Page 2 - North East

Naga students asks state govt to implement Inner Line Permit within 14 days

The Naga Students' Federation (NSF) has asked the state government to implement Inner Line Permit (ILP) in three districts of Nagaland Dimapur, Chmoukedima and Niuland within 14 days. The federation is deeply anguished to note that despite having submitted several representations to the state government, the last communique having been made on February 28, no decisive action has been taken, NSF president Medovi Rhi and assistant general secretary Kenilo Kent said in a statement here on Thursday. This demand was made in response to what the NSF described as a grave alarm' over the worsening crisis in Bangladesh, which has led to regional unrest and represents a threat to the Naga homeland. "The demographic shift we are witnessing is not merely a number on a chart; it represents the dilution of Naga culture, our way of life, and our future as an indigenous people. We will not stand idle as our homeland is turned into a refuge for illegal immigrants," NSF said. The NSF maintained t

Development in NE priority: HM Shah after peace pact with insurgent groups

The government is committed for all-round development of the northeastern region, especially tribals, while preserving their culture, language and identity, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Wednesday. He also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not only bridged the gap between the Northeast and Delhi by connecting them through roads, railways and flights, but has also bridged the gap between hearts. Shah was addressing an event where a peace agreement was signed between the central and Tripura governments and two insurgent groups of the state here at North block aiming to end violence and bring peace in the northeastern state. Shah said a new milestone is set today in Tripura's ongoing journey towards peace and progress with the signing of the agreement. Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha and senior officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the state government were also present during the signing of the Memorandum of Settlement with the representatives of National

Arunachal CM Khandu slams Mamata for 'irresponsible' remarks on northeast

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday claimed that his West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee's recent comment on the northeast region was "irresponsible" and went against the spirit of unity of the country. He also alleged that the TMC supremo's comment exposed her "politics of anarchy". Addressing a TMC students' wing rally in Kolkata on Wednesday, Banerjee said, "If Bengal is set on fire, Assam, northeast, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and Delhi will also be affected." Her comment came in the backdrop of widespread protests against the alleged rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor in Kolkata. The unsavoury remarks on the northeast by the West Bengal CM are highly irresponsible and show her desperation. It exposes her politics of anarchy and goes against the spirit of unity in our country. I strongly condemn this, Khandu posted on X. He said people of the northeast region are peace-loving and strongly "deplore those who foment hostilities a

23 killed as heavy rain lashes Tripura, thousands take shelter at camps

At least 22 people died and two others went missing in Tripura due to incessant rainfall in the past few days and landslides, officials said. As many as 65,400 people have taken shelter at 450 relief camps in the state as their houses were damaged due to the downpour, they said. Ten people were buried under the rubble after landslides hit the Ashwani Tripura Para and Debipur in Santirbazar, Chief Minister Manik Saha said in a Facebook post. ... I convey my deepest condolence to the families of the victims. This is an irreparable loss. The state government has announced payment of Rs 4 lakh to each victim's family as financial assistance, he said. Earlier, Brijesh Pandey, Secretary, Revenue Department, had said that 12 people died due to heavy rainfall in the northeastern state. So far, 12 people have lost lives and two persons are missing. Preliminary reports suggest extensive damage to physical infrastructure and agriculture crops along with damage to houses and livestock. The ac

India needs to engage with those in power in Bangladesh: Ex-foreign secy

Former foreign secretary Harshvardan Shringla has said that India needs to engage with those in power now in Bangladesh, as instability in the neighbouring country has a direct impact on the security scenario of the Northeastern region. Shringla said this at a programme in which a report on policy options for India in dealing with the current Bangladesh situation was released. The report, to be submitted to the Centre, was prepared by a think tank Society to Harmonise Aspirations for Responsible Engagement (SHARE). The political instability in Bangladesh has direct repercussions both on security and developmental projects in North East India, security and defence experts, who are members of SHARE, said at the event. India has to engage with those in power or those behind the powers in Bangladesh as stability in the neighbourhood has a direct import to the security scenario of North East India. We have two core concerns - Bangladesh's territory not be used in any manner inimical to

Connectivity boost: Mizoram's Bhairabi-Sairang rly project nears completion

Sabyasachi De, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Northeast Frontier Railway, said that this project, once completed, will be a game-changer in terms of communication and commerce.

