'Pataal Lok - Season 2' movie review: Riveting mystery sans the bite

During the pandemic in May, 2020, season 1 of Paatal Lok hit us like a wrecking ball. While being confined into our homes, we went on a journey with the brooding Haryanvi cop Hathi Ram Chaudhary (Jaideep Ahlawat) into the dark heartland of the country. A world reeking of caste and class inequalities. Based on Tarun Tejpals book The Story of My Assassins, it delved into the origins of four killers and the systems of marginalisation that created them. In his crude, jaat logic, Hathi Ram explained to us simply: Sometimes these insects of paatal lok (underworld) bite the inhabitants of dharti lok (human civilisation). Then what occurs is kaand (ruckus). The messaging was clear, all crime is class war. It was a lukewarm surprise when the second season was announced. Personally, it felt like the makers had given in to popular consensus. Those when season 2?demands in the comments section or maybe, more plausibly, it was platform pressure. But in Sudip Sharma we trust. The writer, who is the first fully-fledged showrunner in India, hasnt had a miss till now. His last, Kohrra, a misty, murder investigation in Punjab, might be devoid of external politics but it was still a deep incision into the structures of patriarchy and interpersonal relationships. Sceptical, I was still hopeful. We return to Outer Jamnapaar thana. If it was possible, Hathi Ram Chaudhury seems even more cynical and defeated. His subordinate from the first season, Imran Ansari (Ishwak Singh), is now an IPS officer and has jumped the ranks to become an ACP. Hathi Rams wife, Renu, wants him to take up a better paying job and his brother-in-law keeps on harping about his new, AC car (It has sapno ka saudagar (dealer of dreams) written on the rear window. The guy deals with hawala traders). Meanwhile, in the realm of swarg lok (heavens), Naga leader Jonathan Thoms headless corpse has been found in a hotel room bathtub. The deceased was a part of the ongoing talks between Nagaland and the Government of India for a multi-crore investment in the Northeastern state. Imran has been given the case. Parallelly, Hathi Ram is trying to help a destitute woman, whose husband has gone missing. Turns out, he was last seen with the main suspect of the Jonathan murder case. After brief hierarchical hiccups, Imran and Hathi Ram team up once again. They land in Nagaland, which is in the midst of political turmoil following Jonathans killing. As the mystery unravels, everybodys deep, dark secrets start spilling. Jonathan ran a drug empire, his wife was paying off his mistress for years, his son Reuben had split from his home party and founded another, a deal for a chain of hotels in Kohima is being rushed and a mysterious sniper is bumping off key links to the case. Sudip, along with team of writers Rahul Kanojia, Abhishek Banerjee and Tamal Sen, weaves a competent if not compelling thriller. Paatal Lok 2 opens with intrigue and ably follows the beats of a polished noir story. But the interest soon wanes away and you are only concerned with finding and placing the last piece of the puzzle, unbothered by the picture it creates. Although novel, Nagaland as a setting lacks the grittiness of Delhi. And its not the viewers unfamiliarity with its cultural context that lets disinterest creep in, the makers too offer only a cursory glance into the states milieu. The place never rises to become more than a scenic backdrop. While the first season was filled with mythology metaphors and cultural critique that managed to offend across the political spectrum (it invited the ire of a Sikkim MP, a BJP legislator, a former Akali Dal MLA and Gorkha youth wing members), Paatal Lok 2 has been sucked dry of any direct political commentary. Politics of the makers still bleeds in the show, unable to burst. In a scene, a child reads aloud a tale of a young boy who brought a baby bear home, only to be chided by his mother. A story, similar to a certain leaders childhood adventures featuring a baby crocodile. A bumper quote on an autorickshaw reads: bas dosti bani rahe(Hope friendship stays) and while talking about a Naga party, a character surmises how their motto overnight changed to development. These indirect potshots lack punch and are only a testimony to these desperate times. Desperation also seeps in when the narrative starts slogging. The action briefly jumps back to Delhi when Nagaland runs out of ideas. We have a riot-rescue mission and also a sniper hunt episode, both reminded me of the mechanics of The Last of Us. Paatal Lok 2 s mystery, although well crafted, is without mayhem. Its satire lacks bite. There are frequent callbacks to the first season, as if the show is craving for simpler, more expressive times. There is also a lot of kicking and punching and often, a heavyset Hathi Ram, in trainers like a PT teacher, huffs and bleeds, frequently getting exhausted of beating up the bad guys. Rest a bit, old chap, it has been a while. Series: Pataal Lok - Season 2 Creator: Sudip Sharma Director: Avinash Arun Dhaware Cast: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Tillotama Shome, Gul Panag, Nagesh Kukunoor and Jahnu Barua Streamer: Prime Video Rating : 3/5

