The High Court in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur ordered the deletion of a paragraph from a March 2023 order that urged the state to consider including the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list.

India: Manipur HC deletes part of earlier order for inclusion of Meiteis in ST list

<p>The High Court in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur&nbsp;ordered the deletion of a paragraph from a March 2023 order that urged the state to consider including the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list. The court observed that the paragraph was in conflict with the Supreme Court's constitutional bench stance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The single-judge bench of Justice Golmei Gaiphulshillu was hearing a review petition filed against para 17 (iii) of the decision dated March 27, 2023.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last year's directive was believed to be one of the reasons that led to ethnic unrest in the state, and conflict between the non-tribal Meitei community and the tribal Kuki-Zo community. The violent clashes in the state claimed over 200 lives and injured 1,500 people. As per reports, over 70,000 people from both communities were displaced.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-am-not-a-malala-kashmiri-journalists-words-wow-attendees-in-uk-parl-building-692778">'I am not a Malala', Kashmiri journalist's words wow attendees in UK parliament building</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>the order was rescinded by the justice during the hearing on Wednesday (Feb 21). The order of Wednesday said, "....the direction given at Para No. 17 (iii) needs to be deleted and is ordered accordingly for deletion of the Para No. 17 (iii) of the judgment and order dated 27.03.2023 passed in W.P.(C) No. 229 of 2023."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The controversial paragraph from last year's verdict instructed the state to expedite consideration of Meitei community inclusion, which was deemed for deletion.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pm-modis-visit-to-west-bengal-includes-meeting-women-accusing-sexual-harassment-692768">PM Modi’s visit to West Bengal includes meeting women accusing sexual harassment</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Justice Gaiphulshillu's order said: "The Meetei (Meitei) of Manipur has lost the identity of the tribe while merging with the Union of India on September 21, 1949, and earlier Manipur was a simple classless tribal society."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"However, at the time of merging, 29 communities of Manipur have been included in the Scheduled Tribe list of Indian Union and thereafter, as per the order of May 26, 2003, of the Gauhati High Court's Imphal bench, Chongthu, Khoibu, and Mate have been included in the list of Scheduled Tribes. Accordingly, now there are 34 numbers of tribal communities of Manipur included in the list of Scheduled Tribes of the Indian Constitution, but the Meetei (Meitei) tribe was left out," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;India Farmers' protest: The cost of MSP to government is in trillions of rupees&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Manipur violence</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Last year in May, violent clashes broke out in Manipur after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts aimed at protesting the Meitei community's demand for ST status.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Tribals - Nagas and Kukis - constitute little over 40 per cent and reside in the hill districts.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


The High Court in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur ordered the deletion of a paragraph from a March 2023 order that urged the state to consider including the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list. The court observed that the paragraph was in conflict with the Supreme Court's constitutional bench stance. The single-judge bench of Justice Golmei Gaiphulshillu was hearing a review petition filed against para 17 (iii) of the decision dated March 27, 2023. Last year's directive was believed to be one of the reasons that led to ethnic unrest in the state, and conflict between the non-tribal Meitei community and the tribal Kuki-Zo community. The violent clashes in the state claimed over 200 lives and injured 1,500 people. As per reports, over 70,000 people from both communities were displaced. Also read: 'I am not a Malala', Kashmiri journalist's words wow attendees in UK parliament building the order was rescinded by the justice during the hearing on Wednesday (Feb 21). The order of Wednesday said, "....the direction given at Para No. 17 (iii) needs to be deleted and is ordered accordingly for deletion of the Para No. 17 (iii) of the judgment and order dated 27.03.2023 passed in W.P.(C) No. 229 of 2023." The controversial paragraph from last year's verdict instructed the state to expedite consideration of Meitei community inclusion, which was deemed for deletion. Also read: PM Modi’s visit to West Bengal includes meeting women accusing sexual harassment Justice Gaiphulshillu's order said: "The Meetei (Meitei) of Manipur has lost the identity of the tribe while merging with the Union of India on September 21, 1949, and earlier Manipur was a simple classless tribal society." "However, at the time of merging, 29 communities of Manipur have been included in the Scheduled Tribe list of Indian Union and thereafter, as per the order of May 26, 2003, of the Gauhati High Court's Imphal bench, Chongthu, Khoibu, and Mate have been included in the list of Scheduled Tribes. Accordingly, now there are 34 numbers of tribal communities of Manipur included in the list of Scheduled Tribes of the Indian Constitution, but the Meetei (Meitei) tribe was left out," it added. Watch: India Farmers' protest: The cost of MSP to government is in trillions of rupees × Manipur violence Last year in May, violent clashes broke out in Manipur after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts aimed at protesting the Meitei community's demand for ST status. Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Tribals - Nagas and Kukis - constitute little over 40 per cent and reside in the hill districts. (With inputs from agencies)

Manipur violence: Court revokes order recommending inclusion of Meitei community in ST list

<p>At least two people&nbsp;reportedly died during clashes between security forces and hundreds of people in Manipur, a state in northeast India. The incident happened on Thursday (Feb 15) in Churachandpur district, which is dominated by Kuki-Zo tribes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>People in large numbers took to the streets to protest against the suspension of a head constable after his selfie with "armed miscreants" went viral.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Manipur Police posted on social media platform X: "Mob numbering approx. 300–400 attempted to storm the office of SP CCP today, pelting stones, etc. The SF [security forces] including the RAF [Rapid Action Force], is responding appropriately by firing tear gas shells to control the situation. Things are under watch..."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-police-orders-30000-tear-gas-shells-in-anticipation-of-farmers-protest-march-towards-the-capital-690715">Delhi Police orders 30,000 tear gas shells in anticipation of farmers' protest march towards the capital</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>As per the police, the protesters are apparently asking the officials to reinstate the head constable, Siamlalpaul, who took the selfie in a bunker of "armed miscreants" and "village defence volunteers" on a hilltop.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The suspension order by the Churachandpur Superintendent of Police, Shivanand Surve said, "A departmental inquiry is being contemplated against Siamlalpaul of Churachandpur district police, as a clip has gone viral on social media showing him making a video with armed men on February 14."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Mob attacks police training college</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>India-based news agency PTI reported that a large number of "village volunteers" allegedly attempted to barge into the Manipur Police Training College at Pangei in Imphal East district on Tuesday evening. The training college has a big inventory of firearms and one person was killed as security personnel opened fire to control the crowd. He was identified as 24-year-old Okram Sanaton.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the news agency, the volunteers had previously stated on social media that they required more guns to repel invaders during the shootout on the Khamenlok ridge.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-farmers-protest-200-unions-to-hold-mega-march-in-delhi-5-key-points-689581" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-farmers-protest-200-unions-to-hold-mega-march-in-delhi-5-key-points-689581&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj02suJ9q2EAxXkxDgGHSZQB5UQFnoECAUQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw29HkEUXeXxyYoD_ZGDFcrz" dir="ltr" href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-farmers-protest-200-unions-to-hold-mega-march-in-delhi-5-key-points-689581&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj02suJ9q2EAxXkxDgGHSZQB5UQFnoECAUQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw29HkEUXeXxyYoD_ZGDFcrz" target="_blank">India's&nbsp;farmers'&nbsp;protest: 200 unions to hold mega march in Delhi</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Manipur violence&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Last year in May, violent clashes broke out in Manipur after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts aimed at protesting the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. As per official data, nearly 200 people have lost their lives and hundreds have been injured.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In another incident, some armed miscreants stole firearms from the 5th Indian Reserve Battalion at Thengu Chingjin in Imphal East.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Tribals - Nagas and Kukis - constitute little over 40 per cent and reside in the hill districts.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


At least two people reportedly died during clashes between security forces and hundreds of people in Manipur, a state in northeast India. The incident happened on Thursday (Feb 15) in Churachandpur district, which is dominated by Kuki-Zo tribes.

At least two people reportedly died during clashes between security forces and hundreds of people in Manipur, a state in northeast India. The incident happened on Thursday (Feb 15) in Churachandpur district, which is dominated by Kuki-Zo tribes. People in large numbers took to the streets to protest against the suspension of a head constable after his selfie with "armed miscreants" went viral. The Manipur Police posted on social media platform X: "Mob numbering approx. 300–400 attempted to storm the office of SP CCP today, pelting stones, etc. The SF [security forces] including the RAF [Rapid Action Force], is responding appropriately by firing tear gas shells to control the situation. Things are under watch..." Also read: Delhi Police orders 30,000 tear gas shells in anticipation of farmers' protest march towards the capital As per the police, the protesters are apparently asking the officials to reinstate the head constable, Siamlalpaul, who took the selfie in a bunker of "armed miscreants" and "village defence volunteers" on a hilltop. The suspension order by the Churachandpur Superintendent of Police, Shivanand Surve said, "A departmental inquiry is being contemplated against Siamlalpaul of Churachandpur district police, as a clip has gone viral on social media showing him making a video with armed men on February 14." Mob attacks police training college India-based news agency PTI reported that a large number of "village volunteers" allegedly attempted to barge into the Manipur Police Training College at Pangei in Imphal East district on Tuesday evening. The training college has a big inventory of firearms and one person was killed as security personnel opened fire to control the crowd. He was identified as 24-year-old Okram Sanaton. According to the news agency, the volunteers had previously stated on social media that they required more guns to repel invaders during the shootout on the Khamenlok ridge. Also read: India's farmers' protest: 200 unions to hold mega march in Delhi Manipur violence Last year in May, violent clashes broke out in Manipur after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts aimed at protesting the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. As per official data, nearly 200 people have lost their lives and hundreds have been injured. In another incident, some armed miscreants stole firearms from the 5th Indian Reserve Battalion at Thengu Chingjin in Imphal East. Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Tribals - Nagas and Kukis - constitute little over 40 per cent and reside in the hill districts. (With inputs from agencies)

India: At least 2 dead, more than 25 injured amid violence in Manipur's Churachandpur

At least one person was killed and multiple injured after a violent mob attempted to storm the SP office in Churachandpur district of violence-torn Manipur on Thursday. Watch in for more details!

