41st Women’s Day of Prayer Observed by Rongmei Baptist Churches Council (RBCC): Celebrating Faith, Dignity, and Leadership

On September 27, 2026, the 41st Women's Day of Prayer of the Rongmei Baptist Churches Council (RBCC) was joyously observed across churches in the Noney district of Manipur, as well as by Rongmei Baptist congregations throughout India^[1]. This year’s profound theme, "Let your light so shine before men," aimed to emphasize the spiritual and societal responsibilities of women as beacons of faith and moral guidance^[2].

The day's events were deeply rooted in acknowledging the indispensable role of women in shaping families, strengthening churches, and nurturing entire communities^[3]. During the special services, men, youth, and children took the opportunity to express their profound respect and gratitude for the sacrifices and contributions made by women toward the well-being of the community^[4].

Gospel Messages and Pan-India Observance

Throughout the day, various church leaders and speakers delivered moving Gospel messages that highlighted the importance of God-fearing women acting as positive role models in contemporary society^[5]. The speakers encouraged the women in attendance to continue playing meaningful and dynamic roles to foster peace and stability within their families and congregations^[6].

The observance was not limited to the Noney district. Demonstrating the expansive reach of the RBCC, the special prayer day was celebrated by Rongmei diaspora and church units across different states. For example, Mr. Steelson Thaimei, the Barak Zone Secretary of the RBCC, delivered a dedicated Gospel message for the 41st Women's Day of Prayer at the Namdailong Baptist Church in Cachar, Assam^[7]. This pan-India fellowship united the Rongmei Christian community in shared faith and purpose.

Vibrant Church Activities and Competitions

The Women’s Day of Prayer was characterized by vibrant fellowship, thanksgiving, and diverse activities that catered to all age groups^[8]. Congregations organized spiritually uplifting events including Gospel song performances, storytelling sessions, and theological debate competitions involving women, youth, and children^[9].

Several local churches added creative and cultural expressions to their services. At the Raenghzaeng Baptist Church, the afternoon activities featured an engaging choreography competition, demonstrating how local congregations are integrating youth participation and artistic worship into their traditional prayer gatherings^[10]. Ultimately, the day successfully reaffirmed the value, dignity, and irreplaceable contributions of women in the spiritual and social life of the Rongmei people^[11].

Footnotes

1. "Women's Day of Prayer observed," The Sangai Express, September 27, 2026, republished on E-Pao, September 28, 2026, https://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=26.31.280926.sep26.

2. "Women's Day of Prayer observed," The Sangai Express.

3. "Women's Day of Prayer observed," The Sangai Express.

4. "Women's Day of Prayer observed," The Sangai Express.

5. "Women's Day of Prayer observed," The Sangai Express.

6. "Women's Day of Prayer observed," The Sangai Express.

7. Steelson Thaimei, "On 41st Women's day of prayer Gospel message by -Mr-Steelson Thaimei," Facebook, September 30, 2026, https://www.facebook.com/ben.kamei.54/posts/on-41st-womens-day-of-prayer-gospel-message-by-mr-steelson-thaimeibarak-zone-sec/4428396274089856/.

8. "Women's Day of Prayer observed," The Sangai Express.

9. "Women's Day of Prayer observed," The Sangai Express.

10. Gaithui Kamei, "The 41st RBCC Women's Day of Prayers, Raenghzaeng Baptist church," Facebook, September 27, 2026, https://www.facebook.com/gaithui.kams.3/posts/the-41st-rbcc-womens-day-of-prayers-raenghzaeng-baptist-church-noon-activities-c/3661332874014766/.

11. "Women's Day of Prayer observed," The Sangai Express.

Bibliography

Kamei, Gaithui. "The 41st RBCC Women's Day of Prayers, Raenghzaeng Baptist church." Facebook. September 27, 2026. https://www.facebook.com/gaithui.kams.3/posts/the-41st-rbcc-womens-day-of-prayers-raenghzaeng-baptist-church-noon-activities-c/3661332874014766/.

Thaimei, Steelson. "On 41st Women's day of prayer Gospel message by -Mr-Steelson Thaimei." Facebook. September 30, 2026. https://www.facebook.com/ben.kamei.54/posts/on-41st-womens-day-of-prayer-gospel-message-by-mr-steelson-thaimeibarak-zone-sec/4428396274089856/.

"Women's Day of Prayer observed." The Sangai Express, September 27, 2026. Republished on E-Pao, September 28, 2026. https://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=26.31.280926.sep26.

Manipur Government Approves Rs 10 Lakh Compensation for Families of 49 Missing Persons

The Manipur state government has announced a one-time humanitarian compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the next of kin of 49 individuals who remain missing following the outbreak of ethnic conflict in May 2023^[1]. The decision was formally approved during a state Cabinet meeting held on Thursday, with officials acknowledging the profound hardships faced by these families over the past year and a half.

