ONLINE AGE

(Online version of the Arunachal Age newspaper)

Author name: OnlineAge

REGIONAL

Meghalaya one of India’s fastest-growing states with 4-fold rise in capital investments: CM

SHILLONG : Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Thursday said Meghalaya has emerged as one of the country’s fastest-growing states with a 15.3 per cent five-year nominal GDP growth and a fourfold rise in capital investments since 2018. He cited a report, Client Associates State of Indian States 2026, and said it highlighted Meghalaya among the country’s top-performing economies, recording a 97 per cent rise in gross state domestic product (GSDP) between FY’21 and FY’26. “Pleased to share that Meghalaya has emerged as one of India’s fastest-growing states, reaffirming the strength of our collective vision and hard work,” Sangma said in a statement. This achievement reflects the government’s sustained focus on infrastructure, connectivity, tourism, power, livelihoods, entrepreneurship and governance reforms, he said. “Most importantly, it is a testament to the resilience, aspirations and efforts of the people of Meghalaya,” the chief minister said. (Source: PTI)    

REGIONAL

Tripura CM bats for technology-driven policing

AGARTALA : Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Thursday exhorted the police to focus on technology-driven methods to detect crimes swiftly and ensure speedy justice. Addressing the passing-out parade of 476 police constables at an academy in west Tripura, he said the state government has been making efforts to bring in modernisation in the force. “From maintaining law and order to crowd control to handling cyber crimes and investigation, the police have different roles to play. Therefore, it must focus on technology-driven policing, displaying the highest degree of professionalism and integrity,” Saha said. The CM said the government has already initiated the process to strengthen the state police by inducting constables and officers of different ranks. “The Tripura government has begun the process to recruit 218 sub-inspectors and approved a proposal for the appointment of 916 constables,” Saha said. He also asserted that the police have been given a free hand to control law and order across the state. Saha also highlighted his government’s initiative to increase the participation of women in the force. “It is heartening to know that 318 out of these 476 police constables are females. This shows the government’s commitment towards women empowerment,” he said. (Source: PTI)    

REGIONAL

Over 3.6 lakh livelihood opportunities created from FY’19 to FY’25: Meghalaya CM

TURA : Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Thursday said the state has created over 3.6 lakh livelihood opportunities between FY’19 and FY’25 through investments in skills, entrepreneurship and market linkages. Addressing a programme – Skillerate 2026 – here, Sangma said Meghalaya’s “biggest strength is its youth”, and stressed the need to create sustainable livelihood opportunities through skill development and entrepreneurship support. The chief minister distributed start-up tools and work orders worth over Rs 16.59 crore. During the programme, 34 work orders were issued under the Skills Meghalaya and Supporting Human Capital Development in Meghalaya (SHCDM) for training 4,830 people. Start-up tools worth Rs 44.72 lakh were distributed to 798 beneficiaries across multiple trades and livelihood sectors, including plumbing, automotive servicing, gardening, farming systems, mobile phone repair and mushroom cultivation. “Training alone is not enough. A skilled youth must also have access to tools, handholding, market linkages and opportunities,” Sangma said. The government realised that many trained individuals were unable to start independent work because they lacked basic tools and equipment, he said. “This programme is not only about distributing toolkits. It is about creating dignity, confidence and livelihood opportunities for our youths,” he said. Highlighting Meghalaya’s economic progress, Sangma said the state is now recognised as one of the fastest-growing economies in the country, but stressed that growth must remain inclusive. “Economic growth alone is not enough if the benefits do not reach every household, every farmer and every entrepreneur,” he said. The chief minister also announced that the government aims to train 30,000 candidates during FY’27, while focusing on improving placement outcomes and future-ready skills. Labour, Employment and Skill Development Minister Methodius Dkhar, who attended the programme as the guest of honour, said skill development serves as a bridge between a person’s potential and purpose in life. (Source: PTI)

