SAGAING BRIDGE COLLAPSED

A powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.7 on the Richter was felt across the region. Did you feel it?

On March 28, at around 1:20 PM Thai Standard Time, an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 struck, affecting Bangladesh, India, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, and China. The epicenter of the earthquake was located 12 kilometers from Sagaing City in Myanmar.

Photo Credit: The old Sagaing bridge connecting Mandalay and Sagaing collapsed after the earthquake. (Credit: CJ) 

Assam Rifles seize IEDs and explosives in Churachandpur

Mar 31, 2025: Assam Rifles recovered two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) along with 19 gelatine sticks in Churachandpur district, officials reported.

According to police sources, the first set of explosives, including the gelatine sticks, was discovered in a village approximately 10 kilometers from Churachandpur town.

The second IED was located near a roadside culvert close to another village. Security personnel later defused both explosive devices, ensuring public safety.

Manipur has been grappling with ongoing ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities since May 2023. The conflict has claimed over 250 lives and left thousands displaced.

In response to the escalating crisis, the central government imposed President's Rule on February 13, following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh.

~ MP

Pakhum Hauzel in Zomi-Hmar Nupi Zan Duty Te Veh

Zan nitak V. Munhoih leh Nehru Marg areas te a nupi duty te vehna va kinei hi. Zomi lam hi in Hmar lam hileh, nupite ana duty khawm uh hi, kipahhuai mahmah. A duty na ziak pen tak uh ahihleh, zukham khat leh nih khong in, nam pumpi lemsakna le hilou a, nam pumpi buaisak thei dia, kua sawl le hilou khat a, apoimohloupi a buaina abawl nawn khak ding uh veenna ahi. Nitak dak 10.00 pm tan duty zel uh hi.  ~ Pakhum Hauzel 

~ KV NEWS

KSO MUMBAI NEW LEADERS

KSO MUMBAI is pleased to announce the newly elected executive members for the term 2025-2026
•Advisor: Pa John Neihsial
•President: Gl. Seigunlien Khongsai
•General Secretary: Gl. Mangcha Haokip
•Finance Secretary: Ng. Deitoilou Misao
•Education Secretary: Ng. Phahoichong Lhungdim
•Social & Cultural Secretary : Gl Seiboi Touthang
•Information Secretary: Gl. Lalbawi Zou
•Games & Sports Secretary: Gl. Simon Haokip

Wishing everyone the best for the upcoming term.

With Regards,
KSOM Info. Secretary (2024-25) 

Manipur Police bids adieu to C. Doungel, IPS

On his Superannuation Day (31st March 2025), Manipur Police, led by DGP Rajiv Singh, expressed its gratitude to Shri Christopher Doungel, IPS (1990 Batch Manipur cadre) for his contribution to Manipur Police over 3 decades.
Senior officers were present at the Police Headquarters during the function and wished him and his family a very Happy retired life.

#MANIPUR POLICE

Federal Council of 5 (FCO5): Press Release

March 31, 2025: This is to state that the 'Joint Consultative Meeting' held on the 31st March 2025 (Monday) over the MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (MHA) INVITATION by the following five (5) Councils/ Forums  namely:

i)  Thadou Tribe Council (TTC)-GHQ, (largest tribe in Manipur accounting for 55% of total Kuki-Zo population),

ii)  Any Kuki Tribes Council (AKTC), Manipur (Apex body of various Un-recognised  Sub-Tribes & Clans under AKT),

iii)  Lomlhang Som (LS), ethnic Kuki traditional Youths Forum,

iv)  Kuki Reformation Forum (KReF), and

v)  World Kuki-Zo Intellectual Council (WKZIC)-GHQ, after thorough deliberations  resolved as under:
 
1. That the 5 (five) Federal Councils/Forums in the interest of the Kuki-Zo people cannot digest the 'Telephonic Verbal Invitation' to the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the Hmar Inpui (HI) and the  Zomi Council (ZC) by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) through the President of Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), thereby fragmenting the Kuki-Zo people and community. KZC may be invited officially who can consult the public and put up the wishes of the public to MHA/ GoI.

2. Any member of the above stated CSOs, if any going to Delhi just through Second Person (s) is "An Insult" to the Kuki-Zo people and do not represent or have the mandate of the Kuki-Zo people and their Political struggle, which is within the purview of the Constitution of India, that was started wayback in 1946-47 by the Kuki National Assembly (KNA) to the Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, and current Genocide upon minority Kuki people by the majority Meiteis sponsored by the 'Manipur State Government'.

3. Political issues should be solved Politically and not per "Kuki Traditional  Customary" in the form of 'HEMKHAM', (Cease fire or Cessation of Violence) which is meant applicable within the community, and not for Political matters and issues, and with other communities.

