Latest Imphal News | Top Imphal News Headlines Today | Today India news | Breaking Imphal News Today | English Imphal News Headlines - TheDailyGuardian

Imphal’s ‘Squid Game’-Inspired Stall Goes Viral | WATCH

February 16, 2025, 2:14 pm

A video of a ‘Squid Game ‘themed stall in Imphal is causing waves in social media, establishing that the Korean cultural influence in Manipur is unbeatable. The stall draws inspiration from the international Netflix blockbuster drama.

In the viral video, the vendor dressed as the show’s masked Pink Soldiers while vendors sell quintessential Korean products such as Dalgona candy and ‘ddakji’ paper tiles. The viral video of the setup, posted on Instagram, has gained over 149,000 views, generating buzz among K-drama fans.

The success of Korean culture in India, particularly in the northeastern Manipur state, is undeniable. A Journal of North East India Studies (JNEIS) article points out how media has been instrumental in introducing K-dramas, K-pop, and Korean fashion into the region. This latest viral video further reinforces the state’s long-standing fascination with everything Korean.

Watch:

View this post on Instagram.

A post shared by Lanchenba Meitei II (@lanchenba_meiteii)

Squid Game Craze

The ‘Squid Game’ series is Netflix’s most-watched Korean drama. The series tracks financially struggling players who participate in fatal children’s games for a huge cash award. The vendors at the stall go all out with the theme, wearing the creepy pink suits and black masks that are so associated with the show’s Pink Soldiers.

Displayed prominently on the stall’s table is Dalgona, the brittle Korean honeycomb candy engraved with intricate shapes, reminiscent of the tense challenge from the series. Nearby, a basket holds folded paper tiles used for ‘ddakji,’ a traditional South Korean game also featured in ‘Squid Game.’ A large banner showcases the series’ title and an image of lead actor Lee Jung-jae, further enhancing the experience.

Social media Reactions

Social media users quickly responded to the viral video, with one user saying, “Manipur’s Squid Game is here!” Another user applauded the creativity as a “nice idea,” and another person playfully said, “Squid Game of a parallel world.”

Korean TV channels, such as KBS World and Arirang, which have been on air since the late 1990s are mostly responsible for K-dramas’ huge following in Manipur. Local video parlors with cheap access to Korean films and dramas also supplement the Korean Wave in the area.

As Hallyu continues to grow in Manipur, such creative establishments as the Squid Game stall only add to the state’s perpetually increasing fondness for Korean culture.

Manipur: Gunfire Hits Imphal Government Official’s Home

July 25, 2024, 3:12 pm

In a shocking incident on Wednesday night, unidentified attackers fired multiple shots at the residence of Robertson Asem, the Director of Manipur’s Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution (CAF and PD). The attack occurred around 10:30 PM in Imphal West’s Singjamei Police Station area.

According to police reports, the assailants fired approximately 4-5 rounds at Asem’s residence. The incident was captured on CCTV, showing two individuals approaching from the east side of Pishum Ningom Leirak. After the shooting, the attackers quickly fled the scene.

Director Robertson Asem expressed confusion over the attack, stating that he had no known enemies or prior warnings from any individual or organization. Asem told Hindustan Times, “I am still puzzled as to why this attack happened and who could be behind it.”

During the incident, a white Alto car parked outside the residence was damaged, sustaining several bullet marks. No injuries were reported.

The Singjamei Police Station has registered a case and launched an investigation into the shooting. Authorities are working to identify the attackers and determine the motive behind the attack.

Cyclone Remal Update: Floods Triggered Across Manipur, State Govt Declares Two-Day Holiday till May 31

May 30, 2024, 7:42 pm

Continuous rainfall, induced by cyclone Remal, has led to flooding across various districts in Manipur. Consequently, the state government has launched active rescue and relief efforts.

In response to breaches in embankments along riverbanks causing severe flooding, the government declared a two-day public holiday until May 31 for all state offices, urging citizens to remain indoors unless faced with emergencies. Essential service departments, including home affairs, police, relief and disaster management, power, health, district administration, and water resources, will remain operational during this period.

