Manipur Tableau Themed Five Centuries Old All-Women Lotus Fibre Market

Manipur Tableau Themed Five Centuries Old All-Women Lotus Fibre Market

Manipur’s Ima Keithel or “Mother’s Market, a 500-year-old market, the one and only in the world run entirely by women, is the central theme of the state’s tableau that was showcased to the nation from Kartavya Path.

The women-run market in Manipur’s Imphal serves as a classic example of “Nari Shakti,” where women’s central role in socio-economic activities drives the nation’s economic development.

On the tableau, women are seen extracting delicate fibers from the lotus stems, and making yarns using traditional Charkhas.

In the center, a woman is weaving clothes using “Eyong” – a traditional Manipuri loom.

The building on the end of the tableau is a replica of Ima Keithel. Ima Keithel fosters the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship.

They have gifted the world with many internationally acclaimed products like Leirum, Moirang Phi, and Mayek-Naibi.

Kumari Bijiyasanti Tongbram from Thanga village, nestled in the heart of Loktak Lake, recently became India’s first lotus silk producer. She not only employs many local women but also exports lotus silk to foreign countries, establishing India as the world’s fourth nation to export lotus silk.

Her remarkable achievements earned her the prestigious “Changemaker of the Northeast 2020” award.

‘The thriving Ima Keithel and_ Bijiyasanti’s inspiring journey; transforming local lotus stalks into lotus threads for export while empowering local women embodies the spirit of ‘Vocal for Local, Local for Global.

In essence, Manipur offers a replicable model for women’s empowerment, paving the way for development into a “Viksit Bharat”.

India is celebrating the country’s Republic Day with an enthralling showcase of its military prowess and rich cultural heritage at the majestic ‘Kartavya Path’ in the national capital.

Viksit Bharat’s rich cultural diversity, the ‘Aatmanirbhar’ military prowess and the growing Nari Shakti are the dominating themes of the 90-minute parade that will be graced by French President Emmanuel Macron as Chief Guest.

For the first time ever, an all-women Tri-Service contingent will be marching down the Kartavya Path. Women pilots will also enthral the audience during the Indian Air Force’s fly-past, representing Nari Shakti (women power).

Based on the twin themes of ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Bharat – Loktantra ki Matruka’, this year’s parade will witness the participation of around 13,000 special Guests – an initiative which will provide an opportunity to people from all walks of life to take part in the celebrations and encourage Jan Bhagidari in this national festival.

Tableaux of 16 States and nine ministries will also take part.

The grand performance includes 30 folk dance styles uniquely prevalent in different states, as well as contemporary classical dance and Bollywood styles. The artists include tribal dancers, folk dancers, and classical dancers.

As per officials, over 8,000 security personnel have been deployed and security has been increased with the help of technology and human intelligence surveillance in Delhi. (ANI)

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Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav

Rahul To Undertake ‘Bharat Nyay Yatra’ From Jan 14

Congress leader and former Party president Rahul Gandhi will once again go on a Yatra -this time from East to West. The Congress Party on Wednesday announced the Nyay Yatra that will start on the January 14 in Imphal Manipur and is expected to conclude on March 20 in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Rahul Gandhi is expected to interact with youth, women and marginalised people in this Yatra. The Congress party said that the Nyay Yatra will cover 6,200 kms. It will traverse a route through the states of Manipur, Nagaland, Assam, Meghalaya, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat and finally Maharashtra.

The Yatra will cover 14 states and 85 districts.

Speaking at a news conference in Delhi, Organisation Secretary KC Venugopal said ” Bharat Nyay Yatra to start from January14 to March 20 from Manipur to Mumbai. Now Rahul Gandhi is doing a yatra with great experience from first Bharat Jodo Yatra. He is going to interact with youth, women and marginalised people. Yatra will cover 6,200 kms. This time the Yatra will be carried out by Bus with leaders expected to walk certain sections of the route.”

