REGIONAL

GUWAHATI, The first-ever consignment of honey from Assam’s Baksa district to the United States was flagged off from Guwahati on Saturday, an official statement said. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitated the export from the aspirational district under the Centre’s One District One Product (ODOP) initiative. The consignment was undertaken by APEDA-registered exporter Salt Range Foods Pvt Ltd. Commissioner and secretary of the agriculture department and agriculture production commissioner Aruna Rajoria flagged off the consignment. “The landmark consignment, comprising around 20 metric tonnes of honey, was flagged off from Guwahati. The honey has been processed and packed at the facility of Salt Range Foods Private Limited in Guwahati,” the statement said. Sourced from an eco-friendly and pesticide-free environment, the honey from Baksa district is known for its high quality and near-organic characteristics, reflecting the region’s rich biodiversity and sustainable agricultural practices, it said. Honey from Baksa has also been identified under the ODOP initiative, recognising its potential for livelihood generation, value addition and export growth. Assam has immense potential for honey production owing to its rich biodiversity, abundant forest resources and long-standing tradition of beekeeping, the statement said. The state produced approximately 1,650 metric tonnes of honey during 2023-24, according to the National Horticulture Board’s latest data. Major honey-producing districts in the state include Baksa, Kokrajhar, Chirang, Udalguri and Tamulpur in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). The APEDA, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, facilitated the export by supporting infrastructure development, including the provision of testing and laboratory equipment at the processing facility to ensure adherence to international quality standards and food safety requirements. The initiative is expected to significantly benefit local beekeepers and farmers, with farmers receiving around 43 per cent higher price realisation compared to prevailing local farm gate prices, thereby enhancing income opportunities and strengthening rural livelihoods in the region, the statement said. (Source: PTI)  

JORHAT, Two minor sisters were allegedly raped by their grandfather in Assam’s Jorhat district, with one girl dying by suicide the next day, police said on Saturday. The incident occurred under Teok police station area on Thursday evening. Police said the two girls, aged 10 and 12 years, had gone to pick mangoes in the backyard of their house when their grandfather accosted them and raped them. “The elder sister died by suicide on Friday, following which the incident came to light. It was then that the 10-year-old victim narrated the previous day’s incident,” they said. The 65-year-old accused, the victim’s grandfather from the paternal side, has been arrested based on the girl’s statement, the police added. (Source: PTI)    

  Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday expressed hope that the new BJP government in West Bengal would rebuild ‘Shonar Bangla’ under the leadership of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. Speaking to PTI Videos on the sidelines of Adhikari’s swearing-in ceremony at the Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata, Sarma said ‘Anga, Banga, Kalinga and Pragjyotishpur’ are now governed by a party deeply rooted in preserving ‘Sanatani’ values.   He was referring to the ancient kingdoms that once ruled the region. Having come to power in Odisha (Kalinga) in 2024, the BJP unseated the 15-year-old TMC government in West Bengal (Banga) and returned to power for a third consecutive term in Assam, whose largest city is Guwahati (Pragjyotishpur). The BJP also installed its first government in Bihar (Anga) last month, with Samrat Choudhary leading it as the chief minister. Sarma said, “Hope the new government in West Bengal will reclaim ‘Shonar Bangla’.” Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who was also present at the ceremony, said the new BJP government would help accelerate the state’s development. “India is on a trajectory of development. Under PM Narendra Modi, every state will progress,” she told reporters. (Source: PTI)    

