DIPR gifts rare historical photograph to Nagaland Governor
HT Correspondent DIMAPUR, June 4: In a significant effort to preserve and honour the cultural heritage of Nagaland, the information and public relations department presented a rare historical photograph to Governor La Ganesan at Raj Bhavan in Kohima on Wednesday. Adviser to information & public relations and soil & water conservation Imkong L Imchen, along []
Rainfall causes extensive damage in Nagaland
HT Correspondent DIMAPUR, June 4: The Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) said extreme monsoon weather caused widespread damage throughout the state. In Kohima, a major land sink was reported near Kisama Heritage village. A major landslide was also reported between Kigwema to Mima to Chakhabama road. A major retaining wall also collapsed at Phesama []
Nagaland road sinking strands over 200 Manipur-bound trucks
Imphal: A massive road sinking on National Highway 102 near Phesama in Nagalands Kohima district has stranded over 200 goods-laden vehicles traveling from Dimapur (Nagaland) towards Imphal (Manipur). In response, Manipur Drivers Association (MDA), Senapati District Truck Owners Association, Senapati District Truck Drivers Union and Manipur Gorkha Mortor Workers Union have jointly begun the processes [] The post Nagaland road sinking strands over 200 Manipur-bound trucks appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Trinity College London honours local teachers
SHILLONG, June 3: In a vibrant celebration of educational innovation, Trinity College London on Tuesday felicitated dedicated local teachers for their pivotal role in nurturing music, performance, communication and 21st-century skills among young learners. The felicitation events, held in Dimapur, Kohima, Guwahati, and culminating in Shillong at the Taj Vivanta, underscored a shared commitment to [] The post Trinity College London honours local teachers appeared first on The Shillong Times .
Nagaland: Villagers honour Padma Shri awardee Hangthing
Dimapur: L Hangthing, the recipient of the Padma Shri Award 2025 in the field of agriculture, was honoured in his native village of Noklak in Nagaland, near the Myanmar border, during a grand felicitation programme on Monday. The event was organised by the Noklak Village Council, Thang Public Organisation, and Thang Students Union, according to [] The post Nagaland: Villagers honour Padma Shri awardee Hangthing appeared first on NorthEast Now .
FOCUS project sees successful completion in Nagaland
Dimapur: The Fostering Climate Resilient Upland Farming System in the Northeast (FOCUS), Nagaland project, has been successfully completed. Addressing the project completion workshop in Kohima on Tuesday, agriculture production commissioner and mission director, FOCUS, Wezope Kenye, termed the successful completion of the project in Nagaland a significant milestone. He said this achievement is the result [] The post FOCUS project sees successful completion in Nagaland appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Nagaland: Phesama road sinking shuts Kohima-Manipur highway
Dimapur: A massive road sinking on National Highway-2 (Kohima-Mao road) near Phesama in Kohima district completely closed the highway linking Nagaland with Manipur. The sinking occurred between Chainage KM 192.050 and KM 192.150 on the highway following torrential rains in the past few days. In a traffic advisory on Sunday, Kohima Deputy Commissioner B Henok [] The post Nagaland: Phesama road sinking shuts Kohima-Manipur highway appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Nagaland: 35% of teens aged 13-15 use tobacco, reveals health official
Dimapur: Reyosalu Lase Vizo, the state nodal officer for the National Oral Health Programme, NOHP, on Saturday revealed that concerning 35% of children aged 13 to 15 in Nagaland use tobacco in some form, either smoked or smokeless. Vizo disclosed the alarming data during a World No Tobacco Day event at Government Higher Secondary School, [] The post Nagaland: 35% of teens aged 13-15 use tobacco, reveals health official appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Nagaland: Rockfall claims one life in Chumoukedima
Dimapur: In yet another rockfall incident at Pagala Pahar in Nagalands New Chumoukedima on NH 29, a truck driver lost his life when a rock fell on his dumper truck. The incident occurred at around 8 am on Friday, killing the driver instantly. The cabin of the truck was also severely damaged. The deceased was [] The post Nagaland: Rockfall claims one life in Chumoukedima appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Torrential rains trigger fatal landslides, chaos across Northeast
