REGIONAL

GUWAHATI, AUG 28: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that efforts were underway to ensure the safety and return of those from the state, who have been stranded due to the devastating flash floods in Nepal. He, however, did not mention the number of missing people from the state. ”We are aware of people from Assam stranded in Nepal amid the ongoing floods. We are in touch with their families and coordinating with relevant agencies to ensure their safety and earliest possible return home,” Sarma said on X on Thursday. Chief Secretary Ravi Kota said the state government had not received any information from families seeking updates about their relatives or loved ones in Nepal. The state government has set up a flood-related emergency help desk at Assam House, New Delhi and the helpline numbers are 011-23010299/98 and 28877111 (emergency assistance numbers), 9101089151 (Anuran Medhi) and 892057057 (Vinod Kalita). The death toll from flash floods in central Nepal rose to 469 on Friday, with more bodies recovered. So far, 1,545 injured and stranded people have been rescued from various affected regions. Among them, 84 are currently undergoing treatment in various hospitals in Kathmandu. Search and rescue operations continued for the third day of the tragic incident with the mobilisation of 7,451 security personnel, including 2,391 Nepal Army personnel, a Nepal Police statement said. An ice-rock avalanche triggered by a glacial collapse near the Nepal-Tibet border sent a torrent of water, mud and debris downstream through central Nepal on Wednesday, devastating towns and villages, washing away homes, vehicles, roads and bridges, and damaging hydropower projects. (Source: PTI)    

GUWAHATI, AUG 28: The Assam government has launched a project to restore the state’s traditional waterbodies, strengthen the fisheries sector and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities. The Rs 796.88-crore project, titled Sustainable Wetland and Integrated Fisheries Transformation (S.W.I.F.T), is supported by the Asian Development Bank and will rejuvenate 71 waterbodies across 23 districts, covering around 4,000 hectares of waterbodies, Environment and Forests Minister Jayanta Mallah Baruah said in a post on X. The initiative aims to produce 6,000 metric tonnes of fish and around 570 million fish fry annually. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said the story of Assam’s ‘beels’ (waterbodies) is inseparable from the story of the people of the state. ”Project S.W.I.F.T is restoring these waterbodies, boosting fish production and creating sustainable livelihoods while preserving one of Assam’s greatest natural assets,” he said. The project will also focus on strengthening the livelihoods of fishing communities. Around 302 boats and nets will be distributed, while 1,000 youths will receive grants of Rs 50,000 each to support livelihood opportunities. It will also establish 30 fish feed units and 100 fish processing units for self-help groups, strengthening the fisheries value chain and creating new income opportunities at the grassroots level. “For generations, Assam’s beels have been closely connected with the lives, livelihoods and culture of local communities. Through Project S.W.I.F.T., these vital waterbodies are set to receive renewed attention — combining ecological restoration with economic opportunities,” Baruah said. (Source: PTI)  

IMPHAL/SENAPATI, AUG 28: A survivor of the ambush in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district that killed four Naga civilians on Friday said the attackers were wearing full camouflage uniforms. Forty-four-year-old Gaikamang Ringkangmai was admitted to the Senapati district hospital with a bullet injury to his left arm. He was rescued by security forces from the ambush site. Ringkangmai told reporters, “I am from Makui village. Yesterday, there were six of us in a vehicle. We frequently travelled by that route. We were going to Senapati district when we were ambushed by militants. Four of our colleagues died on the spot, while two of us escaped.” He added, “I received bullet injuries on my arm but jumped from the vehicle and ran to hide in the bushes.” He claimed that the attackers were positioned in pairs wearing full camouflage uniforms. “They had red ribbons tied to the top of their rifles, from which they continued firing,” he added. The other person who survived the ambush has been identified as Japou MK. W Charenamei, younger brother of deceased Wisobou Charenamai, chairman of the Chawangkining Village Authority, demanded speedy justice. He told reporters, “We don’t seek any revenge against the militants. We just want the facts to be established and swift justice for our murdered brothers.” At least four members of the Naga community were killed, and one was injured when armed militants ambushed their vehicle in a forested region of Kangpokpi district of Manipur on Thursday morning. The militants attacked the vehicle in an isolated area between Makui Ashang and Thabamba Naga villages around 8.30 am, killing the four on the spot, they said, adding that one of the deceased was the principal of a private school. Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh instructed security officials in the state to arrest and initiate action against those involved in the killing in the Kuki-majority district. The United Naga Council (UNC), the apex body of the community in the northeastern state, accused two Kuki militant outfits — Kuki National Front (P) and Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) — of being involved in the ambush. The deceased are identified as Tadsongbou Ringkangmai, founder and principal of a private school, M Wijunamai, Anil Wijunamai and Wisobou Charenamai, who was the chairman of Chawangkining Village Authority. All six victims belong to the Liangmai Naga community. (Source: PTI)  

