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08 Aug

133 relief camp inmates return to Jiribam amidst peace efforts

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsManipur

To restore normalcy in Manipur, 133 individuals from the Meitei community, who had been residing in a relief camp in Jiribam district since June, were safely escorted back to their homes on August 6. This development follows recent peace talks between Hmar and Meitei groups in Assam’s Cachar district, where both sides agreed to collaborate on ensuring safe movement and normalcy within the district. As of early August, 768 Meitei individuals remained in relief camps in Jiribam, while over 1,000 Hmar and Kuki people from the same district sought refuge in Cachar, Assam. This return operation represents a crucial step…

08 Aug

Shillong Traffic Police crack down on over 400 vehicles with illegal tinted films

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsMeghalaya

The Shillong Traffic Police (STP) have detected over 408 vehicles using unauthorized black or tinted films on their windows between July 14 and August 1, 2024. This crackdown is part of a broader effort to curb illegal vehicle modifications in the city. The authorities have taken action against the violators in accordance with the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act. The Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills, urged all motorists to comply with the law and refrain from using black films on their vehicles, highlighting that it violates the directive issued by the Supreme Court of India in Writ Petition…

08 Aug

Landslide disrupts travel in Nagaland amid flood warnings

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsNagaland

Incessant rainfall in the Doyang River's catchment area has led to a significant rise in water levels at the Doyang Reservoir. If the downpour continues, the reservoir is expected to reach its Full Reservoir Level (FRL), necessitating the opening of the dam's radial gates to release excess water in a controlled manner. The Wokha District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has issued a caution to the public, advising them to stay clear of the downstream areas of the Doyang River and the Foothill region. Activities such as bathing, swimming, fishing, and camping along the riverside should be strictly avoided during the…

07 Aug

Meitei alliance condemns Kuki MLAs for accusations against Home Minister

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsPolitical

The Meitei Alliance has strongly condemned the actions of ten Kuki MLAs from Manipur who, on August 2, 2024, accused India's Home Minister of orchestrating an "ethnic cleansing campaign" against their communities. The accusations came in response to the Home Ministry's decision to relocate two Assam Rifles battalions from Manipur, a move deemed necessary by military planners for national security. The Meitei Alliance has labeled these accusations as defamatory and misleading. According to the alliance, the decision to replace the Assam Rifles with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is a standard security measure and not a plot against any…

07 Aug

Public demonstration in Kohima rejects Naga group extortion

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsNagaland

The Angami Youth Organization (AYO) spearheaded a significant public rally in Kohima today, drawing hundreds of participants from various youth organizations, associations, and communities. The rally aimed to voice strong opposition to rampant illegal taxation, harassment, intimidation, and death threats allegedly perpetrated by Naga Political Groups (NPGs). AYO President Kesosul Christopher Ltu addressed the gathering, highlighting the fragmentation within Naga society that has led to widespread exploitation and threats against the public. Ltu stated, "While the AYO is a civil organization, it will not hesitate to protect its people if necessary." He reminded attendees that the original Naga nationalist movement…

06 Aug

High Court responds to NEET exam issues in Jowai, Nongpoh

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsMeghalaya

The Meghalaya High Court has issued notices to the concerned authorities regarding alleged irregularities in the NEET UG exams conducted at the Jowai and Nongpoh examination centers. The writ petition, filed by Eleazer Vincent Lyngdoh and others, targets the National Testing Agency (NTA) and additional parties, citing significant issues with the exam administration. During the hearing on August 5, Y Pallavi, counsel for the petitioners, emphasized the urgency of the matter due to the controversy surrounding the NEET UG exams in the two centers. Dr. N. Mozika, DSGI representing respondents No. 1, 2, and 3, acknowledged receiving instructions and requested…

02 Aug

Congress MP demands action on Naga political problem

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsNagaland

Lone Nagaland MP S Supongmeren Jamir has criticized the BJP-led NDA government for delaying the resolution of the longstanding Naga political problem. The Congress MP reaffirmed his party's commitment to securing a swift resolution.“Despite having two agreements, the Centre has been delaying in finding a solution to the Naga political issue. Instead of early implementation of the two agreements, the Union government started changing interlocutors who had already signed the agreements and declared that the peace talks had been completed,” Jamir alleged during a press conference at the Congress party office. The Central government has engaged in separate negotiations with…

02 Aug

Manipur police urge public to avoid spreading panic videos

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsSikkim

Manipur Police have issued a stern warning against the circulation of videos showing panicked students during a recent protest in Imphal East. This announcement follows a rally on August 1 that turned violent, prompting police to use tear gas to control the crowd. The incident occurred at Akampat in Imphal East district, where the crowd became unruly, attacking police vehicles and pelting stones. "The police had to resort to firing minimum rounds of tear gas shells to control the unruly crowd," read a statement from Manipur Police on social media. Following the clash, videos emerged on social media depicting students…

02 Aug

SSA staff demand 80% pay hike amid protests

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsMeghalaya

The Meghalaya government has established a Rationalisation Committee to evaluate proposals for salary increases and rationalisation for all Samagra Shiksha (SSA) non-academic staff in the state. This move comes amid ongoing protests by SSA employees, who are demanding an 80% salary hike. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma announced the formation of the 20-member committee, which is led by Commissioner & Secretary Vijay Kumar Mantri, during a meeting with representatives of the All Meghalaya SSA Non-Teaching Staffs Association (AMSSANTSA) at his office. Currently, over 1,200 SSA non-teaching staff are staging an indefinite sit-in protest at Malki ground. They have rejected the…

01 Aug

Manipur assembly opens with 2024-2025 budget presentation

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsSikkim

The sixth session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly began today, with Chief Minister N Biren Singh, who also holds the finance portfolio, presenting the budget estimates for the fiscal year 2024-2025. The proposed budget outlines a gross expenditure of Rs 34,899 crore. In his budget speech, Singh acknowledged the adverse impact of unrest on the state's economy, including reduced revenue collection, increased security and relief expenditures, inflation, and challenges in project implementation. He emphasized ongoing efforts to revive the economy and restore normalcy. For the upcoming fiscal year, the budget includes a total gross expenditure of Rs 34,899 crore…