Several shops, houses damaged in Tripura's Ganda Twisa violence, 4 arrested

Senior officials from the police and district administration spoke with local businessmen and assured them of their full support, urging traders to reopen the market

Assam flood situation improves marginally, 1.7 mn affected in 26 districts

The flood situation in Assam improved marginally on Wednesday with water levels of major rivers showing a receding trend, reducing the affected population to 1.7 million across 26 districts, according to an official bulletin. Vast tracts of land, however, remain inundated with sporadic rainfall reported from several districts. Seven deaths were reported on Tuesday with two in Cachar and one each in Dhubri, Dhemaji, South Salmara, Nagaon and Sivasagar, according to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA). The death toll in this year's floods, landslides and storms increased to 92 with 79 people losing their lives to the deluge alone. An area of 38,870.3 hectares of cropland was still inundated as against 49,014.06 hectares on Monday. Among the worst-hit districts are Dhubri where 3,54,045 people are affected, Cachar (1,81,545), Sivasagar (1,36,547), Barpeta (1,16,074) and Golaghat (1,09,475). A total of 48,021 affected people have taken shelter in 507 relief camps

Rahul Gandhi visits relief camps in Manipur, meets violence hit people

Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Monday visited a relief camp in Manipur's Churachandpur district and interacted with inmates there. People displaced by the ethnic violence in the northeastern state are staying in those relief camps. Gandhi who is accompanied by senior Congress leaders talked to the people staying in the relief camps and listened to their problems. "Rahul Gandhi's visit aims at providing support to people and to assess the situation on the ground. His visit reflects the party's commitment to address the concerns of those affected by the recent violence," state Congres president Keisham Meghachandra told reporters. The former Congress president visited another relief camp in Jiribam district earlier in the day. "His third visit to Manipur post-violence shows his unwavering commitment to the people's cause," the Congress said in a post on X. Ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki communities since May last year claimed more than 200 lives in .

Landslides disrupt surface communication to several Arunachal districts

Surface communication to several districts in Arunachal Pradesh was disrupted by landslides triggered by rains, officials said on Monday. Landslides buried a person in Shi-Yomi district on Friday, according to a report of the state disaster management department. So far four people have died in the state since April due to natural calamities. The Tezu-Hayuliang road remains blocked at Mompani area in Lohit and Anjaw districts, while landslides blocked the Dari-Chambang and the Palin-Taraklengdi via Langdang village PMGSY road in Kra Daadi district, they said. NH 513 also remained blocked at Geying in East Siang district, a report said. Over 72,900 people and 257 villages have so far been affected by floods and landslides in Arunachal since April this year. Floods and landslides also caused extensive damage to roads, bridges, culverts, power lines, electric poles, transformers and water supply systems. According to the report, 160 roads, 76 power lines, 30 electric poles, three ..

Flood situation in Assam's Nagaon grim, thousands leave homes for safety

Many people have been forced to leave their homes and are now taking shelter on roads and higher land following the flood waters that inundated their houses

Inclusive, equitable development needed for Assam's growth: Guv Kataria

Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria has stressed on the development of all communities for holistic growth of the state. He underlined the importance of bringing together the leadership of different communities to ensure inclusive, equitable development. The governor was speaking at the valedictory ceremony of a two-day conference of autonomous councils, which are not covered under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, here on Saturday, an official release said. Leaders of Rabha-Hasong, Mising, Tiwa, Deuri, Thengal-Kachari, Sonowal-Kachari, Bodo-Kachari, Moran and Mottock communities and Kamatapur area, which have been formed into autonomous councils, participated in the meet. Lauding the initiative of Assam Assembly in organising the meet, he said it will also help in spreading awareness about the spirit associated with the establishment of the Autonomous Councils. The conference has helped in reorienting different functionaries of the autonomous councils about the legislative,

Share of North East in MF assets more than doubles to Rs 40,324 cr in 4 yrs

The share of North East in overall mutual fund assets in the country more than doubled in the last 4 years to Rs 40,324 crore in March 2024, spurred by increased awareness and growing interest among retail investors to invest in equities, a report by ICRA Analytics said. Also, this signals a growing appetite among investors from smaller towns and cities to invest in mutual funds. The combined share of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura rose to 0.73 per cent of the total average asset under management (AAUM) of the mutual fund industry, which stood at Rs 55.01 lakh crore in March 2024. The share was around 0.67 per cent in March 2020, when the industry's AAUM was at Rs 24.71 lakh crore. Data for Sikkim was not provided. In March 2020, these states had an asset base of Rs 16,446 crore as compared to Rs 40,324 crore in March this year. "Though the contribution of these states to the total AAUM of the industry is still small in percentage terms,

Nagaland govt forms Political Affairs Committee on Naga political issue

The Nagaland government has constituted a 'Political Affairs Committee' (PAC) comprising ministers and legislature party leaders of all political parties in the state Assembly to find an inclusive solution to the Naga Political issue. The PAC was constituted during a high-level political meeting held on Thursday under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, state government spokesperson and minister for parliamentary affairs, K G Kenye said in a statement here on Sunday. The PAC comprising the council of ministers and the legislature party leaders of all political parties in the current Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) has been formed to find an inclusive solution to the long-drawn Naga Political issue as a facilitator, he said. The PAC is being initiated once again in pursuit of a broad consensus for an early and amicable settlement, he said. In line with this, all the legislature party leaders have been directed to initiate the formation of 'Political Consultative ...

