REGIONAL

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)  

GUWAHATI : Insurance aggregator PolicyBazaar on Tuesday said it was working closely with its partners for expeditious settlement of insurance claims by flood-hit people in Assam. It also welcomed the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India’s (IRDAI) directive to fast-track claims from the worst-hit districts of the northeastern state. At least 101 people have died, and over 1.26 lakh have been affected by floods in the state so far this year. “Floods in Assam have upended lives, and for many families, this means facing tremendous loss with no time to prepare for paperwork. This is the kind of unpredictable moment that insurance exists for, and it is our prerogative to make sure no policyholder in Assam is left waiting at a time like this,” Amit Chhabra, chief business officer, General Insurance, PolicyBazaar, said. He said PolicyBazaar was working closely with insurer partners to keep documentation simple, settle claims quickly and bring relief to people without delay. Commending IRDAI’s directive on fast-tracking claims, Chhabra maintained that it was a much-needed measure for the affected families. The Assam government had earlier decided to approach the insurance companies for expeditious and hassle-free settlement of claims by people from the worst-hit districts of Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat and Golaghat. It also held a meeting with representatives of the insurance companies, with the central government also issuing special instructions to the companies to dispose of the claims faster. In line with this, the IRDAI also issued directives to all insurers, including life and standalone health insurance companies, to mobilise all resources to ensure immediate service response to those affected by the Assam floods. (Source: PTI)  

KOHIMA : Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging him to reconsider the proposed amendments to the FCRA, and stated that the changes in the legislation could lead to a burden on churches and Christian charitable organisations and affect educational, healthcare and social welfare programmes in the state. Rio proposed that the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act amendments be referred to a parliamentary committee for comprehensive examination, with representatives of stakeholders concerned given an opportunity to present their views. Such a process, he said, would help address genuine concerns, remove apprehensions and build public confidence while protecting transparency, accountability and national interest. The move would demonstrate the “inclusive and positive approach” of the NDA government and reaffirm India’s commitment to constitutional values, secular ethos and respect for the rights and contributions of all communities, the chief minister said in the letter to Shah on Monday. In June this year, the government notified amended FCRA rules for receiving foreign funds, requiring non-governmental organisations to choose from a predefined list of purposes and areas of operation. While allowing a range of faith-based activities, the rules explicitly excluded proselytisation from several categories eligible for registration under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA). The FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 25 this year and is likely to be taken up for discussion during the ongoing Monsoon session of Parliament. Rio said various sections of society, particularly the Christian community, had expressed concerns over the proposed amendments to the law. He said the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) and the Bishop of Kohima had also submitted representations to the union home minister, highlighting difficulties faced by churches and associated charitable organisations. Rio requested that their representations be considered with due sensitivity, keeping in view Nagaland’s unique social, historical and developmental circumstances. The CM said he had held consultations with Christian leaders, and on August 9, held another round of discussions with the NBCC leadership and representatives of the Bishop of Kohima, who conveyed concerns over challenges faced by churches and Christian organisations in carrying out their activities and humanitarian services. Pointing out that more than 90 per cent of Nagaland’s population is Christian, Rio said churches have historically played a vital role in the state’s spiritual and community life as well as in education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, social welfare, livelihood support and assistance to disadvantaged and vulnerable sections. He said many educational, healthcare, humanitarian and social-service activities, particularly in remote and economically weaker areas, have been supported by legitimate foreign contributions, partnerships and assistance. According to Rio, increasingly stringent FCRA regulatory and compliance requirements have already imposed considerable financial and administrative burdens on churches and charitable organisations. The proposed amendments, if implemented in their present form, could further compound these difficulties and adversely affect ongoing welfare, educational, healthcare and social-service programmes. Rio said smaller grassroots institutions with limited resources could be particularly affected while serving remote and underserved communities. The chief minister also raised concerns over reports that FCRA renewal applications of some Christian organisations had been declined on grounds relating to the alleged utilisation of foreign contributions for religious conversion. Given Nagaland’s demographic context, he said such cases deserved careful and sensitive examination based on the actual nature and purpose of the organisations’ activities. He stressed that legitimate charitable, educational, healthcare and social-welfare activities should not be inadvertently affected by broad or generalised assumptions, particularly where organisations have otherwise complied with applicable laws. Rio urged that cases where renewal had been denied be reviewed and examined seriously, objectively and individually, so that genuine welfare activities are not adversely affected. Highlighting the humanitarian role of churches, Rio said Christian organisations have provided assistance during natural calamities, disasters and emergencies. He cited their substantial relief work for people affected by the floods and landslides and recalled their contribution during the COVID-19 pandemic, when churches and Christian institutions mobilised resources, infrastructure and volunteers in support of communities and government efforts. Rio also underlined the more-than-150-year history of Christianity and the Church in Nagaland and its longstanding links with the global Christian community. He noted the historical relationship between the Baptist movement in Nagaland and the Baptist community in the United States, while saying the Catholic Church and other Christian denominations have also maintained longstanding links with churches, missions and organisations in India and abroad. He said Christian missions and institutions had contributed to Nagaland’s development for more than a century, with their work predating statehood and continuing through difficult and isolated periods. When modern institutions and infrastructure were limited, churches reached remote communities with education, healthcare and humanitarian assistance, contributing to literacy, social progress and human development, the CM said in the latter. Rio said Christian institutions have contributed significantly to India’s nation-building through schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, healthcare facilities, charitable institutions and social-service organisations serving people irrespective of religion or social background. (Source: PTI)  