Manipur: One killed as mob of 300 people storm SP office in Churachandpur

The skeletal remains of a 19-year-old youth, Ngangom Nevy, who went missing and was presumed dead since the ethnic clashes in Manipur last May, were discovered recently. Nevy's family had filed a missing complaint at Sugnu police station on May 31, 2023.

Gravitas | Manipur Crisis: Skeletal remains of youth missing since 2023 clashes found

<p>Fresh violence killed at least two individuals and injured five others on Tuesday (Jan 30) in the northeast state of Manipur in India. One person is said to be missing and the officials have stated that the death toll might increase.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Media reports said that the casualties occurred after an exchange of fire between two rival ethnic groups in the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per reports, the violate exchange broke out at Koutruk village in the Imphal West district.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Manoharmayum Barish Sharma, who is a former president of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, sustained injuries in the firing. He was rushed to a nearby hospital and any update on his condition is not revealed yet.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Manipur violence&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Last year in May, violent clashes broke out in Manipur after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts aimed at protesting the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. As per official data, nearly 200 people have lost their lives and hundreds have been injured.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Tribals - Nagas and Kukis - constitute little over 40 per cent and reside in the hill districts.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Fresh violence killed at least two individuals and injured five others on Tuesday (Jan 30) in the northeast state of Manipur in India. One person is said to be missing and the officials have stated that the death toll might increase.

Fresh violence killed at least two individuals and injured five others on Tuesday (Jan 30) in the northeast state of Manipur in India. One person is said to be missing and the officials have stated that the death toll might increase. Media reports said that the casualties occurred after an exchange of fire between two rival ethnic groups in the state. As per reports, the violate exchange broke out at Koutruk village in the Imphal West district. Manoharmayum Barish Sharma, who is a former president of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, sustained injuries in the firing. He was rushed to a nearby hospital and any update on his condition is not revealed yet. Manipur violence Last year in May, violent clashes broke out in Manipur after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts aimed at protesting the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. As per official data, nearly 200 people have lost their lives and hundreds have been injured. Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Tribals - Nagas and Kukis - constitute little over 40 per cent and reside in the hill districts. (With inputs from agencies)

Manipur Violence: At least two killed, several injured in fresh clashes

<p>In an unfortunate incident, a soldier of the Assam Rifles opened fire at six of his colleagues before shooting himself dead in Manipur on Tuesday (Jan 23) night.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incident transpired in an Assam Rifles battalion, stationed near the international border with Myanmar in south Manipur. The region used to be a hotbed of the insurgent moment, primarily due to its remoteness from the mainland.</p>

<p>"One Assam Rifles Jawan opened fire on his colleagues injuring six of them (all injured are non-Manipuris); later the individual shot himself. All injured have been evacuated to Military Hospital for further treatment and reported to be stable," the&nbsp;Manipur Police stated in a press release.</p>

<p>The central paramilitary force, however, claimed that the incident was not related in any way to the ongoing conflict in the northeastern state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“In light of the ongoing ethnic strife in Manipur, it is important to share the details of the incident transparently to dispel any potential rumours and avoid any speculation,” stated Assam Rifles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, the soldier who opened fire and later died of&nbsp;self-inflicted bullet injuries had recently returned from vacation. According to reports, he loaded his gun out of the blue in the middle of the night and started spraying bullets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The&nbsp;non-commissioned officer (NCO) who died, was identified as a Kuki. Meanwhile, the victims are neither&nbsp;Meities nor residents of Manipur.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incident has perplexed the authorities as all Assam Rifles battalions have mixed class composition, including those belonging to various communities from Manipur. They stay united despite the polarisation in society and such incidents have been very few and far in between.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/manipur-violence-who-is-accountable-618265"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Manipur violence: Who is accountable?</strong></a>&nbsp;</p>

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<h2><strong>What is happening in Manipur?</strong></h2>

<p>Manipur has been rocked by ethnic violence since May last year. Over 180 people have been killed while tens of thousands have been displaced. The violence started after a court ordered the state government to consider extending special economic benefits and quotas in government jobs and education enjoyed by the tribal Kuki people to the majority Meitei population as well.</p>

<p>Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur’s population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Meanwhile, Nagas and Kukis&nbsp;constitute little over 40 per cent and reside in the hill districts.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-fresh-bout-of-violence-rocks-manipur-popular-tribal-songwriter-among-6-killed-631104"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;India: Fresh bout of violence rocks Manipur, popular tribal songwriter among 6 killed</strong></a></p>

<p>What started with street protests spiralled into an armed conflict. The Narendra Modi-led central government even faced a 'no-trust motion' in the parliament, brought by the newly-minted opposition bloc called INDIA, for failing to address the situation in the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em>&nbsp;</p>


In an unfortunate incident, a soldier of the Assam Rifles opened fire at six of his colleagues before shooting himself dead in Manipur on Tuesday (Jan 23) night.

In an unfortunate incident, a soldier of the Assam Rifles opened fire at six of his colleagues before shooting himself dead in Manipur on Tuesday (Jan 23) night. The incident transpired in an Assam Rifles battalion, stationed near the international border with Myanmar in south Manipur. The region used to be a hotbed of the insurgent moment, primarily due to its remoteness from the mainland. "One Assam Rifles Jawan opened fire on his colleagues injuring six of them (all injured are non-Manipuris); later the individual shot himself. All injured have been evacuated to Military Hospital for further treatment and reported to be stable," the Manipur Police stated in a press release. The central paramilitary force, however, claimed that the incident was not related in any way to the ongoing conflict in the northeastern state. “In light of the ongoing ethnic strife in Manipur, it is important to share the details of the incident transparently to dispel any potential rumours and avoid any speculation,” stated Assam Rifles. Notably, the soldier who opened fire and later died of self-inflicted bullet injuries had recently returned from vacation. According to reports, he loaded his gun out of the blue in the middle of the night and started spraying bullets. The non-commissioned officer (NCO) who died, was identified as a Kuki. Meanwhile, the victims are neither Meities nor residents of Manipur. The incident has perplexed the authorities as all Assam Rifles battalions have mixed class composition, including those belonging to various communities from Manipur. They stay united despite the polarisation in society and such incidents have been very few and far in between. Watch | Manipur violence: Who is accountable? What is happening in Manipur? Manipur has been rocked by ethnic violence since May last year. Over 180 people have been killed while tens of thousands have been displaced. The violence started after a court ordered the state government to consider extending special economic benefits and quotas in government jobs and education enjoyed by the tribal Kuki people to the majority Meitei population as well. Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur’s population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Meanwhile, Nagas and Kukis constitute little over 40 per cent and reside in the hill districts. Also read | India: Fresh bout of violence rocks Manipur, popular tribal songwriter among 6 killed What started with street protests spiralled into an armed conflict. The Narendra Modi-led central government even faced a 'no-trust motion' in the parliament, brought by the newly-minted opposition bloc called INDIA, for failing to address the situation in the state. (With inputs from agencies)

Assam Rifles soldier opens fire at colleagues in Manipur near Myanmar border

<p>India's Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday (Jan 20) announced that the government will fence India's border with Myanmar, just like the Indo-Bangladesh border in order to bar the infiltration attempts made by illegal migrants and insurgents.</p>

<p>While addressing the passing out parade ceremony of Assam Police Commandos, Shah said, "Indo-Myanmar border is to be fenced like the Indo-Bangladesh border. The Centre, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has decided to fence the Indo-Myanmar border to curb the influx of illegal migrants and insurgents."</p>

<p>"We are also thinking of ending the free-movement facility with Myanmar," Shah added.</p>

<p>He also applauded the Assam police for battling issues like infiltration and drug smuggling.</p>

<p>"Assam has always been affected by infiltration issues that have been going on for 10 decades, Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, drug smuggling, etc., but Assam Police has a glorious history of fighting and winning against these issues," he said.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The announcement comes within days of a high number of Myanmar soldiers fleeing across into India to escape ethnic clashes were reported. As per reports, about 600 Myanmar Army soldiers crossed into India in the last three months&nbsp;and took refuge in Mizoram's Lawngtlai district after militants of the&nbsp;ethnic armed group&nbsp;Arakan Army (AA) captured their camps in the western state of Rakhine.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-defence-minister-hints-china-might-weaponise-weather-for-strategic-gains-681866">Indian defence minister hints China might weaponise weather for strategic gains</a></p>

<h2><strong>Free-movement regime</strong></h2>

<p>The free-movement facility enables the people on the both sides of the border to travel 16 km into each other's territory without a visa.</p>

<p>Four Indian states, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram, share a 1,643-km-long border with Myanmar.</p>

<p>The officials had earlier said that the government was planning to put up a fence across 300-km stretch of the border.</p>

<p>According to news agency PTI, over 31,000 people from Myanmar took shelter in Mizoram following the military coup in the neighbouring country in the year 2021. Some of them also took refuge in Manipur.</p>

<p>Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh had appealed to the government in Sept 2023 to terminate the FMR. The state government claims that insurgents manipulate the regime to promote their activities.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Will this ceasefire usher in peace in the war-ravaged Myanmar? | World At War</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Shah slams Congress over Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Shah also took a dig at the Congress party saying that the people who lost members of their family because of the insurgency that prevailed in the state under the Congress' rule, are opposing the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.</p>

<p>"Rahul Gandhi has launched Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra recently, I asked a few media personnel here today, what happened in Assam. During Congress rule, thousands of youths lost their lives, extremism prevailed in Assam. The family members of those people who lost lives during Congress rule objected to Congress Yatra and demanded justice," Shah said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India's Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday (Jan 20) announced that the government will fence India's border with Myanmar, just like the Indo-Bangladesh border in order to bar the infiltration attempts made by illegal migrants and insurgents.

