 22 cases in several districts in the state. Sahnis name had also figured in a major jewellery loot case in Chhattisgarh. Sahni, a resident of Sahtha Bhagwanpur village in Vaishali district, was also involved in the 2019 gold loot from the Hajipur office of a private finance company. SP Sharma added, We have launched intensive search for other members of the gang. The operation will continue till their arrest. Sahnis elimination in the police operation has come as a major relief for businessmen in Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, and Samastipur, who had been targeted by his gang. Police said the gang had unleashed a reign of terror in these districts, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining accomplices.
Withdraw SIR in Bihar: TMC's Derek O'Brien makes 79 suggestions to govt on Independence Day
TMC Rajya Sabha MP Derek OBrien, on Indias 79th Independence Day, submitted 79 recommendations to the Union government covering issues from unemployment and federalism to health, education, and law. Key suggestions include withdrawing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar, resolving Manipur unrest, granting full statehood to J&K, repealing controversial laws, boosting womens workforce participation, and improving social welfare schemes.
Patriotism push: Sam Manekshaw, Brig Usman now in NCERT textbooks
NEW DELHI: The National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has released revised Urdu and English textbooks, celebrating the sacrifices of Indias defence personnel and the courage of Indias queens. The objective is to inspire students and motivate them to contribute to nation-building. The updated textbooks are aligned with the National Education Policy 2020. The Ministry of Defence, in a statement on the Urdu Class VII book and the Class VIII English and Urdu textbooks, said, The newly added chapters provide students with inspiring stories of courage and duty. Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, Indias first Field Marshal, is remembered for his exceptional leadership and strategic skills. Brigadier Mohammad Usman and Major Somnath Sharma, recipients of the Mahavir Chakra and Param Vir Chakra (posthumously), gave their lives in service of the nation and remain symbols of supreme sacrifice. To promote the National War Memorial (NWM) as a key national landmark, the Ministry of Defence has partnered with the Ministry of Education and NCERT to include NWM and related references in school curricula. Students will not only learn about Indias military history but also absorb important lessons on resilience, empathy, emotional intelligence, and the significance of nation-building, the Ministry added. With colourful illustrations and detailed explanations, these books make reading engaging. The Grade 8 English textbook reads almost like a thriller, vividly depicting the Badgam war and the heroism of Major Somnath Sharma, Indias first Param Vir Chakra awardee. Leading 90 soldiers on November 3, 1947, he faced a brutal attack by 500 invaders from Pakistan in the Kashmir Valley and saved Srinagar, sacrificing his life. His famous words, I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to the last man and the last round, are highlighted. Another hero featured is Captain Vikram Batra, the D Company commander and Shershah of Kargil, who captured Point 5140 on June 20, 1999, before succumbing to his injuries. The Grade 7 English book has a full unit titled Bravehearts, presented as a Bengaluru student visiting the memorial in Delhi and describing the experience in a letter. Heroes like Lance Naik Albert Ekka and Major Padmapani Acharya of the Kargil War are featured. The textbooks also showcase the bravery of Rani Abbakka Devi, who drove the Portuguese out of Ullal in Karnataka, and Padma Bhushan awardee Rani Gaidinlu, a Naga leader who led uprisings against the British in Manipur, Nagaland, and Assam.
