Page 4 - Northeast India

Two Mizoram teens held by Myanmar militants return with shaved head, burns

With their heads tonsured and cigarette burns on bodies, two teenage boys returned home in Mizoram after being held captive by militants in adjoining Myanmar's Chin state for nearly a week, an Assam Rifles officer said on Sunday. The two boys, aged 16 and 15, were allegedly abducted by the Hualngoram unit of Chin Defence Force (CDF), one of several militant organisations fighting the military junta in Myanmar, on September 1 from Rih Dil Lake, a tourist spot in the neighbouring country near the Indian border, the officer said. "A group of five boys from Zokhawthar village in Mizoram had gone to Rih Dil Lake on motorcycles on September 1. On reaching there, they were stopped by cadres of CDF, who thrashed them because of a previous scuffle they had with some other boys from Zokhawthar," she said. Three of the five boys managed to escape and return to India while the two were held hostage by the CDF, the Assam Rifles officer said. "The two boys were kept in Rih Dil area for two days

Manipur CM calls emergency meeting with coalition MLAs after fresh violence

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh called an emergency meeting with MLAs from the ruling coalition, which comprises the BJP, Naga People's Front, and National Peoples Party (NPP), on Saturday evening to discuss the prevailing law and order situation in the state, official sources said. The meeting, scheduled to take place at the Chief Minister's bungalow, is expected to focus on critical decisions concerning the recent attacks on civilians by armed men from elevated hill areas, sources added. Additionally, the legislators, along with Singh, may also meet the governor, though this is yet to be confirmed. On Saturday morning, five persons were killed in fresh violence in Jiribam district. While one person was shot dead in his sleep, four others were killed in subsequent exchange of fire between people of two warring communities, police said.

Arunachal govt serves notices on employees, gaon burahs for protest

Several government employees and 'gaon burahs' or village heads in Arunachal Pradesh's Upper Siang have been served notices by the district administration for allegedly joining protests against the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) and supporting the anti-dam movement. Upper Siang Deputy Commissioner Hage Lailang had earlier this week served notices on several government employees and 'gaon burahs', asking them to show cause why they should not face disciplinary action for insubordination and misconduct under the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964. Under the CSC Rules, government employees are barred from going on strike or criticising policies of the government. Several anti-dam groups staged a protest rally in Dite Dime in Siang district on August 31, protesting against the proposed SUMP, a massive hydropower project to be executed by power giant, National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC). "The district administration has served notices a few days ago to man

COCOMI declares indefinite emergency in Manipur after Kuki militant attack

According to the Manipur Police the Kuki militants deployed long-range rockets among the civilian population in attacks

Britannia in talks to acquire Kishlay Foods to expand presence in Northeast

Britannia is in talks to acquire a majority stake in Kishlay Foods, a Guwahati-based company known for its range of snacks, biscuits, sweets, chips, noodles, and tea, valued at Rs 600-700 crore

Manipur CM promises full peace in 6 months, says no question of resigning

With ethnic violence gradually subsiding, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has promised to fully restore peace in the state in six months with the Centre's help, and also ruled out stepping down, saying he has neither committed a crime nor spawned a scandal. In an interview with PTI Videos here on Thursday, Singh revealed for the first time that he has appointed an emissary to hold talks with Kuki-zo and Meitei leaders. The clashes between the Kuki-zo and Meiti ethnic groups since May 2023 has left 226 dead, according to official count. "All this can be solved with dialogue. Dialogue is the only way, Singh said. He identified the emissary as Dinganglung Gangmei, a Naga MLA and the chairman of the Hill Area Committee. Asked what kind of a deadline he has fixed for himself to restore peace, Singh indicated that along with dialogue, the Central government's involvement -- either through the home ministry or other agencies -- will be critical in bringing peace. I don't think it wil

Nagaland CM urges swift resolution to Naga political issue, calls for peace

Rio stated that a political solution that is inclusive, honourable, and acceptable to the Naga people would usher in an era of economic growth