TUN in Nagaland opposes fencing of Indo-Myanmar border

KOHIMA, Jan 9: The Tenyimi Union Nagaland (TUN), an apex body of five major tribes in Nagaland, has opposed the Central governments decision to fence the Indo-Myanmar border, claiming that it will have a devastating impact on the Naga people, their livelihoods and their cultural ties. TUN is the apex body of five tribes []

Apex body of five major tribes in Nagaland opposes fencing of Indo-Myanmar border

KOHIMA: The Tenyimi Union Nagaland (TUN), an apex body of five major tribes in Nagaland, has opposed the Central government's decision to fence the Indo-Myanmar border, claiming that it will have a devastating impact on the Naga people, their livelihoods and their cultural ties. TUN is the apex body of five tribesAngami, Chakhesang, Pochury, Rengma and Zeliang. It claimed that the fencing of the Indo-Myanmar border will disrupt the economic lifelines, isolate communities, break vital connections, and restrict access to education and healthcare. The fence is not just a physical barrier, it is an assault on our identity, heritage, and dignity, said TUN president Kekhwengulo Lea in an statement issued on Wednesday. It urged the Central government to reconsider the decision to fence the Indo-Myanmar border, stressing the importance of safeguarding the ancestral lands and upholding the rights and dignity of the Naga people. The Free Movement Regime (FMR) introduced in the 1950s allowed limited cross-border travel, but successive regulations have since curtailed this, severely affecting the Naga communities' ability to maintain cross-border social, cultural, and economic ties, Lea said. The TUN has called on all Naga individuals, communities, and organizations to unite in opposition to the border fencing and to defend the Naga people's collective future from further division and fragmentation.

Nagaland: Naga woman allegedly assaulted by Kuki in Leimakhong

Kohima: A Naga woman was allegedly assaulted by a group of Kuki individuals in Leimakhong, Manipur, on Tuesday, sparking outrage and calls for intervention, the incident took place in Konsakhul K Lungwiram, a Zeliangrong Naga village about 2 km from the Leimakhong army cantonment in the Saitu Constituency of Kangpokpi district. According to reports, the [] The post Nagaland: Naga woman allegedly assaulted by Kuki in Leimakhong appeared first on NorthEast Now .

NPF mourns the loss of Manmohan Singh

KOHIMA, Dec 27: The Naga Peoples Front (NPF), Central Headquarters basedin Kohima, deeply mourns the demise of Dr. Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister of India. The NPF said he was a visionary leader and an architect of modern Indias economic resurgence. Dr. Singhs illustrious career as an economist, administrator, and statesman was marked by his []

Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio, his two deputies condole Manmohan Singhs death

KOHIMA, Dec 27: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and his two Deputy Chief Ministers Y Patton and T R Zeliang on Friday condoled the death of former prime minister Manmohan Singh. Rio described Singh as a humble visionary who played a pivotal role in Indias economic advancement. He praised the former prime ministers calm leadership, []

Nagaland: Congress returns to spotlight after two decades, civic polls held after 20 years

KOHIMA, Dec 25: Nagaland witnessed a significant political shift this year as the Congress made a comeback by winning the lone Lok Sabha seat in the state after decades of political marginalisation and elections to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) were held for the first time in 20 years with 33 per cent reservation for women, marking a pivotal moment in its political landscape. In the parliamentary elections held earlier this year, Congress candidate S Supongmeren Jamir clinched the states only [] The post Nagaland: Congress returns to spotlight after two decades, civic polls held after 20 years appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