NONGPOH, Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant on Saturday stressed the need for convergence of legal aid and welfare schemes to ensure last-mile delivery of justice. Addressing a gathering after inaugurating an awareness camp in Meghalaya’s Ri Bhoi district, Justice Surya Kant, who is also the Patron-in-Chief of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), said healthcare access, educational support, livelihood opportunities and rehabilitation assistance were being brought together through such camps to ensure that benefits reached the grassroots. The mega camp-cum-awareness programme on NALSA schemes and government welfare schemes was organised at Marngar in Ri Bhoi district under the theme “Bridging the Gap” by the High Court of Meghalaya and the Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority (MSLSA) in partnership with the state government. “It is very essential that under one roof all these welfare schemes implemented by government departments, organisations and legal institutions are made available to all,” he said, urging all stakeholders to work in tandem to strengthen access to justice. The CJI also acknowledged the role of para-legal volunteers in delivering legal services at the grassroots level and called for strengthening their recruitment. Speaking on the occasion, Supreme Court judge Justice Ujjal Bhuyan highlighted the importance of aligning traditional justice systems with the constitutional framework while appreciating Meghalaya’s unique customary practices. He also referred to Ri Bhoi’s famed pineapple cultivation, remarking in a lighter vein that the people of Meghalaya were “as sweet as the pineapples grown there”. Meghalaya Law Minister Lahkmen Rymbui said the MSLSA had devised a comprehensive state action plan tailored to local conditions to effectively address issues faced by the people while remaining in consonance with national laws and policies. Chief Justice of the High Court of Meghalaya Justice Revati Mohite Dere said the mega camp was aimed at ensuring legal help reached the people at their doorstep. “In our democracy, justice has no distance,” she said, adding that 14 such mega camps had been organised across nine districts in the past five years, benefitting thousands of people. During the programme, dignitaries distributed assistive devices to persons with disabilities, financial assistance and work orders to self-help groups and village organisations, and certificates to legal aid lawyers and para-legal volunteers for their performance during 2025. Later, High Court judges Justice H S Thangkhiew and Justice W Diengdoh flagged off multi-utility vehicles under the NALSA Grant-in-Aid Scheme. (Source: PTI)                        

IMPHAL, Heavily armed militants attacked villages in Manipur’s Kamjong district near the India-Myanmar border on Thursday morning, torching houses and forcing residents to flee, officials said. According to police, the militants attacked the Tangkhul Naga villages of Namlee, Wanglee and Choro within Kasom Khullen police station area around 4 am, prompting residents of the border settlements to take shelter in nearby forests. The villages are located less than a kilometre from the international border. At least one elderly woman sustained injuries while attempting to flee during the attack, officials said. According to villagers, two houses in Namlee, three to four houses in Wanglee and several houses in Choro, except for a church, were reduced to ashes. Security forces, including the Assam Rifles, later reached the area to assess the situation. Phungyar MLA L Keishing alleged that the attack was carried out from across the border by Myanmar-based militant groups Kuki National Army (Burma) and the People’s Defence Force (PDF). “So far, the state had been seeing internal conflicts, but today there has been external aggression. A combined force of Kuki National Army-B and People’s Defence Force attacked four to five border villages at 3.30 am,” Keishing told reporters. “Several houses have been reduced to ashes, though there have been no fatalities. Two persons, including a woman, remain untraceable. Eyewitnesses said they were taken away by the armed militants,” the Naga People’s Front legislator claimed. Calling it an “external aggression”, the MLA said both the state and central governments should not remain silent. “There is no presence of Manipur Police in the area,” he alleged. Keishing accused the Assam Rifles of failing to protect the villages. “Assam Rifles troops visited the villages yesterday, and the attack happened today. Villagers have expressed frustration over the developments,” he said. Meanwhile, the Tangkhul Aze Katamnao Long (TAKL), also known as the Southern Tangkhul Students’ Union, expressed “extreme urgency and outrage” over the attacks on Tangkhul Naga border villages by alleged Kuki militants operating under the Kuki National Army-Burma. The student body alleged that around 100 armed KNA-B militants crossed the Indo-Myanmar border into Kamjong district and attacked villages including Namlee, Wanglee, Ashang Khullen and Choro. It demanded that the state government immediately deploy Manipur Police commandos in the affected villages and demanded an immediate explanation regarding the alleged security lapse that allowed around 100 armed militants to cross the international boundary undetected. (Source: PTI)      

GUWAHATI, The swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected BJP-led NDA government in Assam will be held on May 12, Chief Secretary Ravi Kota said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several union ministers, chief ministers and deputy CMs of BJP-ruled states, and representatives from industries are expected to attend the function. The oath-taking ceremony is scheduled to be held at the Veterinary Field, Khanapara, he said. “Chaired a comprehensive review meeting with the DGP, Assam today to assess preparedness for the forthcoming visit of the Hon’ble Prime Minister to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected Council of Ministers”, Kota posted on X on Wednesday night. Arrangements related to security, traffic management, venue readiness, protocol, and inter-departmental coordination were discussed in detail, he said. ”Emphasised the need for seamless execution, strict adherence to established protocols, and close coordination among all stakeholders,” Kota said. All departments concerned have been directed to maintain the highest level of preparedness to ensure the ceremony is conducted smoothly, securely, and in a manner befitting the significance of the occasion, he said. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma tendered his resignation to Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, who asked him to continue as the head of the caretaker government. Union minister J P Nadda and Naib Singh Saini have been appointed as the observer and co-observer, respectively, for the election of the BJP Legislature party leader, which is likely to be held on May 10. The ruling NDA returned to power for the third successive term, securing 102 of the 126 assembly seats in the state with the BJP winning 82 constituencies and its allies – the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) and the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) – bagging 10 each. (Source: PTI)

