REGIONAL

GUWAHATI : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday urged Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to allow the northeastern states to have access to enhanced funds through externally aided projects, citing “exceptional track record and honest implementation of schemes and projects” in the region. He said that such projects, worth Rs 53,000 crore, are underway in Assam alone. “On behalf of Assam and our sister states in the northeast, I made a passionate appeal to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to allow our governments access to enhanced limits through Externally Aided Projects (EAP), keeping in view our exceptional track record and honest implementation of schemes and projects,” Sarma said on X. After attending a seminar on ‘Leveraging EAPS in North-Eastern States’ in Shillong, he said that over the past few years, these projects, backed by multilateral financial agencies, have empowered Assam to initiate multiple mega transformative projects, which were initially considered unviable due to the high cost of capital. Currently, such projects worth Rs 53,000 crore are underway in Assam alone, in sectors such as building bridges and embankments, hospitals, robotics, mega power and infrastructure projects, Sarma said. “Needless to say, Externally Aided Projects also bring in vibrant project management skills and global best practices into our government machinery,” he added. Sarma maintained that the inaugural session of the seminar was “an excellent platform to improve collaboration and planning in the implementation of such projects”. The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), in a post on social media, said Sarma highlighted the transformative growth of Assam. Sarma cited the successful completion of the EAP-funded Lower Kopili Hydroelectric Project in just three-and-a-half years. He also mentioned projects such as the Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu in Guwahati and the ongoing Dhubri–Phulbari Bridge as examples of the state’s strong development momentum and effective utilisation of Externally Aided Projects, the CMO said. (Source: PTI)          

IMPHAL : Security forces have launched extensive search operations in at least four villages, where incidents of violence were reported recently, in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district and recovered a cache of arms and ammunition, police said on Thursday. At least thirty illegal bunkers were also destroyed during the operations on Wednesday at Leilon Vaiphei, Leilon Khunou, L Munlui and Konsakhul villages within the jurisdiction of the Leimakhong Police Station, a police statement said. Leilon Vaiphei is a Kuki-Zo village, where six Naga men were abducted on May 13, and their bodies were recovered near the village on June 10, an official said. Reports of firing were also reported from Leilon Munlui and Konsakhul in the last few months, he said. “During the operations, eleven 12-bore SBBLs (single-barreled breech-loading), 294 live rounds of ammunition for a 12-bore gun, two packages of gun powder, 34 empty cases of 12-bore ammunition, and six bulletproof vests were recovered,” the statement said. Thirty bunkers, outposts and strategic camp sites found in the vicinity of these villages were also dismantled during the operations, while four people were also detained for verification, it said. Security forces also destroyed an unauthorised check post and a bunker at S Nabil and Loilamkoi villages under the Churachandpur Police Station limits in Churachandpur district on Wednesday. The police had earlier said that the DGP was “personally overseeing operations in areas where there has been a spurt of killings and armed activities between communities in recent weeks”. Former chief minister N Biren Singh, in a post on X, welcomed the proactive security measures launched by newly appointed Manipur DGP Mukesh Singh. The former CM said, “It is particularly encouraging to see that, after a long gap, the DGP himself is personally supervising the combing operations against anti-social elements today. I truly appreciate his hands-on approach and commitment.” He also expressed confidence that with “the determined efforts of Mukesh Singh and the security forces, peace and normalcy will be restored in Manipur at the earliest”. He urged all sections of society to stand united and extend full support to the security forces. More than 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023. (Source: PTI)    

GUWAHATI : A mural of popular singer Zubeen Garg in Ganeshguri area of the city was covered with paint by the authorities as part of the beautification plan ahead of the proposed visit of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. However, following widespread criticism from the family and fans of Garg, who died by drowning in the sea in Singapore in September last year, it was decided that the picture would be painted again. The mural, titled ‘Comrade do not die,’ was painted by graffiti artist Marshall Baruah below the Ganeshguri flyover, and it was allegedly covered with paint by the Gauhati Municipal Corporation (GMC). Garg’s wife Garima Saikia Garg questioned the removal of the painting in a Facebook post, asking whether the singer’s image had made the city look ”unclean or was it not necessary”. She said that she was not angry or resentful about the removal, as emotional connections and bonding matter more but wondered whether wiping his image made the city look more beautiful. ”Zubeen is ‘immortal’ and will continue to live on in the minds, hearts and conscience of the people, irrespective of whether the mural is there or not,” she added. The artist and hordes of Zubeen’s fans reached the venue in the evening, with Baruah asserting that he will again paint his image on the wall. He claimed that the police prevented him from painting again and told him that he could do so after July 3. The Japanese Prime Minister is likely to visit Guwahati in early July. A tense situation prevailed at the venue as fans raised slogans of ‘Jai Zubeen-da’ and urged the artist to paint his image again. A discussion followed, and it was decided that Baruah would once again paint the singer’s image at the same spot. The artist began painting in the evening while fans kept a strict vigil at the venue. GMC Mayor Mrigen Sarania claimed that no instruction was given to cover Zubeen’s image, but the direction was to clean the city. The police, however, refrained from commenting on the controversy. (Source: PTI)              