India's Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday (Jan 20) announced that the government will fence India's border with Myanmar, just like the Indo-Bangladesh border in order to bar the infiltration attempts made by illegal migrants and insurgents. While addressing the passing out parade ceremony of Assam Police Commandos, Shah said, "Indo-Myanmar border is to be fenced like the Indo-Bangladesh border. The Centre, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has decided to fence the Indo-Myanmar border to curb the influx of illegal migrants and insurgents." "We are also thinking of ending the free-movement facility with Myanmar," Shah added. He also applauded the Assam police for battling issues like infiltration and drug smuggling. "Assam has always been affected by infiltration issues that have been going on for 10 decades, Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, drug smuggling, etc., but Assam Police has a glorious history of fighting and winning against these issues," he said. The announcement comes within days of a high number of Myanmar soldiers fleeing across into India to escape ethnic clashes were reported. As per reports, about 600 Myanmar Army soldiers crossed into India in the last three months and took refuge in Mizoram's Lawngtlai district after militants of the ethnic armed group Arakan Army (AA) captured their camps in the western state of Rakhine. Also read: Indian defence minister hints China might weaponise weather for strategic gains Free-movement regime The free-movement facility enables the people on the both sides of the border to travel 16 km into each other's territory without a visa. Four Indian states, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram, share a 1,643-km-long border with Myanmar. The officials had earlier said that the government was planning to put up a fence across 300-km stretch of the border. According to news agency PTI, over 31,000 people from Myanmar took shelter in Mizoram following the military coup in the neighbouring country in the year 2021. Some of them also took refuge in Manipur. Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh had appealed to the government in Sept 2023 to terminate the FMR. The state government claims that insurgents manipulate the regime to promote their activities. WATCH | Will this ceasefire usher in peace in the war-ravaged Myanmar? | World At War × Shah slams Congress over Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra Shah also took a dig at the Congress party saying that the people who lost members of their family because of the insurgency that prevailed in the state under the Congress' rule, are opposing the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. "Rahul Gandhi has launched Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra recently, I asked a few media personnel here today, what happened in Assam. During Congress rule, thousands of youths lost their lives, extremism prevailed in Assam. The family members of those people who lost lives during Congress rule objected to Congress Yatra and demanded justice," Shah said. (With inputs from agencies)

Barbed fencing on Indo-Myanmar border soon to curb influx of illegal migrants, says Amit Shah

Five killed as fresh ethnic violence erupts in Manipur. The latest incident occurred a day after 2 policemen were shot. Three Border Security personnel injured in fresh violence. Watch to know more!

Manipur Violence: 4 people shot dead in Bishnupur district, 1 killed in Kangpokpi

Five Meiteis were shot dead, and four Border Security Force (BSF) members were injured as ethnic violence resumed in the northeastern state.

Manipur ethnic clashes: Five killed as fresh ethnic violence erupts in Manipur

Kuki militants targeted security forces at three different locations in Manipur, months after the state witnessed widespread violence. At least one police personnel was killed in the border town of Moreh.

Manipur: Militants target security personnel, one officer killed in Moreh

<p>Two&nbsp;police commandos were fatally shot after fresh violence erupted in the Indian state of Manipur, on Wednesday (Jan 17) morning. According to reports, security forces exchanged fire with suspected Kuki militants in the town of Moreh in the Tengnoupal district.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>About the recent incident</strong></h2>

<p>The fresh violence broke out when suspected Kuki militants hurled explosives and opened fire at a security post near Ward 7 in the border town of Moreh. The security forces responded with retaliatory fire.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-bodies-of-64-killed-in-manipur-violence-handed-to-families-669853">India: Bodies of 64 killed in Manipur violence handed to families</a></strong></p>

<p>During the exchange of fire, one security personnel identified as Wangkhem Somorjit, a member of the IRB (Indian Reserve Battalion) associated with the state police commando in Moreh was shot and later succumbed to injuries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A second commando, named&nbsp;Takhellambam Saileshwore,&nbsp;died late Wednesday,&nbsp;according to a report by the news agency PTI, citing sources.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The encounter&nbsp;lasted about an hour. The police also said that the militants fired RPG shells at the temporary commando post damaging several vehicles parked in the vicinity.</p>

<h2><strong>Two suspected of killing police officer arrested</strong></h2>

<p>This comes two days after the police arrested two people suspected of killing a police officer in the border town.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The suspects, identified as Phillip Khongsai and Hemokholal Mate, also reportedly possessed a pistol containing two live rounds, a Chinese hand grenade, 10&nbsp;live AK ammunition rounds, and 10&nbsp;detonators, all of which were confiscated, said the police.</p>

<p>The duo have been accused of killing Senior Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Chingtham Anand in October last year. The two had allegedly fired at security personnel vehicles after which the police chased and overpowered them.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/four-killed-amid-fresh-violence-in-indias-manipur-curfew-re-imposed-675697">Four killed amid fresh violence in India's Manipur, curfew re-imposed</a></strong></p>

<p>The duo was later presented before the judicial magistrate in Moreh and was remanded to nine days' police custody, police said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a report by PTI, Moreh-based civil bodies including Kuki Inpi Tengnoupal had vehemently condemned the arrest and demanded unconditional release of the two within 24 hours warning of serious repercussions.</p>

<h2><strong>Total curfew imposed</strong></h2>

<p>The Manipur government has imposed a total curfew starting 12:00 am (local time) on January 16 amid fears of “likelihood of breach of peace, disturbance of public tranquility and grave danger to human lives and property within the revenue jurisdiction of Tengnoupal”.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-fresh-violence-erupts-in-manipur-as-13-die-in-gunfight-666061">India: Fresh violence erupts in Manipur as 13 die in gunfight</a></strong></p>

<p>The curfew shall not apply to “agencies of the government employed in the enforcement of law and order and maintenance of essential services,” said an order by the district magistrate Tengnoupal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Manipur has been rocked by ethnic violence since May last year. So far, hundreds have been killed while tens of thousands have been displaced.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Two police commandos were fatally shot after fresh violence erupted in the Indian state of Manipur, on Wednesday (Jan 17) morning. According to reports, security forces exchanged fire with suspected Kuki militants in the town of Moreh in the Tengnoupal district.

Two police commandos were fatally shot after fresh violence erupted in the Indian state of Manipur, on Wednesday (Jan 17) morning. According to reports, security forces exchanged fire with suspected Kuki militants in the town of Moreh in the Tengnoupal district. About the recent incident The fresh violence broke out when suspected Kuki militants hurled explosives and opened fire at a security post near Ward 7 in the border town of Moreh. The security forces responded with retaliatory fire. ALSO READ | India: Bodies of 64 killed in Manipur violence handed to families During the exchange of fire, one security personnel identified as Wangkhem Somorjit, a member of the IRB (Indian Reserve Battalion) associated with the state police commando in Moreh was shot and later succumbed to injuries. A second commando, named Takhellambam Saileshwore, died late Wednesday, according to a report by the news agency PTI, citing sources. The encounter lasted about an hour. The police also said that the militants fired RPG shells at the temporary commando post damaging several vehicles parked in the vicinity. Two suspected of killing police officer arrested This comes two days after the police arrested two people suspected of killing a police officer in the border town. The suspects, identified as Phillip Khongsai and Hemokholal Mate, also reportedly possessed a pistol containing two live rounds, a Chinese hand grenade, 10 live AK ammunition rounds, and 10 detonators, all of which were confiscated, said the police. The duo have been accused of killing Senior Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Chingtham Anand in October last year. The two had allegedly fired at security personnel vehicles after which the police chased and overpowered them. ALSO READ | Four killed amid fresh violence in India's Manipur, curfew re-imposed The duo was later presented before the judicial magistrate in Moreh and was remanded to nine days' police custody, police said. According to a report by PTI, Moreh-based civil bodies including Kuki Inpi Tengnoupal had vehemently condemned the arrest and demanded unconditional release of the two within 24 hours warning of serious repercussions. Total curfew imposed The Manipur government has imposed a total curfew starting 12:00 am (local time) on January 16 amid fears of “likelihood of breach of peace, disturbance of public tranquility and grave danger to human lives and property within the revenue jurisdiction of Tengnoupal”. ALSO READ | India: Fresh violence erupts in Manipur as 13 die in gunfight The curfew shall not apply to “agencies of the government employed in the enforcement of law and order and maintenance of essential services,” said an order by the district magistrate Tengnoupal. Manipur has been rocked by ethnic violence since May last year. So far, hundreds have been killed while tens of thousands have been displaced. (With inputs from agencies)

Manipur violence: Second Indian commando killed after gunfight with Kuki militants

Violence erupted between security forces and suspected Kuki militants in the border town of Moreh, Manipur. The violence resulted in the death of two security personnels.

