NewsPint, Imphal (2026)

25/09/2026

Manipur Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam Files ₹45-Crore Defamation Suit Against Republic, Arnab Goswami Amid JNU ‘Media Trial’ Row

New Delhi: Manipur Congress MP and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) professor Angomcha Bimol Akoijam has filed a ₹45-crore defamation suit against Republic Media Network, its editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami and others.

Akoijam announced the legal action on social media on Thursday, writing, “Today, I’ve filed a defamation suit (45 Cr) against Republic Media Network and Arnab Goswami, among others.”

“This is one step, and more will follow,” he added, saying his legal team would take the necessary steps over what he described as the misuse of institutions and norms.

The legal action comes amid allegations made by 11 JNU students against Akoijam, a professor at the university’s Centre for the Study of Social Systems. The allegations are being examined through JNU’s internal mechanism and have not been established as facts. Akoijam has denied the allegations.

The Delhi Commission for Women has also taken suo motu cognisance of the matter and sought an action-taken report from JNU regarding the complaints, the steps taken and measures for students’ safety. The commission has clarified that it is seeking information to establish the facts and is not treating the allegations as proven.

Akoijam has previously criticised media coverage of the allegations as a “media trial” and said the matter should be settled through legal proceedings. He has described the reports as “unverified, intentional, unethical and illegal.”

“I have nothing to hide. The truth will come on my side,” Akoijam said.

23/09/2026

Manipur Cabinet Approves 70-Bedded State Dialysis Centre at Keirao Under JNIMS to Expand Access and Ease Patient Waiting Time

Imphal: The Manipur State Cabinet has approved the establishment of a 70-bedded Manipur State Dialysis Centre at State TB Hospital, Keirao, aimed at strengthening dialysis services and improving access to regular treatment for patients requiring the procedure.

The decision was announced by MLA Dr Sapam Ranjan, Spokesperson of the Government of Manipur, during a press briefing held at the Conference Hall of the Minister’s Block, Secretariat, Imphal, following the Cabinet meeting.

According to Dr Sapam Ranjan, the proposed dialysis centre will function under the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) and will provide specialised dialysis services to patients who require regular treatment.

The establishment of the centre is expected to ease the difficulties faced by dialysis patients, many of whom currently have to wait for long hours due to limited facilities and the growing demand for dialysis services.

The new centre will operate under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), while beneficiaries covered under the Chief Minister-gi Hakshelgi Tengbang (CMHT) scheme will be able to avail themselves of treatment free of cost, according to the announcement.

22/09/2026

Manipur’s ‘Sunita’ Bags Best Manipuri Feature Film Award, Highlighting State’s Growing Presence on National Cinema Stage

Ekta Nagar, Gujarat: Manipur’s cinema fraternity marked a significant achievement at the 72nd National Film Awards 2024, with the Manipuri feature film Sunita receiving the Best Manipuri Feature Film Award at the prestigious national ceremony.

Director Ajit Yumnam, along with Yumnam Brojen Singh, received the prestigious award from the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, at the award distribution ceremony held at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat.

Actress Naramada Sougaijam and supporting actress Binitia Yumnam were also present at the ceremony, held at the Statue of Unity Bus Bay Area in Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, Gujarat.

The recognition for Sunita comes as a notable achievement for Manipuri cinema and adds to the state’s growing representation and contribution to the national film landscape.

Manipur’s presence at the 72nd National Film Awards extended beyond the winning film, with two filmmakers from the state serving in different jury panels.

Documentary filmmaker James Khangenbam served as a Central Jury Member in the Non-Feature Film Category, while filmmaker Thokchom Jimmy served on the Eastern Panel in the Feature Film Category.

James Khangenbam is known for his acclaimed documentary Meiram – The Fireline, which opened the 17th edition of the Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF). He has also served as the General Secretary of the Television and Cine Foundation, Manipur, and regularly writes on cinema and filmmaking for local, regional and national media.

Thokchom Jimmy is an award-winning filmmaker from Manipur with experience as an Assistant Director under renowned filmmaker Haobam Paban Kumar. He has directed short films, documentaries and music videos and has collaborated with Al Jazeera and several international production houses.

He has completed courses in Film Direction and Film Appreciation from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), along with studies in Journalism and Mass Communication and Visual Communication. He is currently working in Image Management in Rohtak.

Sunita tells the story of a visually impaired woman who faces extraordinary challenges in her pursuit of education, independence and dignity.

22/09/2026

Nagaland’s Theja Rio Makes History as Debut Feature Angh Wins TIFF Platform Award, Secures Direct Pathway to Oscars 2027

Kohima-based filmmaker Theja Rio has made history as his debut feature Angh wins the Platform Award at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), securing a direct pathway to compete for the Oscars 2027 in the International Feature Film category.

