Page 15 - Northeast India

Security forces not collaborating with militants, say Manipur Police

Manipur Police rejected the allegations by Kuki organisation that security forces collaborated with insurgent groups in Moreh town where incidents of violence were reported recently. Moreh is a town bordering Myanmar and it has been alleged by the state government that miscreants from the neighbouring country are fomenting trouble in the northeastern state. "The allegation of the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) and the Kuki Inpi Manipur regarding collaborations with valley-based insurgent groups and Meitei militants disguised as security force personnel in Moreh is not true. The allegations are baseless and misleading," the police said in a statement. Two police commandos were killed on January 17 in militant attacks in Moreh, while several others were injured. Kuki organisations alleged that surrendered valley-based insurgents were allowed to "mix freely" with the state police. Manipur has been rocked by ethnic strife since May last year and more than 180 people were killed. Th

Will do whatever required to protect religions that worship nature: Shah

"The transformation of Bodoland also testifies to PM Modi's vision to take development forward and establish peace in the Northeast," Shah added

PM's mission of bringing peace, development in NE successful: Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mission of bringing peace and development in the northeast has been successful. The Congress had a policy to divert attention from problems and enjoy power, which led to the deaths of thousands of people in the region, particularly in the Bodoland, Shah said at the 13th Triennial Conference of the All Bathou Mahasabha here. When I became home minister, the Bodo movement was underway and I made a sincere attempt to understand the problems and demands of one of the largest communities of the northeast, he said. The prime minister also viewed it from a new perspective and the problem was resolved with Bodoland today being free from bomb blasts, firing and violence, Shah said. During the last three years, there has been no incident of violence in Bodoland, and it is scripting a new story by walking on the path of development, Shah asserted.

Fog in north, northeast India causing train delays, flight cancellations

Dense fog affected visibility in parts of north and northeast India on Thursday, heavily impacting road, rail and air traffic in the region with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting similar conditions for the next five days. According to officials, 18 Delhi-bound trains were delayed by up to six hours due to foggy weather. Ranchi's Birsa Munda Airport saw 14 flight cancellations due to dense fog while four flights were diverted at Delhi's IGI Airport, they said. While satellite imagery showed some reduction in fog over Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh, 'dense' to 'very dense' fog prevailed in parts of Punjab, Haryana, west Rajasthan, Bihar, Delhi, west Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha and Assam, the IMD said. It also said there was rainfall at a few places in Arunachal Pradesh and parts of West Bengal and isolated places in the northeast, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry earlier in the day. In Tamil Nadu, temperatures plummeted in the

Doesn't matter if you're small state, feel equal: Rahul Gandhi in Nagaland

Nagaland has an area of 16,579 square kilometres with a population of 19.79 lakhs, according to the 2011 Census. It is the fourth-smallest state in the country in terms of area

Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra to begin from pvt ground in Manipur's Thoubal

The Congress on Friday said that the Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra will be flagged off from a private ground in Manipur's Thoubal district on January 14, instead of state capital Imphal. Congress's Manipur president Keisham Meghachandra said that permission was sought to begin the yatra from the Hapta Kangjeibung ground in Imphal but the state government gave the go-ahead with certain conditions, forcing to change the venue at the last moment. "We had proposed to the state government on January 2 that Hapta Kangjeibung public ground in Imphal be allowed for flagging off the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. We had also announced that the Yatra will start from Imphal, and culminate in Mumbai," he said. "We met Chief Minister N Biren Singh in this regard on January 10 but were told that the permission will not be given. Later that night, an order was issued which gave permission for Hapta Kangjeibung ground but with a limited number of participants," he added. Meghachandra said that

3 persons who went missing in Manipur while collecting firewood found dead

Three persons, who went missing while collecting firewood in a forest, were found dead in Manipur's Churachandpur district on Thursday, police said. Four people from Akasoi in Bishnupur district went missing on Wednesday afternoon when they had gone to the nearby hills in Churachandpur to collect firewood. The bodies of Ibomcha Singh, 51, and his son Anand Singh, 20, and 38-year-old Romen Singh were found near Haotak Phailen, police said. A search is on for the other missing person, identified as Dara Singh, they said. The three persons were suspected to be killed by militants, a police officer said.

