Sonakshi Sarkar, Author at

22 Aug

Residents urged to be cautious as Umiam Dam levels rise

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsMeghalaya

The Ri Bhoi District administration has issued a warning to residents as water levels at the Umiam Dam near capacity, raising concerns about potential releases. As of August 13, the water level stood at 3,209.68 feet, prompting officials to advise caution, especially with the forecast of further heavy rainfall. In an official statement, the Deputy Commissioner urged people living downstream of the Umiam Dam to exercise extra vigilance. "Residents are advised to stay clear of rivers and streams to prevent accidents," the press release stated. The administration also highlighted the risks beyond rising water levels. In the event of flooding,…

22 Aug

Nagaland expands food security coverage

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsNagaland

The Nagaland government has announced an ambitious expansion of its food security coverage under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013. The new guidelines aim to bring 70.95% of the state's population under the protective umbrella of food assistance programs. The initiative will benefit 2,37,434 households, translating to approximately 11,93,922 individuals who will receive food provisions through the Priority Household (PHH) scheme. In addition, the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) will support 47,500 households, covering 2,09,657 beneficiaries. However, 29.05% of the state's population remains outside the purview of the NFSA based on the latest census data. To address gaps and ensure…

21 Aug

Former JHADC chief Andrew Shullai quits AITC

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsMeghalaya

Andrew Shullai, the former Chief Executive Member of the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) and current Member of the District Council (MDC) for Jowai Central Constituency, has resigned from the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC). Shullai announced his resignation on August 19, submitting his formal letter to Meghalaya AITC President Charles Pyngrope. In his letter, Shullai expressed his gratitude to the party but did not elaborate on the reasons for his departure. “I hereby tender my resignation from the membership of the AITC with immediate effect. I thank you for providing me the opportunity to be part of the…

21 Aug

New traffic measures to address Hornbill festival rush

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsNagaland

The Kohima District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) has proposed a series of traffic reconfigurations to address congestion issues in the town, particularly in anticipation of the Hornbill Festival. In today’s monthly meeting, the Deputy Superintendent of Police (Traffic) presented a detailed analysis of the town’s traffic challenges, accompanied by potential solutions. Among the key recommendations are the reconfiguration of roundabouts, the introduction of one-way traffic on certain routes during peak hours, the development of link roads, and the construction of pedestrian-friendly foot overbridges. Additionally, the draft parking policy for Kohima City 2023 is set to be enforced to streamline…

21 Aug

Supreme court reviews NIT Manipur student transfer appeals

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsManipur

The Supreme Court was informed on Tuesday that a panel led by former Jammu and Kashmir High Court Chief Justice Gita Mittal is currently reviewing transfer appeals from students of the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Manipur, who seek relocation to universities outside the conflict-ridden state.The court, comprising Justices JB Pardiwala, Manoj Misra, and Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, has mandated that the state provide housing for these students. Senior counsel Vibha Dutta Makhija, representing the panel, updated the court on the progress, stating that Justice Mittal was actively engaging with various authorities regarding the students' transfer requests. Makhija highlighted,…

20 Aug

Meghalaya CM focuses on development, not cabinet changes

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsMeghalaya, Political

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has dismissed rumors of an imminent cabinet reshuffle following the recent political shifts in the state. The speculation arose after three Congress MLAs joined the ruling National People's Party (NPP) on August 19. Sangma addressed the rumors, clarifying that there are no immediate plans for a cabinet reshuffle and affirming that the government will continue its current operations. The NPP’s strength in the Assembly has increased from 28 to 31 seats due to the merger, giving the party an absolute majority. Despite suggestions that the defecting MLAs were promised cabinet positions, Sangma emphasized that…

20 Aug

Manipur authorities secure 69 vehicles on National Highway-2

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsCrime

In a major security operation, forces recovered a significant cache of weaponry from S. Nabil Village in Churachandpur District. The extensive search and area domination exercises led to the seizure of 67 improvised mortar shells, 25 fuse primers, and nine miscellaneous items. To enhance security across Manipur, authorities have set up 106 Nakas and checkpoints throughout both hill and valley districts. These efforts have resulted in the detention of 206 individuals for various offenses across the state. Additionally, security forces have facilitated the smooth transit of essential supplies along National Highway-2 (NH-2), ensuring the passage of 69 vehicles. Security convoys…

20 Aug

CSOs demand transparency in India-Myanmar border fence project

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsManipur

The Zou Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have intensified their opposition to the ongoing India-Myanmar border fencing project, calling for an immediate halt to the construction work. Today, a delegation from the Zou CSOs visited Behiang Village in Churachandpur District to voice their strong objections against the border infrastructure development. The delegation engaged with representatives from the Border Roads Task Force (BRTF), Assam Rifles, local leaders, and the Behiang village chief, expressing their dissatisfaction with the project’s execution. The CSOs criticized the fencing project for its lack of transparency and alleged disregard for indigenous rights, arguing that it encroaches upon their…

17 Aug

Former Meghalaya CM Salseng C Marak passes away at 82

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsMeghalaya

Salseng C Marak, the former Chief Minister of Meghalaya and a prominent Congress party leader, passed away on Friday at the age of 82. Marak died at Tura Civil Hospital, where he had been receiving treatment since August 12, following initial care at Holy Cross Hospital starting August 8. Serving as Meghalaya’s Chief Minister from 1993 to 1998, Marak was the sixth individual to hold the office. A respected politician, he represented the Resubelpara constituency in North Garo Hills in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly. Known for his integrity and termed the ‘Mr. Clean’ of Meghalaya politics, Marak was admired for…

17 Aug

24-hour healthcare strike in Nagaland over Kolkata tragedy

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsNagaland

In a show of solidarity with the nationwide protest called by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), various medical associations in Nagaland have announced their participation in the 24-hour strike. This protest is in response to the brutal rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College, Kolkata. The IMA Nagaland State Branch, along with the Nagaland In-Service Doctors’ Association (NIDA), Nagaland Private Doctors Association (NPDA), and the Indian Dental Association Nagaland State Branch (IDANSB), will join the strike starting from 6 AM on August 17 to 6 AM on August 18. President Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhutso and…