KOHIMA, The Nagaland Indigenous Tribes Cultural Resource Centre was inaugurated here on Thursday to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the state’s indigenous tribes. At the event, the state government’s advisor for art and culture, K Konngam Konyak, said the centre reflected a “thoughtful and forward-looking vision” aimed not only at preserving traditions but also at creating a space where the cultural traditions could be practised and passed on to future generations. He said Nagaland’s cultural strength lies in the diversity of its indigenous communities, and noted that all 16 recognised tribes of the state have been represented in the centre through dedicated spaces for showcasing their heritage. The facility would also promote mutual respect, understanding and unity among the tribes while serving as a hub for exhibitions, learning, research, documentation and cultural activities, he said. Commissioner and Secretary of the Department of Art and Culture, Bodeno S Colo, termed the inauguration a significant milestone in the collective effort to preserve, celebrate and promote the rich cultural heritage of Nagaland’s indigenous tribes. She said the centre stands as “a living testament” to the identity of the people of Nagaland, rooted in tradition and strengthened by community values. Stressing the need to safeguard cultural traditions in a rapidly changing world, she expressed hope that the centre would become a beacon of knowledge and a hub of cultural exchange where tradition and innovation could coexist. Executive Engineer of the Department of Art and Culture, Kakheli Swu, said the Rs 1,283.08 lakh spent for the project was funded jointly by the Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) and the state government. (Source: PTI)

IMPHAL, MAY 6: Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Wednesday said the security forces stood firm as pillars of strength while operating under demanding conditions and maintaining law and order in the state. Speaking at the investiture ceremony for the Governor’s Unit Citation 2026, Bhalla paid tributes to the dedication, courage and exemplary service of the armed forces for working tirelessly to uphold peace and stability. He presented the Governor’s Citations to outstanding units of the Army, Assam Rifles, CRPF, BSF, BRTF and the Manipur district police in recognition of their service. Referring to the challenges faced by the state in recent years, the governor said, “The security forces stood firm as pillars of strength, operating under demanding conditions while maintaining law and order and restoring a sense of security among the people.” Bhalla also acknowledged the support and sacrifices of the families of personnel, saying their strength and encouragement remain integral to service. He noted that the Governor’s Unit Citation recognises collective excellence, teamwork, discipline and an unwavering commitment to duty. Bhalla also emphasised that true strength lies in the judicious and restrained use of force, noting that the conduct of the forces has strengthened public confidence and aided the return of normalcy. He also highlighted the need for continued synergy between the security forces and civil administration, while congratulating the awardees for setting benchmarks of excellence. Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh also commended the contribution of both the central and state forces in providing humanitarian services and saving the lives of people from different communities. Acknowledging the crucial role played by the security forces in maintaining law and order, the CM stressed the need for public support and cooperation in the government’s efforts to strengthen the bonding among different communities. Recipients of the Governor’s Unit Citation 2026 included 19 Garhwal Rifles, 17 Assam Rifles, 38 Assam Rifles, 40 Assam Rifles, 2 Mahar Regiment, 25 BRTF, Kakching District Police, Senapati District Police, Churachandpur District Police, 10 BSF and 143 CRPF. (Source: PTI)  

