REGIONAL

IMPHAL, AUG 16: Student protesters demanding implementation of the NRC in Manipur before going ahead with the Census staged a demonstration outside the Directorate of Census Operations here on Sunday, prompting police to fire tear gas shells to disperse them, officials said. Members of the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD) Students’ Wing gathered outside the directorate at Porompat in Imphal East district and raised slogans demanding that no Census activity be undertaken before the NRC is implemented in the state. The protesters, who were stopped by security personnel from entering the office premises, also attempted to lock the main gate, following which police fired tear gas shells to disperse them. One protester sustained minor injuries in the ensuing action, police said. The protest came a day before the house-listing phase of Census 2027 is scheduled to begin with self-enumeration from August 17. The main house-listing exercise is scheduled from September 1 to 30. On Friday, the student protesters had disrupted a training programme for enumerators and supervisors at Moirang College in Bishnupur district, officials said. Carrying placards that read “No NRC, No Census”, the protesters forced the trainees to leave the premises before the training could begin, they said. JFD Students’ Wing convenor Naorem Wangamba said, “We have been demanding NRC to identify illegal immigrants. However, the government is seeking to conduct the census without carrying out NRC. NRC is important to save the future generations.” The JFD has been demanding that the NRC be conducted in Manipur before the census exercise to identify illegal immigrants. (Source: PTI)                    

IMPHAL, AUG 16: Former Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh and a BJP MLA on Sunday left for New Delhi on Sunday, where they are likely to meet senior party leaders to discuss about a possible cabinet expansion, among other issues. Singh told reporters at the Imphal airport that he was heading to the national capital. BJP MLA from Thangmeiband, K Joykishan Singh, also departed for New Delhi around 1 pm. “The legislators are likely to discuss a possible expansion of the state cabinet and the prevailing situation in Manipur,” a senior BJP functionary said. State Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam was also seen at the airport, though he did not specify to mediapersons where he was headed to. (Source: PTI)  

GUWAHATI, AUG 14: The king of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk, expressed solidarity with the people of adjoining Assam, which faced a devastating flood that claimed the lives of 103 people so far. The monarch of the Himalayan kingdom also highlighted the shared vulnerability of the region to the consequences of global climate change and the need to confront it in the times to come. Thanking the neighbouring nation for its support, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma affirmed the historical ties of Assam and Bhutan. “The people of Bhutan join me in conveying our heartfelt condolences to Your Excellency and the people of Assam, in particular those who have lost their families and homes in the recent floods. We offer our prayers in memory of the deceased,” he said in a letter addressed to Sarma, which was shared with the media on Friday. The king noted that the “increasing frequency and severity of such disasters across our region is a stark reminder of our shared vulnerability to the consequences of a changing global climate challenges that we face together, and must continue to confront in the times ahead”. “Despite the great loss and damage, Your Excellency’s strength and resolve in leading the state’s response in this time of crisis is admirable,” he added, in the letter dated August 3. The king said Bhutan stands in full solidarity with the people of Assam and extended its wholehearted support and friendship as the state works to rebuild and recover. Sarma, expressing his gratitude for the solidarity, said in a social media post, “Deeply touched by the warm words and message of support from His Majesty, The King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, as Assam recovers from the recent floods.” He highlighted the “relationship of exceptional warmth” shared by Assam and Bhutan, “connected by history, nurtured by geography and strengthened by generations of friendship between our people”. “On behalf of the people of Assam, I convey my heartfelt gratitude to His Majesty and the people of Bhutan for standing with us in solidarity and friendship in this difficult hour,” the chief minister added. (Sour ce: PTI)  