Editorial

Bail, liberty and delay: Uneasy questions raised in Umar Khalid case

The Supreme Court’s questioning of its earlier verdict denying bail to Umar Khalid, in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots, exposes judicial mishandling that also extended the injustice the State meted out to him. Khalid and co-accused Sharjeel Imam have been in jail for over five years. Courts, including the Supreme Court, have rejected multiple pleas for bail.  On Monday, a bench of Justices B V Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan made it clear, while hearing another bail case, that an earlier rejection of bail by a two-judge bench violated principles laid down by a three-judge bench of the Court in Union of India vs. K A Najeeb (2021). In that case, the bench affirmed that bail is the rule and jail the exception, even in cases under the draconian Unlawful Activities [Prevention] Act (UAPA), if the trial is delayed. Pointing to earlier rulings that established the primacy of individual rights, the Court underlined the importance of compliance with these precedents. It observed that smaller benches have hollowed out the reasoning of larger benches without expressly disagreeing with them. These are strong comments that should guide the Court, especially its smaller benches, while hearing such cases. The continued incarceration of Khalid – accused of conspiracy in connection with the riots – defies reason and principles of justice, while the Union government appears determined to keep him in jail. The Court noted that pre-trial incarceration would begin to acquire a post-trial punitive character if prima facie accusations made by the investigating agency were accepted as true to deny bail. This happened in Khalid’s case, where the process became punishment. In a striking validation, a day after the apex court’s critique, a Delhi court dismissed Khalid’s interim plea for bail to take part in his uncle’s post-death rituals and to take care of his ailing mother. The Court did well to reiterate that the basic principle about bail also applies to UAPA cases. It said the right to personal liberty and speedy trial cannot be subordinate to the stringent bail provision laid down by Section 43-D(5) of the UAPA. It also pointed out that the conviction rate in UAPA cases is a low 2-6%. These observations are important in an environment where the State wields tools that can place fundamental rights under strain. The Umar Khalid case is a telling example of oppressive State conduct. It is rare that the Supreme Court questions its own judgment. These questions, raised on both technical and substantive grounds, must be heard and answered. (Source:  DH)  

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Arunachal seeks revised funding pattern for urban sanitation projects

NEW DELHI : Arunachal Pradesh has urged the Centre to revise the existing funding pattern for urban sanitation projects under the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) 2.0, citing the unique geographical challenges and low population density of Northeastern states. The issue was raised by Urban Affairs Minister Balo Raja during the two-day National Review Meeting on Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0 (Urban) held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi from May 19 to 20. The meeting, chaired by Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, reviewed progress and implementation challenges related to urban sanitation and solid waste management across the country. During the deliberations, Raja sought special attention from the Ministry for Arunachal Pradesh and other Northeastern states, stating that the present funding model based on per capita urban population leaves states like Arunachal at a disadvantage despite their large geographical area and difficult terrain. The review meeting focused on strengthening urban sanitation systems, visible cleanliness initiatives and public participation, especially at heritage and tourist destinations. Discussions were also held on waste segregation, collection and transportation systems, Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs), Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) management, waste-to-energy initiatives, composting projects and legacy waste remediation. Special emphasis was laid on improving implementation mechanisms in the Northeastern region. The meeting also reviewed the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, and discussed challenges faced by states in implementing SBM 2.0 in urban areas. The Arunachal Pradesh delegation included Urban Affairs Commissioner Vivek Pandey and Urban Local Bodies Director Hano Takka, who participated in the deliberations and highlighted the state’s initiatives and challenges in urban sanitation and waste management.    

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LDV reviews monsoon preparedness

    ROING : A coordination meeting to review monsoon preparedness in Lower Dibang Valley district was held in Roing on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Lower Dibang Valley Deputy Commissioner Fwwrman Brahma. The meeting was attended by Lower Dibang Valley Superintendent of Police Ringu Ngupok, District Disaster Management Officer (DDMO) Tsering Ngurup, heads of departments, administrative officers and representatives from the Border Roads Task Force (BRTF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) and Power Grid Corporation. Reviewing the preparedness of various departments and agencies, DC Brahma advised public sector undertakings, including NHPC, NHIDCL and Power Grid, to instruct their labourers to remain cautious and avoid venturing into the Dibang river during the monsoon season as a precautionary measure against possible disasters. He also directed departments and agencies to clear roadside drains to prevent waterlogging and flooding in residential colonies. The DC further instructed officials to identify and map vulnerable areas in towns and villages across the district. DDMO Tsering Ngurup urged all departments to maintain adequate buffer stocks of essential commodities, medicines and other emergency supplies to ensure preparedness during the monsoon season. (DIPR)

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Coordination meeting on SIR exercise