GUWAHATI: Torrential monsoon rains wreaked havoc across parts of the Northeast on Friday, claiming two lives and prompting multiple state governments to issue advisories, close educational institutions and activate emergency protocols. A retaining wall collapsed in the Thuampui locality of Mizorams capital Aizawl on Friday morning, killing one person and injuring another. The injured individual was admitted to a hospital. Locals said the rains disrupted vehicular traffic in the area. Mizoram has been experiencing continuous downpours over the past few days, forcing the state government to announce a temporary closure of all educational institutes. They remained shut on Thursday and Friday. In neighbouring Nagaland, a 25-year-old truck driver from Assam was killed when a rock fell on his vehicle on the Dimapur-Kohima road on Friday morning. In Assam, several localities in Guwahati were inundated, bringing normal life to a standstill. With the India Meteorological Department predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of the region on Friday and Saturday, several states issued precautionary advisories for the public. The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) warned that continued rainfall could worsen waterlogging and increase the risk of tree falls and landslides in vulnerable areas. The city authorities are closely monitoring the situation and emergency response systems are being kept on alert. In view of the situation, ASDMA requests all the people of the state, especially Guwahati city dwellers, to take all necessary precautions and remain vigilant, the ASDMA said in its advisory. It urged commuters and long-distance travellers to avoid unnecessary movement during periods of intense rainfall. Residents living in low-lying and hillside areas were advised to stay alert for any signs of flooding or landslides. In a similar advisory, the Manipur government urged citizens to stay informed and keep updated with the latest weather forecasts and warnings issued by local, state, and national authorities. It further asked people to ignore rumours and remain calm. Reinforce old doors and windows and secure loose objects in your houses. Prepare an emergency kit with essential items such as non-perishable foods, water, torch lights, first aid supplies, medicines for safety and survival. Stay away from flood and landslide-prone areas, rivers, and streams, the advisory read.
Nagaland: Dimapur Naga Students Union condemns fraudulent indigenous certificates
Dimapur: The Dimapur Naga Students Union (DNSU) on Thursday expressed deep concern and condemned the alleged escalating instances of fraudulent indigenous certificates being acquired and misused by certain non-Naga individuals to claim indigenous status within Nagaland. The DNSU said such deceitful practices not only directly infringe upon the rights of the indigenous people of Nagaland [] The post Nagaland: Dimapur Naga Students Union condemns fraudulent indigenous certificates appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Nagaland CM launches Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Mission
Dimapur: Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio officially launched the Nagaland Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Mission (NSEDM) at the chief ministers residential complex in Kohima on Thursday. Addressing the programme, Rio called the much-anticipated initiative a milestone in the governments efforts to empower the youth through skill development and employment opportunities. He said the NSEDM is [] The post Nagaland CM launches Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Mission appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Five Naga tribes launch protest over job reservation policy in Nagaland
Dimapur: Hundreds of people from five Naga tribes in Nagaland, under the banner of the 5 Tribes Committee on Review of Reservation Policy (CoRRP), on Thursday took out rallies, the first phase of their agitation, in five district headquarters of Dimapur, Kohima, Mokokchung, Tseminyu and Wokha in protest against the state governments alleged failure to [] The post Five Naga tribes launch protest over job reservation policy in Nagaland appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Nagaland reimposes Protected Area Permit rule for foreign nationals
Guwahati: The Commissioner of Police, Dimapur, who also serves as the Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO), has directed all foreign nationals visiting Nagaland to register with the FRO of the respective district within 24 hours of their arrival. The advisory specifically mandates that foreigners staying in Dimapur, Chmoukedima, and Niuland districts must obtain a Protected Area [] The post Nagaland reimposes Protected Area Permit rule for foreign nationals appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Dimapur implements revised ILP fee structure, guidelines
