REGIONAL

GUWAHATI : All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary (Organisation) K C Venugopal will review the party’s poor performance in the Assam Assembly elections on July 1, officials said on Sunday. A senior Assam Congress member, who requested anonymity, told PTI that Venugopal will be in the state for a two-day visit from June 30 and will deliberate on the ways to strengthen the organisation post the loss in the state. “An organisational meeting has been called on July 1 at the state headquarters Rajiv Bhawan. Venugopal will review the organisation’s performance and is likely to give us the roadmap for the future,” he added. Already, a letter has been issued by Assam Congress general secretary (Organisation) Ramanna Baruah to all the party MPs, MLAs, Political Affairs Committee (PAC) members, APCC office bearers, frontal group heads and district presidents with intimation of the meeting and asked them to attend it. Besides, all the contested candidates of the Assam Legislative Assembly Election have also been invited for the meeting to have feedback from them, the party official said. The Congress and Raijor Dal, who were part of a six-party opposition alliance, won 19 and two seats respectively in the 126-member House. Post its debacle, Assam Congress President Gaurav Gogoi had formed multiple teams to conduct a ground review of each constituency. The teams comprised MLAs, ex-MLAs and senior Congress leaders. They were asked to conduct their reviews from May 29 to June 2 and submit the reports accordingly. However, several members of the teams told PTI that Gogoi has neither invited the teams nor discussed the reports as of now. “We thought that he would call us and discuss the reports. In our reports, we highlighted the party’s shortcomings as well as how the BJP gained the upper hand due to several of their decisions,” one of the members said. With Venugopal taking stock of the party’s performance, it is expected that the constituency-wise reports will be discussed on July 1 in his presence. “He will give us guidance and ways to strengthen the party in the future. We need to rejuvenate our workers, who are highly demotivated after the assembly election,” the official said. The NDA, comprising the BJP, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Bodoland People’s Front (BPF), secured a sweeping mandate in the assembly polls, winning a record 102 seats. The BJP alone bagged 82, its first single-party majority in the state, while AGP and BPF won 10 seats each. The AIUDF and Trinamool Congress fought separately as single entities and have two and one MLAs respectively. (Source: PTI)  

KOHIMA  : The Nagaland government on Sunday launched a statewide health drive, aiming to administer the oral polio vaccine to over one lakh children under the age of five years, officials said. Launching the campaign at Seikhazou Urban Primary Health Centre (UPHC) in Kohima, State Immunisation Officer Imkongtemsu Longchar said “Nagaland’s last polio case was detected in 1997, while India has remained polio-free since 2014 due to such sustained drives”. It aims to vaccinate 1,43,530 children below five years of age across the northeastern state. More than 2,400 polio booths were set up in Nagaland on Sunday, Longchar said. “The oral polio vaccine is safe, free and highly effective. Timely immunisation protects children from several vaccine-preventable diseases,” he said. Following the booth campaign, health workers will conduct house-to-house visits from Monday to vaccinate children who missed the dose on Sunday, another official said. (Source: PTI)        

IMPHAL : Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh on Saturday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to promoting sports and creating opportunities for aspiring footballers, particularly women, through sustained support for grassroots development and sporting infrastructure. He made the assurances during an interaction with nine players of the Indian Women’s Football Team from the state. The players apprised the achievements of Manipuri footballers and highlighted the need to further strengthen women’s football in the state. During the interaction, the team informed Singh that 23 players represented India, of whom nine players are from Manipur and were part of the recently held Sixth South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Women’s Championship-winning team. The delegation also informed the chief minister that all nine Manipuri players are members of the SAFF Championship-winning squad and several of them also represented the country at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia. The players appealed to Singh to extend continued support towards women’s football in the state and requested that the number of Manipuri players in the Indian national team should not decline as many talented players are compelled to seek employment outside the state. They also proposed organising annual women’s football tournaments to strengthen grassroots development, provide greater exposure to young players, and ensure a steady pipeline of talent for the national team. Singh appreciated the outstanding achievements of the players in bringing laurels to the nation and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to promoting sports and creating greater opportunities for aspiring footballers, particularly women, through sustained support for grassroots development and sporting infrastructure. He said that the players also urged him to ensure better career advancement and promotional opportunities for sportspersons serving in various state government departments, in recognition of their contributions and achievements in sports. (Source: PTI)

