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Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Court frame charges against four policemen in 1998 fake encounter
Imphal: A sessions court on Wednesday framed charges against former sub-inspector Thokchom Krishnatombi and three others in connection with the alleged fake encounter that killed Major Shimreingam Shaiza and four others on Imphal Airport Road August 29, 1998. Major Shaiza was the younger brother of former chief minister Yangmasho Shaiza, belonging to the Tangkhul Naga community (a sub-tribe of the Nagas). The court framed charges against then sub-inspector Krishnatombi of Tabungkhok Makha Leikai, constable Khundongbam Inaobi of Minuthong Kabo Leikai, constable Thangkhongam Lungdim of G. Songgel village, and Md. Akhtar Hussain of Yairipok Tulihal Konjil Leikai under sections 302 (murder), 307 (attempt to murder), 201 (Causing disappearance of evidence of offence), and 34 (criminal act is done by multiple individuals in furtherance of a common intention) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The case was initially registered at Singjamei police station as FIR No. 185(8)1998, based on a complaint by then sub-inspector Th. Krishnatombi. He claimed that a team of Imphal West commandos was operating in the Kwakeithel area, Imphal West, to arrest underground militants. They spotted a suspicious vehicle with a Nagaland registration moving at high speed, and the muzzle of a weapon suspected to be an AK-47 was seen through the vehicle's window. According to the report, the vehicle ignored police signals to stop and allegedly fired at the police, prompting retaliatory fire. Also read: 1994 fake encounter: SIT adds charges of murder, evidence destruction to FIR Police claimed that in the return fire, five people were injured. Three died on the spot, and two others were taken to the hospital, where one more died. Police also reported finding two AK-47 rifles and magazines inside the car. However, following a Supreme Court order on July 14, 2017, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) took over the case and formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The investigation was also joined by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) after a court directive. The SIT's probe, along with the report of the Justice C. Upendra Commission of Inquiry, found that the police may have staged the encounter. The report named SI Krishnatombi, SI Rajen, Constable Akhtar Hussain, Inaobi, Lungdim, and Ginkhanlei Vaiphei as responsible for the deaths of Major Shaiza, Rukhoshele, Tosovchu Chakhesang, Kikheto Sema, and H. Budha, and the injury of Thenucho. Another FIR was also filed on September 5, 1998, based on a complaint by Pemla Shaiza, wife of the late Major. She claimed that her husband and four others — including Thenucho (former Speaker, Nagaland), Tusovihu of Nagaland Police, Kekheto Sema of Nagaland Police, and Rukno Saila, driver of the car — were travelling in the vehicle when they were shot at by the commandos without provocation. The complaint said the attack was a case of cold-blooded murder and that police tried to cover up the crime by staging it as an encounter. Besides, one civilian, Hidam Budha of Kwakeithel Akham Leikai, also died in the incident due to a stray bullet. The investigation found evidence suggesting that the rifles found at the scene were planted and that the story of a gunfight was fabricated. Also Read: Sohrabuddin fake encounter case: 29th witness who 'saw a victim' turns hostile During the hearing, the CBI's Special Public Prosecutor requested the court to frame charges, while defence lawyers made no objections. After reviewing the charge sheet and other case materials, the court framed charges under IPC sections 302, 307, 201, and 34 against the four accused. However, the court noted that the Home Department of Manipur denied prosecution sanction against four other accused — Nongmaithem Rameshwor, Baremon Khamjai, Khundrakpam Ranjeet, and Leitanthem Sharat — who were also then commandos, so the trial cannot proceed against them. The CBI submitted the charge sheet in June 2020 after completing its investigation.
