The Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), a banned outfit, claimed responsibility for the 11.50 am blast

Suspected militants triggered a bomb explosion in Imphal West district near the Imphal airport on Sunday, the third anniversary of ethnic conflict between Meitei and Kuki communities in the state, officials said.

No casualty or damage to property was reported in the blast that occurred near a crematorium at Malom under Singjamei police station, less than a kilometre from the Imphal Airport.

The incident site is also close to a camp of the Territorial Army.

Following the explosion, the area has been secured, and the situation remains under close monitoring, officials said, adding that an investigation has been under way.

In a statement, the KCP said that it triggered the explosion to protest frequent bandhs, blockades and shutdowns in the state, which have been affecting normal life.

Ethnic clashes have left at least 260 people dead and thousands of residents homeless since 2023.

The violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities started on May 3, 2023, after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organised in the hill districts to protest the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribes status.

Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur’s population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley, while tribals, which include Nagas and Kukis, constitute 40 per cent and reside mainly in the hill districts.

President’s Rule was imposed in the state on February 13 last year after the BJP-led government headed by Biren Singh resigned on February 9, following months of ethnic violence.

The 60-member assembly, which has tenure till 2027, had been put on suspended animation after President’s rule was imposed. It was revoked on February 4, hours before the formation of a new state government with BJP leader Y Khemchand Singh as the chief minister.

The two sides discussed strengthening navy-to-navy cooperation, bolstering the existing defence partnership, augmenting operational engagements, maritime security and promoting shared goals for a stable and secure maritime environment

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi with Myanmar Navy officials during his visit, in Yangon on Sunday. PTI

Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Indian Navy, who is on a four-day visit (May 2-5) to Myanmar, on Sunday held discussions with Rear Admiral Aung Aung Naing, Commander, Central Naval Command, Myanmar Navy.

The two sides discussed strengthening navy-to-navy cooperation, bolstering the existing defence partnership, augmenting operational engagements, maritime security and promoting shared goals for a stable and secure maritime environment.

Admiral Tripathi also met Rear Admiral Khun Aung Kyaw, Commander, Naval Training Command. Discussions focused on enhancing training cooperation and exploring future avenues of collaboration, with emphasis on improving interoperability and expanding training exchange programmes.

At the Naval Training Command, the Navy Chief was briefed on Myanmar Navy’s training infrastructure and ongoing initiatives between the two navies, including the effectiveness of the mobile training team, reaffirming India’s commitment to capacity building and professional exchanges.

Admiral Tripathi also formally handed over projects executed with the Government of India’s assistance, including a containerised small arms simulator and a rigid inflatable boat, aimed at augmenting maritime security in the Bay of Bengal region.

Earlier, the Navy Chief was received at the Central Naval Command Headquarters in Yangon with a ceremonial Guard of Honour.

During the visit, Admiral Tripathi is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with General Ye Win Oo, Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar Armed Forces; Myanmar Defence Minister General U Htun Aung; and Admiral Htein Win, Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar Navy, along with other senior officials.

The Indian Navy regularly engages with the Myanmar Navy through defence cooperation meetings, training exchanges and operational interactions, including the India-Myanmar Naval Exercise (IMNEX), Indo-Myanmar Coordinated Patrol (IMCOR), port visits and hydrographic surveys.

Army seeks industry solutions for tech gaps in combat systemsA three-day North Tech Symposium will open in Prayagraj on Monday

After Operation Sindoor, two key Army commands — tasked with China and Pakistan — have joined hands with domestic industry to develop technology solutions in drones, AI, satellite communication, robotics and navigation systems.

A three-day North Tech Symposium will open in Prayagraj on Monday, focusing on sustaining troops and inducting the latest technologies. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will inaugurate the event. The Northern Command, headquartered in Udhampur, and the Central Command, headquartered in Lucknow, along with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), are hosting it.

The Ministry of Defence said 284 industry vendors were expected to participate. The domestic industry will present possible solutions to 87 specific needs of the Army. These requirements have been prepared by eight Army teams, and the industry was informed in advance. Existing technology gaps have been assessed, along with lessons from contemporary conflicts.

A key focus of the event will be drones, which have emerged as a potent warfare tool. The two Army Commands have asked industry to propose options for ‘kamikaze’ systems; vertically launched anti-tank loitering munitions; high-altitude drones with satellite communication capability; drone-based radar capable of penetrating tree cover; high-altitude, long-endurance surveillance swarms; and drone systems capable of neutralising radars.

