Author: Soham Kachdiya

Kolkata, September 22, 2023 – Deputy Solicitor General (DSG) of India, Billawadal Bhattacharyya, appointed by the Calcutta High Court to inspect St. Augustine’s Day School following the suspension of its affiliation, has alleged an attempt to bribe him during the inspection. The school’s affiliation with the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) was suspended in September 2022.

In a dramatic turn of events, DSG Bhattacharyya revealed his encounter with bribery attempts on Thursday as he reported his findings to the court. At least 76 students from Class X of the school had filed a petition against the school for failing to register them with the CISCE due to the affiliation suspension.

The Calcutta High Court, on September 13, criticized the school for continuing to collect registration fees from students even after the suspension of affiliation. The court had subsequently appointed DSG Bhattacharyya to verify the number and particulars of bona fide Class X students.

During the recent hearing, Bhattacharyya informed the court about his visit to the school and mentioned the attempts to influence him. When asked if the attempt was by the school, he responded, “Must be… forgetting the fact that lawyers are not up for sale.”

Justice Biswajit Basu, presiding over the case, warned that criminal proceedings would be initiated against those responsible for the bribery attempt. The court directed Bhattacharyya to specify the names of the individuals involved and submit them in a sealed cover. Bhattacharyya also mentioned having saved screenshots of the phone call he received.

Senior Advocate Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya, representing the school, sought permission to withdraw from the case upon learning of the bribery allegations.

The court concluded the hearing by instructing the petitioners’ counsel to provide relevant documents to the special officer to confirm the students’ bona fide status. The case is set to resume on October 4.

News Summary:

• Deputy Solicitor General Billawadal Bhattacharyya alleges an attempt to bribe him during an inspection of St. Augustine’s Day School, Kolkata, following the suspension of its affiliation with CISCE.
• Calcutta High Court had previously criticized the school for collecting registration fees despite the affiliation suspension.
• Bhattacharyya reports his encounter with bribery attempts during a court hearing, prompting Justice Basu to threaten criminal proceedings against those responsible.
• Senior Advocate representing the school requests permission to withdraw from the case.
• The court instructs petitioners to provide relevant documents for student verification, with the case scheduled to resume on October 4.

New Delhi, September 21, 2023 – The Lok Sabha witnessed a spirited discussion on September 21, 2023, applauding the achievements of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission. The parliamentary session showcased a clash of opinions, with both the Treasury and Opposition benches laying claim to India’s space success.

Union Ministers and BJP MPs emphasized the significant strides made in India’s space endeavors during the Narendra Modi government’s tenure. Conversely, Opposition members fondly recalled the foundational role played by India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, in nurturing the country’s scientific progress.

Speaking during the debate, Union Minister Jitendra Singh revealed that ISRO scientists eagerly await the awakening of the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover from their 14-day slumber during the lunar night. These modules had conducted crucial experiments on the moon’s south pole from August 23 to September 4, after which they were put to sleep to endure the moon’s frigid temperatures.

Before the discussion commenced, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla underscored India’s progression toward becoming a major space power.

“Quota Bill a gift”

Kicking off the discussion on Chandrayaan-3’s success and India’s space achievements, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the passage of the women’s reservation Bill as “a gift by a grateful nation to the women scientists of ISRO and the entire female scientific community of India.” He highlighted that, of the 424 foreign satellites launched by India, 389 were launched in the past nine years under the Modi government.

Congress member Shashi Tharoor described the moon landing as a watershed moment, attributing it to the collective efforts of governments over the past six decades, beginning with the era of Pandit Nehru. His assertion that 20% of women personnel in ISRO did not require reservation in the field of science and technology faced objections from Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Anupriya Patel.

Indian Union Muslim League MP Abdussamad Samadani, an ally of the Congress from Kerala, reflected, “When we think of the space missions of the country, we have to remember two luminaries…stalwarts – [Isaac] Newton and Nehru.”

“The Opposition indulged in ‘Nehru bhajan’ since morning instead of ISRO bhajan,” retorted BJP’s Tejasvi Surya.