The landmark recognition marks a major international breakthrough for Rio and Angh, bringing the filmmaker’s debut feature onto the global awards stage and putting Nagaland in the spotlight at one of the world’s most prominent film festivals.

Speaking about the landmark win, Rio said: “I’m aware that it’s rare for a debut film to receive this kind of recognition, and all I can say is that we made Angh with a lot of love for the place I come from, for my people and for our culture.”

By winning TIFF’s top prize, Angh, as per a new rule that allows non-English-language films to qualify for the Best International Feature Film category at the Oscars by securing a top award at one of six major international film festivals, bypasses the traditional single-country submission requirement.

The achievement marks a significant moment for Nagaland’s cinema, with Rio’s debut feature earning international recognition while bringing the stories, culture and spirit of his home region to the global stage.

21/09/2026

‘Bashantagi Nongalamdai’ Part 4 Set for Release Soon

Imphal: Peace Maker Artistes’ Association is gearing up for the release of the fourth instalment of the popular Shumang Leela series “Bashantagi Nongalamdai.” The latest instalment, titled “Bashantagi Nongalamdai (Mari Suba Larol) — Kaongamdraba Nungshi Wari,” is currently in the final stages of preparation, with rehearsals and other arrangements in full swing.

The association is planning to release the much-awaited fourth instalment before September 30, 2026, with the production team working intensively ahead of the scheduled presentation. The Shumang Leela is expected to be staged at BOAT, Imphal.

Penned by renowned playwright Manaobi MM, Bashantagi Nongalamdai has remained a popular name among audiences in Manipur. The series has enjoyed considerable popularity in both its film and Shumang Leela adaptations, with the earlier instalments receiving widespread appreciation from viewers.

The first three instalments of the series have garnered a strong following, and anticipation is now building for Part 4. The upcoming “Mari Suba Larol — Kaongamdraba Nungshi Wari” is expected to add another chapter to the much-loved series.

With rehearsals and preparations progressing in full swing, the Peace Maker Artistes’ Association is set to bring the latest instalment of Bashantagi Nongalamdai before audiences later this month.

19/09/2026

TCF Manipur Condemns Alleged Attack on National Award-Winning Filmmaker Dominic Sangma in Itanagar, Demands Probe

The Television and Cine Foundation (TCF), Manipur, has condemned the alleged physical assault on National Award-winning filmmaker and Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) faculty member Dominic Sangma in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh.

Sangma, who heads the Screenwriting Department at the FTII’s Jote campus, was reportedly attacked by two men near the Jollang-Rakap road on Wednesday evening.

According to reports, the incident occurred after Sangma intervened when two men were allegedly harassing students in the area. He was returning from an evening walk at around 6.30 pm when the incident took place.

The TCF expressed concern over the incident, particularly as the FTII campus at Jote is a relatively new institution in the Northeast.

Until recently, India had only two national film schools and the foundation said it is incredibly lucky and proud that the Government of India decided to open the third one right here in the Northeast—the Film and Television Institute, Itanagar, in Arunachal Pradesh.

The TCF said the institute is only in its second year and incidents of violence could create difficulties for a young institution trying to establish itself in the region.

“Such incidents not only ruin the reputation of the institute but also reflect poorly on the entire region. What kind of message are we sending out to the rest of the country?” the statement said.

The foundation also called for introspection within the filmmaking community of Northeast India and stressed the need to create a safe environment for students and professionals coming to the region from different parts of the country.

“If this is going to be our attitude, the day is not far when parents will completely stop sending their children to the Northeast,” the TCF said.

TCF president and filmmaker Haobam Paban Kumar said he was deeply shocked after learning about the incident and immediately spoke to Sangma.

“I was deeply shocked by the news and immediately spoke to him. Thankfully, he is doing fine. Although he sustained multiple wounds from the assault, he was relieved that nothing happened to his students,” Paban Kumar said.

He added that Sangma was more concerned about the students who had recently joined the institute, many of whom were visiting the Northeast for the first time.

The TCF urged the authorities to investigate the incident and take appropriate action against those responsible.

19/09/2026

Manipur Spent 523 Days Under Bandhs, Blockades Since 2023 Violence; Internet Shutdowns Lasted 385 Days, Official Data Shows

Manipur has endured 523 days of bandhs, shutdowns and economic blockades since ethnic violence erupted in the State on May 3, 2023, while internet services were suspended for 385 days, media reported, according to official data from the State Home Department

The figures cover 1,225 days between May 3, 2023, and September 8, 2026, highlighting the prolonged disruption to normal life in the State amid the continuing fallout of the conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities.

The disruptions intensified sharply in 2026. From January to September 8, Manipur recorded 225 days affected by bandhs, shutdowns or economic blockades—the highest annual figure in the period covered by the data. This included 136 days of bandhs or shutdowns and 89 days of economic blockades.

