Ukhrul (Manipur), Feb. 10 : The National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) NSCN IM and Assam Rifles recently had a standoff over the violation of ceasefire agreement.

The standoff began with the NSCN (IM) trying to set up a camp in the vicinity of Siroy village in Manipur, which was a step contravening the conditions of original ceasefire agreement.

Though the weeklong standoff between the NSCN-IM and the Assam Rifles at Siroy in Manipur''s Ukhrul district has been resolved amicably, it badly affected the lives of those living in Siroy village.

Imphal, Feb. 9 (ANI): People in Manipur are attending the annual theatre festival-Shumang Leela, which commenced last week and would last till February end.

Not many may know but the art form derives its name from ''Shumang'', which means ''courtyard'' in local parlance.

The festival has traditionally been showcasing several plays based on contemporary themes. Though these performance have popularly been known to have an all-male cast performing in them, of late young women have also started getting roles in the Shumang plays.

Imphal (Manipur), Feb. 8 : Trouble is brewing in Manipur against the administration''s plans to acquire farmland to set up an industrial growth centre.

The state government wants to set up a 102 million dollar industrial centre at Chingarel Loukon by acquiring 215 hectares of farmland.

Farmers have vehemently opposed the move, saying it will affect their livelihood.

They held a meeting in state capital Imphal on Saturday where they decided that they would boycott the general elections if the state government carried out the proposal.

Carrying placards denouncing the proposed acquisition of agriculture land, thousands of farmers took part in the rally to voice their protest.

Imphal, Feb. 4 : Manipur is also known for its rich tradition of theatre, which has been used as an important tool or medium to highlight major burning social issues and create awareness in the society.

With an aim to promote, nurture and accelerate theatre movement in the state, Manipur State Kala Academy recently organised the
26th All Manipur Drama Festival at the Manipur Dramatic Union hall in the State capital.

Imphal, Feb. 3 : Militant groups in Manipur have started targeting hospitals and educational institutes with extortion demands. The latest institution threatened by them is the S. Kumar Hospital.

Students and staff of S. Kumar hospital at Porompat in Imphal demonstrated in protest against the extortion demand of 50,000 per year, as was made by the People''s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (or PREPAK), a militant outfit.

The fear factor gripped many when a patient was made to deliver a live bullet to the Managing Director of the hospital.

Imphal, Feb 3, : Paramilitary forces gunned down two uniden