AIZAWL, AUG 14: Mizoram Governor Vijay Kumar Singh on Friday said the Partition of India in 1947 not only triggered one of the largest mass migrations in history but also divided the Zo-Chin people across newly created political boundaries. Addressing a Partition Horrors Remembrance Day programme organised by the state Art and Culture Department at Vanapa Hall here, Singh said the division of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) resulted in a large number of Zo-Chin people being separated from one another. The ethnic Zo community, also known as the Chin-Kuki-Mizo groups, comprises several tribes that share close cultural and ethnic ties. They are spread across northeastern India, the CHT in Bangladesh and Chin State in Myanmar. Describing Partition as one of the most painful chapters in India’s history, the governor said millions of people were forced to leave behind their homes and properties, while families and communities were torn apart and countless lives were lost. An estimated 10 to 14 million people were compelled to migrate during Partition, Singh said, adding that the boundaries were drawn in haste, leaving “deep and permanent scars” on people and communities. “Today is not an occasion to reopen old wounds or to assign blame. Rather, it is a day to remember the victims, honour their resilience and draw enduring lessons from history so that such a tragedy is never permitted to recur in our nation,” Singh said. The governor urged schoolchildren to remember that India is one nation and its people share a common national identity. He said the country could achieve greater progress if its people remained united while setting aside their differences. Singh also cautioned the younger generation against misinformation and misleading narratives, and urged them to study history carefully and communicate its lessons with sensitivity and responsibility. The governor said India’s greatest strength lies in its “unity in diversity”. (Source: P TI)              

GUWAHATI : The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) on Wednesday submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to declare the state’s recurring flood and river erosion crisis a ‘national problem’. A delegation led by Pranjit Das, Chairman of the APCC Relief & Rehabilitation Department, met Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya and submitted the memorandum in this regard. The flood situation in Assam improved on Wednesday as the number of affected people dipped to 87,000 in four districts, but the toll climbed to 103 as two more deaths were reported. In the memorandum, the Congress said around 40 per cent of Assam’s total land area, or 31.05 lakh hectares, is flood-prone, much higher than the national average of 10.2 per cent. It cited heavy siltation in the Brahmaputra and Barak basins, torrential monsoon rains, shallow riverbeds, embankment breaches and climate change impacts as key factors aggravating the situation. The crisis has destroyed the livelihoods of farmers, daily wage labourers and tea garden workers, and displaced countless families, it added. The APCC said the scale of the problem is beyond the capacity of the state government alone and demanded that the Centre recognise it as a “national problem” to ensure a permanent and scientific solution. The party urged the Centre to set up a high-level task force comprising central and state officials, scientists, technical experts and representatives of affected people to find a solution to the perennial problem. It also sought adequate central funds for a comprehensive master plan covering river course regulation, embankment strengthening, scientific dredging, real-time flood forecasting, early warning systems and planned rehabilitation of displaced families. The memorandum further stressed the need for effective coordination among central ministries for integrated management of the Brahmaputra and its tributaries. “Temporary relief alone cannot provide a lasting solution to this long-standing crisis,” it added. (Source: PTI)    