“On December 21, Congress workers gave opinion that Rahul Gandhi should start Yatra from East to West. Rahul Gandhi also agreed to fulfil the wishes of CWC” Venugopal added.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge will flag off the Yatra which will crisscross 14 states and 85 districts. The Yatra come during a period where the camapigning for the 2024 Lok Sabha election is also expected to pick up. Some of the state through which the Yatra is expected to traverse are currently ruled by parties that form part of the INDIA alliance and it is to be seen if these parties join the Congress Yatra.

Earlier, the Bharat Jodo Yatra, which started in Kanyakumari on September 7 2022 was led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, concluded on January 30 2023 in Srinagar after covering 3,970 km, 12 states, and two Union territories and having lasted more than 130 days.

In the first leg of the yatra, Gandhi had walked almost 4,000 km from Kanyakumari to Kashmir. The impact of Rahul Gandhi’s yatra was seen during the polls in Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh, as the Congress recorded a sharp increase in strike rate and vote share. The Yatra travelled 511km in Karnataka over 22 days between Gundlupet constituency and Raichur Rural constituency. (ANI)

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NHRC Manipur

HRC Issues Notice to Manipur Govt Over 13 Killed In Tengnoupal Gunfight

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that at least 13 people were killed in a gun fight in Leithao village near Saibol in Tengnoupal, Manipur, on Monday.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the media report, if true, amount to a serious issue of human rights violations, which is a matter of concern. The incident, as reported, indicates a lapse on the part of the law-enforcing agencies and the forces deployed to ensure peace, law and order in the state, the NHRC stated.

Accordingly, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, Manipur calling for a detailed report in the matter within two weeks. It should include the status of the FIR registered by the police and steps taken by the state government to ensure that such incidents of violence do not take place anywhere in the state, it said.

The Commission has further observed that the reported loss of 13 human lives, that too in an area, that has remained calm since the tension erupted in the State of Manipur in May this year, is indeed alarming and disturbing. The state of Manipur and its people have already suffered a lot. It is firmly reiterated that it is the duty of the state to protect the life and properties of its citizens, both private and public and to promote fraternity and a spirit of brotherliness amongst the communities.

The NHRC since May, 2023 has received several complaints from the individuals/ NGOs and human rights activists alleging violation of human rights during the incidents of violence in Manipur. These matters are being considered by the Full Bench of the Commission and were also discussed at length, during its Camp Sitting at Guwahati, Assam on 17 November, 2023. The senior officers from the government of Manipur, as well as the representatives of the complainants and civil society were also present, it added.

According to the media report, carried on December 5, 2023, the village has nine houses and around 120 residents. However, no casualties were reported from among the villagers. Reportedly, this is the highest single day loss of life in the violence since it erupted in Manipur this year in May, it said.

Prima-facie it is suspected that the victims of the violence could even be militants from Myanmar, since the nearby hills from Leithao are a common route adopted by them to enter Manipur from Myanmar, the commission said. (ANI)

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Randeep Hooda

Randeep Excited To Experience Manipuri Culture Of His Bride-To-Be, Lin

Actor Randeep Hooda, who is all set to tie the knot with Lin Laishram in Imphal, Manipur, shared on Tuesday how he met his life partner and is excited to experience his bride’s tradition.

Randeep Hooda and Lin Laishram, along with their families, visited Relief Camp at Moirang Lamkhai and Sendra Tourist Resort.

During an interaction with a media person, Randeep talked about his love story with Lin Laishram and how he is excited to experience Manipuri tradition.

He said, “Feels very good. I felt that it’s only respectful to come and marry in the bride’s tradition. Though I have heard that in Meitei love marriages, the groom has to sit for a very long time. So, that’s something but I am looking forward to the ceremony and traditions. I want to experience my life partner’s culture. That’s why I am here.”

Randeep added, “I hope I don’t make any mistakes. And we have been talking about their culture, Manipuri culture and all that for a long time. I am really looking forward to it and hope that all goes well. I am praying for our happy future and lots of kids and lots of abundance. Yes, it’s east meets west. It’s like a traditional or cultural exchange. We have been friends for a very long time. We met when we were in theatres. Since then, we have had a great friendship, which we are now making into a family.”

