Sonakshi Sarkar, Author at

02 Sep

Six wounded in Drone attack in Manipur’s Imphal West

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsManipur

In Manipur, a drone attack claimed the lives of two people and injured at least six others in Imphal West on September 1. The attack, which occurred in the Koutruk and Kadangband villages, marks a significant and alarming intensification of the ongoing ethnic conflict that has plagued the state for over a year. According to reports, the drone strike took place in the afternoon, targeting the Meitei-dominated areas of Imphal West, which border the Kuki-majority district of Kangpokpi. The attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents that have gripped Manipur since May 2023, leading to hundreds of…

02 Sep

Meghalaya’s debt increases by 20.31% in latest report

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsMeghalaya

Meghalaya has emerged as the state with the fourth highest Outstanding Liabilities to Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) ratio in India, according to the latest audit report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023. Among the Northeastern and Himalayan states, Meghalaya ranks third, signaling a growing debt burden. The CAG report highlights the mounting financial liabilities on the state's Consolidated Fund, which include market loans, borrowings from financial institutions, and advances from the Government of India (GoI). Public debt for the year 2022-23 stood at a staggering ₹14,637.12 crore, comprising ₹11,285.50 crore…

02 Sep

Bimol Akoijam accuses Narendra Modi and Amit Shah of ignoring Manipur violence

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsManipur

Congress MP Bimol Akoijam has launched a scathing attack on the central government, condemning its handling of the escalating violence in Manipur, which has recently included drone strikes on residential areas. Akoijam criticized the apparent failure of law enforcement agencies to maintain order, questioning who would be held accountable for the resulting deaths and destruction. During his remarks, Akoijam highlighted that the state government's actions during the ongoing 15-month crisis were reportedly conducted with the consent of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. He accused the government of having "blood on their hands" and warned that Manipur's…

31 Aug

Deputy commissioner announces temporary National Highway 29 shutdown

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsNagaland

The Deputy Commissioner of Kohima has announced a temporary closure of National Highway 29 near Dzüdza Bridge in Sechu Zubza for essential repairs. The highway stretch between chainage KM 163+980 and KM 164+030 (RHS) will be closed to all traffic from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily, starting August 31 and continuing through September 2, 2024. The closure is necessary to ensure safety and facilitate crucial repair work. During the restricted hours, the highway will be completely shut down. However, from 7:00 PM to 6:00 AM, the route will be partially accessible to heavy vehicles, with priority given to those…

31 Aug

KCP member apprehended with cash and mobile phones in Imphal

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsCrime

Manipur Police have arrested a member of the banned Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) (Taibanganba) faction in a major crackdown on extortion activities. The suspect, Laishom Sundar Singh, 38, was apprehended in Lamphel, Imphal West District on August 30. During the operation, authorities seized two mobile phones, a side bag, a wallet containing Rs 36,320, and a four-wheeler vehicle from Singh's possession. His arrest is linked to ongoing investigations into extortion activities in the region. In a parallel operation, security forces conducted extensive searches across sensitive and border areas in Manipur's hill and valley districts. This operation led to the recovery…

31 Aug

Meghalaya receives 36 coal mining applications

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsMeghalaya

Meghalaya is making significant strides in its pursuit of scientific coal mining, with Chief Minister Conrad Sangma announcing key developments in the sector. In a statement made during the Assembly session, Sangma revealed that the state has received 36 applications for scientific coal mining. Of these, four have been approved for mining leases, while thirteen are poised to advance further, having secured provisional licenses to prospect. Sangma highlighted the rigorous process involved in advancing these applications, emphasizing the state's commitment to meeting environmental and legal standards. Out of the total applications, sixteen are still awaiting approval for prospecting licenses, and…

30 Aug

Manipuri now an Associate Official Language in Assam

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsSikkim

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has expressed his gratitude to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for officially recognizing Manipuri as an Associate Official Language in Assam. Singh conveyed his appreciation during a telephonic conversation with Sarma, emphasizing the significance of this move for the Manipuri community in Assam.“The declaration of Manipuri as an Associate Official Language will undoubtedly benefit the Manipuri community in Assam and play a crucial role in preserving our language and culture for future generations,” Singh stated. He also expressed his thanks for Sarma's assurance that Manipuri-speaking candidates in Assam will soon have the opportunity…

30 Aug

Mukul Sangma calls for MRSSA’s swift implementation

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsMeghalaya

In a recent Assembly session on August 29, Mukul Sangma, the newly-appointed Leader of the Opposition in Meghalaya, called for the expedited implementation of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) of 2016. Sangma underscored the urgency of addressing amendments related to facilitation centres, which had previously faced objections from the Meghalaya High Court. Sangma highlighted that while the MRSSA has passed judicial scrutiny, it requires fine-tuning to ensure effective implementation. He stressed the importance of demonstrating commitment to civil society by moving forward with the Act. The MRSSA, aimed at empowering local traditional bodies and addressing concerns over…

30 Aug

Nagaland Assembly passes key bills, including GST and Municipal Amendments

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsNagaland, Sikkim

On Thursday, August 29, the Nagaland Assembly passed six significant bills through a voice vote. The bills approved include the Nagaland Goods and Services Tax (Ninth Amendment) Bill, the Nagaland Municipal (Amendment) Bill, and the Disqualification on Grounds of Defection in Urban Local Bodies Bill. Speaker Sharingain Longkumer conducted the vote, after which the bills were passed and the House was adjourned sine die. Earlier, on August 28, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio announced that his government will review the three-decade-old Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act. This review will follow extensive consultations with civil society groups, the public, and…

30 Aug

Bomb blast hits united committee Manipur Office in Lamphelpat

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsManipur

A bomb blast rocked the United Committee Manipur (UCM) office in Lamphelpat at approximately 7:45 PM today, according to reports from Lamphel Police Station in Imphal West district. The attack, attributed to an unidentified assailant, has not resulted in any injuries. The motive behind the explosion remains unclear. Security forces were quickly deployed to the scene following the incident. This blast follows an earlier incident where the UCM office was set on fire by unknown individuals several months ago.