India: Fresh violence in Manipur, death toll rises to 2 in Moreh Town

<p>The second iteration of Congress' <em>'Bharat Jodo Yatra'',&nbsp;</em>rechristened <em>'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra'</em> will not start from Imphal, the capital city of the northeastern state of Manipur, as announced earlier, according to a report in <em>Hindustan Times</em>.</p>

<p>The flagship movement will now start from a&nbsp;private ground in Manipur’s Thoubal district. Congress accused the state's Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP)&nbsp;government of denying permission and later imposing too many conditions.</p>

<p>“The CM declined to give permission despite our request. It’s unfortunate and has hurt not just our sentiments, but those of the people of the state. It’s a violation of our constitutional rights as well,” said&nbsp;K Meghachandra, state unit chief.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, on Wednesday (Jan 10), it was reported that Congress had been granted the required permissions before the office of the Imphal East district magistrate issued a statement saying that the party could only&nbsp;kick-off ‘the campaign with a limited number of participants’.</p>

<p>“Only flagging off of the Yatra with limited number of participants is hereby allowed on January 14 to prevent any untoward incident and disturbance in law and order. The number and name of the participants shall be provided in advance to this office to enable this office to take up all necessary precautionary measures," read the order.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/congress-party-pinning-hopes-on-bharat-jodo-yatra-20-2024-general-elections-674113"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Congress party pinning hopes on Bharat Jodo Yatra 2.0? | 2024 General Elections</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Congress' last-ditch attempt</strong></h2>

<p>Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi is the face of the campaign yet again and his east-to-west march is scheduled to cover 6,700 km over 66 days, across 15 states and 110 districts. During the campaign trail, Gandhi is expected to largely travel by bus and build upon the first campaign. The yatra&nbsp;begins on January 14 and will end in Mumbai on March 20.</p>

<p>"As the political landscape gears up for the 2024 elections, the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra emerges as a pivotal initiative, not only for the Congress party but also for the citizens it aims to connect with. This journey is more than a physical movement; it symbolises a collective effort towards justice, unity, and political engagement," said Jairam Ramesh, earlier this month during the launch event.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-congress-party-launches-bharat-jodo-nyay-yatra-2024-676630"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;India: Congress party launches 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra 2024'</strong></a></p>

<p>The general elections are scheduled&nbsp;later this year and Congress has been looking to make up for the lost ground. The party lost elections to four assembly states last year further denting its hopes of making inroads into BJP's vote share on the national level.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The second iteration of Congress' 'Bharat Jodo Yatra'', rechristened 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' will not start from Imphal, the capital city of the northeastern state of Manipur, as announced earlier, according to a report in Hindustan Times.

The second iteration of Congress' 'Bharat Jodo Yatra'', rechristened 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' will not start from Imphal, the capital city of the northeastern state of Manipur, as announced earlier, according to a report in Hindustan Times. The flagship movement will now start from a private ground in Manipur’s Thoubal district. Congress accused the state's Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) government of denying permission and later imposing too many conditions. “The CM declined to give permission despite our request. It’s unfortunate and has hurt not just our sentiments, but those of the people of the state. It’s a violation of our constitutional rights as well,” said K Meghachandra, state unit chief. Notably, on Wednesday (Jan 10), it was reported that Congress had been granted the required permissions before the office of the Imphal East district magistrate issued a statement saying that the party could only kick-off ‘the campaign with a limited number of participants’. “Only flagging off of the Yatra with limited number of participants is hereby allowed on January 14 to prevent any untoward incident and disturbance in law and order. The number and name of the participants shall be provided in advance to this office to enable this office to take up all necessary precautionary measures," read the order. Watch | Congress party pinning hopes on Bharat Jodo Yatra 2.0? | 2024 General Elections × Congress' last-ditch attempt Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi is the face of the campaign yet again and his east-to-west march is scheduled to cover 6,700 km over 66 days, across 15 states and 110 districts. During the campaign trail, Gandhi is expected to largely travel by bus and build upon the first campaign. The yatra begins on January 14 and will end in Mumbai on March 20. "As the political landscape gears up for the 2024 elections, the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra emerges as a pivotal initiative, not only for the Congress party but also for the citizens it aims to connect with. This journey is more than a physical movement; it symbolises a collective effort towards justice, unity, and political engagement," said Jairam Ramesh, earlier this month during the launch event. Also read | India: Congress party launches 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra 2024' The general elections are scheduled later this year and Congress has been looking to make up for the lost ground. The party lost elections to four assembly states last year further denting its hopes of making inroads into BJP's vote share on the national level. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Congress denied permission to start 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' from Imphal, chooses another venue

<p>The four men shot dead by militants in the Thoubal district of the northeastern state of Manipur on Monday (Jan 1) were involved in a drug dispute, according to news agency Press Trust of India (PTI). Apart from the four&nbsp;Meitei Pangal men, 18 were injured (five sustained bullet injuries) in the attacks.</p>

<p>"The incident was seen as the fallout of a dispute over money collected through illegal drug trade," the report claimed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Revolutionary People's Front (RPF), the political wing of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), accepted that the gunmen belonged to the outfit. RPF added that it had opened an internal inquiry into the incident.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Senior government officials provided a breakdown of the events, explaining that PLA militants entered the minority-dominated Lilong Chingjao area to target a resident&nbsp;known for several narcotics-related charges.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Soon, amid the kerfuffle, about 1,000 villagers descended near the suspect's home, forcing the PLA militants to secure an exit. However, during the escape, they started firing randomly at the crowd, resulting in&nbsp;four deaths and nearly two dozen injuries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The family of the four men refused to take the bodies on Tuesday (Jan 2) whilst submitting a memorandum to the state government with a list of demands.</p>

<p>Under the memorandum, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Meitei Pangals requested the government to grant permission to form village protection forces in all areas where the Meitei Muslim community reside in the state. Additionally, the&nbsp;committee demanded a probe by the&nbsp;National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the events of January 1.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/manipur-violence-who-is-accountable-618265"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Manipur violence: Who is accountable?</strong></a>&nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" data-gtm-yt-inspected-7="true" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="lazy" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/manipur-violence-who-is-accountable-618265/embed?autoplay=0" title="live tv" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh also visited the&nbsp;Raj Medicity Hospital where the injured were being treated and later issued a statement saying the culprits would be caught.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;"We strongly condemn all forms of violence, and the state government has launched mass combing operations to nab the culprits and the culprit will be punished according to the law. No one is above the law," wrote Singh on X, formerly known as Twitter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To maintain&nbsp;law and order, additional security forces have been dispatched and deployed in the area.</p>

<h2><strong>What is happening in Manipur?</strong></h2>

<p>Manipur has been rocked by ethnic violence since May last year. Hundreds&nbsp;have been killed while tens of thousands have been displaced. The violence started after a court ordered the state government to consider extending special economic benefits and quotas in government jobs and education enjoyed by the tribal Kuki people to the majority Meitei population as well.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-bodies-of-64-killed-in-manipur-violence-handed-to-families-669853"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;India: Bodies of 64 killed in Manipur violence handed to families</strong></a></p>

<p>Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur’s population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Meanwhile, Nagas and Kukis&nbsp;constitute little over 40 per cent and reside in the hill districts.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The four men shot dead by militants in the Thoubal district of the northeastern state of Manipur on Monday (Jan 1) were involved in a drug dispute, according to news agency Press Trust of India (PTI).

The four men shot dead by militants in the Thoubal district of the northeastern state of Manipur on Monday (Jan 1) were involved in a drug dispute, according to news agency Press Trust of India (PTI). Apart from the four Meitei Pangal men, 18 were injured (five sustained bullet injuries) in the attacks. "The incident was seen as the fallout of a dispute over money collected through illegal drug trade," the report claimed. The Revolutionary People's Front (RPF), the political wing of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), accepted that the gunmen belonged to the outfit. RPF added that it had opened an internal inquiry into the incident. Senior government officials provided a breakdown of the events, explaining that PLA militants entered the minority-dominated Lilong Chingjao area to target a resident known for several narcotics-related charges. Soon, amid the kerfuffle, about 1,000 villagers descended near the suspect's home, forcing the PLA militants to secure an exit. However, during the escape, they started firing randomly at the crowd, resulting in four deaths and nearly two dozen injuries. The family of the four men refused to take the bodies on Tuesday (Jan 2) whilst submitting a memorandum to the state government with a list of demands. Under the memorandum, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Meitei Pangals requested the government to grant permission to form village protection forces in all areas where the Meitei Muslim community reside in the state. Additionally, the committee demanded a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the events of January 1. Watch | Manipur violence: Who is accountable? Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh also visited the Raj Medicity Hospital where the injured were being treated and later issued a statement saying the culprits would be caught. "We strongly condemn all forms of violence, and the state government has launched mass combing operations to nab the culprits and the culprit will be punished according to the law. No one is above the law," wrote Singh on X, formerly known as Twitter. To maintain law and order, additional security forces have been dispatched and deployed in the area. What is happening in Manipur? Manipur has been rocked by ethnic violence since May last year. Hundreds have been killed while tens of thousands have been displaced. The violence started after a court ordered the state government to consider extending special economic benefits and quotas in government jobs and education enjoyed by the tribal Kuki people to the majority Meitei population as well. Also read | India: Bodies of 64 killed in Manipur violence handed to families Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur’s population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Meanwhile, Nagas and Kukis constitute little over 40 per cent and reside in the hill districts. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Drug money dispute reportedly reason for Manipur violence that killed 4, injured 18

Who is turning India's Manipur into cesspool of violence? Who is arming the outfits with advanced weapons? The state's Chief Minister says his government is looking at 'involvement of foreign mercenaries from Myanmar'. Is Burma's drugs and China's weapons behind the Manipur violence?