Lin Laishram also shared a story about how it all started with Randeep Hooda.

She stated, “We actually met at Naseeruddin Shah’s theatre group called Motley and he was my senior. That’s where I met him. We were friends and it’s turning into a beautiful journey.”

A few days ago, Randeep took to Instagram and announced that they would marry in Imphal on November 29.

He wrote in the caption, “We Have Exciting News.”

The post included a card picture with a message written on it. The message read, “Taking a leaf out of the Mahabharata where Arjuna married Manipuri Warrior Princess Chitrangada, we are getting married with the blessings from our families and friends.”

“We are filled with immense joy to share that our marriage will take place on November 29, 2023, in Imphal, Manipur, followed by a reception in Mumbai. As we embark on this journey, we seek your blessings and love for this union of cultures, for which we are forever indebted and grateful. In love and light, Lin and Randeep.”

He announced to his fans that he was planning to marry Lin, drawing inspiration from Arjuna’s wedding to Chitrangada in the Mahabharata. He further stated that the reception will be held in Mumbai following the small wedding in Imphal.

Even though, earlier, Randeep and Lin never confirmed their relationship in public, the two often post pictures of each other on social media.

This Diwali also, they shared a string of cheerful photos with the caption, “From ours to yours, Happy Diwali.”

In August 2023, Lim added fuel to her dating rumours with Randeep by posting an adorable birthday wish for the ‘Sarabjit’ star.

Lin took to Instagram to wish Randeep with a caption, “Happy birthday my hot fudge.”

In October 2022, Randeep seemingly made his relationship Instagram official with Lin. On Diwali, Randeep took to Instagram and shared photos with Lin and his parents.

Sharing the photos, Randeep wrote, “Love and light to all around the world#happydiwali #diwali2022”

Notably, Lin made her Bollywood debut in 2007 with the film ‘Om Shanti Om’ in which she gave a cameo appearance as Om Kapoor’s friend. She has appeared in other Bollywood films including Mary Kom (2014) as Bem, Umrika (2015) as Udai’s wife, Rangoon (2017) as Mema, Qaidi Band (2017), and Axone (2019) as Chanbi.

Randeep, on the other hand, made his debut with ‘Monsoon Wedding’, got a lot of popularity with films such as ‘Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai’, ‘Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster’, ‘Rang Rasiya’, ‘Jism 2’ and many more.

He will be seen in the film ‘Swatantra Veer Savarkar’. The project is a biopic of freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, popularly known as Veer Savarkar.

Directed and co-written by Randeep Hooda with Utkarsh Naithani, the film is produced by Anand Pandit Motion Pictures and Randeep Hooda Films with Legend Studios and Avak Films.’Pavitra Rishta’ fame Ankita Lokhande will be seen opposite Randeep in the film.

‘Pavitra Rishta’ fame Ankita Lokhande will be seen opposite Randeep in the film. Vinayak Damodar Savarkar was born on 28 May 1883 in Maharashtra’s Nashik. He was a freedom fighter, politician, lawyer, and writer. Savarkar is known for coining the term ‘Hindutva’.

He was recently seen in ‘Sergeant’, a suspense cop-drama. (ANI)

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Salim Malik

Manipur Violence: Accused Seiminlun Sent To Judicial Custody

Delhi’s Patiala House court on Wednesday sent Seiminlun Gangte to judicial custody.

Gangte was recently arrested in a case of violence due to transnational conspiracy of leadership of terror outfits based at Myanmar and Bangladesh.

He was on Wednesday produced before the NIA special court after the end of NIA remand period.

Special NIA Judge Sanjay Garg send Seiminlun Gangte to Judicial Custody for 30 days.

Accused Seiminlun Gangte was recentlty arrested from Manipur and brought to Delhi.