Nagaland: Five tribes committee to intensify job quota protest starting tomorrow
Dimapur: The 5 Tribes Committee on Review of Reservation Policy (CoRRP) in Nagaland announced its decision to proceed with its first phase of agitation, beginning May 29, 2025. This action is a protest against 48 years of indefinite job quotas for backward tribes in Nagaland, despite the state governments request for reconsideration of the proposed [] The post Nagaland: Five tribes committee to intensify job quota protest starting tomorrow appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Nagaland: Five tribes to intensify job quota protest starting tomorrow
Dimapur: The 5 Tribes Committee on Review of Reservation Policy (CoRRP) in Nagaland announced its decision to proceed with its first phase of agitation, beginning May 29, 2025. This action is a protest against 48 years of indefinite job quotas for backward tribes in Nagaland, despite the state governments request for reconsideration of the proposed [] The post Nagaland: Five tribes to intensify job quota protest starting tomorrow appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Nagaland: Revised ILP guidelines, fee structure issued for Dimapur
Dimapur: Dimapur deputy commissioner Tinojongshi Chang on Wednesday issued a notification revising the fee structure and guidelines for the issuance of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) within Nagalands Dimapur district. The notification stated that the home departments political branchs September 20, 2024, notification would implement the revised provisions with immediate effect. It stated that the [] The post Nagaland: Revised ILP guidelines, fee structure issued for Dimapur appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Nagaland: Kohima water supply disrupted due to pipeline burst
Dimapur: Residents of Kohima town of Nagaland are likely to face water supply disruptions for the next two to three days due to a major breakage of water mainline on Monday evening. The affected pipeline, which runs from the Jotsoma reserve forest area, burst as a result of aging infrastructure and increased water flow volume. [] The post Nagaland: Kohima water supply disrupted due to pipeline burst appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Minister Along acknowledges role of non-Nagas in shaping Nagaland
HT Correspondent DIMAPUR, May 26: Nagaland higher education minister Temjen Imna Along said the non-Nagas living in Nagaland are equal contributors in shaping Nagaland like the Nagas. Addressing the felicitation programme of Bengali students who excelled in the HSLC and HSSLC exams this year at St. Mary Hr. Sec. School Dimapur auditorium on Sunday evening []
Nagaland rolls out smart prepaid meters & solar push for power reforms
Dimapur: Nagalands power department has initiated the implementation of smart prepaid metering and comprehensive loss reduction measures statewide, aligning with the Government of Indias revamped distribution sector scheme (RDSS) power reforms. Speaking at the Dimapur District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) meeting on Monday, Executive Engineer (Power), Dimapur, Er. Lhuvoyi, detailed the power reforms. He [] The post Nagaland rolls out smart prepaid meters & solar push for power reforms appeared first on NorthEast Now .
From Dimapur to Budapest: The Inspiring Journey of Abdon Mech
Voice from Nagaland meets the world in Budapest, unfolding a saga of endless dreams and boundless possibilities.
Nagaland seeks policy reforms in PMMSY guidelines
Dimapur: The Nagaland government has sought policy reforms in Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) guidelines, saying the current funding of Rs 8.40 lakh per hectare under PMMSY is outdated and insufficient compared to the latest Nagaland public works department schedule of rates pegged at Rs 25 lakh per hectare. Attending the fisheries secretaries conference [] The post Nagaland seeks policy reforms in PMMSY guidelines appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Nagaland: Committee inspects waste management system in Dimapur & Chumoukedima
Dimapur: The newly constituted Committee on Environment and Climate Change of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, led by MLA Achumbemo Kikon as its chairperson, conducted spot verification of garbage dumping sites in Dimapur and Chumoukedima to assess the waste management system there. Kikon was accompanied by two members of the seven-member committee, MLAs Zhalheo Rio and [] The post Nagaland: Committee inspects waste management system in Dimapur & Chumoukedima appeared first on NorthEast Now .
NDTV Ground Report: China's Unconventional War Against India On Northeast Border
On the surface, life appears normal in Dimapur, Nagaland. But scratch a little, and decades of decay and turmoil are evident.