Gravitas | Manipur Violence: Guns from China, Drugs from Burma, Deaths in India?

Amid the ongoing communal clash between the Meitei and Kuki tribes in India's Manipur state, fresh instances of violence were reported from the Churachadrapur district on Tuesday. Curfew orders were imposed in the district for 2 months which is until the 18th of February and nearly 30 people were injured in the clashes that broke out between the two groups.

India: Manipur sees fresh round of violence, curfew announced; 3 civilians shot dead in Imphal

<p>A heavy exchange of gunfire broke out between unidentified gunmen and police commandos in the northeast Indian state of Manipur on Saturday (Dec 30), said officials.</p>

<p>A commando was injured in the incident and is now being treated at an Assam Rifles camp.</p>

<p>The eyewitnesses said that the commando was wounded when the gunmen targeted police vehicles while they were heading towards the Key Location Point (KLP) from the border town of Moreh, as per news agency PTI.</p>

<p>"One commando sustained shrapnel injuries when they came under attack while crossing the M Chahnou village section of Imphal-Moreh road," an officer told PTI.</p>

<p>Police said, "Unidentified gunmen fired shots and threw bombs at the commando team of Moreh at Chikim Veng, Moreh Ward No. 9 in Tengnoupal district. The incident occurred while Manipur police commandos were conducting routine reconnaissance in the area."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Initially, two bombs exploded, followed by 350 to 400 rounds of fire," police in its address to the media said.</p>

<p>Two houses in Moreh were also set on fire, sources told PTI.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-new-year-greetings-to-prez-murmu-pm-modi-putin-lauds-indias-g20-sco-presidency-675101">Putin extends New Year wishes to President Droupadi Murmu, PM Narendra Modi</a></p>

<h2><strong>'Evil elements trying to disturb peace,' Manipur CM</strong></h2>

<p>Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Saturday called on the people to scorn violence and engage in dialogue to restore peace in the state.</p>

<p>He also denounced the killing of a village guard by unidentified individuals in Kadangband, Imphal West district, claiming that evil elements were attempting to disrupt peace.</p>

<p>"A few evil elements are trying to disrupt the peace in the state. It's an unfortunate incident and we highly condemn the incident. The combing operation is on to nab the culprits. We won't spare the culprits," while addressing a press conference at the CM's secretariat, Singh said.</p>

<p>"Many civil society groups are trying hard to restore peace in the state. This fresh incident is highly condemnable," he added.</p>

<p>"Let's abandon violence, come to the negotiating table, and initiate a dialogue to restore normalcy," he further said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A heavy exchange of gunfire broke out between unidentified gunmen and police commandos in the northeast Indian state of Manipur on Saturday (Dec 30), said officials.

A heavy exchange of gunfire broke out between unidentified gunmen and police commandos in the northeast Indian state of Manipur on Saturday (Dec 30), said officials. A commando was injured in the incident and is now being treated at an Assam Rifles camp. The eyewitnesses said that the commando was wounded when the gunmen targeted police vehicles while they were heading towards the Key Location Point (KLP) from the border town of Moreh, as per news agency PTI. "One commando sustained shrapnel injuries when they came under attack while crossing the M Chahnou village section of Imphal-Moreh road," an officer told PTI. Police said, "Unidentified gunmen fired shots and threw bombs at the commando team of Moreh at Chikim Veng, Moreh Ward No. 9 in Tengnoupal district. The incident occurred while Manipur police commandos were conducting routine reconnaissance in the area." "Initially, two bombs exploded, followed by 350 to 400 rounds of fire," police in its address to the media said. Two houses in Moreh were also set on fire, sources told PTI. Also read: Putin extends New Year wishes to President Droupadi Murmu, PM Narendra Modi 'Evil elements trying to disturb peace,' Manipur CM Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Saturday called on the people to scorn violence and engage in dialogue to restore peace in the state. He also denounced the killing of a village guard by unidentified individuals in Kadangband, Imphal West district, claiming that evil elements were attempting to disrupt peace. "A few evil elements are trying to disrupt the peace in the state. It's an unfortunate incident and we highly condemn the incident. The combing operation is on to nab the culprits. We won't spare the culprits," while addressing a press conference at the CM's secretariat, Singh said. "Many civil society groups are trying hard to restore peace in the state. This fresh incident is highly condemnable," he added. "Let's abandon violence, come to the negotiating table, and initiate a dialogue to restore normalcy," he further said. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Unidentified gunmen target police commandos in Manipur's Moreh

Manipur: Communal clashes between Meitei & Kuki groups in Churachandrapur

<p>The Union and Manipur government on Thursday (Dec 14) handed at least 64 bodies of victims killed in the ongoing ethnic violence in the northeastern state to their families. The bodies were airlifted from morgues in the hospitals located in the capital city of Imphal and delivered to two hill districts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The delivery of bodies ends months of speculation and possibly brings closure to the families of the victims. According to reports, the bodies were at the&nbsp;Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) and the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS).</p>

<p>The transfer of the bodies took place after the Supreme Court last month issued an order for the dignified disposal of the unclaimed bodies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since the violence first broke out in the state in May, 175 deaths have been reported and the dead bodies were brought to the morgues. 81 bodies were claimed previously while 94 remained. Out of these bodies, 88 were identified but families were unable to travel to the morgues to claim the bodies due to the prevailing tense situation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“No decision has been taken yet on the date and place of burials for those bodies brought to Churachandpur. The last rites will most probably be held next week,” Ginza Vualzong from Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), a Kuki organisation based in Churachandpur, was quoted as saying by <em>Hindustan Times</em>.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/manipur-violence-who-is-accountable-618265"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Manipur violence: Who is accountable?</strong></a>&nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" data-gtm-yt-inspected-7="true" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="lazy" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/manipur-violence-who-is-accountable-618265/embed?autoplay=0" title="live tv" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>What is happening in Manipur?</strong></h2>

<p>Manipur has been rocked by ethnic violence since May. Hundreds&nbsp;have been killed while tens of thousands have been displaced. The violence started after a court ordered the state government to consider extending special economic benefits and quotas in government jobs and education enjoyed by the tribal Kuki people to the majority Meitei population as well.</p>

<p>Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur’s population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Meanwhile, Nagas and Kukis&nbsp;constitute little over 40 per cent and reside in the hill districts.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-fresh-bout-of-violence-rocks-manipur-popular-tribal-songwriter-among-6-killed-631104"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;India: Fresh bout of violence rocks Manipur, popular tribal songwriter among 6 killed</strong></a></p>

<p>What started with street protests spiralled into an armed conflict. The Narendra Modi-led central government even faced a 'no-trust motion' in the parliament, brought by the newly-minted opposition bloc called INDIA, for failing to address the situation in the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Union and Manipur government on Thursday (Dec 14) handed at least 64 bodies of victims killed in the ongoing ethnic violence in the northeastern state to their families.

The Union and Manipur government on Thursday (Dec 14) handed at least 64 bodies of victims killed in the ongoing ethnic violence in the northeastern state to their families. The bodies were airlifted from morgues in the hospitals located in the capital city of Imphal and delivered to two hill districts. The delivery of bodies ends months of speculation and possibly brings closure to the families of the victims. According to reports, the bodies were at the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) and the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS). The transfer of the bodies took place after the Supreme Court last month issued an order for the dignified disposal of the unclaimed bodies. Since the violence first broke out in the state in May, 175 deaths have been reported and the dead bodies were brought to the morgues. 81 bodies were claimed previously while 94 remained. Out of these bodies, 88 were identified but families were unable to travel to the morgues to claim the bodies due to the prevailing tense situation. “No decision has been taken yet on the date and place of burials for those bodies brought to Churachandpur. The last rites will most probably be held next week,” Ginza Vualzong from Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), a Kuki organisation based in Churachandpur, was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times. Watch | Manipur violence: Who is accountable? What is happening in Manipur? Manipur has been rocked by ethnic violence since May. Hundreds have been killed while tens of thousands have been displaced. The violence started after a court ordered the state government to consider extending special economic benefits and quotas in government jobs and education enjoyed by the tribal Kuki people to the majority Meitei population as well. Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur’s population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Meanwhile, Nagas and Kukis constitute little over 40 per cent and reside in the hill districts. Also read | India: Fresh bout of violence rocks Manipur, popular tribal songwriter among 6 killed What started with street protests spiralled into an armed conflict. The Narendra Modi-led central government even faced a 'no-trust motion' in the parliament, brought by the newly-minted opposition bloc called INDIA, for failing to address the situation in the state. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Bodies of 64 killed in Manipur violence handed to families

Eight months since ethnic clashes shook India's northeastern state of Manipur. The bodies of 64 victims have been returned to their loved ones.

Manipur: 64 bodies of victims returned; 8 months on, victims' bodies returned to kin | World DNA

Manipur: 8 months on, 64 bodies of victims returned to kin

At least 13 people have been killed in a gunfight between two unknown armed groups in India’s restive Manipur state, a police official said.

India: At least 13 killed in armed fighting as ethnic riots-hit Manipur

At least 13 people have been killed in gun battles in India's Manipur. Ethnic violence erupted 7 months ago in the northeastern State. The bodies were found in Manipur's Tengnoupal district, an area lying close to the border with Myanmar.