• In a parliamentary debate, Indian lawmakers celebrated ISRO’s success and Chandrayaan-3‘s achievements while highlighting the legacy of Jawaharlal Nehru.
• Union Minister Jitendra Singh revealed ISRO scientists’ anticipation for the awakening of the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover on the moon.
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called the passage of the women’s reservation Bill a tribute to women scientists and noted India’s significant role in launching foreign satellites.
• Congress member Shashi Tharoor emphasized the collective effort of governments in India’s space journey, while an objection arose to his comment on women’s reservation.
• Indian Union Muslim League MP Abdussamad Samadani invoked the names of Newton and Nehru in recognizing India’s space missions.
• BJP’s Tejasvi Surya playfully quipped about the Opposition’s focus on Nehru during the debate.

– As Apple’s much-anticipated iPhone 15 series hits the stores today, acclaimed actor, writer, and director R Madhavan made headlines by proudly declaring his ownership of the “Made in India” iPhone 15. The versatile artist took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his excitement and posted a picture of his newly-acquired pink iPhone 15, along with the caption: “Got it. Proud and thrilled to own the MADE IN INDIA IPHONE 15.. #MakeInIndia #iPhone15.” His announcement resonated with fans and tech enthusiasts alike, garnering over nine thousand likes and two lakh views on the platform.

In a world where Apple aficionados eagerly await each new release, Madhavan’s endorsement of the “Made in India” aspect adds a unique dimension. While the iPhone 15 series is creating a buzz for its cutting-edge features and design, Madhavan’s emphasis on its Indian origin adds a sense of national pride to the mix.

User reactions to Madhavan’s announcement varied. One user enthusiastically declared, “Apple iPhone is the best thing you can get for yourself.” However, another user had a differing opinion, suggesting, “Should have bought 15Pro.” A third user weighed in, saying, “Assembled.. Hopefully made in India soon,” highlighting the distinction between assembly and full-fledged manufacturing.

Adding a touch of humor, a user remarked, “Maddy using a pink iPhone. Can he be even more cute? It’s not fair!!!!” The playful comment reflects the actor’s charm and the lighthearted spirit of social media discussions.

Notably, the Apple iPhone 15 series became available for pre-order in 40 additional nations, including India, on September 15, with shipping commencing today, as confirmed by the company’s website. The series includes four versions: iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max, catering to a wide range of preferences. These models offer storage capacities of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB and are available in five captivating colors: pink, yellow, green, blue, and black.

For the base model with 128GB storage, the iPhone 15 is priced at ₹ 79,900, while the iPhone 15 Plus starts at ₹ 89,900. Stepping up the ladder, the iPhone 15 Pro (128 GB) is available from ₹ 1,34,900, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max with 256GB offers a premium experience.

As Apple enthusiasts and smartphone lovers rush to experience the latest iPhone iteration, Madhavan’s endorsement of the “Made in India” aspect serves as a reminder of the growing role of Indian manufacturing in the global tech industry.

• Summary:
  • R Madhavan expresses pride in owning the “Made in India” iPhone 15 as Apple’s new series hits stores.
  • The actor shared his excitement on X, garnering over nine thousand likes and two lakh views.
  • User reactions range from enthusiasm to playful banter about his choice of model and color.
  • The iPhone 15 series is available for pre-order in 40 nations, including India, with shipping starting today.
  • The series includes four models with various storage capacities and five vibrant colors, catering to diverse preferences.
  • Prices for the iPhone 15 start at ₹ 79,900 for the base model with 128GB storage.
  • Madhavan’s endorsement highlights the significance of Indian manufacturing in the global tech industry.

OTTAWA – In the midst of a diplomatic standoff with India, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has emerged as the favored choice for the Canadian Prime Minister, according to an Ipsos poll reported by Canadian media. Poilievre’s popularity has surged to 40 percent among Canadians, while Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s approval ratings have remained stagnant at 31 percent, signaling a potential shift in the political landscape.

Ipsos CEO Darrell Bricker suggested that the widening gap between Poilievre and Trudeau could pave the way for the Conservatives to secure a majority government if an election were held today. The poll results reflect a growing dissatisfaction among Canadians with the country’s direction, driven by concerns about the cost of living, access to housing, and inflation, all of which are pressing economic issues.

Diplomatic Tensions with India:
The timing of these poll results coincides with an unprecedented low in diplomatic relations between Canada and India. The rift began when Prime Minister Trudeau accused India of involvement in the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, citing “credible allegations of a potential link” in the Canadian parliament. In response, Canada expelled a high-ranking Indian diplomat on September 19, prompting India to reciprocate by expelling a senior Canadian diplomat in a tit-for-tat move. Travel advisories were subsequently issued for citizens of both nations residing in each other’s countries, and the escalating tensions threaten to disrupt trade between the two nations.