BRO steps up India-Myanmar border fencing work near Manipur's Moreh: PRO Defence

Imphal: Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has stepped up India-Myanmar border fencing work near Moreh town in Manipur's Tengnoupal district, an official said on Saturday. India shares a 1,643 km border with Myanmar of which 398 km is in Manipur. BRO has commenced work of erecting the border fencing along the India-Myanmar border in the general area of Moreh in Tengnoupal district, PRO Defence Kohima told PTI over the phone. Work has just commenced... Things are being done a phase-wise. Only when the project reaches a substantial length, we will be able to give more details on the project the PRO said. The work is undertaken by Project Sewak which is looking after road construction in Nagaland and Manipur. Its headquarters is based in Dimapur, the officer said. Only 10 km of the international border with Myanmar is fenced near Moreh in Manipur. The entire 1,643 km porous India-Myanmar border, known for the smuggling of arms, ammunition, and narcotics, will be fenced at a cost of Rs 31,000 crore.

Drugs worth Rs 34 crore destroyed in Nagaland

Kohima: The Nagaland Police has destroyed drugs worth over Rs 34 crore at Dimapur, an official said on Friday. The Drugs Disposal Committee (DDC) carried out the destruction of seized narcotic and psychotropic substances at the Dimapur Municipal Council dumping ground on Thursday, he said. The destroyed drugs include brown sugar and heroin, crystal meth and opium straw. Methamphetamine or meth is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. These banned drugs were seized in 79 cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 across police stations under CP Dimapur, the official said. The destruction was carried out in the presence of senior officials, he added.

25th Hornbill Festival Kicks Off in Nagaland, With Japan as Country Partner

Kohima: The 25th edition of the renowned Hornbill Festival is set to begin on Sunday at the picturesque Kisama Heritage Village in Nagaland, offering a glimpse into the vibrant culture and rich traditions of the region. The festival, which spans over 10 days, celebrates the diverse culture of Nagaland and is named after the majestic hornbill bird, a symbol deeply embedded in the folklore of the Naga tribes. This year, Japan will join as the country partner for the event, bringing a unique international touch to the festival. The Japan delegation will participate in various activities, including cultural performances, workshops, and capacity-building sessions focused on handicrafts and bamboo products. Japanese master craftspersons and renowned musicians will also be featured. Veyielo Doulo, Director of Nagaland Tourism, said that last year's festival attracted 1.54 lakh visitors, including many foreign tourists. We are expecting double the number of visitors this year, both domestic and international, he added. The festival is known for offering a diverse array of experiences, including cultural exchanges, adventure sports, art displays, music, literature, and more. Celebrated as the Festival of Festivals, the Hornbill Festival brings together the various tribes of Nagaland, showcasing their colorful traditions through music, dance, and traditional attire. Since its inception in December 2000, the festival has become a major cultural event, held annually at Kisama Heritage Village, located just 12 km from Kohima. Nagaland is home to 17 distinct tribes, each with its own unique customs and celebrations. With a population of around two million people, the state is known for its rich cultural diversity, as nearly 87% of its population is tribal. The Hornbill Festival provides a platform for visitors to witness the state's vibrant traditions, including indigenous games, craft exhibitions, and traditional performances. Nagalands Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who inaugurated new facilities at Kisama village earlier this week, emphasized the festivals global appeal. The Hornbill Festival has evolved into an international event, drawing visitors from around the world, he said. The new facilities are expected to enhance the experience for both local and international tourists. 30th Kolkata International Film Festival: A Cinematic Extravaganza Awaits

PMLA case: ED attaches fresh assets in India, Dubai including of Chinese linked entities

