National

COCOMI’s 48-Hour Bandh Over ‘Manipur’ Name Dispute Brings Imphal Valley to Standstill

Published

1 year ago

May 23, 2025

A 48-hour state-wide bandh called by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a prominent civil society group representing Meitei interests, has disrupted daily life across the Imphal Valley, leading to widespread shutdowns that impact commercial and public activities in five districts.

The bandh, which commenced at midnight on Wednesday, was sparked by an incident during preparations for the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul, where security personnel allegedly ordered the removal of the word “Manipur” from a state government bus.

The bus, managed by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), was transporting journalists to cover the festival and was reportedly halted at the Gwaltabi checkpoint, where the name was obscured.

This incident has reignited concerns among Meitei groups regarding perceived attempts to undermine Manipur’s territorial and cultural integrity—a highly sensitive matter amidst ongoing ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. COCOMI, which advocates for Manipur’s unity, denounced the act as “anti-Manipur” and called for accountability.

Its convenor, Khuraijam Athouba, stated, “Removing the state’s name is an affront to Manipur’s identity and history. The public deserves to know who authorized this act.”

The bandh resulted in the closure of all shops, businesses, educational institutions, and government and private offices across Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal, and Kakching districts. Public transportation was halted, leaving major routes deserted. Protesters erected road blockades by burning tires and enforced shutdowns in areas such as Wangkhei, Khurai, Kongba, Kwakeithel, and Naoremthong.

Anticipating unrest, the government heightened security, particularly around Raj Bhavan and other sensitive locations, deploying central forces to prevent escalation. In response to public outcry, the state government has initiated a formal inquiry. A two-member panel, comprising Commissioner (Home) N. Ashok Kumar and Secretary Th. Kirankumar Singh, has been tasked with investigating the Gwaltabi incident, expected to submit its findings within 15 days along with recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Additionally, COCOMI has demanded a public apology from Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and the resignations of Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, Director General of Police Rajiv Singh, and Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Singh, accusing them of failing to protect Manipur’s dignity.

The protests unfold against the backdrop of the Shirui Lily Festival, resuming after a two-year hiatus due to the ethnic conflict that erupted in May 2023. This festival, celebrating the rare Shirui lily native to Ukhrul district, has historically served as a platform for promoting ethnic harmony. However, under President’s Rule, imposed in February 2025 following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, tensions remain elevated.

National

Man Allegedly Kills Wife, Children, Teen Girl and Her Family

Published

1 week ago

July 11, 2026

Namma Kudla

Hyderabad: A 35-year-old man, identified as Rajkumar, allegedly killed his wife, two young sons, a 17-year-old girl who had accused him of sexual harassment, and the girl’s mother and grandmother in Telangana’s Ranga Reddy district.

Police said Rajkumar first killed his wife, Parvathi Saritha (30), and their two sons at their home in Shabad on Friday night. He then allegedly kidnapped the teenage girl, murdered her, and later killed her mother and grandmother.

The accused had been arrested in May under the POCSO Act for allegedly stalking and sexually harassing the girl. He was granted anticipatory bail about a week before the murders.

After the crime, Rajkumar reportedly called his father and confessed before switching off his phone. He is currently absconding, and police have launched a manhunt. The investigation is underway.

National

Wedding celebration Dispute for Served Chicken promising Mutton

Published

1 week ago

July 11, 2026

Namma Kudla

Bihar: A wedding celebration in Bihar turned violent after a dispute over the food served at the reception. Around 12 people were injured in the clash.

The incident took place in Simri Bakhtiyarpur town of Saharsa district on Thursday.

According to officials, the nikah of Mohammad Abdullah alias Chand, son of Mohammad Anwar, was held with the daughter of Mohammad Javed alias Moto at around 3 pm. The wedding ceremony was completed peacefully.

The trouble began during the wedding feast. Members of the groom’s family claimed they had been promised mutton for the meal. However, they were served chicken instead.

The groom’s side objected to the change in the menu. This led to a heated argument between the two families. The argument soon turned into a physical fight.

Several people from both sides were involved in the clash. Some guests were allegedly beaten with sticks. Videos shared on social media also showed people waving swords during the violence.

Around 12 people suffered injuries in the incident. They were admitted to the Sub-Divisional Hospital in Simri Bakhtiyarpur for treatment.

Police reached the venue and brought the situation under control. A case has been registered, and an investigation is underway.

National

Daughter Held for Mother’s Murder; Father’s Death Also Under Scanner?

Published

1 week ago

July 11, 2026

Namma Kudla

Jaipur: A 23-year-old woman, Ayushi Sharma, who was arrested for allegedly plotting her mother’s murder to obtain a government job, is now facing fresh allegations linked to her father’s death.

Ayushi’s uncle has claimed that the death of her father, Vijay Sharma, may not have been natural. He has demanded a police investigation into the case. Police have started looking into the allegation.

According to the police, Ayushi planned the murder of her mother, Neeraj Sharma, with the help of her uncle Mohan Swaroop and her relative Balram alias Ravi. The motive was to gain control of family property and secure her mother’s government job.

Police said the accused paid Rs.7 lakh to contract killers to carry out the murder. The attackers allegedly rammed an SUV into Neeraj Sharma and tried to make it look like a road accident.

Neeraj Sharma, 45, was working as a Lower Division Clerk (LDC) in a court. On July 3, she was returning home after dropping her son at tuition when a speeding Scorpio SUV allegedly hit her near Pratap Nagar. She was thrown nearly 100 feet and died on the spot. The accused fled after the incident.

During the investigation, police examined CCTV footage from the area. They found that the incident was not an accident but a planned murder. The investigation later exposed the conspiracy.

Police have arrested seven people, including Ayushi Sharma, in connection with the case. One accused is still absconding, and efforts are underway to arrest him.

Police said Neeraj Sharma had received the government job on compassionate grounds after the death of her husband about a year ago. Investigators believe Ayushi wanted the job for herself. Police also said there had been a property dispute between the mother and daughter for the past two to three years.

During questioning, Ayushi allegedly told police that she wanted her late father’s government job. However, after his death, the job was given to her mother. She reportedly admitted that this disappointment, along with the property dispute, became the reason for planning the murder.