GUWAHATI : The Assam government is undertaking extensive measures to provide medical care in the flood-affected areas and prevent outbreak of diseases, Health Minister Ashok Singhal said on Tuesday. He said equal emphasis was also being laid on providing safe drinking water and sanitation facilities. “Following the severe flood situation in the state, our department has undertaken extensive preventive measures to stop outbreak of infectious diseases and safeguard public health,” Singhal said at a press conference here. “Along with continuing healthcare services in flood-affected areas, special emphasis has been placed on ensuring safe drinking water, sanitation and cleanliness, disease surveillance, vector-borne disease control and overall health protection,” he said. The minister said the health department has deployed medical teams and organised camps across the state. So far, 2,06,442 people have received free treatment and medicines through 3,103 medical camps in the flood-affected areas. In the worst-affected districts of Charaideo and Sivasagar, 11 ‘Mega Health Camps’ were organised from August 5-9, covering five assembly constituencies, he said. Specialist doctors from Dibrugarh and Jorhat medical colleges have been deployed at these camps. “Pregnant women, mothers and children staying in relief camps face greater health risks during floods. Keeping this in mind, the department has taken special measures to protect their health,” Singhal said. A total of 387 pregnant women, 462 mothers, 590 children below one year of age and 1,627 kids aged between one and five years have been identified so far, officials said. Regular health check-ups, nutritional support and necessary healthcare services are being ensured for them, Singhal said. In view of the increased risk of diarrhoea and other diseases following the floods, adequate stocks of Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) and zinc tablets have been maintained across the state, he said. The minister also said ensuring access to safe drinking water has emerged as one of the major challenges following the floods. In coordination with the Public Health Engineering Department, 511 water samples were tested at IDSP laboratories to ensure safe drinking water, he said. The affected water sources were disinfected with the required chemicals and subsequently retested. These sources were reopened for public use only after testing confirmed that the water was safe for consumption, he said. Singhal said that in view of the possibility of increased mosquito breeding following the deluge, special measures have also been undertaken for vector-borne disease control. Carcass of livestock are being disposed of in accordance with prescribed health and safety protocols to prevent contamination of water and the environment, and reduce the risk of the spread of infectious diseases, the minister said. The health department is also giving special attention to the mental health of flood-affected people, Singhal said. “As floodwaters recede, new health-related challenges may emerge. The department continues to maintain close surveillance of the situation,” he added. (Source: PTI)    

KOHIMA : The Congress in Nagaland criticised the BJP-led central government over the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, alleging that the regulatory framework must not be used as a “political or ideological” weapon against Christian institutions, churches, NGOs and civil society organisations. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee said Christian organisations in the state and across the country have for decades provided essential services through schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centres and humanitarian programmes for poor, sick and marginalised communities. The Congress said it supports transparency and accountability in the functioning of organisations receiving foreign contributions, but argued that “selective scrutiny, arbitrary restrictions and administrative harassment” cannot be presented as regulation. The NPCC said that if the BJP-led government believes in transparency, the same standards must apply to everyone and alleged that selective action against particular institutions would amount to discrimination. “Do not turn FCRA into an ideological weapon. Do not treat Christian institutions as suspects merely because of their faith,” the NPCC said, while adding that political power should not be confused with constitutional authority. In June this year, the government notified amended FCRA rules for receiving foreign funds, requiring non-governmental organisations to choose from a predefined list of purposes and areas of operation. While allowing a range of faith-based activities, the rules explicitly excluded proselytisation from several categories eligible for registration under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA). The FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 25 this year and is likely to be taken up for discussion during the ongoing Monsoon session of Parliament. (Source: PTI)  