New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday said it has attached fresh assets in India and Dubai, including those belonging to some Chinese-linked shell companies, in its money laundering probe in the 'HPZ Token' case in which numerous investors were allegedly duped through an investment fraud. The properties are valued at Rs 106.20 crore, the federal agency said in a statement. It had attached assets in this case earlier too. The assets belong to various persons and companies, including Chinese-linked shell (paper companies) entities, which were found to be involved in duping investors for hundreds of crores of rupees on the pretext of doubling their investment through the app 'HPZ Token' and online gaming and betting websites, it said. A total of 299 entities, which includes 76 Chinese-controlled entities in which 10 directors are of Chinese origin while two entities are controlled by other foreign nationals, have been named as accused in the chargesheet filed by the ED in this case in March. The money laundering case stems from an FIR of the cyber crimes unit of Kohima Police that booked various accused under sections of the IPC, the IT Act for allegedly duping gullible investors by promising astronomical returns by mining Bitcoins and other cryptocurrencies. The police said a mobile phone application named 'HPZ Token' was used by the accused to cheat the investors. The agency said bank accounts and merchant IDs were opened by various shell entities having dummy directors for the purpose of layering the proceeds of crime. These funds were fraudulently received for illegal online gaming and betting and investment for Bitcoin mining, it claimed. For an investment of Rs 57,000, returns of Rs 4,000 per day for three months were promised but money was paid only once and thereafter fresh funds were sought by the accused from the investors, the ED had said. Country-wide searches were undertaken by the ED in this case leading to the seizure of immovable assets and deposits worth Rs 603 crore till now, including the fresh attachment.

Manipur: Intense search on for missing man, drones, tracker dogs deployed

Imphal: A massive search operation was underway by the Army for the man who went missing from the fringe areas of the Imphal Valley two days ago, a defence spokesperson said. Laishram Kamalbabu Singh, a native of Assam's Cachar district who lived in Khukrul in Imphal West, left home on Monday afternoon to report for work at the Leimakhong Military Station in Kangpokpi. He has been missing since then, officials said. He was a works supervisor for a contractor working with the Military Engineering Services (MES) in Leimakhong Military Station, the defence spokesperson said. After his family reported that Singh did not return home on the evening of November 25, the Army sprung into action, immediately activating all its resources, he said. CCTV feeds are being carefully scanned, his co-workers are being spoken to and intense search operation, including the tracker dogs, has been launched. Despite a thorough search of the areas, neither the individual nor his two-wheeler has been located, the Kohima-based spokesperson said. The combing operation has been further intensified, spreading across the military station and adjoining villages. Drones and other aerial platforms have also been integrated, he said. Army authorities have also interacted with the region's CSOs (civil society organisations) to trace the missing individual, he said, adding that the family has been assured of all efforts being undertaken for an early and safe return of Singh. The state police have also started an investigation, the spokesperson said. The incident led to tensions in the fringe areas of the Imphal Valley on Tuesday with hundreds of people from the Meitei community beginning a march to the military station to know Singh's whereabouts. However, they were stopped midway near Kanto Sabal to prevent an escalation of the situation. After being stopped, the mob blocked the road with rocks. Army has requested the Meitei CSOs to remove blockades for a free and swift movement of the armed forces and police, the defence official said. The protesters claimed it was likely that Singh was kidnapped by militants, and urged the state government to send additional forces for his rescue. The military camp of the Army's 57 Mountain Division is some 16 km from the state capital Imphal and is surrounded by the hills where the Kuki people live. Meiteis who lived near Leimakhong fled after the ethnic violence began in May last year, claiming over 250 lives so far.

Meghalaya gears up for table tennis cships in Kohima

By Our Reporter Shillong, Nov 26: Meghalaya is all set to showcase its table tennis prowess in the 3rd North East Circle Masters Table Tennis Championships, scheduled to take place in Kohima, Nagaland, from November 28 to 30, 2024. This prestigious tournament will see the regions top players from various states competing across multiple age []

Army major saves 2 boys from drowning in Nagaland

GUWAHATI: An Army major is being hailed for rescuing two children from drowning in the Dhansiri River in Nagaland. Two boys, aged 5 and 6 years, were playing near the riverbank when they accidentally fell into the deep and muddy water. They attempted to stay afloat but the currents swept them downstream. Incidentally, Major Vishavdeep Singh Attri was passing by the area when he heard the cries of a woman and the two boys for help. Disregarding his personal safety, the officer sprang into action. Being a trained swimmer, he dove into the river and fought against the currents, slush and vegetation to reach the struggling children and managed to bring both boys safely to the shore by displaying extraordinary bravery and determination, a defence statement said. The officer is posted at the Rangapahar Military Station, the armys 3 Corps headquarters, in the Dimapur district. The statement said the boys suffered no serious injuries and were reunited with their grateful families. Local residents and eyewitnesses lauded Major Attri for his heroism and presence of mind, which prevented a potential tragedy, the statement further stated. The officer could not be reached for comment. The army hailed his courageous and selfless act. Heroism knows no bounds! Kudos to the brave #IndianArmy officer, Major Vishavdeep Singh Attri, of @Spearcorps, who selflessly saved 2 boys from drowning in the Dhansiri river, Dimapur, #Nagaland, disregarding his personal safety, PRO Defence, Manipur, Nagaland and South Arunachal posted on X. Heroism knows no bounds! Kudos to the brave #IndianArmy officer, Major Vishavdeep Singh Attri, of @Spearcorps , who selflessly saved 2 boys from drowning in the Dhansari river, Dimapur, #Nagaland today, disregarding his personal safety. @SpokespersonMoD @adgpi @easterncomd pic.twitter.com/zSzCMX2xNY PRO Defence, Manipur, Nagaland & South Arunachal (@prodefkohima) October 27, 2024

