REGIONAL

GUWAHATI : A 39-year-old man was arrested with a cache of arms and ammunition in Guwahati during an investigation into an extortion case, police said on Sunday. The arrest was made by a team of the Pragjyotishpur police station after an FIR was lodged on July 2, Guwahati Police said in a series of social media posts. The 39-year-old accused allegedly threatened, assaulted and wrongfully confined the victim before extorting Rs 3 lakh and detaining his car, police said. During a raid at the accused’s residence at Chapaidong in the Bonda area, police arrested him, recovered the victim’s car and found an empty cartridge, corroborating the allegation that a warning shot had been fired during the incident, they said. The search also led to the seizure of a large cache of arms and ammunition, including a pistol, three rifles, over 360 live rounds of ammunition, 80 empty cartridges, three mobile phones and an arms licence. Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused and the victim were former business associates, police said. The victim was allegedly threatened, assaulted, forced to sign documents and coerced into transferring Rs 3 lakh online, they said. Police said the accused is a history-sheeter with four criminal cases registered against him in Assam. The authenticity of the arms licence is being verified, while investigators are also probing possible links to illegal procurement of firearms, they said. (Source: PTI)    

GUWAHATI : A forest department official in Assam has been suspended after an audio clip of him purportedly demanding money from a dumper truck owner to operate illegally surfaced on social media, an official said. According to an office order, Divisional Forest Officer of Jorhat, Montu Hazarika, has been suspended with immediate effect for allegedly indulging in corrupt practices. He has been asked to report to Mariani Range headquarters. The action was initiated after a telephonic conversation, purportedly of the officer seeking money from a dumper owner to allow unauthorised activities, went viral on social media. The authenticity of the clip was not verified by PTI. “Sources said the audio clip came to the notice of Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah, who directed the department to take immediate action,” a forest department spokesperson said. (Source: PTI)    

IMPHAL : Two Assam residents who had been illegally confined as debt collateral have been rescued from Manipur’s Ukhrul district, police said on Sunday. Manipur Police rescued the two persons after receiving a complaint report from Titabar police station in Assam. “The complaint was filed by Munin Kachari of Assam’s Jorhat at Titabar police station, stating that on June 12, one Dibyajyoti Saikia of Jorhat left the former’s brother at Khamsom in Manipur’s Senapati district with an unidentified person as security against the outstanding debt from some financial dealings with the said unidentified person for inability to repay the due amount,” the police statement said. Accordingly, police launched follow-up operations and traced two victims and rescued them on Friday from Changta village in Lungchon Maiphai police station area in Ukhrul district, an officer said. The rescued persons have been identified as Kasob Kachari (29), and Ajay Gogoi (33). They have been safely brought to Senapati police station on Saturday, the police officer said. No arrests have been made in connection with the case and further investigation is underway, he added. (Source: PTI)

CHURACHANDPUR : Ahead of Manipur BJP MLA Vungzagin Valte’s last rites, hundreds of Kukis took to the streets of Churachandpur district on Saturday morning protesting Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh’s visit, officials said. At least six Kuki organisations boycotted the visit of Singh to the Kuki-Zo majority district, demanding a permanent resolution to the simmering ethnic conflict in the state. Markets remained closed, and vehicles remained off the streets in the district headquarters, following a shutdown call given by an armed group. Dozens of protesters also gathered at the Tedim road near the Kaprang area to block the route from Imphal to Churachandpur. Around 11 pm on Friday, armed people fired several rounds in the air near the Jalengphai area in Churachandpur district bordering the valley district of Bishnupur. In a statement, Kuki organisations, including Kuki Students Organisation, Kuki Inpi Churachandpur and Kuki Women Union, under the banner of Kuki Civil Society Organisation, said, “The KCSOs Churachandpur would like to make it clear that until and unless there is a solution to the ongoing ‘Kuki-zo-Meitei Conflict’, we would not allow any Meitei individual, officials or group in our district.” The protests and shutdown came in the wake of Singh’s visit to attend the final rites of former BJP MLA Vungzagin Valte, who passed away in February this year. Valte, a three-time legislator from Thanlon constituency, will be buried at a cemetery in Dorcas Veng village in Churachandpur district at around 1.30 pm, according to a Zomi Council statement issued on Friday. The body of the 61-year-old BJP leader belonging to the Zomi community has been kept in Churachandpur District Hospital since it was brought from Delhi in February. Valte had been battling serious injuries he had sustained during a mob attack in Imphal’s Nagamapal area when ethnic violence broke out in May 2023, and went to Delhi for medical treatment. After nearly two years of treatment there, Valte returned home to Churachandpur, accompanied by his wife, in April last year. On February 7, his health condition suddenly worsened, and he was taken to the national capital the next day via an air ambulance. He died at a private hospital in Gurugram on February 20. Following his death, Zomi frontal organisations formed the Zomi Coordination Committee (ZCC) to oversee matters related to the late legislator, including engagement with the Centre, the state government, and other authorities on issues of justice and accountability, causing the delay in the burial, sources in the community said. The ZCC recently resolved to hand over Valte’s mortal remains to his family to enable them to perform his final rites, they said. The ZCC’s demands included a time-bound investigation by the NIA or CBI into the attack on the MLA leading to his death, and the grant of Union Territory status with a legislature for the Kuki-Zo majority areas of Manipur, which he perceived as the only way towards the development of the community on par with others, sources said. Valte had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi explaining the importance and the need for a separate administration. At least 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless since May 2023 due to ethnic violence in Manipur between the valley-based Meiteis and the Kukis who live in the hill districts. Following continued ethic clashes and the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, the state was placed under President’s Rule on February 13, 2025. It was lifted nearly a year later, on February 4. (Source: PTI)  