Former Manipur CM Biren leads Tiranga Yatra in Imphal
Manipur governor bats for better governance
Nine including seven militants arrested in Manipur
A joint team of Manipur Police and Assam Rifles arrested one active member of the banned Kangleipak Communist Party involved in extortion activity, the police said
Manipur Police Arrest 29-Year-Old for Smuggling Drugs from Myanmar
HT DIGITAL IMPHAL, AUGUST 14: A 29-year-old man belonging to the Manipuri Muslim community was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly importing illegal drugs into Manipur from Myanmar via porous areas of Tengnoupal district, officials said on Thursday. Operating on reliable inputs, an anti-smuggling squad of the Manipur Police conducted an operation where the suspect was []
MaolKeki Memorial Manipur Public School Scholarships
MaolKeki Foundation Posted on 20th December 2024
Dr A Surjalal Sharma Memorial Grant Award distributed
North American Manipur Association NAMA Posted on 30th December 2024
Missing man found dead in Manipur forest
CHURACHANDPUR/ IMPHAL, Aug 13: Over two weeks after a 37-year-old-man from Assam went missing in Manipurs Churachandpur district, his body was recovered by villagers and police in a forest, officials said on Wednesday. The body of Dugdha Hazarika, a labourer working under Bharat Infra Private Limited (BIPL) for the construction of NH-102, was recovered from []
Blood donation drive marks Patriots Day in Itanagar
HT Correspondent ITANAGAR, Aug 13: The Manipuri Welfare Society of Arunachal Pradesh (MWSAP) organised a one-day voluntary blood donation drive at Rama Krishna Hospital here to commemorate the 134th Patriots Day of Manipur. Centred on the theme Give Blood, Save Life, the drive saw participation from around 40 volunteers, including personnel of the National Disaster []
Manipur observes Patriots Day honouring heroes of 1891 war
Former Manipur CM Biren Singh calls for unity beyond politics to restore peace in state
On Patriots Day, former Manipur CM N. Biren Singh called for unity to restore peace, honoring those who fought against the British in 1891. He urged people to set aside differences for the state's future, while Manipur Congress President criticized the Union government's peace plan amidst ongoing ethnic violence that has displaced thousands.
In Manipur, Cops Arrest Drug Peddlers, Take Bribe, Release Them, Suspended
The suspended cops arrested some drug peddlers on National Highway-102 with illegal drugs. But soon released the accused after allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 6 lakh.
Manipur DGP Vows Ruthless Action Against Drug Offenders, Including Police Personnel
HT DIGITAL IMPHAL, AUGUST 13: Manipur Director General of Police (DGP) Rajiv Singh on Tuesday vowed uncompromising measures against anyone guilty of drug-related crimes, issuing a warning that even police personnel will not be exempt. Talking to journalists on the sidelines of Har Ghar Tiranga motorcycle rally in Imphal, Singh asserted that the drug menace []
Assam trains 700 Goa police recruits, Himanta calls it National Integration
HT Bureau Guwahati, August 12: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday said Goa has become the second state, after Manipur, to send its police personnel for training at the Lachit Borphukan Police Academy in Dergaon, describing the collaboration as a manifestation of national integration. Sarma, along with his Goa counterpart Pramod Sawant, attended []
Goa becomes second state after Manipur to send police recruits to Assam for training
GUWAHATI: Goa became the second state after Manipur to send its police recruits to Assam for training. Marking a milestone in interstate police cooperation, 700 police recruits from the western Indian state graduated from the Lachit Borphukan Police Academy in Assams Dergaon on Tuesday. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, along with his Goa counterpart Pramod Sawant, attended the passing out parade. The recruits, who underwent a 43-week gruelling training in physical fitness, mental resilience, field tactics, and weapon handling, were inducted into 1st, 2nd and 3rd India Reserve Battalions. Sarma said it was a proud moment for Assam as it expanded its proven training capabilities and played a key role in preparing the next generation of security personnel to serve the nation with honour. Assam is ready to provide the best of its services to this important national cause, he said. The recruits underwent a 43-week gruelling training in physical fitness, mental resilience, field tactics, and weapon handling. The chief minister said that although Assam and Goa are physically miles apart, the Goa governments decision to send the recruits to Assam brought both states closer.He said the fact that Assam was chosen as the destination for the induction training reflected the inherent trust and cooperation between the two states. He congratulated the recruits and said they would be able to serve the people with the highest spirit of dedication and devotion. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, along with his Goa counterpart Pramod Sawant, attended the passing out parade. Sawant said it was a proud moment for the Goa Police. He congratulated the recruits on successfully completing their training. My gratitude to the Honble Chief Minister of Assam, Shri @himantabiswa ji, for graciously extending Assams state-of-the-art training facilities. This remarkable collaboration reflects the true spirit of national unity and reinforces the vision of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat, he posted on X. In December last year, Manipur's 1,946 newly-inducted India Reserve Battalion personnel, who hail from Meitei, Kuki, Naga, and other communities, were trained together at the Assam police academy.
Identification, deportation of illegal immigrants vital for Manipur: Ex-CM N Biren Singh
Former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh stresses the need to identify and deport illegal immigrants. He thanks Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba for raising the issue in Parliament. Sanajaoba highlights the urgency of addressing illegal immigration before the census. He warns of potential social unrest and forfeiture of rights for indigenous people.