It was alleged that Myanmar and Bangladesh based terror outfit leadership have hatched a transnational conspiracy to wage war against India.

The investigation agency has registered a case under anti terror law Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and other laws.

As per NIA, it arrested Seiminlun Gangte in a case related to a transnational conspiracy by Myanmar and Bangladesh based leadership of terror outfits to wage war against the Government of India by exploiting the current ethnic unrest in the State of Manipur.

The case was registered suo motu by the NIA on 19.07.2023 at New Delhi.

It was stated that during the course of the investigation it was found that Myanmar and Bangladesh based militant groups have entered into a conspiracy with a section of militant leaders in India to indulge in incidents of violence with an intention to drive a wedge between different ethnic groups and to wage war against the Government of India.

For this purpose, the terror leadership have been providing funds to procure arms, ammunition and other types of terrorist hardware which are being sourced both, from across the border, as well as from other terrorist outfits active in North Eastern States of India to stoke the current ethnic strife in Manipur, said the Agency.

Further investigation in the case is underway, the NIA informed the court. (ANI)

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CM Biren

Killers of Two Manipuri Students Arrested: CM Biren

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Sunday said the “main culprits” responsible for the abduction and murder of two students, the disturbing images of whom surfaced on social media last week, have been arrested. 

The two Manipuri youths had reportedly gone missing on July 6.

Fresh protests erupted in the Northeast state on September 25 after a video clip purportedly showing the mortal remains of the missing youths — Phijam Hemanjit and Hijam Linthoingambi — went viral on social media.

Taking to the social media platform X on Sunday, Chief Minister Singh posted, “I’m pleased to share that some of the main culprits responsible for the abduction and murder of Phijam Hemanjit and Hijam Linthoingambi have been arrested from Churachandpur today.”

“As the saying goes, one may abscond after committing the crime, but they cannot escape the long hands of the law. We are committed to ensuring maximum punishment, including capital punishment, for the heinous crime they have committed,” he added in his post.

Later, speaking to ANI, Singh said through the joint efforts of security personnel, four people, allegedly involved in the murder of the two youths, have been arrested.

“In a major breakthrough, we have arrested the main culprits responsible for the abduction and murder of two youths in the state. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had sent the Special Director of the CBI, along with some senior officers, to Manipur and, today, with the support of the Indian Army, paramilitary forces, Assam Rifles and the state police, we managed to arrest the four accused persons in the case from Churachandpur. This marks a major breakthrough. I wish to thank the NIA, CBI and all the central forces for helping us catch the culprits,” he told ANI. 

Meanwhile, he also thanked Prime Minister Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the arrest of Seiminlun Gangte, an accused in the transnational conspiracy case, by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday. 

He said, “The NIA, which took over the case, issued a press release yesterday that the incident in Manipur was akin to waging a war against the Indian Union. It identified Kuki militants from Myanmar and Bangladesh, along with some home-grown miscreants, as being behind the incident. This clearly shows that there is a bigger conspiracy afoot. I want to thank the NIA, the central government, the people of Manipur and especially, PM Modi and Union HM Amit Shah, for helping us blow the lid off the bigger conspiracy.”

Gangte, who was sent to two-day NIA custody earlier on Sunday, was arrested in a case related to a transnational conspiracy by Myanmar and Bangladesh-based leadership of terror outfits to wage war against the Centre by exploiting the current ethnic unrest in Manipur. The case was registered suo moto by the NIA on July 19 in Delhi.

Earlier, on Thursday afternoon, senior officers of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) held a meeting at the Manipur Police Headquarters in Imphal to discuss the law and order situation in the state.

Manipur has been racked by violence since May 3, following the protests by the Kuki and Meitei communities against the High Court’s order asking the state government to consider the inclusion of the Meitei community in the category of Scheduled Tribes (ST). (ANI)

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Manipur CM

Manipur CM On Probe Into Death Of Two Students

Amid the furore in Manipur over the killing of two students who reportedly went missing in July, chief minister Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Saturday said the “culprits will definitely be caught.”