IMPHAL : An influential Naga students’ organisation in Manipur on Friday expressed anger at the apology issued by the Kuki Zo Council over the killing of six Naga hostages in the state. The reaction comes after Kuki Zo Council (KZC) chairman Henlienthang Thanglet on Thursday apologised for the incident and called for an impartial investigation into all acts of violence linked to the ongoing ethnic strife in the state. In a statement, All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) expressed its “strongest indignation” and “repudiated the so-called apology issued by leaders of Kuki-Zo Council on the brutal murder of the six Naga hostages after abduction”. The Kuki Zo Council admitted the role of the community in killing the six Naga civilians who were abducted on May 13 from Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district. Their bodies were recovered on June 10 from the vicinity of a Kuki Zo village. The recovery took place a day after 14 Kuki individuals, who were abducted by armed groups in Manipur’s Senapati district nearly a month ago, were released. ANSAM, the apex body of Naga students and youths in the state, also said, “The statement issued by KZC neither constitutes an apology nor an admission of the unlawful and inhumane crime.” It also asserted that “no apology can be deemed credible, sincere and acceptable until the perpetrators responsible for the abduction, torture, mutilation and brutal killing of the six innocent Naga hostages are identified, apprehended and punished in accordance with the rule of law.” (Source: PTI)    

KOHIMA : Nagaland Social Welfare department Advisor Wangpang Konyak on Friday called for a whole-of-society approach to combat drug abuse, urging churches, community organisations and educational institutions to play a proactive role in prevention, counselling and rehabilitation, saying the fight against substance abuse cannot be won by law enforcement alone. Addressing the observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking here, MLA Konyak expressed concern over the growing threat posed by drug abuse in the state and stressed that addiction should be treated as a public health issue rather than merely a criminal problem. Referring to this year’s global theme, “World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” Konyak said traditional narcotics have been replaced by highly addictive synthetic drugs and technology-driven trafficking networks that increasingly target young people through smartphones and digital platforms. He noted that Nagaland’s proximity to international border routes has made the state vulnerable to illicit drug trafficking, with generations of youth falling victim to substance dependency. Highlighting government initiatives, Konyak said the Centre’s Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) has shifted the focus from punitive measures to demand reduction, counselling, rehabilitation and data-driven interventions. He said the state government has intensified awareness campaigns through district-level NMBA committees, strengthened enforcement of the NDPS Act, tightened border surveillance and is working to expand de-addiction centres. While reiterating the state’s “War on Drugs” campaign, Konyak said government agencies alone cannot eliminate the menace. Appealing directly to church leaders, he said churches possess unmatched moral influence within communities and should establish counselling units, remove the stigma surrounding addiction, support recovery groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, and strengthen youth mentorship programmes focusing on mental health and peer support. He also urged mothers’ associations, youth organisations, student unions and village communities to create drug-free localities through awareness, sports, music and skill development initiatives, while calling on teachers to identify early signs of substance abuse and mental health challenges among students. Stating that “addiction thrives in isolation, but dies in the light of community,” Konyak said the government, churches, civil society and families must work together to build an effective support system for those struggling with addiction. The Advisor also voiced concern over the recent cases of child abuse and sexual harassment in Nagaland, urging investigating agencies to ensure justice without delay. Delivering the keynote address, Social Welfare department Secretary Limawabang Jamir said substance abuse is not merely a law enforcement challenge but also a public health, social development and family issue. He said achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat requires a drug-free India under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, adding that Nagaland’s location near the Golden Triangle has made it particularly vulnerable to drug trafficking over the decades. Jamir pointed to the growing challenges posed by synthetic drugs, digital trafficking through social media and encrypted messaging platforms, and the increasing link between substance abuse and mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and unemployment. Calling for innovative and evidence-based responses, he advocated early prevention in schools, digital awareness campaigns, tele-counselling, integration of mental health services into rehabilitation, and stronger community participation through churches, village councils, Hohos, mothers’ associations and student bodies. He also stressed the need to strengthen rehabilitation by providing vocational training, employment opportunities and social reintegration for recovering addicts, saying recovery is achievable through sustained community support and collective action. Meanwhile, Mima village council of Kohima district was awarded the Suposhit Gram Panchayat Abhiyaan award, which is a Rs 1 lakh incentive grant awarded to the top 1,000 performing Gram Panchayats across India that demonstrate sustained improvements in local nutrition and infrastructure metrics. (Source: PTI)  