IMPHAL, AUG 27: At least four members of the Naga community were killed and one was injured when armed militants ambushed their vehicle in Kangpokpi district of Manipur, officials said. The militants attacked the vehicle in an isolated area between Makui Ashang and Thabamba Naga, killing the four on the spot, they said. All five victims belong to the Liangmai Naga community. The deceased are identified as Tadsongbou Ringkangmai, founder and principal of a private school, M Wijunamai, Anil Wijunamai and Wisobou Charenamai who is the chairman of Chawangkining Village Authority. Following the killing, the Naga People’s Organisation (NPO) forced shops and business establishments in Senapati district headquarters town to down shutters. 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. Initially, the Naga community kept its distance from the clashes between Meiteis and Kukis. However, the situation changed this year and they got embroiled in the violence. (Source: PTI)  

GUWAHATI, AUG 27: Senior Congress leader Debabrata Saikia on Thursday requested Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya to direct the state government to provide free admission and waive semester and other fees for students affected by floods in Sivasagar, Charaideo and Jorhat districts. In a letter to the governor, Saikia sought his intervention in the interest of students from flood-affected villages in the three districts. ”It is a matter of grave concern that repeated floods have caused severe hardship to families in these districts, disrupting education and placing an unbearable financial burden on students and their parents. In many cases, students have lost books, certificates, study materials and essential household belongings, making it extremely difficult for them to continue their education without immediate relief,” the former leader of the opposition in the state assembly said. The state government has announced certain relief measures, but flood-hit students continue to face serious financial distress, he said. ”Therefore, I respectfully request that the government of Assam be directed to issue an immediate order to all universities, colleges and schools to grant free admission to all eligible students from the flood-affected villages of Sivasagar, Charaideo and Jorhat districts, and also to waive semester fees and all other educational fees, including admission fees, examination fees, laboratory fees, library fees, and any other compulsory charges for the affected students,” Saikia said. He further requested that the directive apply uniformly to all heads of universities, colleges and schools in the state, so that the benefit is implemented without delay and without discrimination. Devastating floods in these Upper Assam districts last month claimed 105 lives so far. (Source: PTI)    

IMPHAL, AUG 27: Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh on Thursday instructed security officials in the state to arrest and initiate action against those involved in the killing of four people in Kangpokpi district, an official statement said. Singh held a high-level security meeting in connection with the killing of four Naga people in the Kuki-majority district. Four members of the Liangmai Naga community were killed and one was injured when armed militants ambushed their vehicle in an isolated area between Makui Ashang and Thabamba Naga around 8.30 am. “The government condemned the incident in the strongest terms… the chief minister instructed the security officials to nab and initiate action against the perpetrators of the crime,” the statement said. It was also decided at the meeting to take stringent action against any individual, irrespective of community, found in possession of illegal arms and weapons. Cadres of outfits under the SoO or peace talks with the government carrying weapons beyond their designated camps would be dealt with seriously and they would face action, the statement said. Singh had on August 12 given a 15-day ultimatum to people to surrender illegal weapons. The meeting was attended by Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, DGP Mukesh Singh and others. 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, and Y Khemchand Singh became the CM. Initially, the Naga community kept its distance from the clashes between Meiteis and Kukis. However, the situation changed this year and they got embroiled in the violence. (Source: PTI)        

NONGSTOIN, AUG 26: An Assam Police vehicle was gutted in a fire in the remote Langpih area along the disputed Assam-Meghalaya border on Wednesday, police said. The vehicle, bearing registration number AS-01-DH-7347, belongs to Assam Police personnel posted at the Mawsikar Assam Police Camp. The vehicle was parked by the roadside near Mawsikar village, a few metres from the Assam Police camp, when it caught fire around 4 am, police said. The incident was reported to the Langpih Border Outpost in Meghalaya’s West Khasi Hills district by the Mawsikar village headman. Police questioned the village headman, secretary and several locals as part of the preliminary inquiry. Although arson is suspected, police said the exact cause of the fire has not yet been established. An inspection of the site did not yield any material or evidence that could confirm that the vehicle had been deliberately set ablaze. Both Assam and Meghalaya police were also probing the incident. (Source: PTI)    

IMPHAL, AUG 26: Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to visit Manipur in the first week of October, during which he will lay the foundation stone for a medical college and oversee other developmental projects, according to the Chief Minister’s Secretariat. During a meeting with Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh in New Delhi on Wednesday, Shah also said that the central government will fulfil the wishes of the people of the state. “Amit Shah will also visit the state in the first week of October this year. During his visit, the Union home minister will lay the foundation stone of Senapati Medical College and oversee other developmental projects of the state,” the Chief Minister’s Secretariat said in a statement. The state cabinet recently decided to set up a medical college in Senapati district, predominantly inhabited by the Naga community. Shah also gave a patient hearing to all the issues related to the state raised by Singh, the statement said. “The Union home minister then informed the Manipur chief minister that the central government will fulfil the aspirations of the people of Manipur,” it said. Shah also lauded the state government for its success in resuming the Imphal-Dimapur-Guwahati bus service and ensuring free movement on the National Highway 2. The bus service and free movement of traffic along the national highways had been affected intermittently due to blockades imposed by various ethnic groups to press for their demands. At least 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless since May 2023 due to ethnic violence between the valley-based Meiteis and the Kukis who live in the hill districts of Manipur. 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, and Y Khemchand Singh became the CM. (Source: PTI)  

