Girl with Cerebral Palsy Secures First Division in Manipur HSE 2026

 

Binila Khumukcham with her parents. (Image source: Jiri Today)

Manipur, April 23:

In an inspiring display of determination and resilience, Binila Khumukcham, a student from Jiribam Babupara in Manipur, has achieved remarkable success in the Higher Secondary Examination (HSE) 2026 conducted by the Council of Higher Secondary Education Manipur (COHSEM). Despite living with cerebral palsy and being unable to use her hands, she secured 67.4% in the Commerce stream, earning a First Division and reportedly the highest marks in her stream from Jiribam.

Binila’s journey has been marked by extraordinary perseverance. With limited physical mobility in her hands, she performs her daily activities, including writing and academic work, using her feet. Over the years, she has adapted to her circumstances with determination, developing the ability to study, write exams, and complete tasks independently through sheer practice and willpower.

Her achievement stands as a powerful testament to the fact that physical limitations do not define one’s potential. Instead, it highlights how discipline, consistency, and mental strength can overcome even the most challenging barriers. Preparing for board examinations is demanding for any student, but Binila’s accomplishment reflects an exceptional level of focus and commitment.

Binila Khumukcham showing
how she writes using her foot.

Family support has also played a crucial role in her journey. Her parents have stood by her side, encouraging her education and independence while ensuring she had the environment needed to pursue her goals. Their support, combined with her personal determination, has helped her reach this milestone.

Beyond academics, Binila has clear ambitions for her future. She aspires to become a businesswoman and lead an independent life, setting an example not only for students with disabilities but for all young people striving to achieve their dreams.

Her success has resonated across Manipur, serving as a source of motivation and pride. It reinforces an important message: success is not limited by circumstances but is driven by hard work, dedication, and a strong will to succeed. Stories like Binila’s encourage society to recognize ability beyond limitations and to create more inclusive opportunities for all.

This achievement is not just a personal milestone but a proud moment for the state. It stands as an inspiring example for students across Manipur and beyond, reminding everyone that with determination and perseverance, even the toughest challenges can be overcome.

TIPRA Motha Wins Big in TTAADC Polls, Bags 24 of 28 Seats

 

Agartala, April 17: 

The Tipra Motha Party has secured a landslide victory in the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections, winning 24 out of 28 seats and establishing a commanding majority in the council.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) managed to secure 4 seats, trailing far behind Tipra Motha’s dominant performance across the tribal regions of the state.

The emphatic mandate reflects strong grassroots support for Tipra Motha and its founder and leader, Pradyot Bikram Manikya DebBarma. A former chairman of the Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee and a member of the erstwhile royal family of Tripura, DebBarma founded the Tipra Motha Party with a focus on safeguarding the rights, identity, and socio-political aspirations of the indigenous tribal communities.

The party has consistently advocated for “Greater Tipraland,” a proposed constitutional solution aimed at ensuring greater autonomy, development, and protection of tribal interests within Tripura. Its growing popularity is largely driven by its strong regional identity politics and emphasis on inclusive development in tribal areas.

Reacting to the victory, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma extended his congratulations, highlighting the broader regional significance of the outcome. In a message, he stated:

“Congratulations my dear friend, Pradyot Bikram Manikya DebBarma and to his party, the TIPRA Motha Party for the landslide victory in the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections. Our collective mission for OneNorthEast is strengthened by the victory. Great things to follow!”

Sangma’s remarks underscore the growing political cooperation and shared vision among regional leaders in the Northeast, particularly under the vision of “One North East,” aimed at fostering unity, development, and stronger regional representation.

Political observers believe that the decisive mandate will further empower Tipra Motha to push its agenda on indigenous rights, governance reforms, and development initiatives within the TTAADC framework.

With this sweeping victory, Tipra Motha not only consolidates its dominance in the council but also strengthens its position as a key regional political force in Northeast India.

Indian Army Neutralises WWII Bombs in Assam

 

Assam, March 31:

The Indian Army successfully neutralised unexploded World War II–era bombs discovered at Ledo’s Burma Camp in Lekhapani, preventing a potential threat to life and property.

According to official sources, the unexploded ordnance, comprising a General Purpose bomb and an incendiary device was unearthed by a civilian while digging a pit. The discovery immediately raised serious safety concerns in the area.

Acting swiftly on inputs from the civil administration, the Red Shield Division of the Indian Army deployed a specialised Bomb Disposal Team to the site on March 31, 2026. As a precautionary measure, residents in the vicinity were evacuated and a secure perimeter was established, ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols.

Unearthed Bombs 

The bombs were then carefully secured and transported to a designated safe location away from populated areas. A controlled operation was carried out to neutralise the explosives, successfully eliminating the threat without any collateral damage.

Officials stated that the operation was conducted with high levels of professionalism, precision, and coordination. The timely intervention by the Indian Army averted a potential disaster and ensured the safety and reassurance of local residents.

The incident highlights the Indian Army’s continued commitment to safeguarding civilian lives and maintaining peace and security in the region.

Hailstorm and Thunderstorms Batter Manipur; Similar Weather Reported in Meghalaya

 

Villagers clearing hailstones from a road in Manipur
on March 15, 2026. (Pic: Kuki People Instagram)

Imphal, March 15, 2026:

Several parts of Manipur were lashed by heavy rain, thunderstorms, and hail on 15 March, as a sudden weather system swept across the state bringing strong winds and intense showers. The storm developed rapidly during the afternoon hours, with dark clouds followed by heavy rainfall and hailstones striking multiple areas.