Talks between NSCN-IM and Centre likely to take place in October 1st week

Talks between the Centre and NSCN-IM are expected to resume in early October in New Delhi. A consultative meeting in Kohima urged Naga groups to unite and present a single document for an early solution. The stalemate persists over NSCN-IM's demand for a separate flag and constitution.

AFSPA extended in parts of Arunachal, Nagaland for 6 more months

Itanagar/Kohima: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in certain districts of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland for another six months with effect from October 1, officials said on Thursday, September 26. An MHA notification said that the AFSPA has been extended for another six months in Tirap, Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

MHA extends AFSPA in parts of Nagaland, Arunachal by six months

NEW DELHI: The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, under which an area is declared as disturbed for the convenience of security forces, has been extended in eight districts in Nagaland, three districts in Arunachal Pradesh, and some other areas for six more months after a review of the law and order situation in the two northeastern states. An area or district is notified as a disturbed area under the AFSPA to facilitate the operations of the armed forces. The AFSPA gives armed forces operating in disturbed areas sweeping powers to search, arrest and open fire if they deem it necessary for the maintenance of public order. In a notification, the Union Home Ministry said the central government, in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (28 of 1958), had declared eight districts and 21 police stations in five other districts of Nagaland as 'disturbed area' for a period of six months with effect from April 1, 2024. The home ministry said a further review of the law and order situation in Nagaland has been undertaken. The districts and police stations areas have been declared as 'disturbed area' again under Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 for a period of six months with effect from October 1, 2024, unless withdrawn earlier, the notification issued on Wednesday night said. The districts in Nagaland where the AFSPA was reimposed are Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek and Peren. The areas in Nagaland falling within the jurisdiction of Khuzama, Kohima North, Kohima South, Zubza and Kezocha police stations in Kohima District; Mangkolemba, Mokokchung-I, Longtho, Tuli, Longchem and Anaki 'C' police stations in Mokokchung District; Yanglok police station in Longleng District are also declared 'disturbed'. In addition, Bhandari, Champang and Ralan police stations in Wokha District; and Ghatashi, Pughoboto, Satakha, Suruhuto, Zunheboto and Aghunato police stations in Zunheboto District of Nagaland are also declared 'disturbed' under the AFSPA. In a separate notification, the home ministry said under the AFSPA, the central government had declared Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts in Arunachal Pradesh and the areas falling within the jurisdiction of Namsai, Mahadevpur and Chowkham police stations in Namsai district of Arunachal Pradesh, bordering Assam, as 'disturbed area' with effect from April 1, 2024. A further review of the law and order situation in Arunachal Pradesh has been undertaken, it said. Now, therefore, Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts in Arunachal Pradesh and the areas falling within the jurisdiction of Namsai, Mahadevpur and Chowkham police stations in Namsai district of Arunachal Pradesh, bordering the state of Assam, are declared as 'disturbed area' under Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, for a period of six months with effect from October 1, 2024, unless withdrawn earlier, the notification said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had earlier said the AFSPA has been removed in 70 per cent areas in the northeastern states, even though it is in force in Jammu and Kashmir. Shah had also said that the central government would consider revoking AFSPA in Jammu and Kashmir. There have been demands from various organisations and individuals in Jammu and Kashmir and northeastern states to revoke the AFSPA. AFSPA debate: What could be a possible solution?