Centre approves Rs 4,136 cr for 15 GW hydropower projects in Northeast

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved equity support of Rs 4,136 crore to northeast states for developing hydropower projects, totalling 15,000 MW capacity over the next eight years. The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the proposal of the Ministry of Power for providing central financial assistance (CFA) to the state governments of NER (North East Region) towards their equity participation in the development of hydroelectric projects through Joint Venture (JV) collaboration between state entities and Central Public Sector Undertakings, an official statement said. This scheme has an outlay of Rs 4,136 crore to be implemented from 2024-25 to 2031-32, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said in a briefing on the Cabinet decisions. A cumulative hydro capacity of about 15,000 MW would be supported under the scheme, the statement said. The scheme will be funded through 10 per cent gross budgetary support (GBS) for the northeastern regi

Meghalaya HC bans single-use plastic in temples, shops across state

The Meghalaya High Court has banned single use plastic in temples and shops across the state. The High Court Bench headed by Chief Justice S Vaidyanathan also advocated for introduction of tetra pak cartons, which are primarily made from paper and could be an effective alternative to replace plastics. The fight against plastics is not just an environmental crusade, but a battle for the health and future of our planet. "To begin with, such a move can be started from temple premises. Temple authorities must ensure that there is no usage of plastic bags in and around the worshipping places," the Division Bench said in an order while hearing a PIL on the matter on Friday. "CCTV cameras shall be installed in all temples, so that if anybody carries plastics inside the temple, that can be curtailed to some extent," it added. The bench also imposed a ban on shops from storing and using plastic bags proposing heavy fines to be imposed on violators. "If any shops are found to have stored ..

Arunachal CM announces master plan for development of twin capital cities

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday said the state government is preparing a master plan for the long-term development of the twin capital cities, Itanagar and Naharlagun. Inaugurating a drinking water supply project at the Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS) in Naharlagun, Khandu said the plan will focus on beautifying the state capital and upgrading colony roads. The new water supply project will significantly increase the institute's water capacity from 200,000 to 1.9 million litres daily, ensuring a more reliable water source, he added. "This futuristic project demonstrates our commitment to improving infrastructure and services in the capital region. Alongside this, we are planning a super specialty complex for TRIHMS and establishing a state cancer institute at Midpu," Khandu shared on X. In another social media post, Khandu reiterated that a master plan is being developed for the long-term growth of Itanagar and Naharlagun, emphasis

Purvodaya for eastern revival

The Budget's plan for eastern India's growth is crucial, but this isn't going to be a sprint-it's a marathon

AFSPA removed from most parts of Northeast, except few districts: Govt

The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, which gives sweeping powers to the armed forces operating in disturbed areas to search, arrest and open fire if they deem it necessary, has been removed from most parts of the northeast, except a few districts and some police station areas, Parliament was informed on Tuesday. In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai said there has been a considerable reduction in the number of "disturbed areas" under the AFSPA and the law has been withdrawn completely from Tripura (from May 27, 2015) and Meghalaya (April 1, 2018). The AFSPA has also been withdrawn from all districts except four in Assam, he said. Rai said the AFSPA has been withdrawn gradually in Arunachal Pradesh and it is currently applicable only in three police station areas in Namsai district and three other districts -- Tirap, Changlang and Longding. In Manipur, the law has been withdrawn from 19 police station areas in seven

Fresh violence in Manipur's Jiribam within 24 hrs of peace agreement

Shots were fired and an abandoned house was torched in Manipur's Jiribam, triggering fresh tensions within a day of the Meitei and Hmar communities reaching an agreement to make efforts to restore normalcy in the district, officials said on Saturday. An abandoned house in Lalpani village was torched by armed men on Friday night, they said. "It is an isolated settlement consisting of few Meitei houses, and most of those were abandoned after violence broke out in the district. Miscreants, who are yet to be identified, took advantage of security lapses in the area to commit the arson," an official said. The armed men also fired several rounds of shells and gunshots, targetting the village, he said. Security forces were rushed to the area following the incident, he added. Representatives of the Meitei and Hmar communities reached an agreement in a meeting held at a CRPF facility in adjoining Assam's Cachar on Thursday. The meeting was moderated by Jiribam district administration, Ass

