REGIONAL

GUWAHATI : The Assam government on Thursday launched the application process for its flagship ‘Nijut Moina’ and ‘Nijut Babu’ schemes, while also disbursing financial assistance for flood-affected schools and students in the state’s eastern districts. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma formally launched the distribution of application forms for the two stipend schemes at a function here. On the occasion, he also transferred Rs 15.86 crore to 793 flood-affected schools in Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat and Golaghat districts. Sarma also announced financial assistance of over Rs 4.26 crore from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) for 21,025 students in Sivasagar and Charaideo to help them purchase educational materials lost in the recent floods. “Nijut Moina and Nijut Babu schemes are built to encourage serious learning and academic commitment. Our goal is for these students to become role models who inspire others to study hard and aim high,” he said. The CM said the primary objective of the ‘Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Moina Scheme’ was to eradicate child marriage and that it remained the government’s foremost priority. Since child marriage does not affect boys in the same manner, the financial assistance under the ‘Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Babu Scheme’ has been kept comparatively lower, he added. The chief minister said the Nijut Moina Scheme was introduced with the aim of covering 10 lakh girl students across the state. During 2024-25, around 1.6 lakh girl students benefited under the scheme. The number of beneficiaries rose to four lakh after its expansion in 2025-26, and another one lakh girls are expected to be brought under its ambit during the current financial year, he said. Sarma said the Nijut Babu Scheme, which benefited 50,000 boys last year, would cover an additional 70,000 students this year, taking the total number of beneficiaries to 1.2 lakh. Under the two schemes, students pursuing higher secondary, undergraduate and postgraduate studies receive financial assistance from the government. The chief minister also announced that girl students pursuing polytechnic courses and those studying in the seventh semester of integrated postgraduate programmes would become eligible for assistance from this year. He said only students maintaining regular attendance, discipline and commitment to their studies would be eligible to receive benefits under the schemes. Sarma also said the financial assistance under the Nijut Moina Scheme would be enhanced in future as the government seeks to reduce the financial burden of education on parents. He urged students to acquire expertise in an additional subject alongside their primary discipline, saying a conventional undergraduate or postgraduate degree alone would no longer be sufficient in today’s competitive environment. Expressing concern over low enrolment in science education in Assam, Sarma said society could not progress without greater interest in the subject. Referring to the recent floods in eastern Assam, he said many schools had suffered structural damage or become unusable due to silt and mud deposits. He said any delay in restoring academic activities would place students in the affected districts at a disadvantage compared with their counterparts elsewhere in the state. Schools that have suffered permanent damage would receive additional financial assistance after a detailed assessment, he added. (Source: PTI)    

AIZAWL : Mizoram’s main opposition party, the MNF, on Thursday demanded that Chief Minister Lalduhoma issue a public apology and retract his recent remarks on the Inner Line Permit (ILP) and the Mizoram Peace Accord before August 15. The Mizo National Front (MNF) also alleged that the CM’s statements misrepresented the Mizoram Peace Accord of 1986 and undermined the interests of the Mizo people. The agreement, signed between the MNF and the Centre, had ended two decades of insurgency in this northeastern state. The Mizoram government was also a signatory. Addressing a press conference here, MNF president Zoramthanga alleged that Lalduhoma’s statement contained factual inaccuracies on issues concerning Mizoram’s security and the Mizo identity, and accused him of attempting to mislead the younger generation. During his address at Mizoram Law College on July 31, the CM had allegedly said that the continuation of the ILP ultimately rests with the Centre, which has the authority to revoke the system if it chooses. The ILP is an official travel document issued to Indian citizens for entry into a few states, including Mizoram. It has been in force since 1875, and its continuation to safeguard indigenous tribal communities was formally protected under the Mizo Accord of 1986. Demands are being made from several quarters to strictly enforce the IPL norms in view of the potential influx after the inauguration of the new Bairabi-Sairang railway line in September last year, which connects Aizawl to the national network. Cautioning that the permit system should be enforced with “reasonable restraint,” the chief minister had allegedly said that if it is implemented unreasonably, it can be challenged in court, and the court may even strike it down. The chief minister had also allegedly stated that the commonly used term “Mizoram Accord” is technically inaccurate, arguing that the 1986 peace agreement was signed between the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and “one political organisation” (MNF) in Mizoram rather than between the Government of India and the state of Mizoram. Zoramthanga said that Lalduhoma should apologise to the people of Mizoram and retract the remarks before Independence Day, warning that the party would take “appropriate action” if the demand was ignored. “The MNF will continue to safeguard the Peace Accord and oppose any move that weakens or distorts it,” the former CM said. He also criticised Lalduhoma’s repeated assertion that the Centre can revoke the Inner Line Permit (ILP) at its discretion, and described the statement as “irresponsible and harmful” to public confidence on an issue central to Mizoram’s constitutional safeguards. The former rebel leader-turned-politician further alleged that the chief minister had incorrectly described the 1986 Peace Accord as a “Memorandum of Agreement” and a “Memorandum of Understanding” during his address to law students, instead of its official title, the Memorandum of Settlement. He also claimed that Lalduhoma failed to correctly identify the then Mizoram Chief Secretary, Lalkhama, who signed the accord on behalf of the Mizoram government, despite portraying himself as well-versed in the peace negotiations. “Mistakes made out of ignorance can be understood, but knowingly presenting incorrect facts is unbecoming of the state’s highest elected leader,” Zoramthanga said. Former deputy chief minister Tawnluia, who accompanied Zoramthanga, said that the MNF would continue to defend the integrity of the Peace Accord whenever its significance was diminished. Tawnluia stressed that the accord was signed by the Government of India, the Government of Mizoram and the MNF, and not merely between the Union Home Ministry and the MNF, as the CM had claimed. (Source: PTI)        