Nagaland LS MP calls for accountability among Naga leaders
Dimapur: Nagalands lone Lok Sabha MP on Wednesday, S Supongmeren Jamir, underscored the importance of accountability, unity, and humility among the Naga leaders to foster meaningful change in the state. Jamir called upon the leaders of tribal hohos (bodies), NGOs, and civil society organisations to actively engage with their assigned responsibilities to ensure development. He [] The post Nagaland LS MP calls for accountability among Naga leaders appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Indefinite business shutdown in 9 Nagaland dists called off
HT Correspondent DIMAPUR, May 20: The indefinite voluntary business shutdown called by the respective District Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) in nine districts of Nagaland from Monday has been called off. The nine DCCIs called the shutdown to press the Nagaland government to nominate their one representative each in the district headquarters urban local []
Dimapur Dist Cong alleges anomalies in PMAY implementation
HT Correspondent DIMAPUR, May 20: The Dimapur District Congress Committee (DDCC) on Monday accused certain BDOs (block development officers) of three districts of Dimapur, Chumoukedima and Niuland of demanding money from the beneficiaries of the Prime Minister Awas Yojana (PMAY). Addressing a press conference at Congress Bhavan Dimapur, DDCC president Kutoho Chishi said his office []
9 DCCIs to go ahead with business shutdown in Nagaland from May 19
HT Correspondent DIMAPUR, May 18: Nine district chambers of commerce and industries (DCCIs) in Nagaland have decided to go ahead with their proposed indefinite voluntary business shutdown in their respective districts from May 19 even as the state government on May 17 appealed to the Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI), the []
ENPO waits eagerly for Frontier Nagaland Territory
DIMAPUR, May 12: The Eastern Nagaland Peoples Organisation (ENPO) has stressed once againfor early solution and materialisation of the long cherished dream of the eastern Nagas regarding the Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT). After remitting its stance on Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT) to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) through an official email on April 28, []
NSUP initiates measures to evacuate Naga students from Punjab
HT Correspondent DIMAPUR, May 9: The Naga Students Union Punjab (NSUP) on Friday informed all its members that it has taken the initiative to assist and facilitate voluntary evacuation of the Naga students from Punjab, who wish to return home in light of the current situation along the Indo-Pakistan border. President of the union Sensen []
Nagaland: CNC calls 7-day special prayer and fasting
HT Correspondent DIMAPUR, May 9: The Council of Nagalim Churches (CNC) on Friday called for a seven-day special prayer and fasting programme for all the national workers. CNC general secretary Rev. Seksim Kasar, in a release, said the prayer and fasting was called in response to a solemn prophecy concerning the spiritual and moral condition []
Fake Doctor Exposed in Dimapur: Alarming Details Emerge
HT Digital DIMAPUR, May 6: A police investigation in Dimapur, Nagaland, has uncovered disturbing revelations in a case involving a man who impersonated a medical doctor for over a decade. Identified as Albert P. Lotha, a man in his thirties, the accused posed as an MBBS doctor and managed to operate undetected until his deception []
Kuki groups proposed meeting with uniformed personnel alarms police
GUWAHATI: Amid a relative lull in ethnic violence-hit Manipur, a Kuki-Zo organisations call to Kuki village chiefs and Kuki uniformed personnel to attend a meeting on April 30 in Kangpokpi district has alarmed Manipur Police. In a notice, the Superintendent of Police of Kangpokpi warned the uniformed personnel against attending the meeting. It is learnt from social media platforms that Kangchup Area Protection and Development Committee under the aegis of Kuki Inpi, South West Sadar Hills, has called for a meeting of all serving personnel of Civil Police, Manipur Rifles and India Reserve Battalion from Kuki villages of Kangchup area in K Ponlen village on 30/04/2025,he said. All concerned personnel are hereby sternly warned that the announcement made by the fictitious organisation is illegal, and any uniformed personnel attending the meeting will be considered to have committed gross service misconduct and strict disciplinary action will be initiated, the SP warned. The Kuki organisation had stated that all Kuki village chiefs of Kangchup would be required to send the uniformed personnel to its office in K Ponlien on April 30. It further stated that the meeting was being organised following detailed discussions with Kuki insurgent groups. Meanwhile, Meghalaya Police arrested the finance secretary of the banned Manipur rebel group Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) Peoples War Group (PWG). Khundongbam Herojit Meitei was nabbed during an operation carried out in Meghalayas Ri-Bhoi district on Monday. The police said the operation was launched based on inputs that the person was involved in subversive activities, including extortion in Meghalaya as well as other neighbouring states. Meitei admitted that he is a member of the KCP (PWG) group and has been collecting money on behalf of the organisation. It appears, prima facie, that he was hiding in the Assam-Meghalaya border to avoid getting arrested. He is also suspected to be involved in criminal conspiracy with a few Myanmar and Nepal-based militant organisations, the police said. The police added that Meitei was arrested in Manipur last year for possessing an illegal firearm. He was also arrested earlier in Nagalands Dimapur in 2018 in a drug trafficking case.