IMPHAL : Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh on Saturday attended BJP MLA Vungazagin Valte’s last rites in Churachandpur district and said his deepest regret was not being by the side of the late leader when he was assaulted by a mob in the state capital. Singh took a chopper to visit the Kuki-Zomi majority district, amidst protests by Kuki groups. At least six Kuki organisations boycotted Singh’s visit to the Kuki-Zo majority district, demanding a permanent resolution to the simmering ethnic conflict in the state. “Today, I had a meeting with the Union home minister (through virtual). That’s why I didn’t come by road,” the chief minister said. Describing Valte as a “very calm person”, Singh said, “When I was first elected (in 2017) and became Speaker, he was one of my best friends.” “I still remember that particular incident of May 4 (2023). We were all together discussing how to control the violence… if I were with him on that particular evening, that incident would have never taken place,” Singh said. He went on to say that on the evening of May 3, “deputy chief minister Nemcha Kipgen said she wanted to go back to Kangpokpi. I persuaded her to stay back, citing mob violence. She was sent back with full security at 2 am the following day”. “Today, I came here to pay my last respects to my friend Pu Valte. To be able to attend it is a huge honour for me. Valte’s family is like my family. His friends and close ones are my friends too. I will always extend any support to all of them,” Singh added. Valte, a three-time legislator from Thanlon constituency, will be buried at a cemetery in Dorcas Veng village in Churachandpur district at around 1.30 pm, according to a Zomi Council statement issued on Friday. The body of the 61-year-old BJP leader belonging to the Zomi community has been kept in Churachandpur District Hospital since it was brought from Delhi in February. Valte had been battling serious injuries he had sustained during a mob attack in Imphal’s Nagamapal area when ethnic violence broke out in May 2023, and went to Delhi for medical treatment. After nearly two years of treatment there, Valte returned home to Churachandpur, accompanied by his wife, in April last year. On February 7, his health condition suddenly worsened, and he was taken to the national capital the next day via an air ambulance. He died at a private hospital in Gurugram on February 20. Following his death, Zomi frontal organisations formed the Zomi Coordination Committee (ZCC) to oversee matters related to the late legislator, including engagement with the Centre, the state government, and other authorities on issues of justice and accountability, causing the delay in the burial, sources in the community said. The ZCC recently resolved to hand over Valte’s mortal remains to his family to enable them to perform his final rites, they said. The ZCC’s demands included a time-bound investigation by the NIA or CBI into the attack on the MLA leading to his death, and the grant of Union Territory status with a legislature for the Kuki-Zo majority areas of Manipur, which he perceived as the only way towards the development of the community on par with others, sources said. Valte had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi explaining the importance and the need for a separate administration. At least 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless since May 2023 due to ethnic violence in Manipur between the valley-based Meiteis and the Kukis who live in the hill districts. Following continued ethic clashes and the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, the state was placed under President’s Rule on February 13, 2025. It was lifted nearly a year later, on February 4. (Source: PTI)    

IMPHAL : Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh on Saturday said people desire an end to the prolonged crisis in the state. Speaking at an event here, Singh said he was encouraged to see that Churachandpur district was no longer affected by the disruptions witnessed during the height of the crisis. “Dialogue is the only way forward to restore lasting peace in the state,” he said. Stressing that development cannot take place without peace, Singh said the people of Manipur desire an end to the prolonged crisis and wish to move forward together. He, however, observed that a few individuals continue to benefit from the prevailing chaotic situation and therefore do not want peace to return. Singh urged people not to allow people with such vested interests to derail the collective efforts towards restoring peace and ensuring the state’s progress and asserted that those disrupting peace will be identified and action taken against them. The chief minister said the crisis has hit hard the state’s economy and government’s revenue collection. He added that younger generations and poor people were the ones who suffered the most during the crisis and that students also faced a lot of hardship due to the unrest in the state. Earlier in the day, the CM visited Churachandpur and attended the last rites of BJP MLA Vungzagin Valte, who died earlier this year after sustaining serious injuries in a mob attack in Imphal in 2023. More than 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and adjoining hills-based Kukis in Manipur since May 2023. (Source: PTI)      

