REGIONAL

IMPHAL, AUG 22: At least 200 passengers from Imphal left for Guwahati on Saturday, a day after transport services resumed along National Highway 2 in Manipur, an official statement said. The movement of vehicles along national highways in Manipur had been severely affected following the outbreak of ethnic clashes in the state, with members of different communities refraining from travelling to areas dominated by other groups due to safety concerns and blockades. “The resumption of public transport along the Imphal-Dimapur-Guwahati route via NH-2 continued smoothly on its second day, with more than 200 passengers leaving Imphal in a fleet of 10 vehicles around 10 am,” the statement said. On August 8, Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh, along with his deputy Nemcha Kipgen and MLA Haokholet Kipgen had jointly announced that the free movement of all communities would resume on the national highways. On Friday, 125 passengers in seven vehicles left Imphal by passing through Kuki-majority Kangpokpi and Naga-majority Senapati along NH-2. They reached Guwahati on Saturday morning. 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. PTI

SHILLONG, AUG 21: Fresh incidents of arson and petrol bomb attacks on government properties were reported across Meghalaya in the past 24 hours as violence that erupted during a students’ bike rally two days ago in Shillong spread to other parts of the state, while a blockade in Assam disrupted inter-state vehicular movement, officials said on Friday. A petrol bomb was hurled at a police outpost in Shillong, while three government vehicles and a motorcycle were set ablaze in Ri-Bhoi and another petrol bomb was lobbed at a government office in South West Khasi Hills, they said. No injuries were reported in any of the incidents, though the attacks have added to tensions in the state following Wednesday’s violence, in which at least 31 vehicles, mostly Assam-registered vehicles, were damaged, and several people assaulted. The Centre on Thursday approved the deployment of five companies of central forces — four of the CRPF and one of the RAF — in Meghalaya till August 25 to assist the state police in maintaining law and order. The situation in Shillong remained largely peaceful, barring a sporadic incident at Nongmensong where a petrol bomb was hurled at the Nongmensong police outpost around 9.30 pm on Thursday. The bomb landed inside the premises and set a chair on fire. CRPF personnel were present on the upper floor of the building at the time. No injuries were reported. Police said a case would be registered and CCTV footage from the area examined. In Ri-Bhoi, miscreants set ablaze two government vehicles and a motorcycle parked at the Water Resources Department premises in Saiden around 2 am. A Bolero (ML 01 4464) and a motorcycle were completely gutted, while another Bolero (ML 01 5359) was partially damaged. Police have launched an investigation. In South West Khasi Hills, miscreants lobbed a petrol bomb at the office of the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Officer at Mawlangwir village, near Mawkyrwat, around 1 am. The device landed on the roof, but did not cause damage. South West Khasi Hills SP B Jyrwa said neighbours heard the blast but did not see anyone at the spot. Police on Thursday registered 15 FIRs in connection with the violence in Shillong, East Khasi Hills SP Vivek Syiem said. Meanwhile, a blockade by Guwahati-based cab operators and transport workers at Jorabat and Khanapara near the Assam-Meghalaya border disrupted movement of Meghalaya-registered vehicles along National Highway-27. On Friday, passengers were deboarded at Jorabat and continued their journey in Assam taxis, while Meghalaya taxis leaving Guwahati were allowed to proceed without passengers. Ambulances and vehicles carrying essential services were exempted from the blockade. Guwahati Police said agitators damaged a Meghalaya-registered taxi at Khanapara before the situation was brought under control. The vehicle of the Additional SP, West Garo Hills, was also stopped by protesters but was later allowed to proceed towards Shillong. Assam drivers’ associations and tourist cab operators have demanded an apology from Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and the Tourism Minister, compensation for damaged vehicles and injured persons, and a written assurance on the safety of Assam-registered vehicles and drivers travelling in Meghalaya. They warned that Meghalaya-registered vehicles would not be allowed into Assam until their demands were addressed. Some social media voices in Assam also called for a boycott of Meghalaya as a weekend tourist destination for at least six months. In a bid to defuse inter-state tensions, Chief Ministers Conrad K Sangma and Himanta Biswa Sarma agreed to work together to restore peace and normalcy following the recent violence and disruptions between the two states. Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar and Assam Cabinet Minister Atul Bora were subsequently designated to hold an inter-ministerial meeting and take forward discussions on easing the situation and ensuring smooth movement of people and vehicles between the neighbouring states. The two governments are expected to discuss measures to prevent further incidents, ensure the safety of commuters and transport operators and facilitate the uninterrupted movement of essential goods and services. The Meghalaya government has also appealed to citizens to maintain peace and avoid actions that could further aggravate tensions. Police and security forces continued to maintain a heightened presence in sensitive areas of Shillong and other parts of the state as authorities worked to prevent further incidents of violence. (Source: PTI)    