AFSPA extended for six months in Manipur, parts of Nagaland, Arunachal
NEW DELHI: The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, which gives armed forces operating in disturbed areas sweeping powers and immunity from prosecution unless approved by the Centre, was on Sunday extended for six months in entire Manipur, except the jurisdictions of 13 police stations, in view of the law and order situation there. The AFSPA, under which a particular state or some areas are declared disturbed, has also been extended to eight districts in Nagaland and 21 police station areas in five other districts of the state for six months, according to a notification issued by the Union home ministry. The law was also extended to Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts in Arunachal Pradesh and three police station areas in Namsai district in the state for six months beginning April 1 after a review of the law and order situation in these northeastern states. The AFSPA, often criticised as a draconian law, gives armed forces operating in disturbed areas sweeping powers to search, arrest and open fire if they deem it necessary. Whereas the central government after review of the law and order situation in the state of Manipur, in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (28 of 1958) declares the entire state of Manipur, excluding the areas falling under the jurisdiction of the following 13 (thirteen) police stations of 5 districts, as 'disturbed area' for a period of six months with effect from 01.04.2025, unless withdrawn earlier, the notification related to Manipur read. The police station areas in Manipur where the AFSPA will not be in force are: Imphal, Lamphal, City, Singjamei, Patsoi, Wangoi in Imphal West district, Porompat, Heingang, Irilbung in Imphal East district, Thoubal in Thoubal district and Bishnupur and Nambol in Bishnupur district and Kakching in Kakching district. Manipur has been under President's rule since February 13 after Chief Minister N Biren Singh, who was heading a BJP-led government, resigned on February 9 following ethnic violence that claimed over 260 lives since May 2023. The disturbed area declaration was in force in the entire Manipur (except the Imphal municipality area) from 2004 till early 2022. In April 2022, the Manipur government issued a notification where it said that disturbed area will no longer be applicable in seven police station areas of Imphal West district, four police station areas under the Imphal East district and one police station area each in the districts of Thoubal, Bishnupur, Kakching and Jiribam. There are 16 districts in Manipur. In October 2024, the Manipur government reimposed AFSPA in the entire state, barring 19 police station areas A month later, the AFSPA was also extended in six of the 19 police station areas after violence broke out in Jiribam district. More than 260 people were killed and thousands left homeless in ethnic violence between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and adjoining hills-based Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023. In a separate notification, the home ministry said a further review of the law and order situation in Nagaland has been undertaken. After that, Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek and Peren districts in Nagaland were declared as 'disturbed area' under Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 for six months with effect from April 1, 2025, unless withdrawn earlier. The areas in Nagaland declared as 'disturbed area' under AFSPA for six months fall within the jurisdiction of i) Khuzama, Kohima North, Kohima South, Zubza and Kezocha police stations in Kohima District; ii) Mangkolemba, Mokokchung-I, Longtho, Tuli, Longchem and Anaki 'C' police stations in Mokokchung District; iii) Yanglok police station in Longleng District; iv) Bhandari, Champang and Ralan police stations in Wokha District; and v) Ghatashi, Pughoboto, Satakha, Suruhuto, Zunheboto and Aghunato police stations in Zunheboto District, according to the notification. A third notification issued by the home ministry said a further review of the law and order situation in Arunachal Pradesh has also been undertaken. Therefore, Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts in Arunachal Pradesh and the areas falling within the jurisdiction of Namsai, Mahadevpur and Chowkham police stations in Namsai district of Arunachal Pradesh, bordering the State of Assam, are declared as 'disturbed area' under Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 for six months with effect from April 1, 2025, unless withdrawn earlier, it said. There have been protests and demands for the complete withdrawal of the law from the Northeast as well as Jammu and Kashmir. Manipuri activist Irom Chanu Sharmila fought against the law by remaining on hunger strike for 16 years, before ending it on August 9, 2016. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had earlier said the AFSPA has been removed in 70 per cent of the areas in the northeastern states even though it is in force in Jammu and Kashmir. Shah had also said that the central government would consider revoking AFSPA in Jammu and Kashmir.
IPL Fan Parks 2025: 'Stadium-Like' Experience In 50 Cities; Check Dates, Full List Of Host Cities
This will be the first time IPL Fan Parks are held in Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh), Dimapur (Nagaland), Karaikal (Puducherry), Manbhum, Purulia (West Bengal), Rohtak and Tinsukia, the BCCI said.