GUWAHATI : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday said that Japan has affirmed to deepen its ongoing partnership with the northeastern state under India’s Act East Policy. Stating that he had a telephonic conversation with the Ambassador of Japan to India, Ono Keiichi, on Thursday evening, Sarma said the two sides will further strengthen collaboration across key sectors like electronics, semiconductor and entrepreneurship. The reaffirmation from the envoy came after a proposed visit of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to Assam for the annual India-Japan summit was shifted to New Delhi due to her tight schedule and logistical issues. “Delighted to have received a phone call from H.E ONO Keiichi, the Ambassador of Japan to India last evening. He reaffirmed the Japanese Government’s commitment to deepen its ongoing partnership with Assam under India’s Act East Policy,” Sarma said in a post on X. He said they agreed to further strengthen collaboration across key sectors, including electronics, semiconductor, infrastructure, manufacturing and entrepreneurship. “In the coming days, Assam looks forward to engage with Japanese enterprises and institutions to enhance both investments and economic opportunities for our people,” Sarma added. The chief minister had said on Tuesday that though Takaichi’s visit has been shelved, a business delegation from Japan will visit the state “at an appropriate time later”. Takaichi is set to visit India from July 1 to 3, which will be her first trip to the country after becoming the prime minister. (Source: PTI)    

KOHIMA : Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Friday reaffirmed the state’s commitment to protecting Nagaland’s indigenous identity and customary laws and called for stronger implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) through the cooperation of all stakeholders. Speaking after inaugurating the Kohima Village Multipurpose Building here, Rio said the safeguards provided under Article 371A of the Constitution, a special provision for Nagas and the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR), 1873, have enabled Nagas to preserve their customs, traditions and village governance system. He stressed that these protections must continue to be upheld to safeguard the state’s unique identity. The chief minister said village councils remain the competent authorities to certify who is indigenous to a village, adding that while non-locals may legally reside and work in Nagaland, they cannot be granted indigenous status. He urged village councils, landlords, employers, institutions and other stakeholders to ensure proper documentation of non-local residents to strengthen the implementation of the ILP and prevent misuse of indigenous certification. Rio also appealed for public cooperation in the 2027 Census, saying accurate population data is crucial for effective planning and equitable distribution of resources. Referring to past census exercises, he said inflated population figures had adversely affected development planning, particularly in sectors such as education and welfare, and urged civil society organisations, churches, village councils and citizens to ensure that the upcoming census reflects the state’s actual population. Defending Nagaland’s traditional village governance system, Rio said village councils should continue to function through selection and consensus rather than elections, arguing that the traditional system promotes unity while electoral contests could create divisions within villages. Describing the newly inaugurated multipurpose building as a symbol of unity and brotherhood, Rio said the facility belongs not only to Kohima Village but to all Nagas and would serve as a common venue for cultural, social and community activities. He commended the Kohima Village Council for successfully executing the project with financial assistance from the Centre and the state government and announced that additional funds would be provided to equip the building with furniture, sound systems and other amenities. The chief minister also encouraged young people to take advantage of government skill development, entrepreneurship and micro-financing schemes, saying financial support is available for trained entrepreneurs to start businesses. Highlighting the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS), he said over 1.7 lakh beneficiaries have been enrolled, and the state has spent more than Rs 228 crore on cashless treatment, urging eligible citizens to make full use of the scheme. Earlier, Rio described the inauguration as a historic occasion for Kohima Village, saying the village has long been a centre of Naga history and has demonstrated unity and visionary leadership in creating a facility that would benefit people across the state. (Source: PTI)    

