REGIONAL

PAPUNALLAH : Officers and officials of the Transport Department at the Arunachal Pradesh Civil Secretariat, Itanagar, held a condolence meeting on Thursday to mourn the untimely demise of Dusu Rika, a driver attached to the Secretariat, who passed away on May 7 at the Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS), Naharlagun. Late Dusu Rika had served the state government for 12 years, two months and six days. During the meeting, the assembled officers and staff expressed deep sorrow over his sudden demise and observed a two-minute silence as a mark of respect. Prayers were also offered for eternal peace of the departed soul.

  YINGKIONG : A meeting on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s conference hall here on Thursday under the chairmanship of Upper Siang Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer (DEO) Talo Jerang. Addressing the meeting, Talo Jerang highlighted the key features, objectives, process and schedule of the SIR exercise in Arunachal Pradesh. Emphasising the important role of political parties in ensuring successful conduct of the revision process, he advised party representatives to organise training programmes and appoint Booth Level Agents (BLAs) to assist Booth Level Officers (BLOs) during the exercise. He also called for active cooperation and coordination among all stakeholders, including Heads of Departments and political party representatives, to ensure a smooth, transparent and error-free revision process in Upper Siang district. Earlier, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Headquarters)-cum-Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) Natek Nonang briefed participants on the objectives of the meeting and the importance of the SIR exercise. The meeting was attended by Heads of Departments, administrative officers and representatives of various political parties. (DIPR)

KOHIMA : Eliona, an AI-native Climate and Disaster Intelligence Supercomputing Platform developed under the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), was officially launched on Thursday, marking a major technological step towards strengthening disaster preparedness, climate resilience and scientific governance in the state. The supercomputer was launched by Advisor for NSDMA and New & Renewable Energy, Z. Nyusietho Nyuthe, at the Nagaland Centre for Disaster Management and Atmospheric Research (NaCDAR) in Kohima. Giving an overview, Joint Chief Executive Officer of NSDMA under the Home Department, Dr Johnny Ruangmei said Eliona has been designed as a next-generation AI-accelerated high-performance computing infrastructure focused on climate intelligence, disaster analytics, geospatial risk computation and predictive disaster governance. According to the profile presentation, the platform will support weather and climate modelling, earth observation analytics, disaster simulations, AI and machine learning research, and decision intelligence systems. It integrates atmospheric science, geospatial intelligence, big data analytics, remote sensing and disaster governance frameworks. Eliona’s core mission is to transform disaster management “from reactive response to predictive intelligence” through AI-enhanced forecasting, real-time data assimilation, predictive hazard intelligence and simulation-driven governance. The platform is expected to enable near real-time weather prediction, climate anomaly detection, terrain-aware hazard modelling and disaster impact simulations. Speaking at the launch, Nyuthe said the establishment of Eliona marks a significant step in strengthening disaster preparedness, climate resilience, scientific research and technology-based governance in the state. He noted that Nagaland’s terrain, heavy rainfall, seismic sensitivity and exposure to landslides, flash floods and thunderstorms require robust systems for monitoring, analysis, early warning and timely response. He said Eliona would support advanced weather modelling, rainfall prediction, flood and landslide analysis, geospatial hazard mapping and climate risk assessment. Nyuthe added that the facility would also strengthen NSDMA initiatives including disaster risk financing, parametric insurance, urban resilience planning and community-based preparedness. Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen said the system would support high-resolution weather modelling, hazard mapping, flood and landslide analysis, damage assessment and climate risk studies, while stressing the importance of prevention and mitigation through predictive modelling. Home Commissioner Abhijit Sinha termed Eliona a major advancement in disaster preparedness, early warning systems and evidence-based decision-making. He said the AI-enabled platform would help the state better understand changing weather patterns and contribute towards building a safer and more resilient Nagaland. (Source: PTI)    

SHILLONG : Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Thursday said Meghalaya has emerged as one of the country’s fastest-growing states with a 15.3 per cent five-year nominal GDP growth and a fourfold rise in capital investments since 2018. He cited a report, Client Associates State of Indian States 2026, and said it highlighted Meghalaya among the country’s top-performing economies, recording a 97 per cent rise in gross state domestic product (GSDP) between FY’21 and FY’26. “Pleased to share that Meghalaya has emerged as one of India’s fastest-growing states, reaffirming the strength of our collective vision and hard work,” Sangma said in a statement. This achievement reflects the government’s sustained focus on infrastructure, connectivity, tourism, power, livelihoods, entrepreneurship and governance reforms, he said. “Most importantly, it is a testament to the resilience, aspirations and efforts of the people of Meghalaya,” the chief minister said. (Source: PTI)    