In 2023, the State recorded 107 days of bandhs, shutdowns or economic blockades, despite widespread disruption to transport and other normal activities during the initial months of the conflict.

The figure rose to 113 days in 2024, comprising 63 days of bandhs or shutdowns and 50 days of economic blockades.

In 2025, Manipur recorded 78 such days, including 49 days of bandhs or shutdowns and 29 days of economic blockades.

385 Days Without Internet

Internet connectivity was also repeatedly suspended across Manipur, either statewide or in specific areas. Official records show that services were disrupted for 385 days between May 3, 2023, and April 4, 2026.

The longest period of internet suspension occurred in 2023, when services remained suspended across the State for 218 days.

According to the government, the restrictions were imposed to prevent the alleged misuse of social media through the circulation of images, posts and videos that could incite public passions and potentially have serious repercussions for law and order.

The official figures underline the extent to which protests, blockades, shutdowns and communication restrictions have repeatedly disrupted everyday life in Manipur since the outbreak of violence in May 2023.

17/09/2026

Oinam Nabakishore Singh Joins Congress After Quitting JD(U) in Bid to Contest Upcoming Manipur Assembly Elections on Party Ticket

Imphal: Former Manipur Chief Secretary Oinam Nabakishore Singh formally joined the Indian National Congress today, days after resigning from the Janata Dal (United), in a move that comes ahead of the upcoming Manipur Assembly elections.

Nabakishore had recently resigned from the primary membership of the JD(U), as well as from the party’s National Council and his positions as vice-president and treasurer of the JD(U)’s Manipur unit. He submitted his resignation to JD(U) National General Secretary Md Afaque Ahamad Khan.

The retired IAS officer had contested the 2022 Manipur Assembly election from the Bishnupur Assembly Constituency on a JD(U) ticket.

His formal joining of the Congress is being seen in the context of his intention to contest the upcoming Assembly election on a Congress ticket. His entry into the party comes at a time when political activities are gaining momentum across Manipur ahead of the polls.

Nabakishore’s move marks a significant shift in his political association, following his recent exit from the JD(U).

17/09/2026

Dr Muhammad Riyajuddin Khan, Intending Candidate from Lilong Assembly Constituency, Formally Joins Congress

Dr Muhammad Riyajuddin Khan, an intending candidate from the Lilong Assembly Constituency (AC) for the upcoming Manipur Assembly elections, formally joined the Indian National Congress at a reception programme held at Congress Bhawan, B.T. Road, Imphal.

The reception programme, organised to welcome political leaders, supporters and workers joining the Congress, was presided over by Okram Ibobi Singh, President of the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC).

14/09/2026

Manipur Govt Urges JFD to Withdraw Agitation Demanding Closure of Government Offices Over NRC; Appeals Not to Add to People’s Sufferings

Manipur Government spokespersons MLA Th. Radheshyam and MLA Dr. Sapam Ranjan Singh Sunday urged the JFD (Campaign for Justice and Fair Delimitation) to withdraw its agitation demanding the closure of government offices under both the Central and State Governments in connection with the updating of the NRC. They also appealed to all concerned not to add to the sufferings and inconveniences faced by the public.

The appeal was made during a press meet held today at the Durbar Hall of the Chief Minister’s Secretariat at Babupara in Imphal.

During the press meet, MLA Th. Radheshyam Singh stated that the State Government is fully aware of the JFD’s demand and that the people of Manipur also want the NRC to be conducted before the Census.

He said that the 8th session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly reaffirmed its earlier resolution to conduct the NRC before the Census, and Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has conveyed the same to the Central Government.

He added that on the last day of the recently concluded Assembly session, a discussion regarding 1951 as the base year for the NRC took place in the House, and the matter has already been conveyed to the Union Home Ministry.

He stated that following the campaign by members of the Manipur Legislative Assembly in New Delhi, the Chief Minister also conveyed to the Central leaders the people’s desire. Consequently, the Union Home Ministry has also postponed the Census process.

Against this backdrop, the JFD has intensified its agitation by calling for the closure of government offices. Such an agitation may lead to various undesirable incidents and affect the functioning of the State Government, he added.

Radheshyam further appealed to the JFD not to intensify the agitation. He also urged the organisation not to continue such activities for a prolonged period, as prolonged agitation in the State could cause greater inconvenience to the people.

He appealed to all sections of the public “to give peace a chance in Manipur” and to support the endeavours of the current government in restoring peace and normalcy to the State.

The spokespersons also made it clear during the press meet that the Home Minister of Manipur, Govindas Konthoujam, along with some other MLAs, has been camping in New Delhi for the past few days to pressurize the Centre regarding the conduct of the NRC with 1951 as the base year.

They also expressed hope that the Centre will act according to the wishes of the people of the State.

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