New Indian Express
01-06-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Beads, battles and Big breakthroughs
MANIPUR: A decade ago, Pamchuiwon Kashak, a 30-year-old woman from Ukhrul, a hill district in Manipur, began designing and crafting traditional Tangkhul Naga tribe jewellery — earrings, necklaces and other accessories using beads and glass stones. What started as a hobby soon transformed into a full-fledged business in 2019. Pamchuiwon's vision was clear: to revive the moribund tradition of Tangkhul jewellery, once popular among both men and women, but now largely confined to festivals and special occasions due to the growing influence of Western culture. Five years after beginning her business from home, Pamchuiwon opened her first retail outlet, Tangkhul_beads, in Ukhrul in 2020. The shop, located in the heart of the Tangkhul community, quickly flourished. Today, her customer base spans beyond Manipur, reaching cities such as Delhi and Mumbai, thanks to her social media presence on YouTube and Instagram, as well as her stall at the annual Shirui Lily Festival. The state-sponsored festival, dedicated to the iconic Shirui Lily flower, has played a crucial role in bringing her work to a broader audience. Pamchuiwon's journey to success has been far from easy. Born as the second of eleven siblings, she grew up in a poor family where daily survival was a struggle. When she was 9-years-old, her father died leaving behind her mother and six children to fend for themselves. As per his dying wish, her mother remarried his younger brother who too was a poor farmer. The family's financial difficulties only increased after the birth of five more children.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Manipur's 5-day Shirui Lily Festival celebrates heritage, conservation, and community
The 5th State-Level Shirui Lily Festival concluded on Saturday in Manipur's Ukhrul district, capping five days of cultural celebration, ecological awareness, and community participation. Organised by the Department of Tourism, Manipur, the festival marked the 75th anniversary of the discovery of the Shirui Lily (Lilium mackliniae)—the state's iconic and endangered flower found only in the Shirui Hills. Held after a two-year break, the festival ran from May 20 to 24 across multiple venues, including Shirui Village, Bakshi Ground, Phangrei, and TNL Ground. This year's edition drew thousands of visitors from across the country, spotlighting Manipur's natural beauty, indigenous culture, and adventure tourism potential. Throughout the week, the festival hosted a diverse array of events. Cultural showcases included traditional Tangkhul Naga dances, indigenous games like wrestling and tug-of-war, and the Miss Shirui Lily 2025 beauty pageant that celebrated local identity and grace. Each day had something unique with Day 1 that saw the festival open in Shirui Village with an inaugural ceremony that highlighted Tangkhul Naga customs, traditional performances, indigenous crafts, and a strong message of ecological responsibility centered on the endangered Shirui Lily. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Shop Directly from Adidas Franchise Stores – Up to 50% OFF Original Adidas Shop Now Undo Day 2 featured the unveiling of the 75th Anniversary Memorial structure, while the Shirui Gospel Rock concert brought spiritual energy to the stage. The first round of the SheChef culinary contest began, alongside traditional games, live music, and the start of a regional film screening series. Day 3 included a Bike Peace Rally promoting unity, the second round of SheChef focusing on vegetarian cuisine, and a bonfire concert under the stars. The SHiROCK music festival continued to draw large crowds with performances from artists across India. On Day 4 (May 23), the festival hosted a mini-marathon, tug-of-war, and wrestling competitions, along with SheChef's third round, where contestants crafted dishes inspired by childhood memories. The evening was lit up by the glamorous Miss Shirui Lily 2025 pageant. Finally, Day 5 brought the week-long celebration to a high-energy close with the SheChef grand finale and electrifying SHiROCK music performances. Throughout the day, visitors also enjoyed adventure sports, traditional games, diverse food stalls, and vibrant tribal exhibitions. The closing ceremony at Bakshi Ground featured performances by local artists and national rock acts as part of the SHiROCK music festival, with Bombay Vikings headlining the final night. Suman Billa, IAS, Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, attended as Chief Guest, alongside military and civil dignitaries. Additionally, the SheChef culinary competition drew widespread attention, with four rounds themed around signature recipes, vegetarian dishes, and childhood memory meals, culminating in a grand finale. The contest not only highlighted regional flavours but also spotlighted culinary talent from Manipur's growing food scene. Literature and storytelling found their space through the Shirui Lily Literature Festival and workshops conducted by the Mariwala Health Initiative. Topics ranged from decolonising narratives and archiving forgotten histories to the use of visual media in storytelling- showcasing the region's intellectual and artistic voices. For the adventure-seeking crowd, venues like Phangrei and Jorcheng offered mountain biking trails, ziplining, zorbing, and camping. Each day ended with acoustic evenings, bonfires, and SHiROCK concerts that drew large audiences. Another highlight was the unveiling of the 75th Anniversary Memorial dedicated to the Shirui Lily, symbolising both pride and the urgent need for conservation. Film screenings of regional cinema took place daily at TTA Hall and Jorcheng. In a push for sustainable tourism, the Manipur Tourism Department also launched a homestay registration portal under the Central government's RAMP (Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance) scheme, aimed at empowering local communities and boosting eco-tourism infrastructure. Discovered in 1946 by British botanist Dr Frank Kingdon Ward and named after his wife Jean Macklin, the Shirui Lily blooms only between April and June in the high-altitude Shirui Hills. It cannot be cultivated elsewhere, making conservation efforts critical. The festival is timed with the flower's natural bloom, blending ecological advocacy with cultural pride. Tourism officials said that the festival aims not only to celebrate the lily but also to promote eco-tourism, encourage sustainable development, and provide a platform for local artisans, musicians, and entrepreneurs. It also serves as a symbol of unity for Manipur's diverse communities and tribes.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Shirui flag row: Meitei group rejects provocation claims