Rescue operations are ongoing in badly affected areas of Imphal East and Imphal West districts. Fishermen from Thanga in Bishnupur district are aiding the Loktak Development Authority (LDA) in evacuating flood-affected individuals using traditional canoes, with similar efforts being made in other locations such as Laipham Khunou and Khuman Lampak.

Agricultural areas in Nambol, Bishnupur district, have been severely affected by flooding due to breaches in riverbanks. The Chief Minister commended the efforts of Thanga fishermen for their assistance in rescue operations. In Nambol, Bishnupur district, where two tributaries of the Nambul river breached banks, extensive agricultural land has been inundated.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) deployed forty personnel along with six additional motorboats to lead rescue operations. Commercial activities at Khwairamband, Paona, and Thangal markets remained suspended due to inundation caused by river overflow and embankment breaches.

Moreover, heavy rains triggered a landslide in Tamenglong district, affecting the Imphal-Silchar route. Additionally, flooding occurred in Wangoi constituency due to the breach of the Nambul river banks at Samurou in Imphal West district.

Indian Army Uncovers Cache of Arms and Ammunition in Manipur

March 27, 2024, 12:11 am

On Tuesday, the Indian Army initiated synchronized operations following intelligence reports indicating the presence of militants and stockpiles of weapons, ammunition, explosives, and military supplies at two separate sites: one in the Kumbi area of Bishnupur district and the other in the general vicinity of Maphou in Imphal East district of Manipur.

A collaborative operation was undertaken with the Bishnupur Police and Manipur Commando. During the operation, authorities recovered one .303 rifle, one 9mm carbine, one locally-made pistol, four hand grenades, and various other military supplies.

In another incident, a search operation was conducted following intelligence indicating the presence of militants in the vicinity of Maphou in the Imphal East district.

During the meticulously conducted search, which involved thorough inspections of abandoned sites and the outskirts of villages along hill bases and deserted structures, a significant stockpile of arms and explosives was discovered. This included one Improvised Mortar, one Pompie Mortar, two grenades, and ammunition.

These confiscations highlight the efficiency of joint efforts by security forces in combating illegal activities and maintaining the safety and security of the region.

The retrieved items have been transferred to the Manipur Police. This operation demonstrates the synergy and steadfast dedication of both Central and State Security Forces to uphold peace and stability in Manipur, while also enforcing the rule of law.

Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra: Party leaders in Imphal extend warm welcome to Rahul Gandhi

January 14, 2024, 3:22 pm

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi was greeted warmly by party officials and workers when he arrived at the Imphal airport on Sunday afternoon. He will now proceed to Thoubal, Manipur, to commence the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. Due to fog, the inauguration of the Yatra was delayed on Sunday morning. Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders were being escorted by a special IndiGo flight to Imphal.

The yatra will cover over 6,700 kilometres over 67 days, traversing through 110 districts.
Incidentally, the Congress suffered a major loss on Sunday when senior Congress leader Milind Deora announced his resignation from the party.
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said that Rahul Gandhi has come with a message of peace, love and brotherhood in Manipur, which has been facing violence for a long time.

Danish Ali, the MP for Lok Sabha, has chosen to attend the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’s launch in Manipur despite having recently been suspended by the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).

“I have decided to join him (Rahul Gandhi) in this yatra because I feel I would be failing in my duty as a politician and a social worker if I did not join the biggest drive for unity and justice. I pray for the success of this yatra and for the future of my country,” Danish Ali said in a post on ‘X’.

“This yatra is a call for action against divisive forces. This yatra is a drive to unite the people of our country against fear, hate, exploitation and divisiveness,” he added.
Earlier in the day, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh took a dig at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) saying that the Yatra is aimed to raise voice against “Anyay Kal” (era of justice) of the last 10 years.

“The 6700+ km Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from Khongjom in Manipur to Mumbai in Maharashtra starts today — to raise our voice for economic justice, social justice and political justice, to raise our voice against the ANYAY KAAL of the last 10 years,” Ramesh said in a post on ‘X’.

