ETHNIC CRISIS

CRPF troopers deployed in Manipur's Jiribam District following farmer's killing

Tension gripped the area after the killing of 59-year-old farmer Soibam Saratkumar Singh on June 6. Around 900 tribals belonging to the Kuki and Hmar communities took shelter at the homes of relatives and friends in two villages – Haokippunji and Hmarkhawlienin - in the Cachar district of southern Assam, after violence broke out.

Mizoram-Myanmar cross-border trade stopped after bridge destroyed by Myanmar Army

Border trade between Mizoram and Myanmar's Sagaing division is halted due to the destruction of a bridge over the Run River in the Teddim township area by the Myanmar Army personnel. The bridge connected Mizoram to Tahan town in Myanmar's Sagaing division.

Kuki-Zomi-Hmar MLAs of Manipur accuse state government of deliberately blocking development projects in their areas

Allegations of neglect in Hill Districts of Manipur by Kuki-Zomi-Hmar MLAs against the State Government post-ethnic violence. Claims of halted development projects and discrimination. Government denies allegations citing challenges and financial crisis impacting fund releases.

Iranian President Raisi's memorial muted amid public discontent

Thousands mourned President Ebrahim Raisi in Tabriz after a helicopter crash near the Azerbaijan border. State TV showed live images of black-clad mourners and a truck carrying caskets. Emotional rhetoric was subdued. Raisi's body was flown to Tehran airport and then to Qom. The economic crisis in Iran poses challenges for the ruling clerics.

Protest in some areas of Manipur following withdrawal of Central security forces

The United Committee of Pukhao and Makeng Dolaithabi Gram Panchayat urged authorities concerned not to remove the BSF battalion deployed in Purum village.

Myanmar displaced now at 3 million: UN

The number of displaced people in Myanmar has reached three million, the United Nations said, the vast majority forced to flee their homes by conflict unleashed by the military's 2021 coup. The coup sparked renewed clashes with established ethnic armed groups and birthed dozens of new "People's Defence Forces" that the military has failed to crush.

Manipur one year on: Meitei-Kuki couples forced to live apart, contemplate uncertain tomorrow

In Manipur's troubled times, Meitei-Kuki couples face separation and uncertainty. Ethnic clashes have forced many couples to live apart, with one spouse in the valley and the other in the hills. Mothers see their children once a month, and fathers like Laishram Singh haven't met their newborns. Fear of abandonment looms large, straining family bonds. Many are considering leaving the state for a fresh start, as peace seems elusive amidst ongoing conflict.

Inside China’s increasing interests in Myanmar

Chinese Public Security Minister Wang Xiaohong's recent remarks on China's relations with Myanmar indicate China's growing interest in the country. Despite efforts to improve ties, there are challenges. China seeks to maintain influence in Myanmar's political crisis, but experts suggest ASEAN should take a more active role in mediation to achieve sustainable peace.

Myanmar's unrest fuels ethnic strife in Manipur as cross-border crisis deepens

Ethnic strife in Manipur intensifies as a migration crisis unfolds, triggered by clashes between Myanmar’s Military Junta and rebel groups. Over 200 Myanmar nationals, including women and children, flee to Manipur's Moreh town for safety. The influx highlights escalating violence in Myanmar, straining resources and deepening tensions in the region. The Indian government scraps the Free Movement Regime along the border to ensure internal security and maintain the demographic structure of Northeastern states bordering Myanmar.

Manipur’s Chief Minister N Biren Singh champions development amidst turmoil

Despite ongoing ethnic strife in Manipur, Chief Minister N Biren Singh emphasized the need for development initiatives to continue. He praised the resilience of the youth and women and stressed the importance of hard work. Speaking at the launch of a football ground construction, he urged citizens to maintain communal harmony. Projects worth Rs 55,600 crore, including the football ground, were initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the northeast states. Biren expressed gratitude to Union Home Minister Amit Shah for addressing the state's crisis.

259 out of 6000+ illegal Myanmar immigrants sent back: Manipur CM Biren Singh

Ex-gratia amount has been giving to the next of kin of 114 deceased and the remaining are in the process, and will be distributed after verification, he said, adding that weapons used by the militants are trying to be identified by the government.