SENAPATI/ IMPHAL : The first round of talks between the Manipur government and the United Naga Council (UNC) was “fruitful and cordial”, with both sides agreeing to continue discussions to find solutions to issues raised by the Naga apex body, a government spokesperson said on Monday. The talks were held at the Senapati district headquarters, where a delegation of ministers and MLAs led by Deputy Chief Minister L Dikho and Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam held discussions with UNC representatives. Government spokesperson Thokchom Radheshyam described the meeting as an “ice breaker” and said further rounds of talks would be held. “Today, United Naga Council and Manipur government representatives led by the deputy chief minister and state home minister came here (Senapati) to discuss and find solutions to several issues. We had fruitful and cordial discussions. This is the first round of discussions and a series of talks will follow to find a solution,” he told reporters. “Talks have just started, and results will come after a series of discussions. Still, today’s meeting was an ice-breaker. Let’s wait for the result,” Radheshyam said. On the demand for abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups, he said, “That is the policy of the government of India. Manipur is part of India and we have to go by the policy and decision of the Centre.” UNC president Ng Lorho, however, said the organisation would not lift its blockade along the national highways until its four-point charter of demands was met. “We discussed with ministers and MLAs the way forward on how to bring peace. We discussed our four-point charter of demands, and we stick to it. Unless it is fulfilled, we will not end the blockade,” Lorho told reporters after the meeting. He said the government had appealed to the UNC to withdraw the blockade but warned that the organisation could take “more stringent actions” if its demands were not met. Lorho also said further talks should be held in Senapati and not Imphal. The UNC has been demanding abrogation of the SoO pact with Kuki militant groups, declaration of the Kuki National Front-President (KNF-P) as a terrorist organisation, removal of the deputy chief minister from office and arrest of KNF-P cadres allegedly involved in the killing of six Naga civilians. The prolonged blockade along national highways by the UNC since June has severely affected the supply of essential commodities and contributed to a rise in prices of edible items in the state. (Source: PTI)

KOHIMA : The Nagaland government has reviewed issues concerning oil exploration, landowners’ rights, the proposed Foothill Road and the state’s response to floods and landslides, Minister Temjen Imna Along said on Monday. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a BJP programme here, Along described the Cabinet meeting held in Wokha on August 6 as “historic” and said several key decisions were taken. On oil exploration along the Assam-Nagaland border, Along said the government was focused on protecting the rights and concerns of landowners and other affected stakeholders. “The Cabinet is of the view that all concerns have to be addressed in every way,” he said. His remarks came amid calls from civil society groups for affected villages and other stakeholders to be consulted before oil exploration activities are taken forward. Referring to concerns raised by the Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC), he said stakeholders in border areas affected by oil exploration would have to be taken into consideration. A tripartite MoU between the government of India, Assam and Nagaland was signed in New Delhi on June 11. It concerns facilitating mineral-oil operations, including exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas, in the Assam-Nagaland border areas. On the Foothill Road, Along said discussions with the Centre, including the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, were also taken up. He referred to the ongoing issue over the proposed 30-metre, 18-metre and 12-metre road widths, describing the project as a potential lifeline for Nagaland’s economic resurgence. On the flood and landslide situation, Along said the immediate priority was to help affected people return to normal life. “Politics is one thing,” he said, stressing that the government was responsible for helping people get back on their feet. Several parts of Nagaland, including Mon, Tuli and areas of Tuensang, have been badly affected by landslides and house collapses, with loss of lives reported, he said. Addressing disruption to education caused by the adverse weather, Along said efforts were on to restore normalcy and minimise the impact on academic sessions. “We cannot fight against nature,” he said, adding that the situation required greater preparedness and measures to mitigate the impact of similar events in future. (Source: PTI)    

AGARTALA : Thousands of farmers, agricultural labourers and workers marched through the streets of Tripura on Monday as part of a ‘Jail Bharo Andolan’ organised by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) over an 11-point charter of demands. The statewide protests passed off without any major untoward incident, with around 12,000 protesters detained and later released, police said. CPI(M) state secretary Jitendra Chaudhury, former chief minister Manik Sarkar and CITU state president Manik Dey led the agitation in the state capital. The SKM claimed that nearly 6,000 farmers and working people were arrested in Agartala and similar civil disobedience programmes were held at 21 other locations across the state. Addressing the protesters, Chaudhury criticised the BJP-led government, alleging that it had failed to meet people’s aspirations and adopted “anti-people” policies. “During the past eight and a half years, the people of the state witnessed only rampant corruption at all levels instead of development. A starvation-like situation has been prevailing in the hilly areas of the state due to lack of employment and livelihood. The BJP government has taken away the democratic rights of the people,” he said. Describing the ‘Jail Bharo Andolan’ as a movement to “save the country”, Chaudhury said the agitation was a warning to the BJP government to change the policies. “If they don’t change policies, massive protests will be organised to topple the government to save the country from the BJP, which has been destroying democratic values,” he said. Sarkar said the scale of the mobilisation reflected the “depth of public anger” against the government and claimed that the protests would grow in the coming days. Calling the government “undemocratic, authoritarian, anti-people and isolated from the people”, he alleged that it was serving the interests of a handful of power seekers rather than ordinary citizens. The SKM’s 11-point charter of demands includes 200 days of employment under the MGNREGA with a daily wage of Rs 700, reduction in prices of fuel and essential commodities, and measures to reduce the financial burden on people. “The statewide protest passed off without any major untoward incident. Around 12,000 protesters were detained and later released,” state police spokesperson Rajdeep Deb said. (Source: PTI)