Manipur NEET UG 2025 merit list out for MBBS, BDS, BASLP, BPT courses: Check direct link here
The Directorate of Health Services, Manipur, has released the NEET UG 2025 merit list for MBBS, BDS, BASLP, and BPT courses under state, NRI, and management quotas. Candidates can download the list from the official website and check their ranks. Seat allotment counselling begins soon, with results expected on August 14. Reporting to colleges is scheduled between August 14-24.
Five Manipur Police Officers Suspended Over Alleged Bribery and Misconduct
HT DIGITAL IMPHAL, AUGUST 12: Five officials, among them an inspector, have been suspended by the Manipur Police for gross misconduct, dereliction of duty, and conduct unbecoming of police officers, as per an official announcement on Tuesday. Inspector Ningthoujam Devdas Singh, who handled the Commando Unit in Imphal East, was suspended forthwith by direction of []
Manipur: 5 policemen suspended for 'grave misconduct', 'dereliction of duty'
Officials privy with the matter said that the suspension was linked to bribery related to release of drug peddlers after being caught with narcotics
Parliament Passes Manipur Budget Amid Opposition Protests Over Bihar Electoral Roll Issue
HT DIGITAL AUGUST 12: The Manipur Budget for 2025-26 was cleared by Parliament on Monday and sent back the budgetary counterpart bill to the Lok Sabha, while opposition parties organized protests over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. The Rajya Sabha also passed the Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, []
Farhan Akhtar backed Manipuri movie Boong to be Spotlight Film at IFFM
Filmmaker-actor Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwanis Excel Entertainments latest production Boon has been selected as the Spotlight Film of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2025. Boong marks the directorial debut of Lakshmipriya Devi, a seasoned industry professional who has previously worked as the first assistant director on acclaimed projects including Luck by Chance, [] The post Farhan Akhtar backed Manipuri movie Boong to be Spotlight Film at IFFM appeared first on The Shillong Times .
RS returns Manipur budget & GST bills
Amidst opposition protests, the Rajya Sabha passed the Manipur Appropriation Bill, 2025, and the Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, sending them back to the Lok Sabha. Opposition MPs raised concerns about the detention of protestors and staged a walkout during the discussion on the Manipur bills. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman criticized the opposition's actions regarding the bills.
Heated exchange erupts in RS over protest against ECI; Nadda condemns 'misconduct'
NEW DELHI: Following heated exchanges between opposition and treasury benches in Rajya Sabha over the issue of INDIA bloc's protest bloc against the Election Commission of India (ECI) . Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha JP Nadda on Monday condemned opposition parties for their conduct and creating continuous disorder during the proceedings. He said that the Government has always been ready to discuss each important issue inside and outside Parliament democratically but it would not tolerate anarchism and obstructionism in the House. I want to make it clear to the House and through the House to the country that the Government under the leadership of Narendra Modi, has always been ready to discuss every issue inside or outside Parliament in a democratic manner, said Nadda. Blaming the opposition for frequent obstructions, he further added that the Government always makes efforts to cooperate and run the House democratically and conduct discussion on all important issues. Sadly, I have to say it on record that those who were champions of Manipur only obstructed the discussion on the Manipur bill but also voted against it. What they (Opposition) mean is that listen to them otherwise obstruction. This is not democracy. This is anarchism and obstructionism. They should keep this in mind that we are competent enough to conduct debate on every issue but we will not tolerate anarchism and obstructionism and we will run this House, said Nadda. The Leader of House made this remark as Opposition members walked out of the House over denial of opportunity to have discussion on various issues raised by them including detention of MPs during protest march towards ECI and Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral roll in Bihar. BJP accuses Congress of vote-bank politics amid Opposition protest against ECI Earlier, Opposition MPs reached the House as the debate was going on Manipur Bills during the post lunch session. Leader of Opposition (LoP) Malliarjun Kharge sought to raise the issue of