MHA sends Manipur ten mine protected QRF vehicles in light of months-long ethnic strife

These mine protected QRF vehicles would greatly help in protecting the security forces while performing their duties at vulnerable spots, the official said, adding that the state government continues to take up initiatives for strengthening security measures and the protection of lives and properties.

Ten Kuki-Zomi-Hmar MLAs condemn Manipur assembly’s resolution to urge Centre for SOO pact abrogation

Ten MLAs were not in assembly while the resolution was passed on Thursday. They stated, “We the Kuki-Zomi-Hmar MLAs would like to condemn and place on record our dissent and disapproval of this one-sided resolution emanating from prejudice, bias and hatred for our community that reflects a myopic view on the issue.

Class 12 exams held peacefully at 111 centres across Manipur

In 111 centres across the state, 31,351 students, including 15,152 girls from 236 higher secondary schools, appeared for the exams. Last year, around 36,000 students had appeared for the examinations. COHSEM chairman Takhellambam Ojit Singh said the exams are scheduled to end on March 23. Of the total number of centres, 36 are in the ten hill districts and 75 are in the six valley districts.

Will deport post-1961 immigrants: Manipur CM N Biren Singh

Speaking at a community development programme on Monday, Singh said, "We are passing through troubled times. The crisis we are facing today is one of struggle for existence, survival, and identity. The properties and identity, inherited over centuries, have now become insecure due to the lack of vision of certain politicians. Our generation is insecure today, so the government is working to make your future secure."

Individuals who arrived and established residence in Manipur post-1961 to be deported, says CM Biren Singh

Singh said, “We are passing through troubled times. The crisis we are facing today is one of struggle for existence, survival, and identity. The properties and identity, inherited over centuries, have now become insecure due to the lack of vision of certain politicians. Our generation is insecure today, so the government is working to make your future secure.” He stated that the government's measures, such as erecting fences and revoking the FMR, were aimed at guaranteeing a secure future, thereby curbing rampant illegal immigration and illicit activities like drug trade and weapons trafficking.

Government working to restore peace in Manipur: Governor

Recalling her visit to the relief camps, Uikey said training and material production programmes have been started for the internally displaced people at their request. Central and state governments jointly invest funds for the implementation of the plan.

I want to appeal to all the people to stop violence and start peaceful dialogue: Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh on Christmas

Biren while talking to media persons said, “Solving problems will take time. I want to appeal to all the people to stop violence and start peaceful dialogue. We must live together again, displaced persons have to be resettled, children have to go to school, people have to do their work. So, I appeal ahead of New Year and Christmas, to stop violence.” Admitting that tourism has been affected in the state, he said that as per the availability of the passengers’ buses will move from Imphal.

Church bodies call for low-key X-mas in Manipur

Church bodies in Manipur have called for a low-key Christmas celebration amid ongoing ethnic conflict. Many devout Christians believe this year's Christmas will be about caring and giving to the victims. The mild yuletide air envelopes the hill district and some Christian pockets of Imphal valley.

Manipur: Mob attacks ex-woman police officer's house for remarks on ethnic strife; attackers demand apology

Tribal MLAs from Manipur meet Mizoram CM Zoramthanga, Kuki-Zo to hold rallies in six states

Manipur tribals' apex body, Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum's (ITLF), senior leader Ginza Vualzong on Saturday said that the November 29 mega rally of the Kuki-Zo tribals would be held in Mizoram, Tripura, Delhi, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, besides different districts in Manipur.

Ethnic strife in Manipur fuels real estate demand in Assam's Guwahati

Several people in Manipur are purchasing ready to move houses in Guwahati. Some real estate promoters in Guwahati who do not want to be identified told ET, “Since July this year there has been a rush from buyers from Manipur to get flats in Guwahati.” He added, “Real estate in Guwahati had taken a hit in the COVID-19 period however post Manipur violence we got a good number of demands from Manipur.”

Manipur crisis: Chief Minister N Biren Singh exposes collaboration of Kuki Militants with external forces

Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF), an apex body of tribals in Manipur, on Sunday night called an indefinite shutdown in Churachandpur district in protest against the “abduction of 7 Kuki-Zo people including two minors”.