IMPHAL : Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh on Wednesday held discussions with Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) IG Clay Khongsai on internal security, law enforcement and civic action programmes in the state. In a social media post, Singh said the meeting at the state secretariat focused on strengthening coordination on issues related to security and public welfare. “I held discussions with ITBP Inspector General Clay Khongsai on matters relating to internal security, law enforcement and civil-military civic action in the state,” the chief minister said. Singh appreciated the ITBP’s role in strengthening public security and lauded its Civic Action Programmes, which, he said, have helped build community trust through welfare and healthcare initiatives. “The State Government remains committed to close coordination with all security agencies to ensure lasting peace, stability and public welfare,” he added. Khongsai, a 1996-batch IPS officer from Manipur, had earlier served as Additional Director General of Police in the state before being appointed IG of the ITBP by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs in August 2023. (Source: PTI)    

IMPHAL, AUG 5: Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh on Wednesday said sporting excellence continues to promote the state’s prestige on the national and global stage, an official statement said. Singh made the remarks during his meeting with Commonwealth Games 2026 silver medalist Jadumani Singh Mandengbam at the chief minister’s secretariat. During the meeting, the chief minister extended his heartfelt congratulations to pugilist Singh for his outstanding achievement, which has brought laurels to both the state and the nation, and conveyed his best wishes to him ahead of the Asian Games 2026, the statement said. He also expressed confidence in his ability to secure a gold medal. Lauding the “sports movement” in Manipur, the CM remarked that sporting excellence continues to promote the state’s prestige on the national and global stage. “We are immensely proud of our sportspersons,” he said, while promising them all possible support from the government. Later, Jadumani Singh expressed his gratitude for the chief minister’s encouragement and motivational guidance. He also noted that the interaction had further strengthened his resolve to deliver an exceptional performance in future competitions. He also appealed to the people of the state to extend their good wishes for his campaign at the upcoming Asian Games in Japan. Players from Manipur have won four medals, including a gold medal, for the country at the recently concluded Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. (Source: PTI)    

GUWAHATI : Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Wednesday urged students to use higher education not merely to earn degrees but to become compassionate, responsible and visionary leaders capable of addressing the complex challenges of a rapidly changing world. Encouraging students to look beyond classrooms and examinations, he said the true purpose of higher education is to teach individuals “how to think, not what to think”. Addressing the postgraduate students at the Deeksharambh-2026 student induction programme of The Assam Royal Global University (RGU) here, he said universities have a responsibility that extends far beyond imparting academic knowledge. “They must nurture scientific temper, critical thinking, moral courage and a commitment to public service among young people,” Lalduhoma said. Expressing happiness over the presence of students from Mizoram at RGU, the chief minister said they serve as ambassadors of their culture while embracing the traditions of another state, thereby strengthening bonds among the northeastern states and reinforcing the ideals of national integration. He described education as one of the strongest bridges connecting people across geographical boundaries and appreciated the varsity’s decision to dedicate its forthcoming convocation to the theme of Mizoram. Lalduhoma also expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the recent devastating floods in Assam and conveyed solidarity with the affected communities. Speaking on the occasion, RGU chancellor A K Pansari highlighted the university’s growing international outlook and said that students from 28 countries are currently pursuing higher education at RGU, reflecting its emergence as a diverse and inclusive global learning destination. (Source: PTI)            