GUWAHATI : Drugs valued at Rs 14.5 crore have been seized and seven persons arrested from two districts of Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Thursday. The drugs were seized from Sribhumi and Nagaon districts in a series of operations, the chief minister said in a social media post. “Our war against drugs is absolute and unyielding. In a series of successful operations, @sribhumipolice and @nagaonpolice seized narcotics worth Rs 14.5 crore,” Sarma said in the post. The CM said the crackdown on drugs and peddlers will continue. (Source: PTI)

GUWAHATI : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday reviewed preparations for the rescheduled medical entrance exam NEET-UG, to be held on June 21, and directed officials to ensure a free, fair and secure conduct of the test. Chairing a meeting, Sarma said stringent measures have been put in place to prevent any irregularities during the examination process. “Assam has always taken strict measures to ensure there are no loopholes in the entire process,” the chief minister said in a social media post after the meeting. He said military officials would transport question papers to examination centres, while CCTV surveillance would be installed at all venues. The centres will also be provided with round-the-clock police protection. As part of the security arrangements, prohibitory orders under Section 144 will be enforced within a 100-metre radius of examination centres. Candidates will undergo double-layer frisking, and mobile signal jammers will be installed at all venues. The review meeting was held via video conference with District Commissioners, Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) and other senior district officials. The chief minister directed the District Commissioners and SSPs to jointly inspect all examination centres to assess security arrangements, infrastructure preparedness and examination-day logistics. He also instructed that a mandatory technical audit and dry run of CCTV systems, biometric devices and signal jammers be carried out at all centres well before the examination. Adequate publicity should be undertaken to create public awareness of the restrictions, and ensure that no person other than candidates approach the examination centres, Sarma said. Sarma also said that there should be adequate deployment of women police personnel at all examination centres. The CM stressed the importance of strict adherence to National Testing Agency (NTA) guidelines regarding candidate frisking. He said that double-layer frisking should be conducted firmly, professionally and courteously, ensuring candidates do not face inconvenience or discomfort while maintaining the highest vigilance against malpractice. Sarma also directed that a nodal officer be designated in each district for CCTV monitoring, and that random checks of its footage be carried out regularly. Regarding the security of question papers, he instructed that access to bank lockers where these are stored be strictly regulated. Visits by individuals should be permitted only under exceptional circumstances and with the prior approval of the district magistrate, he said. A senior police officer not below the rank of DSP will also be designated in each district to oversee the security and monitoring of such lockers. A control room will be established in the office of the Director of Medical Education, which will become operational from June 19, he said. The examination will be conducted across 87 centres located in 17 districts of the state. Sarma said candidates carrying valid admit cards would be allowed to travel free of cost on Assam State Transport buses on the examination day. “In today’s meeting, we have taken several measures to uphold the integrity of the NEET re-examination. There will be no compromise with the future of our students,” he asserted. A total of 43,319 candidates in the state have registered for the examination. The NEET-UG examination, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission into MBBS courses, was held on May 3 but was subsequently cancelled following allegations of irregularities. The nationwide re-examination is scheduled for June 21. (Source: PTI)    