India: 13 killed in an ethnic strife in the Indian state of Manipur

<p>Fresh bout of violence erupted in the northeastern state of Manipur on Monday (Dec 4), killing at least 13, according to a <em>Hindustan Times </em>report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incident transpired in the Tengnoupal district of the state around noon when two groups of militants&nbsp;at Leithu village near Saibol went against each other.</p>

<p>“The nearest security forces were about 10 km away from this place. Once our forces moved in and reached the place, they found 13 bodies in the Leithu village. The forces did not find any weapons next to the bodies,” an officer was quoted as saying by the publication.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The authorities are yet to confirm the identities&nbsp;of the deceased but according to reports, the dead are not from the Leithu area. They could have come from another area and engaged in gunfight with a separate group.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The rise in violence comes a day after the government lifted the ban on mobile and internet services after seven months except in border areas of some tense districts.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/manipur-violence-who-is-accountable-618265"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Manipur violence: Who is accountable?</strong></a>&nbsp;</p>

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<h2><strong>Previous incidents of violence</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Last month, two people were killed in a similar gunfight between the&nbsp;Haraothel and Kobsha villages in the&nbsp;Kangpokpi district. Condemning the attack on the Kuki-Zo community, the&nbsp;Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) enforced an "emergency shutdown" across the district as a sign of protest at the time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Similarly, in September,&nbsp;a popular tribal songwriter-composer was among six killed while 14 others were injured on the state's&nbsp;volatile&nbsp;Bishnupur-Churachandpur&nbsp;border.&nbsp;where the divide between the valley and hill districts has led to an escalation in violence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>42-year-old&nbsp;LS Mangboi Lhungdim, credited for penning the tribal anthem, “I gam hilou ham (Is this not our land?)” was killed in the gunfight between Meitei and Kuki groups.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-fresh-bout-of-violence-rocks-manipur-popular-tribal-songwriter-among-6-killed-631104"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;India: Fresh bout of violence rocks Manipur, popular tribal songwriter among 6 killed</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>What is happening in Manipur?</strong></h2>

<p>Manipur has been rocked by ethnic violence since May. Over 180 people have been killed while tens of thousands have been displaced. The violence started after a court ordered the state government to consider extending special economic benefits and quotas in government jobs and education enjoyed by the tribal Kuki people to the majority Meitei population as well.</p>

<p>Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur’s population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Meanwhile, Nagas and Kukis&nbsp;constitute little over 40 per cent and reside in the hill districts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>What started with street protests spiralled into an armed conflict. The Narendra Modi-led central government even faced a 'no-trust motion' in the parliament, brought by the newly-minted opposition bloc called INDIA, for failing to address the situation in the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Fresh bout of violence erupted in the northeastern state of Manipur on Monday (Dec 4), killing at least 13, according to a Hindustan Times report. The incident transpired in the Tengnoupal district of the state around noon when two groups of militants at Leithu village near Saibol went against each other.

Fresh bout of violence erupted in the northeastern state of Manipur on Monday (Dec 4), killing at least 13, according to a Hindustan Times report. The incident transpired in the Tengnoupal district of the state around noon when two groups of militants at Leithu village near Saibol went against each other. “The nearest security forces were about 10 km away from this place. Once our forces moved in and reached the place, they found 13 bodies in the Leithu village. The forces did not find any weapons next to the bodies,” an officer was quoted as saying by the publication. The authorities are yet to confirm the identities of the deceased but according to reports, the dead are not from the Leithu area. They could have come from another area and engaged in gunfight with a separate group. The rise in violence comes a day after the government lifted the ban on mobile and internet services after seven months except in border areas of some tense districts. Watch | Manipur violence: Who is accountable? × Previous incidents of violence Last month, two people were killed in a similar gunfight between the Haraothel and Kobsha villages in the Kangpokpi district. Condemning the attack on the Kuki-Zo community, the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) enforced an "emergency shutdown" across the district as a sign of protest at the time. Similarly, in September, a popular tribal songwriter-composer was among six killed while 14 others were injured on the state's volatile Bishnupur-Churachandpur border. where the divide between the valley and hill districts has led to an escalation in violence. 42-year-old LS Mangboi Lhungdim, credited for penning the tribal anthem, “I gam hilou ham (Is this not our land?)” was killed in the gunfight between Meitei and Kuki groups. Also read | India: Fresh bout of violence rocks Manipur, popular tribal songwriter among 6 killed What is happening in Manipur? Manipur has been rocked by ethnic violence since May. Over 180 people have been killed while tens of thousands have been displaced. The violence started after a court ordered the state government to consider extending special economic benefits and quotas in government jobs and education enjoyed by the tribal Kuki people to the majority Meitei population as well. Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur’s population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Meanwhile, Nagas and Kukis constitute little over 40 per cent and reside in the hill districts. What started with street protests spiralled into an armed conflict. The Narendra Modi-led central government even faced a 'no-trust motion' in the parliament, brought by the newly-minted opposition bloc called INDIA, for failing to address the situation in the state. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Fresh violence erupts in Manipur as 13 die in gunfight

<p>It wasn't your conventional Bollywood wedding and perhaps that's why actors Randeep Hooda and Lin Laishram's wedding stood out for its uniqueness. The two tied the knot on Tuesday in Imphal, Manipur in an intimate ceremony which followed the traditional Meitei rituals. The groom wore traditional white Manipuri outfit&nbsp;while Lin looked like a princess in traditional Manipuri bridal attire.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Fans had been&nbsp;eagerly awaiting to see the full wedding looks of Randeep and Lin. In new posts by PTI shared on X, Randeep was seen in an all-white kurta and dhoti, with yellow headwear. Other guests in white attires surrounded him.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Actors Randeep Hooda and Lin Laishram are tying the knot in a traditional Meitei wedding ceremony in Imphal, Manipur today.<br />
<br />
Visuals from Chumthang Shannapung resort in Imphal where the wedding rituals are taking place. <a href="https://t.co/x75FwKtBBv">pic.twitter.com/x75FwKtBBv</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1729841672631017498?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Bollywood actor Randeep Hooda and Lin Laishram seal their love with a traditional Meitei wedding in Manipur's Imphal<br />
<br />
(Video: news agency ANI)<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RandeepHooda?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RandeepHooda</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LinLaishram?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LinLaishram</a> <a href="https://t.co/Pe8TyQtlVO">pic.twitter.com/Pe8TyQtlVO</a></p>
— WION Showbiz (@WIONShowbiz) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONShowbiz/status/1729888671040696520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
Meanwhile, Lin looked stunning in Manipuri attire, decked up in an elaborate pink Manipuri skirt which she paired with a gold and maroon blouse and white veil. She completed her look with gorgeous gold jewellery. She was surrounded by other close relatives, who helped her arrive in heavy attire. Lin smiled at the media, as she walked towards the wedding venue.</p>

<p>Earlier, Randeep had talked to the press about his wedding. “I felt that it’s only respectful to come and marry in the bride’s traditions. I look forward to the ceremony and experiencing my partner’s culture. I just hope I don’t make any mistakes," he said. The actor also added that he has only two wishes while embarking on a whole new phase of life - lots of kids and abundance. “We have been talking about Manipuri culture for a long time,” he said, adding, “I am praying for a happy future filled with lots of kids and abundance. I love that we’re taking our friendship forward and becoming family.”<br />
<br />
Randeep took to social media a few days ago to confirm the news of his wedding. “Taking a leaf out of the Mahabharata where Arjuna married Manipuri Warrior Princess Chitrangada, We are getting married with the blessings of our families and friends,” read the note. "As we embark on this journey, we seek your blessings and love for this union of cultures, for which we are forever indebted and grateful,” he wrote in a joint post with Lin.<br />
<br />
The couple are expected to host a reception later in Mumbai for their friends.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Manipur | Wedding rituals underway at Chumthang Shannapung resort in Imphal as actors Randeep Hooda and Lin Laishram tie the knot in a traditional Meitei wedding ceremony here. <a href="https://t.co/86g6TPFPWG">pic.twitter.com/86g6TPFPWG</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1729844750688149879?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><br />
<strong>Social media hails their unique wedding</strong><br />
<br />
Several fans gushed over Randeep and Lin's simplistic and unique wedding. For many, it was a first glimpse into how traditional weddings in Manipur are conducted.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">❤️<br />
How often do we see such beautiful traditional weddings in Bollywood?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RandeepHooda?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RandeepHooda</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LinLaishram?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LinLaishram</a> tie the knot in a Meitei ceremony. Congratulations 🥰 <a href="https://t.co/oLUtYvV1oH">pic.twitter.com/oLUtYvV1oH</a></p>
— Mimansa Shekhar (@mimansashekhar) <a href="https://twitter.com/mimansashekhar/status/1729908834356072639?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Randeep Hooda and Lin! Kudos for keeping the traditions alive. <a href="https://t.co/pXEcxFaZS0">https://t.co/pXEcxFaZS0</a></p>
— 𝕾𝖎𝖓𝖌𝖍 𝕾𝖆𝖍𝖆𝖇 सिंह साहब✨ (@ideasingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/ideasingh/status/1729923401761091934?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Randeep Hooda and Lin! Kudos for keeping the traditions alive. <a href="https://t.co/pXEcxFaZS0">https://t.co/pXEcxFaZS0</a></p>
— 𝕾𝖎𝖓𝖌𝖍 𝕾𝖆𝖍𝖆𝖇 सिंह साहब✨ (@ideasingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/ideasingh/status/1729923401761091934?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Randeep Hooda and Lin! Kudos for keeping the traditions alive. <a href="https://t.co/pXEcxFaZS0">https://t.co/pXEcxFaZS0</a></p>
— 𝕾𝖎𝖓𝖌𝖍 𝕾𝖆𝖍𝖆𝖇 सिंह साहब✨ (@ideasingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/ideasingh/status/1729923401761091934?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


It wasn't your conventional Bollywood wedding and perhaps that's why actors Randeep Hooda and Lin Laishram's wedding stood out for its uniqueness. The two tied the knot on Tuesday in Imphal, Manipur in an intimate ceremony which followed the traditional Meitei rituals.