Domestic Issues Impacting Trudeau’s Popularity:
The decline in Prime Minister Trudeau’s popularity on the domestic front can be attributed to core issues plaguing Canada, which revolve around the economy, healthcare, and housing. Poll participants believe that Poilievre offers the most promising plans to address these concerns. Poilievre’s popularity is consistently strong across all Canadian provinces and regions, with the exception of Quebec, which was not included in this particular poll.

Other Poll Findings:

• Jagmeet Singh of the NDP party, known for his support of the Khalistan movement, secured third place in the poll with 22 percent support.
• Yves-François Blanchet of the Bloc Québécois garnered the support of 6 percent of respondents.

As tensions with India persist, Canadians are closely watching the political landscape, and Pierre Poilievre’s rising popularity could potentially reshape the country’s leadership.

News Summary:

• A recent Ipsos poll has revealed that Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is now the preferred choice for Canadian Prime Minister, surpassing incumbent Justin Trudeau in popularity.
• Ipsos CEO Darrell Bricker suggests that this gap could position the Conservatives for a majority government if an election were held today.
• The diplomatic standoff with India, triggered by accusations from Trudeau regarding India’s role in a Khalistani terrorist’s murder, has added to the political turmoil.
• Canadians’ dissatisfaction with economic issues, including the cost of living, housing, and inflation, has contributed to Trudeau’s waning popularity.
• Pierre Poilievre’s appeal extends across most Canadian provinces and regions, except Quebec, according to the poll results.
• Other party leaders, including Jagmeet Singh and Yves-François Blanchet, also garnered varying levels of support in the poll.

New Delhi, India – The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced a delay in its plans to revive the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover, extending the suspense of whether these lunar explorers will awaken. Earlier slated for reactivation on September 22, the revival will now take place on September 23, as confirmed by Nilesh Desai, Director of Space Applications Centre.

The mission, known as Chandrayaan-3, made headlines when the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover successfully touched down on the moon’s surface on August 23, precisely at ‘Shiv Shakti Point.’ Subsequently, they were placed into a temporary sleep mode on September 2 and September 4, respectively, after successfully conducting experiments on the lunar terrain.

Despite initial plans for the Pragyan rover to traverse a distance of 300-350 meters, it has covered only 105 meters thus far. Nevertheless, the mission has surpassed expectations, with the Vikram lander accomplishing a historic hop test on the lunar surface, a significant milestone for future lunar and human exploration.

During their active phase, the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover conducted vital experiments, with the Pragyan rover’s findings confirming the presence of sulfur (S) in the lunar surface near the south pole. The Vikram lander contributed by conducting groundbreaking measurements of the near-surface lunar plasma environment in the south polar region.

The delay comes as ISRO reported its inability to establish communication with the Vikram lander, adding an element of uncertainty to the reactivation process. However, ISRO remains determined, with Director Nilesh Desai affirming that efforts will persist on Saturday.

The success of the reactivation will determine whether the mission secures an extended lease of life. If the solar panels efficiently harness sunlight to recharge the mission’s batteries, scientists anticipate the opportunity to collect additional lunar samples and continue their exploration of the moon’s surface.

Chandrayaan-3’s journey has already proven its significance, pushing the boundaries of lunar exploration and setting the stage for future missions. ISRO’s steadfast efforts to reawaken the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover demonstrate their commitment to unraveling the moon’s mysteries.

News Summary:

• ISRO has postponed the reactivation of the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover to September 23 due to unforeseen reasons.
• The mission, Chandrayaan-3, made headlines in August when it successfully landed on the moon’s surface.
• The Pragyan rover confirmed the presence of sulfur on the lunar surface near the south pole during its operational phase.
• Despite covering a shorter distance than planned, the mission has exceeded expectations with the Vikram lander completing a hop test on the moon.
• ISRO’s efforts to revive the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover continue, with hopes for an extended lease of life for the mission.

New Delhi, September 22, 2023 – Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court has issued summons to former Bihar Chief Minister and prominent RJD leader, Lalu Prasad Yadav, along with former railway officials and other accused individuals in a high-profile land-for-job scam case. Lalu Prasad Yadav is set to appear before the court on October 4, 2023.