their protest march. This led to an uproar from the treasury benches and Nadda urged the Chair not to record anything unrelated to the Bills. Meanwhile, opposition MPs kept raising slogans against SIR, and many of them were in the Well of the House, as The Merchant Shipping Bill, 2025 was taken up. Later, Surendra Singh Nagar, who was in the Chair, allowed Kharge to speak, the Congress leader questioned how Bills were being passed in din. Please clarify this, the Leader of the House is also here, when the House is not in order, and Bills are being passed, how can this happen in democracy? The House should be in order to have a discussion... This is a betrayal of democracy, he said. Responding to Kharges point, Nadda said, Democracy should be protected, but this House cannot be held hostage. After all, it was discussed in the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) that the Bills will be passed. Today, I am shocked at the role of the Opposition. Those who were talking about Manipur for the last two years, when the Bills were being passed, they were opposing it, Nadda said. His remarks irked opposition MPs, who staged a walkout from the House. The Merchant Shipping Bill, 2025 was passed with a voice vote amid a walkout. The House was also adjourned for ten minutes amid uproar, before it resumed proceedings at 3 pm. The Rajya Sabha also returned the Manipur Appropriation Bill, 2025, and The Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025 following a brief debate on the Bills in Oppositions absence. The Rajya Sabha also gave its nod to 'The Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of the State of Goa Bill, 2025' with voice vote without discussion. INDIA bloc protest against SIR, vote theft: Show of unity at Kharges dinner, AAP joins
ULFA, NSCN factions call for boycott of Independence Day in Northeast
GUWAHATI: The Paresh Baruah-led United Liberation Front of Assam-Independent (ULFA-I) and the Yung Aung faction of National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) have called for the boycott of the Independence Day. In a joint statement, the two insurgent groups said this so-called celebration of freedom holds no significance for the indigenous people of Western South East Asia (WESEA) region straddling parts of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Manipur. They alleged that colonial India gave nothing to the indigenous people of WESEA other than deceit, humiliation, exploitation and oppression. The British imperialists exploited, repressed and deprived this region and similarly, for the past 79 years, colonial India has maintained an even more pervasive domination in the name of independence, the statement alleged. The outfits said the highlight of their protest on August 15 would be a total bandh in WESEA. They appealed to people to extend their support to make the bandh successful. The ULFA-I and the NSCNs Wung Aung faction call for the boycott of Indias Republic Day and Independence Day celebrations every year. But despite the boycott call, people go out in large numbers to take part in the celebrations.
Rajya Sabha returns Manipur budget, GST bill
Amidst opposition protests concerning the Special Intensive Revision issue, the Rajya Sabha returned the Manipur Appropriation Bill, 2025, and the Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The Appropriation Bill facilitates fund allocation for Manipur's financial year 2025-26, while the GST Amendment Bill aims to enact GST Council-approved decisions, replacing the existing ordinance.
Rajya Sabha LIVE: Manipur Budget, GST bills and Goa ST representation bill on Day 16 agenda
Security Forces Arrest Insurgent Cadres, Seize Arms and Contraband in Manipur
HT DIGITAL IMPHAL, AUGUST 11: Manipurs security forces have stepped up operations against militant groups and unlawful activities in the past two days by arresting several active cadres of proscribed organizations and seizing weapons, ammunition, and contraband. On August 10, 2025, an active cadre of KCP (City Meitei), Thongam Prakash Meitei (25) of Langjing Awang []
Manipur: Five militants arrested for illegal activities
Imphal: Security forces have arrested five militants belonging to three proscribed outfits from Manipurs Bishnupur, Imphal West, and Imphal East districts for extortion and possession of illegal arms, police said on Monday. According to officials, an active cadre of the banned UNLF (Pambei) was arrested from Toubul Mayai Leikai in Bishnupur district on Saturday. Also Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
The Lok Sabha is gearing up for the session today with questions, ministerial statements, committee reports, and high-stakes legislation on the table. The day will begin at 11:00 am with question hour.