AGARTALA : Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Thursday exhorted the police to focus on technology-driven methods to detect crimes swiftly and ensure speedy justice. Addressing the passing-out parade of 476 police constables at an academy in west Tripura, he said the state government has been making efforts to bring in modernisation in the force. “From maintaining law and order to crowd control to handling cyber crimes and investigation, the police have different roles to play. Therefore, it must focus on technology-driven policing, displaying the highest degree of professionalism and integrity,” Saha said. The CM said the government has already initiated the process to strengthen the state police by inducting constables and officers of different ranks. “The Tripura government has begun the process to recruit 218 sub-inspectors and approved a proposal for the appointment of 916 constables,” Saha said. He also asserted that the police have been given a free hand to control law and order across the state. Saha also highlighted his government’s initiative to increase the participation of women in the force. “It is heartening to know that 318 out of these 476 police constables are females. This shows the government’s commitment towards women empowerment,” he said. (Source: PTI)    

TURA : Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Thursday said the state has created over 3.6 lakh livelihood opportunities between FY’19 and FY’25 through investments in skills, entrepreneurship and market linkages. Addressing a programme – Skillerate 2026 – here, Sangma said Meghalaya’s “biggest strength is its youth”, and stressed the need to create sustainable livelihood opportunities through skill development and entrepreneurship support. The chief minister distributed start-up tools and work orders worth over Rs 16.59 crore. During the programme, 34 work orders were issued under the Skills Meghalaya and Supporting Human Capital Development in Meghalaya (SHCDM) for training 4,830 people. Start-up tools worth Rs 44.72 lakh were distributed to 798 beneficiaries across multiple trades and livelihood sectors, including plumbing, automotive servicing, gardening, farming systems, mobile phone repair and mushroom cultivation. “Training alone is not enough. A skilled youth must also have access to tools, handholding, market linkages and opportunities,” Sangma said. The government realised that many trained individuals were unable to start independent work because they lacked basic tools and equipment, he said. “This programme is not only about distributing toolkits. It is about creating dignity, confidence and livelihood opportunities for our youths,” he said. Highlighting Meghalaya’s economic progress, Sangma said the state is now recognised as one of the fastest-growing economies in the country, but stressed that growth must remain inclusive. “Economic growth alone is not enough if the benefits do not reach every household, every farmer and every entrepreneur,” he said. The chief minister also announced that the government aims to train 30,000 candidates during FY’27, while focusing on improving placement outcomes and future-ready skills. Labour, Employment and Skill Development Minister Methodius Dkhar, who attended the programme as the guest of honour, said skill development serves as a bridge between a person’s potential and purpose in life. (Source: PTI)

IMPHAL : Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh on Wednesday said that disarming people with firearms in all parts of the state was of urgent need, an official statement said. Singh made the remarks during a meeting with a delegation of Tangkhul Naga community from Sinakeithei Village in Ukhrul district who urged him to deploy state police forces in the village in view of the tense situation in the area. The delegation was also accompanied by Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah of the Naga People’s Front (NPF), an ally of the ruling BJP. The villagers demanded proper security in the area, adequate manpower in Sinakeithei police station and the proper functioning of the sub-divisional collector (SDC)’s office at Sinakeithei. Sinakeithei had witnessed several gun attacks by suspected militants following clashes between Kuki and Tangkhul Nagas since February this year. Replying to their demands, the chief minister told the villagers “that disarming people with firearms in all parts of the state is of urgent need”, and that “peace is the only solution, Manipur does not have any other option”. Singh said public leaders of all communities need to convince the youths to shun the path of violence and work for peace in the state. The chief minister said the government is trying to create jobs in non-governmental sectors by imparting skill development training to youths. More than 260 people have been killed in ethnic violence in Manipur since May, 2023. (Source: PTI)  