UMIAM, MAY 6: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday announced that the Centre has awarded a contract for the runway expansion at Shillong airport, describing the project as a major boost for tourism and connectivity in the state. Addressing the Empowerment of Tourism Champions of Meghalaya event at Orchid Lake in Umiam, Sangma said the project is expected to be completed within around 15 months and would enable larger aircraft to operate. “This will be a game-changer for tourism in Meghalaya,” the chief minister said. He said improved connectivity was essential for strengthening the state’s position as a leading tourist destination and attracting more visitors from across the country and abroad. Organised by the tourism department, the programme brought together tourism stakeholders, entrepreneurs, artisans, students, community leaders and beneficiaries from different parts of the state. Sangma said tourism can succeed only when every stakeholder works together as part of a larger ecosystem. “Tourism cannot succeed through the efforts of the government alone, nor through the efforts of individual hotel owners, taxi operators, restaurant owners or other stakeholders working in isolation. Tourism thrives only when every stakeholder plays their part,” he said. Describing the programme as an important milestone in Meghalaya’s tourism journey, the chief minister congratulated the tourism department, entrepreneurs and tourism stakeholders for their role in placing the state firmly on the national tourism map and increasingly on the global tourism landscape. Emphasising the government’s long-term vision, Sangma said tourism was not merely about organising events or constructing hotels, but about creating a complete ecosystem that inspires travellers to choose Meghalaya. “When a family sits together and decides where they want to travel, Meghalaya must be visible. Meghalaya must be attractive. Meghalaya must be a destination that naturally comes to mind,” he said. The chief minister said tourists also consider infrastructure, connectivity, safety, comfort and overall experience before selecting destinations. “Our goal is simple: every tourist who visits Meghalaya should leave with memories of a lifetime,” he said. Highlighting the state’s tourism roadmap, Sangma said several major projects are currently underway, including the Shillong Ropeway, Mawkdok Skywalk, Rain Museum in Mawsynram, Living Root Bridge Museum, and tourism centres in Sohra, Mandalgre and Siju. Tourism Minister Timothy D Shira said tourism has emerged as one of the strongest pillars of Meghalaya’s economy, with provisional figures indicating nearly 18 lakh tourist arrivals in 2025. “When tourism was identified as a priority sector, the vision was to make it a strong driver of economic growth and a meaningful source of livelihood for the people,” he said. Shira said over 150 tourism projects are currently being implemented across the state with investments worth thousands of crores, alongside growing participation from the private sector. He said Meghalaya was now working towards developing Umiam as a global tourism destination and had established a dedicated Destination Management Organisation for professional destination planning and sustainable tourism management. “We are not only creating destinations, we are building systems that will support tourism growth for generations to come,” he said. During the programme, the chief minister announced new beneficiaries under the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Homestay Mission and recognised successful beneficiaries under the Chief Minister’s Homestay Scheme-PMEGP. Launched in September 2025, the mission aims to create 3,000 new homestays by 2028 and generate over 15,000 employment opportunities across the state. Officials said 80 homestay applications have so far been approved, with 55 beneficiaries from Khasi, Jaintia and Ri-Bhoi regions receiving financial assistance amounting to Rs 3.85 crore. Sanction letters were also distributed under the Community-Led Infrastructure Scheme to support villages, cooperatives and tourism societies in developing tourism infrastructure. The programme also featured presentations on Meghalaya’s participation at the Surajkund International Crafts Mela and exposure visits of tourism stakeholders from Sohra to Ekta Nagar. A bravery award was presented by the chief minister to Teiborlang Pakma for rescuing a drowning person at Ward’s Lake. (Source: PTI)

IMPHAL, MAY 6: Four Myanmar nationals were arrested for allegedly being involved in the trafficking of drugs in Manipur’s Churachandpur district, police said on Wednesday. Acting on a tip-off, security forces intercepted a motorcycle and apprehended two persons from Bualkot village under the Behiang Police Station limits after 22 soap cases, suspected to contain heroin, were seized from their possession on Tuesday, a police statement said. In another operation, two more persons were arrested from Behiang village with 44 soap cases of heroin seized from them, it said. The value and quantity of the narcotic substances could not be ascertained as the operations were conducted in the remote areas, a police officer said. The arrested persons have been identified as Thangsawmung (56), Kamkhenmung (56), Jhonmung (31) and Haukhul (55). All of them hail from Chikha village in Myanmar, the police statement said. FIRs have been filed at the Behiang Police Station under the provisions of the Foreigners Act and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act for further investigation, it said. Former chief minister N Biren Singh, who has been raising issues related to the influx of drugs and illegal immigrants from Myanmar, lauded the Behiang police and the Assam Rifles for the arrest and seizure of drugs. In a post on X, he said, “I appreciate the coordinated action of the joint team of Behiang Police Station & 37 Assam Rifles for arresting four Myanmarese nationals with 66 soap cases of suspected heroin from the Behiang in Churachandpur district.” These arrests once again highlight how Manipur is “being infiltrated by illegal immigrants actively involved in drug trafficking”, Singh added. (Source: PTI)