GANGTOK : The first-ever video footage of a herd of the elusive Mishmi Takin have been recorded in the Tingda Reserve Forest of North Sikkim, marking one of the most significant confirmed sightings of the vulnerable species in the state in over two decades. According to a statement issued by the Forest and Environment Department on Wednesday, the rare sighting was made during a routine patrol in the Bakuchen area of the reserve forest, where officials documented a herd of eight Mishmi Takins (Budorcas taxicolor). “The footage documents a herd of eight individuals, representing the largest group of Takins ever recorded from this locality,” the department said. Often described as a “goat-antelope”, the Mishmi Takin is a large high-altitude ungulate native to the eastern Himalayas. The species is listed as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List and is regarded as an important indicator of the health of alpine ecosystems. Known for their stocky build, shaggy coats and ability to survive in harsh mountain environments, Takins inhabit rugged terrain ranging from forested valleys to alpine meadows at elevations of up to 4,500 metres. Their skin secretes a natural oily substance that helps protect them from rain and extreme weather conditions. The department noted that Sikkim forms the westernmost edge of the Mishmi Takin’s global distribution range, making the latest documentation particularly significant for wildlife researchers and conservationists. “Historical records of the species in Sikkim are extremely limited. The present documentation therefore represents one of the most significant confirmed records of the Mishmi Takin in Sikkim in over two decades,” the statement said. Wildlife experts believe the presence of a healthy herd reflects the ecological integrity of the region’s mountain habitats and highlights the importance of preserving habitat connectivity across the Eastern Himalayas. Such transboundary ecological corridors are vital for the movement, genetic diversity and long-term survival of wide-ranging species, they said. The Forest and Environment Department attributed the sighting to sustained conservation efforts and habitat protection measures undertaken across the state’s fragile mountain ecosystems. “This remarkable sighting underscores the success of the department’s sustained conservation initiatives in protecting Sikkim’s mountain landscapes through integrated habitat management and protection,” the statement added. Officials said the footage is expected to provide valuable insights into the species’ distribution and population status in Sikkim. (Source: PTI)    

GANGTOK : Sikkim has achieved 100 per cent distribution of enumeration forms (EF) to eligible voters during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Raj Singh Yadav said on Wednesday. “We have achieved 100 per cent distribution of EFs in Sikkim, way ahead of the deadline,” he told reporters here. Yadav urged all eligible voters to make timely submission of filled EFs for the preparation of the draft electoral roll in Sikkim. Yadav, however, said that distribution alone does not guarantee inclusion in the draft electoral roll as the electors who have received the forms must ensure that they are duly filled and submitted to their respective Booth Level Officers (BLOs) on or before June 28, the prescribed deadline for submission. He said that electors who fail to submit their forms by the deadline would not be included in the draft electoral roll, as no submissions would be entertained thereafter. The CEO said that once forms are submitted, BLOs will record their receipt through the BLO App, following which the forms will be digitised and processed. He urged all electors to cooperate with the election machinery and complete the process within the prescribed timeline. Referring to grievances received regarding BLOs not visiting certain voters, Yadav clarified that BLOs can visit only within their designated polling areas and voter addresses. He said that in cases where a voter’s present residence differs from the address recorded in the electoral roll, it becomes the responsibility of the elector to contact the concerned BLO and submit the form in the constituency where he or she is registered. Addressing the issue of floating population, the CEO reiterated that voters must coordinate with their respective BLOs in their registered constituencies to obtain and submit the forms. While distribution has reached full completion, Yadav expressed concern over the pace of digitisation, which remains below expectations in several areas. The district-wise digitisation progress currently stands at 48 per cent in Mangan, 38 per cent in Gangtok, 37 per cent in Namchi, 35 per cent in Gyalshing, 34 per cent in Soreng and 31 per cent in Pakyong, the lowest among all districts. PTI              