It wasn't your conventional Bollywood wedding and perhaps that's why actors Randeep Hooda and Lin Laishram's wedding stood out for its uniqueness. The two tied the knot on Tuesday in Imphal, Manipur in an intimate ceremony which followed the traditional Meitei rituals. The groom wore traditional white Manipuri outfit while Lin looked like a princess in traditional Manipuri bridal attire. Fans had been eagerly awaiting to see the full wedding looks of Randeep and Lin. In new posts by PTI shared on X, Randeep was seen in an all-white kurta and dhoti, with yellow headwear. Other guests in white attires surrounded him. #WATCH | Actors Randeep Hooda and Lin Laishram are tying the knot in a traditional Meitei wedding ceremony in Imphal, Manipur today. Visuals from Chumthang Shannapung resort in Imphal where the wedding rituals are taking place. pic.twitter.com/x75FwKtBBv — ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2023 × Bollywood actor Randeep Hooda and Lin Laishram seal their love with a traditional Meitei wedding in Manipur's Imphal (Video: news agency ANI)#RandeepHooda #LinLaishram pic.twitter.com/Pe8TyQtlVO — WION Showbiz (@WIONShowbiz) November 29, 2023 × Meanwhile, Lin looked stunning in Manipuri attire, decked up in an elaborate pink Manipuri skirt which she paired with a gold and maroon blouse and white veil. She completed her look with gorgeous gold jewellery. She was surrounded by other close relatives, who helped her arrive in heavy attire. Lin smiled at the media, as she walked towards the wedding venue. Earlier, Randeep had talked to the press about his wedding. “I felt that it’s only respectful to come and marry in the bride’s traditions. I look forward to the ceremony and experiencing my partner’s culture. I just hope I don’t make any mistakes," he said. The actor also added that he has only two wishes while embarking on a whole new phase of life - lots of kids and abundance. “We have been talking about Manipuri culture for a long time,” he said, adding, “I am praying for a happy future filled with lots of kids and abundance. I love that we’re taking our friendship forward and becoming family.” Randeep took to social media a few days ago to confirm the news of his wedding. “Taking a leaf out of the Mahabharata where Arjuna married Manipuri Warrior Princess Chitrangada, We are getting married with the blessings of our families and friends,” read the note. "As we embark on this journey, we seek your blessings and love for this union of cultures, for which we are forever indebted and grateful,” he wrote in a joint post with Lin. The couple are expected to host a reception later in Mumbai for their friends. #WATCH | Manipur | Wedding rituals underway at Chumthang Shannapung resort in Imphal as actors Randeep Hooda and Lin Laishram tie the knot in a traditional Meitei wedding ceremony here. pic.twitter.com/86g6TPFPWG — ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2023 × Social media hails their unique wedding Several fans gushed over Randeep and Lin's simplistic and unique wedding. For many, it was a first glimpse into how traditional weddings in Manipur are conducted. ❤️ How often do we see such beautiful traditional weddings in Bollywood?#RandeepHooda and #LinLaishram tie the knot in a Meitei ceremony. Congratulations 🥰 pic.twitter.com/oLUtYvV1oH — Mimansa Shekhar (@mimansashekhar) November 29, 2023 × Randeep Hooda and Lin! Kudos for keeping the traditions alive. https://t.co/pXEcxFaZS0 — 𝕾𝖎𝖓𝖌𝖍 𝕾𝖆𝖍𝖆𝖇 सिंह साहब✨ (@ideasingh) November 29, 2023 × Randeep Hooda and Lin! Kudos for keeping the traditions alive. https://t.co/pXEcxFaZS0 — 𝕾𝖎𝖓𝖌𝖍 𝕾𝖆𝖍𝖆𝖇 सिंह साहब✨ (@ideasingh) November 29, 2023 × Randeep Hooda and Lin! Kudos for keeping the traditions alive. https://t.co/pXEcxFaZS0 — 𝕾𝖎𝖓𝖌𝖍 𝕾𝖆𝖍𝖆𝖇 सिंह साहब✨ (@ideasingh) November 29, 2023 ×

Randeep Hooda and Lin Laishram tie the knot in an intimate ceremony in Imphal. Watch

The oldest militant group in India's Northeastern State of Manipur, United National Liberation Front, has signed a peace agreement with the Central and state governments. It marks the end of the six decades long armed Movement by the group.

India: Oldest militant group in Manipur state signs peace deal

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said the United National Liberation Front, the oldest militant group of Manipur, signed a peace agreement with the Centre.

Manipur: UNLF Militant group signs peace deal

<p>In what has been described as a ‘historic milestone’, the Indian government on Wednesday (Nov 29) confirmed that it has signed a peace deal with Manipur’s banned armed group United National Liberation Front (UNLF), paving the way for normalcy to return in the violence-hit north-eastern state.</p>

<p>Union Home Minister Amit Shah took to social media X to laud the oldest valley-based armed group’s decision to shun violence and join the mainstream.</p>

<h2><strong>Ministers hail achievement&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>“A historic milestone achieved!!! Modi govt’s relentless efforts to establish permanent peace in the Northeast have added a new chapter of fulfillment as the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) signed a peace agreement, today in New Delhi,” Shah said in an X (formerly Twitter) post.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A historic milestone achieved!!!<br />
<br />
Modi govt’s relentless efforts to establish permanent peace in the Northeast have added a new chapter of fulfilment as the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) signed a peace agreement, today in New Delhi.<br />
<br />
UNLF, the oldest valley-based armed… <a href="https://t.co/AiAHCRIavy">pic.twitter.com/AiAHCRIavy</a></p>
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1729823740475924662?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>“UNLF, the oldest valley-based armed group of Manipur has agreed to renounce violence and join the mainstream. I welcome them to the democratic processes and wish them all the best in their journey on the path of peace and progress,” the home minister added.</p>

<p>Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh also termed it as "a significant milestone."</p>

<p>"The oldest armed group of Manipur has chosen the path of peace, renouncing violence to join the mainstream and embrace democracy. The United National Liberation Front (UNLF) has signed a peace agreement in New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in our relentless pursuit of permanent peace in the Northeast," Singh posted on X.</p>

<h2><strong>Insurgent groups activity sliding in state&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The peace talks between the government and the insurgent group began last year, according to reports. It was paused for a brief period due to the ethnic strife in the state that broke out on May 3.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-embassy-in-india-issues-record-140000-student-visas-amid-global-visa-surge-664159">US embassy in India issues record 140,000+ student visas amid global visa surge</a></p>

<p>It is considered a major breakthrough as no valley-based Meitei insurgent group had ever come to an agreement with the Indian government or even participated in peace talks.</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-looking-into-us-report-on-alleged-nexus-between-organised-criminals-terrorists-and-others-mea-664221">India looking into US report on alleged 'nexus between organised criminals, terrorists, and others': MEA</a></p>

<p>The peace accord marks the end of the decades-long armed struggle by the group which was fighting for an independent&nbsp;Manipur kingdom, before it became part of India.</p>

<p>Over the years, the insurgent group broke into several factions after its chief&nbsp;Imphal-based public figure RK Meghen left the outfit many years ago.</p>

<p>Among the 40 insurgent groups in&nbsp;Manipur, UNLF was considered the oldest in the state capital Imphal valley. However, they have been lying low for a long time following their signing of separate suspension of operation agreements with the central government.&nbsp;The UNLF had most of its bases along the dense jungles of Myanmar, just across the border with India.&nbsp;</p>


In what has been described as a ‘historic milestone’, the Indian government on Wednesday (Nov 29) confirmed that it has signed a peace deal with Manipur’s banned armed group United National Liberation Front (UNLF), paving the way for normalcy to return in the violence-hit north-eastern state.

In what has been described as a ‘historic milestone’, the Indian government on Wednesday (Nov 29) confirmed that it has signed a peace deal with Manipur’s banned armed group United National Liberation Front (UNLF), paving the way for normalcy to return in the violence-hit north-eastern state. Union Home Minister Amit Shah took to social media X to laud the oldest valley-based armed group’s decision to shun violence and join the mainstream. Ministers hail achievement “A historic milestone achieved!!! Modi govt’s relentless efforts to establish permanent peace in the Northeast have added a new chapter of fulfillment as the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) signed a peace agreement, today in New Delhi,” Shah said in an X (formerly Twitter) post. A historic milestone achieved!!! Modi govt’s relentless efforts to establish permanent peace in the Northeast have added a new chapter of fulfilment as the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) signed a peace agreement, today in New Delhi. UNLF, the oldest valley-based armed… pic.twitter.com/AiAHCRIavy — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) November 29, 2023 × “UNLF, the oldest valley-based armed group of Manipur has agreed to renounce violence and join the mainstream. I welcome them to the democratic processes and wish them all the best in their journey on the path of peace and progress,” the home minister added. Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh also termed it as "a significant milestone." "The oldest armed group of Manipur has chosen the path of peace, renouncing violence to join the mainstream and embrace democracy. The United National Liberation Front (UNLF) has signed a peace agreement in New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in our relentless pursuit of permanent peace in the Northeast," Singh posted on X. Insurgent groups activity sliding in state The peace talks between the government and the insurgent group began last year, according to reports. It was paused for a brief period due to the ethnic strife in the state that broke out on May 3. Also read | US embassy in India issues record 140,000+ student visas amid global visa surge It is considered a major breakthrough as no valley-based Meitei insurgent group had ever come to an agreement with the Indian government or even participated in peace talks. Also read | India looking into US report on alleged 'nexus between organised criminals, terrorists, and others': MEA The peace accord marks the end of the decades-long armed struggle by the group which was fighting for an independent Manipur kingdom, before it became part of India. Over the years, the insurgent group broke into several factions after its chief Imphal-based public figure RK Meghen left the outfit many years ago. Among the 40 insurgent groups in Manipur, UNLF was considered the oldest in the state capital Imphal valley. However, they have been lying low for a long time following their signing of separate suspension of operation agreements with the central government. The UNLF had most of its bases along the dense jungles of Myanmar, just across the border with India.