Residents in several localities reported that the hailstorm lasted for several minutes, with hailstones hitting rooftops, vehicles, and open fields. The strong winds and rainfall briefly disrupted normal activities as people rushed indoors for safety while the storm passed through the region.

The aftermath of the storm saw damage to houses and property, particularly structures with tin roofs which were dented by falling hailstones. Some vehicles parked in open areas also sustained minor damage as the hail struck during the intense downpour.

Farmers in several rural areas expressed concern over possible damage to standing crops and vegetable plantations, as the hail and strong winds hit agricultural fields. The storm raised fears of crop losses in certain areas where farming activities are currently underway.

In addition to property and agricultural damage, the storm also caused temporary disruptions to daily life, with heavy rain and gusty winds affecting visibility on roads and leading to brief power interruptions in some localities.

Tin Roof of a House Severely Damaged by the Hailstones 

Despite the damage, the rainfall brought temporary relief from the prevailing warm weather conditions across the state, although the accompanying hail and winds created challenges for residents and farmers.

Meanwhile, similar weather conditions were reported in parts of Meghalaya on the same day. Areas including Tura in West Garo Hills district experienced heavy rainfall and hail during a powerful thunderstorm that damaged houses, vehicles, and crops.

Following the incident, the government of Meghalaya reviewed the situation, with Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma directing officials to assess the damage and ensure assistance to affected households. District administrations were instructed to conduct field assessments and monitor the situation closely.

Weather officials noted that such pre-monsoon thunderstorms are common across the northeastern region during the months of March and April, often bringing lightning, heavy rain, gusty winds, and occasional hailstorms.

Authorities continue to monitor weather conditions as forecasts indicate the possibility of further thunderstorms and isolated hailstorms across parts of Northeast India in the coming days.

Meghalaya CM Condemns Alleged Assault on Northeast Students Near Saket Court in Delhi

 

New Delhi, March 8, 2026:

Two students from Northeast India were allegedly attacked by a group of hooligans near the Saket District Court Complex in Delhi on Sunday evening. The victims reportedly include a woman from Manipur and a transgender student from Assam.

According to preliminary information, the two were taking a walk in the area when a group of men allegedly passed lewd and derogatory remarks at them. When one of them objected to the comments, the situation reportedly escalated.

The accused allegedly assaulted one of the victims with belts during the altercation. The injured student was later taken to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi for medical examination and treatment. Further details regarding the identity of the accused or any arrests are yet to be confirmed.

Reacting to the incident, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma strongly condemned the alleged attack and expressed concern over repeated incidents targeting people from the Northeast in mainland India. In a statement shared on social media, Sangma said he was angered by the reported assault on the two individuals from Manipur and Assam near Saket Court in Delhi and termed such acts unacceptable.

Victims receiving treatment at Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi

He further stated that racial bullying should not become the “new normal” and urged authorities to take stringent action against those responsible for the incident.

The alleged incident has once again raised concerns over the safety of people from Northeast India in the national capital. It comes just weeks after the Malviya Nagar incident in Delhi, where three girls from Arunachal Pradesh reportedly faced racial harassment by a group of men who allegedly passed offensive remarks targeting their identity.

That case drew national media attention and sparked widespread outrage on social media, with several organizations and student groups demanding strict action against the accused and stronger safeguards for people from the Northeast living in Delhi. The matter remains under investigation, and authorities are expected to look into the latest incident as well.

Pradyot, Conrad Sangma Meet Racial Abuse Victims in Delhi, Help Them Relocate

 

New Delhi, March 6, 2026:

Tipra Motha founder Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma recently met the young women from Northeast India who were allegedly subjected to racial abuse in Delhi and helped them relocate to a safer and more secure place.

The incident came to light after a video showing a heated altercation between the women and their neighbours in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar area went viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage across the Northeast. The dispute reportedly began after drilling work for the installation of an air conditioner at the women’s rented apartment caused dust and debris to fall onto the floor below. The situation soon escalated into a confrontation during which the women were allegedly targeted with racial slurs.

Following the circulation of the video online, the incident drew sharp reactions from political leaders and civil society groups, who condemned the alleged racist remarks and called for strict action against those responsible. Delhi Police subsequently registered a case and arrested the accused couple involved in the altercation.

In response to the incident, Pradyot Bikram Manikya and Conrad Sangma met the victims in Delhi to express solidarity and support. The leaders also assisted the women in relocating to a better and safer accommodation to ensure their safety and well-being.

Speaking on the matter, the leaders emphasized the importance of standing united against racism and discrimination faced by people from the Northeast in different parts of the country. They reiterated the message that the region stands together as “One Northeast,” stressing that such incidents must be addressed firmly and that the dignity and safety of citizens from the region must be protected.

 

New Delhi, February 26, 2026:

Royal scion of Tripura and founder of the TIPRA Motha Party, Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma, met and interacted with three women from the Northeast who were reportedly racially targeted in Malviya Nagar, Delhi. The meeting came amid growing concern over incidents of racial profiling faced by people from the region in metropolitan cities.

In a post shared on his official social media account, Debbarma expressed solidarity with the women and the wider Northeast community. He stated that they have his “unwavering support” and affirmed that he would stand with anyone from the Northeast who has been unfairly profiled or targeted.

Emphasising unity, he added that people across the region must remain together as “One Northeast” for the sake of future generations. The interaction has drawn attention online, with several users calling for stronger action against racial discrimination and greater protection for individuals from the Northeast living outside the region.