Manipur has been witnessing protests from Monday after a video showing the bodies of two students went viral on social media. The protests had led the state government to suspend mobile internet services for five days till October 1. Schools in the state were shut till September 29 and curfew restrictions were imposed in all districts in Imphal Valley.

“Definitely, we will catch the culprits. Everything will be fine soon,” Manipur CM said on the CBI team investigating the death of the two youth.

A CBI team, led by the agency’s Special Director Ajay Bhatnagar arrived in Imphal in a special flight on Wednesday to investigate the alleged “kidnapping and killing” of the two students.

In cases registered or transferred to the CBI, teams have to visit the scene of the crime, recreate the scene, collect forensic evidence, and send it to the Central Forensic Science Laboratory.

“To ensure speedy investigation and keeping the safety of CBI officials on priority, CRPF personnel will accompany them during their visits in violence-hit areas for investigation purposes,” the official added.

The two youths had reportedly gone missing in Manipur on July 6.

Following the incident, fresh protests erupted in the state on September 25 after a video showing their bodies went viral on social media.

On Thursday afternoon, senior officers of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) held a meeting at the Manipur Police Headquarters in Imphal to discuss the law and order situation in the state.

“A meeting of senior officers of CAPF was held at PHQ, Imphal to discuss the present law and order situation in the state,” the Manipur Police said in a post on ‘X’ on Thursday.

The officers were apprised of the unfortunate injuries of students as well as security personnel, police said adding that the forces discussed using minimum force in dealing with the public, especially students.

“Manipur Police appeals to the students to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace and bringing normalcy back early. Any miscreants taking advantage of the current situation will be firmly dealt by police. The joint security forces are making all efforts for expeditious investigation into all the cases,” the police added in the post.

At present, CBI has registered 11 FIRs, including the viral video of two young tribal women paraded naked. The investigation of all the cases is underway.

Manipur has been witnessing violence since May 3, following the protests by the Kuki and Meitei communities against the High Court’s order asking the state government to consider the inclusion of the Meitei community in the category of Scheduled Tribes (ST). (ANI)

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Manipur Situation

Central Police Forces Officials Hold Meet On Manipur Situation

Senior officers of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) held a meeting at the Manipur Police Headquarters in Imphal to discuss the law and order situation in the state. 

“A meeting of senior officers of CAPF was held at PHQ, Imphal to discuss the present law and order situation in the state,” the Manipur Police said in a post on ‘X’ on Thursday.

The officers were apprised of the unfortunate injuries of students as well as security personnel, police said adding that the forces discussed using minimum force in dealing with the public, especially students.

“Manipur Police appeals to the students to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace and bringing normalcy back early. Any miscreants taking advantage of the current situation will be firmly dealt by police. The joint security forces are making all efforts for expeditious investigation into all the cases,” the police added in the post.

Meanwhile in Imphal West and Imphal East district authorities have lifted the restrictions on the movement of people outside their residences from 5 am to 11 am on Friday.

“Restriction of movement of general public outside their residences is hereby lifted for 29th September, 2023 from 5 am to 11 am for all areas of Imphal West District. This relaxation shall not include any gathering/sit-in-protest/rally etc, without obtaining approval through competent authority,” the government order from the District Magistrate’s Office of Imphal West district stated.

“Restriction of movement of persons outside their respective residences imposed in Imphal East is hereby relaxed from 5 am to 11 am on 29th September for all areas of the district. This relaxation shall, however, not apply to any gathering/large scale movement of persons/sit-in-protests/rally etc which is unlawful in nature,” the government order from the District Magistrate’s Office of Imphal East district stated.

Fresh protests erupted in Manipur on Monday after a video showing the bodies of two students who reportedly went missing in July went viral on social media. The government responded by re-imposing the suspension of internet services for five days as a precautionary measure and announced that all schools in the state would be closed till Friday.