GUWAHATI, AUG 26: Altogether 165 butterfly species, including 37 endangered ones, have been recorded in Assam’s Dehing Patkai National Park, highlighting the rich biodiversity of the rainforest, officials said on Wednesday. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has highlighted the finding as another remarkable example of the state’s rich natural heritage, with Dehing Patkai emerging as a thriving haven for butterfly diversity, Forest and Climate Change Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah said in a post on X. “A total of 165 butterfly species have been recorded in the region, including 37 endangered species, underlining the immense ecological importance of this biodiversity-rich landscape,” Baruah said. The presence of such a diverse butterfly population reflects the importance of protecting healthy and connected natural habitats, he added. “More than just a national park, Dehing Patkai is a thriving ecosystem where forests, wildlife and countless smaller species coexist,” the minister said. Conservation efforts are helping create safer conditions for rare and endangered species to survive and flourish, strengthening Assam’s larger mission of protecting its biodiversity, he added. “From majestic elephants and tigers to the smallest and most colourful butterflies, Assam’s forests continue to prove that every species has a role in keeping nature alive,” Baruah said. The Dehing Patkai National Park, with an area of 234.26 sq km, is located in Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts, and is famous for Assam Valley Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests bordering Arunachal Pradesh. The Park is a part of the 937 sq km large Dehing Patkai Elephant Reserve, having the World War-II cemeteries nearby along with the Stilwell Road, the oldest refinery of Asia in Digboi and an ‘open cast’ coal mine at Lido. The national park is home to the Chinese pangolin, flying fox, slow loris, stump-tailed macaque, Assamese macaque, capped langur, hoolock gibbon, Himalayan black bear, Hog–badger, jungle cat, leopard cat, clouded leopard, leopard, tiger, sambar, barking deer, gaur and Malayan giant squirrels. Various types of bird species along with several other reptiles are also found in the Dehing Patkai forest. (Source: PTI)  

GUWAHATI, AUG 26: The Gauhati High Court on Wednesday admitted a PIL filed by senior Congress leader Debabrata Saikia against the state government, alleging negligence led to the devastating floods in several Upper Assam districts in July. Chief Justice Ashutosh Kumar heard the petitioner’s counsel KN Chowdhury and directed all listed parties to file their replies by November 3. The floods in Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat and Golaghat districts claimed 105 lives, displaced lakhs of people and destroyed the livelihoods of thousands of families, according to the petition. Saikia alleged that the floods were not a natural calamity but a “man-made disaster”. “I had been warning the government and the authorities since 2018. I had earlier approached the Gauhati High Court twice, and it had issued clear directions in 2019 and again in 2022 to stop illegal mining in the Dikhow riverbed and to constitute a Task Force Battalion,” Saikia said. “The government simply ignored those orders. Even the official report of the Water Resources Department dated January 12, 2022, clearly predicted that continued illegal excavation would change the river’s course and cause devastation, which has now come true in the most tragic manner,” he said. The petitioner said he had filed two PILs in 2018 and 2019 before the high court, highlighting alleged rampant and unscientific mining of sand and stone from the Dikhow riverbed, particularly in the Assam-Nagaland border areas. The HC had directed the state to stop illegal mining and form a dedicated Mines and Minerals Task Force Battalion, he said. In 2022, the court again reiterated its directions, but the BJP-led state government did nothing, he alleged. “The government protected the mining mafia instead of protecting the people of Upper Assam. Night-time mining continued with impunity. I submitted repeated representations to the Deputy Commissioner, the Superintendent of Police, the Chief Secretary and even to the Chief Justice but no action was taken,” Saikia said. Saikia also alleged that illegal open-cast coal mining in Nagaland’s Mon, Mokokchung and Wokha districts and the sudden release of water from the Doyang Hydro Electric Project without proper coordination further aggravated the situation. The natural protective features of the river, including sand and gravel bars that once helped moderate floodwaters, were systematically destroyed by years of illegal mining, he alleged. The petition sought an immediate and permanent halt to illegal riverbed mining in the Dikhow and its tributaries and full implementation of the HC’s 2019 and 2022 orders, including the creation of the Task Force Battalion. It also sought the constitution of a high-powered monitoring committee headed by a retired judge, scientific assessment of the role of illegal mining and dam releases in the floods; full restorative compensation to the victims beyond the token ex gratia; registration of FIRs against those responsible for illegal mining and official negligence; and a real-time coordinated protocol for upstream dam releases to protect downstream communities in Assam. Demanding accountability, Saikia said the state government must answer why it ignored judicial orders for eight years. After hearing the matter, the Chief Justice verbally acknowledged that the petitioner had raised the concerns earlier and observed that the government must explain why floods could not be prevented, as they should not become an annual cause of misery for the people of Assam. PTI