Suresh Gopi missing, probe needed; KSU leader lodges complaint
THRISSUR: KSU district president Gokul Guruvayur has lodged a man-missing complaint with the Thrissur City police, seeking a probe into the disappearance of Union Minister and Thrissur MP Suresh Gopi. The police have not registered a case in that regard. In the complaint, the KSU leader alleged that Suresh Gopi went missing after the arrest of two Malayali nuns in Chhattisgarh. He urged the police to probe the whereabouts of the MP and to find those behind his disappearance. According to his social media handles, Suresh Gopi is currently in Manipur on official duty as the Union minister of state for tourism and petroleum and natural gas. Meanwhile, BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar brushed aside complaints that Suresh Gopi has been missing from his constituency. Everyone knows that when an MP becomes a Union minister, he will have additional responsibilities, Chandrasekhar said. Further, the BJP leader said he would soon meet the Malankara Orthodox Churchs Thrissur Diocese Metropolitan Mar Yuhanon Meletius. The bishop had indirectly targeted Suresh Gopi in a recent Facebook post, expressing concern that the one we chose and sent to Delhi is missing.
Assam Thadou Tribe Chief Defends Manipur Peace Meet, Calls For Unity
A Thadou tribe chief of a village in Assam's Dima Hasao has strongly condemned threats and online abuse against him for attending an event themed on peace in Manipur's capital Imphal.
Assam eviction drives aimed at 'creating narrative' before assembly polls: Experts
GUWAHATI: With the Assam government vowing to carry out a series of evictions to clear encroachments, political and social experts have criticised such move, saying that it is aimed at creating a 'narrative' ahead of the assembly elections next year. Eminent people from different fields voiced their 'concern' in the manner the eviction drives are being conducted and alleged that people from different communities are brought to buffer zones of inter-state borders to protect it from aggression from neighbouring states, which have already occupied a huge chunk of Assam land. The state government has carried out at least nine major eviction drives since June this year, affecting several thousand people. The agenda of the recent evictions is not clearing encroachments, but to set a narrative in Upper Assam. 'Inhuman': Massive eviction drive launched in Assam's Golaghat; over 1500 Muslim families affected After Gaurav Gogoi's Lok Sabha win last year and post his appointment as Congress state chief, there has been a 'pro-Gaurav wave' in Upper Assam districts, eminent neurosurgeon Navanil Barua told PTI here. The ruling BJP is trying to create a Hindu-Muslim narrative with these eviction drives and some local organisations have already held 'anti-Miya' protests, he added. I am sure that after March 2026, it will stop, and we may not hear about encroachment by Miyas for a long time thereafter, said Barua, also a political commentator. 'Miya' is originally a pejorative term used for Bengali-speaking Muslims in Assam, and the non-Bengali-speaking people generally identify them as Bangladeshi immigrants. Referring to the massive eviction drive at Rengma Reserve Forest recently, Handique Girls' College Assistant Professor (Political Science) Pallavi Deka said that, as the people were evicted without proper rehabilitation, it was more than just the government's reported attempt to save the jungle. The narrative building by the ruling party to 'save indigenous tribal commons' from illegal encroachers points towards a fierce communal polarisation in and around the upcoming elections, she added. In the last 10 days, the Assam government has cleared alleged encroachments from 10,537 bighas (over 1,400 hectares) of land from Rengma Reserve Forest, Nambor South Reserve Forest and Doyang Reserve Forest in Golaghat district, and Village Grazing Reserve in Lakhimpur. These drives have displaced around 2,200 families, mostly from the Bengali-speaking Muslim community. 114 families evicted from village grazing reserve land in Assam's Lakhimpur: Officials On these recent evictions, eminent advocate Santanu Borthakur said: If it is a forest land, then whosoever stays there for whatever longer period, it does not give them legal rights to settle there permanently. However, targeting only one community, as seen in the recent cases in Golaghat is absolutely discriminatory, he added. The CM's recent comment that no eviction will take place against people from other communities is anti-Constitution and not permitted by law, Borthakur said. In Rengma, 1,500 Muslim families were evicted. The remaining families are from Bodo, Nepali, Manipuri and other communities, who have certificates from the Forest Rights Committee (FRC). According to Kaustubh Deka, an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Dibrugarh University, the eviction drive is a significant and sensitive moment for the state, and the whole episode highlights the critical bearing of the state's complex socio-political history. The government must maintain a fair balance between three aspects. One, the allegation that genuine Indian citizens are being selectively targeted, needs to be addressed in all earnestness. Two, the rights given to people under progressive environmental legislations such as 'Forest Rights Act' need to be respected, he added. Also, care should be taken that the ongoing process doesn't trigger complications in Assam's already volatile border dispute scenario with many of its neighbouring states, Deka said. Talking about alleged encroachments in inter-state border areas in Rengma, advocate Borthakur said that normally in border areas, the government settles people in the buffer zones so that no encroachment takes place from the opposite side. We can see such habitation in all border areas. Usually minorities, Gorkha and Bihari people, are settled in such locations, he added. Barua too supported his claim and said that in all the border areas with neighbouring states, usually people or communities originally from outside are settled. The indigenous people usually do not live there. People from communities like Adivasis, Gorkhas and minorities live in such areas, he added. The reserve forests witnessing recent evictions are along Assam-Nagaland border, where people from the neighbouring state had allegedly attempted to occupy land. The evicted people claimed that their previous generation was settled in the forest by the Golap Borbora government in 1978-79 and the AGP government, which came to power in 1985. Borthakur said, Without considering the historical background, carrying out an eviction is not appropriate. Legally, the government has the power, but the manner in which that power was exercised is not acceptable. It is inhuman and arbitrary. He also stressed that evicting people without rehabilitation is wrong. Echoing similar sentiments, Deka said, This is against all democratic norms and practices. Utterly inhumane. Even the Supreme Court judgement says that even pavement dwellers can not be evicted without rehabilitation.
