Sonakshi Sarkar, Author at

16 Aug

Manipur Chief Minister announces Rs 5276 crore development package to transform state’s infrastructure and disaster management

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsManipur

Chief Minister N. Biren Singh announced a landmark development package valued at approximately Rs 5276 crore on Thursday, under the 'Viksit Bharat Viksit Manipur' initiative. This ambitious plan is set to significantly bolster infrastructure and disaster recovery across Manipur, targeting critical sectors such as transportation, disaster management, and healthcare. A key highlight of the package is the foundation stone laying for the Imphal Ring Road project, with an estimated cost of Rs 1776 crore. This project aims to address persistent traffic congestion in Imphal, the state capital. Once completed, the Ring Road is expected to enhance traffic flow, reduce travel…

16 Aug

HSPDP Calls on Meghalaya Government to Speed Up Second Phase of Assam Border Talks

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsMeghalaya

The Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) has called on the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government to urgently resume the second phase of border negotiations with Assam. The party emphasized the need to address six remaining disputed areas between the two states, urging immediate action to resolve the century-old boundary issues. HSPDP President KP Pangniang voiced his concerns in a letter to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, expressing disappointment over the slow progress of the negotiations. While acknowledging the MDA government's efforts in resolving six sectors of the interstate boundary dispute in 2022, Pangniang stressed that addressing the remaining sectors…

16 Aug

Nagaland Introduces Universal Life Insurance Scheme on Independence Day

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsNagaland

On the occasion of the 78th Independence Day, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio introduced the Chief Minister’s Universal Life Insurance Scheme (CMLIS), aimed at providing comprehensive life and accidental insurance coverage to families across the state. The launch took place at the Civil Secretariat Plaza in Kohima. The CMLIS offers a substantial safety net with Rs. 2 lakh coverage for the primary breadwinner and up to three family members in the event of accidental death or disability. In cases of the primary breadwinner's death, the scheme will provide Rs. 2 lakh coverage. This initiative is designed to ensure financial security…

13 Aug

Manipur to experience total shutdown on August 15

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsManipur

At least eight proscribed underground outfits in Manipur have declared a boycott of Independence Day celebrations on August 15, calling for a complete shutdown across the state. The announcement has been made by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur (CorCom), an apex body of six banned groups. In a press release, CorCom urged the people of Manipur to abstain from participating in the Independence Day events, announcing a total shutdown from 1:00 AM to 6:30 PM on August 15. Similarly, the Socialist Revolutionary Party (SOREPA) has called for a general strike from 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM, while the Alliance for…

12 Aug

NVCO advocates for stronger protection of Article 371A on International Day of Indigenous Peoples

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsNagaland

On the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, the Nagaland Voluntary Consumer’s Organisation (NVCO) emphasized the vital importance of Article 371A of the Indian Constitution in preserving the rights of Naga indigenous inhabitants. NVCO President Kezhokhoto Savi highlighted that Article 371A is crucial for safeguarding the Naga way of life, including control over land and resources. Savi reiterated that under the Nagaland Land and Revenue Regulation (Amendment) Act of 1978, land ownership in Nagaland is restricted to indigenous Naga inhabitants. Savi cited a 2020 incident where the Chakhroma Public Organisation (CPO) alleged that non-indigenous individuals were illegally acquiring land…

12 Aug

Union Home Minister Amit Shah to address ADC concerns by August 25

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsMeghalaya

The ten Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) from the Northeast have united to press the central government for swift action on amending the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. The decision came during a meeting held at Tripura Castle, Shillong, led by Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) chief, Pyniaid Sing Syiem. In a media briefing, Syiem stated that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has committed to addressing the ADCs' concerns by August 25. The newly formed committee, which Syiem will chair, aims to ensure a unified approach from all ten ADCs. The committee will include TIPRA Motha leader Pradyot Manikya…

10 Aug

Manipur Congress stages walkout, boycotts legislative session over crisis debate rejection

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsManipur

The opposition Congress party staged a dramatic walkout from the Manipur Assembly today, announcing a boycott of the remaining sessions. The decision came after the Speaker refused to entertain a private members' resolution to discuss the ongoing crisis in the state. Addressing the media, Congress Legislature leader Okram Ibobi Singh expressed his frustration over the Assembly's refusal to debate the issue that has plagued Manipur for the past 15 months. He explained that all five Congress MLAs, including Keisham Meghachandra, Okram Surjakumar, K. Ranjit Singh, and Thokchom Lokeshwar Singh, exited the session in protest. "The state has been in conflict…

10 Aug

ASU calls immediate shutdown over assault by Assam Rifles

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsAssam

The Angami Students' Union (ASU) has called for an immediate shutdown and an indefinite bandh across all Angami-inhabited areas starting today, following an alleged assault on the ASU President by personnel of the 13th Assam Rifles. The incident reportedly took place around 12:30 PM near the Assam Rifles camp at D Block, Kohima, where the ASU President was allegedly attacked without provocation. According to the ASU, the President narrowly escaped serious injury when an Assam Rifles jawan attempted to strike him with a rifle butt. In response, the ASU has not only called for a bandh but has also issued…

09 Aug

Nagaland issues high alert over Doyang Reservoir water levels

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsNagaland

Nagaland authorities have issued a high alert following continuous rainfall in the Doyang River catchment area, which has significantly raised the water levels at the Doyang Reservoir. If the heavy rainfall persists, the reservoir is at risk of reaching its maximum capacity, prompting officials to consider opening the dam's gates to release excess water. This precautionary measure aims to prevent overflow and manage the reservoir's water levels effectively. Residents living downstream of the Doyang Power House and in the Foothill area are strongly advised to stay away from these regions due to the potential for rapidly rising water levels and…

09 Aug

India Bloc Manipur unit calls for laws to address IDP crisis

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsManipur

The Manipur Unit of the India Bloc has urged the enactment of a comprehensive law to address the relief, rehabilitation, and resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by the ongoing crisis in the state. Speaking at a press conference today, Kh Devabrata, the Working President of the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee, highlighted the severity of the 15-month-long crisis, comparing it to previous communal conflicts such as the Gujarat riots, Delhi riots, and the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. "The current situation in Manipur stands out as one of the most devastating and prolonged communal crises in India’s history," Devabrata said. He…