KOHIMA : Nagaland is looking to significantly expand its power generation capacity and attract investments in renewable energy, transmission and battery storage as the state seeks to reduce its heavy dependence on electricity purchased from outside. Principal secretary and development commissioner Y. Kikheto Sema said the state’s peak power requirement is around 193 MW, while generation within the state is only around 20 MW, meeting roughly 10 per cent of the requirement. Although the state has an installed generation capacity of 29.4 MW, actual generation remains around 20 MW. In addition, Nagaland receives a share of about 202 MW from central sector projects, including NEEPCO, NHPC, NTPC and OTPC, he said. Sema made the remarks during a high-level meeting with officials of the North East Transmission Company Limited (NETC), led by its managing director Jai Shankar, at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat, Kohima, on Thursday, an official statement said here. The meeting focused on potential collaboration and investment opportunities in the state’s power sector, particularly in strengthening transmission infrastructure, renewable energy generation, battery energy storage and other areas of mutual interest. Calling for greater investment and collaboration, Sema stressed that reliable and adequate power is essential for industrial growth, healthcare, employment generation and overall economic development. He said power generation must be viewed as a key foundation for attracting industries and creating economic opportunities in the state. Sema highlighted Nagaland’s significant renewable energy potential, particularly in solar and hydro, while noting that the state continues to depend heavily on power procured from outside. He called for innovative and sustainable solutions, including solar, hydro and hybrid energy projects, backed by adequate transmission and storage infrastructure. He also emphasised the need to harness Nagaland’s natural resources in a manner that promotes sustainable development while protecting the state’s environment Welcoming NETC’s initiative, Sema asked the company to provide concrete options and submit proposals for collaboration that could strengthen the state’s power sector and deliver long-term benefits. Shankar expressed the company’s interest in working closely with the state government to strengthen Nagaland’s power infrastructure. He said NETC was keen to explore strategic partnerships in transmission systems, renewable energy development and battery energy storage. Shankar said NETC viewed Nagaland not merely as an external partner but as a stakeholder in the company’s long-term vision, with the focus being on developing collaborative models for infrastructure development. Shankar also proposed the possibility of forming a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) with equitable participation from NETC and the state government to jointly develop transmission infrastructure and associated substations. Principal Secretary, Power, KD Vizo highlighted the need to scale up Nagaland’s power generation capacity, particularly through solar energy, while ensuring adequate transmission and substation infrastructure. OSD, Finance, Ketoulhou Metha, said energy remains a priority sector for the state despite its fiscal challenges. He added that the government would examine NETC’s proposals and explore viable avenues for collaboration and resource mobilisation. Head, HR & BD (Corporate), NETC, Riteish Kumar, made a presentation outlining the company’s proposal to strengthen Nagaland’s power infrastructure through a strategic partnership with the state government.      

GUWAHATI : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday said more than Rs 1,000 crore may be required for repairing damaged properties and rehabilitating people affected by the latest wave of floods in the state. Addressing a press conference in Guwahati, Sarma said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured full assistance from the Centre in the rehabilitation process. “To give permanent relief, a rapid relief assessment drive was launched on August 9. As per an initial report, over 8,000 families have been assessed, and Rs 150 crore damage has been estimated,” he said. The CM said the assessment will continue till August 30 and is expected to cover 50,000-60,000 families in Upper Assam districts severely affected by the latest floods. “I believe there will be a spending of over Rs 1,000 crore in damage repair and rehabilitation. The PM has assured that there is no issue in paying the affected families and asked us to do the assessment without any lapse,” he said. Sarma said the assessment would be conducted in multiple stages, with the final survey likely to be completed by September. In several areas, including Nepalikhuti, Majgaon and Kamal Chapori, every house has suffered damage, he said. “We are talking to the Centre and social scientists if a model housing scheme can be launched to rebuild their houses. The Assam government is looking to find a permanent solution to such floods,” he added. Acknowledging support from various groups in providing relief, Sarma said 72 YouTubers had raised funds for flood-affected people across the country. “Many of them are already working on the ground and giving relief to the people. We are keeping a close watch on them whether they are spending the money for flood-affected areas or not,” he said. Sarma also released Rs 11.3 crore for rebuilding 494 flood-damaged Anganwadi centres across Upper Assam. “We want to restart these centres as soon as possible so that all services can be provided. Altogether 494 Anganwadi centres, which were damaged, will be rebuilt in this drive,” he said. Each centre will receive up to Rs 2.5 lakh for restoration, he said. The flood situation in Assam remained serious on Wednesday, with more than 1.12 lakh people affected across four districts amid a forecast of more rainfall. Sarma said 64,891 flood-hit families had received Rs 15,000 each as initial assistance, while another 31,212 families would receive the aid in the coming days. “From August 20, Rs 1.5 lakh each will be provided to affected Namghars, a place of worship for Vaishnavite followers, in flood-ravaged Sivasagar and Charaideo districts to rebuild the institutions. PWD has engaged 50 machines to clear the debris from roads,” he said. Sarma said more than 26,000 micro-donations had been received in the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, in addition to larger institutional contributions. “So far, we have received Rs 142 crore in CMRF. We will utilise this amount in the model housing colony,” he said. The chief minister said the Water Resources Department would now have to focus more on the Brahmaputra’s tributaries, which have been causing increasing devastation in recent years. “So far, the main focus has always been Brahmaputra. There are many hydro projects coming up in the Tibet region and Arunachal Pradesh. It will give some cushion to Brahmaputra’s floods. Now, we need to concentrate on the tributaries also,” he said. The latest wave of floods in Upper Assam was primarily caused by the Dikhow, a tributary of the Brahmaputra. Other rivers, including the Dhansiri and Dorika, also contributed to the devastation. (Source: PTI)    

