Permanent solution to Manipur crisis will take time due to fragile situation: CM Biren Singh
Imphal (PTI): Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Thursday said the Centre and the state governments are making all efforts to bring a permanent solution to the ongoing crisis in the state, but suggested that it could take time due to the fragile nature of the situation.
Speaking at a programme to commemorate Nupi Lan, Singh said, "The state and central governments have been putting all efforts to bring a permanent solution. However, bringing a solution would take time as the situation had become chronic and fragile."
Regarding the re-imposition of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in six police station areas, Biren said, "The state government had requested the Centre to review and withdraw AFSPA from the said police stations" and sought cooperation and support from the public in the government’s effort to restore peace and tranquility in the state.
The CM said Nupi Lal Numit is observed annually to remember the role played by Manipuri women in 1904 and 1939, revolting against the injustice of British colonialism.
Singh said apart from the contribution of women during the two historical events, "we should also remember the bravery and courage shown by Manipuri women in other instances, including ousting the Burmese during the Seven Year Devastation period (1819-1826)."
He also mentioned that the bravery and courage of the past could also be seen among present-day women of the state, as they had been leading from the forefront in every issue pertaining to the safety of the people of the state.
Singh said, "Manipuri women have contributed in multiple sectors, including social, economic, art and culture, hospitality, and games and sports, among others, apart from their household activities" and that the "cultural performances shown by our women in different national and international events have showcased the uniqueness of our culture across the world."
He informed that "the state government, acknowledging the hard work and commitment of women, had introduced certain women welfare schemes, including Ima Nongthangleima Yaipha Tengbang Scheme, providing financial assistance of Rs 500 per month to unemployed women who are above the age of 40 years."
Singh also spoke on the initiatives of the central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi in passing the Women’s Reservation Bill 2023 in Parliament.
He also mentioned other initiatives taken up by the state government for students, including the Chief Minister’s Scholarship for Civil Service Coaching, Chief Minister’s Coaching Scheme for Entrance Examination to Professional Courses for NEET and JEE, and the establishment of DIET in every district, among others.
Later, replying to media queries on the treatment of Myanmar refugees, Singh said, "Those who are criticising should come here and see the ground realities. There are no differences. Refugees are being treated under the guidelines of the United Nations and the supervision of the government of India and the government of Manipur. Equal treatment is being given."
Earlier, Singh, along with the legislators, paid floral tributes to the statue of Nupi Lan at Nupi Lan Memorial Complex in Imphal.
Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Th. Biswajit Singh, who was also present on the occasion, said Nupi Lal is observed every year to remember the courage and sacrifice of women freedom fighters and to pay tribute to their contributions, adding that the observation is a proud moment for every Manipuri.
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Karnataka: GBA city corporation polls likely between June 14 and 24
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka State Election Commissioner G S Sangreshi on Friday said elections to the five city corporations under the GBA will be held anytime between June 14 and June 24.
He said the exact date for the polls will be announced after a week, asserting that the power to postpone the elections, as requested by GBA authorities, lies with the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court had directed the Karnataka government and the State Election Commission to conduct Bengaluru local body elections by June 30.
On Friday, the SEC held a consultation meeting with the GBA Chief Commissioner and commissioners of the five city corporations regarding the election schedule, as per the provisions of the GBA Act.
“During the meeting, I informed GBA officials that only the election date has to be fixed, as all other measures and formalities for conducting the polls have already been completed,” Sangreshi said.
“They requested the Commission to consider factors such as rains, exams, census work, SIR, and manpower shortages while fixing the date and sought additional time,” he added.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, he said, “I told them this meeting was not for seeking time. Elections to the five corporations under the GBA must be held before June 30, as directed by the Supreme Court, and a compliance report must be submitted to the court. I do not have the power to postpone the elections as requested.”
The Supreme Court has already given a “final opportunity,” and both the SEC and the government must comply with its directions, the State Election Commissioner said.
He asked GBA officials to suggest suitable dates between June 14 and June 24.
“While stating that they are ready for elections, the officials highlighted operational challenges, including manpower shortages. However, I have informed them that the elections will have to be held between June 14 and June 24. After a week, I will announce the final date,” he said.
Reiterating that he does not have the power to postpone the elections, Sangreshi said the authority rests with the Supreme Court, and elections must be conducted as scheduled.
“We have consulted the GBA as per the rules. It is up to them to suggest a date within the given window. If they need more time, they must approach the court. Our responsibility is to fix the date and complete the polls before June 30,” he said.
The matter regarding manpower and other concerns raised by GBA officials is already before the Supreme Court, and the State Election Commission has also filed a petition in this regard. The case is yet to be heard.
“Since the matter has not come up for hearing, the earlier order remains binding. Therefore, preparations are underway,” he added.
The tenure of the previous elected body under the erstwhile Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) ended on September 10, 2020, and since then, a government-appointed administrator has been managing its day-to-day affairs.
Bengaluru was divided into five municipal corporations—Central, East, West, North, and South—under the Greater Bengaluru Authority in September 2025, replacing the BBMP.
Sangreshi had earlier said that elections to the five corporations would be conducted using ballot papers instead of Electronic Voting Machines.
This follows the Congress government’s decision last September to recommend the use of ballot papers in all future panchayat and urban local body elections, citing concerns over declining public confidence in EVMs.
The state government subsequently enacted the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Act, 2026, paving the way for the use of ballot papers in local body elections.
