Sonakshi Sarkar -

07 Feb

ClimateRISE Alliance Hosts Media Roundtable on Human-Wildlife Coexistence, Highlighting Media’s Crucial Role in Shaping Public Perception

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsAssam

In response to the growing concerns surrounding human-wildlife interactions (HWI) in India, ClimateRISE Alliance partners- The Coexistence Consortium, The Corbett Foundation, Aranyak and Dasra (ClimateRISE Secretariat), convened a media roundtable titled "From Conflict to Coexistence" on 7th February at Gateway Grandeur, Assam. As urbanization, climate change, and deforestation reshape India’s landscapes, encounters between humans and wildlife are becoming increasingly common, often with tragic consequences. In Assam, the growing human-wildlife interactions, particularly involving elephants, highlight the challenges of coexistence in a changing landscape. These interactions often arise from the encroachment of human settlements into elephant corridors or the depletion of natural…

20 Jan

Tikhir and Khiamniungan tribes pledge peace in Eastern Nagaland

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsNagaland

The Eastern Naga Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) has reaffirmed its commitment to the December 18, 2019, declaration of Eastern Nagaland as a “peaceful zone” amidst the ongoing land dispute between the Tikhir and Khiamniungan tribes. In a joint statement issued by the Khiamniungan Tribal Council (KTC) President L. Ngon Khiamniungan, Tikhir Tribal Council (TTC) President P. Timong Tikhir, and witnessed by ENPO President Chingmak Chang, the two communities pledged to uphold peace and mutual respect during social events and festivals in Thonoknyu town until the land ownership issue is resolved. The joint declaration emphasized the need for "amicable spaces" and called…

18 Jan

DMCC demands investigation into large arms cache seized in Mizoram

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsMizoram

The Delhi Meetei Co-Ordinating Committee (DMCC) has urged the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Mizoram Police to investigate a major arms seizure in Mizoram, suspecting its links to Kuki-Chin militants involved in the ongoing Manipur violence. The arms cache, discovered on January 15 near Saithah village in Mamit district, included six AK-47 rifles, over 10,000 rounds of ammunition, and 13 magazines. Among the five arrested was a senior leader of the Myanmar-based Chin National Front (CNF). In a statement, the DMCC alleged that the seized weapons were "intended for trade between the Kuki-Chin militants actively involved in the Kuki military…

07 Jan

MSL 2024 quarterfinals set to begin with Rangdajied United vs. Shillong Lajong

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsMeghalaya

Defending champions Rangdajied United will face 2019 winners Shillong Lajong in a thrilling quarterfinal clash to kick off the 4th Meghalaya State League (MSL) 2024 on January 9. The match will take place at the Wahiajer Sports Complex, with all quarterfinals scheduled to kick off at 1 pm. The highly anticipated tournament, paused in November for the state men's football team’s Santosh Trophy preparations, will resume with this marquee fixture. The tournament had seen Meghalaya exit in the quarterfinals of the national competition. Tournament Director Dr LL Mawsor confirmed the quarterfinal fixtures, with a double-header on January 11. Sutnga (East…

07 Jan

Kohima authorities take action against “shoot-at-sight” orders for stray dogs

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsSikkim

The Kohima administration has imposed a strict prohibition on the killing of animals, including stray dogs, citing legal provisions under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 (PCA Act), and the Bharatiya Naya Sanhita (BNS). The directive comes in response to alarming reports of "shoot-at-sight" orders for stray dogs issued by certain organizations and associations in municipal wards and villages across Kohima District. Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Rhosietho Nguori issued the directive, emphasizing that such actions are not only illegal but also a direct violation of established laws aimed at preventing animal cruelty. "Acts of this nature are deemed…

06 Jan

Meghalaya Govt opens Mawjymbuin Cave Shivling for devotees

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsMeghalaya

In a move to balance religious practices with environmental preservation, the Meghalaya government has announced the opening of the Mawjymbuin Cave Shivling in Mawsynram for daily worship. The cave will be accessible to devotees from 9 AM to 5 PM throughout the year, following a meeting with local authorities and religious representatives. Satya Ranjan Borah, President of Kutumba Surakshya Parishad (KSP), expressed gratitude to the government, thanking them for making the Shivling available to devotees. "We acknowledge the efforts of the Meghalaya government and extend our sincere thanks to them for making the shivling available for devotees," he said in…

04 Jan

Massive fire destroys over 100 homes in Dimapur

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsNagaland

A devastating fire swept through Naharbari Petla Colony in Dimapur on January 2, reducing over 100 houses to ashes and displacing numerous families. The cause of the blaze is under investigation, but witnesses described the fire as uncontrollable, spreading rapidly through the densely populated neighborhood. Emergency response teams rushed to the scene to contain the flames and assist affected residents. Authorities are currently assessing the extent of the damage, while local organizations and community members have stepped in to provide immediate relief and support to those left homeless.

03 Jan

Massive fire engulfs Dimapur’s Naharbari Petla Colony, over 100 homes destroyed

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsNagaland

A massive fire swept through the Naharbari Petla Colony in Dimapur on January 2, leaving more than 100 houses destroyed and scores of residents displaced. The blaze, which broke out in the densely populated area, quickly escalated into an uncontrollable inferno. Eyewitnesses described the flames spreading rapidly, consuming homes and belongings within minutes. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, with investigations underway to determine its origin. Emergency response teams were promptly dispatched to the site to control the blaze and assist affected families. Local authorities are working closely with community leaders to assess the extent of the damage…

02 Jan

Hakchang Village sets example by declaring itself ‘Drug-Free’ in Golden Jubilee event

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsNagaland

Hakchang Village in Nagaland has declared itself a "Drug-Free Zone" as part of its Golden Jubilee celebrations and the 2nd Triennial Session of the Hakchang Students' Union (HSU). The declaration was made during a workshop titled “Holistic and Critical Approach towards Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking” held on December 29 at the Hakchang Baptist Church. Organized by HSU in collaboration with the Tuensang District Legal Service Authority, the event brought together key community leaders who pledged to implement extensive remedial measures to combat drug abuse. Prominent signatories of the pledge included Village Council Chairman Nato Y Chang, Citizen’s Union President…

02 Jan

Conrad K. Sangma unveils climate project to empower youth in Northeast

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsMeghalaya

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has announced the launch of the ‘Mobius Young Climate Leaders’ project, a sustainability-focused initiative targeting seven northeastern states, including Meghalaya. Spearheaded by North East Leaders Connect (NELC), the project aims to promote education, economic growth, and environmental sustainability, aligning with the Tawang Declaration. The initiative is supported by the Möbius Foundation and the University of Cambridge. Announcing the project on his official social media account, CM Sangma stated, "North East Leaders Connect is happy to launch the ‘Mobius Young Climate Leaders’ project in seven northeastern states of India for education, economic, and environmental sustainability…