Centre allocates Rs 1,782 cr for strategic road project in Arunachal

The Centre has sanctioned Rs 1,782 crore for construction of a strategic road project in Arunachal Pradesh, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said on Wednesday. The ministry sanctioned the project for the construction of the 82-kilometre-long greenfield road from Pango to Jorging in Upper Siang district of the northeastern state. The project would encompass package-1 and II, Gadkari said on X. "The proposed project aims to ensure seamless and secure traffic flow, establishing year-round connectivity to the villages in the region, thereby catalyzing socio-economic development in the hilly areas of the district", the minister said. The strategically crucial road will substantially reduce travel time for security forces, enhancing their efficiency in reaching border areas, Gadkari added. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has expressed his delight over the development. Khandu said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, there is

Sikkim achieved extensive financial inclusion covering remote villages: FM

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday lauded the Sikkim government for helping the Himalayan state achieve extensive financial inclusion, covering remote villages and habitats. She also congratulated banks and other financial institutions for the success story in Sikkim. "Sikkim has done extremely well to set up bank branches and ATM kiosks in all six districts, covering remote villages and habitats to make the mission of financial inclusion a great success," Sitharaman said at a credit outreach programme here. The minister said there are 32 bank branches and 36 ATMs in Sikkim per one lakh population in comparison to the national average of 14. "The state capital Gangtok alone has 43 bank branches and 58 ATMs per one lakh population," she said, adding that women and youth are the biggest beneficiaries of financial inclusion in Sikkim. Sitharaman also handed certificate of loans worth Rs 402 crore to 3,828 beneficiaries under various central schemes, noting that the

Arunachal's Adi Kekir, handmade carpets & Wancho wooden craft get GI tag

Arunachal Pradesh's ginger, locally known as Adi Kekir, handmade carpets and Wancho wooden craft have secured the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, Chief Minister Pema Khandu has announced. A geographical indication or GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. "Delighted to share that Adi Kekir (Ginger), Handmade Carpet and Wancho Wooden Craft have been granted Geographical Indication (GI) tags. Truly an acknowledgement of the rich cultural heritage and skilled craftsmanship of our state. Let's celebrate and promote our unique traditions," he said here on Thursday. Adi kekir is a variety of ginger produced in East Siang, Siang and Upper Siang districts of Arunachal Pradesh.It is known for its taste and size. The handmade carpets made by Tibetan refugees, who live in various parts of the state, are known for their typical designs, motifs and textures. Wancho wooden craft items are unique

Those engaged in violence to be responsible if AFSPA reimposed : Manipur CM

Chief Minister N Biren Singh Tuesday said that he is "highly upset" with the ongoing violence in Manipur and elements who engage in it will be held responsible for any stringent government action, including the reimposition of AFSPA. "Whatever is going on in the society now is too much. The government will find it really hard to tolerate if anyone or any group keeps on taking the law into their own hands. The central government will not keep on looking. If AFSPA is again reimposed, they will be held responsible," he said after visiting those injured in a firing incident at Lilong Chingjao area in Manipur's Thoubal district. "Elements who continuously engage in violence should be held accountable if the government takes any stringent action, including reimposition of the unwanted AFSPA ... I am highly upset (sic). The government cannot watch all these forever," he said. AFSPA was extended for six months in the hill areas of the north eastern state for six months since October last .

Manipur CM N Biren Singh expresses concern over attacks on state forces

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has expressed concern over the attacks on state forces and said that a delegation will soon go to Delhi to meet central leaders and apprise them of the situation. Singh's statement came in the wake of five state police commandos injured in a attack at the border town of Moreh in Tengnoupal district on Saturday. They have been airlifted to Imphal and admitted to hospital. Taking to X, Singh said "The unprecedented attacks against the state forces in the recent times have become a serious national security threat. While the state and central security forces are actively engaged in maintaining control over the situation, it is also imperative for the combined security forces to adopt a robust and comprehensive approach to deal with these elements, who are relentlessly attempting to destabilise the state of Manipur." The CM held a meeting with BJP state president A Sharda Devi, ministers, MLAs and party leaders on Sunday and discussed the situation .

Three groups join for talks with Centre to Naga Political Issue's solution

Three Naga groups have come together and decided to pursue negotiations for a solution to the decades-old Naga Political Issue with the Centre jointly. The decision was taken on Saturday during a meeting attended by leaders of the three groups -- National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) led by Akato Chophy, NSCN led by Khango and Naga National Council (NNC) led by Z Royim. All three are splinter groups. "The three groups have come together to have a joint political venture in 2024," said Akato, while addressing journalists after the meeting here in the presence of leaders of the other two groups. Asked if they have already approached the Centre with their decision to hold a dialogue, he said, "We have made separate approaches in the past but now we will make a joint effort on the Naga issue." Akato also affirmed that they would be holding a dialogue separate from the negotiations being held by the Working Committee of Naga National Political Groups (WC-NNPGs) with the Centre.

