Pioneer in short
Manipur: Protests over killing of minors
Defying curfew, thousands of protesters across five valley districts of Manipur took to the streets, condemning a deadly bomb attack in Bishnupur that killed two young siblings. Demonstrations, tyre burnings, and road blockades were reported in Imphal West, Bishnupur, Imphal East, Thoubal, and Kakching, disrupting normal life. In Imphal West’s Tiddim Line, a major rally organised by a civil society group saw hundreds, including children carrying posters of the victims, demanding swift arrest of those responsible. Security forces stopped the march near Kwakeithel, while representatives later met the Chief Minister to press their demands. The April 7 attack in Tronglaobi, in which a 5-year-old boy and his infant sister were killed, sparked widespread outrage. Soon after, a mob stormed a nearby CRPF camp, vandalising property and burning vehicles. Security forces opened fire, leaving three protesters dead and around 30 injured. Fresh attempts to march towards the Chief Minister’s residence were foiled, while clashes involving stone-pelting and tear gas were reported in parts of Imphal East.
Court defers Khera bail plea
The Telangana High Court on Thursday adjourned to April 10 the hearing on an anticipatory bail plea filed by Congress leader Pawan Khera in a case lodged by the Assam Government over his allegations against Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife. Appearing for Khera, senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi termed the case “political vendetta,” arguing that the allegations amount at most to defamation and do not justify arrest. He said Khera, currently in Hyderabad, is neither a flight risk nor a habitual offender. Opposing the plea, Assam Advocate General Devajit Saikia contended that the petition is not maintainable in Telangana, as the FIR was registered in Assam. He denied any political motive and maintained that due legal process is being followed.
The case stems from Khera’s April 5 allegations that Sarma’s wife possessed undisclosed foreign assets and multiple passports-claims rejected by the Chief Minister. Assam Police have since registered a case under various sections and previously visited Khera’s Delhi residence. The court is expected to pronounce its order on Friday.
Tourists rescued in Sikkim
More than 1,000 stranded tourists were safely evacuated from Lachen in Sikkim’s Mangan district after multiple landslides severed road connectivity, officials said on Thursday. A total of 1,321 tourists and 84 local residents, stranded since April 5, were rescued in a coordinated operation led by District Collector Anant Jain. The effort involved the Indian Army, Border Roads Organisation, local body Lachen Dzumsa, and tourism stakeholders. Evacuees were transported via special buses and tourist vehicles from Taram Chu to Chungthang, and onward to Gangtok. Despite difficult terrain, disrupted routes, and adverse weather, authorities ensured a smooth and safe relocation. State minister Samdup Lepcha reviewed the operation, interacted with rescue teams, and thanked all agencies for their sustained efforts.