Industry has also been asked to provide solutions using AI for decoding and translating intercepted enemy communications; AI-enabled real-time drone threat detection systems; AI-based counter-drone electronic warfare systems; AI systems for detecting camouflaged and concealed military assets; AI-enabled autonomous signal interception sensors; and AI-assisted automated combat communication systems.The two commands are also seeking aerial and ground robotic mission systems, including robots equipped with assault rifles and all-terrain remotely operated dozers.

The Northern Command is dual-tasked — handling Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir and China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. The Central Command is responsible for the LAC in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

The Ministry of Defence said, “The symposium is expected to serve as a bridge between defence forces, scientists, industry leaders and the academic community.”

It is centred on the theme “Convergence of Technology, Industry and Soldiering” and aims to provide a collaborative platform for the armed forces, industry, innovators and academia to address operational challenges through technology-driven solutions.

Rejecting Nepal’s contention, the Ministry of External Affairs said it was unilateral “artificial enlargement” of territorial claim and was “untenable”

Nepal has formally objected to the proposed Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand and lodged a diplomatic protest to both India and China. It claimed that Lipulekh and its surrounding areas were its territory.

Rejecting Nepal’s contention, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Sunday night said it was unilateral “artificial enlargement” of territorial claim and was “untenable”.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “As regards territorial claims, India has consistently maintained that such claims are neither justified nor based on historical facts and evidence. Such unilateral artificial enlargement of territorial claims is untenable.” In its protest, the Nepal foreign ministry had said, “The government remains clear and firm that as per the 1816 Sugauli Treaty, Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani are integral parts of Nepal.”

Nepal also signalled that it remained open to a diplomatic resolution. “In keeping with the spirit of close and friendly relations, Nepal remains committed to resolving the boundary issue through historical facts, evidence and diplomatic dialogue,” it said.

The MEA said, with regards to claims related to border issues made by the Nepal foreign ministry in the context of the Manasarovar yatra, India’s position in this regard had been consistent and clear. “Lipulekh Pass has been a long-standing route for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra since 1954 and the yatra through this route has been going on for decades. This is not a new development.”The MEA said India remained open to a constructive

interaction with Nepal on all issues in the bilateral relationship, including on resolving agreed outstanding boundary issues through dialogue and diplomacy.

This is second such protest by Nepal, since the last one in August last year when India and China announced the opening of a trade route via the same mountainous region.

India had last week announced the pilgrimage to Mansarovar and one of the routes is through Lipulekh Pass, located near the trijunction of India, Nepal and China.

Nepal’s foreign ministry said it had taken note of reports about the proposed route and reiterated its long-held claim.

Nepal’s foreign minister Shishir Khanal said the step was taken after consultations with political parties, and its official stance had now been formally communicated.

Nepal has, in the past, repeatedly urged India not to undertake road construction, expansion, border trade or pilgrimage-related activities in the region. The government said it has consistently raised these concerns in the past, describing the matter as sensitive.

Nepal has, on multiple occasions, reminded both India and China of its claim and concerns regarding developments in the Lipulekh area.

The dispute centres around the Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura regions, which Nepal claims part of its territory under the Sugauli Treaty, signed after the Anglo-Gurkha war. The British had defeated the Gurkha kingdom in a battle and the treaty defined territories the Gurkha king ceded to the British.

Kuki groups seek UT status for hill areas; Meiteis urge govt not to support ‘Kuki militants’

Sunday marked the third anniversary of ethnic violence breaking out in Manipur. However, the chasm between the Kuki groups and the majority Meiteis shows no signs of narrowing, as both communities reiterated their known stands. The former is seeking a UT status for hill areas, while the latter urged the Centre and the state government not to support Kuki militants, who are under the Suspension of Operation (SoO) pact with them.

Several Meitei groups organised a sit-in at Jantar Mantar in the national capital, while the tribal Kuki groups carried out a peaceful march in Lamka town in the state’s Churachandpur district.

Both communities have been blaming each other for the sustained violence, which continues to rock the state despite imposition of the President’s Rule, its subsequent revocation and a change in CM with Y Khemchand Singh replacing N Biren Singh.

Thousands of people across the Sadar Hills in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district also observed “Separation Day” to mark three years since the outbreak of the conflict on May 3, 2023. The observance coincided with a 12-hour shutdown across Sadar Hills. Business establishments, private offices and educational institutions remained closed, while vehicular movement, except for emergency services, was suspended.