IMPHAL, AUG 21: Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh on Friday urged the youths from the state who will undergo overseas skill training in Japan not to forget their roots, an official statement said. The 16 youths will undergo overseas skill training in different parts of Japan under the State Livelihood Empowerment and Entrepreneurship (SLEE) initiative. Speaking during the interaction, Singh advised the youths never to forget their roots and urged them to always remember that they are Manipuris, even while staying in the East Asian country. The CM said the youths will be exposed to a foreign land, culture, traditions, and development, but they should remain connected to their identity. He also said that in the past, people of Manipur proudly identified themselves as Manipuris, but now many hesitate to do so, and that mindset needs to be changed. An MoU was also signed between the State Bank of India (SBI) and SLEE, an undertaking of the Government of Manipur, to provide financial support to the candidates. The candidates have completed Japanese language training from the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) International Academy and have secured jobs in various parts of Japan, including Tokyo and Okinawa, in the healthcare as well as hospitality sectors. The CM appreciated the efforts of SLEE and SBI officials for their commendable service in providing skill training and financial support to eligible youths of the state and helping them get suitable jobs abroad. One of the youth, Dhanapriya Tensubam, who got a job in Miyakojima Tokyu Hotel and Resort in Okinawa, expressed gratitude to the CM for the initiative and pledged to work with professionalism. She also said that she will never forget her roots and will always be a proud Manipuri. (Source: PTI)  

AGARTALA, AUG 21: Tripura’s three surrendered militant groups on Friday threatened to launch a 72-hour statewide strike from September 4 over a six-point charter of demands, including implementation of the tripartite agreement under which they laid down arms. The three surrendered militant organisations — National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) (Original), NLFT (PD) and All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) — laid down arms after signing a tripartite agreement with the Centre and the state government in 2024. “After a series of dialogues, we signed a tripartite agreement with the Centre and state government on September 4, 2024, and laid down our arms and ammunition for peace. But our demands are not yet met,” NLFT (Original) leader Parimal Debbarma said at a press conference here. He said the groups had launched a rail and national highway blockade on June 12, 2026, demanding proper rehabilitation of the surrendered militants, but withdrew the agitation following a request from the state government to address the concerns of the returnees. “It’s been two months since the government assured us that it would meet our legitimate demands, but no positive outcome is forthcoming yet. It has prompted us to launch a 72-hour statewide strike from September 4 on a six-point charter of demands,” he said. The demands include implementation of the tripartite agreement, withdrawal of pending cases against surrendered cadres and acceptance of the list of cadres who laid down arms, among others. “Around two years have gone and many of our cadres are facing hardships due to non-implementation of the tripartite agreement. We are pushed to the wall. The surrendered cadres are fuming over the government’s role for not keeping promises,” Debbarma said. (Source: PTI)    

