Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Saturday condemned the attack that occurred in the Imphal East district, which resulted in injuries to both civilians and security personnel. The recent violence involved a gunfight between armed individuals and security forces in the villages of Sanasabi and Thamnapokpi.

In response to the escalating situation, the Chief Minister urged for calm and unity, stating that all necessary measures have been implemented to address the circumstances. He noted that sufficient security personnel have been deployed to the affected areas, and those injured are receiving appropriate medical care.

In a post on social media platform X, CM Singh expressed strong condemnation of the indiscriminate gunfire by Kuki militants, which harmed civilians and security members. He described the attack as a cowardly and unprovoked assault on innocent lives, undermining peace and harmony.

The post emphasised that proper coordination and understanding between central forces and state police are essential when managing such crises. The Chief Minister reiterated the call for calm and unity amidst these challenges.

In related to this, on Friday, a joint operation involving Manipur Police, Assam Rifles, the Forest Department, and an Executive Magistrate resulted in the destruction of seven acres of poppy cultivation in the T. Lhanghoimol area of Churachandpur District. An FIR has been filed, and efforts are underway to identify and hold accountable the individuals responsible for the poppy cultivation.

Security forces also carried out search operations and maintained a presence in vulnerable areas of both hill and valley districts. They ensured the movement of 115 and 326 vehicles carrying essential goods along NH-37 and NH-2, respectively.

Manipur Police said that strict security measures were implemented at all sensitive locations, with security convoys provided to ensure safe passage for vehicles. A total of 108 checkpoints were established throughout various districts, and no detentions were made in connection with violations.

The ongoing violence in Manipur between the Meitei and Kuki communities began after a rally by the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM) on May 3 of last year, protesting against the Manipur High Court’s recommendation to consider including the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribes list.

Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday launched a scathing attack on the BJP and the Congress following Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena’s directive for an investigation into the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) proposed welfare initiatives, spurred by a complaint from Congress’s Sandeep Dikshit.

During a press conference today, Kejriwal accused both parties of trying to obstruct AAP’s welfare schemes aimed at women and the elderly in the run-up to the Delhi elections.

“The BJP doesn’t have the guts to act directly and instead had Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit file the complaint. The Congress and BJP are colluding to thwart AAP’s efforts,” Kejriwal stated, marking his first direct attack on both parties.

He elaborated on the proposed initiatives, saying, “I’ve said that post-election, we’ll provide Rs 2,100 to women and offer free healthcare to senior citizens over 60. These schemes are extremely beneficial, and already, lakhs of people have signed up. This has made the BJP anxious.”

The Lieutenant Governor’s inquiry pertains to AAP’s pledge of providing Rs 2,100 to eligible women, accusations regarding intelligence officers from Punjab seen at Congress candidates’ homes, and claims of cash transfers from Punjab to Delhi ahead of the elections.

Kejriwal reacted to these allegations, asserting that the BJP’s intent is to undermine AAP’s welfare initiatives. “The BJP is in this election solely to obstruct progress. If they win, they will abolish all our schemes. Voting for the BJP means relinquishing Delhi,” he warned.

Rejecting the allegations, Kejriwal clarified that the welfare initiatives, including the Mahila Samman Card and Sanjeevani Yojna, remain electoral promises rather than already implemented programs. “What’s there to investigate? These are commitments we’ve made for after we win the elections,” he emphasised, urging residents to continue signing up for the initiatives.

Kejriwal also accused BJP leaders of sending goons to disrupt AAP’s registration camps and involving the Delhi Police to impede the registration effort. “The BJP does not care about the welfare of women and the elderly; they are anti-women and are against their advancement,” he claimed, asserting that if the BJP comes to power, they will render Delhi unlivable.

During the press conference, he expressed his readiness to face jail again for the people of Delhi, stating, “If they send me to jail, I’ll go once more, but I will keep fighting for you.” He encouraged residents to “trust their Kejriwal” and persist in registering for AAP’s proposed welfare programs.

The Delhi Assembly election is set to take place in February next year, 2025.

Indian cricketer Nitish Kumar Reddy made a significant mark in his young career by scoring his maiden century in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The 21-year-old rising star’s impressive knock has captured the attention of fans and experts alike, as social media erupted with praise following his performance.

Reddy’s moment came when he walked into bat during India’s challenging innings, with the team trailing Australia by a substantial 250 runs. At 221 for 7, the situation was grim for the visitors, but Reddy showed remarkable resilience and composure. Despite the pressure, he held his ground and remained unbeaten as play was halted due to rain, taking India to 358 for 9 at the end of the day.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was quick to congratulate Reddy on his achievement, sharing an update that read, “फायर नहीं वाइल्डफायर है! Nitish Kumar Reddy gets to his maiden CENTURY and what a stage to get it on! He is now the leading run-scorer for India in the ongoing BGT.”

Former Indian batter Wasim Jaffer also expressed his admiration, praising Reddy’s compact technique and gritty attitude. Jaffer wrote, “This young man just continues to impress. His compact technique, gutsy attitude, and most importantly, the way he puts a price on his wicket are all impressive attributes of a fine Test batter in the making. Very well played #AUSvIND #NitishKumarReddy.”

Cricketer Irfan Pathan, too, was effusive in his praise, sharing a photo of Reddy’s stylish drive along with a message that read, “On public demand, this is for Nitish Kumar Reddy. Well played, youngster, so proud of you.”

At the end of Day 2, India stood at 358 for 9, with the rain delay bringing an early end to the day’s play. Australia, however, still holds a 116-run lead in the match. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 series is currently tied at 1-1, with both teams eager to gain an advantage in this crucial Test match.

Reddy’s performance has certainly added excitement to the ongoing series and further solidified his potential as a rising star in Indian cricket.