Background: The summons issued on September 22, 2023, follow the receipt of necessary sanctions by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to prosecute three key accused individuals in the land-for-jobs case, which revolves around former railway minister Lalu Prasad Yadav. The CBI informed Special Judge Geetanjali Goel that they had obtained the required sanctions for Maheep Kapur, Manoj Pande, and P L Bankar from competent authorities.

The case originally surfaced when, on July 3, 2023, the CBI filed a charge sheet against Lalu Prasad Yadav, his wife and former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi, and their son, Tejashwi Yadav, who currently serves as the Deputy Chief Minister of the state. In addition to the Yadav family, the CBI implicated 14 other individuals and entities in its charge sheet. The accused parties are facing charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including those related to criminal conspiracy and cheating, as well as provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The alleged scam centers around Group-D appointments made within the West Central Zone of the railways, located in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, during Lalu Prasad Yadav’s tenure as the railway minister, spanning from 2004 to 2009. It is alleged that these appointments were granted in exchange for land parcels gifted or transferred by the recruits in the name of Lalu Prasad Yadav’s family or associates.

The CBI initiated the case on May 18, 2022, against Lalu Prasad Yadav and 15 others, including his wife, two daughters, and unidentified public servants and private individuals. The agency filed the first charge sheet in October of the previous year, focusing on appointments made in the Mumbai-headquartered Central Zone of the railways. The second charge sheet was issued shortly after a meeting of over a dozen opposition parties, including Lalu Prasad Yadav’s RJD, during which they resolved to unite against the BJP in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

News Summary:

• Former Bihar CM Lalu Prasad Yadav has been summoned in the land-for-jobs scam case and is scheduled to appear in Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court on October 4, 2023.
• The CBI has obtained the necessary sanctions to prosecute key accused individuals, including Maheep Kapur, Manoj Pande, and P L Bankar.
• The case involves allegations of Group-D job appointments in the railways in exchange for land parcels during Lalu Prasad Yadav’s tenure as railway minister from 2004 to 2009.
• Lalu Prasad Yadav, along with his family and others, faces charges related to criminal conspiracy, cheating, and violations of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
• The case has political implications, with opposition parties, including Lalu Prasad Yadav’s RJD, uniting against the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Hangzhou, China – September 22, 2023 – Three Indian martial arts athletes hailing from the disputed region of Arunachal Pradesh have been barred from participating in the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. The athletes, specializing in the discipline of wushu, faced clearance issues from the host country, leading to their forced withdrawal from the prestigious sporting event.

Wushu, also known as kung fu, is a versatile martial art with its roots in China.

According to reports from the Hindustan Times, the trio had received initial approval to participate from the Hangzhou Asian Games Organizing Committee. However, they encountered difficulties when trying to obtain their accreditation cards, which serve as entry visas to China.

The rest of the 10-member Indian wushu squad, along with the coaching staff, departed for Hangzhou on Wednesday, leaving the three affected athletes behind.

Neither the Indian Olympic Association nor the Ministry of External Affairs has issued an immediate response to requests for comment, as reported by the Agence France-Presse news agency.

This is not the first instance of friction between the two nations regarding the participation of athletes from Arunachal Pradesh. In July, the Indian wushu team had boycotted the World University Games in Chengdu after the same three athletes were granted stapled visas, instead of pasted ones. This move was seen as a symbol of China’s non-recognition of India’s territorial claim over Arunachal Pradesh and drew strong condemnation from the Indian government.

Arunachal Pradesh, located on the eastern side of the Himalayas opposite Tibet, shares a deep-rooted Buddhist cultural heritage with its northern neighbor. The region also holds historical significance, as it served as a refuge for the Dalai Lama in 1959 following a failed uprising against Chinese rule in Tibet. The Dalai Lama has since resided in India.

The denial of entry to these Indian athletes casts a shadow over the sporting event and exacerbates the ongoing territorial dispute between India and China.

Summary:

• Three Indian wushu fighters from Arunachal Pradesh have been prevented from participating in the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
• The athletes received approval but encountered issues obtaining accreditation cards necessary for entry into China.
• The rest of the Indian wushu squad proceeded to Hangzhou without the affected athletes.
• Previous disputes over athlete participation have centered on China’s non-recognition of India’s territorial claim over Arunachal Pradesh.
• Arunachal Pradesh shares a cultural heritage with Tibet and served as a refuge for the Dalai Lama in 1959.
• The incident adds to ongoing tensions surrounding the territorial dispute between India and China.