IMPHAL : Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh on Friday said his government remains committed to conserving and promoting the state’s rich cultural and historical heritage. Singh made the remarks after attending the 34th meeting of the Kangla Board along with Arts and Culture Minister Kh Loken Singh and other board officials. In a post on social media, the chief minister said the meeting focused on development initiatives within Kangla Fort while ensuring the preservation of its historical and cultural significance. “The government remains steadfast in its commitment to conserving and promoting Manipur’s rich heritage for the benefit of future generations,” he added. Kangla Board is the governing body responsible for the administration, control, and preservation of the historic Kangla Fort in Imphal, which served as the ancient political and cultural centre of the erstwhile Manipur kingdom. (Source: PTI)    

GUWAHATI : An estate in Assam’s Tinsukia district has created history by producing and launching India’s first-ever commercially manufactured ‘Matcha’ tea, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Friday. Chota Tingrai Tea Estate in the Upper Assam district has successfully produced and launched ‘Matcha’ tea, with the lot selling at the Gauhati Tea Auction for Rs 3,000. “Your favourite Matcha brew, will now be produced in Assam. Furthering our glorious tea legacy, Assam becomes the first State in India to commercially produce Matcha tea at the Chota Tingrai Tea Estate in Tinsukia,” Sarma said in a post on X. The diversification of the viral drink will help strengthen brand Assam Tea in the global markets, he said. “This has been made possible due to the strong India-Japan ties and our collaboration in various fields, and has fetched a handsome price at the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre,” the CM said. Mrityunjay Jalan, the director of the tea estate, said it has spent the past decade collaborating closely with Japanese tea manufacturers, agronomists, equipment suppliers, and tea experts to bring this vision to life. “By establishing a fully automated, state-of-the-art Japanese tea manufacturing facility on its estate, Chota Tingrai has successfully bridged traditional Assam tea heritage with authentic Japanese expertise,” he said. ‘Matcha’ is a highly sought-after, premium green tea product primarily manufactured in Japan, China, and Vietnam, which is currently facing global shortage due to skyrocketing demand, officials said. Assam is globally celebrated for its rich and robust black teas, and the introduction of high-quality specialty teas like ‘Matcha’ marks a monumental shift, they said. Jalan said the development adds a valuable new dimension to Assam’s tea portfolio, opening lucrative new export opportunities and strengthening India’s position in the global specialty tea market. “We have been working with tea experts from Japan for the past decade to introduce the highest quality of green tea to the Indian market,” he said. Jalan said they have successfully sold whole-leaf green tea grades for the past 10 years, but the “launch of authentic Indian ‘Matcha’ is a milestone we are incredibly proud of”. It is the result of a dedicated partnership with our Japanese counterparts, and ”we are confident that ‘Matcha’ from Chota Tingrai will soon find a home in both Indian and international households”, he added. (Source: PTI)    

KOHIMA : Nagaland Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen on Friday said climate change is disrupting the state’s traditional agricultural calendar, making it imperative to adopt climate-smart technologies and renewable energy to secure rural livelihoods. Addressing the inauguration of the ‘Women-led enterprises for a climate-smart Nagaland’ trade facilitation fair here, Imchen said erratic rainfall has significantly altered the state’s farming cycle. He noted that sowing, which traditionally began in early April, is now being delayed until June, often resulting in crop losses due to inadequate rainfall. Calling for an urgent transition to a low-carbon economy, he stressed that renewable energy — particularly solar power — must become an integral part of rural enterprises to help communities adapt to changing climatic conditions while improving productivity and incomes. Imchen also said that although the self-help group (SHG) movement has empowered thousands of rural women, many entrepreneurs continue to face challenges in accessing modern technology, institutional finance, markets, and business support. “It is a collective governance and societal responsibility to build an enabling ecosystem capable of translating local skills and resources into viable, self-sustaining businesses,” he said. The fair, organised by the Nagaland State Rural Livelihood Mission (NSRLM) in partnership with the SELCO Foundation, showcases 19 exhibition stalls featuring clean-energy technologies and financing solutions for sectors such as weaving, horticulture, piggery, bamboo, and food processing. Imchen said decentralised solar-powered equipment, including dryers, grinders, and cold storage units, can help reduce post-harvest losses, improve product quality, lower production costs, and generate employment in rural areas. (Source: PTI)