Security Forces Step Up Anti-Militant Operations in Manipur, Three Arrested
HT DIGITAL IMPHAL, AUGUST 10: Manipur security personnel have stepped up operations against militant activities, arresting three active militants of proscribed organizations in two separate raids in the last two days. On 9th August, a team arrested 25-year-old Wahengbam Kiran Singh alias Amuthoi from his home in Kumbi Thingel Leikai, Bishnupur district. Singh, an active []
BJP ally TMP's chief holds meeting with former Manipur CM, discusses illegal migration
Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma, Tipra Motha Party chief, engaged in discussions with N. Biren Singh, the former Chief Minister of Manipur. The meeting in Imphal addressed critical issues. Illegal immigration was a key focus. They also talked about development in the Northeast region. Socio-economic matters concerning indigenous tribals were discussed. Both leaders emphasized the historical ties between Manipur and Tripura.
Manipur government prioritizes resettlement of internally displaced persons amid ethnic violence
Manipur Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel said that the main focus of the government is to resettle violence-affected internally displaced persons (IDP) at their villages and homes, peacefully and securely.
Manipur crisis persists as BJP shows no political will, says Congress
The Congress party asserts a lack of political resolve to address Manipur's ongoing crisis, despite the BJP-led alliance's majority in the assembly. State Congress president Keisham Meghachandra criticizes the extension of President's Rule, highlighting paralyzed social welfare schemes and financial instability.
Manipur, Tripura face challenges on illegal immigration, encroachment: N. Biren Singh
Former Manipur Chief Minister along with TIPRA Motha party founder Pradyot Manikya Debbarma, discusses ways to work together to address these concerns
Security forces arrest six people in Manipur for extortion
One active cadre of the banned Peoples' Liberation Army was arrested on Friday from Huikap Makha Leikai in Imphal East district
Meitei Alliance, Thadou Tribe Body Call For More Meetings For Peace In Manipur
The top umbrella body of Meitei civil society organisations from across the globe has called for frequent meetings of all communities in Manipur to bring understanding, peace and rule of law.
Lok Sabha passes Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill
NEW DELHI, Aug 7: The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed The Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025, to implement the decisions approved by the GST Council. The bill seeks to replace the Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025. The Bill was passed by a voice vote amid din in the Lok []
Lok Sabha passes Manipur Appropriation Bill amid Opposition din
Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025 also passed by voice vote; appropriations Bill lets State, under Presidents Rule, draw 30,969 cr for its expenditure requirements for the current year
Lok Sabha Passes Manipur Appropriation Bill, 2025 Amid Opposition Uproar
Bill cleared without discussion as Opposition protests over Bihar electoral roll revision stall House proceedings
Lok Sabha passes Manipur Appropriation Bill amid din by Opposition over Bihar SIR
NEW DELHI: The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the Manipur Appropriation Bill, 2025, amid din by opposition members over revision of Bihar electoral rolls. Soon after the passing of the Bill by voice vote, the House proceedings were adjourned for the day. The Bill authorises payment and appropriation of certain sums from and out of the Consolidated Fund of the State of Manipur for the services of the financial year 2025-26. The Bill was passed without any discussion as opposition members did not relent. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman slammed the opposition over disrupting the proceedings and said while they talk of Manipur, they do not want money to go to the state, which is under President's rule.