Earlier in the day, taking cognisance of reports about allegations of use of ‘excess force’ by security forces during the maintenance of law and order in the last few days in the Imphal area, Director General of Police Manipur Rajiv Singh on Thursday ordered to form a committee to look into the issues and asked it to submit a report at the earliest.

“There have been various reports/allegations of the use of excess force by the Security forces during the maintenance of law and order situations in the last few days in the Imphal area. To verify such complaints/allegations, a committee is being formed to look into the issues and submit the report at the earliest,” read the order issued by the Director General Of Police Manipur on Thursday.

The Committee will be headed by K Jayanta Singh, Inspector General of Police (Administration), Manipur and assisted by Th Sanatomba Singh, AAIG(Adm).

Fresh protests erupted in Manipur on Monday after a video showing the bodies of two students who reportedly went missing in July went viral on social media. The government responded by re-imposing the suspension of internet services for five days as a precautionary measure and announced that all schools in the state would be closed till Friday.

Manipur has been witnessing violence since May 3, following the protests against the High Court’s order asking the state government to consider the inclusion of the Meitei community in the category of Scheduled Tribes (ST). (ANI)

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Manipur Internet Ban

Manipur Reimposes Internet Ban For Next 5 Days

The Manipur government on Tuesday reimposed the ban on internet services for the next five days.

An order issued by the Manipur Home Department said steps are being taken to prevent the imminent danger of loss of life, damage to public/private property, and widespread disturbances to public tranquilly.

“In view of the prevailing law and order situation In the State of Manipur, the State Government views very seriously with utmost sensitivity the reported spread of disinformation, false rumours and other types of violent activities through various social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. on electronic equipment like tablet, computers, mobile phones, etc and sending bulk SMS likely facilitating and/or mobilising mobs of agitators and demonstrators, which may cause loss of life and/or damage to public/private property or aggravate the law and order situation in the state,” an official notification said.

According to the official notification, this order shall be in force for another five days with immediate effect from the time this suspension order becomes operational till 7:45 pm on October 1.

“The State Government decides to suspend/curb the mobile internet data services and internet/data services through VPN in the territorial jurisdiction of the State of Manipur for 5 (five) days with immediate effect till 7:45 PM on 01-10-2023, the notification read. 

Any person found guilty of a violation of the aforesaid orders will be liable for legal action, the notification added. 

Manipur has been witnessing violence since May 3, following the protests by the Kuki and Meitei communities against the High Court’s order asking the state government to consider the inclusion of the Meitei community in the category of Scheduled Tribes (ST). Only STs can buy land in hilly areas.  

The majority Meitei community, which occupies the Imphal Valley and nearby areas, sought ST status keeping in view their increasing population and increased requirement of land so that they could purchase lands in the hilly areas. (ANI)

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Manipur illegal arms

Manipur Warns: Surrender Illegal Arms Or Face Action

The Manipur government has asked the people of the state to surrender illegal weapons within 15 days or face comprehensive search operations by security forces, an official statement from the chief minister’s office said on Friday.

In the statement, the Manipur government said that the State Government is willing to take a considerate view for the persons submitting such illegal weapons within these 15 (fifteen) days.

“At the end of the 15 (fifteen) days, Security Forces, both of the Centre and the State will undertake a strong and comprehensive search operation all over the State to recover such weapons, and all persons associated with any illegal weapons will be dealt with severely, as per the law,” it reads.

It further said that there have been reports of extortion, threats, and abduction by miscreants and groups using illegal weapons.

“This is a serious matter and the State Government will take strong action against such miscreants/ groups in any part of the State,” it said.

The Government also appeals to the people of the State to cooperate with both the Central and State Governments in restoring peace and normalcy in the State.

The Manipur government on Friday filed a status report before the Supreme Court on the issue of recovery of stolen or missing weapons and ammunition “from all sources” in the ethnic violence-hit State.

A bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra was informed by the Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta that the confidential status report has been filed on the issue and it is for the judges only. The bench agreed to accept the report confidentially as the issue regarding the weapons was “extremely sensitive”. (ANI)

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