Indian govt signs peace accord with Manipur’s insurgent group UNLF, Amit Shah calls it ‘historic milestone’

<p>India’s northeastern Manipur state has been on alert after an unidentified flying object was spotted near the capital Imphal city airport's runway on Sunday (Nov 19).</p>

<p>Times of India news outlet reported, citing a source, that the unidentified aerial vehicle was spotted in the afternoon at 2 pm (local time) by a&nbsp; Central Industrial Security Force&nbsp;(CISF) personnel following which operations were halted and around 500&nbsp;passengers of three outbound flights were stranded.</p>

<p>NDTV reported, citing sources, that the airport authorities closed the "controlled airspace" and stopped all flight operations immediately. Two flights were diverted, while three were delayed.</p>

<p>According to reports, the&nbsp;air traffic control (ATC) and people on the ground saw the drones around, after which the three flights — two Air India, and an IndiGo flight — were told not to take off. At the same time, two incoming flights were diverted.</p>

<p>"Due to sighting of an unidentified flying object within Imphal controlled airspace, two flights have been diverted and three departing flights have been delayed. Flight operations commence after receipt of clearance from the competent authority," a statement issued by Airport Director Chipemmi Keishing said.</p>

<h2><strong>Flights suspended for three hours&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The three flights—three flights scheduled to depart from Imphal to Agartala, Guwahati and Kolkata—remain&nbsp;suspended till 6 pm. Another flight from Delhi to Imphal&nbsp;was diverted to Kolkata while a flight from Guwahati to&nbsp;Imphal at 3.50 pm, which was also suspended later&nbsp;departed at 6.50 pm.</p>

<p>"The UFO was visible with bare eyes moving westwards of the airfield till 4 pm," an Air Traffic Control (ATC) official told PTI news agency.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-becomes-4-trillion-economy-creates-history-report-660438">Has India become a $4-trillion economy? Social media abuzz with rumours</a></p>

<p>The airspace was handed over to the Indian Air Force (IAF) and after it gave the nod, the airspace was restored for commercial flight operations after three hours.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-four-women-killed-one-injured-in-series-of-shootings-across-memphis-gunman-found-dead-later-660481">US: Four women killed, 1 injured in series of shootings across Memphis</a></p>

<p>Directorate General of Civil Aviation and the Indian Air Force have launched a joint probe to find out more about the incident.</p>

<h2><strong>Joint probe launched&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The Indian Air Force Eastern Command at Shillong was informed of the development, the official said.</p>

<p>Manipur is bordered by Nagaland, Mizoram and Assam, besides sharing an international border with Myanmar to its east.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India’s northeastern Manipur state has been on alert after an unidentified flying object was spotted near the capital Imphal city airport's runway on Sunday (Nov 19).

India’s northeastern Manipur state has been on alert after an unidentified flying object was spotted near the capital Imphal city airport's runway on Sunday (Nov 19). Times of India news outlet reported, citing a source, that the unidentified aerial vehicle was spotted in the afternoon at 2 pm (local time) by a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel following which operations were halted and around 500 passengers of three outbound flights were stranded. NDTV reported, citing sources, that the airport authorities closed the "controlled airspace" and stopped all flight operations immediately. Two flights were diverted, while three were delayed. According to reports, the air traffic control (ATC) and people on the ground saw the drones around, after which the three flights — two Air India, and an IndiGo flight — were told not to take off. At the same time, two incoming flights were diverted. "Due to sighting of an unidentified flying object within Imphal controlled airspace, two flights have been diverted and three departing flights have been delayed. Flight operations commence after receipt of clearance from the competent authority," a statement issued by Airport Director Chipemmi Keishing said. Flights suspended for three hours The three flights—three flights scheduled to depart from Imphal to Agartala, Guwahati and Kolkata—remain suspended till 6 pm. Another flight from Delhi to Imphal was diverted to Kolkata while a flight from Guwahati to Imphal at 3.50 pm, which was also suspended later departed at 6.50 pm. "The UFO was visible with bare eyes moving westwards of the airfield till 4 pm," an Air Traffic Control (ATC) official told PTI news agency. Also read | Has India become a $4-trillion economy? Social media abuzz with rumours The airspace was handed over to the Indian Air Force (IAF) and after it gave the nod, the airspace was restored for commercial flight operations after three hours. Also read | US: Four women killed, 1 injured in series of shootings across Memphis Directorate General of Civil Aviation and the Indian Air Force have launched a joint probe to find out more about the incident. Joint probe launched The Indian Air Force Eastern Command at Shillong was informed of the development, the official said. Manipur is bordered by Nagaland, Mizoram and Assam, besides sharing an international border with Myanmar to its east. (With inputs from agencies)

UFO sighted in India? Manipur’s Imphal airport shut down after unusual activity

<p>Security forces in India’s northeastern state of Manipur arrested two militants amid the ongoing hunt for two missing teens.</p>

<p>Both militants are linked to the Kuki Revolutionary Army Unification (KRA-U), a hill-based insurgent group of the state. The police say they are suspected to be involved in the alleged abduction of the missing teens, who remain untraceable since Sunday (Nov 5).</p>

<p>Police have detained them and interrogation is underway to determine the whereabouts of Maibam Avinash and Ningthoujam Anthony, aged 16 and 19, respectively.</p>

<p>Furthermore, security forces have also launched a search and combing operation to nab the remaining culprits.</p>

<p>Manipur police gave the details of the situation on X.</p>

<p>“In connection with the missing case of 02 (two) boys on 05.11.2023, Manipur police and security forces arrested two cadres of KRA (U) who are highly suspected to be involved in committing the crime. The arrested persons have been remanded in police custody for further interrogation. Combing operations are being carried out to apprehend the other culprits,” it&nbsp;wrote in a post.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Manipur government revokes daily curfew relaxation from 5 AM to 10 PM</strong></p>

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<p>It is to be noted that the mobile phones of the duo have already been recovered from the Senapati district, located at a distance of around 60 kilometres from the state capital Imphal.</p>

<h2><strong>Mob attacks Sports Utility Vehicle</strong></h2>

<p>In another incident, a mob on Tuesday (Nov 7) attacked a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) at Kangchup Chingkhong under the Saitu Gamphazol subdivision in the state’s Senapati district.</p>

<p>The mob allegedly abducted four out of six people travelling in the vehicle; however, one of them managed to escape. Four people, including the one who escaped, still remain untraceable.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/situation-calm-but-tense-in-imphal-day-after-attack-by-mob-on-manipur-rifles-camp-654221"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Situation calm but tense in Imphal day after attack by mob on Manipur Rifles camp</strong></a></p>

<p>Adding to the chaos in the state, armed miscreants resorted to indiscriminate firing in the K Songlung hill range of the Senapati district, and Koutruk and Tairenpokpi villages in the Imphal West district.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nine police personnel were injured in the firing and taken to hospital for treatment. Police were later able to bring the situation under control.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Security forces in India’s northeastern state of Manipur arrested two militants amid the ongoing hunt for two missing teens. Both militants are linked to the Kuki Revolutionary Army Unification (KRA-U), a hill-based insurgent group of the state.

Security forces in India’s northeastern state of Manipur arrested two militants amid the ongoing hunt for two missing teens. Both militants are linked to the Kuki Revolutionary Army Unification (KRA-U), a hill-based insurgent group of the state. The police say they are suspected to be involved in the alleged abduction of the missing teens, who remain untraceable since Sunday (Nov 5). Police have detained them and interrogation is underway to determine the whereabouts of Maibam Avinash and Ningthoujam Anthony, aged 16 and 19, respectively. Furthermore, security forces have also launched a search and combing operation to nab the remaining culprits. Manipur police gave the details of the situation on X. “In connection with the missing case of 02 (two) boys on 05.11.2023, Manipur police and security forces arrested two cadres of KRA (U) who are highly suspected to be involved in committing the crime. The arrested persons have been remanded in police custody for further interrogation. Combing operations are being carried out to apprehend the other culprits,” it wrote in a post. Watch: Manipur government revokes daily curfew relaxation from 5 AM to 10 PM × It is to be noted that the mobile phones of the duo have already been recovered from the Senapati district, located at a distance of around 60 kilometres from the state capital Imphal. Mob attacks Sports Utility Vehicle In another incident, a mob on Tuesday (Nov 7) attacked a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) at Kangchup Chingkhong under the Saitu Gamphazol subdivision in the state’s Senapati district. The mob allegedly abducted four out of six people travelling in the vehicle; however, one of them managed to escape. Four people, including the one who escaped, still remain untraceable. Also read: Situation calm but tense in Imphal day after attack by mob on Manipur Rifles camp Adding to the chaos in the state, armed miscreants resorted to indiscriminate firing in the K Songlung hill range of the Senapati district, and Koutruk and Tairenpokpi villages in the Imphal West district. Nine police personnel were injured in the firing and taken to hospital for treatment. Police were later able to bring the situation under control. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Police arrest two militants in Manipur following alleged abduction of two teens

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