The Gautam Buddh Nagar police have issued a revised traffic advisory concerning the movement of goods carriers on expressways in Noida and Greater Noida. This advisory, in effect until September 25, 2023, introduces specific restrictions during certain hours, providing a new level of clarity compared to the previous outright ban.

Details:

In an official statement reported by PTI, the Gautam Buddh Nagar police have announced a revised traffic advisory regarding the movement of goods carriers on expressways in Noida and Greater Noida. These restrictions will remain in place until September 25, 2023.

Hourly Restrictions:

Unlike the previous advisory that outright banned the movement of goods carriers on the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway and the Yamuna Expressway, the updated advisory now specifies restricted hours. Goods carriers will not be allowed to enter these expressways during the following times:

• From 6 am to 12 pm
• From 3 pm to 10 pm

This restriction will be in effect from Friday to Monday.

Exemptions for Essential Items:

However, it’s important to note that vehicles transporting essential items such as milk, vegetables, and medicines are exempt from these restrictions, ensuring that crucial supplies reach their destinations without disruption.

Reason for Advisory:

The advisory has been implemented in response to two significant events taking place in Greater Noida until September 25: the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show (UP ITS) and the MotoGP race. These events are expected to draw substantial crowds and traffic.

Legal Consequences:

Police authorities have warned that violators of this advisory will be subjected to punishment under Section 32 of the Police Act 1861. This enforcement applies to heavy, medium, and light categories of goods carriers.

Alternate Routes Recommended:

In anticipation of the two international events and the influx of visitors, police had previously advised goods carriers and heavy vehicles entering the district via the Yamuna Expressway to opt for alternate routes. Vehicles entering Noida via DND (Delhi Noida Direct) and Kalindi Kunj have been instructed to follow a route through Mayur Vihar, Kondli, and Jhandupura to reach their destinations efficiently.

In Summary:

• Revised traffic advisory restricts goods carriers on expressways in Noida and Greater Noida until September 25.
• Goods carriers barred from entry during specified hours from Friday to Monday.
• Exceptions for vehicles transporting essential items.
• Advisory issued due to the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show (UP ITS) and the MotoGP race.
• Violators may face penalties under Section 32 of the Police Act 1861.
• Alternate routes recommended for heavy vehicles entering the district.

In a recent encounter lasting a week in the Kokernag area of Kashmir Valley, security forces faced an unexpectedly high number of casualties, including two senior Army officers, a soldier, a deputy superintendent of Jammu and Kashmir Police, and two militants. This incident raises questions about the prevailing situation in the region, despite claims of peace and normalcy.

While most militant encounters in Kashmir typically last less than 24 hours, the Kokernag operation stood out due to its prolonged duration and the significant loss of high-ranking security officials. It comes at a time when the Jammu and Kashmir government has asserted a return to normalcy and lasting peace in the region.

Since 2021, there has been a noticeable shift in militant activities from the Kashmir Valley towards the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch along the Line of Control, indicating a change in focus towards Jammu. In fact, the number of Army casualties in Jammu region has been three times higher than in the Kashmir Valley since October 2021. Militant groups have also carried out targeted killings of civilians, particularly Hindus.

One key factor linking these strikes in Jammu with the Kokernag encounter is the choice of terrain by militants. In the post-2019 period, militants have increasingly opted for dense forest areas around the Pir Panjal mountain range, rather than villages or remote habitations. This 320-km-long natural barrier separates the Kashmir Valley from the Jammu region, not only physically but also ethnically, culturally, and socially.

Experts suggest that the shift to the Pir Panjal region is driven by a decrease in local support for militant groups. As a result, militants are retreating into forests, finding effective hideouts in the challenging terrain. The mountainous and forested landscape provides ample opportunities for hit-and-run operations and extended periods of rest and recovery.

A senior police officer familiar with the area explained, “The current activities on either side of the Pir Panjal appear to be a result of a shortage of urban hideouts and safe houses.”

However, the proximity to the Line of Control poses additional challenges, increasing the likelihood of militants infiltrating and exfiltrating the region with ease. The topography of the Pir Panjal-South Kashmir area allows militants to move back and forth between Jammu and Kashmir regions effortlessly.

The resurgence of militancy in the Pir Panjal region coincides with a crackdown on former local militants residing in Pakistan or Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir are closely monitoring the property of approximately 4,200 such individuals, who had either become militants or sought refuge across the border.