Under standard legal procedures, a missing person is typically presumed dead only after seven years. Because the families lack official death certificates and postmortem reports, they have been entirely excluded from Central scheme benefits^[2]. However, recognizing that these families are enduring struggles comparable to the relatives of deceased victims—who also received Rs 10 lakh—the state government decided to extend the same financial assistance. The total financial implication of Rs 4.90 crore will be borne entirely by the Manipur state government.

While official records did not explicitly disclose the community profiles of the 49 missing individuals, local sources indicate that at least 33 belong to the Meitei community, with the remaining individuals belonging to the Naga and Kuki communities^[3]. Since the conflict began, more than 300 lives have been lost across the region.

Demands for Alternative Livelihoods

The financial assistance, while welcomed, has drawn calls for more sustainable long-term support. According to R.K. Bijayalaxmi Devi, president of the NGO Souls Offered Unitedly for a Lustrated Society (SOULS), almost all of the missing individuals—with the exception of four students—were the sole breadwinners for their households^[4].

Devi emphasized that Rs 10 lakh is insufficient to sustain these families permanently. The NGO has formally requested the government to provide government jobs to the next of kin, alongside alternative means of livelihood in the interim period^[5]. For months, these families have waited for closure and justice, previously unable to access standard relief packages due to the absence of official death documentation.

Enhanced Ex-Gratia for Security Forces and Additional Cabinet Decisions

In addition to humanitarian aid for civilian families, the Manipur Cabinet approved a substantial increase in ex-gratia payments for Army and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel killed or injured while operating in the state. Recognizing that central forces face the same operational risks as the state police, the government aligned their compensation rates accordingly:

• Death: Rs 10 lakh (up from Rs 2 lakh)

• Permanent Disability: Rs 2 lakh

• Grievous Injury: Rs 1 lakh

• Simple Injury: Rs 20,000 (up from Rs 10,000)

The Cabinet also approved the constitution of the Fifth Manipur State Finance Commission (spanning 2026-27 to 2030-31) and sanctioned a pension hike for retired journalists, raising their monthly pension from Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000.

Footnotes

1. "49 people missing since Manipur conflict remain untraced; state govt to offer Rs 10 lakh to each family," Deccan Herald, accessed October 3, 2026, https://www.deccanherald.com/india/manipur/49-people-missing-since-manipur-conflict-remain-untraced-state-govt-to-offer-rs-10-lakh-to-each-family-4168437.

2. "49 people missing since Manipur conflict remain untraced," Deccan Herald.

3. "49 people missing since Manipur conflict remain untraced," Deccan Herald.

4. "49 people missing since Manipur conflict remain untraced," Deccan Herald.

5. "49 people missing since Manipur conflict remain untraced," Deccan Herald.

Bibliography

"49 people missing since Manipur conflict remain untraced; state govt to offer Rs 10 lakh to each family." Deccan Herald. Accessed October 3, 2026. https://www.deccanherald.com/india/manipur/49-people-missing-since-manipur-conflict-remain-untraced-state-govt-to-offer-rs-10-lakh-to-each-family-4168437.

"Kin of Manipur’s 49 people missing since 2023 ethnic conflict to get ₹10 lakh each." The Hindu. October 2, 2026. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/manipur/kin-of-manipurs-49-people-missing-since-2023-ethnic-conflict-to-get-10-lakh-each/article71535748.ece.

"Manipur Cabinet approves Rs 10 lakh aid for kin of 49 missing since 2023 violence." India Today. October 1, 2026. https://www.indiatoday.in/india/manipur/story/manipur-cabinet-rs-10-lakh-aid-49-missing-2023-violence-3007774-2026-10-01.

Over 200 Naga Households Displaced in Manipur: Zeliangrong Leaders Demand Urgent Relief and Highway Security

Recent escalating tensions and suspected arson in Manipur have led to the displacement of over 200 Naga households. Residents from dozens of homes across at least eight villages in the Noney, Tamenglong, and Kangpokpi districts have been forced to flee their residences^[1]. Vulnerable settlements, including Sempat Naga, Gaidunluang, and Chamripeu, have been largely abandoned as communities fear further attacks and violence.

According to a memorandum submitted to Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on October 1, 2026, by the Former & Senior Leaders’ Forum of Zeliangrong Civil Organisations (FSLFZCOs), the situation is rapidly deteriorating^[2]. Local news outlets, including Northeast News and Imphal Times, report that the forum highlighted how the growing unrest between the Naga and Kuki communities, exacerbated by recent civilian deaths in the Kamjong district, has amplified insecurity throughout the region^[3].

Urgent Demands for IDP Status and Border Security

In their direct appeal, Zeliangrong leaders urged the state government to officially recognize the displaced families as Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)^[4]. Granting IDP status is critical for these households to immediately access standard humanitarian relief benefits.

Furthermore, the FSLFZCOs identified several border villages, such as Konsaram and Chawangkining, as highly vulnerable flashpoints. The civil bodies called for the immediate deployment of state security personnel to protect these areas and prevent further displacement^[5].

