Page 12 - Northeast India

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

Assam floods: Situation remains grim; water receding in many parts

The flood situation in Assam remained grim on Saturday even though the water levels have started receding in many parts of the state, officials said. The India Meteorological Department's Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Guwahati has said that moderate rainfall is very likely to occur at most places of Assam with isolated heavy to very heavy rain likely over Kokrajhar district. "Low to moderate flash flood risk is likely over few watersheds and neighbourhoods of Arunachal Pradesh and southern parts of Assam and Meghalaya," it added. Meanwhile, a report by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) on Friday night said that seven more people lost their lives and over 12.33 lakh people are reeling under the deluge across 23 districts. The total number of people losing their lives in this year's flood, landslide, storm and lightning has increased to 106. Dhubri is the worst hit with over 3.18 lakh people affected, followed by Cachar with almost 1.5 lakh people and .

Assam floods kill five more in last 24 hrs, total death toll touches 84

The flood waters submerged 2580 villages under 86 revenue circles. 157,000 people are still taking shelter in 365 relief camps and distribution centres

Life takes hit due to 12-hr shutdown in Manipur's Kuki-majority areas

Normal life was affected in at least four districts of Manipur due to a 12-hour total shutdown called by a major Kuki organisation of the northeastern state to protest against the arrest of five people belonging to the community. Markets, educational institutions and banks remained closed in Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Pherzawl and Tengnoupal districts, owing to the 6 am-to-6 pm strike call by the Kuki Inpi, official sources said. Government offices also recorded thin attendance, they said. Security was heightened in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi to ensure that no untoward incidents occur, the sources said. In Churachandpur and Tengnoupal, protestors demonstrated and chanted slogans at many places, denouncing the arrest. The recent arrest of two persons in Jiribam and three others in Kangpokpi poses a significant security threat for them, the Kuki Inpi had said in a statement on Tuesday. Ethnic violence in Manipur since May last year has resulted in the death of over 200 people, whil

Rahul urges PM Modi to visit violence-hit Manipur, offers support for peace

PM Modi, during his address in the Rajya Sabha last week, reaffirmed that the central government is making efforts to normalise the situation in Manipur

'Cannot push back Bangladeshi refugees', Mizoram CM Lalduhoma tells PM Modi

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Saturday urged the Centre to understand the position of Mizoram in giving shelter to refugees from neighbouring Bangladesh, an official statement said. An official of the state home department said that nearly 2,000 Zo ethnic people from Bangladesh have taken refuge in Mizoram since 2022. During a brief meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, Lalduhoma informed him that his government could not push back or deport Zo ethnic people from Bangladesh's Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), the statement said. He informed the Prime Minister that many people belonging to the Bawm tribe, one of the ethnic Mizo tribes, from Bangladesh have been taking shelter in Mizoram since 2022, and many of them are still trying to enter the state. They started entering Mizoram in November 2022 following a military offensive by the Bangladeshi army against the Kuki-Chin National Army (KNA), an ethnic insurgent group fighting for a separate state. The two lead

Rahul Gandhi asks Centre, state to support those affected by Assam floods

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday expressed concern over the flood situation in Assam and urged the Central and state governments to expeditiously extend all possible support to those affected. The flood situation in Assam remained critical on Saturday with six more people losing their lives and nearly 24 lakh people affected, according to an official bulletin. In a post on X, Gandhi said, "The flood situation in Assam is becoming increasingly dangerous. My thoughts are with our brothers and sisters reeling under the deluge." "Deepest condolences to the bereaved families. I appeal to Congress leaders and workers to provide help in rescue and rehabilitation operations," the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said. "I urge the Central and state governments to compassionately and expeditiously extend all possible support to those affected," he said. The devastating floods claimed the lives of two persons in Charaideo and one each in Goalpara, Morigaon, Sonitpur and Tinsukia

Rahul Gandhi to visit Manipur on Monday, meet violence-affected people

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi will visit Manipur on Monday and meet the violence-affected people in different districts of the state. State Congress president K Meghachandra said Gandhi would travel from Delhi to Silchar on a flight, and from there would head to Jiribam district where fresh violence happened on June 6. "Gandhi will visit some relief camps in the district. He will then return to the Silchar airport, and from there, take a flight to Imphal," Meghachandra said. "After landing in Imphal, he will head to Churachandpur district where he will interact with people living in relief camps," he said. From Churachandpur, Gandhi will get to Moirang in Bishnupur district by road and visit some relief camps. He will then return to Imphal where a meeting with Governor Anusuiya Uikey is being planned. "He will then leave the state," Meghachandra said. This is Gandhi's first visit to the state after the Lok Sabha elections, in which the Congress won both the ...

Assam flood situation critical, 2.45 million affected in 30 districts

Assam's flood situation remained critical on Saturday with over 24.50 lakh people reeling under the deluge in 30 districts and major rivers flowing above the danger mark at several places, an official bulletin said. The toll in this year's flood was 52 and 12 others lost their lives due to landslides and storms. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma held a meeting with officials late on Friday after returning from the severely affected Dibrugarh district and reviewed the flood situation in the state. 'After visiting flood-affected areas of Dibrugarh, we reviewed several matters, including Assam Arogya Nidhi-a health financial assistance scheme," the chief minister said. Sarma also said he has specifically asked the officials to 'prioritise rarest of rare cases and applications from those who are not covered under any existing scheme'. The chief minister said after interacting with the flood-hit people, he had sent messages to officials to address their problems. "For us, proactive .