Manipur Former CM Biren Singh: Resigned on Centres Directive Amid State Unrest
HT DIGITAL IMPHAL, AUGUST 7: Former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, who is now the head of the Manipur Pradesh BJP, has publicly expressed the reasons for the first time, after resigning. Speaking on Wednesday, Singh said that he was forced to resign due to the worsening situation in the state and on the []
Lok Sabha passed the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024, and Rajya Sabha passed the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025 on Wednesday
Lok Sabha to take up Manipur GST ordinance, Anti-Doping law amendments
According to a list of business issued by the Lok Sabha Secretariat, Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya is scheduled to move amendments to the National Anti-Doping Act, 2022, for consideration and passage in the House.
Thadou Tribe, Meiteis, Other Communities Share Stage In Imphal For Peace
Delegations of the Thadou tribe and civil society organisations including from the Meitei community met in Manipur's capital Imphal on Wednesday in a significant step at demonstrating the resilience of the common people in overcoming hate.
Manipur: Thadou, Meitei groups meet in Imphal to restore peace
Efforts to restore peace in Manipur are underway. A Thadou tribe organisation, Thadou Inpi Manipur, engaged in a crucial dialogue. They met with Meitei civil groups in Imphal. The meeting included Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity and Arambai Tenggol members. All Manipur United Clubs Organisation representatives were also present. The closed-door meeting took place in a hotel.
Former Manipur CM Biren Singh seeks restoration of elected government
Former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh wants the state government restored. He resigned before President's Rule was imposed. Singh believes an elected government can better address the people's concerns. He took action against drug peddlers and encroachers as Chief Minister. BJP leaders are assessing the situation. They are working to form a popular government soon.
Thadou tribe leaders, Meitei groups meet to pursue peace in Manipur
This was the first time that members of the tribe stepped into the Meitei-dominated Imphal Valley after the ethnic conflict began in May 2023
GUWAHATI: In what was described as a historic development, the Thadou Inpi Manipur, the apex civil society organisation representing the Thadou tribe, held a closed-door meeting with key Meitei groups in Imphal on Wednesday, marking the first time since the ethnic conflict that Thadou leaders have entered the Meitei-majority Imphal Valley. The Meitei groups present included the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity, All Manipur United Clubs Organisation, Federation of Civil Society Organisations and Arambai Tenggol. The meeting also saw the participation of student and women leaders. Although the details of the meeting were not made public, sources said the discussions allegedly centred on efforts to restore peace, rebuild inter-community relationships, and eliminate mistrust between the groups. The meeting is being seen as a major step toward reconciliation in the wake of a violent ethnic conflict between the Meiteis and tribal Kukis that has, since May 2023, allegedly claimed more than 250 lives and displaced around 60,000 people internally. The Thadous, who were also affected by the conflict, used the opportunity to clarify their identity. The Thadou Inpi Manipur, in a statement issued after the meeting, said the discussions were part of a community understanding programme between both sides. The statement added that the Thadous, long considered part of the larger Kuki umbrella, are in fact a distinct indigenous identity. A major source of confusion between the Thadou tribe and those identifying as Kuki tribes arises from the similarities in attire and cultural expressions. However, it is crucial to understand that Thadou tribe is a distinct indigenous identity, while the Kuki nomenclature, as used today, has become a politicised and ideological label, the organisation stated. The group further claimed that the nomenclature Kuki is not a genuine ethnic identity but a political construct. Historically and culturally, there is no community known as Kuki indigenous to Manipur, the statement added. According to the organisation, The term Kuki has foreign origins, and those who adopt it today often do so to push a separatist and extremist ideology. Many who currently identify as Kuki are suspected illegal immigrants, having settled in Manipur in recent decades. The organisation also alleged that over time, church politics and religious affiliations contributed to the misclassification of many Thadou people under the Kuki label, thereby creating further confusion and undermining their true identity. It warned that such misrepresentation posed a threat not only to the Thadou tribe but also to Meiteis, Meitei-Pangal, other tribal communities, and the unity of Manipur as a whole.