Rahul Gandhi to undertake ‘Bharat Nyay Yatra’ from Imphal to Mumbai from January 14, after Bharat Jodo Yatra

December 27, 2023, 11:46 am

Rahul Gandhi, congress leader and former party president , will embark on another Yatra, but this time it will go from East to West. The Nyay Yatra was announced by the Congress Party on Wednesday. It is scheduled to begin in Imphal, Manipur, on January 14 and end in Mumbai, Maharashtra, on March 20. During this Yatra, Rahul Gandhi is anticipated to engage with women, young people, and marginalized groups. According to the Congress party, the Nyay Yatra will travel 6,200 kilometers. Its path will pass through the states of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Assam, Meghalaya, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Maharashtra.

The Yatra will cover 14 states and 85 districts.
Speaking at a news conference in Delhi, Organisation Secretary KC Venugopal said ” Bharat Nyay Yatra to start from January14 to March 20 from Manipur to Mumbai. Now Rahul Gandhi is doing a yatra with great experience from first Bharat Jodo Yatra. He is going to interact with youth, women and marginalised people. Yatra will cover 6,200 kms. This time the Yatra will be carried out by Bus with leaders expected to walk certain sections of the route.”
“On December 21, Congress workers gave opinion that Rahul Gandhi should start Yatra from East to West. Rahul Gandhi also agreed to fulfil the wishes of CWC” Venugopal added.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge will flag off the Yatra which will crisscross 14 states and 85 districts. The Yatra come during a period where the camapigning for the 2024 Lok Sabha election is also expected to pick up. Some of the state through which the Yatra is expected to traverse are currently ruled by parties that form part of the INDIA alliance and it is to be seen if these parties join the Congress Yatra.

Manipur: Rahul Gandhi meets with other party leaders and civil society members in Imphal

June 30, 2023, 10:40 am

Rahul Gandhi, the Congress leader, arrived in Moirang on friday for a two-day visit, he met with individuals affected by the state’s violence. In Imphal, he is also meeting with ten other party leaders and civil society activists.

Manipur Congress president, Keisham Meghachandra informed that the Congress leader will also meet 10 like-minded party leaders and United Naga Council (UNC) leaders and civil society organisation members after returning to Imphal.

“Rahul Gandhi will meet all the affected families and visit the relief camps in Moirang. After that, he will be back in Imphal. At Imphal Hotel he will meet civil society organisation leaders, United Naga Council’s leaders, 10 like-minded political parties and women leaders. He is here only for peace,” Meghachandra said.

Earlier on Thursday, the Congress leader met violence-affected people in Manipur’s Churachandpur on the first day of his two-day visit to the state that has seen ethnic violence. Rahul Gandhi in a tweet earlier said Manipur needs healing and peace has to be the only priority.

“I came to listen to all my brothers and sisters of Manipur. People of all communities are very welcoming and loving. It’s very unfortunate that the government is stopping me. Manipur needs healing. Peace has to be our only priority,” he said.

Rahul Gandhi, who landed in Imphal on thursday, returned to the state capital after local police prevented his convoy from proceeding to Churachandpur. Police said it had been done for “security” reasons and the Congress leader could go by air. The convoy of the Congress leader was halted at a checkpoint near Bishnupur, around 20 km from Imphal.

Amit Shah meets a delegation of women in Manipur’s Imphal

May 30, 2023, 11:15 am

A group of women met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday in Imphal, the capital of Manipur. On a four-day tour to the state that has seen unrest between ethnic factions, Shah arrived here yesterday. The Northeastern State has experienced recent violence.
In order to assess the situation and determine the next steps to bring about a return to normalcy in the area, Shah met with the governor of Manipur, Anusuiya Uikey, on Monday. He also presided over a meeting with the chief minister of the state, N Biren Singh, and other ministries, senior leaders, and officials.He held a meeting in the presence of Union Minister for State Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, and Intelligence Bureau chief Tapan Deka among other officials concerned in the state as well as the Centre.
The meeting aimed at assessing the situation in Manipur and plan further steps to restore normalcy there.
During his stay in Manipur till June 1, the Home Minister will hold several rounds of security meetings.
Five persons, including a Manipur Police Officer, were killed, a Bharatiya Janata Party MLA’s house was vandalised and over 1,000 arms and ammunition were reportedly looted by a mob from armouries of Manipur Rifles and IRB on Sunday while combined Central and state security forces gunned down more than 30 suspected Kuki militants in the state over the last 48 hours.Violence broke out in Manipur on May 3 at a rally called by the All Tribals Students Union (ATSU) to protest the demand that Meitei/Meetei be classified as a Scheduled Tribe (ST). Following a Manipur High Court order from April 19, the march was arranged in opposition to the petition for the Meitei minority in the state to be included in the ST category.

