Manipur - The Purbottar

29 May

Manipur’s Loktak Lake Goes Global as Astrophysicist Names Early-Universe Galaxy Structure After It

nanika EditorManipur

In a remarkable convergence of indigenous identity and cutting-edge space science, a 29-year-old astrophysicist from Manipur has brought global recognition to his home state. Ronaldo Laishram, originally from Khangabok in the Thoubal district, has led an international team in discovering a massive, early-universe galaxy structure. In a proud tribute to his roots, Laishram has officially named the cosmic discovery the "Loktak Protocluster," after Manipur’s iconic Loktak Lake. Currently working as a post-doctoral researcher at the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ), Laishram identified the giant protocluster using data from two of the world's most advanced space observatories: the Subaru Telescope…

11 Apr

Assam Reviews Expansion of CNG, PNG Infrastructure in Task Force Meeting

riya EditorManipur

In its first meeting, the State Level Task Force for PNG and CNG Expansion (ASLTF-PCE) reviewed progress in the rollout of clean energy infrastructure across Assam. The meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Dr Ravi Kota, reviewed the progress of key projects, including the completion of the Barauni Guwahati Pipeline (BGPL) and the significant advancement of the North East Gas Grid (NEGG), which is now over 85 per cent complete. The ongoing expansion of PNG connections was also assessed, with AGCL achieving near 100 per cent of its recent targets and further expansion planned across multiple districts. Emphasis was laid on…

26 Mar

Restoring Peace: Coordinated Security Operations Target Illegal Fortifications in Manipur Hills

nanika EditorManipur

In a decisive blow to armed elements operating in the sensitive hill tracts of Manipur, security forces have successfully dismantled six illegally constructed bunkers in the Ukhrul district. The operation, which began on March 24, focused on the upper village areas of Litan and Mongkot Chengpu—regions that have seen a sharp spike in violence over recent days. According to official police reports, the targeted action has effectively rendered the majority of fortified positions in the Litan area "ineffective." This breakthrough is expected to significantly weaken the operational capabilities of armed groups suspected of involvement in recent gunfights and arson. The…

17 Jan

Death of Kuki-Zo Woman: ITLF Expresses Grief, Calls for Separate Administration

Sonakshi SarkarManipur

Nengtinlhing Haokip, a 20-year-old Kuki-Zo woman, died on Saturday from injuries sustained during ethnic violence in Manipur. The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) described her passing as a somber reminder of the atrocities committed against the community since the conflict started. The ITLF claimed in a news release that a Meitei women's organization called the Meira Paibis kidnapped Nengtinlhing from an ATM in the New Checkon neighborhood of Imphal during the early days of the unrest. The forum claims that she was thereafter given to Arambai Tenggol with the order to murder her. According to the statement, the woman was…

02 Dec

Kargil Braveheart Football Tournament kicks off in Manipur

Sonakshi SarkarManipur

The Kargil Braveheart Football Tournament 2025 commenced on Monday with a spirited opening ceremony at the Chandel Christian Football Stadium, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of community leaders, youth clubs and football enthusiasts. Organised under Operation Sadbhavana by Assam Rifles in collaboration with the District Sports Association Chandel, and supported by the Ex-Servicemen Association of Chandel, the tournament will run from December 1-8. Sixteen teams from across the district are vying for top honours in one of Chandel’s largest football events of the year. Conceived as a tribute to the courage and sacrifice of Kargil War heroes, the tournament seeks to…

10 Nov

Manipur Civil Services exam rescheduled following error in question paper

Mohini BarmanManipur

The Manipur Public Service Commission has rescheduled two papers of the Civil Services Combined Competitive (Mains) Examination, 2022, after discovering a printing error just moments before candidates were due to begin writing. Paper-IV (General Studies-III) and Paper-V (General Studies-IV), originally scheduled for November 9, will now be held on November 22, 2025 (Saturday). The error came to light when invigilators opened the sealed question paper cover in the examination hall and found a mismatch between the heading on the paper and its actual content. The commission clarified that the printing mistake by the secured press could not be detected earlier…

22 Feb

Reshuffle in Manipur under Prez Rule, 11 officials transferred

Sonakshi SarkarManipur

Days after President’s Rule was imposed in Manipur, the state government on Friday transferred 11 officials including six police officers, according to an official statement. Among the top officials who were transferred, Superintendent of Police of Tamenglong district Babitarani Swain was given new posting as SP of Chandel district, while the SP of Chandel was transferred in the post in Tamenglong. Inspector General of Police (Internal/Narcotics and Affairs of Border) Kabib K was given new posting as IGP Zone -III, while DIGP (NAB) Ningshen Worngam was transferred as IGP (Int/ NAB) on promotion, the statement said.

22 Feb

Security forces arrest 6 members of banned outfit in Manipur

Sonakshi SarkarManipur

Six cadres of a banned outfit were arrested from Manipur's Imphal West district, and two members of a group were apprehended for allegedly being involved in extortion in Imphal East, police said on Saturday. Six members of the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party (Ibungo Ngangom) were apprehended from Koutruk Makha Leikai Church in Imphal West on Friday, a senior officer said. The police also arrested two members of G5 Organisation from Achanbigei Maning Leikai in Imphal East district for allegedly being involved in extortion from sand-laden trucks in Sekmai, Irilbung, Koirengei and Patsoi areas.

25 Jun

Manipur community intensifies demand for separate administration with mass rally

Business CorrespondentManipur

The Kuki community's movement demanding a separate administration intensified on Monday(24 June 2024) after more than one lakh people participated in a mega rally in the Churachandpur district of the state. The movement was led by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF). Vociferous sloganeering could be heard at the rally, demanding separate admissibility and Union Territory status for the Kuki Zo inhabited areas in the state. The ITLF had called for a total shutdown in the entire district and the movement coincided with the start of the Parliament's Lok Sabha Session on the Monday. While the locals in the valley…

10 Jun

Assam-Manipur border tightened ahead of Manipur violence

editorManipur

Fresh violence hits Manipur again, the latest surge began as Soibam Saratkumar Singh, a 59-year-old Meitei farmer who had been missing for weeks. His death sparked outrage among the local residents and have been demanding the right to arm themselves for protection. The incident took place at Manipur's Jiribam district on June 6, 2024. Following the incident, the state has been unrest prompting hundreds to flee and seek refugees in neighbouring state, Assam particularly in Lakhipur area of Cachar district. To prevent the crossing border, Assam has tightened security measures at the Assam-Manipur border. Numal Mahatta, the Superintendent of Police…