Sonakshi Sarkar, Author at

09 Nov

Hunger strike, protests continue at NEHU, Governor asked to intervene

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsMizoram

As protests at North-Eastern Hills University (NEHU) intensified, faculty members appealed to Meghalaya Governor CH Vijayashankar for intervention, marking the fourth day of an indefinite hunger strike led by students. The strike, coupled with campus protests, has disrupted operations for the university’s nearly 5,000 students.The students, staging a sit-in outside NEHU Vice-Chancellor PS Shukla’s office, are demanding the dismissal of Shukla, as well as the registrar and deputy registrar, citing alleged incompetence. Demonstrators escalated their protest by burning effigies of the officials. North Eastern Hill University Teachers’ Association (NEHUTA) President Prof. Lakhon Kma stated that faculty members met with Governor…

08 Nov

2024 Assam Rifles conference focuses on advanced technology and border security

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsMeghalaya

The 2024 Inspector General’s Conference of Assam Rifles, held at the Directorate General Headquarters in Laitkor, Shillong, saw high-level discussions on equipping the force with advanced weapon systems and military technology to bolster security, especially along the Indo-Myanmar border. Chaired by Lieutenant General Vikas Lakhera, Director General of Assam Rifles, the conference brought together Formation Commanders, Battalion Commanders, and senior officers to chart a roadmap for upgrading the force's combat capabilities. Lt Gen Lakhera lauded the force for its professional dedication and urged continued vigilance and readiness against emerging security threats. A key agenda at the conference was the acquisition…

08 Nov

Lotha community celebrates Tokhu Emong with vibrant unity and culture

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsNagaland

The Lotha community celebrated their vibrant post-harvest festival, Tokhu Emong, across Nagaland on Thursday, honoring cultural heritage and fostering unity.In Dimapur, the Dimapur Lotha Hoho (DLH) organized a festival event at the Multi-Disciplinary Sports Complex with the theme “Peace, Unity, and Prosperity.” The event featured Agriculture Advisor Mhathung Yanthan as the special guest, joined by Commissioner & Secretary K. Libanthung Lotha and Rev. Zanao Mozhui of Lotha Baptist Church. Addressing the gathering, Yanthan emphasized the importance of preserving Lotha traditions, language, and unity among communities. Describing Dimapur as a commercial hub enriched by diverse groups, he encouraged the Lotha community…

06 Nov

Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio requests ₹40,000 crore from 16th Finance Commission

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsNagaland

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has requested grants exceeding ₹40,000 crore from the 16th Finance Commission, which is currently assessing the state’s fiscal requirements during a three-day visit. The funds are aimed at addressing Nagaland's capital deficit and enhancing long-term economic stability. In discussions with the commission, CM Rio emphasized the need for robust financial support to strengthen Nagaland’s infrastructure and development, requesting ₹9,000 crore for a 364-km border highway with Assam and ₹865 crore for an airport at Ciethu. He also highlighted the need for an overall grant of ₹40,386.5 crore to gradually reduce the state’s dependency on Revenue…

06 Nov

NEHU hosts book fair to align with National Education Policy 2020

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsMeghalaya

The Central Library of North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) is set to host a two-day book fair on November 6-7, 2024, at the university’s Multi-Use Convention Hall. The event, which will be inaugurated by NEHU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Prabha Shankar Shukla, aims to connect the academic community with the latest academic resources from 17 participating publishers, distributors, and booksellers. The fair will feature a wide array of print and electronic publications, providing faculty, students, and research scholars an opportunity to explore, purchase, and recommend books pertinent to their academic fields. Organised in alignment with the goals of the National Education Policy 2020,…

05 Nov

Forest land handover for industry can deeply effect Meghalaya’s life style warm alert from HITO

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsMeghalaya

The Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization (HITO) has formally opposed a proposed handover of the CTI Byrni forest land in Meghalaya for industrial development, calling it "incompatible" with the Soil & Water Conservation Department’s mission to protect natural resources. In a letter to the department’s director, HITO expressed serious environmental, social, and economic concerns, stressing that such a move could harm community well-being and impact future generations."We are deeply concerned that this decision will result in devastating impacts that threaten the health of our community and future generations," HITO stated, highlighting that industrial use would contradict conservation principles upheld by the…

04 Nov

Meghalaya police & BSF caught woman red handed with counterfeit currency

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsMeghalaya

Meghalaya Police in collaboration with the Border Security Force (BSF), apprehended an Indian woman and seized counterfeit currency notes worth Rs 70,000 near the international border in the South West Khasi Hills district. The operation took place on November 2, following specific intelligence regarding counterfeit activities. A joint team from the 193rd Battalion of the BSF and state police conducted a search at a residence in the Gumaghat area, where they uncovered fake Indian currency notes, all in Rs 500 denominations, totaling Rs 70,000. The arrested woman, along with the counterfeit currency, has been handed over to the Ranikor Police…

04 Nov

ZLSU Nagaland took decision to called off it’s all educational offices across Peren district

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsNagaland

The Zeliang Students’ Union (ZLSU) Nagaland has called off its indefinite closure of educational offices across Peren district, effective November 4, following positive assurances from the Principal Director of School Education. This decision comes after a meeting held on October 29, during which the education official committed to addressing the union's demands. In a statement, ZLSU General Secretary Sanlakbo Namdau expressed appreciation for the Principal Director’s proactive engagement with their concerns. The union also extended gratitude to Deputy Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang for his timely intervention, which helped resolve the month-long agitation rooted in recent rationalization measures undertaken by the…

31 Oct

Meluri becomes Nagaland’s 17th district under CM Neiphiu Rio

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsNagaland

The Nagaland Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, has approved the creation of Meluri as the state’s 17th district, bifurcating it from Phek district. The decision was announced by Forest Minister and government spokesperson CL John following a Cabinet meeting. Meluri, primarily home to the Pochury Naga tribe, will be the fifth new district established in Nagaland in the past three years. The Rio administration previously created Tseminyu, Chumoukedima, and Niuland in December 2021 by dividing Dimapur, and formed Shamator in January 2022 from parts of Tuensang district. Local MLA Z Nyusietho Nyuthe, who also serves as Advisor for…

31 Oct

Byrnihat faces air pollution while Shillong enjoys clean air

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsMeghalaya

A sharp contrast in air quality between Shillong and Byrnihat has underscored environmental challenges for Meghalaya. While Shillong enjoys one of India's cleanest atmospheres, just 75 kilometers away, Byrnihat battles pollution levels that rank it among the nation’s most affected areas. Recent data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) places Byrnihat’s AQI at a hazardous 276, in stark contrast to Shillong’s fresh air. This divide illustrates the toll of Byrnihat’s rapid industrial growth. The pollution crisis escalated last month, prompting authorities to close six industrial units after inspections led by Forest & Environment Principal Secretary Sampath Kumar. The facilities…