Meanwhile, after their protest march at Jantar Mantar, several Meitei groups condemned the ongoing violence in the state. They collectively condemned the continued support, funding, protection and shielding extended to Kuki militant groups. They alleged that their continued operation was a direct assault on constitutional order and justice.

They sought immediate end to all support, funding, and protection to Kuki militant groups; complete dismantling and disarmament of all militant networks operating in Manipur; immediate restoration of constitutional rule, law and order in Manipur and time-bound justice for every victim of violence since May 3, 2023.

Meanwhile, the Kuki Inpi, an apex body of the tribal community, reiterated its demand for the creation of a UT with Legislature under Article 239A of the Constitution of India.

The Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust (KOHUR) issued a separate statement, criticising the authorities. “Kuki-Zo lives remain the cheapest commodities in India even three years after the outbreak of ethnic violence in Manipur,” it alleged.

The rights body demanded a Supreme Court-monitored investigation into the events of May 2023 and accused the then government led by Biren of presiding over a “systematic ethnic cleansing campaign” allegedly carried out in coordination with armed groups.

KOHUR claimed that despite documented allegations of killings, sexual violence and arson, there had been “no arrests and zero prosecutions” in several major cases, describing the situation as a “complete collapse of the rule of law”. Referring to the attack on BJP MLA Vungzagin Valte during the violence, the organisation said the incident demonstrated that even elected representatives were not spared, raising concerns over public safety and accountability.

Blast in Imphal; no casualty

Suspected militants triggered a bomb explosion in Imphal West district on Sunday, said officials.

No casualty or damage to property was reported in the blast that occurred near a crematorium at Malom under the Singjamei police station, less than a kilometre from the Imphal Airport. The incident site is also close to a camp of the Territorial Army.

India’s private space ecosystem reached a major milestone with the successful launch of GalaxEye’s Mission Drishti, which features the world’s first OptoSAR satellite and India’s largest privately built satellite. The mission marks a significant advance in all‑weather earth observation capabilities and strengthens the country’s growing space technology landscape.

Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan, Prime inister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh were among those who congratulated the team on the successful launch.

PM Modi lauded the achievement, calling it an important moment in India’s space journey. He said the successful deployment of the OptoSAR satellite reflected the passion of India’s youth for innovation and nation-building, and extended his best wishes to the founders and the entire GalaxEye team for their continued contribution to cutting-edge space technology.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) also praised the achievement, saying it was proud to support such initiatives by providing access to its satellite testing facilities. ISRO said its efforts were aimed at fostering innovation and supporting the growth of India’s emerging private space sector.

The space agency said such collaborations were helping build a stronger and more self-reliant space ecosystem, enabling private players to contribute meaningfully to advanced space research and applications.

The satellite was placed in orbit aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from California. The rocket launched the CAS500-2 mission and delivered 45 payloads into orbit, including the OptoSAR satellite.

Mission Drishti is being seen as a major step forward in enhancing India’s earth observation capabilities, while also highlighting the expanding role of private participation in the country’s space sector.

WISHING LT GEB SS DAHIYA ,COL COMDT BENGAL SAPPERS HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

Brig Prahlad Singh chairman Sanjha Morcha Honoring Comdt 167 MH for rendering excellent medical services to ESM,Group

WE WANT EQUALITY

Lt Gen Balbir Singh takes charge of Chinar Corps

Lt Gen Depinder Singh, ex-IPKF commander, dies at 96

Major Deependra Singh Sengar.Real stories India never makes headlines about

GOLDEN-SAMPARK

Army releases list of 7 Pak terror camps hit during Op Sindoor

Does Trump’s war with Iran mark the start of de-dollarisation?

Bangladesh summons Indian envoy over Assam CM’s remarks

India, Italy exchange Bilateral Military Cooperation Plan

Govt to invite bids for 5th-generation fighter aircraft

Overseas Citizen of India registration system revamped, fully digitised

Commercial LPG cylinder price hiked by Rs 993, now at record Rs 3,071.50

Rupee hits all-time intraday low of 95.34 against $ as crude spirals past 122 per barrel

No Promotion, No Pay Growth? The Hidden Crisis in Indian Armed Forces | Lt Col Narendra Singh Thakur

Honoring Comdt 167 MH for rendering excellent medical services to ESM,Group Capt PS Pathania and Col Balkar Singh for attaining more than 90 years of age at Pathankot.More than 300 ESM Participated
Warm Regards
Brig Prahlad Singh Veteran