SILCHAR : Muster roll workers of the National Institute of Technology-Silchar in Assam’s Cachar district are on a hunger strike demanding the regularisation of their services, members of an agitating union said on Wednesday. Altogether 54 workers under the banner of the NIT Workers’ Union are staging the hunger strike, which entered the third day on Wednesday, seeking permanent posting as per a Gauhati High Court order directing the institute to do so. Quoting the court verdict, a union leader told PTI that the High Court had directed the NIT Silchar authorities to regularise the services of muster roll employees and extend to them all facilities available to permanent staffers. According to the union, there were 122 muster roll workers, of whom only 20 have been regularised so far. “These employees have been working since 1993,” a union leader added. The protesters said the strike will continue until their demands are met. The agitation is being held outside the main administrative office of NIT Silchar. No immediate comments could be obtained from the NIT Silchar authorities. (Source: PTI)    

AIZAWL : The Mizoram government and the Central Committee of Young Mizo Association (CYMA) have signed an MoU to strengthen cooperation in promoting tourism in the state, officials said on Wednesday. The agreement was signed here on Tuesday in the presence of Tourism Secretary Vanlaldina Fanai and CYMA president R Lalngheta. “Tourist arrivals in our state have increased significantly in recent times, and there are many initiatives and plans in this sector. Although various steps are being taken in terms of infrastructure and other areas, the most important factor we need to address is human resource,” Tourism Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar said. “With the number of tourists increasing, the department alone cannot manage everything, and it is necessary for us to work together with the CYMA,” he said. The minister also expressed confidence that the Tourism Department would grow into a major revenue-generating wing in the coming years. Lalngheta said the CYMA would extend full cooperation to the government in boosting tourism in the northeastern state. (Source: PTI)  

GUWAHATI : The flood situation in Assam improved on Wednesday as the number of affected people dipped to 87,000 in four districts, but the toll climbed to 103 as two more deaths were reported, an official bulletin said. According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) bulletin issued this evening, two persons lost their lives in the deluge in the last 24 hours. One person each drowned in floodwaters in Sivasagar and Karbi Anglong districts, it added. With these fatalities, the total number of deaths in this year’s floods has increased to 103. According to the authority’s daily flood report, more than 86,800 people remained affected in Golaghat, Jorhat, Nagaon and Sivasagar districts. Golaghat was the worst-hit with over 42,000 people affected, followed by Nagaon (20,000) and Sivasagar (15,000). The flood situation has improved since Tuesday, when almost 1.13 lakh people were affected across four districts. The ASDMA said the administration has been operating 79 relief camps and relief distribution centres in five districts, taking care of 13,011 affected people at present. The authority has distributed 96.55 quintals of rice, 18.26 quintals of dal, 5.41 quintals of salt and 204.81 litres of mustard oil among the flood victims of the state during the last 24 hours. A total of 433 villages are under water and 10,884.27 hectares of crop areas have been damaged across Assam, the ASDMA said. Embankments, roads, bridges and other infrastructure have been damaged by flood waters in different districts of the state. Dhansiri River was flowing above the danger level at Numaligarh. On account of widespread flooding, 32,944 domestic animals and poultry have been affected across the state. (Source: PTI)