GUWAHATI, AUG 21: The Assam government is in constant touch with Meghalaya to restore normalcy after alleged attacks on people from the state during a students’ rally in Shillong and consequent traffic blockade by Guwahati-based cab operators over the issue, a minister said here on Friday. As the blockade on National Highway-27 entered the second day, the North East Petroleum Mazdoor Union announced indefinite cessation of loading and unloading of products for Meghalaya till peace is restored. With reports of people from Assam being stranded in Meghalaya, the state police activated helpline numbers and urged those in need of assistance to reach out. Violence had erupted during a bike rally organised by the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) in Shillong on August 19. At least 31 vehicles, including those from Assam, were damaged, 16 people injured and two vehicles set ablaze, the Meghalaya Police had said. Following the incident, commercial vehicle operators in Guwahati blocked traffic to Meghalaya at Jorabat and Khanapara, the main entry points to the neighbouring state, from Thursday. Talking to reporters here, Assam Border Protection and Development Minister Atul Bora, who has been entrusted by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to coordinate with Meghalaya in the matter, said he is in regular touch with the neighbouring state. Bora said he has held discussions with Meghalaya Deputy CM S Dhar. “Several vehicles of Assam were damaged. Many people, including children, were also injured. It is very unfortunate and we are seized of the matter. Our CM has already spoken to his counterpart, and we are in constant touch with the authorities in Meghalaya to ensure normalcy is restored and our people stranded there can travel back safely,” Bora said. He said the Assam government does not have the exact number of people from the state stranded in Meghalaya, and that it was in the process of compiling it. “We are constantly working to ensure the safe passage of our people,” the minister said. The Assam Police has opened helpline numbers – 9181014888 and 03612381511 – for people from the state who are stranded in Meghalaya or facing difficulties in movement, it said in a statement. Information received will be promptly taken up with the authorities concerned in Meghalaya, including the local administration and police, for necessary coordination and assistance, it said. Meanwhile, cab-operators and other organisations continued blocking movement of vehicles to and from Meghalaya through Jorabat and Khanapara areas of Guwahati on Friday. Travellers had to change vehicles at the interstate border, while goods-carrying vehicles bearing Meghalaya registration numbers remained stuck on both sides, the officials said. The protesters, however, maintained that vehicles engaged with essential services were not being stopped. The North East Petroleum Mazdoor Union claimed that drivers ferrying oil and gas routinely face harassment in Meghalaya, but their complaints to police fall on deaf ears. “The Union members will be in cessation of work with regards to Meghalaya till normalcy is restored there,” it said in a statement. A cab-operator at a sit-in at Jorabat alleged: “We will continue this protest till a permanent solution is found. It is a recurring issue of vehicles and drivers from Assam facing harassment in Meghalaya.” Another protester blamed the Assam government for “not taking pro-active steps” to address their concerns. “No official has spoken to us and tried to find out what is happening,” he said. (Source: PTI)            

SHILLONG, AUG 20: Meghalaya Police on Thursday registered 15 FIRs in connection with the violence during the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) bike rally in Shillong, which left 16 people injured, two vehicles set ablaze and 31 cars damaged, East Khasi Hills SP Vivek Syiem said. Syiem said police have launched an intensive search operation to identify and apprehend those involved in the violence and arson during the rally on Wednesday. “During yesterday’s incidents of violence, 16 people were injured, two vehicles were set ablaze and around 31 vehicles were damaged. Fifteen FIRs have been registered so far. Investigation is continuing into the other cases to identify the people involved in the violence and burning of vehicles,” he said. Three senior KSU leaders who organised the rally were arrested from a restaurant in Shillong and subsequently sent to 14 days’ judicial custody, Syiem said. The arrested leaders are KSU president Raymond Kharjana, vice-president Pynkmenlang Sanmiet and general secretary Reuben Najiar. The arrests came hours after the KSU leadership held a press conference expressing regret over the violence but denying that its members were involved in vandalism and arson. The leaders alleged that miscreants with “vested interests” had infiltrated the rally to sabotage the organisation’s agitation and bring disrepute to the union. Syiem said the rally was expected to remain peaceful as permission had been granted subject to certain conditions. The rally, organised to press the KSU’s five-point charter of demands, turned violent at several locations in Shillong, with stone-pelting, vandalism and assaults reported. Police have intensified their investigation into the incidents and are working to identify other people allegedly involved in the violence, Syiem said. The KSU has demanded implementation of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act, a law regulating migrant workers, reforms in government recruitment and action on its concerns regarding recruitment at NEIGRIHMS. The union has also demanded that the July 31 public hearing for the proposed Shree Cement project in East Jaintia Hills be declared null and void and reiterated its demand for implementation of the Inner Line Permit in Meghalaya. (Source: PTI)  