Manipur violence: Imphal valley peaceful but tense, irregular gunfire continues

May 5, 2023, 5:17 pm

The Imphal Valley in Manipur was calm but tense on Friday; however, irregular gunfights between militant groups and security forces were reported from the hill districts surrounding the valley.

As per a senior police officer, gunfire was reported between militant groups and security forces at Kangvai in the Churachandpur district, the western hill range of Phougakchao in the neighbouring Bishnupur district, and Dolaithabi and Pukhao in the Imphal East district.

It was not immediately clear whether any casualties had occurred on either side. The Army and the Assam Rifles have deployed more than 6,000 soldiers in the state, and additional troops have been transported there by road from Nagaland and by air using C-17 Globemaster and AN-32 transport aircraft of the IAF from Assam.

The Sikh regiment of the Army is currently conducting rescue operations in Langol in the Imphal West district, relocating more than 500 people to safe places at the Leimakhong army camp, officials said.

The situation has been brought under control thanks to coordinated efforts by all parties. “The Indian Air Force (IAF) undertook continuous sorties from two airfields in Assam employing C17 Globemaster and AN 32 aircraft.”

“Induction started on 4 May night, and new columns started dominating on 5 May early in the morning. Throughout the night, the evacuation of all communities’ civilians from impacted areas continued. “A flag march in Churachandpur and other sensitive areas is underway,” it added.

The Manipur government has issued “shoot at sight” orders to stop the ongoing violence. Chief Minister N Biren Singh has claimed that the violence took place due to “misunderstanding” in society and that his government is taking all necessary steps to stabilise the situation.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has held video conference meetings with key officials of the Manipur and central governments to review the situation, in addition to talking with Singh and his counterparts in Nagaland (Neiphiu Rio), Mizoram (Zoramthanga), and Assam (Himanta Biswa Sarma).

Ima Keithal market ‘historic example’ of women’s empowerment, says EAM Jaishankar

November 27, 2022, 1:57 pm

S Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister visited the all-women Ima Keithal market in Manipur’s capital Imphal. Jaishankar shared an interaction with the public in the market and called for taking inspiration from the Ima Keithal Market.

Jaishankar, while speaking to the media, said that he is “pleased” to see women’s empowerment at the Ima Keithal Market. He further said that he had heard about the unique market and that is why he visited the place. “It’s actually something you have to come and see. I have obviously heard about it which is why I am here. So, when I look at all of them and the energy and the entrepreneurship that we see,” Jaishankar said.

“A lot of what PM Narendra Modi ji is trying to do is to make sure that the opportunities are there for women (Nari Shakti) in India also to make the fullest contribution. This is a historical example of this. So, we should all take inspiration from this place. I am really very, very pleased to see that,” EAM Jaishankar said while stressing upon PM Narendra Modi’s efforts towards women empowerment.

Jaishankar is on a visit to Manipur from 26-28 November, sharing details of the same he tweeted, “Visited the legendary Ima market in Imphal. A great example of Nari Shakti powering economic growth.”

The northeast’s infrastructure and connectivity are being improved, according to Jaishankar earlier on Saturday. Jaishankar tweeted, “Assured that we are working to increase connection within the northeast and to the wider world and broaden its access to global markets and workplace,” emphasising how crucial it is to do so since it will serve as a gateway to the rest of the world.

According to Jaishankar, celebrations for India’s G20 presidency will take place all over the nation, including in Manipur. “Our upcoming G20 Presidency will showcase the Northeast to the world, with attendant tourism benefits,” said Jaishankar.

From December 1, India will hold the G20 presidency.