IMPHAL: Normal life was affected in Kuki-dominated areas of Manipur on Sunday as agitators enforced an indefinite shutdown called by Kuki-Zo groups against a crackdown by security forces. The situation in Kangpokpi district, where at least one person was killed and 40 others were injured in clashes between Kuki demonstrators and security forces on the previous day, remained tense on Sunday. In other Kuki-dominated areas in Churachandpur and Tengnoupal districts as well, protesters burnt tyres and blocked roads with boulders, which the security forces were seen clearing. However, no fresh violence has been reported so far. Business establishments remained closed and few vehicles were seen plying the roads in Kuki-dominated areas in the state. Agitators were seen asking people to remain indoors. Additional security forces have been deployed in Gamghiphai and other parts of the district along the NH-2 (Imphal-Dimapur Road) and vehicular patrolling was being conducted to ensure law and order, a district official said. A protester was killed while over 40 others, including women and policemen, were injured in clashes between Kuki demonstrators and security forces in different parts of Kangpokpi district on Saturday, officials said. Clashes erupted between demonstrators and security forces in the Kuki-dominated district after police fired tear gas shells to disperse them, as they opposed Union Home Minister Amit Shah's directive allowing free movement across the state. Protesters clashed with security forces till late on Saturday night as the agitators used catapults against the law enforcers, he said, adding windshields of at least five vehicles of the security forces were damaged. The Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF), a Kuki-Zo body, extended support to the indefinite shutdown called by Kuki Zo Council (KZC) in all areas inhabited by the community in Manipur to protest the crackdown of security forces on demonstrators protesting free movement along all roads in the ethnic strife-torn state. In a statement, ITLF said, Yesterday, the Government of India's decision to allow the movement of Meiteis through Kuki-Zo areas led to agitation and protest in Kangpokpi... the security forces used excessive force on the protesters. Endorsing the indefinite shutdown called in all Kuki-Zo areas, ITLF asked everyone to adhere to the shutdown in solidarity. We respect everyone who came out to protest yesterday, the ITLF said. Manipur Police, in a statement, said 27 security personnel were injured in the clash between police and Kuki protesters who allegedly resorted to stone pelting and barricaded roads by putting up huge boulders, setting tyres on fire and felling trees. Amid the protests, there were incidents of firing from amongst the protesters towards the security forces, to which the security forces retaliated, the police claimed. Due to heavy pelting of stones, use of catapults and random firing by armed miscreants from amongst the protesters, 27 security forces personnel suffered injuries, including two critical injuries, the police said. The security forces showed tremendous restraint while trying to control the unruly and violent mob and used minimum force to control and counter the anti-social elements. During the skirmish, 16 protesters were reportedly injured and one protester succumbed to injuries, it claimed. According to the police, it all started when a Manipur State Transport bus plied along the Imphal-Kangpokpi-Senapati route, a mob started pelting the vehicle with stones at Gamgiphai in Kangpokpi district prompting security forces to use tear gas and minimum force to disperse the crowd. The protest was also directed against a march by the Federation of Civil Society (FOCS), a Meitei organisation. The procession, involving over 10 vehicles, was halted by security forces at Sekmai before it could reach Kangpokpi district. Police claimed that the procession was stopped as those taking it out did not have requisite permission. Shah had on March 1 directed security forces to ensure free movement of people on all routes in Manipur from March 8 and also called for strict action against those creating obstructions. The order bore significance as unhindered travel throughout the state has remained affected since ethnic violence broke out between the two communities in May 2023. The violence left over 250 people killed and thousands homeless since then. The Centre had imposed President's rule in Manipur on February 13, days after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned from his post leading to political uncertainty in the northeastern state. The Manipur Assembly, which has a tenure till 2027, has been put under suspended animation, according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla had on February 20 urged the people of the state to voluntarily surrender looted and illegally held weapons within seven days, assuring no punitive action would be initiated against those giving up arms during this period. He later extended the deadline till 4 pm on March 6, following demands by people from both hill and valley areas for additional time.
MHA officials and NSCN-IM leaders meet in Dimapur, agree on fresh peace talks
Officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the NSCN-IM leaders agreed to resume formal talks to address the Naga political issue after a meeting in Dimapur. Discussions included demands for a separate flag and constitution, which have been contentious points in the negotiations.