India likely to receive above normal rainfall in second half of 2024: IMD

IMD monsoon forecast: Southern and central regions recorded more than average rainfall while east and north-east India recorded 23.3 per cent less rainfall in July

'Pyramids of Assam' Moidams included in Unesco's World Heritage List

The Moidams, often hailed as the 'Pyramids of Assam' have become the first cultural site from the Northeast to be added to the Unesco World Heritage List

As flood situation improves, Kaziranga allows vehicles during daytime

Floods in Assam have claimed the lives of 214 animals in Kaziranga National Park so far, officials said, adding that 155 animals have been rescued

Road, railway infra needed in Mizoram for growth of tourism, agri: Minister

Union minister Bhagirath Choudhary said that good road and railway infrastructure are needed in Mizoram to usher in development in the tourism and agriculture sectors. The Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, during his visit to Mizoram, said that the northeastern state has a great potential for organic farming and is rich in natural resources. "Even though there are good avenues for selling agro products of Mizoram in markets in other parts of the country, it will be difficult to take concrete steps if there is no proper road infrastructure and communication in the state," he told reporters here on Friday. Stating that farmers in Mizoram will face problems due to lack of proper road infrastructure and railway lines, Choudhary said the Centre and the state must work concertedly to address the problem. "Inter-state as well as intra-state road and railway network should be improved in Mizoram to develop tourism and ensure that the farmers are economically ...

CRPF jawan killed in militant attack in Manipur; Guv, CM condemn act

A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan was killed in a gun attack by suspected militants at Mongbung village in Manipur's Jiribam district on Sunday morning, police said. A policeman also suffered injuries and he has been admitted to a hospital, they said. The deceased has been identified as Ajay Kumar Jha, 43, a resident of Bihar. He suffered bullet injuries in the head and was declared brought-dead in hospital. The injured policeman is undergoing treatment, but he is out of danger, a police officer said. In a post on X, Anusuiya Uikey condemned the heinous act of violence and prayed for the departed soul. Governor Miss @AnusuiyaUikey is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of a brave CRPF soldier in the Jiribam ambush by suspected insurgents. She extends her heartfelt condolences to the soldier's family, the Raj Bhavan said in a post. Governor Uikey honors the soldier's courage and dedication to duty, and prays for his soul to rest in peace. She also strongly condemns this .

Tripura: Shops torched after tribal youth injured in group clash dies

Several shops were torched and houses damaged in Tripura's Dhalai district following the death of a tribal youth in a group clash, prompting authorities to impose prohibitory orders, police said on Saturday. The 19-year-old college student, who sustained serious injuries in a clash between two groups at Gandatwisa in Dhalai district on July 7, passed away at GBP Hospital here on Friday. Additional police personnel have been deployed in the village after Friday's arson and Internet services have been suspended in the area. Four persons have been arrested in connection with the death of the youth, police said. According to police sources, Parmeshwar Reang, accompanied by his friends, had visited the Gandatwisa market to attend a fair organised on the occasion of Rath Yatra. "Suddenly, a clash erupted between two groups of youths, during which Reang sustained severe injuries. Initially admitted to Gandatwisa hospital, he was later transferred to GBP hospital as his condition worsened.

Arunachal re-constitutes six committees to examine Assam border dispute

The Arunachal Pradesh government has re-constituted six regional committees to examine and exercise the present status of border dispute with Assam. A notification issued by the Home and inter-state border affairs department on Thursday said that the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the regional committees, as established, will continue to be governed by the provisions set forth in the original notification issued on June 1, 2022. The remaining six districts of the state where border dispute with Assam still persists as people from both states have not agreed to demarcation of villages along the inter-state border includes, Pakke Kessang, Papum Pare, Kamle, Lower Siang, Lower Dibang Valley and Longding district respectively. The state government has appointed Health and Family Welfare Minister Biyuram Wahge as the chairman of the committee for Pakke Kessang district with the deputy commissioner and superintendent of police as members. For Papum Pare district, Land Management Minister B