GUWAHATI : As part of a nationwide campaign by the Congress, Jharkhand Agriculture Minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey on Thursday criticised the central government’s education policy and demanded the immediate resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Addressing a press conference here, she held the Centre morally accountable for the recurring paper leaks across the country and the institutional failure of the education system. Expressing concern, Tirkey said the education system, upon which the future of millions of youth across the country depends, is currently “in the ICU.” She remarked that this system has been trapped in a “web of weaknesses, irregularities and corruption”. “NEET paper leak and the irregularities surrounding CBSE exams have completely shattered the credibility of the education system, posing a grave concern for the entire nation,” Tirkey said. She expressed resentment over how the uncertainty surrounding the NEET exam and repeated cancellations have taken a severe toll on the mental health of students nationwide. Tirkey termed the incidents of suicides by several students due to unbearable academic pressure as extremely heartbreaking. “Suicide notes left behind by these students expressed deep remorse, with many feeling they had disappointed or failed their parents. No student should ever face such a situation in the future, and no parent should have to endure the unbearable pain of losing a child,” she added. Tirkey emphasised that many poor and middle-class parents make ultimate sacrifices for their children’s education by selling their land, taking loans or mortgaging their gold jewellery. “On the other hand, students also work day and night, dedicating the most valuable years of their lives to their studies. Therefore, any negligence or manipulation regarding the future and lives of these meritorious students by the government or any authority is completely unacceptable,” she added. (Source: PTI)        

GUWAHATI : Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota on Wednesday said he has met British Deputy High Commissioner Andrew Fleming and discussed with him a strategic roadmap to boost cooperation against the backdrop of the India–UK Free Trade Agreement. Among other issues, they also discussed the proposed Assam–UK Infrastructure Roundtable and UK–India Sovereign AI Partnership, the chief secretary said in a post on X.  “Delighted to meet Dr Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner to East and Northeast India, alongside Haimanti Poddar, Senior Climate and Energy Adviser and Sustainable Mobility Policy Lead (India), UK FCDO. “In the context of the India–UK Free Trade Agreement coming into force on July 15, 2026, we discussed a strategic roadmap to strengthen Assam–UK cooperation across investment promotion, export growth, technology integration, infrastructure development and skills enhancement, leveraging Assam’s rapidly evolving economic ecosystem,” Kota said. The delegation presented the UK PACT-supported Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Need Assessment and Analysis Report for Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL), which provides recommendations to strengthen grid reliability, accelerate renewable energy integration and support Assam’s clean energy transition, he added. “We also deliberated on the proposed Assam–UK Infrastructure Roundtable in Guwahati to facilitate partnerships in sustainable urbanisation, transport, flood resilience, climate-resilient infrastructure and project delivery, including potential engagement with UK Export Finance (UKEF),” the chief secretary said. He said that the discussions further explored opportunities under the proposed UK–India Sovereign AI Partnership, including trusted AI infrastructure, sovereign cloud capabilities, advanced computing and AI governance frameworks to support Assam’s digital transformation agenda. “The meeting reaffirmed our shared commitment to translating the opportunities emerging from the India–UK FTA into tangible outcomes through enhanced trade, investment, technology partnerships and institutional cooperation, supporting Assam’s long-term growth and global competitiveness,” Kota said. Commenting on the meeting, Fleming said it was a timely discussion since the UK-India FTA is due to come into force soon. “We discussed opportunities in a variety of sectors and sub-sectors, including infrastructure, agriculture-tech, AI, skilling, sports, MSMEs, climate and energy,” he added. (Source: PTI)