Mizoram grants general consent to CBI for probing offences in the state

The Mizoram government has granted general consent to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe offences in the state. In a gazette notification on Thursday, the state government said, "In exercise of the powers conferred by section 6 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946, the Government of Mizoram hereby accords consent to exercise powers and jurisdiction of the members of the Delhi Special Police Establishment for investigation of offences in the state of Mizoram." "The Government of Mizoram grants consent for a CBI investigation of offences in the state of Mizoram. Our government is resolute in eliminating corruption for the welfare of our citizens," CM Lalduhoma posted on X on Friday. Soon after the swearing-in ceremony on December 8, Lalduhoma had announced that his Zoram People's Movement government will accord priority to anti-corruption measures and will invite the CBI to probe graft cases in the state. According to the Delhi Special Police Establishm

Earthquake of magnitude 3.4 jolts Assam's Tezpur, no casualties reported

An earthquake of 3.4 magnitude hit Assam's Tezpur in the early hours on Wednesday, said National Center for Seismology.The earthquake occured at 5:55 am IST (Indian Standard Time) at a depth of 20km. The epicentre of the quake was located at 42km east of Tezpur."Earthquake of Magnitude:3.4, Occurred on 27-12-2023, 05:55:35 IST, Lat: 26.70 & Long: 93.22, Depth: 20 Km ,Location: 42km E of Tezpur, Assam, India", the National Center for Seismology posted on X.No casualties were reported in the earthquake.Earlier this month, an earthquake of magnitude 3.5 hit Assam's Guwahati.

Manipur returning to normalcy after enduring over 7 months of ethnic strife

Manipur made headlines for much of 2023 as it witnessed one of the worst ethnic conflicts between the Kuki and Meitei communities, resulting in over 200 deaths and leaving nearly 60,000 people homeless. Though violence broke out on May 3, tension had been building in the hill districts of Churachandpur and Kangpokpi since February due to the state government's efforts to remove encroachers from reserved forest areas. In late February, the state government demolished few Kuki houses in Churachandpur district for encroaching on reserved forest land, triggering condemnation by Kuki-Zo community members. Clashes broke out between demonstrators and police in Kangpokpi district in March when they tried to hold a rally against "encroachment of tribal land in the name of reserved forests, protected forests and wildlife sanctuary. Following the clashes, the state cabinet withdrew from the tripartite Suspension of Operations (SoO) talks with two Kuki-based outfits Kuki National Army and Zom

Termination of govt servants, China's visa denial to Wushu players rock AP

The termination of service of 256 government employees for producing forged documents, China's decision to deny visa to wushu players from Arunachal Pradesh for the Asian Games and protests against the state public service commission exam paper leak took centre stage in the frontier state in the year 2023. The abduction of village officials and construction workers by militants, killing of a former MLA and anomalies over the recruitment of junior engineers found a place in the headlines in the northeastern state during the year. India strongly protested China's decision to deny visa to three women athletes from Arunachal Pradesh for the Asian Games with Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur cancelling his visit to Hangzhou where the event took place. Women players Nyeman Wangsu, Onilu Tega and Mepung Lamgu were denied accreditation, which also worked as visa for the games held in September-October this year. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu dubbed the denial of visa to th

RailTel to implement integrated communication system in NFR's new line

PSU RailTel has been tasked with implementing an integrated tunnel communication system along the new single line Bhairabi-Sairang section of the Lumding division of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), an official statement said on Saturday. The public sector undertaking will also undertake emergency call arrangements in tunnels and integrated passenger information systems at railway stations along the section. The total project will cost Rs 66.83 crore and will cover 32 tunnels with a total length of about 12,643 metres (12.6 km), it said. The Bhairabi-Sairang line in Mizoram is one of the toughest sections where problems of road approach, non-availability of materials, higher cost of transportation and tough terrain make it a very challenging work to execute, the statement said. The project also includes provision of supply and installation of IT data networking infrastructure, PA and emergency/SOS call points system and IP-based CCTV surveillance system. This state-of-the-art

NE to create entrepreneurship development centres in 100 govt institutes

Entrepreneurship development centres (EDCs) will be established in over 100 government-run skill training institutes in the Northeast to provide the youth with mentoring and handholding support, and assist them in developing financial linkages, a release said on Saturday. The Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE) has been assigned the responsibility of establishing these centres in all 104 government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and three National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) in the eight states of the region. The project is under the flagship central scheme 'Skill Strengthening for Industrial Value Enhancement' (STRIVE), being implemented by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. The project is aimed at creating a pool of 107 trained mentors who shall operate from the ITIs and NSTIs and act as 'change agents' to drive the entrepreneurial movement among the youth, the release said. It is targeting 29,500 enrolled students of ITIs and NSTIs from .

NE festival kicks off: Region safe, its infra tourism-ready, says minister

Lekhi said this while inaugurating the three-day North East Festival at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Friday evening, promising the visitors a memorable outing with varied artefacts