NE's integration with rest of India happened under Modi govt, claims Nadda

BJP president J P Nadda on Thursday claimed that integration of North East with the rest of the country has happened under the Narendra Modi-led government, accusing the Congress of keeping the region in "isolation and ignorance". He alleged that the opposition parties are not bothered about people's welfare, and are out to save themselves from being indicted in multiple scams. Addressing a rally here for NDA candidate Jayanta Basumatary, Nadda said, "Congress' policy was to keep North East in isolation and ignorance. It is the Modi and Himanta Biswa Sarma governments which worked to join you with the rest of the country." "Ten years ago when you visited Delhi, people asked which country you are from. But now integration is complete," Nadda said in the tribal-dominated region. Referring to the peace accords signed under the Modi regime, especially with Bodo militant outfits, the BJP chief claimed insurgent attacks and the number of civilian deaths have decreased drastically in the

Kukis, Meitis unite on one point - not right time for LS polls in Manipur

The Kukis and Meitis may be at loggerheads in Manipur but their thoughts on one point converge -- this is not the right time for Lok Sabha elections in the restive state. It has nearly been a year since ethnic violence broke out between the hill-majority Kukis and the valley-majority Meitis. It has not only killed over 200 people and displaced around 50,000 but also sharply divided Manipur along ethnic lines. Elections for two Lok Sabha seats in Manipur will be held on April 19 and 26. While Inner Manipur and some segments of Outer Manipur will vote in the first phase, the remaining segments of Outer Manipur will go to polls on April 26. Living separately and refusing to co-exist in future, many members of both Kukis and Meitis communities ask - why elections at this time and what difference will they make? "Our demand is clear - we want a separate administration for the Kuki Zo community. For years the development has only been in the valley and not our areas and after what has ..

Arunachal Assembly polls: 23 candidates have criminal cases against them

Twenty-three candidates in the fray for the April 19 Assembly elections in Arunachal Pradesh, have criminal cases registered against them, according to a report of a civil society organisation. The report prepared by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Arunachal Pradesh Election Watch, which was released on Wednesday, revealed that out of the 23 candidates with criminal cases in the northeastern state, 20 have declared serious criminal cases against them in their affidavits. The report was prepared after analysing the self-sworn affidavits of 142 out of 143 contesting candidates in the assembly polls. The affidavit of BJP candidate Ratu Techi, who won from the Sagalee constituency unopposed, could not be analysed due to the unavailability of his clear and complete affidavit on the Election Commission website, the report said. In the 2019 assembly polls in the state, out of 184 candidates analysed, 29 had declared criminal cases and 26 have declared serious criminal cas

Will not participate in upcoming LS polls: Nagaland's ENPO writes to EC

The ENPO, which has been demanding a separate state carved out of Nagaland, has written to the Election Commission of India, stating that it will abstain from the upcoming Lok Sabha poll process. In a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner of India through the chief electoral officer of the northeastern state, the Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Organisation (ENPO), the apex body of seven Naga tribes of the region, said its members have collectively decided not to take part in the ensuing parliamentary polls. "The people of eastern Nagaland under the aegis of ENPO had on March 19, 2024 reaffirmed its commitment to the Chenmoho Resolution, wherein it was further reaffirmed and resolved not to participate in any central and state elections against the failure to settle the creation of frontier Nagaland territory (FNT) as offered and assured by the Ministry of Home Affairs on December 7, 2023 to be settled before the announcement of Model Code of Conduct to the Lok Sabha 2024 by the ECI,"

Sikkim Assembly elections: BJP releases second list of nine candidates

There are 32 seats in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly and one Lok Sabha constituency

Assam secured over Rs 13,000-crore investments in last 14 months: CM Sarma

Assam has secured investments to the tune of Rs 13,364 crore with employment generation for more than 17,000 people in the last 14 months, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said. The investments have been committed through 21 proposals, approved by the state cabinet, under the Industrial and Investment Policy of Assam (IIPA), 2019. The IIPA was amended in 2023 to attract mega investments of Rs 100 crore and more, with permanent jobs for 200 or more, he said in a post on X on Friday. While MoUs for 14 of these proposals were signed earlier, seven agreements were inked on Friday, he said. "In January 2023, we announced a policy to customise incentives for mega investors. Today, 7 more firms committed to create 6,500 jobs through Rs 2,000 cr of investment," Sarma said. In last 14 months, through this policy, Assam has secured investments of Rs 13,364 crore and 17,700 jobs, the chief minister said. Among the companies that have entered into MoUs so far are PepsiCo India, Star Cement