IMPHAL, AUG 20: Manipur Congress chief O Ibobi Singh on Thursday asserted that the Centre can resolve any issue concerning the state, including the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), in two to three months if it has commitment and determination. Representatives of several civil society organisations in Manipur left for New Delhi during the day to apprise Union ministers and BJP leaders of their demand for NRC updation before the conduct of Census 2027 in the state. Singh, addressing the media, said, “If the central government wants, the implementation of NRC in Manipur is not an issue… NRC should be updated first before Census is conducted. If required, the Constitution should be amended.” “Ours is a very small state. If the Union government is determined and committed, be it NRC or any other issue, it is only a matter of two-three months to resolve it,” the former chief minister said. The real issue is of the Centre’s ignorance of the wishes of the people of the state, he said. “How many houses were destroyed during the ethnic conflict? How would you then carry out house-listing as part of the Census? How would you count the 60,000 IDPs (internally displaced persons) residing in relief camps?” he said. Meanwhile, representatives of 10 civil society organisations, including Naga and Meitei bodies, left for the national capital to press for their demand for NRC updation before the conduct of the Census in the state. The organisations included Kabui Union, Rongmei Naga Youth Organisation Manipur and All Manipur Muslim Organisations Coordinating Committee (AMMOCOC). They would meet various Union ministers and BJP leaders, a member of the delegation said. “We are going to the national capital to petition central leaders on the people’s demand for NRC updation before the conduct of Census in the state,” AMMOCOC president S M Jalal told reporters at Imphal Airport. “We will try to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other key leaders to apprise them about the concerns of the people,” he said. Kom Union Manipur president Serto Kom said, “Ten members from different communities will consult the Centre and seek an understanding on issues related to NRC and Census. NRC is a very serious issue that needs to be understood.” Meanwhile, a large number of students staged a protest rally at Thangmeiband in Imphal to press for the demands of NRC implementation. They raised the “No NRC, No Census” slogan and also sought that the Census should not be conducted before IDPs return to their homes. More than 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in violence between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and adjoining hills-based Kukis since May 2023. (Source: PTI)    

GUWAHATI, AUG 20: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday discussed rehabilitation measures for flood victims with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who reiterated his commitment to give full support to overcome the crisis. Sarma met Modi in New Delhi during the day and also discussed other issues on completion of 100 days of his second term in office. “Throughout the #AssamFloodResponse, Adarniya Modi Ji remained in constant touch, closely reviewing the situation and extending every possible assistance,” Sarma said in a social media post. The CM said he shared with Modi the Assam government’s roadmap for the next phase — rebuilding affected areas, restoring livelihoods and ensuring a comprehensive recovery. “He (Modi) reaffirmed the Centre’s unwavering support in taking this mission to its logical conclusion,” Sarma said. The flood situation in Assam continued to improve even as nearly 17,000 people were still reeling under the deluge across four districts, while the total number of deaths in this year’s floods stood at 105. (Source: PTI)  

IMPHAL, AUG 20: Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam on Thursday expressed confidence that the Centre would do “something positive” for the state and its people amid demands by civil society organisations for implementation of the NRC. Responding to media queries on the NRC demand, Konthoujam said the state government would hold discussions with the Centre as well as party leaders to ensure that the interests of the indigenous people and the state’s land were protected. “We would be meeting not just government people but also from the party side. We will try to ensure that the land and the indigenous people are not lost,” he told reporters. “We have immense faith that the central government will do something positive for the state and its people,” he added. Konthoujam also said several MLAs were currently in New Delhi and that he would also travel to the national capital. Meanwhile, the district administrations of Kakching and Jiribam on Thursday deferred the training programme for enumerators and supervisors for Phase I of Census 2027 in their respective districts. Officials cited the prevailing law-and-order situation in the state as the reason for the deferment. (Source: PTI)

IMPHAL, AUG 19: Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh on Wednesday said it was unethical to blame an entire community for the wrongdoing of a few individuals. Singh made the remarks during an interaction with artistes at the CM Bungalow here. Speaking to the artistes, Singh said the crisis in the state, which began as a conflict between two communities, had now turned into one involving three communities — Meiteis, Kukis and Nagas. He said the Meitei community must take on the role of a “big brother and big sister” and take initiatives to help bring an end to the crisis. Singh recalled that during the initial phase of the crisis, when he was a Cabinet minister, he had requested Henglep MLA Letzamang Haokip to help save the lives of 120 Meitei labourers in Churachandpur district. Haokip had earnestly followed the request, Singh said. The chief minister said restoring trust and harmony among the different communities residing in the state would require bridging the barriers that had emerged between them during the crisis. He added that all the communities reside peacefully without any mistrust in Jiribum district. On the demand for implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), Singh said the government supported the move in the state. (Source: PTI)