IMPHAL : Thousands of women on Wednesday staged multiple sit-in protests across Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur demanding the immediate release of six men held hostage by suspected Kuki militants. In the Senapati district headquarters, normal life was affected as markets remained closed and commercial transport was off the roads in view of the protests. Demonstrators raised slogans demanding justice and held placards that read “Hostages must be released; Kuki militants, stop kidnapping”. Naga Women’s Union president Priscilla Thiumai told reporters, “We want to send a clear message to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that his government must give justice and bring back the hostages at the earliest without any harm.” “The culprits should be arrested and brought to book immediately. Such acts by Kuki militants, who are observing the Suspension of Operations pact with the Centre, have become a norm. This is not acceptable. We appeal to the Centre to abrogate the SoO pact with the Kuki militants,” she said. Hundreds of women also staged similar protests in Ukhrul, Chandel, Tamenglong and Noney to express solidarity with the families of the missing persons and urge the government to ensure their safe return. More than 38 people were abducted and held hostage by armed groups in Kangpokpi and Senapati districts on May 13, hours after three church leaders were killed in an ambush in Kangpokpi district. Of them, 31 people have been released, including 12 Naga women from Konsakhul village and 16 Kukis from Kangpokpi district. Two Salesian brothers were also released. Six Naga men, however, continued to be held hostage and their whereabouts are not yet known. Kuki Inpi Manipur, the apex body of the Kuki tribes in the state, also claimed that 14 people from the community continued to be held hostage by Naga groups. (Source: PTI)    

IMPHAL : Security forces have been conducting search operations in the interior hill terrains of the Kangpokpi district in search of people still held hostage by armed groups, police said on Wednesday. Sniffer dogs have also been deployed for the operation, an official said. “Combing and search operations are being continued by security forces to rescue the missing persons in the hill ranges surrounding Leilon Vaiphei, Songtun, Khunkho and P Molding villages of Kangpokpi district,” police said in a statement. More than 38 people were abducted and held hostage by armed groups in Kangpokpi and Senapati districts on May 13, hours after three church leaders were shot dead in an ambush in Kangpokpi. Thirty-one of them have already been released, officials said. On Tuesday, a Liangmai Naga community leader met with Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh and said that even if the missing people are dead, their bodies should be handed over to their families. On the other hand, Kuki Inpi-Manipur, the apex body of the Kuki tribes in the state, claimed 14 people from the community have been held hostage by Naga groups. (Source: PTI)      

GUWAHATI : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday claimed the Congress-led opposition paid the price for “politicising” musician Zubeen Garg’s death in the Assembly polls as they were rejected by the people. He visited Garg’s cremation ground, ‘Zubeen Khetra’ at Kamarakuchi in Sonapur on the outskirts of Guwahati to pay tribute to the musician who died in Singapore on September 19 last year while swimming in the sea. The 52-year-old singer had gone to the Southeast Asian nation to perform in the 4th edition of the festival. Sarma stressed that there should be no politics in the name of Zubeen Garg. “As promised, after the dust of the elections settled, I visited the site today purely as a tribute to someone who, for us, is evergreen. He was never a matter of politics, but an emotion that lives in every heart,” the chief minister said. He also claimed that politicising the unfortunate death of Garg backfired on the Congress-led opposition during the recently concluded Assembly elections. “Some of them have stopped invoking his name as soon as polls got over, and those who came to his shrine had no knowledge of Zubeen when he was alive,” the CM said. “Zubeen was, is and will always remain my favourite! Today, at Zubeen Khetra, I paid my tributes to Assam’s eternal heartthrob and reviewed the progress of the development work underway, an effort that will stand as a fitting tribute to his enduring legacy,” Sarma told reporters. The Congress and its allies had criticised the Assam government during election campaigns over the alleged delay in setting up the fast-track court in the Zubeen Garg death case. Giving justice to Zubeen Garg within 100 days of government formation was a “guarantee” by the Congress, which criticised the BJP as no national party leader visited Zubeen Khetra. During his visit on Wednesday, Sarma reviewed the ongoing development works at the Zubeen Khetra. He said the initial phase of construction has begun, while steps have also been taken to safeguard the site from possible landslides. Once the construction of the boundary wall is completed, the main development work of the Samadhi Khetra is expected to progress in a structured manner, the chief minister added. (Source: PTI)       AASU to protest against price rise of essential items Guwahati, May 20 (PTI) All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) president Utpal Sarma on Wednesday said it will launch a state-wide protest against price rise from May 22 onwards.   In a Facebook post, Sarma said the price rise of essential commodities has affected people hard across the state.   “The market is on fire, and the people are severely suffering. Both governments at the Centre and state have failed to reduce prices,” he added.   In such a situation, a people’s movement is inevitable, Sarma asserted.   “On May 22, AASU will start a protest march against price rise and to demand a reduction in the rates of essential items,” he added.   AASU has not shared details of the proposed protest as of now. PTI