In a harrowing incident in Imphal, a rocket attack launched by suspected militants on a residential area has claimed the life of an elderly man and left five others injured. The rocket was aimed at former chief minister Mairembam Koireng's residence but missed its target and landed in a nearby residential compound, causing devastation. This comes just days after the region celebrated the anniversary of Lieutenant Colonel Shaukat Ali hoisting the Tricolor Flag of free India for the first time in Moirang.
Moirang: A Symbol of Manipur's Historic and Troubled Past
Moirang, a small town in Manipur, carries a heavy history that has been shaped by both triumph and tragedy. It was here that Lieutenant Colonel Shaukat Ali unfurled the tricolor flag of free India for the first time in 1944, marking a momentous moment in the country's struggle for independence. However, recent events have cast a shadow over Moirang, as the town has become embroiled in renewed violence.
Rocket Attack on Former Chief Minister's Residence
In a chilling incident on May 7, 2023, a rocket attack launched by suspected militants targeted the residence of former chief minister Mairembam Koireng. The rocket missed its intended target and landed in a nearby residential compound, killing an elderly man and injuring five others. The attack has sent shockwaves through the community, raising concerns about the resurgence of insurgent activity in the region.
Background and Insurgency in Manipur
Manipur has been plagued by insurgency for decades, with various militant groups fighting for greater autonomy or independence from India. The region has witnessed numerous violent incidents, including bombings, kidnappings, and extortion. The motives of the insurgents range from ethnic and political grievances to economic disparities.
Lieutenant Colonel Shaukat Ali and the Flag Hoisting
The 1944 flag hoisting ceremony in Moirang is a pivotal event in Indian history. Lieutenant Colonel Shaukat Ali, an officer in the Indian National Army (INA), led a group of soldiers in an attack on a Japanese garrison in Moirang. After capturing the garrison, Ali unfurled the tricolor flag, declaring Manipur's liberation from British rule.
Top 5 FAQs
1. What is the current situation in Moirang?
A rocket attack on May 7 has killed one person and injured five others, raising concerns about the resurgence of insurgency in Manipur.
2. Who is suspected to be behind the attack?
The identity of the militants responsible for the attack is still unknown, but suspicion falls on various insurgent groups active in the region.
3. What is the significance of Lieutenant Colonel Shaukat Ali?
Ali was an INA officer who hoisted the Indian flag in Moirang in 1944, marking a symbolic victory in the fight for independence.
4. What is the history of insurgency in Manipur?
Manipur has experienced decades of insurgency, with various militant groups fighting for autonomy or independence from India.
5. What is the government's response to the rocket attack?
The government has condemned the attack and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. It has also increased security measures in the area.
Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, spent the last 18 years of his life in Nankana Sahib, Pakistan. This gurdwara, built at the site of Guru Nanak's childhood home, serves as a reminder of his teachings and travels. It features a rock with his hand imprint, his final resting place, and the original robe gifted to him by a Muslim devotee. Other gurdwaras in the region commemorate important events in Guru Nanak's life, such as his enlightenment, acts of charity, and miraculous spring.
This November 15, 2024, Friday, Sikhs all over the world will commemorate Guru Nanak Dev Ji's 555th birth anniversary, also known as Guru Nanak Jayanti. It is a day to honor the founder of Sikhism and his teachings of unity, equality, and humanity. It is celebrated with morning processions, recitation of the holy book, and reflecting on Guru Nanak Dev Ji's spiritual journey. This year, the special anniversary falls on a Friday, making it an even more auspicious occasion.
Indentured servitude, a practice akin to slavery, continues to exist in some countries despite its supposed abolition. This form of labor involves individuals contracting themselves to work without compensation for a fixed number of years. Whether voluntary, as a form of payment, or involuntary, as a punishment, this practice diminishes human rights and dignity. As the world grapples with modern-day slavery, the ongoing use of indentured servitude raises concern over the lack of progress in eradicating this exploitative system.
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Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, has resigned after a report revealed a history of child abuse by John Smyth, an associate of the Church of England. Despite being notified by police in 2013, Welby says he believed a resolution would follow, but Smyth was never brought to justice before his death in 2018. In response to Welby's resignation, one of Smyth's victims spoke to the BBC about the horrific abuse he suffered. For more on this story, read the BBC's coverage and Justin Welby's full statement.
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US President-elect Donald Trump made a major announcement by choosing Congressman Mike Waltz as his National Security Advisor for his second term. This decision will ensure continued bipartisan support and further strengthen the India-US relationship. Both Waltz and Indian-American Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna have a shared commitment to strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two countries. Their past collaborations include a joint letter to the House Speaker inviting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a joint address to the US Congress and their efforts to rush medical supplies to India during the peak of the COVID-19 crisis.
A video of an Indian woman's interaction with Japan's Nara deer has captured the hearts of viewers online. The footage shows the woman greeting the deer with a traditional bow, and the animals responding by mimicking the gesture. The video quickly went viral, showcasing the friendly and polite nature of Japan's iconic deer.