    BOMDILA : A coordination-cum-orientation meeting on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls was held at Kameng Club in Bomdila on Wednesday under the chairmanship of West Kameng Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer Dr Dilip Kumar. The meeting was attended by Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs), Booth Level Officers (BLOs), Booth Level Agents (BLAs), representatives of political parties, panchayat members, senior leaders and officials. Addressing the gathering, Dr Kumar highlighted the importance of coordination among election officials, political parties and voters to ensure smooth and transparent electoral processes. He urged officials to carry out their assigned responsibilities with sincerity and maintain effective coordination during election-related duties. A detailed PowerPoint presentation on the Special Intensive Revision process was delivered by Additional Deputy Commissioner-cum-Deputy District Election Officer Ashok Tajo. He emphasised the need for accuracy in voter registration and urged all EROs to ensure that no eligible citizen is left out of the electoral roll while preventing inclusion of ineligible persons. The meeting concluded with an in-house discussion among election officials and political party representatives on various issues related to electoral roll revision and voter registration. (DIPR)

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Assam Rifles rescues accident victims

KHONSA : The Khonsa Battalion of the Assam Rifles provided swift rescue and medical assistance to two civilians injured in a road accident at Borduria in Tirap district. Responding promptly to the incident, Assam Rifles personnel rushed to the accident site and administered immediate first aid to the injured before ensuring their safe evacuation for further treatment. The damaged vehicle involved in the accident was also recovered, helping restore normal movement along the route. The timely response highlighted the Assam Rifles’ commitment towards public welfare and emergency assistance in remote and challenging regions of the Northeast. Local residents appreciated the humanitarian assistance extended by the Khonsa Battalion and expressed gratitude for its continued support to the community. The incident once again reflected the Assam Rifles’ enduring dedication to the people of the region, in line with its motto, “Friends of the Northeast.”

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Over 84 pc Sitang households sign MoU for SUMP pre-feasibility study

BOLENG : In a major development for the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), additional Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed by residents of Sitang village in Siang district on Wednesday, further strengthening community participation in the project’s pre-feasibility process. The MoU signing programme was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Boleng and overseen by Siang Deputy Commissioner Tayi Taggu. A total of 12 more households from Sitang village signed the MoU for preparation of the project’s Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR), reflecting growing community support for the proposed multipurpose project. Earlier, 59 households had signed similar MoUs during an earlier programme held on February 21 this year. With the latest addition, 71 out of the total 84 households in Sitang village have now formally consented to the PFR process, taking the participation rate to 84.52 per cent. Officials said the continued progress in MoU signings reflects sustained dialogue and stakeholder engagement among the local community, district administration and National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC). The district administration, led by DC Tayi Taggu, has been facilitating consultations and discussions to ensure active community participation in the region’s developmental initiatives.      

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Over 2,700 Arunachal tribals to attend Janjati Sanskriti Samagam in Delhi

Staff Reporter ITANAGAR : The Janjati Sanskriti Samagam Arunachal Pranth (JSSAP) on Wednesday informed that a total of 2,715 indigenous people from Arunachal Pradesh will participate in the upcoming Janjati Sanskriti Samagam (Tribal Cultural Gathering) to be held at the Red Fort Ground in New Delhi on May 24, 2026. Addressing a press conference at the Arunachal Press Club here, members of the JSSAP said that the Janjati Sanskriti Samagam is a massive national tribal gathering being organized to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of tribal icon Bhagwan Birsa Munda. The event is being organized by the Janjati Suraksha Manch (JSM). JSSAP members said the event will showcase traditional tribal arts, indigenous faiths and distinct cultural practices of various communities, with all participants expected to attend in their traditional attire. They also said that the event is likely to witness the participation of more than two lakh people representing over 550 tribal communities from different parts of the country. The JSSAP members informed that the programme aims to celebrate the rich heritage, traditions and cultural diversity of tribal communities across the country under the theme “Tu-Main Ek Rak” (You and I are one blood: we are all Indians). The key demands and purpose of the event include the “de-listing” of converted tribals by amending Article 342 of the Indian Constitution to withdraw Scheduled Tribe (ST) status and reservation benefits from tribal individuals who convert to religions such as Christianity or Islam. The organization argued that such benefits should remain exclusively for traditional indigenous tribal communities, the added The event also emphasized the need to protect and preserve indigenous faiths, rituals, and cultural traditions, asserting that Adivasis are an integral part of the Sanatan cultural heritage, they maintained Further, the JSSAP members stated that converted tribals should not be allowed to simultaneously avail benefits meant for Scheduled Tribes as well as those provided to religious minorities, claiming that such a practice goes against the spirit of constitutional provisions. The programme will be graced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah as the chief guest, they added.