KOHIMA : Union minister Pabitra Margherita on Tuesday said the Narendra Modi-led government considers the Northeast as the country’s ‘Ashtalakshmi’ and has prioritised the region’s development through sustained investments in infrastructure, connectivity and welfare programmes over the past 12 years. Addressing a press conference at the BJP Nagaland state headquarters here to mark 12 years of the NDA government, Margherita said the region has witnessed unprecedented attention under Modi, who has repeatedly described the region as a key driver of India’s growth story. Margherita, the minister of state for external affairs and textiles, said the Centre’s commitment to the Northeast is reflected in improved connectivity, expanded welfare coverage and increased financial support to the region. According to him, the region has recorded significant progress in road, rail, air and digital connectivity, alongside investments in healthcare, education, tourism and entrepreneurship. Turning to Nagaland, Margherita said the state has been a major beneficiary of the Centre’s development initiatives and welfare schemes. He highlighted investments in infrastructure, tourism, handloom and handicrafts, as well as enhanced fiscal support to the state. Under the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS), he said 17 road projects worth about Rs 900 crore and 146 infrastructure projects valued at nearly Rs 1,489 crore have been approved for the state since the scheme’s inception. The minister also pointed to the role of the ministry of textiles in supporting the Handloom and Handicrafts Complex at Kisama Heritage Village, which serves as a platform for local artisans and weavers to showcase and market their products. Margherita said the Centre is working to connect artisans from Nagaland to national and international markets through digital platforms and major textile exhibitions such as Bharat Tex. He noted that traditional Naga handloom products have gained visibility at national events, creating new opportunities for local weavers and entrepreneurs. Highlighting the state’s tourism potential, he said the state’s rich cultural heritage, biodiversity, cuisine and natural landscapes place it in a strong position to attract investment and visitors. He added that the Centre and state government are working together to promote tourism and create sustainable livelihood opportunities. Referring to the Hornbill Festival, he said the event has evolved into a major attraction that draws visitors from across the country and abroad. He added that digital marketing platforms introduced by the Centre are helping artisans and weavers from remote areas access wider markets. On financial assistance, Margherita said tax devolution to Nagaland increased from Rs 5,405 crore during 2004-2014 to more than Rs 59,327 crore since 2014. He said grants and other forms of central support have also risen substantially, reflecting the Centre’s commitment to the state’s development. He further noted that Kohima’s inclusion under the Smart City Mission and investments in connectivity projects are contributing to urban development and economic growth in the state. The minister further outlined the impact of flagship welfare schemes in the state. He said more than 4.13 lakh Jan Dhan accounts have been opened in the state, over 7.7 lakh Ayushman Bharat cards issued, and more than 1.22 lakh LPG connections provided under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. He added that over 3.42 lakh rural households have received tap water connections under the Jal Jeevan Mission.   According to Margherita, around 14 lakh beneficiaries in the state are covered under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, while more than 1.8 lakh farmers have benefited from assistance under PM-KISAN. He maintained that the development witnessed in Nagaland over the past decade reflects the Centre’s broader vision for the Northeast as India’s ‘Ashtalakshmi’ and growth engine. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the state’s progress through continued investments in infrastructure, welfare and economic development. “The government of India will continue to work closely with the people of Nagaland to unlock the state’s full potential and ensure inclusive growth,” Margherita said. (Source: PTI)  

BARPETA : Assam Police has detained three boys for allegedly raping and murdering a 10-year-old girl in Barpeta district, an official said on Tuesday. The incident took place in the district’s Baghbar area on Monday, when the victim was returning from school, he said. Barpeta additional superintendent of police (ASP) Sameeran Baishya said the girl was returning home from school early as she was feeling unwell. “On the way, the accused dragged her into a jute field and gangraped her. Then they strangled her to death at the spot and left the body in the field,” he said. When the girl did not return home till evening, the family informed police and the body was recovered from the field by a police team later in the night. “The three boys have been detained after initial investigation,” the ASP said. “Further investigation is on, and more details will be shared later,” Baishya added. (Source: PTI)    

NAGAON : For most teenagers, school textbooks are unlikely places to find personal memories. But for Assam’s Giban Saikia, a chapter in his Class 10 textbook opened a window to a forgotten chapter of his life, which depicts the rescue story of an orphaned civet cub and how it was raised as a family member. A civet is a small and mostly nocturnal mammal native to tropical Asia and Africa, especially the tropical forests. The memories came rushing back to young Giban of central Assam’s Nagaon district as he read through ‘Baby Bhakat’, a chapter in his English textbook. Recalling the incident, Giban’s father Dharani Saikia said, “It was in 2009. I received information that a 10-day-old cub of a civet (locally called ‘Jahamal’) had fallen down from its nest on the premises of a neighbour’s house. As there was no one to look after it, I decided to bring the animal home.” Saikia is known for his love for nature and wildlife in Kampur area of the district, and he is approached by people in such matters. Initially unsure on what to feed the cub, Saikia’s wife Anjali decided to raise it on her own milk along with Giban, who was a six-month-old infant back then. The cub, whom they named ‘Bhakat’, grew up with Giban and his elder brother Pulin – eating, playing and even sleeping with them. After spending about eight months with the Saikia family, ‘Bhakat’ suddenly disappeared from the household. The civet cub’s stay with the Saikia family was documented by photojournalist Rommel Shunmugam, which found its way into the CBSE English textbook for Class 10. The chapter, ‘Baby Bhakat’, has been included since the 2024-25 session. “We hope that this will inspire young students to love nature and wildlife, and help in whatever way they can,” Saikia said. (Source: PTI)