National

Overnight Violence Erupts in Manipur Following Arrest of Meitei Leader; Curfew Imposed in Bishnupur, Internet Services Suspended in Valley Districts

Published

1 year ago

June 8, 2025

Violence flared up in various districts of Manipur on Saturday night following reports of a well-known Meitei leader’s arrest. Protesters set vehicles ablaze and clashed with security forces at multiple locations, blocking access to the road leading to Imphal airport, anticipating the transfer of the detained leader from the Arambai Tenggol outfit.

Reports indicated that some demonstrators even threatened to self-immolate. While the police have not disclosed the name of the arrested individual, speculation suggests it may be Kanan Singh.

In response to the escalating tensions, the controversial Meitei organization, Arambai Tenggol, has called for a complete shutdown in the Valley districts for 10 days starting Sunday.

Following the incidents, authorities imposed a total curfew in Bishnupur and issued prohibitory orders banning gatherings of four or more people in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, and Kakching districts. An order shared by Manipur Police stated, “In light of the current law and order situation, District Magistrates have enforced prohibitory measures. Residents are urged to adhere to these directives.”

Additionally, internet services have been suspended in the Valley districts of Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur to prevent the dissemination of misinformation.

Manipur has been plagued by ethnic strife between the Meitei and Kuki-Zomi communities since May 2023, resulting in over 260 deaths. The violence reportedly ignited after a “Tribal Solidarity March” organized by the hill-based Kuki community in response to a High Court ruling regarding the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status.

Amidst the deteriorating law and order situation and mounting pressure from the opposition, Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned on February 9, 2025. Following this, President’s rule was instituted, and the state assembly was suspended.

The unrest in Manipur has significantly embarrassed the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government, which has struggled to restore peace in the area for over two years. The ongoing turmoil remains a prominent issue raised by the Opposition, compounded by the fact that Prime Minister Modi has not visited the state since 2023, intensifying criticism of his administration.

National

11 Hospitalised After Dead Lizard Found in Birthday Cake

Published

2 days ago

August 16, 2026

Namma Kudla

Maharashtra : Eleven people were hospitalised after eating a birthday cake that allegedly contained a dead lizard in Nalasopara, Maharashtra.

The incident took place during a birthday celebration. The affected group included seven children and four women.

According to reports, they complained of sudden stomach and chest pain shortly after eating the cake.

They were immediately taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Doctors said that all 11 patients are in stable condition.

The incident has raised serious concerns about food safety and hygiene standards in bakeries.

The case comes amid growing concerns over food safety in Maharashtra. Earlier, a rat was allegedly seen inside an ice cream freezer at a Blinkit store in Thane’s Godrej Hill area in Kalyan.

In another incident, food safety officials suspended the FSSAI licence of a Blinkit-linked facility in Malad West after finding several violations.

The recent incidents have increased calls for stricter checks on food storage, hygiene and safety standards across the state.

National

Dead Russell’s Viper Found on Vande Bharat Express

Published

2 days ago

August 16, 2026

Namma Kudla

Ernakulam: A dead Russell’s viper was found on a passenger seat inside a Vande Bharat Express in Ernakulam, causing panic among passengers.

The incident took place on Friday, August 14, at around 2.30 pm. The train was scheduled to leave Ernakulam Junction for Bengaluru.

The incident came to light before the train began its journey. Vinu Varghese, who works for an insurance company in Ernakulam, had booked a ticket to travel to Coimbatore with his two-year-old child.

When he returned to his seat after visiting the restroom, he noticed the dead snake lying on the seat. He was shocked and immediately informed the Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) and railway staff.

The railway staff quickly responded to the situation. With the help of passengers, they removed the dead snake from the coach.

After the snake was removed, the passengers felt relieved. Vinu Varghese later filed an official complaint through the railway portal.

In his complaint, he questioned the safety and cleanliness standards on the train. He said passengers pay a significant amount for travelling on Vande Bharat trains and expected better safety measures.

Varghese said the railway staff later apologised for the incident.

The incident has also raised questions about how a snake entered the passenger compartment. Vande Bharat trains are air-conditioned and have sealed gangways and automatic doors that open only at designated stations.

The incident has raised concerns about pest control and safety protocols on the train. Railway authorities have ordered a detailed investigation into the matter.

This is not the first reported incident involving a snake on a Vande Bharat train. In December 2025, a passenger was allegedly accused of deliberately placing a snake inside the Mumbai-Solapur Vande Bharat Express.

National

West Bengal Man Detained in Bengaluru over Alleged Terror Links

Published

3 days ago

August 15, 2026

Namma Kudla

Bengaluru: Bengaluru police have detained a 25-year-old man from West Bengal over his alleged links with a terror group.

The accused has been identified as Asafool Mallik. He is a native of Naopara village in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district.

Police detained Mallik in the Jigani area after receiving information about his alleged suspicious online activities.

According to the police, Mallik had allegedly established contact with a person identified as Imran Haider through Facebook. Haider, who is from Afghanistan, is suspected to have links with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Police said Mallik allegedly wanted to travel to Afghanistan and join the group. He also allegedly discussed retaliatory attacks against the Pakistan Army and possible attacks in India.

Mallik had reportedly applied for a visa to travel to Afghanistan. However, he later dropped the plan due to financial difficulties and family responsibilities, police said.

Mallik was living near APC Circle in Jigani. He had been working as a security guard at Tata Advanced Limited in the Jigani Industrial Area since December 2025.

Police said they received information about his activities while conducting patrols in the Bommasandra Industrial Area.

During questioning, Mallik allegedly said he was angry over what he believed were attacks on Muslims in Pakistan. He also reportedly expressed anger over Pakistan’s position on the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Police further said Mallik was allegedly being encouraged to retaliate if Muslims faced difficulties in India.

Police later examined Mallik’s mobile phone. They allegedly found chats, voice calls and audio conversations between Mallik and Haider.

The police are now examining the chats, recordings and other material recovered from the phone.

The investigation is underway to determine the extent of Mallik’s alleged links with the terror network.