4.  Any leader (s) or CSOs meeting with MHA without 'Offical Invitation' or the Meiteis, without the consent and approval of the Kuki-Zo people through 'Public Consultation' relating to the current conflict and its related Ex-gratia, Reliefs & Rehabilitation, Fundings etc shall not be entertained and accepted by the Kuki-Zo, till the GoI/ MHA brings "Political Solution" under the provisions of the Indian constitution.

5.  The Government of India and MHA is requested to kindly respect the sentiments of the Kuki-Zo people and do not apply any "Divisive Policy" upon Kuki-Zo people against the 'DECLARATION No. 3' of the "Political Discourse & Public Consultation 2025", dated, the 15th February 2025, initiated and conducted by WKZIC at M. Songgel Community Hall.

Issued by:

Information & Publicity Department, Federal Council of 5 (FCO5).

KCP: PRESS RELEASE

WAP

St Francis Xavier's Cathedral Bengaluru

ST. FRANCIS XAVIER'S CATHEDRAL is the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdioceseof Bangalore in India. Initially, Bangalore was the seat of the diocese of Mysore from 1886 to 1940 and during this time, St. Patrick's Church in Bangalore was the cathedral of the diocese. When the diocese of Mysore was bifurcated on 13 February 1940 to form the diocese of Bangalore, St. Francis Xavier's church was chosen as its cathedral.

The first church of St. Francis Xavier was constructed in 1851 by French missionaries of the Paris Foreign Missions Society. Due to the huge increase in the catholic population, this church eventually became inadequate. Hence in 1911, the foundation stone was laid for a new church. This church was inaugurated on 26 May 1932, which would become a cathedral in 1940. Two new domes of the facade were inaugurated on its platinum jubilee in the year 2009. Bangalore archbishop Bernard Moras re-dedicated the cathedral to St. Francis Xavier. The domes had been constructed along with several other renovations. Though they were part of the original plan of the cathedral, they could not be completed due to lack of funds.

The cathedral's large compound has three schools: St. Aloysius', St. Anthony's and St. Rock's. There is also a Shrine dedicated to St. Anthony. ~ www.sfxcathedral.com

*************

St. Francis Xavier (1506–1552) was a Spanish Jesuit missionary and one of the founding members of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). He played a key role in spreading Christianity in India, Japan, and other parts of Asia, earning him the title “Apostle of the Indies.” His missionary work in Goa left a lasting religious and cultural impact, and his incorrupt body is enshrined at the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa.

According to Schurhammer in Francis Xavier: His Life, His Times (Volume IV), Xavier’s dedication and tireless efforts made him one of the most influential missionaries of the 16th century.

Here are some stunning photographs showcase the timeless beauty of St. Francis Xavier's Cathedral, located on St. John's Church Road, Cleveland Town, Pulikeshi Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. 

A masterpiece of faith and architecture, this cathedral stands as a beacon of history and devotion.

— Photographs by Bruce K. Thangkhal on 31 March 2025.
♰🙏♰

St. Rock’s Girls HS KUKI-ZO Students: EMPOWERING HOPE through PRAYER and CARE

ON THIS 31 March 2025 evening, around 4:30 pm, a visit was made to St Rock’s Girls’ High School in Bengaluru, where a group of our beloved children, the Kuki-Zo young girls, is receiving free education and accommodation. Displaced by the violence in Manipur, they now reside here, as many of their villages have been destroyed.

These children are studying under the loving and affectionate care of Catholic sisters, who nurture them as their own.

In addition to their studies, these kids love football, and no doubt, they are good, better than their local peers.

With 30 lollypops in hand, they were met, and the sweets were joyfully shared with them.

My dear young sisters, please remember these three things in your heart: Be Obedient, Be Punctual, and Be Studious.

Most importantly, be prayerful. When waking up, before doing anything else, fold your hands and pray - thank God and ask for His blessings for the day. And before going to bed, pray to God as well.

We should pray for our teachers, our families, and our friends here. We must also pray for one another. Whenever feeling unwell, sad, angry, or burdened with any bad feelings: “call upon God / pray to God”.

Jeremiah 33:3 (NRSV) says:
“Call to me, and I will answer you and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.”

In times of difficulty, call upon God. God is good -- always ready to help and waiting for our call.

As we all know the situation at home, do not worry. God is with us all. Study hard to become successful - a doctor, an engineer, a pilot, an army officer - whatever you dream of.

It is our hope that God will grant us our aims and ambitions.

Looking forward to seeing you as doctors, officers, engineers, and more when we meet again.

Wishing them, blessing them with a word of prayer.

🙏💚May God bless St. Rock’s Girls’ High School and its Students!💚🙏

God Be With You All Till We Meet Again.

Kuki-Zo Children: A JOURNEY for EDUCATION & HOPE from MANIPUR to BENGALURU

Kuki-Zo Children: Empowering the Students for a Better Tomorrow

Motivating Kuki-Zo Students in Bengaluru

Parting Ways: Mangaluru

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal
Bengaluru | 31.03.'25

💜💜💜💜💜💜💜