Strengthening Security on National Highway 37

A primary concern raised in the memorandum is the safety of civilians traveling along National Highway 37 (the Imphal-Jiribam corridor), a vital economic and transit artery^[6]. The forum demanded robust security escorts for civilian vehicles operating from Monday to Saturday, proposing strategic staging points at Keithelmanbi and Tupul Bazar, or alternatively, a continuous 11-hour daily security presence along the route^[7].

To underline the gravity of the threat, the forum recalled a tragic 1994 ambush during historical Kuki-Naga conflicts, where an insurgent attack on a passenger bus killed 40 civilians on this highway^[8]. The leaders argue this historical precedent justifies strongly managed highway security protocols today.

Addressing Inter-District Boundary Disputes

To achieve long-term peace, the FSLFZCOs proposed a formal reorganization of inter-district boundaries^[9]. The forum stressed that resolving these deeply rooted land and jurisdictional disputes is essential to ending the continuing conflicts and securing lasting stability for all communities in Manipur^[10].

Footnotes

1. Bit Irom, "Manipur: Over 200 Naga households displaced in three districts amid escalating Naga-Kuki conflict," Northeast Now, October 2, 2026, https://nenow.in/north-east-news/manipur/manipur-over-200-naga-households-displaced-in-three-districts-amid-escalating-naga-kuki-conflict.html.

2. "Over 200 Naga Households Displaced Amid Naga-Kuki Tensions," ManipurArticles.com, October 2, 2026, https://manipurarticles.com/manipur-over-200-naga-households-displaced-amid-naga-kuki-tensions/.

3. "Zeliangrong civil bodies seek security escorts, IDP benefits," Imphal Times, October 1, 2026, https://www.imphaltimes.com/news/zeliangrong-civil-bodies-seek-security-escorts-idp-benefits/.

4. "Zeliangrong civil bodies seek security escorts, IDP benefits," Imphal Times, October 1, 2026.

5. Irom, "Manipur: Over 200 Naga households displaced."

6. "Over 200 Naga Households Displaced Amid Naga-Kuki Tensions," ManipurArticles.com, October 2, 2026.

7. Irom, "Manipur: Over 200 Naga households displaced."

8. Irom, "Manipur: Over 200 Naga households displaced."

9. Irom, "Manipur: Over 200 Naga households displaced."

10. Irom, "Manipur: Over 200 Naga households displaced."

Bibliography

Irom, Bit. "Manipur: Over 200 Naga households displaced in three districts amid escalating Naga-Kuki conflict." Northeast Now. October 2, 2026. https://nenow.in/north-east-news/manipur/manipur-over-200-naga-households-displaced-in-three-districts-amid-escalating-naga-kuki-conflict.html.

"Over 200 Naga Households Displaced Amid Naga-Kuki Tensions." ManipurArticles.com. October 2, 2026. https://manipurarticles.com/manipur-over-200-naga-households-displaced-amid-naga-kuki-tensions/.

"Zeliangrong civil bodies seek security escorts, IDP benefits." Imphal Times. October 1, 2026. https://www.imphaltimes.com/news/zeliangrong-civil-bodies-seek-security-escorts-idp-benefits/.

Zeliangrong - Basic Nouns

 

 Chapter Two: BASIC NOUNS

2.     Dress and Ornaments

Zeliangrong - Behavioural Nouns

 

 Chapter Two: BASIC NOUNS

2.     Behavioural Terms

Zeliangrong	English	Zeme	Liangmai	Rongmei
nui	laugh	nui	nui	nui
kap	cry	hap	kap	kap
kaphi	slap	kepoi	kaphi	kaphi
mbi	fart	hebi	mbi	mbai
kadun	shiver	ncui	kadun	kadun
ntum	squat	ndun	tou	ntum
him	yawn	nggim	him	hem
kachazu	hiccup	hinittau/kesatau	kachazu	chazai
makhiu	cough	nkeu	makhiu	nkhou
makiak	howl	ngkiak	makiak	kagiak
ngkui	burp	ngkui	mahun	nbun
nrui	vomit	nrui	marui	nrui
mara	scream	nra	mara	kaora-ndi
nsak	jump	nsak/kenram	machak	kachak
nsau	skip	nsau	masai	kachuam
nsui	kick	nsui	masui	nsui
ntau	sit	ntau	ntau	dung
zun	urine	hezung	tazun	zun
pak	run	pak	pak	pak
sien	shout	nrung	sien	kao
thuan	throw	tua/keding	thuan	ndat
sap	stand	sap	chap	ding
tasi	sneeze	tesei	tasi	nthei
telua	limp	telua	taluang	kasai
tat	walk	tet	tat	tat
heba	defecate	heba	tamut	bamei
zip	sleep	zip	zi	zip
zum	beat/bang	dap/zum	zum	kazum