1 2 Imphal: Following widespread condemnation by Manipur-based Tangkhul Naga organisations regarding the display of Meiteis' seven-coloured flag (Salai Taret) and raising of slogans atop Shirui hill peak by members of Arambai Tenggol, the Meitei organisation on Saturday said that misleading content on social media had created unnecessary confusion. Arambai Tenggol issued a statement indicating that Tangkhul Naga apex student body Tankhul Katamnao Long (TKS) had been influenced by incorrect information distributed by the Facebook page 'Manipur Stylish'. The controversy erupted after a photo went viral on Friday night, showing Arambai Tenggol members in traditional attire holding the Meiteis' seven-coloured flag while raising slogans such as 'Long live Manipur' and 'Mother Shirui be blessed.' "In sensitive matters such as this, we believe it is imperative to verify the authenticity of sources before arriving at hasty conclusions. Misinterpretation of such events only fuels division, and it is evident that certain elements are working with the intent to disrupt peaceful coexistence between the Meitei and Naga communities," Arambai Tenggol Unit 58 COBRA stated in a press communiqué. The organisation emphasised that Shirui Lily represents the entire state's identity rather than a specific community, noting that the event was officially organised by the Manipur govt with participants engaging in cultural celebrations. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 40대 이상이고 PC가 있으세요? 그럼 이 게임을 정말 좋아하실 거예요! Sea of Conquest 플레이하기 Undo Arambai Tenggol, supporting a unified Manipur and committed to maintaining the state's territorial integrity, stated that the image showing members with the 'Salai Taret' flag is being overly politicised. "Displaying this flag in Shirui Hills does not, and should not, be construed as a territorial claim or provocation. Just as carrying the flag in the United States, Europe, or the Himalayas does not imply ownership of those regions, its presence here signifies cultural continuity, not confrontation," it added. The organisation urged TKS and others to consider the video's context objectively, clarifying that their intention was to support traditions peacefully rather than cause offence. The GPRN's Wung-Tangkhul Region secretariat condemned Arambai Tenggol's Cobra Team Unit 58's actions during the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul district. On Saturday, WTR criticised the group's display of the 'Salai Taret' flag on Shirui peak, describing it as an intrusion into Tangkhul territory. "The 'Salai Taret' flag has no cultural, historical, or political association with the Tangkhul people," the statement asserted, adding that such acts only reflect Arambai Tenggol's 'war-mongering' nature. WTR demanded a public apology from Arambai Tenggol within 48 hours, warning of consequences otherwise. Previously, TKS called the act provocative and disrespectful to Tangkhul Naga identity and territory. "The Shirui Lily Festival is a solemn celebration of our rare endemic flower, our land, and the enduring spirit of the Tangkhul Naga people," the TKS said adding that such act is a 'symbolic aggression in sacred Tangkhul territory is a calculated attempt to disrupt peace and politicise a neutral cultural platform." TKS disputed the seven-coloured Meitei flag's representation of Manipur, affirming their commitment to the sky-blue Naga flag as their symbol of political aspirations. "We will not tolerate any attempt to politicise our sacred spaces or challenge the historical and cultural ownership of our land," the student union warned.
Scroll.in
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Scroll.in
Manipur: NSCN-IM objects to Meitei flag on peak held as sacred by Naga group
The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah), the largest armed Naga group, on Saturday objected to armed Meitei group Arambai Tenggol allegedly displaying a Meitei flag atop a peak in Manipur held as sacred by the Tangkhul Naga community. The NSCN-IM raised objections to members of the Arambai Tenggol's Cobra Team-Unit 58 holding a seven-coloured Meitei flag on the Shirui peak in the Ukhrul district. The controversy erupted during the five-day Shirui Lily Festival, a cultural event organised by the state tourism department. The Naga armed group said that the Arambai Tenggol had 'courted controversy at the wrong time and wrong place' through the act. It said that the flag 'has no connection with the Tangkhuls whatsoever'. 'All said and done, Arambai Tenggol should tender 'unqualified apology' within 48 hours for their unwarranted intrusion at Shirui peak,' the NSCN-IM said. The Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong, the apex student body of the community, also described the act as a 'grave provocation', and claimed that displaying the flag on the peak was reckless and inflammatory. 'We will not tolerate any attempt to politicise our sacred spaces or challenge the historical and cultural ownership of our land,' the student body said. 'The Tangkhul Naga people have never and will never accept any imposed symbols, flags or slogans that undermine our identity and rights.' The Arambaii Tenggol, however, claimed that an image of its members holding the flag was being unnecessarily politicised. 'The flag symbolises the unity and peaceful co-existence of indigenous clans of Manipur and is a regular feature at expeditions, sporting events and cultural occasions – whether in India or abroad,' it said. The Meitei group said it holds deep respect for the indigenous Tangkhul community and their sacred hills. 'Our intent was never to offend or incite, but only to stand in solidarity with our traditions, just as others do across our diverse state and nation,' it said. The Shirui Lily Festival had courted controversy on May 20 as well, after security personnel allegedly stopped a group of 20 journalists in Imphal East district and directed them to hide the 'Manipur State Transport' sign on the government bus they were travelling in. The group was travelling to cover the festival in Ukhrul.