The recent surge in militancy-related incidents in the otherwise peaceful Jammu region suggests a deliberate shift by militants. While it’s not the first time militancy has targeted Jammu, maintaining a robust human intelligence network in the region is now imperative.

Despite these challenges, experts believe that it would be difficult for militants to sustain their operations in the long term due to declining recruitment and infiltration failures. General Hasnain emphasized, “The operations such as the one in Kokernag are not the result of terrorist strikes. The initiative was with the security forces and was based on intelligence. But in execution, different contingencies arise, not all of which can be planned for.”

In light of these developments, questions are raised about the claims of lasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir, with some suggesting that the situation on the ground may not align with official narratives.

News Summary:

• Recent encounters in Kashmir’s Pir Panjal region highlight a shift in militant activities towards challenging terrain.
• The Pir Panjal mountain range is now a favored hideout for militants, who are relying less on local support.
• Security forces face challenges in this terrain, with proximity to the Line of Control facilitating infiltration and exfiltration.
• A crackdown on former local militants living in Pakistan adds complexity to the situation.
• Despite recent incidents, experts believe it will be difficult for militants to sustain their operations in the long term.

Imphal, Manipur (Reuters) – Over 50 women sustained minor injuries as Central security forces and police clashed with protesters in various valley districts of Manipur. The demonstrators were demanding the release of five armed individuals who were arrested last week. Shockingly, the arrested suspects were found wearing police uniforms at the time of their apprehension.

The Meira Paibi, a collective of Meitei women, had called for filling the jails after a 48-hour deadline passed, which included a shutdown in the valley districts. Their primary demand was the immediate release of the detained individuals.

Violence erupted in several parts of the state around 1 p.m. on Thursday, with the residence of the officer-in-charge of Singjamei police station in Imphal West being vandalized by a mob around 3.15 p.m. In response, the Rapid Action Force (RAF), the Centre’s anti-riot police, fired tear gas shells near the Singjamei police station to disperse the agitated crowd.

The five arrested men, currently in judicial custody, are scheduled to appear in court on Friday. Their detention stems from reports of extortion threats, misuse of police uniforms, and impersonation by armed individuals, according to a police statement dated September 17. The arrests on September 16 took place at Kongba near Meitei Mayek School in Imphal, sparking disturbances across all five valley districts since September 17.

On Thursday, hundreds of women descended on police stations throughout the valley, urging the authorities to detain them as well. These women claimed that the five arrested men were village protection volunteers.

Soibam Memcha, a prominent woman leader, declared, “We had demanded the release of these volunteers, but the government has turned a deaf ear. The Kukis also have their village guards, and there have been no reports of Kuki arrests, including Kuki leaders.” The women activists in Imphal vowed to persist until the release of the detained individuals.

In anticipation of further agitation, the district administration curtailed the relaxation of curfew hours in Bishnupur.

Ethnic tensions have plagued Manipur since May 3, particularly between the tribal Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities. The ongoing crisis has claimed the lives of at least 175 people and displaced thousands from their homes.

In response to these events, the entire Imphal valley will remain under curfew on Friday, according to a government order.

In another development, the Manipur government issued a show-cause notice to telecom operator Airtel after mobile data services were found to be operational on a few phone numbers in the hill district of Churachandpur and adjoining areas of Bishnupur district on September 20. Mobile data services have been blocked in Manipur since May due to the prevailing law and order situation, with access granted only to those numbers included in a government-prepared “whitelist.”

The notice by T. Ranjit Singh, Commissioner (Home) of the Manipur government, calls on Airtel’s Chief Technical Officer in Imphal to explain the circumstances behind this lapse and why legal action should not be taken for violating government orders, including the total ban on telecom services.

News Summary:

• Violent protests erupted in Manipur as over 50 women were injured while demanding the release of five armed individuals arrested last week.
• The arrested suspects were found wearing police uniforms, raising questions about their affiliations and activities.
• The Meira Paibi, a collective of Meitei women, had called for jail filling after a 48-hour deadline demanding the detainees’ release.
• Ethnic tensions between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities have plagued Manipur since May, resulting in numerous casualties and displacements.
• The entire Imphal valley remains under curfew in response to the ongoing crisis.
• Airtel faces a show-cause notice from the Manipur government for allowing mobile data services on unauthorized numbers, potentially aggravating the law and order situation.