NAGAON : A CRPF officer shot his two colleagues dead and injured another before he killed himself in Assam’s Nagaon district on Tuesday, police said. Nagaon Deputy Superintendent of Police (HQ) Paramita Sarkar told PTI that the incident took place at the 34 Battalion camp in Katimari around 7 am when ASI/GD Ballani Premabaram, who was on duty at the main gate, fired at his colleagues. The ASI later shot himself and died at the spot, the DSP said. “Two personnel, HV/GD Vishnu Prasad Baghel and SI/GD Ramnawal Singh Yadav died on the spot,” she said. Another CRPF personnel ASI/Mane Govind Sripul was injured in the incident and taken to a private hospital, where he was undergoing treatment, Sarkar said. Senior CRPF and police officers rushed to the camp, and an inquiry has been ordered into the incident, she added. (Source: PTI)    

IMPHAL ; Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho has said the Northeast is a vital part of India’s heritage, endowed with rich traditions and immense potential that contributes to the country’s progress, an official statement said on Monday. Dikho made the remarks while laying the foundation stone of the ‘Late Smt Jamnabai Firodia North East India Bhavan – Rani Gaidinliu Girls’ Hostel’ in Pune on Sunday. Named after Naga freedom fighter Rani Gaidinliu, the hostel aims to provide accommodation for girls from the Northeast pursuing higher education. “The Northeastern region is a vital part of India’s heritage, blessed with rich traditions, immense talent and immense potential that contributes to the nation’s progress,” the Naga leader said. He said the project was more than just a building and reflected a shared commitment to supporting students from all parts of the country. “As India moves towards the vision of Viksit Bharat, every young person, irrespective of where they come from, should have equal access to quality education and opportunities,” he said. The deputy chief minister said the proposed Bhavan would provide a safe, secure and nurturing environment to support education, personal growth and long-term success. “It will become a permanent sanctuary, especially for students from Manipur studying in Pune,” he added. (Source: PTI)  

GANGTOK : Welcoming the resumption of the India-China border trade through Nathu La, Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba on Monday described the development as a landmark moment for Sikkim and the country, saying it would boost the Himalayan state’s economy, strengthen livelihoods and reinforce bilateral engagement between the two neighbours. The border trade between India and China through the Nathula Pass resumed on August 1 after six years, marking the revival of one of the oldest trading corridors along the ancient Silk Route. The trade had remained suspended since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent strain in India-China border relations. In a press statement, the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) MP said the reopening of the centuries-old trade route marks the revival of a long-standing tradition of commerce, cultural exchange and friendship across the Himalayas. “The resumption of Nathu La border trade is a proud and significant moment not only for the people of Sikkim but for the entire nation. It revives a centuries-old tradition of commerce, cultural exchange and friendship across the Himalayas while opening new economic opportunities for our people,” Subba said. The MP expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Government of India for facilitating the resumption of border trade. He also acknowledged the efforts of Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, stating that the CM’s consistent advocacy and proactive initiatives played an important role in reviving the historic trade route. Highlighting the economic significance of the reopening, Subba said the revival of trade would benefit traders, transporters, entrepreneurs, local businesses and the tourism sector while generating employment and promoting Sikkim’s local products. He also underlined the diplomatic importance of the development, noting that trade and people-to-people exchanges have historically contributed to building trust and understanding between neighbouring countries. “The reopening of Nathu La is much more than the resumption of trade. It represents an opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties between India and China through peaceful engagement, economic cooperation and cultural interaction while creating sustainable livelihoods for the people of Sikkim,” he said. Subba further noted that the simultaneous revival of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through the Nathu La route has enhanced Sikkim’s strategic and cultural significance. Calling Nathu La a vital gateway for trade, tourism, spiritual travel and cultural exchange, the MP urged stakeholders to ensure that the benefits of border trade reach local communities, particularly those residing in border areas, while safeguarding the fragile Himalayan ecosystem through sustainable development. He expressed confidence that the revival of the historic trade route would usher in a new phase of prosperity, cooperation and progress for both Sikkim and the nation. (Source: PTI)